"So, My Lord, I notice you have yet to inform me of where exactly we are heading."

"Dun call me dat," I growled, barely resisting the urge to slap my hand over my eyes, "An' ya see where we be goin when we get der!"

Much to my annoyance, the Elf straightened her spine, offering me an amiable smile, "So, in other words, My Lord, you really have no clue?"

"Of course I gots a clue!" I twisted in my saddle, my Raptor squawking indignantly from the sudden tug I gave to her reigns, forcing her to a painful halt. The elf stopped her Hawkstrider as well, the giant bird making the quick motion look almost elegant, his rider mirroring the sudden stop; her body was hardly concerned with the jar, her large eyes blinking up at me, only adding to my irritation.

"iDo you/i, My Lord? If this is so, will you not share with me, for I certainly have no idea what your intentions are?"

The silence that hung between us was telling enough for the aggravating Paladin, and her smug grin had my teeth grinding, but I had to give her points where they were due. We had been out from Revantusk for almost two weeks, steadily heading southward, though our direction had been purely a guess on my part. I had yet to reveal to the Holier-than-thou bitch who exactly our quarry was, and I was less than inclined to dispose that information. I had kept my tryst with the Elf a secret to those whom I held closest to me; there was no way I was willing to spill everything to a stranger.

Still, I knew that if I didn't give her isomething/i, she would either figure it out eventually and make my life that much iworse/i, or she'd annoy me to the point of homicide, and I didn't fancy cleaning Elf blood out of my leathers. To top it off, we were nearing Duskwood, and I ireally/i didn't feel like listening to her prattle on when silence and stealth were a near necessity.

I sighed, and clucked my tongue at my mount, easing her into an easy walk, the Paladin following along beside me, her face turned to me, eyes curious.

"I gots a few contacts in Booty Bay I need ta talk to. Once dat's done, I be knowin' were ta go."

The answer seemed satisfactory enough for her; she hummed and nodded, but just irefused/i to shut up. "So why did we just not take the flight down? Surely going by foot is impractical."

You know, it's just like a woman; you hear a man's reasons, and just because they don't fit in with iyour/i views, it's automatically "impractical".

Still, I managed to curb my temper once again, and sent her a sideways, patronizing look, "Oh? An' what if da gal we be huntin' be hidin' somewhere between here and Booty Bay? Does walkin' be impractical iden/i?"

She shrugged at me, sliding one hand down the thick, glossy feathers of her mount's neck, "I don't think that's really relevant. If you truly thought this person was anywhere between Revantusk and Booty Bay, you would be tracking her better. No... I think you know iexactly/i how to find her, but for reasons that currently escape me, you want to keep this secret." She looked at me then, all teasing irritation having fled from her mind, her expression serious and open. "What iare/i we really doing, Atal? And how can I be of any help to you, fulfilling my vows and getting out of your way, if you refuse to tell me?"

Ya know, some days, I ireally/i hate women.

I sighed again, and slowed my poor girl to another halt, this time swinging my leg up and over in a dismount, carefully leading her off the path toward a grove of sickly looking trees. From there I could smell the grave rot coming from Duskwood, the tell tale stink of death and twisted magic. We were in dangerous territory, both from the Undead and from Alliance patrols, but I knew I could put this off no longer. Tethering my girl to a low hanging branch, I motioned for the Elf to follow, not bothering to look back to see if she was following my directions. I knew she would.

We passed beneath gnarled branches and sparse foliage, until I felt satisfied that we could speak without being overhead by anyone. Some might question our mounts out by the road, but I knew my girl would give us early warning if anything dangerous was headed down the road. I stopped between the trees, staring down at the expectant, curious face of the Paladin.

"Elf... what be your name?"

She blinked, surprised, lifting one of those long, delicate brows, "My name? That's funny. You haven't bothered to ask even once in the past two weeks."

I closed my eye, growling softly in irritation, "Yo' name, dummy."

I could hear her shift, ifeel/i it, and I knew I had struck a nerve. "My name is Rian Moonring. But why does that matter?"

I opened my eye again, hoping the intensity inside of me could be easily read, "Well, Rian... Have ya eva' done sumthin' ya iknew/i would fuck up ya life forever?"

She frowned, her arms crossing, "Well... I've made mistakes, surely, just as anyone has."

Though I knew it was uninvited, I found my hands resting heavily on her armored shoulders, staring straight into her eyes, "What we be doin'... dis could ruin ya life, Rian."

"What? What are you talking about?"

And so, I told her. I kept the details brief... well, as brief as I could be. I'm pretty sure she didn't need a play by play of the way the Night Elf sucked a dick like her life depended on it, but I'm pretty sure she got the general drift of the situation. By the time I was finished, the Paladin was pacing, her hands behind her back. I went silent, watching her go back and forth in front of me, her lips moving in a silent muttering motion, her eyes focused and intent on the forest floor as she turned the news over in her head. Finally she stopped, standing right in front of me.

"I have one question, Atal... Now that I really know what's happening, what are my chances of walking away? Right now. Just take my Hawkstrider and forget I ever met you?"

I crossed my arms, frowning, "Rian... Now dat ya know, I can't let ya leave."

"You would fight me? Kill me even, to keep this secret?"

I shrugged, looking away from her, "I already be betrayin' da Horde by doin' dis... What's one more line on ma' list a crimes?"

She considered for a moment, nodding to herself, her mouth twisting in her silent speech again. "Alright... Now I need to know: why exactly are you doing this? You could have walked away when she left you in the Hinterlands. You could have forgotten all about it, and none would be the wiser. Why go after her?"

"I wish I knew, Elf. But der be sumthin' to her. Sumthin' dat be pulling towards her, an' if I ignore it, it's only gonna fester. I found 'er once, and none a my questions was answered. Dat's jus' gonna bug me 'till I be old an' gray."

She hummed again, and I saw the corner of her mouth twist slightly, lift in a kind of smirk. I don't know exactly what it was she thought she figured out, but it was enough to make her stance relax. She held her hand out to me, and after a moment's hesitation, to make sure she ireally/i understood what she was getting into, I closed my own around it, squeezing and giving it a quick shake.

We made our way back to our mounts and made our way into the shadowy trees of Duskwood.

"I hate this place."

I glanced over at the Blood Elf, taking careful note of how tightly she gripped the reins. I couldn't really blame her for her discomfort; I myself had no desire to be walking down this path, the gut wrenching stench of disease filling the air like some sort of heady drug. Felwood was someplace that I had never expected to end up. I had been through once or twice, but every time I step foot there I didn't feel better for about a month after the fact. The smell of the place lingered on the skin, in your clothes and hair. I wouldn't have even considered it, but our path lay through the Furbolg den, since Rian had not gained passage to Moonglade.

My bitterness toward the Night Elf grew with every step we took, though I had to applaud her choice of destination. Not only was it far enough away that it would take me weeks to reach her, but Moonglade was a sanctuary of sorts. It was filled with her brethren, as well as those once members of the Horde, now following the call of the Druidic nature. None there were loyal to either faction, and when surrounded by a common call, there was a deep sense of peace and neutrality there. Gods help you if you started trouble... Though training others for battle, the Druids in Moonglade did not take hostility lightly.

Of course, the likelihood of her still being there was slim, but at least I knew that her tracks could easily be found again. There was only two ways out of Moonglade for those who didn't follow the Druid's path, and if she had chosen to stay and rest, then be off again, it was a simple matter to find out where her flight had taken her.

At least, that's what I was hoping.

The Furbolg at the entrance of the den greeted us with a raised hand, and that strange, twisting smile over sharp, carnivorous teeth. I bowed my head, the Elf following suit, trying to ignore the leering, suspicious stare of the Bear.

"It is good to see you again, my friend."

I dismounted, handing the reigns off to Rian, giving her a look that told her she was to keep silent, then turned back to the guard.

"Good ta be back, Grazle. Been way too long."

"Indeed." our hands clasped once, tightening briefly. "What brings you to Timbermaw?"

I stepped back, my arms crossing as I stood to my full height, "I be blunt, ma' friend. We be lookin' for someone, an' ma sources tell me she be here, up in Moonglade."

The Furbolg grunted, a strange, snorting noise through his nose, "Surely you would have learned by now that hunting a woman is a pastime best left for the fools, Atal."

My spine stiffened when I heard Rian snicker, and I shot her an irritated look. She hushed, but her smile never faltered, and I tried to curb my annoyance at their teasing. Grazle sighed, and made his way over to his little shady spot, sitting heavily on the woven blanket, his hands resting on his lap.

"May I ask why exactly you are seeking this woman? You have a fine one right there, if you don't mind my saying so."

Rian bowed her head in thanks, but kept quiet, which I definitely hoped she would. "Dat one ain't mine," I jerked my thumb over my shoulder and sneered, "Besides, she be too annoyin' for ole' Atal. Can't keep her trap shut for more den a few minutes."

"Hey!"

Grazle chucked, shaking his head, "I see what you mean, my friend." he motioned me closer, and I sat down across from him, waiting patiently while he packed his long, wooden pipe. The Furbolgs were creatures of nature, just as much as the Night Elves were, and they moved as slowly as evolution itself. He lit the pipe carefully, drawing on it deeply, and only when he exhaled the full amount, did he bother to continue. "You do know that if this... iwoman/i of yours has taken sanctuary in Moonglade, the Druids will not easily part with her."

"Ya mon, I know."

"You would fight the entirety of the Glade? To what end?"

I sighed, scratching at my chin, casting my eye down to my curled feet, "I can't explain it to ya, Grazle. Doin' dat would take too much time, and wouldn't help neither of us none anyways. I don't plan ta fight anyone. I jus' got questions; questions only she can answer fo' me."

"Hm... If it were so simple, Atal, why would she run?"

I had no answer for him, and my empty, pleading stare told him enough. He snorted again, tapping out the ashes in his pipe, before reloading it for another smoke. His eyes grew heavy lidded and contemplating, his wicked teeth gnawing on the well worn end of the mouth piece. He turned his attention then to Rian, who stared passively back at him, and he continued to consider.

We sat still and silent for at least fifteen minutes. I could feel the agitation in my mount and Rian's the need to move, the fear of standing idle. But just as I had warned her, the Elf held her tongue and did not move. Eventually, Grazle huffed again, and stretched his back.

"I believe the one you seek has not left Moonglade, my friend. She is still there, taking sanctuary and hospitality where she can find it. You and your Elf friend are free to pass through the Hold."

I thanked him, and quickly hopped onto my mount, turning her toward the entrance to the tunnel, only to be halted by Grazle's soft, quiet voice.

"Atal, there is one more thing... The answers you seek may not exactly be the kind you are expecting."

I nodded, not completely comprehending, but giving him the acknowledgment he required before he would let us pass. I was not concerned with an elderly Furbolg's cryptic messages... I was iso/i close to reaching the Elf and finding out iwhat the bhell/b/i it was that kept pulling me toward her, and I didn't give much a damn for the consequences. Soon we were ducking beneath the low hanging ceiling of the Timbermaw entrance, the warm darkness closing in around us like an eclipse. I could feel Rian tense beside me, and knew that she was nervous. I reached over, giving her knee a reassuring pat as I led her through the dark tunnels.

All around us I could feel eyes watching, sharp and measuring. The smells were intense; curing leather, burning peat, fruits fermenting in large clay vats. The sounds were minimal, despite the number of clansmen skulking about in the dark. Even the cubs, lively and energetic hardly made a sound as they passed between and behind us, their large eyes wide with curiosity and wonder.

We were about halfway through the maze of passages when Rian reached out to me, her tiny little hand grasping mine over the bridles, tight and shaking. I was curious about her reaction, but kept silent, and only returned the pressure she offered me. It seemed like hours, then, that we finally felt the warm, clean air of Moonglade pass over our faces, minutes before the first shred of twilight breached the unforgiving dark. As soon as we stepped over the threshold of the exit, I could feel Rian relax and slip her hand away from mine. She was still trembling, and a light sweat had broken out on her brow. I frowned, asking her without words if she was alright, but she merely shook her head and waved me off. I left it alone, and turned my attention back to the path.

Moonglade had always held a strange fascination for me, after I had grown into adulthood; that being the Elf's fault entirely. I was serious when I said that at least once during a year my thoughts would return to her, to our one night together, but my curiosity had stretched a bit further than that. I never really put much time into research, but when the opportunity to enter Moonglade had come up for the first time, I had jumped at the chance like an eager whelp. The idea that I could experience something so very intimate to the Night Elves kept me energetic. It wasn't like I was walking through the gates of Darnassus, true, but it was almost like the next best thing. The Glade was like a little cut-out of their territory, permanently twilight, the air sweet, warm and still. As it washed over me once again, I took a deep breath through my nose, and let my eye fall shut. Leather, banked fires, trees and magic.

"It is so still." Rian said, her voice barely above a whisper, as though she were afraid to break the silence around us. I nodded, easing my Raptor into a comfortable walk. She had been there many times with me, and I could feel her muscles relaxing just as mine were. Even if we weren't part of the Druid's Circle, the effect of complete safety had us melting beneath the skin. We were in a place where worries could be forgotten, even briefly. It was something to treasure.

As we neared the central settlement, the sounds of life began to carry on the air around us. Other mounts were moving across the wooden bridges, the Hippogrphys shifted in their nests, other Druids were speaking animatedly around the grounds. And though it was no surprise to me, Rian showed some interest in the light laughter that floated around the trees.

"There are children here?"

"Ya, mon. Most a dem Druids be livin' here der whole lives. Folks breed."

She gave me a look that said in explicit detail what she thought of my sarcasm, her lip curling, "Well, yes, this I iknow/i. I'm simply surprised that they do not bring their children to civilization; to learn, to coexist with others of their kind. Surely they are not developing properly here in the wilderness."

"Leave it to a Elf." I muttered, my eye rolling. She bit back at me, but I wasn't paying attention. I had noticed the eyes on us, curious but wary, carefully calculating our approach to the Glade. Most recognized me and offered me silent smiles, hushed welcomes, but I could see something else in their faces, something hidden and wary. I felt my spine stiffen the slightest bit as I caught the warning there.

They knew why I was there, and they ipitied/i me.

"So... where do we go exactly? To find your Night Elf?"

"You needn't go far, Atal. We all knew well of your coming."

Rian and I turned to look at the Tauren guard, standing to the right of the bridge. She was handsome for her species, her large, dewy eyes staring up at us, one hand gripping the long pole-arm at her side. She seemed rather unconcerned and relaxed, so I didn't feel the need to go too far onto the offensive. If the Druids had been planning an attack, or a forced push to take us out of Moonglade, we would have been approached at the entrance and given once chance to leave peacefully.

I dismounted, again handing my Raptor's bridle off to Rian, "She tell ya I be comin'?"

The Tauren smiled, a strange fondness on her face, "Indeed she did. We were beginning to wonder if perhaps she had cooked up this entire scenario for her own entertainment. Never did think that girl had it in her to be a playwright, though."

I must have looked as outwardly confused as I was internally, for the Tauren laughed, and jerked her head back and over her shoulder, "She's down by the docks if you're ready to see her, though I doubt you'll get a word in edgewise with the younglings crowding her so much. Took a liking to her the minute she dismounted the Hippogryph."

I looked over the guard's shoulder, peering through the twilight at the silhouette of the flight docks. I could see a few mounts pulling in to land, others lifting to the air. The voices were constant, and indeed, the sound of children could be heard well above the rest; clear, like crystal bells.

"Rian, stay put, mon."

I expected protests from the Blood Elf, but she only nodded her agreement. She knew that if I needed her, I'd call. But this... this was something that I needed a little semblance of privacy for.

The trek to the flight dock was a short one, and I could hear the laughter more clearly the closer I got. The kids were indeed excited, speaking quickly, asking questions. I barely heard a word of what they said, my ears instead trained on her voice. It was light, amused, if sounding a little tired as she answered each of their queries in turn. She was happy to speak with them though; you could hear it in her tone.

When I saw her, she looked... well, I guess 'fantastic' would be the right word. She was sitting on the rise of the hill, a few feet from the docks, a ring of children forming a semi-circle around her. Her back was to me, but I could see how relaxed she was. Her spine was curled as she sat there, legs crossed beneath her, elbows resting on her knees. Occasionally she'd lift a hand to punctuate a word or phrase. She was not in her armor, instead wearing a loose linen tunic, the length long enough to be fashionably female, reaching down to well past her knees. Beneath she wore simple cloth leggings. Her feet were bare. Her hair had been braided, resting over her shoulder in loose knots.

Even though I couldn't see her directly, just that sight of her left me struck. I was still pissed at her – Hell, even then I could admit that I want to knock her around for just being that damn istupid/i - but wanting to do something and actually being able to are different, ya know? I may have wanted to kick her skinny ass all the way back to Darnassus, but I wouldn't. Instead, I moved forward, watching as the eyes of six younglings went from rapt attention to curious stares as they honed in on me. She noticed their wavering looks, and glanced over her shoulder.

I had expected her to be shocked, to gasp, Hell, I would have even settled for a double take. She didn't do any of it though. Instead, she turned back to face the kids, and carefully unfolded herself, dusting blades of grass from her behind. She leaned forward slightly, resting her hand on the shoulder of a small Night Elf girl, whispering softly in her ear. The little girl's eyes widened, the white light in them brightening briefly before she nodded.

"C'mon. Let's go." the girl said, her voice soft as she rounded up the other kids like she was a pack leader. I noticed that she seemed to be the eldest of them, and her direction seemed to be of no surprise. As they disappeared over the hill, she turned back to face me, curiosity and a strange eagerness in her face.

Once they were gone, I turned my attention back to the Night Elf, finding her staring at me as well.

And ya know, I still haven't figured out what the Hell it is about her that makes me unable to speak. Sure, I can bullshit with the best of them, but something about that woman puts knots in my tongue. She knew it too, I could see it in her eyes as she smiled, when she took a step forward, the distance between us depleting rapidly.

I wanted to move away, ignore the stupid, tingly feeling creeping on my skin from her proximity. Instead, I stayed rooted to the spot, looking down at her as she looked up. Her smile seemed to grow, pleased with the fact that I did not retreat, and did not advance in hostility.

"Walk with me?"

Her voice was only a whisper, and I noticed then that conversation had hushed to a murmur around us. The people up on the docks, and a few of the nearby guards had quieted enough that they could tune in on us. Curious bystanders, hoping for a drama. Bastards.

I nodded, and followed as she turned and headed toward the trees.

We were quiet for a time, our pace slow, comfortable. It was strange walking beside her, that feeling of contentment settling a little deeper in my gut. It felt strangely right to be there with her, though every one of my other senses were screaming for retribution, for answers, for justice. I knew, offhandedly, that her leaving me high and dry wasn't so bad that it required traveling across the world just to get a little payback, but there was that damn question. Like a giant alert hanging above my head. It wouldn't go away, and I was calm enough to admit to myself that this wasn't about revenge anymore.

No, revenge took a backseat almost a month ago. This was about the question, and she was the only one with the answer.

"I met some very interesting people on my way here, Atal. I believe one of them was kin to you."

My ears perked, and I looked at her, confused, "Mah kin? Whatchoo mean?"

"It is a long story, but he knew your name when I spoke it. In fact, I believe the fact that we are... acquainted... was a tad stressful for him." her hand moved up, gently clasping her throat, the fingers rubbing against a faint, hairline scar, and I felt something in me twist, "Regardless, I only mention it because he... these people.. they are the reason I am not running from you now."

She slowed to a stop, her shoulders set and her face tilted down. It was a weird contradiction. From the neck down she looked confident, resolute. But she hid her eyes from me, belaying an uncertainty I wasn't familiar with.

"We were not together long, and your family.. this Troll, he showed signs of being incredibly weary of me, which I understand and do not begrudge him for. It reminds me of my place in this world... of iour/i place. It gives me strength to do what I must, to face what is to come, though I am admittedly afraid of such resolution, no matter the result of such."

I stepped forward, my hands reaching out to grasp her slender shoulders, tightening briefly, offering comfort though I didn't really want to, didn't think she deserved it. She looked up at me, and all I could see was cold determination there. She was going to push forward, and damn the consequences.

"Elf... what dis be about? What aintcha tellin' me?"

A sad half-smile tilted the corner of her mouth, "Atal, after all this time, you'd think you could speak my name."

I smiled back, offering my embarrassment. It hadn't occurred to me until that point that I had never bothered to ask.

She laughed, shaking her head, "It's Eruanna, Atal. My name is Eruanna."

"Hm. I be likin' 'Elf' better. Your name has too many letters."

When she laughed again it was clearer, sharper. More honest. It had me relaxing further, and I hardly tensed when she reached a hand up, squeezing one of my own over her shoulder.

"You have a remarkable habit of distracting me from the point. Please, grant me peace. Let me finish what I have started."

"No one be stopin' ya, girly."

She laughed again, shaking her head and stepping away, obviously not unaffected by my teasing, but trying her hardest to resist. I grinned at her, showing how pleased I was by her reaction, crossing my arms and standing at my full height. She rolled her eyes at that, snorting as she shook her head again, and continued to walk again. I fell in step easily beside her.

"I suppose then I shall have to tread the waters of the more difficult questions. I ask this with no sense of ego, Atal, but I must know... where do you truly see 'this'..." she spread her arms out in front of herself, her palms up, fingers spread wide, "... this ithing/i going between us? Is it simply a matter of infatuation? A lustful itch that must be scratched? Surely the years have sweetened the memory, and though my longevity allows my mind to be sharper when viewing the past, I must admit that our time together has grown hazy with time. Things happened between us that are no longer in focus, and I fear I am imagining things that had not happened at all."

"Whatchoo' want me ta say, Elf? Dat you be mah Sun and Moon? Dat I'd be yer willin' servant fo' da rest a my days? Don' be stupid."

She hummed softly, considering, "To be honest with you, I would almost be disappointed if you were to prostrate yourself before me. Declarations of undying love and serenades of my Goddess-like beauty grow tiresome."

I snorted, nudging her shoulder with my elbow, "Ya gots a big head."

"Yes, well, you have that affect on me. Ego is apparently contagious."

We walked on in silence for a time, then, eventually finding the pathway, our feet kicking up small shoals of dust. It was companionable, really.

Eventually, she spoke again, her voice soft, "What is your answer, Atal? Do you know?"

Really, I didn't want to answer her, if that wasn't already obvious. She was asking the hard questions, and I knew it tied into the answer that iI/i was looking for, but really... I enjoyed confrontations, as long as they weren't so damn messy and emotional. And, to be honest...

"I dun really know, girly. Ain't like we can go runnin' into da sunset and call it da end, happy days. I know dat ten years ain't a long time to ya, but... I grew up, Eruanna. Maybe dis really is just da itch. Maybe der be somethin' about ya that jus' turns me on and I can't help but want ya. It happens like dat, sometimes. Maybe if we finally get down to it, it'd be over and we can go our separate ways."

She cradled her hands behind her back, looking up at me with open curiosity. I had expected anger, maybe even some resentment or offense, but she showed me none of it. She was truly, honestly open to any avenue at that point, and it made me wonder at the maturity changes an Elf goes through. Really, 10 years was like a drop of water in the ocean for an Elf's life span. As far as I figured, she should have still been that snotty, uptight youngling I had met a decade ago. Something had changed...

"If sleeping with me will put you at ease, Atal, I will gladly do it."

I sneered, growled low, "Don't be doin' me no favors, Elf. I don't accept pity sexy."

"The only one who would think of it as pity would be you," she stepped forward, her body heat mingling with mine, pushing past the barriers and warming me from the inside out. I hated the way she could do that, but my hands moved out, ghosting across the curve of her waist, over the swell of her hips, regardless, "My behavior back in the Hinterlands should have been testimony enough to that fact. My want for you is genuine, Atal. You bring out desires in me that I have no comparison for. I do believe you have ruined me."

The devilish smirk she offered me was enough to be my undoing, and the drop in her voice was just adding insult to injury. I growled louder, burying my hands into that loosely knotted braid, pulling strands out of their weave as I demanded, forced her head to tilt to accommodate me, and sealed my mouth over hers.

She tasted as fresh and alive as she had a month ago, though I found the lack of sea salt to be a slight loss. The flavor of the ocean agreed with her skin, but being replaced with earth and greenery wasn't a bad trade off. She was warm and pliant, melting into me with an eagerness that made my toes curl. She whimpered into my open mouth, her tongue meeting mine with a desperation as I leaned over her, forcing her back, to cling to me to keep her balance.

When I drew away, it was only to press kisses along her jaw, across her neck. I think I murmured her name a few times – in my defense, the Elf is a Hell of a kisser, so shut up. I couldn't exactly help not being in the right frame of mind. It didn't matter then, how angry I had been with her, or what we were going to do later. She was in my arms again, and that was the question, wasn't it? Why had I spent so long denying that that was were I wanted her?

Of course, as I'm sure you're used to by now, my enjoyment was to be short lived.

The sound of giggling, and feet crashing through the underbrush brought my head up, made our muscles stiffen, though we weren't fast enough to release our embrace before the little Night Elf child came into view. She had been running and laughing, her light pink skin a little darker around her cheeks, showing exertion as she panted. I looked at her curiously, wondering what was happening, when I hear a familiar, high pitched yell drifting through the trees toward us.

"Binti! Get back here! Ooooh, he's going to ikill/i me!"

Rian crashed through the trees then, her arms encircling the little Elf child and spinning her around, up off her feet. I felt Eruanna tense in my arms, but she relaxed almost immediately when the little Elf, Binti, started to giggle, flailing playfully in Rian's hold.

Then, her words froze me straight down to the core, and if Eruanna hadn't been so quick with her reflexes, she would have fallen to the ground as I let her go.

"Momma! Momma, help me! She's tickling!"

Rian looked mortified, apparently just then realizing that we were standing in front of her. Slowly, she let go of the child, who sprinted toward Eruanna, clutching her tight and giggling. Eruanna returned her embrace, though her eyes had locked to mine. Neither of us rescinded.

Binti seemed to notice what was happening, though, and we both looked down at her at the same time when she spoke again.

"Momma? I'm sorry, I... we were just playing. I didn't mean to interrupt you. Please don't be angry at me."

"No, no, no," Eruanna knelt before the girl, brushing her lavender hair behind long, pointed ears, smoothing down her clothes, holding her hands, "I am not angry, little one. You surprised us, is all."

"I apologize as well, Madam. When she told me, I thought-"

Suddenly, Eruanna's eyes went sharp, focused on Rian, then back to her daughter, "What did you tell her, Binti? What did you say?"

The Little Elf looked nervous, glancing between her mother and I, and I couldn't fathom why. Not when the shock of my Elf being a mother was still so damned fresh in my brain.

"I'm sorry, Momma! But.. I'm never allowed to tell anyone, and you said I should be iproud/i of him! And Rian... Um, Lady Moonring answered my questions and I wanted to know so ibadly/i."

As tears began to slide down her little face, her mouth curled down, her chin trembling. Straight, white teeth showed beneath her lips, and my shock was sent to a stand still as I took note... I moved forward, and Eruanna held her daughter's hands a little tighter, sensing my movement.

"Elf..." I said low, a warning, demanding an answer. I saw her sigh, her shoulders slump before she stood again, turning to face me.

She moved Binti in front of her, her hands moving to the girl's shoulders, a sign of protection. The little Elf was trembling, sad, frightened tears still rolling down her cheeks, though I could see she was not afraid of me. Nervous, perhaps, but there was no fear. She was more afraid of the repercussions of disobeying her mother than of a Troll three times her size.

I squatted down before her, her eyes staying trained to mine as I took her in.

She was short, much shorter than I expected a 10 year old to be. Her skin was a fair, light pink, almost white in color when in the correct lighting. Her eyes were like her mother's, large and tilted, bright as fresh snow. Her hair, though... her hair, her ears... the stubborn set of her chin. They were all mine.

I blinked, confused and still taking her in as she reached out to me, one hand gripping the curve of my tusk, giving it a little shake. I touched that hand, surprised at the coolness of her skin. She smiled carefully at me, and I focused in on what I had noticed before.

From the corners of her mouth, I could spy the beginnings of two tiny, delicate looking tusks.

I stood, turning away and moving down the road. There was no sound from the Elf and her daughter, only the steady beat of Rian's mail boots as she ran to catch up to me.

She must have been asking me questions. Demanding. Yelling. But I didn't care at that point.

Right then, all I wanted was to find my mount, dig in my saddle bags for the flask of Ogre Mead I had stashed, and forget I had ever clawed my way into the world.