Fifty-Five

Falcon, Crystal, and Rain eventually found their way downstairs, a gentle love making session had interrupted their dressing as the Sin'dorei searched for assurance after Falcon had tied a fresh blindfold over the missing eyes. The aroma of various cuisines caused the druid's stomach to rumble; he was ravenous. There were knowing looks on all the patrons as Falcon directed Rain over to a nearby table. He was glad his heart didn't have to suffer through the glances, though was pretty sure he was picking up on the snickers. Rain's hand found his and he squeezed it.

"Ah lads and lass," the dwarf innkeeper said approaching their table. "I kept yer breakfast warm for a bit, then yer lunch … here be the leftovers from that. Have a feeling you worked up quite the appetite."

Rain knocked over a glass sitting nearby, thankfully it was empty and Crystal quickly set it back up. The elf froze afterwards as if afraid to move his arm. Wrapping fingers around his, Crystal moved the hand and placed it in Rain's lap.

"Visor was right," Rain sighed, "I am a useless, blind, piece of flesh."

"Never," Falcon growled, "You'll adjust, and 'see' things differently." He picked up a strawberry and held it in front of Rain's mouth. "What am I holding in my hand?" he asked.

"How would I know?" Rain answered grumpily.

Falcon ran the tip of the berry down the elf's nose. "Use your other senses," he said.

The Sin'dorei's head tilted to the side, a motion he was thinking. "It smells sweet," he said, "I'm afraid my knowledge of different foods isn't that great. My meals have always been simple fair."

A look of pity crossed Crystal's face. "It's called a strawberry, my heart," Falcon said, "I can't wait to show you the other sweet things there are in this world. Here take a bite."

Rain opened his lips and Falcon put the tip of the berry into his mouth. The Sin'dorei bit down and his face lit up at the taste, he quickly finished the offered berry. Falcon put an array of fruits on a plate in front of the elf and placed Rain's hand on another strawberry. "The food in front of you should be simple enough for you to eat unaided, just take it slow and if you need anything just ask."

Rain nodded and bit into the second strawberry making a soft, pleasing noise. The druid felt the sound all the way to his core and shuddered slightly. Those were the same noises Rain would make when he …

"Focus, Akire!" Crystal's mental whispered was strong but loving. "There are those here waiting on us, we can make love to him forever more but let us get our friends home first."

Falcon shook himself and put a serving of roast beef on his plate along with a baked potato and rolls fresh from the oven. There was also newly churned butter for the bread. As was the last time they dined together he fed Rain from his plate between bites of fruit from his own. As his stomach filled he relaxed and picked up the warm cider which had been poured to drink. He looked around the room taking a mental count of his Clan; some habits were hard to break and came up one shy.

"Kotka?" he whispered, the rogue hadn't been in their room when he'd awoken, he had assumed he was down here drinking and flirting. No words answered him just an ill-tempered emotion. "Faya, where is Sly?"

He was surprised by the sentiment in connection with his wife; she was as irritated as the rogue. "You are a sound sleeper, beloved, and he thought it was wise to relieve his sexual tension without your consent and knowledge …"

"Since when does he need my consent for who he wants to fuck?" Falcon asked confused.

"When that someone is you," his wife replied darkly. "I separated him back into his own room after that and may have used the shackles Demoncraft no longer needed to keep him in place. Do not worry I have been tending to him in the meantime. He's just ticked off now because he heard us earlier and knows he missed out."

"By the light of Elune," Falcon sighed. Rain turned toward him and an eyebrow behind the blindfold arched. "Nothing, my heart," the druid said kissing the other's forehead. "I'll be right back." He placed the warm mug of cider in Rain's hands as he stood and went upstairs.

He walked into the room which held the rogue, and found him indeed shackled to the bed by his arm and leg, and glowering. In all the years in the mines Falcon could recall on one hand the number of times Sly had been anything but carefree, the look didn't suit him. Moving over to the bed he knelt. "You make one noise or even think of making a sound I'm going to stop and leave you here."

A look of confusion crossed Sly's face. Ignoring it, Falcon pulled down the waistband of rogue's pants. His cock was hard and red, damp with unreleased passion. With no more notice Falcon took it into his mouth, and aided with his druidic magic, brought the rogue to a quick climax. After he finished he pulled the pants back up and unshackled the leg first, as he reached up to undo the wrist he was startled to see blood dripping down Sly's chin. "What the hell?" he demanded.

"You said you'd stop if I made a noise," Sly said with a shrug. "I bit my lip to stay quiet."

Falcon rolled his eyes and healed the damaged as he freed the rogue. "Let's go downstairs," he said shifting into a grizzly for the rogue.

"No need for the fur," Sly said gesturing to a crutch resting against the wall. Transforming back to an elf, Falcon handed him the crutch as he pulled the rogue to a standing position. After making sure he was steady he let go and followed Sly out of the room. "Thanks," Sly whispered aloud.

Falcon just nodded and supported the rogue down the steps. On the ground floor Rain was in middle of a loud argument with his father and the druid growled. His wife caught his arm and shook her head. Frowning he stayed at her side and watched.

"Sir, I've spent my entire life not being in control of what mattered the most: me," Rain was saying. "I've been trained to be a demon hunter; do you know what they did to me? Do know the mental anguish they put you through so your mind can accept a demon into your soul? Any weakness and you lose, the demon wins. I spent years of my life alone in the dark. I've watched my best friend slaughtered before me. I watched my mother laugh in my face as my death sentence was handed down. I've been a slave to demons my entire life. I've known Falcon for less than a month and he has filled me with love. I have never in my life been loved like he and Crystal offer me. They do so without demands and with no strings attached." Rain sighed, and placed a hand on his father's chest. "And you, father, did nothing. You left me for dead and you are dead to me. Go back to your books and your magic. I will ask nothing from you, not now, not ever. You have nothing I would ever want."

Rain turned away and Falcon sent a quick mental note of a chair to his left so he could sidestep it on his way over to the druid. A look of sadness crossed Arodis Sunblade's face. "As you wish, my son," he said. "However, if there comes a day you do need me or the magic I wield I pray to the Sunwell you are bold enough to ask. For now I will do as you wish." He nodded his head at the blonde haired Sin'dorei at his side and with a quick spell cast a shimmering portal appeared and the Scryers mages disappeared through it one after another. Arodis paused before he followed. "Your mother still lives. If she finds out you do too she'll hunt for you."

"She won't find him," Falcon said as he wrapped an arm around the waist of Rain.

Arodis nodded as he studied the druid for a long moment. "Thank you," he said finally as he stepped through the portal and disappeared.

"Is he gone?" Rain whispered.

"He is, my heart," Falcon replied and the elf relaxed in his embrace.

"Can we go home now?"

"Soon, my heart, very soon," Falcon replied as he helped Rain over to a chair where Thane Kurdan, Dylan, Rad, Sid, Shar, Gola and dozens of other survivors were gathered. "Sorry we've delayed the return to your family and friends," the druid apologized. "We are ready to travel now."

"I'd dare say ye'd be leaving behind some tales that will live in song," Thane Kurdan said with a grin. "Freedom must agree with ye."

"Nah," Sid spoke up, "they did the same in the cavern … like rabbits I swear, horny rabbits."

Falcon chuckled but didn't deny it which got the dwarves from his clan a look of pity from the others at the gathering.

"We have a legion of griffons that will take the whole lot of ye back to Shattrath, the hub of the Outlands. From there ye can find portals to every major city in the Alliance and the Horde though I wouldn't be suggesting ye take one of those." Thane Kurdan said.

"And we can leave now?" Falcon asked.

"Aye, lad," the dwarf leader nodded. "We are ready to fly."

"The extra day of rest was good on everyone," Dylan said as he stood. "We're all fit and ready."

"Because we sure didn't get any rest the night before," Gola whispered under her breath.

"I'll make it up to you later," Sly said with a smirk.

"Ye a member of the mile high club?" Gola replied, "I'm a card carrying member; let me show ye how it's done on the way to Shattrath."

Falcon thought the rogue was going to hurt himself as he hurried out after Gola. "By the Light," Sid sighed, "it's contagious!"

Falcon laughed and clasped the dwarf on the shoulder. "Let's go home," he said.

Epilogue

The streets of Darnassus were quiet; the only sounds Falcon could hear were the low growls of the Nightsabers which roamed through the trees. The Kaldorei were nocturnal for the most part, the elfin city wouldn't become truly alive for a few more hours. The merchants had been awake and they were the only elves he needed to see. The cart he pulled behind him was laden with supplies. There was also a small stack of letters from Stormwind and Ironforge. He had already opened the one from Captain Dylan, like the others they had received since their freedom it was filled with joyful recounts of grandkids, children Dylan had only found out about after their escape. Falcon was happy for the paladin; his wife had waited for him and they had rebuilt their lives. Not all were so lucky, most had been believed to be dead and loved ones had moved on.

Falcon nodded at the two watchful sentinels standing guard by the shimmering tree behind the bank. The women quickly saluted him. "Elune-Adore, Brother Crystalpath" the one on the right said, her ivory hair pulled back in a single ponytail. "How is your Clan fairing? Did the storms from last week cause any difficulty?"

"Nay, Sister Nightwing, the cove is well protected. We are all well and safe," he replied.

"You don't plan on staying out there forever?" the second guard asked. "Especially once Crystal's due date arrives, Tyrande will want to be there to assure the baby is born healthy and to bless her."

"My child could be in no safer hands if Elune herself was there," Falcon said, letting his displeasure of the unsaid allegations reflect in his voice and eyes. "You know very well why we have settled in the cove. We have Tyrande's blessing and protection."

"Your mates would be safe here as well," Nightwing said, "both of them. But we respect your choices and wish you safe travels, Brother Crystalpath. It is an honor and a blessing to have you all back within the embrace of Teldrassil."

"Ande'thoras-ethil," Falcon said with a dip of his head as he walked through the portal and arrived at the harbor of Rut'theran Village. He pulled the handcart down to the water's edge, where his small dinghy was anchored. As he started moving the bags of supply to the boat a feminine voice called out.

"Falcon Crystalpath?"

The druid looked over his shoulder, a stout human woman stood there. Her clothes showed signs of wear and her face laced with worry. He nodded his head and waited, he could guess where this conversation was going before she continued.

"My name is Christina Raymond; I've travelled a long way …"

Setting the bag he was holding into the boat he walked over toward the woman. She had short auburn hair, with a splash of freckles across her nose and cheeks. The emerald eyes looking hopefully up at him were older than they should be for the age he guessed her at. He was startled when what he assumed was just a handbag tied across her chest started to squirm and a small, pale arm appeared. Without preamble he reached out and brushed his broad hand across her cheek, other than exhaustion he found no signs of illness. He channeled a small amount of magic into her, relieving the fatigue and she gasped.

"You are well, my lady," he said. "I assume you come for the child?"

"Yes …" she stuttered, "my son, he's only three months old. He … they say he was cursed …"

"They?" Falcon said as he unfolded the cloth from her chest and took the babe out. The infant was queerly still, there was no crying as the strange elf held him close. The same green eyes of his mother stared up at the druid but the gaze was vacant and unfocused.

"The healers of Goldshire," the young mother said with a sigh. "They told me … they told me …" tears started running down the fair cheeks, "… that I should kill him before the curse spread."

Falcon startled. He started channeling his magic into the small being in his arms.

"I couldn't," Christina continued, "then a kind paladin gave me your name, he said your healing gifts were unsurpassed. He said if anyone could help my child it was you … please …"

The magic prod found something cold in the infant's chest, something inhuman and the druid broke contact. "Dylan was mistaken," Falcon said handing the baby back to his mother. "I'm not the healer you want … but I can take you to him."

"How did you know it was Captain Morris?" the woman asked as Falcon helped her down to the shoreline and into the boat.

The druid quickly moved the rest of the supplies to the boat, filling it to the brim. "Tell me more about your child and when he may have come in contact with a demon."

"A demon?" Christina gasped. "My pregnancy was a rough one we almost lost the babe a couple of times. My husband resorted to hiring a troll voodoo priest; he smeared this foul smelling gunk over my belly and chanted something in his weird tongue. I thought it had worked the pain lessened that day and soon vanished. Our son was born without any trouble and was a babbling bundle of joy for the first two months and then about a month ago he stopped crying. At first it was almost a blessing you know how the little ones can get, but then I could just tell something was off. The healers in Goldshire blamed the troll … I'm not so sure."

"I agree that isn't the mark of any voodoo," Falcon said taking the rope which was tied to the front of the small boat. At the free end was a loop, this he tossed into the water.

"Mr. Crystalpath," Christina said, "you didn't leave any room for yourself …"

"No need," Falcon replied as he waded into the water and called upon the spirit of the seal; once transformed he slipped his broad head into the ring of rope, letting it come to rest on his shoulders. "Hold on," he said through the muzzle, "should be a pretty smooth ride, we'll speak more once we arrive to my home."

Falcon waited almost an hour before he reached out to touch the minds of his mates. He alerted Crystal first of their guests before gently prodding Rain, the expected sleepy reply greeted him.

"I know, my heart," Falcon said, "you're still recovering from the last healing circle. You know I wouldn't ask …"

"Unless you needed," Rain finished, "what is it, my heart?"

"A babe," Falcon replied, "I sense something in him, it felt like you did when the demon had a hold on your heart."

"How long until you arrive?" the drowsiness in the heart speak had disappeared.

"We're a little over halfway, should be within sight in the next half hour."

"I'll be ready," Rain said.

A short time later the large roots which sheltered his clan came into view as Falcon was working his way through them Sly appeared wrapping his arms around his slick neck. The druid let out a mix between a laugh and a shout as he transformed back to an elf and embraced the rogue. "Careful," he warned, "we have company and that arm is still under warranty." Falcon did a quick assessment of the rogue's left arm.

Sly flexed his hand and grinned. "You guys did good," he said.

"You shouldn't be out here alone," Falcon scolded.

"And who said I was alone?" Sly replied, and he gestured over to a nearby rock. Sunning herself on it was a very naked Red and treading water nearby was Gola.

"We'll keep him out of trouble, lad," Gola replied with a wave of her hand. "Rain said swimming was a good exercise for the arm."

Falcon nodded. "I leave him in your care, ladies," he replied. "Watch yourself for fatigue," he said to the rogue. "That leg is only a month old and the arm less than a week. Rain put a lot of energy into healing you, he's still recovering."

"I will, Akire," Sly replied silently. "Don't let him exhaust himself, that child would heal until he completely depletes himself."

Falcon watched as Sly swam toward the boulder Red was resting on, admiring the lean form. A soft noise behind him brought his attention back to the woman in the boat; her cheeks were bright red with embarrassment as she shifted her gaze away from the naked swimmers.

"Sorry, my lady," Falcon said, "we are not used to having outsiders. We'll be on solid land momentarily." Shifting into a seal he slipped back into the rope harness and pulled the boat toward shore. As he swam a movement of white caught his notice and he turned his head to watch Rain moving his way through the thick tree roots which surrounded their home. At his feet was a miniature albino nightsaber, which Rain had named Star. He had found the abandoned kitten in the forests of Teldrassil shortly after their arrival. The pair had quickly built a bond, with Star acting as Rain's eyes. That friendship along with elf's almost druidic understanding of the natural energy around him allowed the Sin'dorei the liberty to move around freely.

Though Falcon still tensed as Rain leapt over a twisted root, ready to come to his aid should he misstep and fall into the ocean below. Water disoriented the Sin'dorei, but his help was not needed as Rain jumped down on the shore and ran over to where Crystal was waiting. Who adjusted the hood of the white cloak he was wearing; that not only hid his telltale ears but the blindfold as well. They did not want those outside their Clan to have full knowledge of Rain's heritage.

The cove they had chosen for their home was tucked within the mighty roots of Teldrassil. With a half-dozen brilliantly colored trees to shade them and more importantly for the trio of dwarves that insisted on remaining a rocky hill which had been made into a forge for the Ironforge natives. As he swam up to the grassy shore, he shifted into an elf and grabbed the rope. Sid and Shar walked out of their forge and down to the water's edge. The paladin helped Christina from the boat. She looked around the area in a bit of a daze; their camp was very simple to look at. With only the most basic shelters built for their sleeping mats. After the decades underground, not even the dwarves minded sleeping with the stars above head. By the time the colder months came they would have sturdier homes built.

Rain and Crystal approached, Falcon looked his mates over. Crystal's abdomen was bare; she was wearing as simple halter top to cover her breasts. Her belly was just now starting to show her pregnancy. His daughter's birth was still a few months out. Rain was dressed from head to toe in brilliant white, even his hands were gloved. The costume was strictly for show, when it was just the clan, the elf would run around in simple attire or if the dwarves were in Ironforge visiting family, nothing at all. Falcon smirked as his mind thought of the flesh under the layers of clothing.

"Greetings, my lady," Rain said gently, "you have travelled far. Forgive me for skipping the formalities but may I see your child?"

Christina gasped, probably unaware of their ability to speak across the distance, she assumed Rain was a mind reader as well as a healer. No one corrected her misinterpretation, as she unwrapped her baby from his swaddle and presented the silent child to Rain. The Sin'dorei sat down on the ground, cradling the infant to his chest. Sid rested a hand on Rain's left shoulder; Falcon knelt and placed a hand on the right. Creating as crude but effective healing circle, if needed the elf could draw on their power if his began to wane. The time passed slowly, Crystal walked over to the distraught mother and embraced her. Falcon sensed his power being called on and gladly gave it. Suddenly Rain stiffened and the baby let out a scream.

Crystal tightened her hold on his mother. "Be still," she whispered, "your child could be in no better hands."

The initial scream had been one of pain, the ones that followed sounded more natural to the druid. The elf under his hand shuddered and Sid pressed a hand against Rain's sweat soaked back. "It's okay, lad," the dwarf said as he steadied Rain.

"Your child is well," Rain whispered, his words slurred. "Hungry … feed him, I need … release …"

Crystal knelt and took the infant from their mate's arms. She handed him back to his mother who stood there dumbfounded. With little thoughts of modesty, his wife lifted the woman's shirt baring her breast and placed the babe to it. The strong suckling of her son broke the mother free from her stupor and she held him close, her cheeks wet with tears.

"Thank you," she whispered, "thank you …"

Knowing his wife would care for mother and child Falcon focused his attention on Rain. Without preamble he picked the limp elf up in his arms and carried him to the edge of camp, they were shadowed by Star. "Force it out, my heart." Falcon whispered as he lowered the hood shielding his face from their guest. Rain's hair was slick with sweat, his face paler than normal. "Get rid of it …"

Rain retched and a thick, black substance spewed out from him. Falcon held him, careful not to get any of the vomit on Rain or himself. Rain was still a demon hunter; he just hunted them differently than most. Able to take the demonic essence into himself and then expel it, this was more graphic than the other couple times his heart had done such a thing.

"Tastes like shit," Rain said after a moment, spitting his mouth to clean out the last bit of residue. The ground that the blackness had landed on withered and died

"I bet," Falcon said with a small smirk. He used his own magic to check Rain over, finding nothing amiss but exhaustion he embraced the elf and shouted over his shoulder for Shar to burn the area that had been scarred.

The dwarf walked over with a torch, in his other hand was a mug which he handed to Rain. The elf sniffed the cup and sighed. "You're trying to knock me out," he said.

"You need your strength," Falcon said, holding the herb tea to Rain's lips. "Dream of me?"

"Always do," Rain replied with a smile.

"Good," Falcon said kissing the sweaty temple of the elf he held. "Any idea how the babe got tainted?"

Rain shrugged, "it was a pretty formidable presence … guessing the child was chosen for a purpose, I would warn the mother to be on her guard. I placed some safeguards within; he won't be an easy target next time." The Sin'dorei yawned and tugged at the robes he wore. "Hot …" he whispered.

"All right, my heart," Falcon said standing, cradling the elf. "Let me get you out of the robes and into something more comfortable."

"My mates' arms?" he asked sleepily.

"I could use my mid-afternoon nap," Crystal said approaching. "If you two would like some company?"

"Just for sleep," Falcon warned, "we'll have fun later …"

"Promise?" Rain whispered against his chest.

"Promise," Falcon replied. He doubted Rain heard him already sound asleep. Laying him down on the simple bedding under the canopy, Falcon slid the heavy robe off. His wife laid down behind Rain wrapping an arm around him. Star took her custom sleeping spot at the foot of the bed.

"His reputation grows," Crystal whispered. "Others will come, Akire. We can't hide him away forever."

"Not forever," Falcon replied, brushing the ebony locks back from Rain's face. "Just until he's ready and even then he will not face his destiny alone. Whatever comes our way we will meet it together." Falcon looked over to where Sid and Shar were speaking to Christina and could see Sly, Gola and Red coming in from their swim.

Yes, whatever comes their way they would confront it together, he and his clan, the Earthhunters of Hell Cavern.

~ The End ~

Koori's Korner: How do you wrap up 3 ½ years of story telling? I want to thank you for reading and for all the comments over the years. The reviews are what brought me back after a year (two?) off to finish the story. Also thank you to my wonderful beta readers that helped polish the story. There is a good chance of the characters returning in short stories, also gave permission for a couple to appear in Firefall's story "Both Sides Now" should the chance arise. But for now I'll be taking a short vacation, well after I finish up "Brothers" later in the week. Thank you for everything! ~ K

PS: There are also a couple of links to pictures of the cove the Earthhunters moved into on my profile.