Disclaimer: Azeroth, and the denizens there of, belong to Blizzard Entertainment. While Alyna and a few others are of my own creation, pretty much everything else has been shamelessly pillaged, coerced, and/or re-imagined for your entertainment.

A/N - This is the second story of the Dark Ranger series. If you haven't read the first, Fires of Rebirth, be warned there are plot spoilers in this story should you then go back and read it after this. This story is already fully written and will be posted twice weekly on Sundays and Wednesdays.

This story depicts some of the early events of the Third War in Warcraft. For those familiar with it and how this may end, this is not an AU. Sorry.

Trigger warnings for sex, violence, and main character death.

While I am generally very picky about lore, I also believe that the addition of major characters can change how things turn out, or how they arrive at key points within the story of Warcraft. This is basically me pre-empting "But that's not how it happened!". If you think that, you'd most likely be right - but that's how it will happen in my world :) If you can't accept that, or a consenting sexual relationship between two women, this is not for you. Otherwise, please enjoy! Constructive criticism welcome.

Sun's Fall

Chapter 1

Grand Magister Belo'vir Salonar had been standing for some time, his champagne glass in hand. He had been telling stories to those gathered about Alyna, and Sylvanas had laughed along with the rest, despite having heard some of them many times. He had a way with words did Belo'vir, and a great sense of comic timing. They were at a sizable celebration at the Windrunner estate, in honour of Sylvanas and Alyna. Dozens of their friends and family were gathered at large tables, drinking and eating like there was no tomorrow.

Sylvanas' blood froze when she realised Belo'vir was now moving on to her.

"Now, we all know the fierce reputation of our brave and fearless Ranger General." There were lots of nods and murmurs of agreement. Sylvanas dramatically rolled her eyes, garnering a few chuckles of her own. "There are many tales of her daring. Children gallop through our streets, from our capital city to the smallest villages, pretending to be her coming to the rescue!" Sylvanas blushed deeply. She had heard the stories, and was equal parts humbled and mortified by the idea.

"But! He paused dramatically. "What takes true courage, is facing your deepest, most paralysing fear." He hesitated again for effect. "I have seen Sylvanas do just this. I have seen abject fear cross these normally brave eyes. I have seen her hands, nay, her entire body tremble in terror!" Murmurs rose, everyone wondering what could scare the ranger general to such an extent.

Sylvanas felt every eye in the room on her just then, and all she could do was stare at her hands as they rested on the table, wishing she had a hood to hide under. Alyna had strongly suggested she attend the party in 'normal' attire, and not in her Farstrider garb. Her head and face were just as exposed as everything else about her in that moment. Belo'vir was killing her. Slowly. With words.

"But what could do this, I hear you cry! What possible feat or fiend could cow the great General into being so petrified that her voice quivered and cracked when she spoke?"

He looked around at all of those gathered. Though his face was serious, his eyes twinkled with barely contained mischief.

"Why, asking me for permission to ask Alyna for her hand in marriage, of course."

The crowd erupted into howls of laughter. People were even banging tables in their enthusiastic mirth. For her part, Sylvanas groaned and dropped her blushing face onto the table, her hands cushioning the fall. She felt Alyna's comforting hand on her shoulder, but she knew the traitorous owner was laughing, hard. She could feel the vibrations of Alyna's amusement travel down through her hand.

It really had been a daunting prospect to ask the Salonar patriarch if he would accept her as part of his family. She wanted to say it was completely irrational; she knew he liked her. But the reality was, same-sex couples of their social standing did not marry. They were expected to find an opposite-gender mate, have children, and, if they must, have their lover on the side. Despite how their society had come a long way in accepting their relationship in the last fourteen years, it had taken this long before Sylvanas thought the elves were ready for her marriage to Alyna. They were all making light of the situation and treating it normally, which warmed her heart, but the reality was they were making history. Despite her confidence that Belo'vir would support them, she had still been a wreck when she had asked.

Eventually, everyone at the party settled down. Belo'vir was still standing, and now invited everyone else to join him on their feet. As one, all those present rose from their seats. Sylvanas could feel Alyna slide her arm under her own, linking their hands and leaning into her side. She pressed back into her, needing the contact as they both remained seated at the head of their table.

Belo'vir turned to face Sylvanas and Alyna who were seated to his right. He raised his glass of champagne in their direction. "Tonight, we salute these two extraordinary women, who, despite their best efforts to the contrary, have managed to find true love and happiness in each other. Separately, you are both formidable. Together, Light help any fool who messes with either of you."

Vocal agreements were shouted from all directions and everyone drained their glasses in good humour. This was rapidly followed by calls of "Speech!"

Sylvanas sighed with exasperation and turned to look into the dark blue eyes of her lover-now-betrothed. She felt herself melt in their warmth and love. She gained so much strength by Alyna's presence that she had no idea how she survived their occasional periods of separation when Alyna was on Quel'Danas training. Maybe she didn't. Maybe she died every time Alyna left, and was reborn with her return. It certainly felt that way.

Sylvanas accepted the flute of champagne from her lover, and they rose together. She slid an arm behind Alyna, pulling her close, and Alyna did the same. Sylvanas chuckled softly as a thought passed through her mind, and she decided to share it. "If this is what happens when we get engaged, I'm actually a little concerned with how outrageous this is going to get when we marry." There were close to a hundred and fifty present at the lavish open-air celebration.

Sylvanas nudged Alyna with her hip, "Care to elope?"

Chuckles and laughter echoed around the expansive Windrunner grounds. The spring evening was beautifully temperate, the sun slowly setting over the nearby ocean. Both were finding it a daunting experience, despite their relative fame over the last fourteen years since the end of what was now called the Second War. They were used to roaming through their beloved forest together with small groups of fellow rangers, living off the land, and visiting the small villages that were slowly being rebuilt. They loved the simple things, though appreciated the party their families had thrown for them.

Their eyes met again and it took considerable will power for Sylvanas to look away to address their friends and family. If she didn't, she knew she would lose herself in the endless depths Alyna appeared to possess these days. Binding to her runeblade had unlocked magical talents within her that were considerable. They had also allowed her to channel her natural ranger magic more effectively, and she now had a relationship with the land that rivalled Sylvanas herself.

While both things had contributed to the powerful aura Alyna carried with her these days, it was her calm serenity that Sylvanas found intoxicating. Sylvanas was not sure why, but Alyna's binding with Felo'alann had unleashed a rage within her that had been difficult to contain. It had strongly tested their relationship. After years of mediation and training with her mentor, Magister Falcar, she had finally brought it under control. As she had finally found a balance between her talents and inner self, Alyna had found true peace. She radiated this peace, even when firing arrows and hurling fireballs at trolls. What a difference a decade makes, Sylvanas mused.

Sylvanas grinned. She was still the best archer in the land. Most importantly, Alyna had said 'yes'. Sylvanas had won the heart of the most amazing woman most would ever meet.

Sylvanas cleared her throat and the crowd settled down. "Thank you all for … for all this." She gestured at everyone with her hand, still clutching the flute. "I've never been fond of public speaking." Despite the statement being completely true, she gave a mock glare at a few she knew may actually give voice to agreeing with her. She found lots of knowing smiles. She relaxed into an easy smile herself. "I was also never one for talking openly about my private life either." She chuckled. She still didn't talk much about their relationship, but everyone did love to gossip about them with or without their input.

"One thing I have realised of late, that we have both come to understand, is that while we are a couple in love, we are more than just that, than just … us. We are part of two incredible families who have loved and supported us when we have needed it, and have done just the same even if we didn't." She chose to ignore the actions of her grandfather, and various members of Alyna's family who had been complicit with his scheming. They were in the minority, thankfully.

"We also have some truly incredible friends, who irritate and amaze us on a regular basis." More than a few laughed, and someone called out, "You love it!" She flashed a grin at the culprit and gave him a wink. She paused before continuing. "I guess what I'm trying to say is that Belo'vir was correct when he said that we are here despite ourselves." Everyone was now quiet as they listened to her. She gave them all a lop-sided grin. "I like to think we'd have figured it out eventually, but we both know that we are here now because of all of you. Your love, your support, and your acceptance of us, as who and what we are, has allowed us to have a safe and loving environment in which we could figure out what we are to each other."

She reflected a moment on her words. The first few years after the war had been wretched for them both. They had both been busy hunting troll raiding parties and protecting villages trying to recover from their near-destruction. They had also had to come to terms with their personal losses, with Sylvanas' family being devastated in particular, closely followed by Alleria disappearing entirely and now presumed dead. Alyna had felt torn between her magic and being a ranger. She had needed to continue training with her mentor, but that had meant being away from Sylvanas for longer periods than they had initially planned. When they were together, the stresses that came after the war had put a great strain on rebuilding their relationship. The public spotlight they had been thrust under had not helped either. It had been their families and friends that had kept them sane, kept them talking, and ultimately, kept them together.

Sylvanas swallowed the lump in her throat, determined not to let everyone see her cry.

"Alyna and I will have the rest of our lives to rejoice in our union. This party, this … celebration … is as much about all of you and the vital parts you play in our lives than it is about us. And so, we salute all of you for being the beautiful people you are, and for putting up with us."

They both raised their flutes in salute to their friends. Sylvanas downed hers in one and abruptly sat down. There was silence for several long moments before someone began to clap slowly. Others added their own applause, and before she knew it, everyone was on their feet again. Alyna pulled her hand into her lap and squeezed it gently, and she knew it was meant to convey approval at the words she had spoken. Sylvanas could feel her blood rising to her face, again, and she cultivated a renewed interested in the table cloth.

She felt Alyna lean over, and shivered pleasantly as she felt her breath on her neck as Alyna observed huskily, "Not bad for one not fond of public speaking."

Sylvanas leaned into the woman who had stolen her heart. "Do I get a reward?"

Alyna cupped her cheek softly before pressing their lips together. She felt Alyna's tongue flick at her lips, and she opened them hungrily, welcoming the deepening of their kiss. She adored the sweet taste of her lover's mouth, now tinged with the fruitiness of the champagne they'd been drinking. There was nothing chaste about the kiss, and it stirred deeper feelings in Sylvanas that she knew would have to wait, for a couple more hours at least.

When they parted, they were both panting lightly. Alyna's hand dropped to Sylvanas' thigh and squeezed it suggestively.

Sylvanas finally found her voice, and she didn't even mind how weak it sounded. "I need to make more speeches."

Alyna's eyes twinkled with amusement.

Alyna stood back from the balcony railing she had been leaning on. She always found the sound of the waves crashing against the beach soothing, and loved standing outside listening to them and breathing in the salty air. The moon was half full tonight, and bright enough to light up the sea and make it twinkle under the stars. It was a high balcony, leading into Sylvanas' bedroom within Windrunner Spire.

Our bedroom, she corrected herself. They had shared it for decades, but she officially moved in just after they became engaged. They had yet to decide if they would stay in the Spire or find a place of their own once they were married. Considering they were rarely home, she figured they would stay in the Spire.

The continuing party could be heard, the sounds from the forest behind the Spire travelling round. They had managed to sneak away not long ago, both of them having reached their limit with regards to being sociable.

She felt Sylvanas' arms snake around her waist as her lover pressed into her back. Alyna closed her eyes as the other woman's scent washed over her, and she leant back into the embrace. She felt wandering digits searching for her own, and she opened her hands to allow Sylvanas to entwine their fingers together. They both now wore new rings to signify their engagement, and they were still getting used to them. On the third finger of her left hand, Alyna wore half of her wedding ring. The other half was currently on the third finger of Sylvanas' right hand. Conversely, Alyna had the other half of Sylvanas' wedding ring on her own right hand. The rings were blessed by the Light, and when they married and Sylvanas placed the other half of her ring onto her finger, it would fuse with the current half. The thought behind it was that while she wore part of her lover's ring, her spirit was infusing it with her own essence, and that would forever be a part of Sylvanas' wedding ring thereafter. She had no idea if that was true, but she found it deeply romantic and was stunned when she saw Sylvanas had gone to the great expense of having such rings designed and made for them.

Sylvanas mused gently in her ear, "You were very quiet tonight."

"It was a lot to take in," Alyna murmured.

She felt Sylvanas nod.

"Are you sure that's all it is?"

Alyna turned in Sylvanas' embrace and wrapped her arms around her lover's waist. She lowered her head and Sylvanas met her forehead with her own, their noses touching softly.

Alyna confessed, "I wish my father and older siblings were more … agreeable."

Sylvanas threaded her fingers gently through Alyna's hair. "I know, baby. I wish things had happened differently too."

Alyna sighed, deeply. Her father had readily agreed to have her older brother, Galanir, betrothed to Sylvanas in a secret deal several decades ago. The engagement had eventually not happened, but the damage the episode had caused was deep. She had found out that her brother had known about how Sylvanas had been blackmailed into breaking up with Alyna, and had been fine with it. Her older sister, Lylias, had also known and had not said anything.

The three of them, and her mother, had not been present at the party tonight, though they had also not been invited. Sylvanas' grandfather had been unwelcome as well. Others had also not been present, for other reasons. Alyna knew Sylvanas still missed her little brother deeply since his death, and Alleria going missing almost a year after the Second War had ended had been just as devastating. Alleria and her lover, Turalyon, had volunteered for the Alliance Expedition to the orc home world of Draenor to finally defeat the orcs once and for all. Khadgar had also gone with them. The portal had suddenly closed one day, and, just like that, they were all gone.

Alyna wanted to find it in her heart one day to forgive their family members for their betrayal, but, so far, she had not managed to understand why they had resorted to such extremes, and was unable to move on as a result. They had ripped Sylvanas away from her, and that was currently unforgivable. She had felt a cold rage form inside her soul when she had found out about the sordid plan. That rage had not subsided, and she was afraid that it never would despite all the training she had undergone. She had shared her feelings about it with Sylvanas a few years ago, and Sylvanas had told her that she felt the same way. They both carried a darkness inside birthed by others, and she had no idea what that meant for them as individuals, or as a couple.

Recently, Sylvanas had observed that Alyna seemed more at peace with herself, and strangely, despite the rage, she knew Sylvanas was right. The confusion had led Alyna to confide in Liadrin, now a high priestess, and the wise elf had smiled at her. Their friendship had been strained for a while after the incident with Zul'jin but they had moved passed it. Liadrin had been just as keen on revenge as Halduron had been, though, unlike Halduron, she now saw the wisdom of Alyna's actions. Liadrin had explained that finding peace did not mean eradicating our darker natures, but by finding a harmonious balance and accepting every part of ourselves. She had said, "Without the darkness, we cannot differentiate the Light. One must exist to define the other." Alyna had felt lighter in body and spirit after that day.

Alyna now felt hands softly stroking her face. Her eyes fluttered up and she saw the shining light grey-blue eyes of Sylvanas watching her intently.

"I love you," Sylvanas said simply.

Alyna smiled. "I love you too, my brave General."

Sylvanas winced at the speech reference, causing Alyna to chuckle.

Alyna turned in Sylvanas arms again and they watched the waves crashing against the shore below. Sylvanas kissed her earlobe, making her shiver.

"You did a lot of dancing," the general observed.

Alyna smiled. She had done a great deal of dancing. She had even managed to drag Sylvanas up for a couple of rounds.

"Mhmm." Alyna hummed as Sylvanas continued to kiss and nibble her ear and neck. She closed her eyes and quietly enjoyed her lover's attention.

When she didn't return the physical affection, Sylvanas whispered into her ear, "You must be tired."

Alyna chuckled huskily. She knew where the conversation was going and decided to play along. "Well, I wouldn't say I'm too tired."

"Oh?" came the hopeful response.

Alyna pressed back into Sylvanas. "Mhmm." She marvelled at how, after all the years they had been together, they still played these games.

Not getting a precise response, Sylvanas verbally prodded, "Not too tired, for what, exactly?"

Alyna turned around and looped her arms around Sylvanas' neck, her voice low and sensual. "I'm never too tired for you."

Alyna leant in to kiss Sylvanas, but the other woman held her chin up, pretending to think about Alyna's words and preventing her from starting the kiss. "Well … there was that time when you were …" Alyna raised an eyebrow as a warning for Sylvanas not to finish that sentence. Sylvanas didn't, but she started another instead. "And then there was that time you actually fell asle—" Alyna interrupted her with a jab in the ribs.

"Oh, you're funny," Alyna growled as she stepped out of Sylvanas' arms and moved around her to walk inside their room towards their bed, stretching her arms out in feigned fatigue. "You know, I suddenly feel like I could sleep for weeks."

When Alyna didn't get any reply she turned and, despite herself, felt her jaw drop. Sylvanas stood just inside the balcony, smiling coyly. She was bathed in moonlight, and completely naked save for the tunic she was holding out in her hand. She dramatically let it drop to the floor with the rest of her clothes.

Alyna felt her body gasp for air, having forgot to breathe. Her voice barely registered above a whisper, but she knew Sylvanas heard her words. "You're so beautiful."

Sylvanas moved towards her, understanding that Alyna was rooted to the spot. She cupped Alyna's cheek and gave her a chaste kiss. "So are you, my love."

She undressed Alyna slowly, planting kisses on each new piece of freshly exposed skin that sent pleasant shivers through Alyna's body. She enjoyed the look on Sylvanas' face as she marvelled at how much stronger Alyna's body was now after becoming a ranger again. She had known her frail condition when they had reconciled had upset Sylvanas, and had done what she could to get fit again. She now had well defined muscles, and even calluses on her hands from intensive bow use. Sylvanas was now kissing the toughened areas on her hands, almost worshiping them with her mouth. Alyna was equally taken by Sylvanas' body – her general was strong, healthy and vibrant.

Finally able to move, Alyna backed onto their bed and pulled herself across it. Sylvanas followed like a lynx on the prowl and positioned herself above Alyna's body. Alyna squirmed as Sylvanas trailed her kisses up Alyna's abdomen, and between her breasts. She felt soft lips sucking lightly on her neck before kissing along her jawline.

When their lips finally met, Alyna was hungry for her lover and their passion ignited, having built up through the evening. Sylvanas interlinked their fingers and pushed Alyna's arms above her head, Sylvanas' body pressing into her own as they drowned in their kiss. Alyna felt a knee press between her legs and she couldn't help but break the kiss to let out a moan, her back arching as she pressed into Sylvanas' leg. She felt the knee move away and she almost whined about the loss, but then she felt strong fingers scratch up her inside thigh and she gasped. Alyna knew her body was trembling with her need, and Sylvanas did not tease her any longer, instinctively knowing when her beloved was too impatient to tolerate much foreplay.

The powerful mage cried out as she was penetrated strongly, and she reached out for Sylvanas, managing to get a handful of her hair. She kissed her general roughly as she rocked her hips onto fingers that knew exactly how she loved to be touched. When she came, it was not gentle and she cried Sylvanas' name out into the room, her vision going black for a few moments.

Alyna was vaguely aware of Sylvanas moving their bodies so she could hold the quivering mage, and she curled into the warmth that Sylvanas radiated. She could smell her general's excitement tickling her nostrils and she smiled as her hunger rose.

A thought came to her and she started chuckling. She could almost hear Sylvanas' unspoken question so she volunteered the information. "I forgot to activate the orb," she managed weakly.

She felt Sylvanas' own chuckle vibrate down through her chest and into Alyna's cheek. "I don't think anyone heard you, my love. They're all still outside." She paused. "I think." Alyna didn't have to look up to know Sylvanas had a smug grin on her beautiful face.

Alyna felt her energy return and rose from her prone position to give Sylvanas a rakish smile. The smug grin disappeared and Alyna decided to see just how far sound could travel around the Spire.