The Loremaster - Chapter 2 – The Shrine of Fellowship
Rhenn heard a noise.
She dismissed it at first until she heard the firm knock that could only belong to the Lord of the Shado-Pan himself. She lifted herself from her stool where she had been reading the complex characters of the Pandaren language and walked to the door.
Lord Taran Zhu was large, even for a Pandaren. He looked at her his dark eyes keen under his hat and face wrap. Behind him stood a rather portly Pandaren who had several jars hanging from his belt around his impressive girth. He was not starved, this male, and he wore a straw hat. His golden eyes watched Rhenn as she bowed to them both.
"Lord Zhu. I was not expecting company."
"I have an errand for you." He said looking at her. He lifted a scroll. "This must be delivered to Lorewalker Stonestep at the Temple of the Jade Serpent. Chen Stormstout is on his way there as well. He has finished his deliveries here. I thought you would be a good traveling companions."
"Thank you." Rhenn said. She stepped forward. "I am Rhenn."
"Many have heard of you, my lady." Chen said smiling.
"I will pack my things. We can leave at once. The mountains as still. It is a good time to travel." Rhenn said lifting her head to look toward Mount Neverest. She then moved to go to her rooms and pack clothing for her journey. Ti-Zu appeared beside her. "Where are we going?"
"On an adventure." Rhenn said. She nodded as she folded her clothing. "In you go." She said holding the flap open. The small cloud serpent whimpered a moment, but then noticed it would be comfortable and then climbed into the satchel. Rhenn closed it and smiled as she felt the small hatchling move about. Taran had given her Ti-Zu as a gift. It was hard work, much harder than having a puppy or cat. Cloud serpents could talk and did, often, voicing their opinions on things much like small children. Ti-Zu was no exception and
Lord Zhu nodded. "Rhenn has learned much. I expect this journey will aide her much in her way to become a Lorewalker."
Chen nodded. "I will watch over her, Taran. You have my word."
Taran Zhu nodded. "I hold you to that. She is…special."
"She has to be unique to be female and a human to have joined your clan."
Taran nodded as he watched Rhenn reappeared with a satchel on her back and clay canteen hanging from a strap over her shoulder.
"Celestial's blessing on you, Rhenn." Taran said stepping to her.
She bowed deeply to him. "And with you master." She said.
Chen smiled and held out his paw. "Chen." He wore a black top with frog clasps that were not buttoned half way down due to is large belly. He wore matching pants of black silk as well. His dark hair was loose down his back and he wore a belt with an emblem she had come to know as the monk emblem. His straw hat was like those who worked in the Heartland to keep the sun from their faces and necks, a large sphere that came to a point at the top. It was lined around the outer edge with white fur. His fur was white and black and he was middle aged, but not as old as Taran Zhu himself. His golden eyes held merriment and curiosity. Rhenn instantly felt she would like this man.
"Rhenn." She said as they walked away from Taran Zhu who stood back, arms folded watching them leave.
They left the monastery side by side. Chen fell into pace with the young woman as she walked, her small feet barely making a sign in the snow. His large paws and sandals sunk in more as they walked. "I have heard you once were a queen." He said by way of starting small talk as they walked along the small path.
She chuckled. "Few people know this about me, but yes. I once was the queen of the humans and the Alliance. Those days are behind me. Anduin rules well after his father and my elder children serve him as advisors."
"The king is not your son?"
"He is by my marriage to his father. I bore his two half-sisters, but I did not birth him. He was a babe when his own mother was killed. I suppose I am the only mother he has known."
Chen nodded.
The paid made small talk as they walked, but on a steep hill, Rhenn had tripped on a patch of hard snow and turned her ankle. While painful, she refused to turn back and made her walk, leaning on her staff. Chen was amazed at her fortitude and stayed with her.
Several times the young woman had to stop to rest her feet and feed the tiny beast she carried in her satchel. Ti-Zu had surprised Chen at first. He had never been so close to a child of the Cloud Serpents. Ti-Zu was friendly and chatty until, Rhenn, treating her like a child, made her take a nap so they could move on.
They made their first camp near Kota Basecamp after passing Winter's Blossom and several grummles in caravans making their way to the monastery and elsewhere. The small creatures were friendly and Rhenn bought two yaks to use in the Kun-Lai area. The trip would take days and they needed sure-footed beasts. Once in the Valley of the Four Winds they could find other means of transport, but for now, Rhenn did not want to walk on foot.
The Burlap Trail was wrought with danger. Hozen inhabited the area and they had been warned by the grummles that the humanoid monkeys were fond of yak for food. The trail was fairly fast going being compacted with years and hundreds of feet traveling it being both of beast and humanoid.
Rhenn's yak lifted her head as Rhenn turned her head and lifted her hand. Chen stopped beside her.
"What is it?" He asked.
"Trouble." She said moving her white hair back behind her ear so she could listen.
She lifted her hand and a ball of fire shot out and hit the first hozen that leapt at them in the chest. It shrieked in surprise and its compatriots moved to attack. Rhenn lifted a hand an ice formed around their ankles.
Rhenn looked at Chen and spurred her mount forward. They were less than two miles from the Burlap Waystation. If they could make it, they would be able to repel their attackers from higher ground. Chen followed her, looking back over his shoulder as the ice broke and hozen moved to follow crying out.
The two miles were covered quickly and at the edge of the road, Rhenn turned back as Chen went by her. He pulled his mount to a halt as she closed her eyes. The hozen were hot on their heels and as they drew near an elemental spirit formed near the former queen. It purred at her as she opened her eyes and lifted a hand. An ice ball flew from it knocking three hozen backwards.
Chen then steadied his mount as a rumble caused the yaks to shift. From the earth rose a great black form to the south. Chen reached for Rhenn's yak as the hozen turned and screamed and moved to run off.
Rhenn looked in the direction and blinked. From a great hole had risen a Sha. He was monstrous and she could hear his thoughts. Anger…I feel it…give it to me! She looked at the horrible face and swallowed as she dismissed her elemental and turned to Chen.
"We are safe as long as we do not become angry. Do not feed the creature." She said.
"What is it?" Chen asked as he dismounted hearing the rumbling. About them the grummles were whimpering and praying to their gods as they clutched their luckydos to them.
"That is a sha." She said. "The Shado-Pan hunt and fight them."
"I feel very…"
She gripped his hand. "Find peace, monk. Do not let it control you."
He looked at her eyes and then nodded. He took a calming breath and then watched as the shadow that had seemed to be extending toward them faded. After a few minutes the sha growled and then disappeared into the hole had had come from.
Rhenn took a breath.
They made camp and the grummles offered supplies for a nominal fee. They called Rhenn "āyí", "auntie", for her generosity to them. Chen watched in amusement as the small creatures set up their tent just as the last rays of the sun were disappearing.
Rhenn sat before her tent where Chen had built a fire wrapped in a blanket. Ti-Zu was sleeping next to the door in a small blanket of her own. She was snoring softly and Rhenn smiled at the small thing. Ti-Zu was so much like a small child.
Chen joined her and poked the fire. The breeze was chilled and Rhenn shivered. Chen gently lifted the blanket higher on her. "You are cold, àirén." He said gently.
She nodded a little. "Thank you." She said.
"Come. I will keep you warm." He said softly.
She looked up at him startled and he shook his head.
"No, I mean, I have fur and in the tent I will keep you warm. Come bring the small beast inside of the flap."
She nodded. She laid down on the pallet and Chen settled behind her after closing the flap. The tent was large, built for at least four Pandaren. Rhenn's small form and Ti-Zu in the sheltered corner seemed to take up so little space.
The wind began to howl and Rhenn was grateful, Chen had insisted they have their tent between two wagons. At the time she thought it had been fool-hearty, but in fact, now, she realized it was well. The wagons protected them from most of the wind.
A crash made Rhenn sit up and she looked at Ti-Zu who was on her back, paws in the air still asleep. Rhenn shook her head and then she felt Chen's paw on her hip. "It is just a storm, àirén. Rest." He said, mostly asleep.
She sighed and laid back down. She found Chen's presence both soothing and warming. His body heat made the tent comfortable and his fur, so close to her, made her feel safe, secure, and warm. His hand was over his face as he laid there, but his paw remained on her as she laid on her side. Like Taran Zhu, Chen was large for a Pandaren and his paw engulfed much of her side.
Soon she slept and the storm raged outside as she was lulled to sleep by the rain on the canvas and the soft whispers of the wind against the tent.
ZzZ
Rhenn woke and found Chen was not in the tent. Neither was Ti-Zu.
Fighting her panic, Rhenn got up and threw open the tent flap. It was still early morning and the dawn was still just barely coloring the sky to the east. Chen was seated by the coals of the fire cooking some sort of fruit. Ti-Zu was tucked into his arm eating some sort of meat with her tiny paws.
Rhenn sighed and walked to them. "Ti-Zu. You know you are not supposed to wander off."
"I was hungry. The big man found food. I like him." Ti-Zu said clearly unruffled as she chewed the meat.
Chen smiled at his human companion. "I did not wish to wake you and she was hungry." He smiled. "Forgive me."
"Not it is all right. Thank you, Chen."
Ti-Zu looked up at him. "Chen." She said. "I like that." She looked at Rhenn. "Can he stay around?"
Chen chuckled at the innocent words of the cloud serpent child. "Perhaps, my little one." He lifted the fruit and handed it to Rhenn. "It is hot, but peel the skin."
She used her knife to peel away the skin and steam rose out of the husk. It smelled sweet and earthy. She cut piece and ate it. It was amazingly sweet.
As dawn broke, Chen and Rhenn were ready to continue their journey. They would reach One-Keg by midafternoon and hopefully be to the Temple of the White Tiger for the night.
The yaks moved at their quick pace and they reached One-Keg a full two hours before they were expecting to be there. It was a good omen. Rhenn and Chen ate lunch in the tavern. It was a simple meal, but hearty.
They again mounted their sure-footed beasts and rode down the hill. They left their yaks with the grummles of the small outpost called the Grummle Bazaar. This was the eastern most point of the Burlap Trail and Rhenn fed her mount a treat before thanking the grummle who took her.
Chen looked at his companion as she stood on a rock looking up at the nearby high mountains. On the top, covered in fresh snow was the Temple of the White Tiger. Much like the Shado-Pan monastery the great Temple stood as a sentinel above the valley below.
Rhenn pulled her satchel tighter to her body. Ti-Zu was safely within and she moved down the small, but well-beaten trail toward the majestic fore gate of the Temple. It was across the thin valley, an easy walk on flat ground. Chen looked up as Rhenn paused by the two stone tigers. Incense burned before them and she dipped her head in respect before moving to ascend the steep trail.
Chen was amazed at how easily the former queen could move. They were to the lower court yards as the sun was beginning to set. Chen sought to find arrangements for them to stay while Rhenn walked the remaining steps to the Temple itself.
She walked to where the spirit of the great white tiger stood. "Welcome." It said.
"Thank you, lord of the north." She said, head bowed.
"For a human, you know our ways better than most." The tiger rumbled.
"I have studied hard."
"It shows. Go with my blessing." The August Celestial said.
"I have heard rumor that my grandson is here."
"The human Prince? Yes. He is learning our ways."
Rhenn looked up startled. "Anduin allowed this?"
Xuen shook his head and she looked at the small pieces of light in the room. "No. The young prince is head strong and finds his own way."
Rhenn chuckled. "He inherited that honestly."
"Lord Tiger." A young male voice said from the back of the room. "Oh. I did not know someone would be here. Forgive me."
"No." Rhenn said raising her head scarf over her face. She bowed to the great being and turned away. "I was just leaving." She walked toward the door and passed the Prince. Genn looked like his father with honey hair and dancing eyes. She bowed softly. "Celestial's blessing, prince."
His arm shot out as she passed him. Their eyes met. "How do you know I am a prince?" He demanded. The look was that of his grandfather, Varian.
Rhenn regarded her grandson a moment before speaking. "It was rumored in the camps."
"Who are you?" He looked at her. "Do I know you?"
"I do not think so." Rhenn lied. She prayed he would not recognize her. She knew that many thought her dead from the Alliance. Ellsa knew the truth. She and Rhenn had sent coded messages for months. She wondered if Anduin knew. She wondered if Genn thought his grandmother dead. This was not the time for a family reunion.
"She is the White Lady of the Shado-Pan." Xuen said from where he stood. Both humans looked up at him startled. Xuen looked at Rhenn and dipped his head slightly. "She has gained the respect of the clan and me, good prince. She can be trusted."
Genn nodded and released Rhenn's elbow. "It was an honor, my lady. Please send my regards to your master, Lord Zhu."
"I will tell him." Rhenn said looking away from the intense gaze of the prince lest he guess.
The prince watched her go. He had only seen one with those eyes before, but his grandmother had been long dead. She had been buried on a beach by Wrathion, the Black Prince when he found her and her companions dead after a hozen attack. He had left them to explore and had found their broken bodies and buried them. The hozen, however, suffered. Wrathion liked the Queen of Ages and had destroyed the village of hozen nearby with flames. None had survived the Black Prince's wrath.
Xuen's voice entered his thoughts. "Come Prince. Do not dwell on the past. Your grandmother would not wish it."
He nodded and moved to listen to a lesson from the August Celestial.
Rhenn found Chen in the guest house. They only had one room. Rhenn sighed as she walked into the room.
"Are you well?"
"Yes. My grandson is nearly a man." She said.
"He is here? Why do you not stay with him?" Chen asked.
"He thinks I am dead."
"And you let him think that?"
"Xuen thought it for the best."
Chen arched an eyebrow and then nodded. "I see."
She saw Ti-Zu was sleeping already in a small pile of blankets that Chen had found. On her back, her tummy was distended from the last meal she had eaten. Rhenn smiled and looked at Chen. "Thank you."
He bowed his head to her.
She went about getting ready for bed. Chen had been organizing his back when he looked up and saw her. She had stood facing away from him, but he could clearly see the curves of her body with hair braided. She changed quickly into some sleep pants and was pulling on her shirt when she turned and they met each other's eyes. Or rather his snapped up to her after looking at her still large and firm breasts. Though older, she was still a very beautiful woman and Chen felt his mouth go dry.
She pulled on her shirt and colored. "Forgive me, I thought I heard you leave the room."
"Guard, outside…" Was all he managed.
She nodded and then went to the pallet. She unbraided her thick hair and began to brush it. She then felt warm paws still her hands and take the brush. Chen brushed her hair in firm gentle strokes. He was very good at it.
"Where did you learn this?" She asked as he pulled a part back from her ear.
"Li-Li." He said with a shrug. "I had to do her hair every morning."
She smiled. "How luck she is to have an uncle like you."
He smiled and then leaned forward and pressed a kiss to her shoulder. "You should sleep now."
She laid back and then looked up at him as he shifted to go to the chair. "Where are you going?"
"The chair."
"That seems hardly comfortable."
"I have had worse."
She did not doubt it, but she took his paw. "Stay, Chen."
"But…"
She sat up and touched his face. She smiled at him mischievously and then pressed his mouth to his. He was startled and tried to move back, but her hand held his beard and her body was warm, inviting, and, so soft. He let his paws pull her closer instinctually and as she pulled back, her face inches from his, eyes searching his golden, he pressed forward, kissing and exploring.
She did not have the body of a new bride, but then, neither did he, not by a long shot. However, she was beautiful and foreign and willing. He smiled as his tongue found a sensitive place near her ear. "Should we Rhenn? We are both not young, but what if…?"
She pressed her body to his in answer and he grunted as he felt his self-control slip.
ZzZ
It was morning when Chen woke.
He had been dreaming. There was no way that the lovely Rhenn would have ever allowed him to… He froze as he shifted. He encountered a body. A soft skinned body that smelled of roses and ginger. He looked over and found Rhenn snuggled against his thick fur, still sleeping. His paws were around her back. He gasped when he realized she was naked and even more, so was he.
He sat up and touched his body as though looking for damage and then noticed Rhenn looking at him somewhat amused.
"I didn't hurt you did I?" She asked playfully.
His jaw dropped as he realized his dream was no dream at all. He really had spent one of the most memorable and beautiful nights of his life with Rhenn, a former queen, and human at that. He swallowed. "Are you all right?" He asked.
"Of course." She said. "As I told you before. I am not glass, Chen."
"But you are so delicate." His paws went to her shoulders of their own volition. He swallowed. Then he smiled. "I never expected us to…"
"I did not either." She said as she rose and padded to find clothing. She did not seem to mind her nakedness around him as she moved. She was graceful. Graceful like a monk, but more than that. She moved in ways that a Pandaren could not. Like a crane.
He had heard rumor that her nickname was that.
Crane. It fit.
He dressed as well and she walked back to him as he was pulling on his sandals.
He broke the silence between them. "Do you wish to forget?"
She shook her head. "Thank you." She said softly.
"For what?" He asked bemused.
"For making me remember." She said and pressed a soft kiss to his mouth before turning to Ti-Zu who was waking and would no doubt be hungry.
ZzZ
They booked passage to Westwind Rest. The encampment of the Alliance was only a few miles and within sight of the great wall of the Serpent Spine gate known as the Gate of the August Celestials. The gate had been opened for the first time in millennia with the help of Prince Genn and others. Rhenn had listened to the gossip about the Temple when she walked waiting for their kites to be assembled.
Chen and she boarded the great kites and allowed them to gain breezes and sail down the valley toward the plains that formed the lowlands before the mountain regions of Kun-Lai. The kites were fast and covered nearly two days of travel by foot in a matter of hours.
They descended gently to the outpost. The Westwind Rest had grown since the last time Rhenn had seen it.
Rhenn recognized Mortimer Taylor among the Alliance and kept her face cover about her face as she leaned against her staff. Chen saw to them gaining a pallet there to sleep. This night, with the others in the great tent, they could not be lovers, but several of the human and dwarf men and women had noticed the smiles Chen cased in her direction as she moved to let her cloud serpent outside to fly and play.
"A rare gift." A large male Pandaren remarked near her. "You must hold high favor with someone."
"Lord Zhu." She said. She lifted her hand and her ever growing cloud serpent took the small piece of meat she offered.
"I am Kai. Welcome to Westwind."
"Thank you." She said.
"I am Crane of the Shado-Pan."
"Crane? That is an unusual human name."
She smiled. "I have many names. Grace was one. They now call me Crane."
"Indeed." He smiled. He looked beyond and noted Chen watching her from where he was buying supplies. "Your husband seems keen to keep an eye on you."
"Chen? He is not my husband."
"Oh? The Stormstouts are a good clan. That amber stare is for you alone my dear."
She chuckled. "He is a good man."
"I would hope so."
ZzZ
The next morning it was raining when they took their kites and went to travel to the Shrine of the Seven Stars. They spent the night there in a room, this time with Chen barely able to shut the door before his paws were on her. They had a filling meal and shared a table with a member of the Order of the Cloud Serpent and Loremaster Cho.
The next morning, the weather was improved and they flew to the Valley of the Four Winds. They flew over the Heartland and spent the night in Halfhill, a rustic town, but again Chen was determined for all to know that the beautiful white haired human was his. The town was used to farmers, not the illusive Shado-Pan and to have Chen the Wanderer and Crane of the Shado-Pan caused quite the stir.
The last leg would be long and Chen brought her onto his large kite. They would arrive at the Temple of the Jade Serpent well after dark. And so they did, but Chen wrapped Rhenn in his cloak to keep her warm and shared the rations he had with her.
They found a room and were asleep when their heads hit the pillows and did not wake until late morning. After a good breakfast, Rhenn went on her errand while Chen explored the area and the gardens beyond.
They met up again for dinner. Rhenn looked excited. She had new information from the Lorewalkers and Ti-Zu's check-up had gone well. Chen took her and a picnic lunch into the tranquil gardens of the Temple and together they watched the fireflies dance as dusk set in.
Chen kissed his lover softly and sighed as she relaxed between his stretched out legs. "What are you thinking?"
"How beautiful the Jade Forest is. I wish I did not have to return to the cold mountains."
"I have something I wish to show you, if you allow me."
She looked up. "Of course."
"Rhenn. What if something happens?" He asked. His heart was heavy.
"What do you mean?"
"If you carry a cub? It would be the first half-breed between our peoples."
She laughed a little and that surprised him. "I am already a half-blood."
"I am serious. We have…been intimate several times."
"I am in middle fifties. I doubt very much that would happen, Chen."
"But if it did…"
"Why are you so concerned?"
"I want you to know I would love and support you."
She winced. "Chen. I am not the marrying type. I have buried two husbands. I will not do the same with a third."
He looked at her and cupped her chin. "I am not asking to marry you. I am telling you, I would help you in any way I can."
"You have already helped me, Chen. In more ways than you know."
He sighed. "I am too fat for the likes of a Queen anyway."
She reached up and tugged his beard a little. "No. I am used to….bigger men, though Varian was large in all respects." She smiled and looked at herself. "I am not as I once was either. Can you not be content with a friendship?"
"Aye." He said and caressed her cheek. "I can be content with that."
She nodded. She turned in his embrace and kissed him. "The woman you marry will be quite happy."
"Oh?"
"You are better than most in bed." She said and she swore she saw his white fur color.
ZzZ
They walked the only couple hour walk to Dawn's Blossom and then gained a kite to take them to Tian Monastery. The pair were welcomed for an evening meal with the monks. They enjoyed the company of the human.
Rhenn took note that there were hozen and jinyu among the monks. High Elder Cloudfall befriended the young woman as she stood on the wall looking out over the Forest Heart, the great walkways over the vast land, and the mountains to the north east that seemed to be shrouded in mist.
The next morning, Chen woke her early to go to a surprise. He told her it would be worth the wait though it would be a climb to get to it.
She nodded and they set out.
It took them two days to make it to the great hidden stair way and then another to walk up the many steps. The mists were cool and Rhenn was grateful for her cloak that Taran Zhu had ordered made for her.
They made it to the top where a grate shrine was. The mist swirled about the shrine, but below she could see glimpses of the Forest Heart. It was serene and beautiful. The mist was becoming thicker and so Chen moved to the lone building. Within the building was an elder Pandaren, Chen named him Sam the Wise.
Rhenn looked out the door as the two spoke. Sam agreed to allow them to stay the night.
Morning came and Rhenn woke with a start. Her dreams woke her. Two men were fighting in the Shrine. She looked at Chen who was awake eating some oatmeal. He had allowed Sam to try some of his beer and their host had been very content to let them stay.
He went to her. "What is it?"
"Trouble." She looked at him then. "Why did you bring me here?"
"To ask why we fight... ... is to ask why the leaves fall. It is in their nature. Perhaps, there is a better question…" He looked at her and smiled. "The Shrine of Fellowship is there the clans gather to discuss political problems and where we all once met to gain our freedom from the Mogu." He looked at her. "What trouble?"
"Fighting….a human and a…."
Then there was the sound of metal and something outside. Rocks fell and then the sound of one of the great bells.
Sam the Wise looked up. "Those bells are not to be wrung unless there is high danger." He blinked. "Fighting here is forbidden!"
Chen nodded and stepped out. Rhenn followed his gaze. An orc and a human were fighting in the thick mist.
Rhenn looked at him. "Chen. You must stop them!"
He nodded and went out holding his staff. "Stay here, Rhenn."
"Are you kidding?"
"They could harm you."
She snorted, but he walked out and went to the pair. The mist was thick and made it hard to see. The human and orc crossed weapons and Chen was between them with his staff. He moved away startling the pair of combatants.
The orc looked about and then saw a massive stone in the mist. He shattered it and Chen's golden eyes met him as he growled and swirled the mist about him, lifting his paw in a monk gesture.
The human and orc did not take the hint and attacked Chen. The human cut through the front of Chen's straw hat with his sharpened stick causing Chen to growl and look at him. Rhenn came out cautiously, watching the three as Chen dodged the blows meant for him expertly and even used the pair to attack each other with skill.
Rhenn knew that Chen was a Brewmaster monk, but she had never seen him fight. He preferred his drink and food. Chen sent the wooden piece that the orc held into the air. He caught it and out it back where it belonged. It was an incense burner and he straightened it with his staff without looking at it.
The human, a captain by his ruined clothing and the orc gawked at Chen and were panting. The human handed the orc his sharpened stick which the orc took with a shake of his head, watching the all too calm Chen chewing on a small twig before him.
The orc and the human lifted their weapons and Chen smiled and chuckled a little as he spat out the twig. The orc charged first. Chen knocked him to the side. Next was the human whom Chen first hit in the face and then used his staff to lever the man up and over him. The human grunted as he landed flat on his back. Chen then ran up the railing of the bridge and used his staff to flip to the other side. He landed and turned bracing himself before turning back to his opponents. The orc had jumped over the human, his current ally as the human picked himself up.
Rhenn stood back and realized the fight was coming toward her. With nowhere to run she held her staff and made ready as the orc and human chased Chen. Chen used his staff to knock the orc back and then spun to kick him down. The human caught a spin kick dropping him against a pillar.
Chen saw Rhenn nearby and watched the pair attack at once. They knocked his staff down. Then then kicked it up, hitting them both in the face and startling them. He used his staff to vault against a nearby pillar and slam his body weight and staff down in a spell.
The human and orc were sent flying backwards as Rhenn watched the mist about them dissipate. She stepped forward as Chen looked at her, growling a little in exertion. The human and orc looked up and then about at the beauty around them as Chen turned to Rhenn and spoke to her in Pandaren.
"Why do we fight? To protect Home, and Family... To preserve Balance, and bring Harmony. For my kind, the true question is: What is worth fighting for?"
He lifted a tub from nearby watching Rhenn, his lover watching him. He sniffed the air as the blossoms blew by and tickled his nose and smiled at her. "Delicious no?" He asked. He smiled at her.
She laughed. "Always food." She said.
She turned to the orc and the human. She went to the orc. Dressed as a Shado-Pan monk she was still human, but he watched her wearily as he stood there.
"I can help tend your hurts, if you let me." She said in orcish.
The orc seemed surprised. "You speak my tongue."
"Many here so. Chen and I speak both orcish and common."
"Chen? Chen Stormstout?" He asked as she wrapped some linen around the torn green thigh.
"The same." Chen said stepping to them.
The orc looked at her as she turned to the human. "Captain Warner." She said in common.
"You know me, madam?"
"Yes."
"Who are you?" He asked as she bound his arm and pressed a cloth to his brow. He tried to reach up and she slapped his hand down.
"This place is for fellowship. Hatreds will only cause the land harm." She said. "Go. Tell your commanders this."
"I would have your name, madam."
"I am Crane of the Shado-Pan."
"But you are human. That is not a human name." The orc said in common.
"True." Captain Warner said as she finished with him also. "Gently done, my lady. You have my thanks. You do not recall your name?"
She turned to him. "No. I had a human name once." She paused. "And an orcish name. Atha'ah." She said.
"Indeed." The orc's eyes filled with wonder. "It is a wonder to have you here, my lady."
"Go." She said. "Remember this place and remember what you have seen and learned."
"Yes." Captain Warner nodded.
The two departed and Chen looked at Rhenn. "Atha'ah?" He asked. "What does it mean?"
"Blessed by the Gods. It was the name Warchief Go'el gave me long ago." She took a breath. "It is how I am remembered among the Horde."
"You did not give a human name."
"I do not wish the Alliance to know I still live. I am content Chen. Leave me be."
"As you wish."
She looked out from the edge in wonder. "The land here is massive." She said as the breeze moved about her.
He touched her shoulder. "Of course. Come then. I must return you to your home, Crane."
She smiled and touched his face. "When we part, I hope to see you again."
"You will, my dear." He nuzzled her. "I cannot stay away long from you."
Together they walked back down the slippery staircase. It would take some time to reach a destination with a flight path, but the destination was not the point, it was the journey to get there, that made all the difference.