A/N: Episode 4 is here! I'm glad people have been enjoying this and thank you to everyone who is reading and reviewing. The support means a lot. Enjoy!

Exploding Sheep

Episode 4 - You Make Me Sick

Kayden cursed under his breath as a hail of water came streaming down on top of him from the branches above.

He looked up through the rain to see a group of squirrels racing along the trees, shaking the branches and the water that clung to them. Wiping his face, he stepped over a fallen moss covered log to continue on his way. The weather had turned on them pretty quick, a blanket of grey clouds sweeping across the sky before coming together and showering rain down upon the world. Kayden didn't much care for traversing dense woodlands in horrible weather such as this but it made little difference. Good weather or bad, he would have to put up with his 'Master' kicking him along.

Casting a look back, he saw Aema following though she was oddly lagging behind. The worgen was usually right on his heels, snapping insults at him or threatening to stab his liver if he led them astray. But today she was quiet and didn't seem to have the energy she usually did.

Kayden couldn't say that he minded. It was nice not having her chew his ear off constantly.

Pulling out their map, he did his best to read it and keep it dry. They had cut a pretty decent route across the woodlands, avoiding any towns our villages for a while since their last escapade. If his memory served him right then they should reach Goldshire three days earlier then if they took the road. But that was still a long way to go. Kayden looked up through a break in the trees and could see the light behind the clouds fading. He placed the map back in the bag just as Aema caught up to him.

"We're making good time," he said. "But we should consider making camp. It'll be dark soon and I'm pretty sure this rain is going to last all night."

"Thanks for the weather update," Aema mumbled before erupting into a violent fit of coughs. Kayden took a step back from her. When she finished, she placed a hand over her face and leaned against a tree as if exhausted. Her hair stuck messily to her face from either sweat or the rain, he couldn't tell. The wolf's usually bright blue eyes were dim and half lidded like they were too tired to open all the way.

"You don't look so good," Kayden observed.

"I'm fine," she grumbled but was not very convincing. Kayden just shrugged and moved out of the way for her to pass. Aema stumbled on shaky legs for a few feet before tripping over an exposed root and crashing to the ground.

"Smooth," Kayden jested with an amused grin.

It faded, however, when he noticed that she wasn't getting up. Trotting over and kneeling down, he rolled her over. The she wolf's eyes were screwed shut, her head rocking from side to side as she moaned in what sounded like extreme displeasure. Kayden put his hand to her forehead and his eyebrows shot up in alarm. Her forehead was burning hot, even in the cold weather.

"Shit, you're really not well," he said. Aema just moaned louder. "I think you need a doctor. There's a village on the map not far from here so I think-"

"No," Aema wheezed, trying to sit up. "It's a waste of time. I'm fine. I just need to…" She paused before she turned on her side and vomited.

Kayden grimaced and looked away. Aema wiped her mouth with the back of her hand before falling on her back, looking even worse if that were possible. "Okay, you're tough. I get it," he said, leaning down and pulling her up to her feet. "But you need to be smart now and the smart thing to do is see a doctor."

Aema twisted, albeit weakly, to get out of his grip. "Rule three, you clod," she groaned. Aema tried to push away off his chest but her arms gave out and ended falling into him instead. Kayden gripped her arms and shook his head.

"Yes, I remember rule three, and one, and however many you come up with that forbid me from touching you, but I think we'll have to make an exception this time. You can barely walk," he established.

"I'm not seeing a doctor," Aema snarled.

"Okay, I guess I could give it shot then. I saw some Hippogryph Berries a mile back. I can use that to make a tea and fix you right up…Or maybe they were Gnoll Berries which cause explosive diarrhea. I always mix them up."

"...Okay, take me to a doctor," Aema whimpered, shuddering at the thought of Kayden giving her medical treatment. Looping her arm around his neck and wrapping a supportive arm around her waist, Kayden began to lead the ill worgen through the wilds. He winced when he felt her claws pop out and dig into his neck. "If you try anything, I'll-"

"I know, I know. Gods, this routine is getting a little old," he sighed.

Aema ignored him and tried to focus on moving her feet. It was surprisingly difficult. Her body felt cold but her head felt like it was on fire. Every movement she made brought forth wave after wave of nausea and threatened to make her vomit again. She stumbled constantly, tripping over her own feet or a rock, but Kayden always managed to keep her upright and push on. A part of her was confused. Aema didn't understand why he was helping her. She was in no condition to put up a fight despite her words and she was sure he knew that. He could take her out any second and be free of her. Yet here he was, keeping her from falling to earth again and carrying her to a doctor.

Regardless of such compassion, she still suspected him of planning to betray her at some point. Perhaps this was an attempt to throw her off her guard. Whatever the reasons, she wouldn't stop watching his every move. But for now she would go along with it if only to ease her suffering.

Kayden and Aema made slow progress through the woods. Night fell quicker than anticipated, the weather worsening along with it which made things all the more difficult. They tripped and fell more often than not in the dark, Aema scolding him every time. After what felt like an eternity, they broke through the treeline and onto the puddle filled road. Looking to his left and squinting through the downpour, Kayden spotted bright lights not far in the distance. With a tired grunt, he heaved Aema up straighter and made for the lights.

Twenty agonizing minutes later, they reached the small village from the map. It consisted of only a few dozen houses and a tavern. A few acres of farmland surrounded it and Kayden could hear the occasional moo of a cow over the rain. Wobbling out into the streets, Kayden began to shout out.

"Hey! We need help! I need a doctor!" Faces appeared in the windows of houses as residents searched for the source of the noise. Kayden spotted a man and a woman in a window from the house next to him and turned towards them. "Hey! Can you help us?!" The faces peered at him in interest then looked to his companion. A look of surprise and fear washed over their features and then promptly shut the curtains. "Hey! Hello?! Where'd you go?!"

"I told you…it was a waste of time," Aema wheezed, her body heavily leaning against him.

Kayden looked around and found that every house was repeating the action. Curtains closed and the lights suddenly went out as if nobody was there. He searched around frantically until he saw that one house was still alive with the glow of lanterns. Dragging Aema over to it, he could see two young boys studying them with curiosity from behind the window. As he approached the door, the two youths suddenly disappeared. Kayden banged on the door with his fist.

"Come on! I need help out here! Someone!"

The door unexpectedly swung open and a tall, brawny, thin bearded man stood in front of them, sword in hand. Kayden took a step back, eyes widening in surprise and caution. "Please get away from my door," the man spoke, not in anger but in fear.

"Please, I need help. She's sick," Kayden pleaded.

"We can't help her. Now please leave."

"Can't…or won't?" Aema suddenly spoke up with labored breaths, her eyes finding the strength to rise and meet the man's. The man regarded her for a moment before shaking his head.

"I'm very sorry, but I can't do anything for you," he repeated. Kayden could see a woman standing in the hall past him, a concerned and frightened look on her face. "Now, for the love of the Gods, please leave."

Kayden shook his head, stepping forward. "We just need to find a doc-" Kayden didn't finish as he stumbled backwards with Aema again as the sword came dangerously close to his face.

"Please," the man begged, sword shaking in his hands, "you can't be here. I can't risk my family to…her."

"What the hell are you talking about?!" Kayden demanded to know.

"I can't have her spreading her worgen disease to my children. You have to understand."

"That's only if she bites you! And she's not a feral worgen! She won't do anything, I swear to you!" Kayden assured him. The man looked down at Aema again who offered him nothing but a cold stare. Shaking his head, he began to move back inside the house.

"Again I'm sorry, I truly am, but I can't." Carefully he made his way back to the door, Kayden watching him with a look of disbelief. The man's wife was at the door now, her eyes on Aema and she bit her bottom lip in concern. "Back inside now, Lydia," he ordered softly.

"But, Thomas-"

"Inside I said!" he shouted. His wife said no more and did as she was told but not before casting a sympathetic glance to the two strangers in the rain. The door slammed shut and Kayden rubbed his forehead in vexation.

"I don't believe this," he muttered.

"Believe it," Aema coughed.

"Someone here has to be willing to help us," Kayden declared before walking her over to the next house.

"You're a fool, Kayden, but even you can't be that blind."

Kayden did not respond but instead knocked on the door of the house they were upon now. No one answered and he cursed, moving on to the next home. This went on for longer than he could understand. He understood the reservations the Alliance had towards the worgens but couldn't they see she was still a person? A person in need? Is their ignorance that vast? The former inmate shook away such questions.

He of all people should know the answers.

Kayden could feel his body tiring and his fingers were numb from the cold but he pressed on. As they crossed the street towards another house, a cloaked figure on a horse was heading their way. Kayden stopped and watched as the stranger came closer. Feeling a little tense after the encounter with the fearful man, he placed his hand on one of his axes still sheathed in Aema's belt. The figure on the horse stopped just short of them and dismounted. They led the horse to them and came to a halt just a few feet away.

"I don't suppose you can help us?" Kayden asked guardedly. Reaching up and pulling back the hood, the mystery person revealed themselves to be the wife of the man that had refused them aid. "You," Kayden mumbled in recognition.

"No one here will help you," she informed him.

"No kidding."

"But I think I know someone who can. There's an old worgen witch who lives in the marsh a few miles north from here. She might be able to help your friend."

"I'm not his friend," Aema pointed out hoarsely.

"Take my horse." The woman handed the reins over to Kayden. "She looks like she needs the help as soon as possible."

Kayden looked at the reins then to her, asking, "Why are you doing this? Your husband-"

"My husband is a good man," she interrupted him. "He just wants to protect us. We used to live in Gilneas but managed to escape when the curse broke out. But many of our friends and family did not."

"They're still there," Aema hissed angrily. "They're still the same people they were before. They are not monsters."

"I know," the woman said softly. "And I know you're not one either. That's why I'm helping you."

Aema's face softened at her words and a brief glimpse of appreciation reflected in her eyes. Kayden mounted the horse and reached down to pull her up but she feebly slapped his hands away. Trying to mount the horse herself proved to be exceedingly difficult as her limbs were weaker than they had ever felt and she fell to her knees, body trembling. The woman knelt down and helped her to her feet. Kayden hoisted her up into his lap and nodded to the woman.

"Thank you. I'll be sure to return your horse," he told her. With a quick kick to the side, the horse took off down the muddy street and down the road.

They rode hard through the stormy night, rain whipping at their faces. Luckily the road they were traveling had been lined with lantern posts, giving them some indication as to where they were going. Aema bounced in his lap, her head against his shoulder. Her eyes were closed again and her teeth clattered together in fearsome chattering. Kayden wiped the water from his face and snapped the reins forcing the horse to pick up the pace. Aema seemed to be getting worse by the minute and he had no idea how severe this illness really was. Through the onslaught of rain, Kayden could see a lantern illuminating a bend in the road but a dirt trail kept going forward into a dense set of trees. Keeping forward, the horse galloped onto the dirt trail.

It became very dark as there was no longer a light source and Kayden prayed that they didn't run in to anything. The trees along the trail stopped and he could scarcely make out a muddy and marsh filled landscape. It was there that a small light could be seen in the middle of the marsh. Turning the horse towards it, they rode carefully with the intent of reaching it. The horse stumbled a few times on the spongy ground it couldn't see, neighing in complaint but managed to recover and press on. Eventually they reached the light and discovered a small wooden shack, smoke coming out from the stone chimney.

Kayden dismounted the horse and went to help Aema. But just as he reached up, the wolf fell from the saddle and into his arms. Kayden caught her in mid-air and looked down at her. Her eyes were still closed and she hung limply in his arms like a dead fish.

"Hey!" he shouted over the rain, giving her a shake. "You dead?!"

Her eyes cracked open just a bit before saying, "Not yet…But I don't want to die looking at your stupid face…"

Scooping her up bridal style, Kayden jogged over to the shack and kicked it a few times with his foot. "Open up! We need help!" A shadow appeared in the window near the door then vanished. The sound of a latch being opened was heard and the door opened to uncover a very aged worgen.

She was small and slightly hunched, a thick woolen shawl covering her body. Rough ashen grey fur donned her exposed features, wrinkles from years past creasing them. Silver hair was done up in a messy bun atop her head, a few strands hanging loosely in front of her forest green eyes that squinted at him to see better. She made a sound of frustration before pulling out a lantern and shining up to his face. When she had a good look at him in the light, the worgen's dry lips pulled back into a sultry smile.

"Well, hello, handsome," she flirted in a raspy voice, leaning against the door frame with a hand on her hip. "I didn't realize it was my birthday."

"I…what?" Kayden asked in confusion before shaking his head. "Look, I need help. I have a very sick woman here." The old worgen dipped the lantern down to see Aema in his arms, shaking. She gave Kayden a queer look but shrugged and turned around before motioning him to come inside the shack. Kayden stepped in finally glad to no longer to be in the cold. The shack was pleasantly warm from the fire burning steadily in the fire pit, easily heating the small space. A bed sat in the corner near the fire that the worgen was preparing and she waved Kayden over.

"Take off her armor," she told him. Kayden obeyed and awkwardly undid Aema's gear as she moaned and slumped against him. When he was done, she was left in nothing more than her hide pants and sleeveless tunic. "Take off the rest of her clothes too."

"Uh…I don't think that's a good idea," Kayden laughed nervously.

"She can't be in those wet clothes. What's a matter? Never seen a naked girl before?" the other worgen teased.

"I've seen my share but she has this…thing about me touching her, and if she found out I stripped her she would make a coin purse out of my scrotum."

"Hmm. Interesting relationship you two have."

"You don't know the half of it, ma'am."

"Alright then, I'll do it," she sighed and began to remove Aema's soaked clothes. Kayden turned away so he wouldn't see. "How does a human and a worgen come to be companions if may I ask?"

"A series of unfortunate events can be thanked for that," Kayden sighed woefully.

"You two are not friends?"

"Friends is definitely not the word I would use."

"But you carried her all this way to help her, did you not?"

"Friends or not, I'm not one to sit back and watch someone suffer. If I can help them, I will," Kayden answered, crossing his arms.

"I see," the old worgen murmured. She removed the last of Aema's clothing, placing them by the fire and tucked her in tightly beneath the blankets. "You can turn around now." Kayden walked over to the bed and looked down at Aema. The blankets were tucked in deep up to her neck leaving her head exposed. Her teeth were chattering again as her head moved from side to side in discomfort.

"So, can you help her?" he asked the worgen who was setting a pot over the fire.

"Not much I can do I'm afraid," she answered. Kayden's face twisted into alarm and before he could say anything, the worgen cut him off with a wave of her hand. "Oh, relax. I can't do much because there's nothing much to do."

"I'm gonna need an explanation I'm afraid," Kayden told her, scratching his head.

"You're fri…companion is suffering from a case of Shadowfang Fever. It's not lethal in the slightest but it can feel that way."

"Oh. Uh, is it contagious?"

The worgen laughed. "Oh, my no. Worgens are the only ones susceptible to the fever. It's usually only seen in children but adults who have been turned have also been known to acquire it. There's no antidote for it, she just needs to sweat it out but she should be over it by morning."

Kayden nodded, his body now relaxing as he glanced over at Aema. The aged wolf shuffled over to her little pantry and pulled out what looked like ingredients. She began to put them in the pot over the fire and hummed to herself. Kayden looked around awkwardly before sitting himself in an old rocking chair at the bedside. "So…I hear you're a witch," he spoke out in an even more awkward attempt to make conversation.

"And?" the worgen replied, eyes locking casually with his.

"Um…Neat?" he said with a shrug.

The wolf laughed again. "I'm not going to turn you into a frog if that's what you're thinking."

"I'm not worried," Kayden responded with a small smile.

"And where did you learn of my involvement in sorcery, hmm?"

"A woman from the village south of here told me."

"Ah, Lydia," she nodded in approval. "A very kind and lovely woman."

"You know her?"

"Oh, yes." She ripped off a few leaves from a small branch and dumped them into the pot. "She came to me years ago when one of her newborns fell ill. They didn't have the medicine for him and a trip to the next town was too far. He would've been dead by the time they got back." Pulling the cork out of a bottle, she poured the contents in with the rest of the ingredients. "So, she came to me. She was very wary, mind you, thought I would taint the boy's soul or worse, eat him. But I have no interest in dark magic or eating babies and I made a concoction for the child. Within a day, he was perfectly healthy."

"Wow," Kayden commented. "How'd her husband respond to that?"

"Lydia never told him," the worgen grunted as she returned to the pantry and reached up into the higher shelves. "She didn't want to cause any trouble for me and I was thankful for that. I'm too old to be chased out of my home from angry villagers who think I've passed on the curse to one of their own."

"Yeah, we came across that little dilemma tonight."

"Of that I have no doubts." Shuffling back, she dropped a few slimy things into the pot from an old jar. "Fear is such an easy thing to bend to. And when there's fear, there's hate."

"Why are you here then if you're concerned about the villagers? Why not be in Gilneas?" Kayden inquired.

"This is my home. I've been here for over forty years and I plan on staying another forty if the Gods see fit."

"Forty? But…the worgen curse didn't break out until a few years ago," Kayden explained, looking her over in confusion.

"A bit of bad luck on my part," she chuckled. "Two years ago, I took in an injured man one night who had some trouble controlling his other side. When I attempted to dress his wounds, he shifted and bit me. I've had my share of cuts and bruises but those teeth took the cake, let me tell you. After that, things went dark. He was gone when I awoke and so were my wounds, but I knew that come the next full moon, things would be very different from then on."

"I would imagine so." Kayden looked her over again before casting an interested gaze. "If you don't mind me saying, you…seem pretty okay with your…uh…current state."

"Why wouldn't I be?" The she wolf began to stir the pot with a large ladle, a strange smell coming from the creation. "My physical form may have changed but that is all. I'm still me and possess everything that forms my identity, just with a little more body hair than I'm used to."

"Hmm. I think I know someone who could learn a lot from you," Kayden mumbled, looking back to Aema.

"Everyone has their own way of dealing with it. Some accept it, others can't. Families have been torn apart from it and friendships lost. It's hard to blame anyone who has been turned for hating what they've become and hating the race we used to be. I take it she is has experienced those hardships?"

"I'd say so. I don't think I've ever met anyone like her. She thinks everyone is going to turn on her or that the world is out to get her because of what she is."

"Many would agree with her. The worgens before us were feral, mindless creatures, bent on killing and inherently evil. Despite the differences between Greymane Worgens and them, the Alliance sees little difference despite our inclusion into the faction. Acceptance has become a notion that could forever be out of our reach," the witch said.

"But what about Lydia? There's proof that acceptance can exist. And I don't hate worgens at all. Maybe if she could get that though her thick skull then she might not act like she has a stick up her ass every minute of the day."

The old worgen sighed. "Sometimes, when a pain cuts deep, it's hard to see past the heartache and to the possibilities of not only the world but of yourself."

"And what possibilities do you see?" Kayden asked with interest.

"Well…If the Horde and Alliance can untie to stop Deathwing and the end of the days, perhaps it is not too fantastic to think we could truly be a part of this world someday."

Kayden smiled. "I'd like to think that too."

The old worgen smiled back but upon looking down at her pot, she suddenly sported a frown. "Oh, drat," she cursed.

"What?" Kayden questioned in curiosity.

"I'm missing an ingredient for the girl's brew."

"Brew? I thought you said there was nothing you could do for her?"

"There's nothing I can do for her fever but I can give her something to help her sleep. But I'm missing an ingredient."

"What do you need?" Kayden asked, standing up.

"I need a batch of Gryphon Tails. It's a weed that grows deep in the marsh."

"Marsh? Like, the marsh outside? In the rain? And the cold?" The old witch nodded. Kayden glanced over at Aema again. She was still looking bad and her whimpering was becoming hard to listen to. Kayden's shoulders rose up then dropped as a massive sigh left his body. "I'll be back," he grumbled to the witch as he picked up her lantern and headed out the door.

The old worgen smiled again and sat in her rocking chair that Kayden had once occupied. As she sat down, Aema opened her eyes and searched the room. "Where's…Kayden?" she managed to force out between chatters.

"He just stepped out for a moment," she was told.

"He's…going to escape…I…have to…get him." Aema tried to sit up but simply fell back into her pillow, body quaking.

"You're not going anywhere, dearie. And don't worry; your friend will be back soon."

"He's not…my friend," Aema corrected her. It was then that Aema formed an expression of realization and confirmed it by running a hand over her body. She was naked. "Why…am I naked?" she wanted to know.

"We had to get you out of those wet clothes. You're companion was very helpful."

Aema snapped her head over and stared at her in horror. "Kayden…undressed me?" This caused a laugh from her fellow wolf.

"He removed your armor and let me handle your clothes. He even turned his back. That's quite the gentleman you have there. And very handsome. You must have fun with him."

"Please," Aema whined, "I've…vomited enough…today." She clenched the blankets tightly and then squinted to get a better look at the other worgen. "Who…are you?"

"My name is Ertha. I'm a friend," she was told.

"What's happening…to me?"

"You have a fever. Don't worry, you'll be fine come sun up. And what would your name be?"

"…Aema."

"Well, Aema, you just lie there and rest. Kayden will be back soon and I'll give you something to help you sleep," Ertha told her. Aema just shivered. Ertha reached down and pulled out a pair of knitting needles from under the bed and a piece of fabric. Leaning back in her rocking chair, she began to knit away.

The two worgens were silent, harsh rain bouncing off the roof of the shack accompanied by the squeaking of the rocking chair and the klick-klack of the knitting needles. Aema felt a terrible pounding at her head, like a hot iron spike trying to wedge its way through her skull. Needing a distraction from such agony, she turned her head back over to Ertha. "How…did it happen?" she asked.

"How did what happen, dearie?"

"You…your change…"

"Ah," Ertha nodded, still knitting away. "It's not very interesting story I'm afraid. I just happen to pick the wrong time to be hospitable."

"I'm sorry…"

"Don't worry yourself about my past, Aema. You just rest."

Aema was silent again before asking, "Has it…been hard…for you?"

"Has what?"

"Not being able…to change back."

Ertha stopped knitting and looked up, a pensive expression on her features. She suddenly chuckled to herself and looked back to her with a gentle and almost embarrassed smile. "You know what? I haven't even thought about it. I've heard rumors that we've lost the ability to do so but I never tried to see for myself. It's tiresome for an old woman like me to go through those shifts so I just stopped doing it long ago."

Aema stared at her as if she was crazy. She managed to prop herself up on one elbow, ignoring the slight dizziness that came with it. "You…mean to tell me…you're okay with not being…able to change?"

"That is strange to you?" Ertha responded, going back to her knitting.

"Yes!" Aema found the strength to shout. She began coughing for her effort, however. After the fit had subsided, she locked eyes again with the older wolf. "It's no rumor…We can't change back. The curse…is advancing…We may never…see our true forms…again…We'll forever be…monsters to the world…Is this…something you are…content with?"

"I am content with living the rest of my life without concern over what has been or what will be," Ertha informed her, adjusting her needles to get a better hold on the fabric. "It is true that I may never see my human face again and if that is my fate then I accept that. Life is too short and wonderful to squander over such matters."

Aema felt her lips pull back into an angry frown. "Did you…lose anyone when you…changed?"

"Fortunately no. I was bit by a non-feral worgen and I've out lived most of my family and friends."

Aema made a scoffing sound before falling to her back again. "Then…don't tell me…what life is worth…squandering for…"

Ertha stopped knitting and studied the angry woman shivering in her bed. With a silent sigh, she put down her needles. She folded her hands over her lap and looked at Aema with sympathetic eyes. "I'm sorry for your loss, Aema," she said sincerely. Aema continued to stare up at the roof. "I can't imagine what that feels like."

It was common knowledge today that if bit by a non-feral worgen, the afflicted were able to keep their state of mind. But before the Gilnean mages were able to grant sanity and free will back to the afflicted, many were nothing more than the terrors the Alliance already considered them to be. Many lives were lost at the claws of an unknowing infected, most commonly families and friends. Ertha had heard many a tale of deep sorrow from those who had later found out their loved ones lives had been ended by their own hands.

"A loved ones death can haunt us for a long time. Especially when we are the result of that death. But you must remember that you did not-" she began but was cut off by Aema.

"I didn't…kill him," she mumbled bitterly. "He didn't…die…"

Ertha stared at her for a moment before nodding her head in understanding. There was one other instance of grief and pain that came to mind when cursed. One that could be considered even worse than death. But Ertha said nothing about it and remained quiet, not wishing to upset her guest anymore then she already was. Aema groaned as she tried to sit up again but as per the first try, she failed and fell back.

"I need…to get…Kayden…" she wheezed. Ertha shook her head and gently placed a hand on the ebony furred worgen's head. Aema was surprised to find it somewhat comforting.

"He will be back. Just be patient."

"If he runs…I swear I'll hunt him down and…" Aema couldn't finish her sentence as another fit of coughs rocked her body.

"You're not in much shape to be doing anything, dearie. Although I must say, you might want to reconsider your attitude towards this Kayden. He is a very kind young man, especially to you. Why, he carried you all the way here for aid, didn't he?"

"Please," Aema growled. "He's…a traitor and…a fool. His kindness is…a farce."

"Wallowing around in the middle of the marsh during a raging storm to help you is no farce."

Aema made a face and peered skeptically at Ertha. "What do you…mean 'to help me?'"

"The brew I'm making to help you rest is missing an ingredient. Your associate is out there right now looking for it," Ertha explained. Aema's expression lost a bit of its hardness and she lowered her eyes to the blankets in thought. But she shook her head and her eyes narrowed again before rolling over, away from the witch.

"He's not doing it…for me…He has…ulterior motives…He needs me to…survive…That's all."

"Trust is a difficult thing to give when you've been hurt so many times," Ertha sighed. "There are still good people in this world, Aema. That includes the Alliance too. You just need to look closely to see when one is right in front of you."

"I didn't ask…for your views on…the world…So leave me…alone…" Aema said, her voice tired and quiet.

Ertha let out another silent sigh before she went back to her knitting. For a half an hour, nothing was said. Just the occasional cough from Aema and humming from Ertha. There was a sudden low knock at the door and it opened, a very wet and muddy Kayden stepping inside. He stumbled his tired body towards Ertha and held out a handful of weeds.

"Is this enough?" he asked tiredly.

"Quite. Thank you, dear. Why don't you sit and have a rest?" Ertha told him, leaving her chair and shuffling over to the pot.

"I think I'll lie down instead," Kayden mumbled before falling face first onto the floor of the shack.

Ertha added the weeds to the brew and began to stir again. After a minute or two of stirring, she brought the ladle to her lips and took a sip. A grin spread across her grey muzzle, indicating that it was ready. Pouring the steaming thick liquid into a cup, she went to Aema's side and gently lifted the cup to her lips. "Drink but slowly. It's hot," she told her softly.

Aema drank the whole cup before she lay back down with a moan. She twisted her head from side to side a few times but in a matter of minutes, her features relaxed and she lay still, her breathing falling into a comfortable rhythm while she now slept. Ertha smiled and gently brushed away the long black bang that hung over her face.

"Now, as for you, how about some hot soup and-" she began to address Kayden but stopped as she could see he was also fast asleep on the floor. Chuckling to herself, Ertha grabbed a few spare blankets from under the bed and covered the human with them before sitting her old bones back into the rocking chair. She began to hum to herself again, much softer this time, and resumed her knitting as the rain fell down upon the world in the cold black night.

Kayden awoke to the sounds of birds chirping and the morning sun shining through the window and onto his face.

"Mmph…light…bad…" he grumbled, covering his face. He quickly sat up, however, when he realized where he was and what had transpired over the night. Looking around, he found the bed where Aema had been empty. Another look around also confirmed that the witch was not present either. Getting up with a groan, he rubbed the sleep from his eyes.

When he had a bit more of his senses back, he looked down to see a pair of fresh clothes in a neat little pile at his feet. There was a sleeveless tunic, a pair of trousers, two wrist bracers and a set of leather boots. Assuming they were for him, he took off his rags and put on his new attire. To his surprise and delight, they fit perfectly. Brushing his hair back with a sweep of his hand, he opened the shack door and stepped out into the morning light. Once outside, he spotted Aema with Lydia's horse. She was petting it on the snout as it ate some grass from her hand.

Walking over, Kayden smiled and said, "Well, aren't you a sight. Feeling better I take it?" Once he had finished the sentence, Aema suddenly latched onto his wrist and twisted his arm so hard, he flipped in mid-air and landed flat on his back, the air from his lungs escaping him.

"Much better," she replied coyly, looking down at him with an amused smile.

"That's nice. Could have done without the demonstration," Kayden wheezed.

"And you say I'm no fun," Aema snickered to herself and went back to petting the horse. Kayden picked himself up and from behind the shack, Ertha appeared, a bouquet of wildflowers in her arms. She smiled brightly as she approached Kayden.

"Those clothes look good on you," she commented.

"They're great. Are you sure you want me to have them?" he asked.

"Of course. They belonged to an old flame of mine long ago but I don't think he'll need them anymore. And I'm sure you were getting tired of those old rags."

"Definitely. I can't thank you enough. How can I repay you?"

"Well, I could always use a strapping, green eyed, handsome man like yourself to clear the cobwebs out from my downstairs," she answered with a wink.

"…You're gross, ma'am. But I like you anyway," Kayden laughed and settled for giving her a kiss on the cheek. She smiled warmly and patted him on the arm before moving on to Aema.

"I have something for you as well," she said, catching the other worgen's interest.

Pulling out something from the inside of her shawl, she placed it in Aema's hands. The rogue stared down in surprise at the piece of fabric Ertha had been knitting last night, now a complete scarf. It was a deep blue color, long and finely crafted. Aema rubbed her fingers on it and looked back to the old witch with a smile.

"It's lovely. Thank you," she said softly. "But I can't accept it."

"Oh, of course you can," Ertha told her.

"No," Aema sighed. "I was…unkind to you last night. You went out of your way to help me, a stranger, and I was too boorish to appreciate it. You didn't deserve that. I'm sorry."

Ertha smiled and gently grasped her hands. "You owe me no apology, child. You have been through much and your pain runs deeper than any could imagine." Aema looked away embarrassed that the old worgen spoke the truth. "I know the world has been cruel to you. I know that your wounds will not easily heal. But please, my dear, don't shut your heart out. Give the world another chance and you may surprise yourself by finding what you have lost."

Aema scrunched her face in confusion but managed to smile anyways. "I'll…try," she said softly. "And thank you. For everything."

Ertha just smiled a warm and caring smile before giving her hands a gentle squeeze. Kayden approached them, horse trotting behind him and he cleared his throat. "Ready to get going?" Aema nodded and smiled one more time at her fellow worgen before joining him.

"Stop by again anytime," Ertha told them, waving as they walked away. "I look forward to hearing about all your adventures."

"Deal!" Kayden called back with a wave of his own. He and Aema made their way back to town with Lydia's horse, the morning sun offering enjoyable warmth after such an awful night. Kayden eventually turned to Aema and asked, "So…what words of wisdom did our new friend offer you?"

"None of your business," she snapped, returning to her usual cantankerous attitude.

Kayden rolled his eyes and shook his head. They continued out of the marsh and back onto the road. Kayden lead the horse along, hooves clopping loudly on the stone road, until he noticed that the wolf was no longer beside him. Stopping and turning around, he saw Aema in the middle of the road, eyes cast to the ground.

"Something wrong?" he asked her. She looked up and bit the inside of her cheek, the human staring at her in anticipation of an answer. Tossing some of her hair over her shoulder, she walked up to him, having trouble keeping eye contact.

"Ertha told me what you did," she revealed.

"Oh."

"And I know you didn't have to but you did. So…I just…uh…I'm…That is to say…"

"Are you trying to say thank you?" Kayden asked, unable to keep the surprise from showing on his face. Aema frowned, crossed her arms and looked away in embarrassment. "Well, if you are…you're welcome," he told her with a small smile.

Aema shook her head and growled before marching past him, giving the man a good shove as she past. "Don't think this means I trust you. You could have grabbed some ingredients to poison me later. I'm watching you still, Althane."

"Gods, one step forward, two steps back with you," Kayden sighed. He caught up with her and they walked back to town in silence. But Kayden knew it was only a matter of time before she would be barking at him again.

That thought alone made him hope that she would get sick a lot more often.

A/N: Aema's getting soft. I'm not a hundred percent sure on the lore revolving around the curse if you're bit by a non feral worgen, but I assume it would transfer the partial cure the mages conjured with it. I kinda just ran with that idea. Anyway, Episode 5 is on the way!

Episode 5 - Gnoll with the Punches

Aema and Kayden find an injured gnoll and argue on how to deal with it. All the while Savard's men are hot on their trail.