AN: This chapter is mixed with quests past and present at the time of my original writing and a bit of imagining thrown in for good measure.

Chapter 10 - Scarlet Crusade

Nathanos looks at them. His eyes narrow as he weighs his words carefully. "Persistent fools… it is apparent you follow orders. Just how far did they tell you to go with this? Hmmm? Yes… this is the question. Hmph. Now then, today I suppose I will get my answer. One way or another." He looks at Raleen, his eyes rake over her causing her to shudder. "Each and every day I have given you a menial task. Each silly task set before you, you performed well, well beyond what was required. Why?"

Rhathe bristles, standing tall before him, his back straight, and his chest out, his eyes narrow shrewdly, "We are paladin knights of the Blood Knights."

Nathanos laughs, the sound is flat and humorless. "That you are, boy." He stares at Raleen. She looks at Rhathe refusing to make eye contact with him. "Yet you are not." That got her attention. She glares at him, her distaste for him evident as always. He grins, "Or maybe I'm wrong… I'm rarely wrong, worm." He stands tall as possible and sighs, his shoulders slumping in resignation. "Go. Go then to Undercity. Seek out the Dark Lady. You have been tested, now go." He sneers at Rhathe his eyes hard, "Do not embarrass me."

At the mention of the Dark Lady, Raleen's eye brow twitches. Her heart races, she nods at Nathanos almost in unison with Rhathe. They both turn on their heel to walk back to their horses. Her voice is low and urgent. "I need a bath."

Rhathe bites the inside of his mouth to keep from laughing at her. She never lets him forget that underneath her paladin training, Raleen is a woman with silly woman notions. "You're fine."

"Rhathe, I am far from fine." Her voice rising in pitch to near hysteria, "We've been fighting scourge for weeks. Toiling with living rot, deafened by bats, diseased by the walking dead… I am far from fine. I want, no I need a bath." They swing their legs over their respective saddles, turn towards the road and ride fast and hard towards Tirisfal Glades.

Several times during their trek they skirted off the road to avoid a confrontation with the scourge. Many times they simply rode past them ignoring their outraged cries as they rode by. Raleen's mind races along with unanswered questions. She was taught not to question orders unless they were utterly ridiculous or endanger her loved ones. Perhaps the last was not taught by the Order, yet she learned it well enough from her mentor. She glances to her right. Rhathe's strawberry blond hair flowing in the wind, his ears low and his narrowed eyes set on the road ahead of them. He leans forward over Caldara's back urging her faster. Raleen follows suit, leaning towards Seere whispering to her, encouraging her to keep pace with Caldara.

They reach the Bulwark at long last. The difference between the two areas is staggering. From the barren desert, scourge infested plaguelands to the lush green forest of Tirisfal Glades. Raleen inhales deeply filling her lungs with the untainted air. Rhathe's pace does not slow. If anything it perhaps sped, Raleen tightens her heels to Seere's flanks. Seere responds immediately, Raleen's encouragement unnecessary. She is fully aware of Caldara's speed and falls in pace with her instinctively. They are quickly approaching a fork in the road. The war torn Capital City of Lordaeron looms ahead to their left. At last Caldara slows her run to a trot. She throws her head back, her mane fanning out behind her. Her body glistens with a fine sheen of sweat, lifting her head proudly. She is a fabulous beast a true war horse. Seere follows suit, slowing her pace to match Caldara's, snorting in response. She shakes her mane, her head bobbing, as if in approval. Raleen's heart is racing. The adrenaline from their ride is still pumping quickly through her. Her green eyes sparkle. "Well now, we made good time."

Raleen looks at him curiously, "Yes."

He grins at her and takes the right fork in the road away from the crumbling city of Lordaeron. Her eyes widen and she lets out a very girly squeal of excitement. She kicks at Seere's sides and races towards Brill. Rhathe hadn't hurried them along in order to get to the Banshee Queen, he is giving Raleen time to bathe and change in to something more suitable or at the very least something clean.

She comes up fast on the stable, swinging her leg over the saddle before she comes to a full stop hopping down gracefully as Seere walks in to a stall. Raleen pulls her saddle bag and grins at the stable hand tossing him a silver coin. "I will return shortly…" She smiles up at Rhathe, "We will return shortly."

Rhathe chuckles and dismounts, taking his bag he pats Caldara's thick neck, "Behave."

Caldara snorts and shakes her head causing Rhathe to laugh. The two paladins walk to the inn to clean up before being presented to Sylvanas Windrunner, the leader of the Forsaken.

Upon entering their room, Rhathe tosses his bag on his bed pulling off his plated gauntlets tossing them on the bed as well followed by his pauldrons and his chest plate. He sits on his bed removing his boots and pauses to look at Raleen. "What?"

She blushes and looks away, "Nothing… I was just… thinking."

She sits on her bed, her bag on her lap fully clothed and blushing. Rhathe's eyebrow quirks, "We are short on time, Raleen. Is there something wrong?"

She shakes her head not trusting her voice, her heart races. She sets her bag down, removing her own gear leaving her greaves on lost in thought. They never seem to have time or it was never the right time. Duty always comes first. It isn't a bad thing, it just was. It was their lot in life. Two paladins working together, in love and yet…

She stands up still lost in her thoughts, dropping her greaves to the floor with a metalic clunk. She walks lightly, gracefully in her undergarments to the adjoining bathing room to run the water oblivious of the pair of green eyes watching her until she closes the door.

Rhathe blinks and shakes his head trying to rein in his thoughts. Sometimes he forgets just how beautiful she is and is often reminded by small acts such as the one he just witnessed. He grabs her gear and his own laying them out on the floor between their beds. Sitting on the floor he busies himself cleaning their gear. His mind wanders back to Raleen. He shakes his head at his impure thoughts and sighs. There just isn't time. Everything needs to be right. It isn't something they should rush in to. Rhathe's ears turn a bright red as he realizes he has been cleaning Raleen's breast plate the only clean spot is her right breast.

She washes her hair, rinsing it and washing it again. She repeats this process until she believes it to be clean or at least less disgusting. Squeezing her hair she is again grateful she had it cut short. It is so much easier to handle. She fills the tub with clean warm water, stripping off the last of her clothing and sinks in to the hot water with a sigh. Her aching body relaxes, she stretches out and a whimper escapes her. She hums softly scrubbing her body clean of the past weeks, ridding her body of the scourge stench and the horrid living rot. It may not last, but she intends on enjoying this while she can.

A soft clatter outside the door gets her attention. She bolts upright staring wide eyed at the door. Her heart races, she bites her lip, questions fill her mind. Is she really ready? How long will they wait? What if their reality isn't as good as her imagination? What if its better? What if she isn't experienced enough? The door remains closed and she sighs. They don't have time. She worries for nothing. Finishing she steps out of the water and drains the tub. Using the towel she dries her hair before wrapping it around her. She shivers realizing her mistake. Her bag. She left it on her bed.

She stands with her hand on the door knob. Takes a deep breath and opens the door. She pauses to smile at the sight before her. Rhathe is on the floor cleaning their gear. "Aw, thank you Rhathe."

He grins up at her, his ears go red and he looks back down at his work, "My pleasure. I can't very well have you presented to Lady Sylvanas freshly bathed in soiled gear."

Raleen giggles stepping to the end of the bed. "I forgot my bag."

She slips back in to the adjoining room. Rhathe steals a look at her before the door closes wondering if she realizes just how small that towel is and grins. She slips in to her clean under garments and back out again for her gear. She towel dries her hair again. Rhathe watches her. Her breasts swaying back and forth while she dries her hair. Rhathe averts his eyes letting out a gust of air, jumps up, grabs his bag and hurries to the adjoining room.

Rhathe leans against the door, eyes closed and grins replaying the last image of Raleen in his mind instantly regretting this indulgence. He groans and pushes away from the door. He drops his bag and decides on a cold bath. Perhaps that will get his mind off of her.

He begins filling the tub and glances out the small window. The city can be seen in the far distance if only they didn't have to report so soon. Would he then press his advantage? Perhaps taking this relationship forward was what they both wanted. A soft knock on the door and she lets herself in. "Oh! Sorry, I forgot my bag again." Rhathe's eyes widen. She pauses staring at this strong back. "Rhathe? Are you okay?"

He refuses to turn around. "Yes."

"You sure? Anything I can help you with?"

He shakes head quickly, "No! I um… no, I'm fine. Just…" He clears his throat, "I'll be out in a minute." He closes his eyes tightly willing his mind to think of anything but his erection. Naturally thinking of what caused his erection makes it swell more. He winces willing her to leave.

She quietly walks in the room to grab her bag. She bites her lip remembering his claim of no time and scoops it up. She pauses behind him, her breath hot against his bare back. She stands on her toes, leaning her body against his to whisper in his ear, "Maybe one day… we'll have time?" She kisses his jaw lightly. Touches his back softly, allowing her finger tips to slide lightly across his shoulders. She slips out of the room and closes the door behind her. Her heart racing, her face beat red, she smiles at the empty room.

The two paladins stand just off the platform, helm in the crook of their arms, standing tall waiting. Lady Sylvanas looks at him and nods. They approach and bow before her respectfully. She bestows upon him a curious smile before nodding her head in acknowledgement. She addresses the senior ranking male ignoring the other. "You are known to me. I have heard of your progress. I have been waiting, eagerly, for someone of your skill and devotion. Approach Master Blood Knight. Let me get a better look at you before you are sent back to what could be your death."

Rhathe takes two steps forward placing him within a swords reach of the Banshee Queen. His eyes do not meet hers until she steps closer still. "Such manners, I had almost forgotten how respectful a true Blood Knight can be." She glances purposefully at Champion Cyssa, personal guard of Silvermoon's Ambassador. She walks around Rhathe seemingly deep in thought. "You have come far in the ranks of the Blood Knights for one so young. Yet…" She turns her back to Rhathe's back, setting her gaze on Raleen. "You have a distraction. I could rid you of this distraction. You could be so much more."

Raleen raises her head, her green eyes flash with anger as they meet the Queen's. She holds her tongue yet her eyes speak volumes. Sylvanas is amused, "So young and self-righteous. If I destroy you, girl, what would become of your Knight? Would he cast your memory aside? Perhaps he could be my personal guard." She laughs. "Such anger… such loyalty… no… if I destroy you, it would destroy him." She turns her attention back to Rhathe. "More's the pity…"

Lady Sylvanas completes her circle around Rhathe. His stone cold gaze meets her amused one. "The Scarlet Crusade has gone too far. We strike at it and it continues. It is time to remove this blight. A report is couriered daily from central command in Stratholme to Tyr's Hand. I want this report. Find the courier, take the report and deliver it to my Champion. He will give you further instructions." Her eyes flicker over Rhathe, "Before you go… there is one thing."

She looks at Raleen pointedly returning her gaze to Rhathe. "There is another Master that will be joining you. Now go and do not fail me."

They bow before her. Rhathe looks over at Champion Cyssa questioningly. Cyssa simply shrugs a shoulder offering nothing more. Rhathe's eyebrows furrow, he takes a step back before turning on his heel grabbing Raleen by the elbow and ushering her out of the room to the long hall beyond. Raleen's eyes open wider as he forcibly removes her from the Queen's presence.

"Was that really necessary?" Rhathe snaps.

Raleen's mind is racing. "What?"

Keeping his temper is taxing on him. He growls between his teeth. "What did you do? What did you say? You spoke to someone. You must have!"

Raleen pulls her arm free and stares at him in utter disbelief. "Say what? What did I say? I swear you talk in riddles sometimes and it's getting old. Speak plainly."

Rhathe steps closer, towering over her. "About us, Raleen. You and me. Who did you talk to?"

Raleen's eyes flash in anger and pain. She takes a step back and shakes her head. "There is no us to talk about." She turns on her heel and walks down the long corridor.

Rhathe winces, "Raleen…"

Stubborn as always, she continues down the hall determined to make it back to Brill and to Seere. After that she has no idea where she will go or what she will do. She bit back the tears. Her world is crumbling around her. How could he not trust her? How does he not know her by now? Years the two have worked side by side, fought, killed, ate, and slept. She loved him more than life and now…

She is stopped short. He grabs her by the arm pulling her back from the entrance, back in to the shadowed depths of the long hall. "I'm sorry." Raleen refuses to look at him. She keeps her face turned towards the exit. "Raleen, listen to me." His voice cracks, "How did she know? How could she possibly know how I feel about you?"

Raleen closes her eyes, a tear slides silently down her cheek burning a trail for others to follow. "I'm a paladin knight, initiate to the Order of Blood Knights. I am strong. I am loyal. I do my duty to the best of my ability and I follow orders." She turns her pained gaze upon him, "What would the Master Blood Knight have his knight do?"

Rhathe releases her arm as if burned. He bristles at her. "Stop it. You're being stubborn again. There is no way she could have known. None. Yet she did."

Raleen stands stubbornly, allowing her tears to go where they want. She doesn't speak, she doesn't move. She simply stands there, her eyes locked with his. Rhathe sighs pulling off his right gauntlet and wipes her tears from her cheeks. "She is right. Losing you would destroy me."

"Of all the paladins in Azeroth, they want me to work with you two?" The voice rings out to them through the otherwise empty hallway.

Rhathe backs up a step looking at the intruder to their conversation an eyebrow quirked, "You're the Master Lady Sylvanas mentioned."

"Lucky me." Her voice drips heavily with sarcasm.

Raleen looks from Master to Master and bursts in to a fit of giggles. "Now this will be interesting." Ignoring Rhathe, Raleen walks over to Kaelinie extending her arm to her. The two shake hands clasping forearms, before leaving the long hallway. Raleen's voice fades as they walk, "How have you been? I haven't seen you in years. You look great, is that a new haircut?"

Rhathe sighs, lowers his head shaking it slowly with a soft groan before following the two women.

Catching their breath they look around them. The nine bodyguards fought bravely yet were no match to their skill and training. The Oracle on the other hand was quite talented. They found it necessary to silence her and quickly. Raleen looks at the men with disgust, the glint in her eye showing her pleasure at their demise.

Kaelinie searches for the courier's letter in the Oracle's bag. "Here it is."

Kaelinie puts the letter in her belt. The trio head back to their horses to report back to Nathanos. Kaelinie stands beside her horse, tightening her shield to the saddle before mounting bringing up the rear. She watches the two paladins in front of her and sighs heavily. How much longer will they move in silence? While this is preferable to Raleen's constant mindless chatter, the silence is almost deafening at times. So thick is the tension between the two you can cut it with a knife. She looks from Raleen to Rhathe and shakes her head. Was it so long ago? Have things not changed or progressed? Kaelinie shudders staying her mind. The last thing she needs is to meddle in their relationship. So far their tiff has not hindered their ability to fulfill missions. Kaelinie decides to leave things alone. She urges her horse forward. She has orders waiting for her any how and now is not the time to dawdle.

Outside Nathanos' homestead they look out over the barren landscape. "I have orders."

Raleen closes her eyes briefly and lowers her head. She nods slowly, "Where are they sending you off to?"

Kaelinie looks from one to the other, "Northrend."

Raleen's eyes widen as she looks at her speechlessly, "Gosh."

Kaelinie shrugs one shoulder and nods, "I know. I never thought they'd… anyway this is where we part ways. I have to head back to Undercity to report before I'm shipped out." She gives Raleen a quick hug. "Your training has really taken off since the last time I saw you. Keep up the good work… and don't forget to listen to Rhathe. He knows what he's doing." She glances at Rhathe and back to Raleen, "At least as a paladin." Raleen and Kaelinie exchange a glance as Rhathe groans. "Still he is a good man, Raleen and we both know how stubborn you can be."

Rhathe opens his mouth to say something then just as abruptly closes it. Raleen ignores him. She smiles at her friend. "Take care, Kaelinie. It was great to see you again." Raleen smiles up at her before stepping back reflecting on what she had said. She glances at Rhathe.

Rhathe extends his hand towards Kaelinie, they clasp forearms and he smiles. "Raleen is right. It is good seeing you again. Be careful out there."

Kaelinie smiles and waves at them both. She hops on her horse heading west towards Tirisfal Glades and Undercity. Raleen's voice is small and shaky, "I'm sorry I over reacted." She bites her lip, raising her eyes towards Rhathe nervously. "It just hurt me that you would think I could ever do anything to hurt you or dishonor you in any way and-"

Rhathe steps up to her. His hands cup her face, lifting it to look in to her eyes before lowering his lips to hers in a soft kiss, "I know." He kisses her forehead before stepping back. "I knew as I said it. I couldn't take the words back, they just kept coming. The more I tried to think the more confused I felt."

Raleen giggles, "That's how I am all the time."

Rhathe winces, "I couldn't handle that."

Raleen tilts her head as she looks up at him, "I don't know any other way…"

Rhathe grins down at her chuckling. "Good point." He looks around at their surroundings, "We need to head back to the chapel. I'm not sure what's got in to the Argent Dawn and this urgent summons."

She turns towards their horses only to be stopped. She looks up at him confused, his eyes searching her face, "Forgive me?"

She smiles up at him, raising herself on her toes to kiss his lips softly, "Always, can you forgive me?"

His left hand snakes around her waist, pulling her close, their lips meeting again more urgently than the last time. His kiss grows in intensity. Breathlessly he gains control and pulls back, "Of course."

Her arms around his neck, she continues to lean against him, her eyes search his face. She licks her lips, her heart racing. "I don't like fighting with you. I'd much rather fight beside you."

He grins kissing her again. Her right hand makes its way in to his hair, she whimpers. His arms around her waist, he lifts her body to his, her feet off the ground. "I don't want to lose you."

"I'm not going any where."

He sighs closing his eyes lowering her body. "Will we ever have a time where we aren't summoned some where?"

"I sure hope so… or one of these times they're going to be mighty disappointed when we don't show up!" She teases.

He chuckles, "And what will keep us from showing up?"

She bites her bottom lip and walks towards their horses, swinging her leg over the saddle she smiles, "I'd have kidnapped you."

He laughs, throws his leg over the saddle and races after her.

They had just entered Light's Hope Chapel when everyone around the table look up eagerly. "You're here. Good, there is a development and we require your aide."

Rhathe glances at Raleen before stepping forward. "Of course… What is this development?"

"Kel'Thuzad…"

Rhathe's eyebrows furrow, "Kel…?"

Father Montoy pushes away from the table and walks over to them, glancing from one to the other. "Kel'Thuzad is a lich, a powerful lich who has made himself known once more. We need the power of the Light, the power of the pure in order to eradicate him." His eyes continue to shift from one to the other, his look intense.

Rhathe nods curtly. "Where is his last known location?"

Looking relieved, Father Montoy ushers them away from the others. "Come I have a map of the area."

Talk once more moved around the table as if the two hadn't arrived. Raleen glances over her shoulder curiously before following the men to the side where Father Montoy points at the map. "Here in this area. Take heed, his Phylactery must be dealt with. It will take care and knowledge that is beyond you two. Bring it to me… I will tend to it."

Rhathe nods, giving a glance to Raleen who follows him out. In the bright sunshine of the day, Raleen shivers. "I know I've said this many times…"

Rhathe grins. "I don't like this one either."

Raleen takes a cleansing breath and nods. Oddly Rhathe having the same ill feeling and doubt about their current task calmed her.

They enter the building. Rhathe first moving to the right, followed by Raleen moving towards the left. The eerie howling wind did not cease after entering. It increases along with an actual chill in the air. Raleen shivers moving slowly forward. The odd sound echoes in her mind followed by a high pitched sigh that did not come from her lips. Her eyes shift across the room towards Rhathe. His eyes narrow as he peers through the dark room. He motions for her to come to him. She quietly steps beside him and he points in the distance at a small light.

Raleen narrows her eyes not sure what she is seeing. The sight did not register in her mind as they approach. The incantation repeats over and over. The form comes more in to focus with each step, tall formless floating half a foot above the ground. The lich. Raleen glances once more at Rhathe before moving forward. It stands before them, his back to them as he continues his incantation ignoring their presence or unaware. As the incantation continues, a hand reaches out from the ground behind him shooting straight in to the air followed my an arm bending at the elbow planting itself firmly on the ground just as a second had shoots up following the pattern of the first. The two arms hoist a head followed by its body finally its two legs. The skeleton stands its full length, peering at them growling at them and staring through its sightless eyes.

Raleen levels her axe before her. Rhathe squares his shoulders, bring his shield before him, his sword at the ready silently challenging the creature to attack. Thrusting its chest forward as if taking a deep breath, the creature lets out a piercing screech.

Raleen's eyes narrow, the corner of Rhathe's lip quirks fighting a grin. Simultaneously they cast their exorcism at the undead creature before them weakening him considerably. Had it not been for the constant incantation it may have dropped it immediately instead it raises its hands casting an incantation of its own throwing a shadow bolt at Rhathe.

Rhathe's shield rises taking the brunt of the bolt, he turns his head at the last second to protect his eyes. Raleen takes advantage of the distraction of its own making, passing judgment upon him. It howls momentarily in pain, mostly shock and turns his attention on Raleen.

Rhathe seizes his opportunity, approaching on its blind side, knocking it out of his way swinging his sword over his head in an arch and down upon the form. The form wavered yet remained untouched and unmoved the incantation continuing.

Raleen's axe came down on the skeleton pinning it to the ground. Rhathe took his shield, bringing it down to sever the head from the body. A bright flash of blue light along with another piercing screech abruptly end throwing the room into darkness and silence.

The pair stand still, listening intently for any movement or sign of life other than their own. A soft pulsing glow draws their attention to what the form was standing before. It had the appearance of a stone alter. Upon this alter stood an urn which pulsed a soft glow of light. Rhathe stood before it, sheathed his sword and carefully lifting the urn. The soft glow grew dimmer. The two looked at each other. "Let's go."

Raleen nodded, grabbed his shield and followed him without hesitation. The sooner she was out of this place the better.

Raleen sinks in to the hot water closing her eyes grateful for the chance to soak the aches, pain and stench of the day off of her. Something about the priest worries her. "Rhathe, is it just me or was that priest creepy?"

Rhathe opens the door to the bathing room, "What?"

Exhausted Raleen leans her head back, her eyes half closed, "That priest… the one we gave the phylactery to."

Rhathe leans against the door frame listening intently, "Father Montoy…"

Raleen shivers, "He was creepy."

Rhathe chuckles, "He's a priest, Raleen."

She shakes her head slowly, "I know that… but there was just something about the look in his eyes."

Rhathe looks out the window thinking about the half crazed look in his eyes. "We'll go back to see if we can aide in the destruction of the phylactery. Will that ease your mind?"

"Mmmm… yes."

Rhathe turns to leave when a splash catches his attention. "Hey…" He smirks at her. "Behave."

Raleen looks up at him, her eyes still half closed, a smile on her full lips, "Mmmm… why? For once we aren't running off any where to report to anyone."

She stretches wearily stifling a yawn. "You should probably get out of the tub before you fall asleep in there."

Raleen sighs and agrees reluctantly. "You're right." She stands slowly, her wet body rejecting the cool breeze from the window with a shiver. Unexpectedly a towel is wrapped around her. He rubs on her arms to warm her. "Mmm… that's nice."

Rhathe growls deeply, lifting her in his arms. She lets out a soft yelp of surprise. His lips find hers in a hungry kiss that is matched by her hunger for him. He carries her to their room where he lays her on his bed, breathlessly their eyes meet. "We have no one to report to tonight."

She whimpers, pulling his face to hers his hand sliding across her body. "I love you."

He smiles at her, as he pulls off his shirt. "I love you, too."