A/N: THE AMOUNT OF SUPPORT FOR THIS STORY FILLS ME WITH SUCH JOY. Seriously, guys, I wanted to start ugly crying after reading all the wonderful reviews I've been receiving. You are all just too sweet. I love the Warcraft universe, and that fact that I can just totally fuck with the plot, and people will keep reading this, makes me so happy. Thank you!

Disclaimer: I own nothing except Katryn Silverbane. All rights for World of Warcraft belong to Blizzard Entertainment, including places, events, and characters.

Of Blood and Arcana

Chapter Ten

Waiting and Watching

It was nice to finally be able to sleep in a bed by herself. Not that Katryn had been sharing a bed before, but she had been sharing a room. She had been sharing a tent with Claudia during their journey to The Temple of the White Tiger, and when they had stayed in the Tavern in the Mists, she had shared a room with all her friends. Now, she had her own tent, thank the Light, and would for the remainder of her time here. Then, she would be able to return to Dalaran, and be back in her old room, and back to her old life. How she longed for it; how she had hoped she could return now. Instead, however, she had to remain here a little while longer, and observe what could be the most groundbreaking trial Azeroth had seen for a time – perhaps even since the trial of Orgrim Doomhammer, when he had been sent to the Undercity, another lifetime before.

She left her tent, the early morning sunlight hitting her in the face like a bucket of freezing water, momentarily taking her breath away. The air was chilled with the snow blowing off the mountain, and it reminded her of her home in Dalaran. She felt a pang of nostalgia, but tried to ignore it. Instead, she began to make her way out of the Kirin Tor encampment, and towards the ridges above. She wanted to see just how far her eyes would allow her to gaze across the expanse of Pandaria. If this was to be her one and only time here, she wanted to remember it as best she could.

She was nearly at the base of the steps that would lead her up to the summit, when a voice called out behind her.

"Katryn!"

Katryn nearly felt her eyes roll out of her head. It seemed that every time she wanted some alone time, she was always called to by someone. Who could it be now? She turned on the spot, and noticed a young woman, close to her own age, with short, cropped blonde hair, and bright eyes running towards her. Her heart leapt instantly.

"Claudia!" It had been days since she had seen her friend. After only yesterday finding out that she had vouched for her to Jaina about her actions. Katryn felt gratitude, joy, and guilt fill her veins like rushing water. She rant to her friend, and they embraced tightly. After a moment, Katryn pulled back to look at her friend. "Oh, it's so good to see you!"

Claudia held Katryn at arm's length, beaming, but also her expression held concern. "I heard what happened; are you alright?" She searched Katryn's face, perhaps looking for any maiming, or whatnot.

Katryn gently pried her friend's hands from her shoulders, forcing a smile. "I'm fine – have you seen Tormant?" The thought of her dwarven friend crossing her mind caused pain to spread through her once again. To her relief, Claudia nodded enthusiastically.

"I just did; he's awake. Do you want to go see him?"

Katryn couldn't help but smile. She had hoped Claudia would ask. "I would love to, let's go."

They set off together down the steps, and away from the Kirin Tor encampment, the opposite direction in which Katryn had wanted to head before. The sun as slowly starting to push its way through the clouds, giving The Temple of the White Tiger a misty, golden glow. It really was a beautiful place, Katryn had to admit. Despite what was going to take place there in the next week, and all the heartache that would accompany it, it still held a certain ancient beauty.

It took Katryn all of perhaps five minutes of silent walking and looking around for her anxiety to kick in, and she had to say to Claudia what she had been wanting to say since they had ran into one another that morning.

She looked sidelong at her friend as they walked. "Claudia, listen, I heard about what you said to Jaina." The other woman started at her comment, and glanced sideways at her. "I'm so sorry I sent you and Aerin back." Katryn felt the guilt burn her, but tried to ignore it. Jaina hadn't been upset, Claudia clearly wasn't upset. All that remained now was to try to earn Tormant's forgiveness. "I also want to say thank you for vouching for me. You didn't have to do that, but you did, and I'm so grateful."

Claudia stopped walking, and Katryn followed suit. Claudia fixed Katryn with a gentle smile. "Katryn, it's alright. Really, I promise." She squeezed her friend's hand. "You did what you had to do, and neither Aerin nor I hold it against you. Aerin it still a bit grumpy," she smirked, and Katryn resisted the urge to giggle, "but it's to be expected." Her face lit up suddenly. "We also heard that Jaina has named you her new apprentice! I don't know why I didn't mention it first!" She hugged Katryn again, "Katryn, I am so happy for you."

Katryn wriggled free of the hug, trying her best to keep that simple smile on her face. "Thank you, Claudia. For everything." Claudia grinned, and the two resumed walking. By now, morning had set in full swing, and the inhabitants of the temple were out and about, along with the visitors, as well. Pandaren, humans, elves, dwarves, and Katryn even thought she saw a Tauren, were skittering about like ants, doing their daily work, or preparing for the trial, and arrivals of the other faction leaders.

"When does your training start?" Claudia asked as they walked.

Katryn had really thought about that. "I don't know," She admitted thoughtfully, "I haven't accepted her offer yet." Katryn looked back, and saw that Claudia had stopped walking again, and was instead staring at her, openmouthed.

"You haven't?!" She cried out in disbelief. "Why not?"

Katryn snorted, and quickly tried to calm herself. She knew Claudia was being serious, but her outburst was still funny. "It's just a lot to think about right now is all." She shrugged absently, while Claudia was staring at her intently, almost scrutinizing her. "She's giving me this week to think on it, and I'll give her my answer after the trial is over, and we're back in Dalaran."

Claudia calmed, looking surprised. "Wait, you're not coming home right away?"

Katryn shook her head. "No, Jaina wants me to stay and watch the trial, and I suppose discuss with it me after." Claudia seemed satisfied with this response, and they resumed walking. They were coming down to the rise where all the healers had gathered, no doubt helping the soldiers wounded in the ambush, as well as Tormant.

"You're lucky," Claudia was saying. "I'd love to see what they're going to do to that sonofabitch." Her comment startled Katryn – in all her years knowing Claudia, she rarely heard her swear in any way, shape, or form.

She shook her head, a small smile touching her lips. "Don't get too excited, Claudia. It's unlikely that the August Celestials will allow Garrosh to be executed. But," she added, her tone somewhat morose, "I don't foresee a life of freedom for him, either."

Claudia huffed, "We can only hope." Katryn could feel the annoyance, and resentment for Garrosh seeping from her. By the Light, did everyone hate him. "What happened, anyway?" Claudia asked her abruptly.

"What?"

"During that raid," Claudia said firmly, "That must have been terrifying."

Ah, yes, the ambush. With all that had happened since then, Katryn had nearly forgotten all about it. True, the result of it was laying on a stretcher awaiting a visit from herself and Claudia, but the rest seemed to insignificant. Not the deaths or injuries of the soldiers, mind you, but still. Katryn had taken in so much information in the last twenty-four hours, it made it hard for her to think properly.

Katryn thought for a moment, choosing her next words carefully. Finally, she spoke. "Well, something interesting did happen, actually. I almost died."

Claudia turned white, and again she stopped walking. Katryn inwardly sighed. At this rate, they would never make it to Tormant before sunset.

Claudia stared at her, openmouthed. "What! How? Were you attacked like Tormant?" Her eyes immediately began scanning Katryn, looking for abrasions, lesions, or scars, she was certain.

Katryn gave her friend a gentle smile, trying to look reassuring, but certain she just looked exhausted and pained. "No; after I killed the beasts who attacked him, I was thrown backwards, and landed beside Garrosh's cage." She paused, remembering the feeling of laying there, waiting to die. "I was stunned, so I couldn't move right away. One of those things was running at me, and I knew it a few seconds it would kill me."

Claudia was watching her intently. "What happened after?"

Katryn took a breath, knowing how Claudia would react to this next part. "Well, and this is going to sound insane, but bear with me – Garrosh killed it."

There was a heavy silence, and the two women stared at one another. Claudia looked as stunned as Katryn had felt she had probably looked after it had happened. After a moment, Claudia spoke.

"… What?"

Katryn shrugged, "He killed it. He reached through the bars, grabbed it by the throat, and ripped off its head." She stared at her friend, trying to implore her to understand. "He saved my life, Claudia."

Claudia shook her head in disbelief, exhaling slowly so that her breath came out in a low whistle. "By the Light… Are you serious?"

Katryn couldn't resists. "Dead serious."

Claudia's eyes narrowed. "Funny."

"Thank you."

Claudia sighed and they kept walking. "But, why?" Her voice was filled with disbelief. "Why would he save you? What could he gain from that?"

Katryn shrugged again; she hadn't given it much thought. "No idea; but he did. We weren't able to talk about it, because I was so focused on Tormant, and we were just arriving here. He was taken away in his cage after that."

Claudia was pondering silently. Katryn glanced sideways at her as she spoke, turning to face Katryn. "Hellscream saved your life… Katryn, have you told anyone else?"

Katryn felt a chill run through her, but she could not place why. "No; and I don't know if I should. They may think I'm crazy."

Now it was Claudia's turn to smirk. "Well, we already knew that."

Katryn feigned hurt, but smirked right back. "Ha, funny. I guess I walked into that one." She tucked a stray piece of dark hair behind her ear. "Even so, don't tell anyone, alright? Not even Aerin; I don't need rumors starting." She fixed Claudia with a semi-pleading gaze, and her friend softened.

"Of course I won't, don't worry." Claudia squeezed Katryn's hand. "But, Katryn, my advice is if it becomes relevant to the trial, I would say something. It could be useful."

She hadn't thought of that. Claudia had a point. Were things starting to look bleak during the trial, she may have to stand off against Garrosh, and explain to everyone what had happened. Would that mean he would be sentenced less harshly? Would it mean he'd be freed? What would that make her? She could be labeled a traitor, or worse, a "Sympathizer", according to Jaina.

She pushed the thought away – she wouldn't let it come to that. "I know, you're right." She thought for a second, and smiled. "Maybe he tolerates me because I'm the only one who talked to him. Maybe that's why he saved me."

Claudia nodded slowly, "And even then, you weren't particularly nice, either."

Katryn felt a smile tug. "You are not wrong."

They continued on in silence for a few more moments. Katryn could see the tents of the healers and medics appearing in the distance, and just as they were coming to the final stretch, Claudia grabbed her by the arm, pointing.

"Look, the leaders of the Horde are arriving."

Katryn turned, looking to where Claudia was pointing. Sure enough, several figures had, no doubt, materialized out of thin air, and were now making their way up the steps of the Temple of the White Tiger. Among them were several orcs, Tauren, blood elves, and forsaken. Katryn shuddered at the sight of the Forsaken soldiers, who were probably flanking their leader, Sylvanas Windrunner. Their skin was grey and saggy, tearing off here and there, and one was even missing a jaw. Katryn felt her stomach churn, and instead turned her gaze to the elf leading them.

Even from a distance, Sylvanas was tall; much taller than Katryn, by perhaps several inches. Her skin was a deep grey blue, and her hair was a deep, silvery black. It shone in the sunlight, but had a dulled effect, as though the colour was matted. Her eyes, barely visible beneath her hood, were a bright crimson, something common in banshees such as herself. Although, Sylvanas was in possession of her actual body, rather than an ethereal form. How her body had remained intact for so many years was beyond Katryn. The Dark Lady, as she was referred to, always sent a chill up her spine. Seeing her in person was much more disconcerting.

Trailing behind Sylvanas, but not far, was the leader of the blood elves, Lor'themar Theron. Tall, thin, with silvery blonde hair and an eyepatch over one brilliantly green eye, Lor'themar had been leading the blood elves since the betrayal of Kael'thas Sunstrider many years before. Katryn had seen him in Dalaran before, speaking with Jaina, before Garrosh had become Warchief. Despite being a member of the Horde, and deemed barbaric in the eyes of many of her human (and high elven) friends, Lor'themar had been very polite, and courteous towards Jaina, and in a brief encounter as he had departed, to Katryn as well. She held no ill will towards him, or any of them leaders of the Horde, to be honest.

Despite Sylvanas's somewhat sick methods, Katryn could still somewhat understand her motives. Revenge and bitterness was a powerful weapon to some. She wondered how Vereesa would react upon seeing her sister again. As far as Katryn knew, it had not been since her death and revival that they had last seen one another. Her thoughts were interrupted when Claudia spoke.

"Is that Thrall?"

She was right. Climbing the steps next was a great, green orc. Clad in white robes, prayer beads, and the famous weapon, Doomhammer, slung across his back, was former Warchief Thrall, better known as Go'el now. Beside him was his mate, Aggra, browned skinned as she was, carrying their son, Durak. The small bundle wriggled, and Katryn caught a glimpse of the baby, small tusks poking out, and cooing softly. She couldn't help but smile. He was adorable. She knew how hard this must have been for Thrall, being here, watching the trial for someone he had perhaps once considered a student, or even a brother. Her heart ached for him. In order to distract herself, she threw Claudia a gentle smile.

"Don't you mean Go'el?"

Claudia rolled her eyes, "Please, Katryn. Everyone's had a hard time transitioning to that; don't pretend you haven't either." Katryn smirked and Claudia raised a brow.

Katryn shrugged, "Fair point. When is the trial starting, do you know?" She asked Claudia. They were nearly at the tents now.

"Tomorrow, I think." Claudia replied thoughtfully. "The August Celestials want to give everyone a day to settle in before. Aerin and I will be going back to Dalaran tonight, and if Tormant is well enough, he will come, too."

Panic filled Katryn like rushing water. "Tonight? So soon?"

Claudia gave her a sympathetic albeit kind smile. "Katryn, we have to. You were chosen, you have a to stay – but we don't. We have our lives to get back to, and you have a new one to start."

Katryn chewed on her lower lip, "I guess… I suppose I'm just nervous." They had arrived at the tents, and here Claudia stopped to look at her friend.

"You've a right to be, but you'll be fine." She hugged Katryn tightly. "This will all be over in a week, and you'll be able to come home, and start your training as Jaina's apprentice. Who knows," she pulled back, smiling at her, "maybe you'll be accepted into her council. Just think of all the good you could do for mages!"

Katryn forced a smile, "I know; thank you, Claudia. I know I should accept the proposal, but I still need time to think."

"Of course, I understand. I just think you'll make a wonderful apprentice." Claudia gestured to the tent, and Katryn followed her in.

Inside, they found several stretchers, with some soldiers Katryn recognized, and others she didn't. Near the back, she saw a familiar, small, yet stocky form of a dwarf. Tormant. Her heart leapt, and she and Claudia approached. Tormant was awake, and noticed the two of them, and his face broke out into a smile. He looked pained, but was very much alive, and Katryn felt her face break out into a huge smile, despite her best efforts to remain in control.

They reached the bed, and she sat in a chair beside her friend's bed. "Tormant, how are you?"

The dwarf smiled, winced, and let out a low chuckle. "Ah been better; but I'm alive. Tha's wha' matters."

Katryn's face fell, and she reached out, clasping his hand in hers. "I am so sorry, Tormant. I feel responsible for this."

Tormant raised an eyebrow. "Why? You didn't cause the ambush."

Katryn looked between her two friends. Claudia was standing behind her, hands on the back of her chair. "But I sent Aerin and Claudia away."

She heard Claudia let out a dramatic sigh, and her head swiveled in her direction. "She's been like this all morning – maybe you can talk some sense into her." Katryn narrowed her eyes, and Claudia stuck out her tongue at her.

"Katryn – I'm alive," Tormant's voice caused her to turn back. He squeezed her hand gently, "Tha's the important part. You did all you could, and here I am. It will take me some time to heal, but I will be able to go home today." Claudia beamed at that comment, and Katryn smiled as well.

"If you're sure, then I'll accept it." She sat back in her chair, sharing that same, knowing smile she often shared with the dwarf. "I'm glad you're doing better, Tormant."

"We should let him rest, Katryn." Claudia gently squeezed her shoulder to get her attention, and Katryn nodded. She was right, Tormant needed to rest and heal, especially if he was going back to Dalaran that night.

Claudia continued, "I should get back to my tent. I need to gather my things before we depart." They bid Tormant farewell, and exited the medical tent. Katryn promised she would come say goodbye later on before he left.

Katryn and Claudia returned towards the Kirin Tor enclave, and it was there that they parted ways. Katryn wanted to look around, and Claudia had to get ready.

The blond mage pulled the dark haired one into a tight embrace, saying as she did: "Take care of yourself this week, Katryn. You'll have to tell me all about it when you return to Dalaran."

Katryn nodded, fighting the urge to break down out of fear, guilt, and nerves. By the Light, she was an emotional wreck lately. "I will, though I doubt anything of consequence will happen. Garrosh will probably be tried, not executed, and made to pay for his crimes some other way."

"Even so, I want to hear all about it." Claudia's tone was firm, "We can get everyone together and go for a drink at the tavern. Deal?"

Katryn exhaled, feeling better. "Deal. Take care, Claudia, I'll see you in a week."

Claudia disappeared towards her tent, and Katryn was left standing there alone, wondering where to go first. Pandaria was a gorgeous place, and this place was possibly the safest place she could be right now. She decided she'd climb the steps to the top of the temple, and check out the view. She was began to turn to ascend the steps, she caught wind of a conversation happening nearby between two Pandaren, and froze.

"Did you hear what Li and Lo were saying? About Hellscream?" One, a female with a fox tail, and bright red and white fur, was saying to the other, a male, who was black and white.

He was shaking his head. "No, I didn't. What happened?" Katryn could feel something rising in her chest, and it nearly came to a head with what the female said next.

"Apparently Hellscream mentioned a woman – a human woman." The female hissed. She was trying to keep her voice down, but the wind carried it to Katryn's ears. "I heard it in passing. He wanted to speak with her, or was requesting it."

The male seemed confused. "That seems odd."

The female nodded, and Katryn froze at her next words. "Very; apparently, the way he was talking about her, you would think he had immense respect for her."

What the f–

A/N: Another filler-ish chapter! Next chapter will begin the trial, I hope. I must consult my sources for how the trial went down, because the Warcraft universe is huge, and I forget things. Go me. Anyway, stay tuned!