Thanks to Blizz and my friends! I finally got you in Acra! I promised! Much love! Please review!

-Rogue-

Death Knights had to be the most stubborn people he had ever met. Despite Celynar telling them he was not hungry, both Anni and Edin took it upon themselves to force him to do so. Saraphyn had left before sun down. He wished he had not slept all day. The rogue missed her. Edin had brought a simple soup made of small pieces of chicken and potato. The soup tasted good, but Celynar just did not want to eat. No one shoved the spoon into his mouth. Eventually he had just given up and ate a few bites to get them to shut up. Edin eventually left once Celynar ate half the bowl. Anni would not leave. He had a feeling she would not until he ate it all. He sighed and took another bite from the spoon she held out for him. Annoyance was probably heard. Celynar did not care. He was being treated like a child.

Saraphyn came to him a little after noon. Anni had left to be replaced with the paladin Jah. He knew little of his new watcher. The paladin's black hair was kept tied behind his back. He did little to acknowledge the rogue. He did speak to the priestess when she entered. Celynar was slightly jealous. He wished to spend time with her alone. A small part of him wanted to fake pain in order to get her attention. Though, Celynar knew how childish that sounded and just listened to their conversation. His eyes looked out the window to the cloudy sky. It was snowing.

"Atonement? Didn't think you were one to be as aggressive as they need to be," said Jah.
"Me either, but I'm picking it up well. It seems to come almost naturally to me."
"That's good. Can't hurt to be able to attack your enemies."
Saraphyn's face shifted. "I'd prefer not to."
"In this war, I'm afraid there is not much of a choice."

Celynar resisted agreeing with the paladin. He knew it was true. Whether Saraphyn liked it or not, fighting was all you can do in the frozen north. It was all he knew once Quel'thalas fell. He felt her hand slip into his gently. It startled him at first. Saraphyn was standing now, her blond hair falling around her face. He shifted then winced. The wound was healing, but it didn't make it any less painful. With her help, the high elf sat up so she could change the bandage wrapped around him. Her fingers gently touched the pink skin and stitches. Celynar winced again.

"Sorry," she said.
"It still hurts, you know?" he teased.
Saraphyn smiled. "Good. That means it's healing."

He looked down at his chest. Most of the gash was healed into a small pink line due to Saraphyn's magic. Then it turned into a garbled mess just to the right of his heart. Black thread held the flesh together, dried blood between the two folds of skin. It was swollen. It hurt to move. Celynar just didn't like anyone touching it. The only two that even came to check on it anymore was Saraphyn and the priest Lucien. He overheard someone refer to him as the High Priest. Celynar was pleasantly happy to know at least his people's customs still existed. After a small jolt of pain from her sending in some quick healing energies, Saraphyn began to wrap the wound back up with fresh bandages. She was gentle, but firm. Celynar held onto one end of the bandage until she tied it up nicely.

Once she was done, she sat back down. Celynar stayed sitting up. He was tired of lying down. His restless legs needed to get up. His blue eyes looked outside again. Saraphyn's hand gently touched his arms. She knew instantly want he wanted.

"Jah, could you go fetch a fresh change of clothing and see if Edin could come for a second?"
"I was told to stay here and watch over him," replied the paladin. "By your sister."
"Aedina is not here. It would do him good to get out of this building and get some fresh air."
Jah looked at her closely.
"It's a healing opinion."

The paladin just shook his head, laughing slightly. He did not respond, just did. Regin shifted from his spot against the back wall. Saraphyn smiled at Celynar. The rogue didn't know how to thank her. How he desperately wanted to be outside just to breathe the cold air. Even though he hated what had happened in the last few months, the cold air had become his home. There was no place for the high elf anymore. Slowly, he shifted. His feet eventually rested on the floor, his head down. Jah returned shortly with a change of clothes. Edin behind him. Saraphyn had turned away while the death knight helped Celynar change into fresh clothes. As he was helping him put on some cloth shoes, he looked to Saraphyn.

"Keep him in the Vanguard. I would not suggest takin' him around yer people. Perhaps towards the back. I'll be sendin' one of the guards to keep an eye out for him. Do not go into Crystalsong."
"Of course," she replied, turning around.
"I feel like I am being treated like a child," Celynar mumbled under his breath.
Edin eyed him closely. "Yer still not out of the clear, Cel. Ye may have the Highlord's protection, but ye are still considered dangerous by many."
The high elf sighed.
"With Regin and Jah around, I'm sure Celynar will behave."
"I had a dagger slashed across my chest, a rune cut out of my skin and consistent healing from two priests, I don't think I will be killing anyone today," he replied, sarcasm dripping from his words. "Though, I could make an exception for you, master dwarf." There was a small gleam of amusement from the rogue's blue eyes.
Saraphyn laughed while Edin rolled his eyes.
"There ye go. I'll go get ya a cloak and ye be good to go."

Edin left the room, a large draenei coming in after he did so. Jah looked at the paladin closely. They definitely did not have anything to worry about. Saraphyn didn't notice the newer addition. Her attention was on Celynar as he tried to stand. It was painful. He could not put pressure on his right arm. This left him using the priestess for a crutch as she stood slowly. It was insulting to the rogue. He wavered like a child. How long had it been since he last walked? His arm wrapped around her shoulders, steadying him. Celynar scowled, but his face softened. Saraphyn smelled like flowers. Not just any flowers, but the ones from their homeland, from Quel'thalas. He smiled slightly. That twisted to embarrassment when she looked up at him.

"What?"
"Nothing," Celynar responded quickly.
Saraphyn looked at him, her eyes narrowed.
"You smell like home," admitted the high elf quietly. "A smell I miss deeply."

A small blush crossed her narrow face. Though, her attention shifted to the draenei in the room. He bowed before her.

"I remember you!" she exclaimed. "How long ago has it been since I healed you?"
"A couple weeks now, my Lady. Edin asked me to be the rogue's watcher for the Crusade. How could I say no?" The draenei was nearly as tall as Regin, just not as stocky. "My name is Nuuren, Lady Sunhaven."
"Please, Sara or Saraphyn. Not many call me by my nickname."
"I would be much honored, Sara," he said before his eyes turned to the rogue. "What is your name, young elf?"
"Celynar," he replied, surprised that the draenei did not look at him like most others did.

The larger paladin bowed again. Edin returned just after. He handed the cloak to Saraphyn. A quick look around the room, he left. Regin snorted in annoyance before leaving. Jah followed shortly after, picking his shield up from against the wall. Nuuren waited. Celynar felt that he would see this paladin a lot. Though, the draenei did not look at him like most of the others he ever saw. The Crusader seemed less likely to judge others. It was a good change for him. Celynar would do the same for him. Though, he was not really in the position to do such. Saraphyn shifted for a second. Celynar, still shaky on his own feet, waited for her to wrap the cloak around him. She made sure his wound was covered. Watching him wince again, Saraphyn grabbed some bandages and made a makeshift sling for his right arm. He just watched her work.

"There," she said.
"Thank you, Sara," he responded quietly.

She was almost taken back by the sincerity in his voice. Celynar looked down at the ground. He wrapped his arm around the priestess again. She started forward. He felt so awkward as he followed suit. Though, his legs seemed just strong enough to keep his lean body upright. For that, Celynar was thankful. They approached the doorway and his eyes blinked to the sudden brightness of the outside. He didn't notice the sun peak out between the clouds. The air was still fridged. He shivered once they left the slightly warmer building. Saraphyn wrapped her arm around his waist. Color rose in his cheeks. His eyes blinked again. It was odd adjusting to the light of the sun again. He looked around. Perfect white tents surrounded the wooded facade. A few more wooden buildings were dotted around the camp. Then the reds and golds of the Sin'dorei camp caught his eye.

Everyone was busy working whether it be on fortifying the camp or fixing the iron of a blade. A few Argent Crusaders looked at him. Most faces were twisted in judgement. The high elf's face twisted in emotion, but settled on showing nothing. None of them would understand. Saraphyn urged him to follow her towards their three personal guards. Nuuren smiled, his armor gleaming in the sun. Celynar could have sworn there was something different when it came to the aura of this paladin. He was strong in the Light, but it seemed there was something more to it then that. Jahtokilian looked uninterested. The blood elf folded his arms across his chest. His large, golden shield caught Celynar's attention. It was almost like his people were still there despite their turning to Fel magic. No, there was no difference between the Quel'dorei and the Sin'dorei but in name. The Sunwell was free to them all. Celynar could feel it's magic reach to him even in the cold of Northrend.

Regintoko looked even more angry in the light. His brown eyes stared at the high elf. Celynar looked away. The tauren's dark fur barely allowed his dark plate to be seen. It was almost as if they were meant to look as one. And then there was Saraphyn. Celynar resisted mentioning how beautiful the priestess looked. She wore the color and armor of Silvermoon, but the off white dress she wore fit her frame. In the sunlight, she seemed to glow. Not quite like the draenei, but there was definitely something special about her that few could see. Her eyes were not nearly as deep emerald like that of Jah's. They were much paler, like she did not need to feed off the foul magic when the Sin'dorei felt like they had no choice. Celynar wondered if being around the blood elves would do the same to him. He did not want to be like them. He didn't deserve to be like them.

Saraphyn began to move towards the rocky cliffs at the back of the camp. Celynar looked at his surroundings. The snow was pushed away from the paths the Argent soldiers used. Yet, the snow on the cliffs were untouched, almost pure. A small smile crossed his lips as he overlooked the snow capped trees. A floating city caught his attention. He could feel the magic coming from it. It could only be Dalaran. Celynar knew most of what was left of his people were there. The Silver Covenant they called themselves. Despite this, he felt like he could not belong. His training did not suit the magics of the Kirin Tor. They would have no use for a rogue, an assassin, a spy. If his name was cleared, there would be no place Celynar could go that would ever be a home.

Saraphyn stopped at the cliff of the camp. The high elf slowly sat down on a large rock with her help. She sat next to him. Her eyes looked out over the forest. Celynar did the same. The sun was still high, but the shadow it cast over the trees was peaceful. A warm wind kicked up and brushed his brown hair around his face. With his freed hand, Celynar tried to brush it away. He sighed. It was dirty, grimy. A small giggle came from the priestess. The high elf looked at her questioningly. She was still facing towards the forest below, but her eyes were on him. There was a twinkle about them that Celynar found himself falling into. A smile crossed his lips.

"What?"
Saraphyn laughed a bit. "Nothing. You looked so frustrated."
"I am," he replied. "Have you seen this air? I look like a sewer rat."
"You smell like one, too," came Jah from behind them.

Saraphyn started to giggle. Celynar dropped his head in defeat. He knew he could use a clean up, but he did not think anyone would allow him one. Besides, where could one possibly bathe in Northrend? Celynar shuddered to think of the idea, but Saraphyn looked so clean and proper. Jah did as well. There had to be a way. His eyes looked back out to the forest. He felt Saraphyn shift. Their eyes met as she stood. Wrinkling his nose, Celynar bet this was where he would have to go back inside. She just smiled. Using the smaller elf as a crutch, they began heading towards a small cave just before the entrance of the Vanguard. Maybe he would be getting a bath after all.

-Paladin-

"What are they saying?" Aedina asked Anni.
"You don't want to know," the death knight replied, clearly not happy.

The Alliance were throwing out their case to the Highlord why they should take Celynar back with them. Of course, the human leader of the group would not hear any of it of the reasons why they shouldn't. This left Anni speaking for Aedina and their cause which just fell on deaf ears. Well, except for the night elf. He seemed oddly interested in the whole thing. The two humans just argued for a time before Tirion simply told them they were not taking Celynar as long as he was in Argent protection.

"This is absurd, Highlord! You, yourself, know the danger these assassins provide. This one can lead us to them. We can defeat them!" the leader of the Alliance party said.
Anni let out a small laugh. "Right, because it worked out so well for you in the first place."
"What would a death knight know?!"
"A lot more then you obviously do," she spat back in perfect Common. "Tell me, what makes you think you could keep him alive as long as we have?"
The human's face went red in anger.
"Captain, if you allow me," the night elf said quietly.

The three began to talk. The human was clearly mad and Aedina did not wish to know why. She had a feeling it was Anni's doing. She waited a few minutes before more words were exchanged. The humans eventually left with the night elf coming to join them. He looked at the two closely. Anni folded her arms across her chest.

"I am Acrios Feralfire, druid of Darnassus," he said in almost perfect Orcish. "I have been tasked to watch over the high elf for the Alliance."
"The last thing he needs is more people 'watching' him," said Aedina.
Anni sighed. "Excuse the paladin and her crudeness, but she is right. We've had it handled since he came to us."
"I understand that. I do not wish to interfere with what you are doing for the Horde, bu-"
"We do not do this for the Horde, Acrios," Aedina said. "We do this for Celynar."
The night elf looked the two closely.
"The Horde would unjustly arrest him and sentence him to death without knowing the truth. We go against our orders to protect him."
"Interesting," Acrios responded. "I would very much like to meet him."
"That could be arranged," Anni said. "By the way, my name is Annihilator Deathblade, but most call me Anni. This is Aedina Sunhaven."
"Sister to Saraphyn Sunhaven, I imagine," he said.
"So, even the Alliance knows of her. Just great."
Acrios chuckled. "Only because they respect her. A few of our priests have gotten lucky in healing some of the poisoned, but I hear your sister's record is flawless."
"If flawless is how you put saving lives, Acrios, I'm afraid to know what success means to you."
"She is an inspiration, Anni, was it?"
Aedina was getting frustrated. "Just stay away from my sister and try to not get in our way. It's enough that we have the Crusade involved. We don't need another body in the way."

She stormed off, leaving Anni and the night elf to chat. It didn't matter to her what the druid was there for. He was in the way. The events leading up to Celynar's eventual freedom was being more and more cloudy with each passing day. Aedina didn't quite know what to do now. Escaping with him when the time came would be harder. Too many sides were dragged into this. The paladin sighed in frustration. She just stormed off towards the forest, needing a break from people.

-Priest-

Saraphyn sat on a wooden bench near the front of the small cavern. Regin stood nearby with Jah just outside the mouth. Nuuren aided Celynar to the warm pools near the back to help him clean up. She trusted the draenei despite Jah's snide comments in Thalassian. She figured it was because of the invested time he and the rest of Aedina's companions had put into making sure the high elf was safe. Saraphyn definitely did not blame them. Regin, however, just seemed to not like caves. He stood just as looming as always, but stared at a rock on the ground. There was a sigh from Jah as he put his shield on the ground.

"This is dumb."
"Hmm? Why?" asked Saraphyn.
Jah looked at her. "Because I am a Blood Knight. I should be in front of Icecrown with the rest of our people beating back the armies of the Lich King."
"A blood elf whining. Go figure," said Regin.
"Don't start arguing." Saraphyn stood slowly. "Trouble will find us eventually."
"We'll be too soft by then."
"Speak for yourself, fuzzy."
Regin stood at his full height. "What was that, pointy ears?"
"Oooh. My pride."

Saraphyn quickly had to move between the two figures of steaming testosterone. She looked directly at the large tauren. Regin's nostrils flared before he walked outside of the cave. Jah folded his arms across his chest. The priestess was sure he wanted the fight. Though, she was not too sure the paladin could have survived Regin's rage. Saraphyn looked at Jah for a second, clearly angry, as she moved to where the tauren now stood. He didn't acknowledge her. His hands were clenched tightly. With brown eyes staring out into nothing, he took in a deep breath.

"Don't worry about me, Sara," he mumbled.
"Jah is just hot headed. Don't listen to what he has to say."
Regin just shook his head.
"He didn't lose someone like you did."
The tauren looked at her. "He has his own reasons to fight."
"He doesn't need to fight you," she said, obviously frustrated. "We shouldn't be fighting each other. We're fighting to save Celynar's life. That takes time and a lot of patience."
Regin knelt before the priestess, a small smile on his large face. "That, my lady, is one thing most blood elves lack, including you."
Saraphyn smiled.
"There will be plenty of time to fight."

She nodded. Regin stood before a whistle came from behind them. Jah waved them over once they looked. Saraphyn looked at her tauren friend before heading towards the cave. Celynar was sitting on the rock she once sat. His hair was still wet, but he looked much cleaner. Nuuren was fussing with a brush. It was clear he had no clue what he was doing with hair. The priestess moved over to him and held out her hand. The draenei happily handed the brush over and moved to stand near Jah. Celynar closed his eyes as she brushed his hair. It wasn't too long, but just long enough to be tangled beyond belief. She put a little effort on the harder tangles while Nuuren and Jah talked about many topics from the weather to whether or not a sword was better then a mace. Saraphyn tuned their conversations out.

His brown hair was matted so bad. She was worried that she would have to cut some of it off. It was too beautiful for that. Celynar probably would not mind. Saraphyn just did not want to. The largest tangle under the weight of his hair was the worst. She put his head down and went to town. Slowly it came undone, but not without a wince or two from the rogue. Saraphyn bit her lip. Eventually it came out with a good amount of force. Nimbly, her fingers then began to braid. Having two older sisters made this so much easier for her. It would probably be easier for him to also take care of as long as he was forced to stay in one room. She pulled out a small piece of cloth and tied his hair near the end.

"There," she said. "That should be better."
Celynar reached back with his good hand. "Yes, much. Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"Alright, where to now?" asked Nuuren.
"It would probably be best to get me back to my room," Celynar said. "I don't want to be out when the sun goes down."

Saraphyn moved to the rogue's side and helped him up. He seemed a little stronger now, not needing to lean against her as much. They would have to take walks more often to get his strength back up. The walk was quiet. Probably more quiet then anyone cared for. Anni stood near the small cabin, arms folded across her chest. She looked mad. Saraphyn and Celynar's eyes met for a second. He smiled before looking at Anni like a scolded child. The priestess just helped him inside. They probably should have told everyone they were going out for a walk. Saraphyn just hoped her sister was not around. Aedina was not nearly as forgiving as the death knight.

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

I know this chapter really didn't go anywhere other then to introduce a couple of new characters. The hubby said no action. I listened. For once. Next chapter will definitely be full of some. Please R&R! I'm not quite sure how to go sometimes. Advice never hurts! I also know I'm horrible at grammar and spelling. If you see an error, please let me know! I lost my Grammar Reviewer to real life stuff. (Miss ya, Noobie!)

The next chapters may have a note for a song in which I drew inspiration. Before now, I've been listening to a jumbled assortment of music and drawing from that. Many songs are meant for scenes and I will note them once these scenes appear. Maybe give you a chance to hear and feel where I am when I'm writing! Thanks for your time!