A/N: Hello, friends! Long delay again, so sorry! I am still invested, fear not! I finally went to Argus in WoW, and my god, it has been a nightmare! Fun, but a nightmare. So. Many. Demons. Argh. Also! This fic was 1 year old as of August 17th! Yay! Anyway, read on!

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 Fourteen

Portals and Parlors

The remainder of the first day of the trial passed in a blur. Katryn barely remembered any of the other witnesses called forward. All she could focus on was her conversations with Garrosh, and what they had meant. She had caught him scanning the crowds of people a few times during the last hour, and had found herself sinking lower in her chair, to avoid his scrutinizing gaze. Beside her, Anduin threw her a quizzical look, which she did her best to ignore. The rest of the first day passed by, and, finally, they began to filter out of the temple, and into the orange glow of the setting sun. As they had passed by him, Katryn had felt Garrosh's eyes on the back of her head, but she hadn't looked. She knew he'd have had that same, smug expression as earlier.

She was still internally grumbling, when a voice at her elbow caught her attention. "Katryn, are you okay?" She turned sharply, coming down from her angry high, to find Anduin staring up at her, his blue eyes filled with concern. "You seemed a little stressed during that last hour."

She breathed in, as she and the prince came to a slow halt. Others passed them, some casting huge shadows over the two, and others barely coming up to their knees. "I'm fine, your highness, but thank you for asking." A goblin bumped her hip, and he mumbled an apology, before slinking away. She touched her side where she kept her coin purse, feeling it still there, before mentally scolding herself for thinking such things of the goblin. Sure, they loved money, but come now, not all where thieves. Her brow furrowed as a thought came to her, she looked back down at Anduin, curiosity in her tone.

"Prince Anduin, could I talk to you for a second?" She gestured to the side, away from the crowds, and the prying eyes and ears of King Varian and Jaina.

Anduin looked a bit perplexed, but nodded nonetheless. "Of course, is everything okay?" He followed her as she led them away, closer to the gardens beside the temple, similar to those she had meditated in earlier that day.

"Right now, yes." she began, trying to find the right words. She wanted to bring this up with Anduin, but had to be very careful how she executed it. She didn't want to frighten the boy. "I just wanted to give you a heads up that Garrosh may end up wanting to speak with you." Her words hung in the air, leaving the young man looking stunned. Katryn had always like Anduin; he was a good lad, always respectful whenever they had crossed paths, however briefly that had been in the past. He deserved to know if Garrosh was planning something sinister, or perhaps just planning on irritating her further. Smug son of a –

"With me? Why?" Anduin's young sounding voice startled her, and she tried her best to look reassuring.

"Well, I seriously doubt it's to say he's sorry for trying to kill you, that's for sure." Her quip brought a small smile to his face, as they fell into step again moving to the gardens.

"How do you know this?" Anduin turned to look at her, and they stopped again. Katryn motioned for them to sit on a bench, and as they did, she spoke again.

"Because," she took a breath, "he asked to speak with me earlier. He thinks that I think he can change, and I think he thinks you may feel the same way."

Anduin stared at her in disbelief. "You really think that?" His voice quavered, and Katryn felt sympathy for the boy. He had had so much thrust onto his young life so quickly.

She placed a gentle hand on the young prince's shoulder. "He's already surprised me a lot in a short amount of time; I wouldn't put it passed him." She tried to smile, and look reassuring.

Anduin looked down at his hands, entwining his fingers over and over. He looked back up at her. "I see – well thank you for letting me know, Katryn." His blue eyes sparkled with a smile.

Katryn forced one in return, albeit still filled with mild unease. "You're a smart young man, your highness, I knew you'd take it well." She moved to stand, when Anduin spoke again.

"Do you think I should tell anyone what he says to me, if he does ask to see me?"

She hadn't thought of that. Katryn looked down at him thoughtfully. "That's up to you; I think unless it's anything threatening, you can keep it between us if you like?" She wasn't trying to make him keep secrets from the king, but she also knew Varian was famous for his temper.

Anduin looked a little relieved. "I'd like that; thank you, Katryn." He stood, too. "I have always tried to see the good in people, even if they try to kill me…" His voice trailed for a moment, before he looking back up at her, grinning. "I'm glad to know I'm not the only one with that mentality."

Katryn smiled warmly. "Me, too."

The prince of Stormwind straightened, stepping away. "I'll see you later?" He looked hopeful.

Katryn felt genuine happiness at the kind statement. "Of course. Take care, Prince Anduin."

And then he was gone, and she was left to her own devices. Katryn wasn't feeling particularly hungry, so she elected to return to her tent, and sleep off the rest of this weird day. Hopefully a good night's rest would help clear her mind for the trials to come in the morning.

"I summon His Royal Highness, Prince Anduin Wrynn of Stormwind, to speak as witness."

Katryn knew that Anduin had been dreading the potential happenings of this moment. She had seen it in his face when Garrosh had first been brought into the temple the day before. They were about to witness the moment in which Garrosh attempted to kill Anduin, by dropping The Divine Bell upon his body, crushing it beneath. Although he had been healed, she knew he still felt pain in his soul. News of his almost death had reached even Dalaran, as many of Azeroth's most powerful priests, as well as Pandaren monks, were sent to heal him.

She turned to look at him, and saw how white his face had become. Beside him, Varian whispered something in his ear, perhaps words of encouragement, and Jaina leaned over, possibly doing the same, though no doubt with less kindness. As difficult as this moment would be, they all knew it would play in favour of the August Celestials choosing to have Garrosh executed. Killing armies was one thing, but harm a child? Disgusting. Despite her earlier conversation with Garrosh, and even with Anduin, Katryn still felt the prickle of hatred within her, like a small flame, glowing brightly in the dark. Her eyes travelled to Garrosh, whose expression was unreadable. He didn't look smug, but he didn't look remorseful, either.

And so, they were forced to watch as Anduin had to recount the moment wherein he was almost killed. Not only that, but just as Katryn feared, they had to actually witness it, as well, thanks to the Vision of Time. She had to listen to both Anduin and Garrosh shouting, and hear the sickening crunch of his bones, as The Divine Bell fell upon him. She actually saw Anduin flinch as it happened, and she felt her heart go out to the young prince. Beside her, she heard Jaina gasp softly, and Varian growl low in his throat.

Then it was over, and Baine was now speaking to Anduin, trying, possibly quite halfheartedly, to instill some pity into the courtroom. Quite the feat it was.

Finally, Baine asked Anduin if he felt Garrosh was capable of change. As he said this, Katryn saw Garrosh seem to perk up, staring at Anduin with interest. The same interest he had given her, before. Anduin looked from Baine, to Garrosh, and back again.

"I saw change happen in my own father, so I believe that Garrosh is able to change, too." Katryn felt her chest swell with pride. She was glad Anduin still felt what she believed to be was the right thing.

With that statement, the court adjourned for the remainder of the day. Anduin's testimony was the last they would hear that day, and they would take up again the following day. As she passed Garrosh on her way out with the crowds, Katryn actually deliberately caught his eye. She knew he was probably thinking the same things he had thought, when she had told him she believed he could change. She actually felt a smug smirk tug at her lips, which he ignored, huffing, and turning away. Satisfied with her irritation of him this time, she exited the temple. As she did, she spotted Anduin ahead of her, and hurried up to him.

"Prince Anduin!" He turned, and upon seeing her, smiled slightly, looking exhausted. "Are you alright?"

He nodded slowly. "Yes, I'm fine, Katryn, thank you."

Her brows creased together with empathy. "I know that was hard for you; it was hard for me to watch it." She felt an involuntary shudder. "I'm so sorry, especially if you feel differently after what we discussed yesterday." She hoped he wouldn't, but could she blame him if he did? She had to know.

He was shaking his head. "I'll be alright, and no, I don't feel differently." He smiled up at her, and she felt relief wash through her.

"I'll let you get going; I'm sure your father wants to speak with you." She stepped back, smiling, watching him as he made his way to Varian, who had been watching them speak. He nodded to her once, and she returned it with a slight curtsy. She then began to make her way back to her tent, wanting to get something to eat before relaxing for the rest of the evening. She was glad Anduin felt the same way she did. Maybe this place wasn't so bad after all… Maybe she and Anduin could do some good –

"Katryn!" A voice called out to her, and she turned abruptly to find Jaina striding towards her, her golden head glowing in the dying sun.

She saluted quickly, her nerved instantly acting up. "Lady Jaina. It's good to see you."

The Archmage stopped before her, a smile fixed in place. "How are you doing?" Her tone was kind, but Katryn felt uneasy.

She tried to be polite, however. "Fine, I suppose." She didn't want to give too much away.

Jaina seemed pleased. "Good." She regarded Katryn intently, her face unreadable. "I hear Hellscream wanted to speak with you."

Katryn paled, a chill running p her spine. Uh, oh. "Oh, um, yes, he did."

"What did he want?" Her tone was so direct – no room for debate.

Katryn was suddenly filled with the urge to lie – for some reason, she didn't want Jaina knowing why he had wanted to talk to her. Why was that? "Nothing, really."

Jaina's eyes held that knowing spark, but her posture was not unkind, or threatening. "I am sure it wasn't nothing, if he wanted to speak with you alone."

Katryn straightened, trying to look confident, despite feeling like a flea on a dog in the presence of her mentor. "I assure you, Lady Jaina, it was nothing of importance." She took a breath, wanting Jaina to know she had it all under control. Besides, if I am to become your apprentice, I should learn to handle our enemies on my own, shouldn't I?" Her tone was final, and she hoped she didn't come across too blunt, or, Light forbid, rude.

Jaina's face went slack, and Katryn felt the chill return. "Of course." So, she didn't seem happy with that answer. What if she asked Anduin? What then? "There is another matter at hand, regarding you." Jaina's voice broke through her thoughts, and the mage's pitch was less heavy now, and her kind smile had returned.

Katryn stared up at her, worry prickling at her like thorns on a rose bush. "What is it?"

"I want you to return to Dalaran."

Katryn stared. Had she heard her correctly? Jaina wanted her to leave? But, why? Had she done something wrong? Had she made a mistake? Was this because of what had happened with Tormant and Aerin?

Se struggled to find her voice. "You do? Is my time at the trial done?" She couldn't believe she was asking this, "Have I done something wrong?"

Jaina's eyes widened. "Oh, of course not! No, Katryn you have done nothing wrong." She placed her hands on her shoulders, and squeezed, giving her a reassuring smile. "I just came to the realization that it was a great deal to ask you to remain here." She gently let go of Katryn's shoulders. "If you are to possibly become my apprentice, you should be honing your craft, not worrying about the fate of a monster." She uttered the last word with such malice it sounded as though she had ingested poison. She shook her head, fixing a smile on her face again, and looking back at Katryn. "You did your part in full, and very well I might add, by bringing him here. I do not wish to ask any more of you." She stepped away, folding her hands behind her back. "You may return home in the morning, and when I return to Dalaran, we will talk more."

Katryn stared, mouth open in mild disbelief. "Is… Is this what you wish of me?" She couldn't believe it. Was she really going home? Did she want to?

Jaina nodded. "It is. Your talents are better suited in Dalaran, not here, sitting in a chair, being subjected to over a week's worth of information, which will still ultimately end in Hellscream's execution. At least, that is what we all hope for." She actually hugged Katryn with one arm then. "I will see you back in Dalaran." She smiled down at her, as if to say, "Understood?"

Katryn swallowed, nodding quickly. "As you wish, Lady Jaina." Jaina nodded back once, before turning away from Katryn, and with a flash of purple and white robes, she was gone. Katryn stared after her, a thousand thoughts running through her head.

Now what?

It was the morning of the day she would return home, and she could not have been less thrilled.

Katryn had had a fitful night's sleep, tossing and turning, her dreams filled with shadows, eyes, magic, and disembodied voices. She had awoken several times, the last being at dawn, and she'd just decided to get up, and face the day. She had packed up her things in silence, having only a small glass of water, her body longing for nothing else. She moved as though in a haze, possibly from the lack of sleep, and possibly from her not actually being keen on leaving.

She had spoken briefly to a fellow mage, telling them to let Anduin know she was leaving, and he could use his two-way mirror Jaina had lent him to speak with her, as the other half was in Jaina's study in Dalaran. With her away, Katryn figured she could use it, uninterrupted. When asked why she'd asked for Anduin specifically, she had said it was because she felt for the prince, and he and she had gotten to talking, as they had sat beside one another in the courtroom. Foolproof, really.

She had considered going to Garrosh's cell, and telling him she was leaving, but thought it best not to do so. He would find out on his own, anyway, and it wasn't like her presence mattered to him anyhow. The thought made her a little bitter, and she hoped that Anduin would be able to still carry on as they had discussed before. She'd be sure to check in on him over the next few days, just to be certain. She tried not to think about the possibility of her last encounter with the orc being just that: her last. Or, his last. He may very well be executed within a few days.

Before she created the portal that would take her home, she took one last long look at Pandaria, marveling again at the beauty of the place, and feeling her heart begin to ache slightly. She pushed it down, forcing herself to turn away. This part of her life would just have to come to an end, now.

And then she had made the portal to Dalaran, stepped in, and left Pandaria behind her.

When her feet touched the ground in Dalaran, she stumbled, feeling the familiar, and yet unfamiliar carpet of Jaina's study, also known as the Purple Parlor, beneath her feet. She stood, the cold air of Northrend momentarily freezing her lungs, and she shut her eyes, taking it all in, trying to steady her thundering –

"Katryn! Oh, it's so good to see you!" Her eyes flew open as someone slammed into her, smothering her in a bone-breaking hug. As she tried to disentangle herself, she saw the familiar blonde head of…

"Claudia. It's good to see you." Her voice sounded so distant, detached from her body. Her friend let go immediately, beaming up at her, blonde head bobbing up and down like a toy from happiness.

"What are you doing here?"

Katryn flinched, the question piercing her. She felt like such a failure having had been sent back, despite knowing it wasn't anything she had done. "Jaina sent me back."

Claudia's mouth fell open. "What? Why?" Her face showed concern, and Katryn figured she was thinking the same thing she had thought when she had been first asked to return.

She shrugged absently, "She said I'm better off here, practicing, so I can become her apprentice."

Claudia's expression changed yet again, returning to joy and excitement. "Have you accepted, then?"

Katryn shook her head, and Claudia's face fell. "Not yet. She wants to discuss with me more when she comes back."

Her friend pursed her lips, but drew her into a hug again, nonetheless. "Well, no news can still be good news, right?"

Katryn shrugged again, still feeling quit melancholy, though she could not place why. "I suppose; how's Tormant?" Being back meant she could at least check in on him.

Claudia seemed grateful of the subject change. "Much better; he's still in the resting stages, but he should be back on his feet within the week." She gripped Katryn's hands in hers. "We'll have to go to the tavern, once he's fully healed! Speaking of which, Aerin and I were going to go tonight for some supper and drinks. You should come with us!" She was so excited, so unaware of what was transpiring outside of those city walls…

Katryn smiled, though it did not reach her eyes. "Alright, I'll be there. See you tonight."

And she did go, but not really.

She heard, but didn't listen; ate but didn't taste. She talked, but didn't speak, and when she finally lay her head down in her own bed later that night, the one she had longed for since arriving in Pandaria, she found she missed something – something she hadn't anticipated. She felt a tingle on the back of her neck, and turned to look behind her, expecting those burning, yellow eyes, only the find her small candle, and a darkening room. Within the shadows of nightfall, she felt her heart begin to ache.

A/N: Woo! Hope you all liked this one! I thought it'd be longer. Ah, well. I'll be back soon!