I considered myself strong and able bodied, as a warrior of the Light should, but the strain of hard labor that I've put my body through these past two days, has seriously made me question that. Granted, the attack on my soul by Gul'dan has played a major role in my recent lack of stamina. I grit my teeth as I thought about that whole ordeal. A cold shiver ran down my spine as I remembered the burning agony of it.

Lieutenant Thorn thought it would be good for me to help out around the settlement, to get to know the people here and build a relationship with them. She had informed me just yesterday, that I was to command Lunarfall. News that didn't go down all too well, if I'm being honest. But Maraad had stepped in when I was about to fly off the handle, and stated that King Varian had already made it clear that I was to lead the campaign here against the Iron Horde, and as such, Lunarfall was mine.

So now I find myself clearing crates and lugging cargo from one place to another, not actually achieving anything. I wanted to help with the construction of the buildings, but as I lacked the particular skill set required to do such a job, I could not. I tried to stay close to the armory, as I had already made friends with the draenei that were building it, and I am keen to learn the trade once it was complete.

I had to stop, my back was screaming for rest, and so I flipped a box over to sit on. I pulled at the hem of my overstretched and sweat sodden shirt to wipe my face. I was exhausted, I couldn't wait for this day to end.

I let out a long displeased sigh as I remembered why the efforts of clearing up the garrison had been doubled. We are having a celebration of sorts tomorrow, to honor those that fell to the Iron Horde, and to formally welcome the Alliance to Draenor.

I hated these gatherings, I was forced to attend several of them back in the academy, along with my fellow trainees. All I ever did was stand at the side, and look on as people danced and laughed and drank a little too much. I didn't see the point in them and I still don't. Why do we need to have a celebration? Soldiers died, I know that. The grief of that burdens me more than anyone else, but it was their duty, they knew the dangers that came with being a soldier of the Alliance. We need to move on, move forward, and stop getting stuck in our pasts. I laughed to myself then, the irony of my thoughts were not lost on me.

I shook my head to clear my mind, we still had a lot of work to do if we were going to make this place a bit more hospitable. I looked around at the various half-built buildings, this place will make quite the settlement once the construction is complete.

"General?" Lieutenant Thorn was strolling over to me with her hands behind her back, her magnificent armor clanking with each step.

"Yes, Lieutenant?"

She sat on a crate next to me, and leaned forward resting her elbows on her legs, locking her fingers together, "How are you feeling today?" Her voice was soft and gentle, making her sound more like a noble woman, not the battle scarred hero her appearance made her out to be.

"I'm fine," I whined, "I really wish people would stop asking how I am."

Thorn let out a soft laugh, "We just care, General."

"I understand that, but I'm not going to break, and all this wool that everyone seems to be wrapping me in is suffocating me," I stood and let out a long sigh," Look, Lieutenant. I'm just not used to the attention, and I don't really care for it."

Flashes of my short-comings whizzed through my head like a slide show, passing out not long after stepping foot on Draenor, being carried to safety several times, falling ill on the ship, and recently, being too damn weak to even protect my soul from invasion. But the worst one of them all, was losing control of my own emotions, and attacking Maraad.

"Was there something you wanted, Lieutenant, or have you simply come to bother me?" My tone was laced with annoyance, annoyance that I did not mean to aim at the human.

Lieutenant Thorn rose steadily, her visible eye narrowing as her lip slightly curled, "No, General. I simply wanted to chat, but I see that my company is unwanted." She held my gaze for a beat, and then leaned in so close that I was momentarily startled, unsure of what her intention was. She opened her mouth to speak, keeping her voice low so that only I could hear, "You are not the only one that suffers, Tasha. We all have our demons."

Thorn turned away from me and began to stalk away, but then stopped suddenly, almost skidding on the cobbles," Oh, there was one thing. We received word from Stormshield, the Alliance stronghold on the island of Ashran, a draenei by the name of Yrel will be arriving in Lunarfall in the morning."

Yrel.

It took all of my will power not to over react to that name, "Oh? That's good, yes, um. So, did she leave already? It takes a few days to reach us from Ashran."

"She left earlier today, but she is flying, so it won't take as long to get here."

I just nodded, I didn't dare speak, I was just barely containing my excitement. Thorn tilted her head then turned to leave. I stood there, watching her walk away, I was frozen to the spot with the news of Yrels return.

"Tasha? Is everything all right?" Came the soft voice of my druid friend, Findessa.

"Yes, everything is perfectly fine," I turned my gaze to her, noting that she was covered in mud. "Have you been in the garden, my friend?" I chuckled lightly.

She glanced down at herself, and let out a small laugh as she wiped her hands over her once pale blue robes, effectively smudging the mud even further. She stopped, and shrugged her shoulders as she gave me a lop sided smile, making me laugh a little harder.

"I should go wash up before dinner."

"Yes, I think you should," I mumbled through my fingers that I had brought to my lips in an attempt to conceal my growing smile.

Findessa frowned at me for a second, taking in my appearance, "Well, you're not looking so fresh yourself, draenei," she spat at me playfully.

"I don't doubt it," I said softly, my huge grin still in place.

She patted my shoulder as she passed me, a simple gesture that made my smile broaden even more, almost to the point of pain.

I took one last look at my surroundings, taking in the activity around me. The buildings were at various stages of construction, but I could already tell that I was going to fall in love with Lunarfall.

Another hour or so passed, and we decided that enough clearing had been done. As the work force took their leave, a small group of humans and gnomes began pacing the grounds. They were dressed in what appeared to be robes made of the finest silk, signifying that they were high up in the social rankings. They were pointing at various areas and taking notes.

"They must be the event coordinators that arrived from Stormshield today," mumbled a male dwarf that I didn't recognize.

"Just how many people are there in Stormshield?" I mused.

"Oh, quite a few, my Lady. The King sent some of the Alliance's finest soldiers and scouts through the portals there, it's quite a sight, you should go some time."

"I bet it is," my voice was low and distant.

What are Khadgar and Varian up to?

I only pondered this for a moment, as one of the humans interrupted my thoughts, stating that I was in the way of his vision. I snickered at him and gave a wry smile, before heading to my chambers.

I entered my wash room and was thrilled to see that someone had already filled the large tub with scented water. I dipped my fingers in and found the water was still hot, and so I stripped out of my sodden clothes in record time and hopped into the bath in the most un-ladylike manner, causing water to spill over the edges. My back started to spasm, which caused me to wince slightly, but it soon settled. I took my time bathing, I was enjoying it too much to want it to end, but soon enough, the water had gone cold and it had become less pleasurable.

Dinner had gone smoothly, much to Claras annoyance. That woman feeds off of chaos, I swear it. We discussed the possible threat of a group of orcs called the Shadowmoon Clan, and that their presence near Arbor Glen was beginning to worry the citizens at Embaari. Together, we decided that the best thing to do was to send scouts, but after tomorrow's festivities. I did mention that I still had two soldiers in Embaari, my warriors, Bralen and Varrik, and that they could investigate. But that idea was swept to the side, Thorn thinking it better to send rogues in stead.

I found myself pacing in the main hall, my hooves gently thudding on the wooden floor. Yrel was supposed to have arrived earlier today, but it was now early afternoon, and there was no sign of her.

The heavy stomping of someone running through the lobby of the hall distracted me, and when I saw that it was the soldier that I had sent to keep an eye out for Yrel, my heart suddenly lurched and I held my breath.

"They... they're coming, my... my Lady," the human girl puffed out.

My eyes widened and I sucked in a steadying breath as I tried to compose myself, "They?" I asked.

"Yes, General. The draenei woman, and two guards. They are approaching Lunarfall on talbuk, it appears that they have come from Embaari," she said as she leaned back against the wall, clearly tired from running through the town to get to the hall.

I looked her up and down briefly, taking in her physical state. She must have been fresh from the academy. The fact that the short jog from the main gate to the hall had winded her, slightly irritated me, but then I remembered that I was just the same when I first started this campaign.

"Thank you, you may go now. If you see Thomas out there, can you ask him to come see me please?"

"Yes, General," she gave a weak salute, then left the room.

I sagged into the nearest chair, all this worry has made my legs tremble. But now that I know she is okay, and that she is nearly here, my whole body began to tremble with nerves. I wanted to have some time with her before the festival, but as it is starting in less than an hour, I will have to make do with a brief welcome.

This is going to be torture.

I laughed silently to myself at my thoughts, it has been too long since we have seen one another.

"General, you wanted to see me?" Chirped Thomas.

I rested an elbow on one of the wooden arms of the chair, and rested my chin in my palm. I took a moment to appreciate what he was wearing. Black pants, a crisp white shirt, dark red waist jacket, and black shoes, that he had polished.

I smiled and shook my head at him, "Thomas, you look very handsome. Where did you get that outfit?"

He gave me his biggest boyish grin, which made my own smile widen, before answering, "Some of the crates that we were moving around had a few things in, I was only given a couple of changes of clothes when we arrived here, so I thought, why not take some of the fancy stuff?"

"You know that's technically stealing?" I teased.

"Yeah, I know. But heck, I think we've deserved it. Plus, I do pull this whole formal looking thing off quite well huh?" He said as he rested his hands on his hips, looking every bit the glorious specimen that Clara was making him out to be.

Ah yes! Clara.

"I wanted to speak to you about Clara."

"The mage? What about her?" He asked as he leaned back against the wall, putting his hands in his pants pockets.

"Well, she doesn't know anyone here, and she doesn't make friends easily. So I was wondering, seeing as though you guys know each other, if you could be her escort for this thing?"

"Sure," he said quickly, so quickly that I was momentarily stunned.

"Really?" I sounded puzzled.

"Yeah, I don't mind, really. She seems pretty cool anyway, it'll be nice to get to know her a bit more, wouldn't you say?"

"I... suppose," was all I could say as I just sat there, staring at him.

"Well, was that all, General?"

"Tasha, please, and yes Thomas, thank you."

"Not a problem, see you out there, Tasha," he gave me another one of his special grins, then left the building.

I stared at the doorway, dumbfounded. I couldn't believe how easy that was. I shook my head and rose from the chair, I need to find something to wear to this blasted thing.

I made my way to my room, and began rifling through my drawers for something that screamed sophistication. An unfamiliar horn sounded, pulling me away from my task. When I peered out of the window, I could see three figures passing through the gate. Two of them were covered in plated silver armor that gleamed under the twinkling white lights that have been strategically hung around the small compound. The third figure, was that of a female draenei, Yrel. She was wearing an elegant white dress that clung to her in all the right the places, small red jewels dotted the bodice that was just barely containing her bust and she was wearing an almost sheer shawl that matched the color of the jewels. She was a vision.

Panic suddenly seized me, I realized then that I had to wear a dress if I was going to impress her. I quickly strode over to the wardrobe, opening both doors with unnecessary force. My eyes flicked between the dresses over and over, I couldn't make my mind up.

"Argh! This is hopeless!" I squealed to myself as I flapped my arms in the air.

Deciding to close my eyes and just wear the first one I grab was a mistake. The looks I got when I walked through lobby and into the main hall made my palms sweat. First there was Clara, she nearly choked on her drink when she turned and saw me. Findessa gave me an approving nod, Thomas just stared at me, Crezen was sound asleep and Maraad simply smiled as he offered me his arm, which I was glad to take as my legs were about to give way.

"You look stunning," Maraad whispered, which caused my cheeks to flush.

I glanced around the room, my comrades were still staring at me, even Lieutenant Thorn and Mister Alexston had stopped what they were doing and fixed their eyes on me, looking shocked.

"For the Light's sake! It's just a dress," I snapped.

"Forgive us, General, but that ain't just a dress," Baros purred. I shot him a look of displeasure, I didn't want all this attention, not from anyone in here, at least.

I was wearing a floor length, midnight blue dress that swayed as I walked. It was strapless, which made me feel bare and exposed and I had a thick woolen shawl that was a shade lighter than the dress, which made me itch. I just thank the Light that we draenei don't have to wear shoes.

I felt awkward just standing there, with everyone trying, and failing, to look anywhere but at me. The worst part about it, was that my arm was linked with Maraads.

"Maraad?" My voice was low enough so that only he would hear me.

He tilted his head down to mine, signifying that he was listening.

"Thank you, for, you know, saving me, again," it was hard for me to say, I hated the fact that I had to be saved again.

"Of course, Tasha."

"And, I'm sorry."

"For what?" He sounded confused.

I swallowed hard and took a deep breath, It was beginning to feel like we keep having this conversation, "You know what, Maraad. You know I love you, it's just..." I trailed off, unable to keep hurting my friend over and over again.

"Tasha, what has been said, has been said. I understand, please, you don't need to do this. Let's just enjoy tonight, hmm?" He tapped my nose with his index finger, something that he used to do when I was a child. The gesture made me smile, and I instantly began to feel much better, more relaxed.

"Alright everyone, are we ready to make an appearance?" Came the soothing voice of the Prophet Velen.

Where'd he come from? I thought as I looked at Findessa with a puzzled expression on my face. She glanced at me and shrugged, indicating that she was just as puzzled as me.

We made our way outside, and were met with a chorus of applause.

"Wow," Clara chirped.

"Yes, wow indeed," I agreed distractedly.

Lunarfall had been transformed. It no longer looked like a construction site, but a magnificent courtyard of colors and lights. Lanterns with varied colors of shades hung from the wooden posts, large banners have been erected to hide the incomplete structures and a mesh of hundreds of tiny white lights acted as a ceiling, making it appear as though the stars themselves were only a few meters above our heads. How they managed to pull that off, I have no idea, but I suspect magic has something to do with it. Four large wooden tables that could easily sit fourteen people each lined one side of the courtyard, near to the wall was an even longer row of tables that have been laid with an attractive feast, and musicians were sat just off from the center of the courtyard, which was acting as the dance floor. Everyone looked absolutely stunning.

Velen hushed the applause, and began to make a speech about thankfulness and gratitude. I was hardly paying attention, my eyes were scanning the many faces of the mixed races before us, trying to find the one that I have missed greatly. I couldn't see her, but I knew she was here, and that she could probably see me. I began to blush at the thought, and I wondered idly what she thought of the dress.

Hurry up Velen, I whined to myself. Another round of applause, then suddenly I realized that everyone was looking at me. I turned to Velen and saw that he too, was looking at me expectantly.

Damn, did he ask me a question?

I felt a gentle prod in my back, and I peered over my shoulder to see Findessa, she mouthed the word speech. I grimaced at the idea of public speaking, but swallowed and stepped forward next to Velen.

"Thank you, Prophet," I cleared my throat and took a deep breath, "We are very honored to be here today, and we are very grateful for your support. We are not from this planet, yet you have welcomed us like we are one of your own," I paused briefly, trying to think of the right words, "Not all of us could be here today, we have lost many lives to this Iron Horde. We came here to protect our world, Azeroth. And we have done so, now, we are here to protect your world, Draenor." A few cheers erupted, my hands were trembling with nerves. "We want to say thank you to the citizens of Draenor, for everything you have done for us. We want to say thank you to the soldiers of the Alliance, and we want to thank you, Prophet. You have welcomed us to your land, and have shown us kindness when you know very little about us. And to those that fought alongside me in Tanaan," I turned around, addressing my surviving soldiers, "You are Azeroths finest, you are my finest, and I am proud to call you all friends," I smiled at each of them before I turned back to the crowd, "Please, enjoy yourselves. Eat, dance, make friends."

After the applause died down, Velen closed the speeches and we made our way into the crowd. Several people stopped me for a brief chat, some just wanted to say thank you and some just commented on the dress.

I spotted Yrel over by the musicians, she was talking to another draenei that I didn't recognize. I was just about to break free of the mob of people, when the master of ceremonies called out announcing that dinner was being served. I could only move with the surge of people towards the tables.

When I got to the tables, I noticed that there were place cards. Great, I thought. I found my name, well, I found a card that said "General" which made me sigh. I took my seat, and was shortly joined by an aged dwarf with long plaited white hair and a bushy beard. On the other side of me was a night elven male with moss green hair that flowed down his back. Two humans sat either side of the empty seat across from me, I was beginning to wonder who's seat it was, when a tall female dressed in white sat down.

My heart began to thump, and judging by the intense heat I was feeling spread across my cheeks, I'm pretty sure that I was blushing the color the Life Binder herself.

"General," she purred as she acknowledged me with a slight nod.

"Yrel," I managed to force out through the lump in my throat, "How have you been these past two weeks?" I asked, trying to sound as casual as I could.

"Bored, lonely, and deprived," she said slowly, her eyes never leaving mine.

"Deprived?" I wondered, "What have you been deprived of, might I ask?"

She held my gaze for a moment, the air between us seemed to crackle and become heavy.

One corner of her lips lifted in a half smile, then she opened her mouth to answer," You," she said plainly.

I nearly lunged over the table then and there, I was squeezing my thighs together as it was. I managed to clear my throat and chanced a quick glance to the immediate diners around us, no one seemed to have heard us. I gave her a slight grin, then winked at her playfully, which made her chuckle softly. The man to her right began talking to her, and the dwarf next to me tried to hold my attention by talking about drinking contests that he had taken part in back in Ironforge.

An hour later, after a delicious meal and a few exchanged glances between Yrel and myself, we were permitted to leave the tables. I excused myself and made my way over to where Findessa was stood.

"Finde," I poked her shoulder, "I need help. I don't know how to dance, and I want to look, you know, good." I glanced over to Yrel, who was talking to Thomas.

"It's easy, my friend, you just follow the lead."

"That's not helpful at all!" I was about to press her for more, but a tap on my shoulder drew my attention.

"General, may I have this dance?" It was Baros.

I wanted to say no, but I know that social etiquette requires me to say yes, "I would be honored," I put on my most charming voice, and smiled sweetly at him before taking his hand.

Mister Alexston swept me across the floor with little effort, and much to my surprise, I was enjoying myself. When the music changed to a quieter tune, a slower tempo, Baros bowed and I attempted a curtsy, but failed and nearly fell over.

Damn this dress!

Baros just smiled before kissing the back of my hand, then led me to the side of the courtyard, where he offered to get me a drink. I shook my head, deciding that I need to keep a clear head if I'm to be spun around like that again.

I danced with four more people, one of which was a worgen in his human form, which confused me as it was always a full moon here. I didn't question it.

I found a bench to rest on, I had discarded my shawl, finding the evening quite warm. I felt a familiar presence near me, a sort of tingle, and I turned to come face to face with Yrel. Her eyes were searching mine, her fingers rested on the hand I had splayed on the bench. The contact was making it hard for me to breath.

She opened her mouth to say something, but the dwarf that was seated next to me at dinner appeared and began talking to me. Yrel stayed where she was, but just scooted away from me a bit and removed her hand from mine. I reluctantly tore my gaze from her, and looked down to see the dwarven man wobbling and sloshing a tankard of ale around.

"...have me, you shee... I canna dancshh much," he slurred, then belched and doubled over. He didn't throw up, but fell asleep judging by the loud snoring.

"What just happened?" I asked no one in particular.

I turned my stunned face to Yrel, she burst into a fit of laughter. I couldn't contain my own humor and I began laughing hard enough to cause my diaphragm to ache.

Suddenly I was being led through the throng of people, Yrel was pulling me away from the festival and a part of me was beyond thrilled. She stopped when we were hidden behind a thick golden banner, I didn't get a chance to catch my breath, her lips were on mine. She kissed me with such gentleness, that I thought she feared my lips would shatter. I moaned and pulled her in closer, deepening the kiss.

She pulled away from me after a few seconds, and looked at me as if I was her prey, causing my insides to quiver.

"Where do you sleep?" She asked, her voice had changed, she sounded different, but sexy as hell.

"In the hall, on the upper floor," I answered and tilted my head towards the hall.

She held my hand again, entwining our fingers, and led me into the hall. We stopped when we got to the corridor, she pressed me against Thorns door and reached her hand beneath my dress. I didn't have time to process what she was doing, her fingers were on my sweet spot, and she was relentless. I began to moan as I clung on to her, wrapping my arms around her neck and burying my face in her shoulder. She stopped all too suddenly, causing me to whine. She tried the handle of the door, but it wouldn't open.

"This isn't my room, the upper floor I said," my voice trembled.

She growled in impatience. I took her hand and led her down the corridor and up the stairs. I had my hand on the handle of my door, when she wrapped her arms around my waist from behind, and began to graze her teeth along my neck. Her right hand found its way to my breast and began softly kneading it through the dress. My skin was screaming with sensitivity, I ached to be touched all over and her teeth on my neck was setting my blood on fire.

I managed to open the door and we tumbled in, nearly falling over. She kicked the door closed and pulled me to her, trapping my bottom lip with her teeth. A slight sharp pain caused me to gasp, when she pulled away, I could see blood on her lip, my blood.

"You bit me," I whispered, lifting a finger to the puncture.

"I'm sorry," she sounded horrified, "I got carried away."

Something, I don't know what, stirred within me. And I lunged for her, seizing her lips with mine as I spun us around and backed her up to the bed. I pushed her down and tried to climb on top of her, but this blasted dress inhibited my movements. I stood up and grabbed the hem, pulling with all my strength as my nails worked to pierce through the fabric.

"Don't ruin it," Yrel cried, "Here, let me unlace you," she said as she scuttled to the edge of the bed, and pulled me to her with her legs.

She began working on the lacing at the front of the dress, slowly untying it as she gazed up at me through her long dark lashes. Once it was undone, she opened the bodice, and let the dress fall to the floor around me. I felt her hands on my legs, then on my hips. I felt her glide them up to my ribs then across to my breasts. I tilted my head back as the tingling warmth spread over my body, then I moaned when she began to toy with one of my nipples with her tongue.

"Undress me," her voice was husky, which only served to make me moisten a bit more between my legs.

I did so, taking my time and enjoying the sight of her naked form emerging from the delicate fabric. I dropped her dress on top of mine, and laid her down on the bed. I brought my lips to hers again, softly this time, and my tongue skimmed her lip. She granted me access and we moaned simultaneously at the heavenly sensation of our tongues dancing together. I let my hand travel down her body to the apex of her thighs, where I began to tease her with my fingers. She was so wet, making the entry all the easier. I felt the warmth around my probing fingers, and I knew I found the right spot when she gasped and dug her fingernails into my shoulder. It didn't take long to bring her to the edge. I renewed my efforts and she began to really moan, her hips bucked a couple of times and she crushed her lips to mine, smothering her cry as she climaxed around me. I felt her contracting around my fingers, and I waited until she was calm before I removed them.

She quickly got to her knees, and pulled me to mine before kissing me passionately. She pulled away, and positioned me in front of her, on my hands and knees. Her hand began rubbing up and down my back, then down between my cheeks and across my clitoris. I arched my back as the contact sent a spark of electricity through me. Then I felt an odd pressure, not unpleasant, but odd.

"What are you doing?" I breathed as I peered over my shoulder to her.

"I want all of you, and I haven't had your virginity, my love."

Something similar to dread washed over me, and my body began to tighten around the foreign object.

"Do not be afraid, Tasha. Trust me, I love you," she whispered as she moved to lay me on my back and position her self along side me. She kissed me tenderly as her hand made its way to my entrance, and began softly probing, " I love you," she whispered again.

"I love you," I replied, my voice shaky.

She began kissing me softly, and I found myself relaxing. I felt her finger slide in, and circle gently. When I felt comfortable with it, she moved it in a little further. I winced slightly as I felt a sharp pain, then I felt her remover her finger. She teased my clitoris, eliciting sharp moans from me. Then I felt her finger go in again, but this time, there was more pressure, indicating that she was now using two fingers. I held my breath and felt myself tense.

"Relax," she said as she trailed her tongue down my jaw and across my collar bone.

I felt something strange, then I felt it again. The more I felt it, the more I liked it. I found my breaths coming in short sharp bursts as this new sensations sent spikes of pleasure up and down my body. My legs tensed, my head felt like it was going to burst, I knew I was close. I bit down on her shoulder as my orgasm washed over me, causing my body to convulse and my legs to tremble uncontrollably.

"Good girl," Yrel cooed, making me blush.

She kissed me soundly, then pulled the cover up over us. I noticed a little blood on her shoulder.

"Oh my love, I bit you."

She chuckled softly before replying, "Tit for tat, I suppose."

I smiled weakly at her, fatigue was taking over.

"I missed you, Tasha."

"I missed you too."