Chapter 15

When Vol'jin had entered Stormwind Keep and seen the blue haired elf emissary, standing in the centre of the throne room, he had had no idea who she was. Dressed in the traditional Night Elven purple and silver, the girl had appeared to be any other elf. Yet, despite the seriousness of Liacus' words to King Varian, Vol'jin had detected something else in his voice, something strange. Anticipation.

"You better have a good reason for bringing that brute into my Keep, boy." Vol'jin bristled at the word brute, forgetting the girl. "I may be a brute to ya, Wrynn, but I be da only ting that can help ya Elves, without da need for ya precious ships." As he spoke, Vol'jin could see the elf girl stiffen, and begin to turn around. The moment he saw her face, all doubt that she had forgotten him disappeared.

Cenahria.

Now he knew why Liacus had been so eager to get here.

"Vol'jin". Her voice. Vol'jin had never known that a voice could fill him up inside, could melt away the ice that he had begun to freeze his heart with. She spoke softly, her blazing eyes never moving from his own. He could tell by her stillness that she wanted badly to run to him, but in front of the King, she could not. He went to raise his arm, to reach out for her, but Liacus quickly placed a hand on his wrist, shaking his head slightly. King Wrynn, however, missed nothing.

"I fear I am missing something here. Is someone going to explain to me why a Horde leader is in my Keep, with his head still attached?" At the last of his sentence, Cenahria had spun back around to face the Alliance King, fury on her face, and as one, Vol'jin and Liacus moved to either side of her before she could get herself into even more trouble.

"My King, I apologise for the intrusion. I understand that my sister has come bearing news from Malfurion, regarding our war with the Naga. I have been reading about Racial History, and recalled that Vol'jin and his trolls had previously won their own war with the beasts. To prevent too much loss of life to our soldiers and to spare you yours, I felt having Vol'jin's counsel would prove useful." Both Vol'jin and Cenahria looked at Liacus, Cenahria with an eyebrow raised. "You read about Vol'jin, did you brother?" Liacus stubbornly kept his gaze on the King, and Vol'jin silently willed Cenahria to be quiet. They could all be killed where they stood if they were not careful.

Varian had watched this exchange completely silently, his eyes on Liacus. But now they moved to Vol'jin, taking in the glaive strapped to his back. Feeling the need to say something, Vol'jin stepped forward. "Der be no love lost between our people, Wrynn. Dat be true. But I do not wish ta see lives lost to an ancient enemy of da Darkspear, when I can easily help." Varian sighed, and shifted on his seat. His throne appeared to be carved out of stone. It did not look comfortable. Leaning forward, Varian rested his elbows on his knees, and looked first at Cenahria, then Liacus, and then Vol'jin. Nodding to himself, he sat back.

"Do you believe me to be a stupid man?" Confused, Vol'jin looked at Cenahria and her brother, and they shared his bewilderment. "I don't understand, my King." Liacus went to move forward, but was waved back. "I appreciate why none of you wish to tell me the truth. Even you, troll. Although your regard for the girl does bewilder me. I did not think beasts were capable of such emotion." Fury blazed in Cenahria's eyes again, but Varian met her gaze and smiled. "My King?" Liacus said again, his hand on his sister's arm. This was beginning to feel like a very bad idea. Vol'jin moved to put his own hand on her arm, but the sudden memory of her skin on his reminded him of why touching her here would not help the situation at all.

"The Night Elves may have their own leaders, but did you really think it would escape my attention that a member of the Alliance had run away, and was rumoured to have appeared in the Echo Isles?" Cenahria gasped. Vol'jin blushed. Liacus shook his head and sighed. Varian smiled at Cenahria. "Do not worry. I do not take it personally that you would rather live with the trolls. Especially as other rumours portrayed your… friendship with Vol'jin as. Well. Let's leave it as intimate, yes?" Liacus stifled a giggle as his sister's gaze became mortified. Cenahria looked down at the ground, embarrassed tears forming in her eyes. "I'd say intimate be a strong word, wit what ya be implying, Wrynn." Vol'jin growled. "I suggest ya start talking 'bout something other den rumours, before Cenahria gets too upset and I have to use my glaive." Varian's eyes widened at the threat, and Liacus looked furiously at Vol'jin. Cenahria, meanwhile, had moved slightly behind Vol'jin, and very gently touched his hand. He knew she was thanking him, and he turned to smile at her.

Varian watched this with great interest. "Bold words, troll, given that you are at the heart of the Alliance currently. I will be honest, I was unsure of how to deal with the rumours of Cenahria betraying her kind and joining the horde –"

"No." Cenahria stepped out from behind Vol'jin's back, but still kept her hand close to his. He could feel her trembling, and without thinking, he gripped her hand and squeezed. His strength was her strength. Emboldened by this, Cenahria straightened and took a step forward, towards a waiting Varian. "No. I betrayed no one. I left because Malfurion gave me no choice. I left purely to learn all I could about my druidic abilities, so I could be the strongest druid I could be. It is not my fault that I found a home, and a family, within the Horde." Liacus winced slightly at the word family, and Vol'jin felt a wave of sympathy for him. He had lost his sister, thought her held captive, but in rescuing her he had lost her in a different way. Suddenly, Vol'jin understood Liacus much more. Releasing Cenahria's hand, Vol'jin moved to place it on Liacus' shoulder.

"Madness. All of this is madness." Varian was shaking his head again. "I feel it will take time to get my head around this… friendliness, between you. It is best we turn our attention to the matter at hand, this Naga invasion. The matter of what will happen to Cenahria regarding her possible betrayal can be dealt with later." Turning to Cenahria, Vol'jin could see the fear in her eyes. Varian was right, however. The Naga needed to be dealt with first. "If Malfurion is agreeable, I will grant Vol'jin a pass to roam the Night Elven realms until he has assisted in defeating this threat. Then he is to return to his own Isles. Is this agreed?" Vol'jin nodded, wanting this to be over so he could be alone with Cenahria.

Summoning one of his mages, Varian opened a portal to Cenahria's home. Liacus went through first, leading the gryphon he had flown to the Echo Isles on. Briefly, Vol'jin glared at the creature. He never wanted to ride one of the feathery fiends again. Where was a troll supposed to put his feet, if the beast just nips every time he gets settled? Next went Cenahria, who took a deep breath before walking through the portal. Before he could step through, Varian walked to Vol'jin and took his arm. "You get this threat under control, troll, and maybe we can come to an agreement as to whether you return to your trolls alone." His words were soft but edged with steel. If harm came to the Night Elves, Varian would surely make sure Cenahria suffered for it. Nodding, Vol'jin stepped through the portal. Clever human, Vol'jin thought. Cenahria being forced to stay with Malfurion would break her spirit. What better way to ensure Vol'jin's cooperation?

Vol'jin's first glimpse of Cenahria's home was purple. Lots and lots of purple. The sky was almost completely obstructed by the violet trees, and the small glade Vol'jin was standing in appeared to be in twilight. He was so busy looking around at the strange land that he had not noticed the ring of Elven soldiers surrounding him. The sound of metal drew his attention from the trees and down to the very unfriendly looking guards that were all pointing swords at him. He raised his hands to show he had no weapons, but the guards pushed towards him further, moving ever closer.

"Guards, you will lower your weapons. Now." Vol'jin admired the authority in Liacus' voice. The soldiers reacted instantly, and moved away, but keeping their eyes on him. Vol'jin lowered his hands, and nodded a thanks to Liacus. He nodded back, but his eyes were tense. Vol'jin grew tense, too, as a large figure moved towards him. Tall, with a mane of forest green, and antlers. This could only be Malfurion. "Liacus. Please tell me getting this… thing is not the reason you did not go to Stormwind on my behalf? And where is your sister?" Cenahria glided silently from the shadows towards her brother and Vol'jin. Liacus briefly explained his reasoning to Malfurion, and even Vol'jin internally shrank back against the fury that built inside the shadows of Malfurion's visage.

"You have betrayed me, Liacus. But how can I expect less from the brother of a traitor?" Vol'jin growled at the venom in Malfurion's voice. It was clear why Cenahria had left, and why she had felt so at home in the Isles. Liacus tried to defend himself, but Malfurion cut across him. "Silence! You say Varian has said this beast is to remain amongst my people to help in our war, but only if I am agreeable." A twisted smile formed on Malfurion's face as he raised a hand. The floor began to grow roots out of nowhere, and within seconds, Vol'jin was trapped in an entangled mass. "I believe we should take this opportunity to remove a prominent Horde leader whilst we can. This will teach the Horde for stealing our people from us." Malfurion moved forwards, as did the guards, weapons raised again, Liacus' protests ignored.

Cenahria, however, had been so quiet, Vol'jin had forgotten she was there. So had Malfurion, and that was his mistake. Stepping forward with a calm that scared Vol'jin, she stood in front of him to face her former mentor. Malfurion stopped and stared at her. "Move aside, foolish girl. I will take no blame if you get hurt protecting your beast." Raising her chin, Cenahria stood straight. A flash of light shot into the ground in front of Malfurion, forcing him back a step. "You dare use Moonfire against me?" Still completely silent, Cenahria half turned towards Vol'jin, and waved her hand above the roots. They disappeared instantly. More flashes of light appeared, burning holes into the ground, and slowly, the guards were forced to retreat. Malfurion looked enraged. "No one stole me, Malfurion. You gave me a choice, and I made it. I have no regrets." Vol'jin stared in shock at the woman who had been terrified of a troll taking her by the hand mere months before. She was almost unrecognizable now, standing firmly against the Night Elf leader.

Out of nowhere, a female Night Elf appeared, and placed a hand on Malfurion's arm. This must be Tyrande, Vol'jin thought to himself. "As much as it pains me to admit this, Cenahria is right, husband. Somehow, Elune took her on a path very different to ours, and it has made her stronger." Malfurion softened at the words of his wife, and for a moment, Vol'jin desperately wanted to just whirl Cenahria around and kiss her. Shaking his head, he turned his gaze back to the elves. "You believe this beast – " "Vol'jin." Cenahria had taken another step forward, eyes never leaving the one who had mentored her. Liacus was staring open mouthed at his sister's defiance, and Vol'jin smiled slightly. "He has travelled far into enemy territory, risking his life in order to save the lives of your people. You may not like him, or his people, but as a leader you should respect him. You would not do this, despite your preaching. His name is Vol'jin." Malfurion's eyes had narrowed at Cenahria's words, but once again Tyrande stopped her husband.

"Of course, Cenahria. You are, of course, right. Vol'jin. We thank Elune for bringing you to us in our time of need. Please, feel at home amongst our people. You shall not be harmed while you remain here." Malfurion's lip curled, but he did not interrupt his wife. Instead he stepped forward. "The sun is rising. We shall meet to discuss this battle at dusk. Do what you will until then." Malfurion turned, and walked away with his wife, head bent in furious discussion.

The guards melted into the shadows, and soon Vol'jin was left with Liacus and Cenahria. Standing awkwardly, Liacus ran a hand through his hair. "Mother and Father will be pleased you are back, sister. I, uh. I imagine you two might want to be… alone. I will wait at home with our parents. Take your time. Father may take some talking to about this." Cenahria giggled at her brother's uncomfortable position, as he ran into the trees. Turning to face him, Cenahria explained his position. "My brother has the unfortunate task of telling my parents that I am bringing my forbidden love home to meet them. My mother will squeal and begin tidying the house and my father will rant and gather his weapons, and prepare a speech to you about keeping me safe." Vol'jin laughed softly. "Aye, dat does sound uncomfortable!"

Studying Cenahria, Vol'jin found her blushing slightly, as she took his hand and began to lead him through the trees. He gently tugged her back, but she would not turn to face him. "Cenahria." Vol'jin gently tugged again, and she fell into his arms, her own wrapped tightly around him. For such a small creature, the strength of her embrace was staggering. "I'm so sorry I left you." She whispered. Vol'jin knew her well by now, and was very aware that she would be crying. He placed a finger under her chin and raised it, so he could look into her eyes. "Even when ya cry, ya be beautiful. It makes ya eyes shine brighter." She giggled at his words, and he smiled. Holding her tightly, Vol'jin took a silent moment to simply enjoy her, the feel of her heart beating against his chest, the smell of her hair, the softness of her body. A thought occurred to him, as he remembered her earlier words.

"Ya called me ya forbidden love." Cenahria moved her head back to look him in his eyes. Her eyes were dry now, but were still lit with fire. His fire, he realised. Fire that only burned for him, just as the fire in his heart only burned for her. She nodded, and bit her lip. Once again, she was the shy girl who had knelt in his hut wanting to learn. "I know we haven't said anything like that at all, and I didn't mean to say it then, I was just so happy to see you and –"

"I love you too, Cenahria" Vol'jin said as he raised her lips to meet his.