Knock-knock-knock

Jesika woke, confused. "Who's there?"

"Maid service," replied a high-pitched but masculine voice.

She rolled her eyes; apparently even this realm had that shitty joke. "What do you want, Aedyndel?"

"I have something for you. Come here," he replied in his normal voice.

Reluctantly, the young woman obeyed, wincing as she rolled out of bed; her neck, shoulders, and entire upper back were already tight and sore from yesterday. Behind her creaky door stood Aedyndel with his hands clasped behind his back and a shit-eating grin plastered on his face.

"What's that look for?"

"You have officially been accepted into Revenant Wrath." With a flourish, the elf revealed a perfectly folded, freshly made tabard identical to his.

Jesika's fingers traced the guild symbol appreciatively; gold thread outlined a five-headed beast, each head a different predator, roaring ferociously on a burgundy sky. It was admirable craftsmanship.

Jes took the tabard and dipped her head gratefully. "Thank you, I-" paused, feeling a small, pebble-like object in the folds. "What's this?"

Aedyndel's smile grew. "That, my dear, is your-"

"-Hearthstone," she breathed, revealing the stone with its unmistakable blue swirl. It was about two inches in diameter, perhaps two-and-a-half. It fit nicely in the palm of her hand.

"Precisely. Now that you've been accepted by the guild, you'll need a way to communicate with us."

"How do I…?"

"Magic, of course." The blood elf leaned against the door frame and pulled out his own hearthstone from its place around his neck. "They have many uses and there are a variety of carrying methods. Most people wear them as a necklace, like Theron and myself. However, some prefer to wear it as a bracelet or on an arm band. I've even seen a number of people who get their hearthstone surgically embedded somewhere on their body, but that is, uh-" he scratched the back of his head- "not always successful.

"Anyway, like I said, your hearthstone has a number of uses. First of all, it's essentially a pocket teleporter, though I'm sure you knew that. Every innkeeper has a waystone in their establishment that you can attune with to set that waystone as your destination."

"What if someone moves the waystone?"

Aedyndel chuckled. "They'd have to be one hell of a mage. When a waystone is created, it is warded against physical disruption of any kind, so moving or destroying them is next to impossible. It's how mages of old ensured safe passage even if the stone was discovered by an enemy. Use was shared with allies during the first wars and eventually, the public."

"For a rogue, you sure know a lot about this magic stuff."

He tapped the side of his nose. "Because I asked the same question. Back to your hearthstone: when it comes to communication, you can create a link between two or more hearthstones that can be severed at any point. The link stays closed until you decide to open it, which alerts the other end-"

"That glow?" Jesika asked, remembering Theron's 'phone call.'

"Yes, ma'am. Once alerted, the other person will hopefully open their end as well and, bam! You can speak to one another. Now, telepathic links are a bit tougher to create and have some drawbacks- you know what? May I sit?"

"By all means." Jes motioned to her bed.

"Thanks." He sat and gestured for her to join him. "As I was saying, telepathic links have their drawbacks, but their benefits make them incredibly useful. Once linked, the line of communication may be opened with only your mind, no verbal prompting. From there, conversation takes place in an identical manner." Aedyndel met her gaze. "Use this method with care, for the other person can hear your thoughts while the line remains open. Most often, telepathic links are used when stealth is needed and are severed once their purpose is fulfilled. The alert is physical, not visual. Your hearthstone will rapidly cool instead of glow, the conversation is silent… it's perfect for those who wish to have a conversation or relay information without being noticed."

"And the drawbacks? Aside from mind-reading."

"It takes an impressive amount of focus to open and close the link, and communicating while doing anything at all is, well, let's just say it's a practiced art. Also, both parties must be able to forge the link, whereas only one end is needed to create one for a verbal link. Observe." Aedyndel plucked Jesika's hearthstone from her hand and held it up to his so that the blue swirls faced each other. He closed his eyes and whispered, "Tennoc."

His hearthstone's swirl began to sparkle faintly, like ocean water under sunlight, starting at the tip and traveling the pattern until it was twinkling from tip to center. The tip then began to separate from the stone, pulling away so that it was nothing but a glittery, transparent blue, corkscrewed tendril of energy. It reached toward Jesika's unlit hearthstone and when it made contact, it slithered into her stone, lighting up the swirl as it traveled.

Jes watched intently as the face of her hearthstone dimmed. She held up the stone and squinted at it. "It looked like a worm."

Aedyndel snorted. "It kind of does."

"So, how do I answer a call?"

"Channel your energy into the stone, then command it: Nėpo."

"Nėpo."

"Yep."

"And to hang up?"

"Hang up?"

"End the call."

"Oh, Eso. If you want to forge a link, the word is Tennoc. If you want to sever one, the word is Byr."

"Beer?"

"No, Byr. Buh-yer."

"Buhyer."

"Yes, but faster."

"Buhyr."

There was laughter in his eyes. "You'll get it."

Jesika made a face.

"Well," the elf said as patted his legs, stood, and stretched, "I've got to go round up the apprentices. Care to join us?"

"Thanks, but no." She yawned. "I should get to the archery range, and I need to run."

"In any case, wear the tabard. It should discourage any, uh, nefarious conduct."

Jesika nodded. "Understood."

Aedyndel left and Jes went to dress for the day, pausing in front of a mirror by her bed. She cringed; it dawned on her that she hadn't bathed since she arrived in Azeroth and decided to start her day with a shower. The young woman grabbed a fresh pair of breeches and a top from her dresser, which had been mysteriously stocked, and walked to the showers.

On the wall opposite the door was a piece of paper labeled "J." Curious, she grabbed it and flipped it over.

Jesika-

Help yourself to the toiletries in this cabinet. Towels are in the next one over.

Enjoy.

-A

Cabinet? It took a moment, but she found a seam, gave the panel a good push, and sure enough, it opened with a click.

She carefully rinsed the brand on her arm, pleased to discover that it was the last of her wounds; her minor injuries must have been healed indirectly from Aku's magic. Eventually, she made it to the archery range and spent another cluster of infuriating hours practicing before meeting with Aku for her healing session. For the next few days, that was her routine, though sometimes she would change things up and explore the city in the wee hours of the morning.

One particularly calm morning, while Jesika sat and shared a hunk of bread and cheese with Duke, a troll woman approached.

"Xer'ri," Jesika greeted, immediately recognizing the huntress. "And friend." She dipped her head to Xer'ri's fox companion.

"Ya must start eatin' betta, child. Every time I see ya, ya be eatin' bread and cheese.

Jes shrugged. "It's easy. No cooking required and it's got protein, fat, carbs…" She took a bite of cheese. "What do you mean, 'every time you see me'?"

The huntress merely smiled. "Tomorrow I will evaluate ya for da apprenticeship. Ya stamina and archery will be tested and, if sufficient, you will join meh and da other apprentices."

"And if it's not?"

"Den ya will wait for da next wave of apprentices after our guild finishes trainin' in a few months."

"Months? I- We don't have that kind of time!"

"If ya skills are too far behind ya classmates', den ya will hold dem back." Xer'ri raised her eyebrows and folded her arms across her chest. "Unless ya be implyin' dat ya should get special treatment and extra help?"

Jes pressed her lips into a thin line. "No Ma'am. I understand."

Her expression softening, the troll added, "If it be comfortin' ta hear, we started dis wave o' younguns shortleh before ya arrived." With that, she turned and left Jesika to continue her day.

^v^v^v^v

It felt as though there had been no improvement in Jesika's archery since her arrival to Orgrimmar and the notion left her tossing and turning all night, her stomach in knots. She woke in the morning bleary-eyed and exhausted.

"Here goes… well, everything," she muttered to Duke as she dressed. "Come on, Baby, let's go."

The young woman pulled open her door, yelping as something fell on her foot, bounced off, and clattered to the floor. It was a parcel of sorts, wrapped in black cloth. A note pinned to it read:

I still believe you should rethink your choice, but if you're going to pursue being a hunter, you might as well have a bow better suited for you.

Good luck,

-A

Jesika's eyes doubled in size as the cloth fell away to reveal a shortbow, freshly oiled and stained ebony. The parcel also contained a small, matching quiver and a handful of black fletched arrows- rogue gear, more than likely. A wry smile curled her lips.

"I see dat ya found Aedyndel's gifts," Xer'ri commented as she strode into view. She moved with such power, Jes thought- a gait that exuded confidence and physical prowess. It was an intimidating sight.

In spite of that, Jesika drew herself up with a nod. "I don't understand why, though. We've just met and this is… generous, to say the least.

Xer'ri chuckled. "He be like dat. Dat elf cares for dis guild more dan our own Guild Masta, and on a more personal level. Don't be shy, child; how does it feel?"

The young woman pulled on the drawstring experimentally. It moved with minimal resistance and flexed with relative ease, though not without a decent effort. "It feels wonderful."

"It be a short range weapon and none too powaful, but it'll get da job done." She clapped her hands together. "Enough talk; let us begin."

^v^v^v^v^

Testing her endurance was challenging and then some. They ran timed laps around Orgrimmar until Jesika was wheezing and bile rose in her throat. Duke tapped out long before his human, however, due to his age, Xer'ri still passed them both on the condition that Jes not neglect improving his stamina. Archery, on the other hand, was a completely different story. Her new bow had a much lower draw weight, which helped, but not enough.

"Fuck!" Jesika exclaimed as another arrow missed its mark.

Xer'ri clucked her tongue. "Ya be so tense. It should be one fluid motion from nock, to draw, to loose- and fix ya shouldas." The huntress planted large hands on Jesika's shoulders and adjusted her stance. "I see ya look at ya target first, instead of aiming while ya holding ya shot and dat be a good start- keeps ya back relaxed. But," she lifted a finger, "ya not be aimin', just lookin', guessin'. Try dis: nock and draw."

Jes obeyed, fingers grazing her jaw.

"Now, look where da arrow be pointed- both eyes open, Pup. Is it centa?"

"No," she grunted.

"Stop bein' so tight. Unclench ya jaw. Relax; ya be shakin'."

"I can't stop the shaking, ma'am."

"Put ya bow down." Once obeyed, Xer'ri delivered a nasty pinch.

"Ow!" Jes cried, rubbing her upper arm. "What was that for?"

"I'm goin' ta do it again. Don't make dat face, and be silent."

She nodded and the next pinch was met with zero reaction.

"Ya brain," Xer'ri explained, tapping her temple, "be da one tellin' ya body what to do, not da otha way around. Stop shakin'."

Confidence bolstered, Jesika drew her bow and eventually, through an incredible amount of body control, focus, and will power, managed to quell her quaking limbs for a few seconds. The young woman dropped her arms, panting.

Xer'ri grinned broadly, revealing two small nubs of tusk. "Well done, Pup. Now, draw and match ya arrow to da centa of ya target. Good. Relax. Keep doin' dat until ya arrow is matched as soon as ya draw."

A few minutes later, Jesika's arms and upper back were on fire but she managed to draw her shot centered three times in a row.

"Let da next one fly."

Jesika did as she was told. The arrow wobbled embarrassingly in the air and hit the target with a thump only a mere seven or eight inches wide.

The troll woman nodded her approval. "Find me when ya bullseye da chest twice and da head once."

^v^v^v^

The sun was dipping low behind the horizon and Jesika's target dummy was riddled with arrows, none of which hit home. Tears threatened to spill as she missed her mark for the umpteenth time. Between the frustration, the exhaustion, and the aching body that begged her to stop, Jes was a powder keg waiting to explode. She fought the urge to cry uncontrollably and attempted to nock another arrow out of pure stubbornness; the likelihood of making any shot at all was decreasing with each added attempt and she knew that, but she'd be damned if she didn't get at least one bullseye. Unfortunately, her strained arms were unable to so much as properly draw. It took every ounce of self control she could muster to not scream.

Jesika felt her breath quicken as every pent up emotion gathered together, rising to the surface. I'm not cut out for this… I can't- she squeezed her eyes shut, willing the impending tears away- I can't do this. For better or worse, Jes' pride simply would not allow her to continue that train of thought. No… no, I can do this. Just need to try harder, just need to keep going. She nocked another arrow. I'm going to fucking do this if it kills me. Through her thoughts, Jes turned her sorrow into rage until she felt renewed strength in her limbs. But, just as she began to pull back on the drawstring, a memory resurfaced:

"Your muscles are pumped, Jesika," said a smooth, rich voice. The sound was akin to the ocean on a clear day- calm, but powerful and commanding of respect. "You need to rest. Give your body a break." It wasn't a request.

A stubborn child, Jes ignored her father and reached for the next handhold. Her little fingers locked into place and she hoisted herself up- or rather, she tried. The moment her forearm was subject to strain, the muscle seemed to lose all strength and her grip suffered. With a cry of pain, Jesika fell a whopping four feet to the crash pad below. She wailed, squeezing her arm, eyes squinched shut.

"Jesika."

She ignored him.

"Jesika Avery, look at me."

"What?!" she snapped, hazel eyes ablaze.

"If you do not listen to your body, you will get hurt. If I see you do that again- if you ignore me, or yourself, like that again, you won't be climbing anymore. Understood?"

Tears streaming down her cheeks, she stared into her father's piercing green eyes. "Fine."

Jesika sighed and collected her things, reluctant to obey her dad's sage advice. At the end of the day, he was right: there was no use in overworking her muscles further. Perhaps Xer'ri would let her try again, in which case she would need her strength. "Come on, Duke. Let's go home," she grumbled, finally allowing her tears to fall.

~AEDYNDEL~

Aedyndel had his elbows propped on the dining table with his fingers laced and pressed against his lips, trying to shut out the noise.

"It be a waste of time, ya fool!" Xer'ri hollered, slamming her palms on the table as she stood from her chair.

Theron leapt from his seat to meet her. "Learning takes time! Give her a chance!"

"Da time has come and gone for chances ta be given! At dis rate, she won't be readeh to go into da world until it be too late- ya puttin' her life at risk for ya own selfish reasons!"

"Selfish?! Me?!" Theron sputtered. "Perhaps you are the selfish one. Perhaps you do not want to take the time to teach a difficult student!"

Aedyndel's eyes flicked to his brother. "Theron."

Xer'ri leaned menacingly across the table, upper lip lifted slightly in a snarl. "Watch ya self. I have neva turned mah back on an apprentice in da forteh odd years I been here. She not a difficult student, boy; she be determined, willing, and obedient. She listens far betta dan you did."

"Determined, yes, but obedient?! Jesika is as stubborn as they come and appears to think she knows better than a seasoned champion."

"Ha!" Xer'ri's head fell back with laughter. "Seasoned?! Ya be no more dan a pup ya self, Theron! Did ya eva stop ta t'ink dat maybe ya think she's stubborn because she doesn't want to listen to an ass of an elf?"

Theron attempted to return fire, but all that left his mouth was a stammering mess.

"Did ya not t'ink dat I would hear about what happened when ya tried ta 'teach' da poor girl? It be no wonda dat she don't want ta deal wit' ya!"

Aedyndel sat back in his chair and rapped his knuckles twice on the table. "Enough, both of you. There are far more pressing matters at hand." He watched as they both eyed each other and slowly returned to their seats. "Have either of you heard news of the earthquakes? My sources have run dry."

The troll huntress solemnly shook her head. "Nah, mon. I be too busy wit' my apprentices ta do any diggin', but I sent a letta to mah sista in Stranglethorn three days ago askin' for information."

Theron looked at the table. "I also have nothing to report."

"We can't be the only ones trying to figure out where the quakes are originating." Aedyn interlocked his fingers behind his head. "They're somehow interfering with portal magic, so there have to be mages somewhere studying them… Xer'ri, do we have any mages in Dalaran?"

"Not to mah knowledge, but I could find out in da mornin'. What ya be t'inkin'?"

"If anyone is studying the effects on portal magic, it's the Kirin Tor."

Theron's face contorted in disgust.

"I know, I know. I'm not a fan of theirs either, but unless you two or any of the other officers have a better idea, this is our best shot." The blood elf rubbed his goatee. "Once we find out where the earthquakes are coming from, we can reassign our master mages to the area and hopefully get some answers."

"You look more troubled than when we began, brother."

"Earthquakes shouldn't have any connection to portal magic, Theron." He frowned deeply. "This newfound relation means that the ley lines are being affected and that… well, honestly, I don't know what that means for us but I have a feeling that Azeroth is in deeper trouble than we realize. That aside, until someone figures out what is going on and how to fix it, many of our people remain trapped in Outland. So yes, the more we discuss this, the more troubled I become." Aedyn sighed. "Now, as for your quarrel… So long as Jesika wants to be a hunter, and you see fit to accept her, then that is where she will go. She will be more motivated to-" The click of a turning door handle interrupted his train of thought. "Jesika!"

"Hey, guys." Jes greeted softly as she entered the room, offering a half smile. She dipped her head to Xer'ri. "Ma'am." Duke bounded across the room to greet the trio himself while she remained in place, oddly stiff and wringing the grip on her bow. Aedyndel's grin upon her arrival quickly vanished. Something was wrong.

"It is about time you are back," Theron commented bitterly. Xer'ri smacked his hand with the flat of her knife.

Aedyndel stared at his brother in shock. Theron had been known to be a bit of a tosser when they grew up together in Silvermoon, but Aedyn had only ever seen him dote on the women he chased- until his possessiveness and temper got the better of him and pushed them away, that is. The elf frowned for what felt like the hundredth time that night as he pondered what could have elicited such behavior so soon. For sake of time, he resolved to have a conversation with Theron as quickly as possible, instead of mulling over the possibilities; treating a fellow guildmate with such undue venom would not be tolerated.

"I, um…" Jes' voice sounded hoarse, as if… Aedyn narrowed his eyes, trying to get a good look at her face. The girl took a visible breath, cleared her throat, and started anew. "I'm sorry that I took so long, Xer'ri. I wasn't able to do as you said." She looked up from the ground, revealing misty, red eyes, swollen from crying. Aedyndel felt his chest tighten.

Xer'ri nodded solemnly. "T'ank ya for the apology, but tell meh: why ya just now returnin' if ya failed dis mornin'?"

Jes lifted her chin. "You told me to come find you when I accomplished my task, so I was going to do exactly that." Tears welled in her eyes, but she held her composure and added with a slightly choked voice, "Only, I wasn't able to do it, so I kept trying."

The troll's eyes widened. "Dat's what ya be doin' all dis time?"

"Yes, Ma'am." Jesika's eyebrows knitted together. "What else would I have been doing?"

Xer'ri waved her off. "Ah, not important. So, what stopped ya from stayin' furtha?"

Jes grasped the draw string and tried to pull back. She strained and strained, arm shaking, until she was finally able to draw, but there was no hiding the pain on her face.

"I, um." She sniffled, wincing as she lowered her bow. "I figured at this point, there was no chance of me succeeding, so I came back to ask for a second chance." Jesika stepped forward and took a seat at the end of the table, opposite Aedyndel, and locked onto Xer'ri with pleading eyes. "I know you said that if I couldn't pass, I'd have to wait for the next round of apprentices, but please, Xer'ri, I just need two days: one to rest my arms, and one to try again. If I fail, I fail, but I need to try. I'm begging you."

Aedyndel resisted the urge to speak while Xer'ri pondered Jesika's proposal. She would thrive as a rogue, that much he knew, but her attachment to the puppy playing with his boot laces had to be addressed. Duke couldn't go back to their home world, and he knew that Jes would under no circumstances entertain leaving him at the stables, or in the guild house. It would take some doing, but perhaps if he could track down his friend Oliver, they could come up with something; the old mage was eccentric but his creativity was unmatched.

"No, Pup, ya not be gettin' a second chance."

The blood elf's ears twitched at the sound and his gaze snapped up to Jesika's face, dreading the sorrowful expression he knew he'd find. Unsurprisingly, her green eyes were- wait, were they always that colour? He shook his head. Her eyes were brimming with tears and she appeared to be bracing herself to speak when Xer'ri spoke up again:

"Ya be accepted into da apprenticeship."

Jesika's expression rapidly switched from distress, to shock, to a look of elation so bright, it made his heart swell. Aedyndel allowed himself a small, hidden smile.

"Thank you!" Jesika exclaimed, barely able to contain her joy. "Thank you so much! You won't regret this, I promise; I'll work harder than anyone!"

Xer'ri grinned. "There be two conditions: take a few days' rest and neva overwork ya self like dat again."

"Yes, Ma'am!"

"Now, off ta bed wit'cha. Ya rest starts tonight."

Aedyndel watched Jesika take her leave, continuing to shower her new Master with gratitude until the barracks door shut behind her. Amused, he turned to face the huntress. "Well, that was an interesting turn of events. What changed your mind?"

Xer'ri shrugged her sculpted shoulders. "What can I say? She got drive, dat one. If she keeps workin' dis hard, she goin' ta make a fine hunta."

"She'd be an even better rogue," the elf countered with a sly grin.

"Pfft." She swatted his arm. "Be dat as it may, da decision be made and mah bed be callin'. Goodnight ta ya both."

Theron rose from his chair as Xer'ri departed for her quarters, but Aedyndel stopped him with a look. "No, you stay."

"The night is old, brother," he complained, folding his arms across his chest and adopting a haughty glare. "Why are you keeping me?"

"Sit."

Theron rolled his eyes, but obeyed nevertheless.

"What happened between you and Jesika?"

"I fail to see how that is any of your business," he sniffed.

"You're making an ass out of yourself and I won't tolerate that kind of behavior toward a guildmate- you know that better than anyone. So tell me, what happened?"

Shifting uncomfortably in his seat, Theron averted his eyes. "We had a disagreement in regards to her training habits, then her blatant disregard for safety."

"What sort of disagreement?"

"She insisted on training when she should have been resting. One day is not enough time for someone like her to recover from such a journey."

"Who are you to decide that for her?"

"I know the-"

"Did you see any evidence that she was overworking herself?"

"Not exactly, but-"

"Or did you just assume that you know her body better than she does?"

"Of course not! I know from experience the kind of toll a four day journey takes on someone so physically unprepared. She should have deferred to my judgement."

"She didn't take your advice, so you took her to train further, despite feeling so strongly that she needed to rest?"

Silence.

"It sounds like you were trying to punish her," Aedyndel said flatly, his expression darkening.

Again, Theron refused to answer.

Aedyn rubbed his face. "Clearly, you are interested in this girl, and I can see why. So why are you treating her so?

"Interested?! Absolutely not!"

"Don't play me for a fool, Theron. You always get this way with the women you fancy: first, you get overprotective and jealous, then you try to tell them what they should or should not do, and get irrationally upset when they don't listen. You need to break the cycle or you will continue to lose those you care about. Women are not your pets; they are not beasts to be tamed and made obedient."

Theron stood abruptly. "Are you finished?"

"Apologize, or keep your mouth shut. You can be angry all you want, however misplaced it may be, but keep it to yourself. Jesika has to focus on her training if she's to help us figure out what's going on, and you acting like a child will only hinder her. Have I made myself clear?"

"Yes, sir," he sneered.

Aedyndel sighed as his brother stormed out of the common room and decided to check on Jesika before retiring to bed himself. He strolled to her door and knocked lightly. There was no answer, so he slowly opened it and peered through the crack.

Jesika was sleeping soundly on top of her covers with her mouth hanging open, still fully dressed, tabard, tunic, and all. Duke, ever vigilant, roused from his slumber at her feet and huffed at Aedyn, who swiftly quieted him. "It's me, boy," the elf whispered as he entered the room. Duke's tail wagged excitedly, though he seemed too sleepy to rise. Aedyndel scratched the puppy's cheek for a moment before returning his attention to Jes. Sympathy tugged at him- she reminded him of himself when he was an apprentice. For months he trained to exhaustion and failed his entry evaluations time and time again. Often he cried alone in his room until the fateful day that he was accepted into both the guild and the program. She'll do just fine, he thought as he, with great care, unlaced and removed her boots. Luckily, Jes was so exhausted she didn't stir even as he shimmied the sheets out from underneath her and pulled them up and over her shoulders. Aedyndel smiled softly as she snuggled into the blankets and silently took his leave.