Thank you so much to everyone who's read the story. As I mentioned in the previous chapter, this story has a bit of a dark side to it. This chapter involves several mature themes - namely violence. It's not any more elevated than my first story, but I just want to give everyone a heads up.

Words in Italics are in Thalassian.

Thanks for reading!

"Why can't I wear armor?"

"Because."

"Can I at least wear a shirt?"

"No."

Gritting his teeth, Deimos stood motionless in the training grounds, his vision completely voided black. Barefoot and shirtless, the young elf felt shivers beginning to rack his body as the late fall wind swept through the city. Though he couldn't see it, the paladin knew the sun was half across the sky; indicating to the beginning of the afternoon in Stormwind. Sighing as the black cloth around his eyes was tightened once more, Deimos shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other.

"And why can't I wear my boots?"

Scowling at the constant questions coming from the boy, Grayson Shadowbreaker moved from behind the elf; satisfied that the blindfold around his pupil's eyes was secure. The new exercise for the young elf was one which he took great pride in utilizing on his student; knowing that the Sin'dorei would have a significant advantage for such a drill. "The point of this exercise, Deimos, is to become more aware of your other senses. That includes hearing, smelling, and touch."

"What about taste?"

Pursing his lips and scowling at the sarcastic comment from the young Sin'dorei, the paladin trainer and commander eyed the blood elf standing in the middle of the practice area. His shoulders were drawn back, his arms crossed over his bare chest. Bumps could be seen forming on his fair arms; the evidence of the frigid afternoon. Placing the elf's broad sword to the side, the older man pulled his own weapon out of its sheathe. "I want you to rely on your other senses, Deimos. You're an elf; so you ought to have an advantage in this drill."

"And I don't get a weapon either?"

"You're still missing the point." The man paused, his patient gaze on the unseeing elf never faltering. "And no, you get no weapon."

Sighing impatiently, Deimos had to keep reminding himself to not remove the uncomfortable blindfold impairing his vision. In all honesty, the young elf found the idea for the exercise to be null and illogical; he knew his senses were particularly gifted. The pointless drill would only be wasting time out of his precious training schedule; time that could have been better used. Smirking, the elf had full confidence in his ability to pass the drill with pomp.

Abruptly, the young paladin briefly heard the exchange of air behind him before he felt sharpened steel cleanly slice the delicate skin on his back open. Hissing in pain, Deimos had to force his hurting body to comply with his commands and throw himself to the side. The wound, though not fatal quite yet, was deep enough in the boy's back to lead to shock from blood loss. Panting heavily from the injury, the young elf daftly brought a hand around to his back to grip the throbbing area. Warm liquid spilled over his hand as he lay motionless on the ground. Unexpectedly, the Sin'dorei felt his stomach flip warningly. Relying on instincts, Deimos rolled to the left, his back injury protesting at the movement, as he heard a sword come into contact with the stoned ground.

Rolling up to his feet with shaky balance, the young elf clenched his teeth at the burning sensation that was enveloping his back. However, he knew he couldn't pay it much heed. Using skills that he developed from a lifetime of meditating, the young elf focused more attentional allocation to his less used senses. Immediately, his hearing was amplified; the sounds of the bustling city bombarding his head. Wincing at the increase in noise level, Deimos heard the nearly inaudible swoosh of a sword originating from his right. Expertly dodging to his left, the young elf winced harder as the skin around the wound was pulled taunt; blood flowing more freely from the lesion.

"You better heal that if you don't want to end up at the priests'."

The paladin trainer's voice echoed in the young elf's mind, pulling him from his pseudo-trance. Barely jumping back when his stomach felt a tiny whoosh of air, Deimos gritted his teeth at the truth behind Shadowbreakers' words. Continuing to keep his attention directed at his heightened senses, the elf began to murmur the enchanted words to Holy Light. Hearing movement emitting from his side, the elf was quick to dodge the swing of a sword; his chanting never wavering. Increasing the speed at which he was mouthing the spell, Deimos felt the smallest gust of air from behind him; alluding to his opponent trying to strike from behind. The last bit of chant leaving his mouth, Deimos distractedly noticed the wound mend itself; the bleeding and pain abruptly stopping. Whipping around to face his foe, the young elf sent a fast and strong kick in the direction he felt Shadowbreaker was. Painfully, his bare foot came into contact with a plated chest; though his aim was true, he hadn't thought the attack out well.

A hand gripped his ankle, taking advantage of the elf's momentary stunned reverie. Twisting the appendage painfully, Deimos' foe flipped him to the stoned ground with a hard smack. Grunting in pain as his back made contact with the ground, the elf heard the heavy breathing of his opponent swiftly approach him. Rolling to the side, out of a blades swinging motion, Deimos pulled himself to his feet as his pointed ears heard the weapon make contact with the stone.

Ducking under another well aimed thrust, Deimos kept up the impressive dodges with ease. He had a feeling that the paladin trainer wasn't charging him at full speed; obviously careful to not bring drastic harm to his student. The battle raged for several minutes; Deimos not faltering from evading the attacks. He began to find the exercise fun and enjoyable; a drill of defense without a weapon was one he wasn't all that familiar with. Grinning as he yet again dodged a downward slice from a blade, Deimos was surprised when he heard the movement from the trainer end.

His senses still heightened as he stood on the balls of his feet, prepared to dodge an attack on either side of his body; Deimos lifted a confused brow. The respiration from his opponent had gone silent; alluding to the proximity between the two increasing. Curiously wondering if the drill was over and if he passed with honor, Deimos considered taking off the blindfold. Panting as he futilely looked around himself, the young elf wiped the back of his hand over his sweating face; his blonde hair plastered to his forehead. "Shadowbreaker, are we done?"

Briefly feeling the small rush of air from the familiar sensation of a blade coming towards him, Deimos hardly jumped out of his opponent's path in time. A fast thrust of a sword immediately followed the attack, not allowing Deimos any time to gather his thoughts. Throwing himself to the side painfully, the young elf was sure to remain focused on his senses. Curiously, he was surprised to hear a distinct difference in his opponent's respiration from before the break; it was calmer and shallower. Rolling to the side to dodge a fast and strong swing of a blade, the young elf presumed Shadowbreaker had cast some sort of a healing spell to renew his vigor. Shaking his head at his disadvantage, Deimos only wished he would have been given the same reprise.

Taken off guard when his opponent pivoted with impressive speed to attack the back of the young elf's body, Deimos winced at the pain he knew would come. While he uselessly tried to fall forward in an attempt to dodge the blow, he knew it would be hopeless. Feeling the cold steel of a sword enter his shoulder blade, Deimos gave a loud scream of pain as the sword ravished the bone and muscle. His opponent pulled the weapon across the young elf's back, the steel ripping the muscle from the ribs. The assault finished its brutal attack with tearing the other shoulder blade apart. Falling forward to the ground on his knees, the young elf felt as if his back was ripped in two; hot blood spewing from the deep wound. His stomach flipped; threatening to empty its contents on the stoned ground.

Not being able to dwell on the numbing pain and nausea, Deimos threw his body to the side as he heard the cruel blade whip through the air towards his midsection. Landing hard on the stone, the young elf felt his mind beginning to swirl at the throbbing sting on his back. His momentary lapse in action was enough time for his foe to continue his ruthless assault. Bringing his arms up instinctively around his bare chest for protection, Deimos felt the blade easily slice through his bicep; not stopping till it made vibrating contact with the bone. Unable to stop the blood curdling scream that emitted itself from his throat, the young elf decided that enough was enough. Shadowbreaker had gone too far.

Upon feeling the blade leave his arm, Deimos gritted his teeth in preparation for his attack. Rolling to his feet, the young paladin furiously whispered the small chant to release a powerful onslaught of holy energy; placing as much focus on the attack as possible. Just as the last words were about to fall from his lips, a hard plated object whipped across his forehead; causing him to fall to the ground with a pained moan. Feeling the blindfold begin to cling to his face, Deimos knew it wasn't from sweat. That felt like a shield. But, Shadowbreaker wasn't carrying one… Unable to stop himself, Deimos ripped the blindfold off his face. The bright sun was the first thing that hit him; making him squint up at his opponent. Similar unnatural green eyes looking down at him was the next.

Standing over the young elf's prone and bleeding body was Tharsis Ares'mar, a thick sword gripped in his hand. Though the blade shone blue with an enchantment, the dripping blood running down the steel was still visible. His disapproving and scowling eyes roamed over Deimos' surprised and fearful face; his frown slowly turning into a dark grin. Moving away from the young elf propped up on his unhurt arm, Tharsis turned to the paladin trainer; who stood to the side with a passive look on his face. "Sorry, Shadowbreaker. It seems my son isn't as well trained as I thought he was."

Shaking his head slightly, the older man approached the two elves, his eyes staying trained on Deimos' face. The boy was panting heavily with his eyes downcast in a defeated and shameful manner; sweat from pain and exhaustion covered his body, blood from his head wound mixing in with it. His arm was bleeding heavily, curled instinctively to his chest painfully. Though he couldn't see it, the paladin trainer knew the boy's back was smeared with the same liquid, the bone and muscle from his shoulder blades severed agonizingly. "You seem to miss the point of the exercise as much as your son, Commander Ares'mar."

Watching with dissatisfaction as Shadowbreaker calmly and serenely crouched next to the younger elf to inspect his back wound, Tharsis crossed his arms over his chest. "He failed to dodge an attack. I would constitute that as not passing the drill."

Moving to examine the head wound, the paladin trainer gently turned Deimos' head to the side to get a better look at it; attempting to determine if the healing would require the aid of a priest. Gingerly probing the gaping injury, Shadowbreaker glanced down to meet the young elf's grateful eyes. Though they only had a brief exchange, the commander was quick to pick up on Deimos' thankful feelings. Turning around to gaze at the older elf, the man gave a small sigh, standing up to his feet. His calm and tranquil expression never faltered from his face. "The objective is to concentrate on defense and evasion. He was more than proficient with that; until you forced him on offense."

"He required a challenge."

"I think I have enough years of experience to know what my students need."

Gritting his teeth in anger at the human in front of him, Tharsis took a threatening step forward; his hand gripping the sword tighter. "Perhaps you forget that I was instructing him before you took over as his trainer all of six months ago."

Brows raised in amusement at the aggressive stance the older elf assumed, Shadowbreaker's peaceful expression never fell. Turning back to the young elf, the paladin trainer watched as Deimos kept his head dutifully tilted forward; his hand wrapped around his aching bicep. "Yes, well, it speaks volumes that a warrior attempted to train a paladin."

Snarling at the man in anger, Tharsis narrowed his eyes. "Excuse me-"

Turning around to spare an innocent glance at the older Ares'mar, Shadowbreaker crouched next to Deimos. "I'm sorry, I'm going to need silence to heal your son; that is, unless you'd like to carry him to the Cathedral of Light."

Pursing his lips in anger at the paladin trainer, the older elf wiped his son's blood from his blade before placing it in its sheathe on his hip. Crossing his arms over his chest defiantly, Tharsis turned his head angrily away from the human and his son.

Satisfied at the lack of response, Shadowbreaker turned around to face Deimos, who met his gaze imploringly. Allowing the trademark calm façade to fall from his features, the paladin trainer gave an amused grin at his student at his small victory against the older elf. Returning the expression with a small smile, Deimos felt his stomach flip from the pulsing pain. Eyeing the wincing younger elf, Shadowbreaker sighed. "Do you have any injuries other than your back, forehead, and arm?"

Shaking his head, Deimos immediately regretted it. The world began to tilt, the head wound making his world delve into complete vertigo. Distractedly, he was aware of soft words beside him; hands supporting him gently on the top of his shoulders. Suddenly, the world began to right itself, the unbearable pain from the wounds abruptly disappearing. He was somewhat attentive of the muscles restoring themselves, the bones repairing the damage done. Feeling his energy and strength renewed, the young elf looked up into the tranquil face of Shadowbreaker. "Better?"

Nodding, Deimos moved to pull himself up to his feet; his eyes making contact with his father's gaze. The cold wind blowing around his bare upper torso, the young elf immediately broke the eye contact to search around the training area for his forgotten shirt. He knew he wouldn't find his boots; Shadowbreaker had instructed the elf to leave them at his house for the day. Giving a large sigh, the young paladin whipped around in a circle, frustrated at not finding his article of clothing; wrapping his arms around his chest in an effort to retain body heat.

"Looking for this?"

Hesitantly glancing at Tharsis, Deimos sighed as the older elf held his blue shirt up in his fist. Noticing the paladin trainer standing on the side watching the exchange, the young elf approached his father; an outreached arm extended for the shirt. His opened palm not feeling the cloth placed in it, Deimos lifted curious eyes at his father, who didn't move his clenched fist to give up the clothing. Swallowing hard at the scrutinizing eyes, the younger elf shifted uncomfortably from one foot to the other. "Can I have it please? I'm cold."

Squinting his eyes at his son, Tharsis broke his eye contact to look at the crumpled up shirt in his fist. Inspecting the plain shirt dramatically, the older elf returned his hard gaze back to his son. "Blue. Interesting color to choose… especially for being Sin'dorei."

Increasing his fidgeting, Deimos pursed his lips at the unspoken insult. Blinking hard at his father, the shorter elf felt a blush creep into his cheeks. "It's just a color. Can I have my shirt now?"

"Remember what I said yesterday, Deimos. Just because you live with these human's doesn't make you one of them. Don't forget who and what you are."

Thankful at the article of clothing placed in his outstretched hand, Deimos turned his back on his father while he slipped the shirt on over his head. Sighing, the young elf couldn't stop the sarcastic remark under his breath. "Don't worry, I won't. You make damn well sure of that."

Seeing red from anger at the rebellious comment from his son, Tharsis took an aggressive step towards the younger elf. "Care to repeat that a little louder, Deimos?"

Immediately sensing an upcoming altercation between the two elves, Shadowbreaker stepped forward; Deimos' sword in his outstretched hands. "Here, Deimos. Don't forget what I told to you about proper care for your weapons."

Crossing his arms over his chest, Tharsis squinted in anger at the man, obviously displeased at the interruption from his lecture. "My son knows how to care for his swords. I've taught him as much."

Smiling condescendingly at the older elf, the paladin trainer nodded his head at the comment. "Yes, I'm sure you have. However, it would be irresponsible of me to assume he's doing it the correct way."

His hard gaze narrowing at the man, Tharsis abruptly turned to this son. "O'dorarfiil'a doreu'falbein." (I don't like your trainer)

Shrugging lightly at the older elf's comment, Deimos glanced at Shadowbreaker's confused face from the foreign language. "Ro, O'aseosaal." (Sorry, I do)

Pursing his lips at the response, Tharsis turned briskly to the waiting human. "Are you finished my with son for the day, trainer?" The last word coming out strangled and demeaning, the man didn't flinch at the insult.

Nodding calmly at the two elves, Shadowbreaker turned his gaze to the younger elf, taking in his green eyes pleading with the trainer to not antagonize the older elf further. Smiling warmly at his student, the paladin trainer placed a firm yet gentle hand on the young elf's shoulder. "You did very well today; considering it was your first day of the drill. We'll work on progressing yourself to falling more easily into an offensive position." Glancing over at the older elf's scowl and annoyed expression, Shadowbreaker widened his smile. "I'll also teach you a good rebound for the shield interruption."

Smiling back at the older man, Deimos felt gratitude swell in his chest; not just for the compliments but the untold intentions behind his words. "Thank you, sir. I very much look forward to learning it."

Sending one last victorious glance at Tharsis, who clenched his jaw in anger at the trainer's words, Shadowbreaker turned away from the two; moving towards the Commander Center.

Feeling eyes boring into him, Deimos reluctantly glanced to the side at the taller elf. Sure enough, unnatural green eyes met his, their disapproving and angered look stabbing into the younger elf. Immediately sending his eyes down to the floor, Deimos felt all the pent up confidence in his being somehow dissipate from him. Instead, a familiar cold and numb feeling passed over his body.

"Training barefoot? Didn't I tell you this was a savage race?"

Not sure if he should respond to the jab, Deimos allowed his father to direct him forward with a thrust on his back, out of the training grounds. Sighing at the silence that followed, the younger elf assumed his father was waiting for some sort of an answer. "They're not savages. Just different."

Brows raised in annoyance at the comment, Tharsis eyed the shorter elf beside him as they moved through Old Town. The afternoon caused the streets to be bustling with activity, children chasing each other while mothers stood by scolding them. "You've been in this city for too long, Deimos. It's starting to affect you; and I don't approve of the change."

Of course not. Careful to turn his head while he rolled his eyes, Deimos was smart to hold back the sarcastic retort. Abruptly, he felt pain erupt in his left ear as a tugging sensation enveloped it. Turning questioning eyes at his father, the young elf found his head's mobility limited from the pulling motion.

"You still have this?" Tharsis asked with a sadistic smirk, jerking painfully on the golden hoop resting in the younger elf's ear. Instinctively moving his hand up to twist the wrist assaulting his ear, Deimos immediately regretted his reflexive nature. A second hand wrapped itself around his own wrist while propelling the elf backwards. Slammed against the stoned wall of a house, the young elf blinked furiously to clear the water that pooled in his eyes from the unexpected attack. The hand still gripping his earring, Deimos tilted his head down in an effort to ease the pain.

Tharsis, angered at the elf's defensive and resistant attitude, pulled the piece of jewelry threateningly. "How dare you disrespect me so? You stand up for these barbaric creatures and lay your hands on me?"

Swallowing hard, Deimos eyed his father's angered face. His own face wincing in pain from the increased pressure on the earring, the young elf narrowed his gaze. Honor and principle seemed to dominate his line of thoughts, his words leaving his mouth before he could stop them. "From what I'm seeing, they're not the barbaric race."

Snarling in anger at the disobedience and defiant attitude from his son, Tharsis gave a quick yet strong jerk down with his arm; the earring never leaving his fisted hand. Immediately, a cry of pain was emitted from the smaller elf. Stepping back, Tharsis angrily eyed the boy as he curled down, his hand gripping the bleeding and ripped ear lobe; the golden earring still clenched in the older elf's hand. "I never liked that piercing anyways."

Glaring up at his father, Deimos began to chant a healing spell, his hand still wrapped around the throbbing and bleeding ear. He didn't have to hear the comment from his father to know that it was true. He had obtained the piercing nearly two years ago, his father expressing his negative feelings towards such a meaningless and futile action. Wanting to have a small say in something in his dominated life, the young elf was quick to have his ear pierced.

Satisfied when he felt the precious cartilage mend itself back together, Deimos stood back up. He knew he would have to find someone to pierce the ear again for him; he wouldn't be able to do it himself. Sighing at the still angry look on his father's face, the younger elf shamefully looked down at the stoned ground; allowing his compliant and obedient behaviors take over his being. "I'm sorry. I-I don't know what's wrong with me."

Giving a dark smirk at the boy's familiar and recognizable submission, Tharsis knew the elf would simply need reminding to revert back to his conditioned self. Sighing, the older elf laid a hand on the elf's upper arm to motion him to continue walking. "You're around these humans too much, Deimos. You're getting sloppy with your practicing and neglecting your proper training."

Keeping his gaze focused down at the cobblestoned street, the younger elf wasn't sure what to say. He felt he was flourishing under his new living conditions; true, the humans in the barracks didn't necessarily accept him. However, for once in his life, he felt at ease with himself. He had friends and he was beginning to feel like a real paladin. A strong hand on his arm halted his walking, the younger elf turning questioning eyes at his father.

"Deimos," the older man began, placing both his hands on the shorter elf's shoulders. The older Ares'mar was determined to force his son to conform back to his old behaviorisms; one way or another. "You know I'm proud of you for saving Lor'themar, right?"

Watching with sick pleasure as the younger elf's eyes shined with surprise and happiness, Tharsis had to use all his self-reserve to not grin at the one weakness his son displayed; his dying need for his father's approval. "You were doing so well in the past couple years. I'd hate to see this little move to Stormwind hurt your progress."

Nodding his head furiously, Deimos set his eyes in determination. "Don't worry, Ann'da. I won't disappoint you."

Smiling darkly, the older elf motioned for his son to continue their walking. Sending a sideway glance at the shorter elf, Tharsis inspected the blank and expressionless look on Deimos' face. Whether it needed to be emotional or physical conditioning, the older elf was determined to shape the paladin in any way he chose.

"You're positive you know what you're doing?"

"It's a relatively effortless and painless procedure, Deimos. There… should be no quandaries."

"You hesitated. Why did you hesitate?"

Biting her lower lip, Lena rolled back on her heels from inspecting the blood elf's ear. Sitting cross legged on the gnome's miniature bed, Deimos looked grossly out of place; his sitting form easily taking up the entire width of the bed. The paladin had approached the small girl nearly an hour ago; asking an odd request of the gnome. Her own ears riddled with hoops and studs, the girl felt herself confident in her ability to pierce another. It was considered attractive in the gnomish society for a female to have jewelry in their ears, though men were looked at differently. Her inquisitive nature taking over, she found the idea of Deimos wanting his ear pierced rather abnormal. She immediately agreed to help her friend; hoping to gain a better understanding of the foreign race.

Looking around Lena's bedroom, Deimos gave a nervous sigh while her small fingers inspected his left ear lobe. The bed rested against the middle of the wall, its bright purple comforter matching the white and pink painted walls. A large inviting window took up a good portion of the opposite wall; the waning afternoon sun spilling into the room and its inhabitants. A desk and chair was nestled in the corner; its small stature making Deimos cock his head to the side in amazement. He still struggled to grasp the strange behaviors of the small race; though he always enjoyed the gnome's cheerful company.

A prick to his cartilage caused the young elf to jump instinctively; his arms flailing around himself in surprise. Lena was agile enough to avoid the larger appendages, knowing full well that one swipe of his thick arm would have her plastered against the wall. Glancing nervously at the hoop earring the girl held up in her small hand, Deimos ran a nervous hand through his short hair; a small sigh escaping his mouth. "I'm sorry, Lena. I just… you're sure you know how to do this?"

Nodding her head furiously, the gnome hesitantly leaned forward towards the tall elf. Standing up to get a better view of his ear, Lena scrunched her brows in thought as she allowed her fingers to probe the cartilage on the lower ear lobe. With a thought, the mage moved her examining fingers to the upper portion of the ear; the tips of her fingers grazing over the delicate point. "You know, you should consider a helix piercing instead of a vertical lobe. If you're obtaining the piercing for purely aesthetic purposes, I believe it would be a more suitable choice for you."

Tensing his posture as Lena fingered a section of cartilage just an inch below from where his ear pointed, Deimos bit his lip nervously. "Maybe we should just stick with the basics. I'm not sure…"

"The hazard for infection is as heightened as the alternative piercing. However, you may be more prone to keloid formation at the posterior surface of your ear; though I'm 97.99% confident that lavender oil would significantly reduce the probability of a contagion."

"Look, I have no idea what you just said, or if it was even in Common, but I'm thinking the lobe piercing would be best." Shifting nervously while Lena increased her pressure on the selected area of his upper ear, Deimos bit his lower lip harder.

"If you're vexed by the prospect of increased discomfort, I can inform you from personal experience that there's not a significant difference. In fact, I'd even say the piercing process is less agonizing than the vertical lobe. Though the recovery process is protracted; especially when sleeping. However, I still strongly-"

"The top of his ear is considered one of the most sensitive parts of his body. He's naturally hesitant."

Both the gnome and elf turned their heads towards the doorway at the new voice. Entering the brightly lit room with her arms resting softly to her sides was Elsharin; her blue glowing eyes meeting Deimos' unnatural green ones. Upon becoming the mage trainer's apprentice, Lena had moved in with the high elf in the mage quarter. The two women shared the house; Lena was unaware Elsharin had returned back to the dwelling after a meeting she was attending.

"That's rather peculiar."

Shifting uncomfortably as the high elf sat close to him on the bed, Deimos narrowed his eyes at her as she turned to Lena. Opening a fair hand towards the gnome at an unspoken request, the Sin'dorei watched with dissatisfaction as Lena dropped the golden earring into her trainer's outstretched hand. The high elf turned back to the waiting and agitated paladin, her somber expression never faltering. Her long fingers probing the upper area Lena was contemplating piercing, Elsharin watched Deimos' face tense at the prodding.

"Elves don't usually pierce the upper cartilage for this reason, Lena." Pausing while she brought the sharp back of the earring up to the sensitive and receptive area of his ear, she gave a small smile at the boy hesitantly watching her. "Though if you are going to pierce it, you have to do so fast."

Swift movement on the side of him was the only warning Deimos got before the earring was shoved brutally through the delicate cartilage; pain sweeping over his body from the action. Squeezing his eyes shut from the agonizing action, the young elf instinctively brought his hand up to the throbbing ear. Trying to hide the smirk on her face as the paladin leaned forward, his face contorted in pain, Elsharin stood up from her seated position on the bed to inspect him gripping his ear.

"Ni'adamod!" Grimacing as he willed the sickening pain to leave his body, Deimos gritted his teeth. (Damnit)

An amused grin going across her face at the blood elf's obvious discomfort, Elsharin raised an entertained eyebrow. "Anoar'anari redieashque'ashisorei? (Such language in front of ladies?)

Lifting his head up to quickly glance at Lena, who stood with her hands brought up to her mouth, tears beginning to pool in her big eyes at the pain her friend was in, Deimos turned his angry eyes at the high elf. His gaze only darkened as he took in her amused stance, a grin spreading across her face. "A'ashisore'doreu." (You're not a lady).

"Oh Deimos, I'm so sorry!" Unable to keep her emotions bottled up any longer, the gnome threw herself at the pained elf; completely oblivious to the Thalassian words being exchanged. Wrapping her arms around his neck, the mage was careful to avoid the newly pierced ear. "Had I known the superior region of your pinna would be so susceptible to discomfort, I would have offered some sort of sedative. Oh! And we never used lavender oil on the earring! Now you're vulnerable to Chondritis!"

Hesitantly and timidly patting the smaller girl's back as she sobbed into his neck, Deimos returned his angered glare at the chuckling high elf; who was getting far too much entertainment from the situation. Wincing as the gnome increased the sound of her cries, the paladin sent an annoyed look at Elsharin. "Thdiesh'shorel." (Good job)

Rolling her blue eyes at the blood elf, the mage trainer took a step forward to address the overly emotional girl. "Lena, Deimos is fine. We can swab the piercing with oil now."

Nodding, the small girl unwrapped her arms from around the Sin'dorei's neck; her hands frantically wiping the tears staining her face. "I have the lavender oil on my desk. Should I retrieve anything else?"

Squinting her eyes at the inflamed ear, the high elf gave a small nod of her head. "I have grapeseed and sweet almond oil in the alchemy lab. Please get me 15 milliliters of each."

Eyeing the still fuming paladin once more, the gnome felt inclined to stay to offer some sort of emotional support to her friend; feeling somewhat responsible for his discomfort. Chewing her bottom lip nervously, she gave a quick smile at Deimos before making up her mind to follow the orders from her trainer. Jumping off the bed, the mage scurried from the room with a fast pace.

Watching with irritated eyes as the high elf carefully dipped the corner of a cloth into light violet liquid, Deimos hesitantly prodded the new piercing. Penetrated cleanly through the cartilage, the elf winced as the skin around the earring was raised and agitated; a burning sensation erupting when his fingers brushed against it.

Thin fingers enclosed around his wrist, gently pulling his hand away from his ear. "Don't touch it. Only the Light knows what you've touched today; you'll risk infection."

Glancing up at high elf's fair face, Deimos rolled his eyes as she sat on the bed beside him; a damp cloth in her hand. "You almost sound concerned."

Grinning as she softly placed one hand on his cheek to turn his head, Elsharin brought the other hand up to inspect the red ear. "I wouldn't go that far."

Wincing as the cloth tenderly dabbed around the golden earring, Deimos was taken back by the gentleness the high elf demonstrated while caring for him. Sparing a quick glance at her face, the paladin was surprised to meet her blue observant gaze. "Shouldn't you be watching what you're doing?"

Scowling at the blood elf, the mage trainer promptly broke the eye contact. Several beats passed, neither elves saying anything to the other while she continued to swab the inflamed ear. "You must be excited for this week."

Responding without thinking, Deimos rolled his eyes and heaved an angry sigh. "Yeah, thrilled."

Brows together in confusion at the sarcastic and unexpected answer, Elsharin momentarily paused in her cleaning. Turning her face to his to inspect his darkened expression, she gave him a quizzical look. "You're people are here for an induction into the Alliance. Why wouldn't you be happy?" Pausing, the high elf thought back on information she received. "I hear that Brightwing and your father are in the city."

"Look, can you just shut up and finish?"

Physically flinching from the harshness in his words, the high elf sent her gaze down the floor; taken back by the fury the paladin demonstrated at her. It was no secret that the high elves didn't get along with the blood elves, but Elsharin had developed a sort of joking rivalry between the two. To hear such callous words directed at her made her heart sink; though she was unsure for the reason. Rebounding from the verbal assault relatively fast, the mage trainer resumed her usual somber and serious expression while she continued dotting his ear. "I'm nearly finished."

Sighing at himself, Deimos immediately felt his cheeks burn with embarrassment and guilt. Like Warren, it was unfair to displace his pent up rage at his father on an innocent person; especially one willing to help him. He was raised to always show women respect and honor; his words to the high elf were anything but. "Elsharin, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have spoken to you like that. I'm just… really stressed right now. But I know that's not an excuse to talk to you so disrespectfully."

Quirking a delicate eyebrow up at the unexpected apology, the mage trainer placed the cloth down on the bed; distractedly hearing the padding of the gnome's small feet run through the house. Heaving a deep sigh, the high elf turned to look into Deimos' face. Worn and strained green eyes met her; she offered him a small smile. "I know I'm probably the last person you want to hear this from, but even though I don't know the entire story, I'm an excellent listener."

His eyes searching hers for any indication of trickery or deception, the paladin was taken aback to find none. Instead, her face was set in its trademark passive and serious way, though hints of sincerity and compassion were evident. Nodding as the high elf stood up from the miniature bed, Deimos watched her gracefully approach the desk. "Thanks, but I think I'll be fine. They'll be leaving in less than a week."

His hands going up to his newly pierced ear, Deimos silently brooded on his decision to re-pierce it. While he found the piece of jewelry fashionable and attractive, he knew it held a darker and more ominous meaning behind it. Had he been in Silvermoon and under the dominating gaze of his father, however, the meaning would be all the more important. Living in Stormwind City, he was free to choose for himself many aspects of his life that seemed infeasible in the Sin'dorei capital. The liberty to choose when he went to sleep, what time he ate, and what he did for the day made him feel ecstatic and free. Though Warren disapproved of the piercing, the commander treated the piece of jewelry in a humorous fashion; often berating the paladin for it.

"Other than your parents, did any of your family survive the Scourge attack?"

Turning his head to the direction the quiet and solemn voice originated from, Deimos eyed the back of Elsharin. Blinking several times at the mage, who was busying herself with cleaning the desk of the bandages and clothes, the young paladin brought his brows together in confusion at the abrupt question. "Um... I'm not really sure. My father never talks about my relatives much. I know my mother's from Dalaran, so I don't think they died in Silvermoon."

"What about your father's side? Do you have any relatives still alive?"

The once bleak tone gaining a pressing edge to it, Deimos shifted his weight on the bed anxiously. Unable to see her face, the Sin'dorei felt all the more nervous at the strange questions. "Like I said, my father never talks about my relatives. The only one I really see much is my cousin; and that's because he was in the same battalion as me in Silvermoon."

A small yet brisk movement to the side of Deimos drew his attention away from the peculiar and rather daunting conversation. Her feet scurrying about, Lena carried two small viols of liquid and an armful of white cloth. Completely oblivious at her presence interrupting the conversation commencing between the two elves, the small mage rapidly approached her trainer; all the while sending small glances at Deimos in hopes of finding him in less pain. "Elsharin! I retrieved the items you requested. Are there any other biologics that can offer considerable aid?"

Sparing a quick and thoughtful glance at Deimos, the young paladin returning the look with confusion, the high elf shook her head at the imploring question from the gnome. "Lena, you can finish disinfecting his ear. Allow the almond oil to dry first before applying the grapeseed."

Moving towards the door, Elsharin hesitantly paused; reluctantly turning around to face Deimos. Quickly glancing at the small girl while she prepared the two vials of liquid, the high elf gave a small sigh. "Deimos, O'nimeinlu'laonr eleshme'eshseel'o. Thuasar'o'ashl a'rosh melaes'babaonin." (Deimos, I meant what I said earlier. I'm always here if you want to talk.)

Wincing briefly as the small gnome probed the inflamed ear, Deimos gave a small smile to the mage trainer. "Ther'a." (Thank you). Watching as she gave a quick nod of her head, the Sin'dorei kept his gaze on her as she left the room, her dress billowing as she walked. Though their conversation had been interrupted, the paladin had noticed a slight jump in her step as she departed the room. Whatever information she was seeking from the young Sin'dorei, it seemed it had been in her favor.

"We've already dismantled the orb of translocation to Undercity. We should consider constructing one between Silvermoon and Stormwind."

"It would be a logical choice, wouldn't it?"

Nodding at Warren Steele, Brightwing turned to one of the Sin'dorei advisors furiously scribbling on pieces of parchment; attempting to record the discussion happening between the two races. Seated in a conference room, a walnut table rested in the middle of the windowless space. Torches and sconces hung on the stoned walls, easily illuminating the space and the inhabitants. Seated around the long table was a handful of human officers; Warren and Shadowbreaker sat with piles of parchment in front of them. On the other side of the humans were the blood elves; Brightwing and Tharsis seated side by side. At two head ends of the table were Lor'themar and Wrynn; each looking on with interest but scarcely putting in their opinions.

In the middle of the table was a large map of Azeroth, an array of colored darts pressed into different regions on the map. The objective of the meeting was not politically-based but rather military; the conversations being dominated by those of armed status. The day had easily turned into nightfall, the discussions governing much of their time to notice the passing hours.

The ranger-general sipped water from a glass that rested in front of him. "Our mages have already learned the correct portaling from your mage trainers. That form of transportation should suffice until the orbs are completed. I would imagine it should take a month or so."

"Indeed. Perhaps we should go back to the discussion of the defensive positions in the Barrens. I truly believe that the wisest-"

"-and most beneficial to you humans-"

"-would be sending Sin'dorei troops to enforce the defense." Sending a glare at the elf that interrupted him, Warren locked his eyes aggressively with Tharsis. Leaning forward on his elbows, the elf narrowed his eyes at the warrior before glancing at the map below him. The subject was forced to be tabled early on in the meeting due to a heated argument breaking out; the source originating from Tharsis. Sighing silently to himself, Brightwing crossed his arms over his chest. He had hoped the commander would have been more level-headed the second time through the topic.

"Commander Ares'mar, we're not trying to uselessly jeopardize blood elves. The Barrens is in dire need of a stronger defense; what with Orgrimmar being to the northeast and Thunderbluff to the southwest. The Horde have much control over that territory. The trade agreements from Ratchet have begun to suffer as well. If we could somehow-"

Shaking his head in annoyance and dismay at Shadowbreaker's speech, Tharsis gripped the glass of water in front of him. The earlier days' events with the paladin trainer had created a rift between the two; making the air even stiffer when they addressed each other. "And, pray tell, what reinforcements are surrounding the area to support the Sin'dorei that would be guarding it?"

His steel gaze not wavering under Tharsis' equally intense glare, Shadowbreaker pointed at Ashenvale Forest on the map. "Astranaar is located just north of the Barrens. It's a largely populated city of night elves. As well as the Silverwing Sentinels stationed close to the border. They have often helped in the-"

"So, you want blood elves to rely on night elves for support?" Pausing to give a dark and demeaning chuckle at the man glaring at him, Tharsis picked up his glass to sip the water. "I can only imagine the delay the night elves would coincidently have when going to reinforce the Sin'dorei."

Pursing his lips in anger, the commander of the Stormwind paladins fought with all his might to keep his usual calmness to his features. "I'm not sure if you've noticed, Ares'mar, but the night elves are part of your faction now."

"Perhaps you should reiterate that information to them as well."

"Shadowbreaker, Ares'mar. This is not a debate or argument. Please either handle the conversation in a mature fashion or you will both be removed. I will not have arguing anymore."

Both men in question turned their heads to the king, who ran his hand over his tired face. The meeting had commenced several hours ago, leading well into the afternoon. The arguing had started shortly afterwards; Warren and Shadowbreaker seeming to have no qualms raising their voice to the defensive and hard Ares'mar. Shaking his head, Wrynn was finally able to see where Deimos inherited his difficult manner; his father seeming to have perfected it.

"My apologies, my king," Shadowbreaker replied in a solemn voice, quickly sending a sheepish look at the sovereign before glancing over at Tharsis in dismay.

Clearing his voice to try to calm the air, Warren leaned forward on the table to get a better look at the map; his eyes silently telling the paladin trainer to compose himself. The warrior was unsure what had transpired earlier that day between Tharsis and Shadowbreaker, but it was enough for the two to hold a grudge against each other. It was also painfully clear that the negotiations regarding reinforcing the front in the Barrens with Sin'dorei troops wasn't going to happen. "It's been quite some time since we've had proper reports regarding the defense in the Barrens. I was actually going to assign someone from my battalion to gather more accurate numbers in the area soon anyways. Perhaps we should table this discussion until my soldier returns with the report."

Narrowing his eyes at Warren, Tharsis smirked darkly while leaning forward slightly. "And I assume this 'scout' will be a human?"

Crossing his arms over his chest arrogantly, the warrior leaned back in his chair; cocking his head to the side while he held the intense and insistent gaze with Tharsis. "No, actually." He paused, lifting a delicate brow up. "I was going to send Deimos."

Sighing to himself as he watched Tharsis tense in anger at the human, Brightwing pursed his lips together while sharing a look with Lor'themar. While friends relished in reuniting, old enemies continued holding the resent and bitterness towards each other.

"Deimos?"

Blinking with a smug smirk on his face, Warren was rather satisfied with the position he placed the older Ares'mar in. While he felt a small flame of guilt at using the young elf as a pawn in his battle with Tharsis, he couldn't stop the feelings of victory. "Yes, Deimos. Perhaps you haven't heard but he's a soldier in my battalion. With him no longer living in Silvermoon, he couldn't possibly continue being in a company stationed there." His smirk deepening at the infuriated look etched into the elf's face, Warren leaned forward to steal a sip from his glass of water. "He's one of my best paladins." Pausing to meet the intense and furious gaze Tharsis sent him, the warrior couldn't hide the amusement and mockery in his voice. "You must have been upset to lose him from your company."

Holding the powerful stare with the human seated across from him, the air in the room thickened significantly. The other inhabitants didn't dare move a muscle, their breathing slightly hitched at the tension that enclosed the space. Shadowbreaker couldn't conceal the small smile that spread across his face; Warren's silent victory over Tharsis was a relief for the trainer. Shifting uncomfortably in his chair at the anxiety-filled room, Wrynn did not like where the meeting was headed.

A small cunning smile going across his fair face, Tharsis broke the eye contact with Warren. Swirling the clear liquid in his glass, the elf allowed his smile to grow across his features. Lifting his gaze up to meet Warren's slightly confused one from his change in demeanor; Tharsis cocked his head to side. "I'm glad you find my son's training to your liking. It means a great deal to me that Deimos matures into an adult elf the best way possible, being his father and all."

The arrogant look immediately being replaced with a skeptical and wary one, Warren eyed the grinning elf in front of him. Sparing a quick glance at Brightwing, the ranger-general stared at the older Ares'mar with as much suspicion as the warrior.

Clearing his voice, Lor'themar lifted a brow at the king, who looked worn from the meeting. "I move to table the discussion of re-fortifying defenses in the Barrens until further reports are collected. Until that time, would it reasonable to conclude the meeting?"

Nodding at the Sin'dorei leader, Wrynn stood up from his chair to address the room's inhabitants. "Tomorrow we will be discussing defensive numbers in Northrend. I have a meeting in the morning so we will commence after supper."

Finding it nearly impossible to tear his gaze away from Tharsis, Warren mutely wondered the cryptic meaning behind the Sin'dorei's words. His devious and sly sneer was enough to make the hair on the back of his neck stand up; his stomach jolting in a foreboding anticipation.