Hello everyone! I hope you missed me. Well, the story. Good news, is that things are going smoothly for the story. I finished writing the entire thing a couple days ago, it's all typed up. And now, all that's left is letting you all read! Also, I found a job at a hospital =] Things are going great. So here you go!

Rival

Book Nine, Part Two

When I awoke, I wasn't in the hospital tent any longer; instead, Zen's tent surrounded me.
Groaning loudly, my first instinct was to sit up. When I tried, however, lightheadedness overwhelmed me, and I nearly toppled out of my small bed if not for a strong arm catching me.

"Don't even try it, Grace."

Through closed eyes I saw shooting stars and strange blurs of colors, but what confused me more were my surroundings. "What am I doing in your tent, Zen."

"With Taellor's condition as it is, I didn't think it would be appropriate for you to recuperate in his tent."

I stopped breathing again. "Is he alive?"

"Alive, but still unconscious." I held my head in my hand, the dizziness beginning to thin.

"I'd rather not 'recuperate' in this tent," I growled, finally managing to open my eyes.

"I told the priests I would watch over you."

"You don't have to watch over me anymore. I remember what you said last time we talked here. I'd rather not relive it." With resolve I lurched forward, attempting to stand and eventually leave in search of Taellor, but Zen's arm still held me in place.

The male rogue's mouth was now severely close to my neck, but I couldn't move. Blame it on Zen's aura—it always managed to smother me.

"I'd rather not relive it, either," he whispered, breathe stirring the hair around my neck.

Who would have guessed. As soon as Taellor was incapacitated, Zen was ready to act as my hero.

I was definitely arriving at a dilemma. On one hand, Taellor was across the base, unconscious because of me. And on the other hand…having Zen's attention felt nice.

So where did I want my loyalties to lie?

I couldn't rid of the guilt still swelling in my heart. And the bitterness returned when I remembered how Zen had shut me out after my confessions.

I had to get out of this tent. Zen was triggering familiar feelings, and I wasn't ready to face them yet. Having Zen near me again was nice. But…I inhaled carefully. "Is Taellor still at the hospital tent?" I asked softly. This time, I avoided eye contact with the rogue who once trained me.

That did the trick. Zen withdrew the slightest, taken aback. "Yes."

"How long has he been out?"

"Since last night. It's nearly dawn. Maybe you should rest a bit before…"

"Zen, Taellor needs me," I growled angrily. "More than you'll ever need me; you've made that very clear."

Again, the rogue quieted with shock. I took the opportunity to stand. This time I was successful, though it felt like every bone in my body had aged and decayed.

I felt the tension between us. I always knew when Zen's comments were coming. "What, Zen."

"It just makes me wonder…" He paused, the rogue looking momentarily Human as he debated on talking. "Taellor's state has certainly made you worry. Even with your own injuries, you still manage to grieve over him."

Grieving. I was a professional griever by now. Over my father, my innocence, my freedom, Dennis, Lucas, my home.

"It's my fault, Zen. I pulled-"

"Would you have reacted the same…if it was me that fell?" he asked carefully, in such a brittle voice I nearly thought it hadn't been a question from Zen.

I paused, taken by surprise. Gingerly I turned to face Zen, my face contorted by the thought. "I'd be in far worse condition, Zen. Far worse."

He stood, but I took a step back in anticipation. "Grace…"

"I can't do this right now Zen. Not right now." Resolutely I turned and left, the dawn beginning to brighten and make the snow sparkle.

My ribs were only tender now—my shoulder was the biggest origin of pain. And my forehead—well, if there were stitches, I didn't want to feel them.

When I arrived at the hospital tent, a single doctor was checking up on Taellor. I snuck in, frowning at the lifelessness of the Night Elf's body. "Any good news?" I questioned.

"His body is healing fast, and the faster rate could be attributed to his coma. But he needs to pull out of it within the next day, or the chances of recovery start to dwindle dramatically."

I sat down, pulling a seat up to his bed. If not for his breathing, I could have mistaken him as dead. "He can pull through this," I ensured. My hand rested on his cold one. The healer slipped away quietly, silence blanketing the room.

"Taellor," I whispered. Tears fell down my face almost instantly. "You need to wake up. There's a lot that needs done still. And Fordring," a chuckle slipped from my lungs, causing me to wince, "I don't think he's going to be able to do this without you."

The quiet wasn't comfortable at all. But I stayed at his side anyway, my leg bouncing up and down. "I'm sorry," I finally managed to muster.

Images of the night before wouldn't go away. Doubts and questions rattled my brain. Why had Taellor risked his own life? And more importantly—did I fall off the cliff?

I had tried to block the idea out of my thoughts, but now avoiding them was impossible—was I being controlled when I took the fall? Even with my eyes closed, the Lich King seemed to have a pretty good idea of my predicament. Had he commanded me over the edge?

It was never meant to come to this point. I had avoided friendships and help, had left Stormwind to evade this exact moment. Why did I promise his safety and not guarantee it? Why had I ever gotten close to him?

My curse ultimately hurt those I loved. I shuddered, determined not to contemplate my awful situation any further.

Leaving Taellor's side was out of the question. It was lunch time, and still no change. Healers poked heads in every so often, basically all humming the same thing: the more time that passed the worse off.

Suppertime was closing in. The anxiousness was overwhelming—I kissed Taellor's cool forehead before stepping outside for a breath of air.

Taellor was killing me. I couldn't focus or concentrate knowing I had put him here.

"Grace?" Zen had actually taken me by surprise as he now looked me over. "Grace, you look sick…"

"I'm just…worried."

"Have you eaten anything?" I didn't answer. Zen sighed his disapproval. "You need to eat something. I'll-"

"I'm not leaving."

"I'll bring you something," Zen finished. "I've completed my duties for today. I'll be back."

I sat at Taellor's side again, trying not to let my hope dwindle. Zen returned as promised, a cup of stew in hand. To my surprise, he pulled up another chair next to me, concern within his aura. "Thank you," I muttered, nibbling at the warm food.

"I would never want any of our own to end like this," Zen acknowledged. "I pray he recovers."

We stayed silent for long moments. Everything was so delicate between Zen and me, but I did appreciate his company.

It was well into the night when Zen stood, his hand gently resting on my good shoulder. "It's getting late, Grace."

"I want to stay…a bit longer," I insisted. The rogue beside me nodded understandingly.

"If…you don't want to be alone or…you can't handle Taellor's tent…you're welcome to stay with me."

He slipped out silently. I grabbed another blanket, pulling it over Taellor's cool body. It was another long moment before I decided to leave Taellor. As I left, Gregor was walking in.

"Oh, Gr-"

"If anything changes…you'll get me or Zen?" I asked.

"Of course. I'll send someone to Zen's tent immediately."

Zen was right. Staying in Taellor's tent…I wasn't ready. Mindlessly, I walked to Zen's tent, pulling open the door as quietly as possible. Zen's hair caught on glimpses of the candlelight. "I don't want to be alone," I admitted.

The male rogue motioned me over, his arm pulling the blankets aside. Taking my boots and daggers off, I slipped into the cot, Zen's arm softly bracing my stomach. His lips rested at the base of my neck, and finally I could breathe and feel safe.

"I'm scared," I whimpered.

"Me, too."

"So you do have emotions," I mumbled, yawning into the pillow.

It was the middle of the night when a horrible flashback had me waking up in a panic. Zen was still snoozing, his face nestled in my hair, but when I tried to wriggle out of his grasp, the rogue was immediately alert. "Zen," I breathed, hovering over the man with sweaty palms and misty eyes. "I think I was forced over the cliff."

He paused, gathering his senses before he responded. "As in…on purpose?"

"I was having a crossover; the Lich King told me to move. What if he commanded me to topple over-"

"Grace." Zen sat up calmly. "You slipped. Perhaps you slipped due to your weakened condition, but…I saw what happened. You didn't deliberately step off the cliff." I was biting my lip. "It was an accident."

"It's still my fault, though," I admitted.

"Grace, please…" Zen's warm hand rested on my neck, instantly calming down my heart rate. "Lie down. You need rest."

It took some effort, but I finally drifted back off to sleep.

I don't think I slept for long before I was jostled awake—and from Gregor's frazzled aura, I could tell I wasn't going to get a pleasant awakening. "Grace, come on," he summoned. "Fordring has requested your presence."

Immediately I knew why Gregor was so alarmed. It could only be about one thing.

As quickly as possible I prepared myself for the barrage of impending questions. Zen insisted on following me there. The walk to Fordring's office wasn't long enough, and as I stepped inside, my nerves spiked. Zen waited outside.

Fordring was sitting, but as I arrived he stood and kept his steady gaze on me. My rogue senses didn't pick up any rage or disappointment directed toward me, and for that I was relieved.

It was only me and Highlord General Fordring. Not many soldiers this side of the war could say they stood face to face with the man of honor and were regarded by him.

"Grace."

Be that regard on good or bad terms…

I bowed slightly, my thoughts elsewhere. I had to stay calm, I had to explain the details, and most agonizingly, I had to tell Fordring the truth.

We sat, and still Fordring looked me over like a father contemplating his child. It was unlike me to twitch—rogues were known for their steady hands as they wielded twin blades—but now, my knee was jostling up and down. Of course Tirion picked it up right away. "I know this is inconvenient, and that you would rather be at Taellor's bedside, but I just wanted to be sure to investigate the fall…"

So he'd already heard the tales. Word traveled fast—especially when it isn't a desire of mine. Zen had reported our findings to Fordring when we arrived—no doubt Fordring had been contemplating my accident ever since.

Before I could explain, I had to unclench my jaw. "I…somehow I slipped along the ridge. Taellor was holding onto me…we both toppled down the slope."

"Any of the enemies alerted?"

"None whatsoever."

So far, I wasn't put in the position to be truthful or lie. "Is there anything you want to tell me…explain? Anything?"

Damn.

I sucked in a breath. "I had a crossover on the ridge," I confessed softly. "Taellor was just trying to get me out of harm's way."

The general grimaced, as if he had expected such an explanation. "I see."

"And…" I was a glutton for punishment. "And I'm worried…because in my head…the Lich King talked. He talked to me. I had my eyes shut, so to prove a point, he…said 'move.' I think…I'm not sure…"

"You think you were puppeted off the edge?" he finished.

My head bowed in nervousness. "It's been a concern of mine."

"Grace, I-"

"Highlord." My head snapped to the side in surprise at the new arrival. Zen was now before us, lean figure framed by the tent's canopy.

"What about rogues make them so prone to arriving in the nick of time?" Fordring questioned rhetorically.

"I'm sorry to intrude," Zen insisted, "but I'm the only one that truly saw what happened to Grace and Taellor. I fully believe Grace merely slipped. She didn't look pushed over or forced at all."

"Is that so?"

"Her body was weakened because of the crossover. I don't believe it was anything but an accident."
Zen's eyes wouldn't tear from Fordring. He looked incredibly stern and convincing, with how confidently the man held himself.

It was quiet for a brief moment. "I appreciate your input, Lieutenant. However," I winced, "it doesn't bypass my better judgment the fact that Grace still had yet another crossover she had to fight. While I believe and trust in your recollections, Zen, I would still prefer that Grace take…extra precautions. Gregor." In a moment the priest had arrived. "It is apparent that Grace's ability is developing. I'd like you to train her in some mind exercises to strengthen her spirituality."

Spirituality. Right. A rogue counting on spirituality would be like a mage counting on a sword.

"And Grace, please stay within our eyesight. No more missions or quests until these…developments have been confronted properly. It's for your safety as well as the others'."

I wanted to groan, but I bowed instead. "Yes, sir."

"I want daily reports of progress, Gregor. And Grace, please no offensive crossovers…"

"Yes, Highlord."

"I know you're worried about Taellor. You three are dismissed."

A new sense of dread was now beginning to overcome me as I realized that the night had passed without any news of Taellor. "Thanks Zen…for sticking up for me…" I mentioned, trying not to make eye contact.

"I only told the truth. Are you okay?"

"I have to check up on Taellor," I breathed, suddenly worried. I made four steps down the hill toward the hospital ward before I caught sight of Gregor fumbling towards me.

"He's waking up!" he announced with a huge smile. Without a thought I broke into a run, cursing my injuries as they slowed me down.

When I finally managed to barrel into the tent, Taellor was blinking and moving his arm. "I'm fine," he growled at the nearest medic that was fussing at his injuries.

"Do you know where you are?" a healer asked.

"Hospital ward."

"You were out quite a while. Do you remember what happened before you were knocked out?"

Taellor paused in thought as I stepped inside, a smile sticking to my face as he weakly forced himself up.

"There was a mission. Trouble…Grace was in trouble. Is she okay?" Where is she…?"

His eyes finally uncovered me, putting his body at ease. "I'm okay," I assured. "Now that you're awake."

Healers continued to work on the Night Elf, who was easily getting irritated. "And Zen?" he asked with honest concern. "He's okay?"

"He's fine," I answered.

Taellor nodded. "He's been looking over you, I hope?"

I scoffed. "Taellor, you were only out a day and a half."

The elf calmly smiled back. "But still, I'm glad you're okay, and that he was here."

Glaring, I looked over Taellor's head. "You must have bumped your head really badly."

He chuckled. "So I've been told."

I pulled Taellor into an embrace, minding his bandages as he still tensed at contact. "I see you haven't changed a bit," I insisted.

"I won't go down that easily."

"I was so worried Taellor," I pulled back to see his bright eyes. "I missed you. I was scared and all I could remember was our bodies tumbling…"

"It was an accident," he insisted, much like Zen had. "You didn't make that boulder hit my head."

Before I could realize it, I was wiping away tears of relief and joy. "I was scared I'd never talk to you again. And knowing I caused it-"

"Oh, stop!" Taellor looked me over, his hand went to my shoulder, and I found myself wishing I could put my hand in his. "Grace, it looks like you took a good fall, too. That patch-up job on your head needs time to mend. Perhaps you should get some rest as well. You look drained."

Well, I was drained, and until now, I had managed to mentally block out the fact that there were wires coming out of my temple. "But T-"

"I'm fine. The medics want me on bed rest for a couple days to monitor me. And no doubt Fordring will be paying me a visit shortly. I'll explain the accident, Grace. No worries. You go sleep."

Sighing in resignation, I nodded. "Okay. But as soon as I'm awake, I'll stop by."

"It's a deal." Before Taellor could react, I placed another soft kiss on his forehead and left him to rest.

Zen was probably out and about already, so there was no use tracking him down and sharing the good news of Taellor's recovery. Going straight to Zen after visiting Taellor seemed wrong anyway. Was it wrong? Instead, I decided to listen to Taellor and actually catch up on sleep—the worry of the past day had zapped my strength away.

And this time, I slept in my own cot. The stress of Taellor's wellness was lifted, but now I felt uncomfortable in my own tent. It just wasn't the same; without Zen's presence and his scent. If he hadn't come along and…

Growling, I fluffed my pillow rather violently. It was like as soon as a few things settled down, they would procreate new problems. Lucas, for instance, was found, and he wasn't dead. That was one qualm settled. But Lucas wasn't exactly alive, either, and that set off a series of complications I didn't even want to think about thinking about.

And this whole Zen ordeal. I had missed him tons, yes, and I had needed to see him. So his arrival had relieved some things. But first he's distant, and it hurts to be near him; and the next moment, he's trying to act like nothing out of the ordinary occurred to make me detest the whole thought! Obviously throwing myself at him didn't do the trick, so what did he even want?

And the worst was knowing that I wanted him. But I knew I didn't want him to feel the same only in certain situations at certain times…

All I could do was take one day at a time. It had gotten me this far, after all…

When I awoke it was past lunch time. It seemed like despite my insignificance to this base, I still managed to remain busy. I needed to visit Taellor, have a meeting with good, chivalrous Gregor about my spirituality, and somehow find Zen and thank him for all of his help the past couple of days.

I arrived at the hospital ward first, where Taellor was lounging around silently. At my arrival, the elf smiled. "How are you feeling?" I asked, taking my usual seat beside his cot.

"Like I fell down a steep cliff," he answered. "How are you?"

"Sore, but improving."

"How're the…crossovers?"

"No more as of yet. But Fordring is making me take these…lessons to strengthen my mind. And I'm pretty much on lockdown. I can't leave the base."

"Join the party," Taellor grumbled. I chuckled, knowing Taellor was half-serious, half-banter. "Although there are advantages to being stuck in bed," he insisted.

"Like what?" I asked curiously.

"I'm out of your hair. You and Zen needed time…to mend, you know."

"Taellor, don't…" My hand went to his, effectively startling the Night Elf. "Thank you so much. For being there for me. It took a Night Elf to show me how to be Human again."

Taellor smirked. "And that's the beauty of the universe, Grace."

It only took a few hours for Gregor to find me, corner me, and sit me down in my tent to start our lessons.

I was kneeling on the cool ground, my patience wearing thin as Gregor sat on my cot. "Close your eyes," he instructed. Begrudgingly I did so, minding how Gregor seemed to calm down his own aura and spread it throughout the tent. I suppose it soothed my edginess the slightest; and so, my eyes remained closed. "How have you kept the crossovers out before?" asked the priest.

"I forced my eyes closed. Eventually, the Lich King lost interest and left me alone."

"So you controlled the physical to affect the mental."

I shrugged. "I guess. But I'm afraid that he'll grow more powerful in my head and start controlling me like every other puppet of his."

"Okay. When he enters your mind, the first thing you must remember is to remain calm." Nodding, I kept my eyes shut. Focusing on Gregor's words was a lot easier when I did so. "Second is to distance yourself from him and put up a barrier he can't see through."

I scoffed. "And how do you suppose I do that, priest Gregor?"

"Closing your eyes was one way. Now we have to work on strengthening your mind."

"Okay, Gregor, I'll play your game. Tell me how."

"Practice." The priest cocked a small grin at the unknown.

I eyes Gregor suspiciously as he stood tall, towering over my seated figure. "And…?"

"Guard your mind, Grace," he commanded, rolling up his billowing sleeves as if he was preparing to dig into soil with his bare hands. "Prepare."

I never asked questions with previous trainers, but I just couldn't see Gregor in a teaching light. "For what?"

"I'm going to make your arm move with my mind control. I expect you to ward me off."

Perhaps I would have done what Gregor said, had my interest not been spiked. I didn't even know Gregor was capable of mind control, and I was contemplating the possibility when suddenly my hand leapt up off my knee on its own accord.

Nothing should surprise me by now, but I still gaped. The arm was still tingling as it returned to its original position in my lap. "How…?"

"Mind controls take discipline. A flinch or two for me, though…is as easy as Stormwind Brie." My arm was still tingling, though it lay motionless now. "Now you must adapt. Stop the mind control."

There was a pause of silence as Gregor's aura seemed to dance around him. My focus locked on my arm, mind commanding it to remain put. Despite my concentration, the arm leapt at Gregor's command anyway. Immediately, I cursed.

"Focus, Grace."

"Do it again, Gregor."

The familiar stillness took over; the calm before Gregor's commandment. My arm muscles tensed now in anticipation, my thoughts again willing my wayward body part to stay put; but again, my arm moved.

Another curse word. Gregor growled my name in warning. "You have to remain calm."

"Give me a countdown," I insisted, eyes never lifting from my arm. I wasn't going to be beaten. I would figure it out.

"Grace, I'm-"

"Gregor."

The priest sighed. "Our final attempt for today. We're both exhausted." It wasn't until now I noticed how dwindled Gregor's usually strong aura had become. The efforts must have their energy costs. "I'll count down. Three…two…one…"

I focused. I received the same result as I had previously. My hands curled into fists. "That's enough," my teacher declared. "Under too much stress; you're not going to respond appropriately. We will continue this another time."

"After dinner?"

"Perhaps right after breakfast tomorrow." At the shift of my aura, Gregor smiled, giving me a pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry, Grace. You'll have plenty of lessons. Give your teacher a break!"

Gregor did look unsteady on his feet as he left my tent, so I tried not to feel too upset at our dismissal. It was near suppertime, and I didn't quite feel a need for social interaction, so I took my stew back into my tent.

I just needed the silence. Sure, Lucas had been found, and I was fairly confident he was in safe hands (as much as a death knight could be). But now, my perception of time was skewed. Everything propelled itself into the future, our preparations forming and closing in on a final battle. For now, the progress snaking up on the present was stifled by busy work and determination. But it was definitely ready to pounce…

I didn't know what to do with Zen, and I didn't know what to feel with Taellor. I missed being a rogue trainee. At the thought, my lip curled into a disgusting sneer.

It only took two days for Taellor to get discharged from bed rest. It was as if the accident had never happened. And over the course of three days, I saw Gregor too many times, and we went over the same thing every time. Focus, Grace. No, now you're thinking too much, try to feel it…trust in the Light. Nothing worked. Gregor would fling my hand every time, and patience was wearing thin for the both of us.

And besides, I hadn't had a single crossover in those three days. It was starting to worry me.

I saw Zen maybe a handful of times. It blew my mind how Zen could avoid me so well once Taellor was off bed rest. It must have become a new talent of the rogue's.

It was day four, and of course, Gregor continued to work with me. For the most part, everything between the priest and me had returned to normal except that he clearly didn't try to physically touch me anymore. Now, Gregor would only touch my arm. With his mind. And, I still couldn't figure out these mental exercises. The young priest finally sat me down after defeating me with his mind games once again. His eyes read of genuine concern. "Grace, do you consider yourself…spiritual?"

Confused, I took a moment to answer. "Spiritual? Like, chanting and praying and stuff?"

Gregor seemed to wince at my dismissal of the matter. "Perhaps if you took a look at yourself holistically…"

I blinked. "Holistically?"

"Your mind, body, and spirit," the priest explained.

Okay, I wouldn't make a snide comment about Gregor's maltreatment of the 'body' aspect. Trust me, the temptation was there. Instead, my eyebrows creased. "I suppose I never…considered it. Rogues aren't normally…"

"I know. Rogues and spirituality are like…well, priests and melee," Gregor compared, grinning. "Not a strength usually. But in your circumstances…"

"I understand. The body I get. It's the mind and spirit I need to strengthen."

"Right. So," Gregor leaned back. "Close your eyes. Meditate in silence."

"But I-"

"Ssh." Gregor shut his eyes. For a moment I sat there, eyes wide open and staring in wonder at the strange man. Panic wanted to quell at my throat. This was not something I had experience with. How did he expect me to even…

I inhaled. Control yourself, Grace. It's self-learning. My thoughts flashed back to my first day with Aradar and my escapade within the library. I had to find it myself…

And while I couldn't really relate Aradar to Gregor, I could definitely apply my own experience to the now…

My eyes closed. With my sight shut out, it was always easier to pick up on sounds and auras. And it was so extremely distracting!

But the longer I stayed there, the more I slipped away. No dreams or thoughts, only my presence.

I couldn't focus on time, but when Gregor finally told me I could open my eyes, it felt like I had merely blinked. "How do you feel?" he whispered.

Like my body, mind, and spirit were finally communicating. "Tranquil."

Gregor cocked a small smile in triumph. "That's a great start."

I still wasn't completely back to the present. As I gazed calmly at Gregor, he leaned in and rested his hand near my neck. "Just remember. It's not about keeping him out. It's about keeping yourself intact."

He pulled himself up and exited, leaving me to breathe quietly. It was as if my mind had momentarily reset and had forgotten…everything stressful. Eventually my memories returned, catching up with the rest of me, and dragging my feelings back with them.

Anger at the enemy. Compassion for our victims. Hate for those responsible for my losses, and love…for so many.

But love was never cut and dry. With Dennis, it was a matter of defining love boundaries. With Lucas, it was now a learning love, a strained love, that was unaccepted by him—my brother of all people, shoving me out of harm's way. And Zen…

Some things were still unclear with Zen, but what I was aware of was the undoubting feeling of love for him. Whether it was permissible or even sane was a different story.

And Taellor. I would nearly stop breathing when I would think back to our kiss. Taellor I loved; parts of me wanted him and everything he was. But there was Zen, and there always had been Zen…and denial was a very strong human endeavor…

I stood up, finally finishing my new thoughts. No time for Human emotions when I had a rogue's duty to handle.

It was a bit brighter outside, although the sunshine didn't gratify any heat.

I went to Fordring. A part of me really didn't want to run in to Zen or Taellor—the new calmness I had for my situation was nice and I didn't want it interrupted by stupid boys.

Fordring motioned me in as I peered into his tent. As usual, the officer was busy with his duties. Parchment was rolled up and shoved to the edges of his confined desk, and books and maps were stacked and ready to topple. His quill was dismissed when I walked in, the ink bottle still open. "Sorry if I interrupted," I announced. "I can come back."

"Nonsense, Miss Fulstorm. Sit down." I followed the command. Fordring sat down as I did, his eyes full of concern. It seemed like such little time had passed since our first meeting, and yet Fordring appeared so much older now as he sat patiently across from me. His wrinkles seemed more prominent, hair a bit whiter. "Does something trouble you?"

Something? My problems were so large in number Northrend itself couldn't house them. "I just…wanted to talk" I explained.

"Well, I'm willing to listen."

I pursed my lips, momentarily looking over Fordring. How was he able to stand so tall, without withering from distress?

"It's just…things seem to be getting clearer now. But that also means I've started making revelations about myself…they're a bit haunting." When Fordring didn't react, I continued. "I…I am willing to die for this cause. But sometimes I don't feel like I'm living."

Fordring sighed, his thick hands folding on the desk. "We're at war, Grace. It's understandable to feel such insecurities. Everyone questions themselves. It's Human nature."

"And on top of that, I don't feel like I'm doing my part properly in this war."

"Grace, your abilities are far more helpful than I could have imagined…"

"There's a battle coming up," I stated more than asked. "We both know it, we both sense it. I want to fight."

There was a hesitation, and it gave me time to realize this was the reason for my visit. "Grace, you do realize the risks you'd be drawing towards yourself if you fight. If the Lich King finds you…"

"I realize. But I'm a rogue first. I belong out there."

"Think it over, Grace. I know Taellor won't be on the front lines. His body is still far too weak. Instead he'll be manning one of our cannons. I'm sure he would appreciate some help."

"My heart…belongs on the front lines," I whispered. It felt like I was betraying Taellor as I spoke.

"Think it over. Rest on it."

Fordring stood, and I followed his lead. With a handshake I left.

My decision was made already. There wasn't any thinking-over necessary. I had certain duties, and my responsibilities on that front line were the priority. I needed some action to nudge me back into my reckless self that (pretended she) didn't have any feelings. It was easier that way, in some respects. For instance, I wouldn't mind Zen's current wishy-washy behavior, whether affectionate or cold.

I returned lethargically to the tent, expecting solitude. To my surprise, Taellor was nestled into his cot, and though his eyes were closed, his aura was awake and active. He couldn't feign sleep around a fellow rogue.

Taellor seemed to acknowledge the fact as well. His eyes slid open, immediately landing on me. A slight mile formed across slim slips. "You look…drained," he commented simply.

"Coming from a survivor of a fall off a giant cliff?" I asked.

He sighed in resignation as he swung himself upright to face me. "My stamina isn't quite back up to par yet. Fordring insisted on a nap."

"Then nap," I too insisted.

"I'd much rather be in your company." It was pointless to hide my blush from a seasoned rogue, but I turned my face away anyway. "How was training with Gregor?"

I was glad for the shift in attention. "It's…a challenge," I answered honestly.

"I think it's a brilliant idea."

"I'm not a priest," I grumbled.

"No, you're more cunning than that. Rogues know mind games better than the other classes. And your warped connection to the enemy makes you an expert among experts."

"I wish that was the case." I sighed.

"You'll get stronger. It's a necessity for the upcoming battles."

"Which reminds me," I mumbled. "I hear you're manning the cannons for the battle."

Taellor winced visibly. "So it seems. The medics don't want my body under too much stress and harm. So I'm stuck."

"Fordring would rather have me there as well. But…I can't. My rogue instinct has to be there on the front line."

The Night Elf looked me over from his position, ears seemingly more elongated and prominent as he peered sideways. "I understand."

My lips tightened as I looked over the Night Elf rogue. "I know you'd rather be up there, too."

"There isn't much I wouldn't give to do what I do best."

I knew it wasn't for the best, but I gently reached out to touch his hand lying on the cot. The hand didn't move or flinch, but Taellor's eyes did seem to soften and grow weary. "You're in pain," I whispered.

"The scratches are nothing-"

"I'm not talking about your scratches," I explained softly. "What's wrong?"

He paused a moment in thought. "Have you ever wished…some things would be different?"

"All the time," I answered softly.

We remained silent for a moment. Finally, I sighed. "I think you need that nap Fordring was talking about."

Taellor nodded. "I suppose you're right." Swiftly in one move Taellor was lying down, leaving my hand alone and cold on the sheet.

Once Taellor closed his eyes, I stood and leaned bravely into his ear. "But I wouldn't want you to be different. You've kept me alive. In more ways than one."

Taellor's hand went to hold my cheek, his eyes glowing in the lantern's light. "Thank you."

I let my best friend sleep, though it was only dinner time. There was some good news, though—Vii and Kae had finally returned with over forty men from the Vanguard. Graystone must have pulled through for them after all.

Vii had gone straight to Fordring to discuss plans, but Kae greeted me with a genuine smile. "Your efforts seem successful," I commented lightly as Kae fiddled with the straps of his quiver.

"It's more than we expected, but less than we had hoped," he explained. "How are things here?"

"Getting larger and more exciting by the moment."

"Fordring sent for our return. It seems the battle is getting very close."

My lips pulled tight, but I could feel that familiar twinge of exhilaration in my hands as I imagined my fierce daggers within their grasp. "Very close."

[end]

DON'T LEAVE DON'T LEAVE!

I have one question. There's lots of fighting in some forthcoming chapters, and I know that drains some people if there's too much action, blah blah. So I was thinking of doing an insert chapter based on a different character's viewpoint of something monumental in the story.
Options I thought of were: Zen, when Grace left SW; Zen, when he's injured; Lucas during his troubled times becoming a deathknight OR his transition after Grace finds him. Taellor mulling over his relationship issues.

That's it. If anyone has any preferences, let me know! It would be a nice break, and I'm sure some of you would like to see/read more about a certain part =]