Slipping out of the city had been easier than anticipated, nobody checked on the cloaked figure riding behind Torq. Before long they were passing back into the barren grasslands, the pale sandstone hills and valleys retreating, becoming a distant memory. Liana was still cautious and watched their surroundings from deep within the hood of her cloak.

Pale moonlight bathed the trio as they road along side roads, the main road would have been to heavily traveled by both factions. Though the Barrens was considered a Horde territory and mainly inhabited by horde, it was still a major route to many other regions. Sure you could take a griffon rider or one of the Elven riders along to make it faster but most parties traveled by roads.

The orc she rode behind was gentle, he had spoken with her very little but had a kind smile upon their meeting. He had been very careful when helping her mount his wolf. He seemed less muscular than Raj, then again most anyone would pale in comparison to her Raj.

Her Raj, she smiled to herself over the thought. Yes he was hers, if only for this short time. There would never be another after him. Nobody could possibly fire her blood the way he does, the thought of someone else touching her as he did was sickening. No this was it for her, she would love him, yes love him, forever.

The realization of love was not expected but was welcome. The tiny fragments of memory, the first time she saw him and of the rescue. The feelings she held for him all through the last 3 weeks. Those feelings were more than just attraction, she had fallen for him with the first moment she saw him. The love did not grow over time it was always there. Something that pulled her to him.

More memories came flooding back of that fateful first meeting, Maybe this would be only a temporary parting of ways, maybe he would find her again. Liana smiled to herself as they rode on, it was a small hope but it was enough to sustain her.

*****chapter break*****

Rajit'kal was also aware they were still in hostile territory for the girl. He was aware of every sound, every animal, every leaf that blew in the wind. It felt as though danger were lurking around every corner. Maybe once they were a day or two ride away from the city he could relax more but for now, that was not an option.

They would reach Ratchet in a few days, he was not fond of the tiny goblin settlement but that is where they would meet up with Girrix. From there the goblin, would take Liana to Kimba. Torq had explained that where Kimba lived was not a mapped out or well known settlement, there were others in the town who like Torq's sister lived with someone forbidden. Halfbreeds and outcasts were also among the citizens. Torq had not even been to the settlement, Kimba would travel with her daughter to see him on occasion but it was best to keep their home a secret.

Now was not the time to think about their parting. It was killing him having her within arms reach but not holding her. She rode with Torq, in part to preserve Raj's sanity but also to help make the separation easier. Maybe if he kept her at arms length he would be able to say goodbye.

Raj did not understand why the thought of leaving her behind was so painful, she was just another girl. Yes they had shared a bond, they had mated but he had repaid her for his rescue and now it was time to put this all behind him. She would be in good hands with Kimba, they would take care of her. See if her people still wanted her or if she was to be an outcast.

The life of an outcast was a hard one, he shuddered at the thought of his Little elf being shunned and looked down upon. No this would not be the case for her, if Kimba was living peacefully and happy with her human maybe that meant there was a place for Liana to be safe and happy. Maybe it was a place they would both be happy. The thought came quickly and left just as quickly, he could not leave his place with the horde. Once away from her he would forget her, at least he kept telling himself that.

If things were different, if he was not needed by Thrall. His dear friend Thrall seemed to be pulled in so many different directions, until this new threat was figured out his loyalty needed to be with his horde. When the time came to say goodbye though could he. Could he let her go, could he turn his back and ride away?