Iomramhach-The voyage

by Sionnach 'Foxy' Lightfoot

I was born with an unhealthy amount of bad luck, I'm sure of it. How else can I explain why I was flung from one world where the worst that could happen is I'm late for the bus, to a place where death is following my shadow like a little lost lamb? Not to mention the fact that everything which is supposed to be make-believe suddenly walks, talks and treats me like a toddler.

3. Dalaran

Author's Note: I don't, under any circumstances, own the game World of Warcraft, its works, nor any other such related works/games/books. I make no profit from this story.

Here's the third instalment of this story. Sorry for the long wait between chapters, I'm doing my best to balance things {As well as do battle with the fiend that is Writer's Block}. I do my best to get the fourth chapter up without too much hassle, and let's hope you like this one in the meantime.

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

Chapter Three: Dalaran

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

"Ouch!" I exclaimed, sucking on my finger, "for crying out loud! Stupid effing..."

Grumbling and muffled cursing emerged from my mouth as I continued to work the needle through the thick awkwardness that was cured hide. My hands and fingertips still stung from the amount of times I'd accidently used them as pincushions. Despite my mishaps, I was slowly but surely improving. I didn't want to let this particular article of clothing go to waste, like the five other attempts I'd made so far, so I went at the next bit of stitching with gusto. Perhaps a little too much gusto.

"Shit!" I spat, stabbing myself yet again with the needle.

"Careful now," the amiable voice of Faeldryn teased from somewhere behind me, "do you kiss your mother with that mouth?"

"Ooooh," I parroted sarcastically "Do you kiss your mother with that mouth?" I scowled, stabbing the poor, innocent leather with a vigorous viciousness. "I'll kiss you in a minute if you're not careful," I muttered darkly, under my breath. Hopefully he didn't hear it.

"Oh?" He hummed by my ear, making me jump. Damn that chap was fast and sneaky. "This is a new one," he continued. I tightened my grip on the needle, "are you sure you'd go through with that promise, little one?"

My hand clenched into a fist, once more causing the needle to dive into my skin. I drew in a deep breath, my ears and cheeks flushing bright, tomato red. Annoyance, chagrin and uncomfortable heat stirred within me from the feeling of his warm breath ghosting over my ear. I jabbed an elbow behind me, just missing him. Yes, not just sneaky, but slippery as well. My mouth tightened into a severe line when I heard his quiet chuckle as he went back to whatever he was doing.

"I swear to God..." I muttered to myself again, attacking the vest once more, not caring for the quality of the stitching anymore.

"You'll swear to God, what?" He asked, a smile in his voice from somewhere behind me.

"Shut up." I groaned, dropping the leathers and covering my eyes with my palms. "I can't be dealing with you right now. You've made me ruin another fecking vest."

"Oh, I'm sure you did that yourself," his tone was low and mischievous. I heard the tell-tale scraping of a blade slicing through skin. "All I did was talk."

"Yeah, talk and creep up around me, whispering into my ear," I rubbed my eyes and stood up, gathering my belongings and shoved them into my kit bag.

Faeldryn looked over his shoulder as I walked by. I made the mistake of glancing over at him. The deftness and agile way he moved his hands as he skinned a clutch of rabbits made me falter in my footsteps. He wielded that knife so easily, effortlessly parting the skin from the muscle underneath.

Seeming to notice my ogling, he looked up and winked, grinning, his bright eyes lidded slyly. The gesture sent my innards writhing with restlessness. I flushed, heat pooling somewhere below my belly, quickly stepping away and fleeing to where my tent was pitched up. With a sigh of relief, though not full contentment as the trickster was only a few metres away, I sat on my bedroll.

'Surely he's doing this to me on purpose,' I thought, covering my eyes with my forearm and lying flat out on the padded bedding. 'I mean, it's not like he'd take a liking to me in that way.'

When we had come back to the camp and after I'd had a good two days' worth of rest, I'd rather uncomfortably come to terms with the fact that I was in a completely different world. It had taken a long while and a lot of patience, especially on Davina's part, to keep me from going full Loony on it all. I'd learned that Davina and Mordaan, siblings, were here for the same reason as Faeldryn, Alysria and Fenrich.

They were here to close a demonic portal and save their world from total annihilation.

Yeah, I really didn't belong here. As it had turned out, I'd not needed to visit someone to root around in my brains and dig up my memories. I'd just needed a few days to settle down and come to terms with what had been happening. I had, however, managed to tell them all that I knew around the campfire during dinner and when I mentioned the heavy metal angel/elf person, Faeldryn's face had darkened, but I hadn't a chance to inquire further as he had begun to make plans as for what to do with me.

There had been a lot of chatter back and forth between the group and I'd really started to worry for my future. Would they leave me by the roadside? Would I be able to get home? What if I had to stay here for the rest of my life? What would I do then? Flashes of memory slipped through my mind, each scene playing like a short film.

"Let's bring her to Dalaran first of all," Mordaan had boomed, silencing the babble, "the mages will probably be able to help her there."

"Sounds like a plan," Fenrich had mumbled around a hunk of meat, "what do we do with her for the meantime? She can't just sit on her ass all day."

"Hey!"

"She also needs a wash," Alysria had snipped, looking me up and down with her nose wrinkled, "She smells. And she needs new clothes. Those ones are so tacky."

I'd puffed up like a blowfish but my would-be snappy retort was interrupted by Faeldryn.

"I'll give her something to do," he'd turned his head around to me, "can you sew?" He'd asked, chomping on his portion of venison and swigging something from a bottle.

"Yes," I'd replied, "but not terribly well."

The elf had shrugged, "It'll do."

"What am I going to be doing that has to do with sewing?" I'd asked warily.

"I'm going to teach you how to make clothes." He'd said simply, as if it was as easy as teaching someone how to change a tyre.

"Oooh you're lucky!" Davina had nudged me with her elbow from where she sat to the left of me. "The Kaldorei are the best leatherworkers on Azeroth. You'll make a fortune selling your wares."

And so that's how I'd ended up sticking my fingers every day. For the two weeks that I'd been here, when I wasn't massacring hides, I'd made an effort to know a little more about my travel companions.

Davina was a Priest who focused her powers on combat as well as throwing a few healing spells here and there. Mordaan was a Paladin. He'd swayed more towards protection rather than full on zerg-kill-them-all combat and healing.

The two of them were Draenei, a benevolent race of beautiful aliens who had travelled through space for the past twenty-five thousand years, fleeing the wrath of Kil'jaeden, one of their former leaders and also a very powerful and prominent figure in their ultimate enemy; The Burning Legion. At least, they'd told me this, but I'd sort of lost them at the whole "Benevolent Aliens" bit.

The two weren't actually born on their home planet, Argus, but they did have a good number of years behind them. Oh yeah, and we're not talking thirties or forties now. We're talking thousands.

I'd sat with them as Davina had been scribbling something on a scrap of vellum and Mordaan had been polishing his armour. They'd literally just thrown it out like, 'Oh yeah, we're thousands of years old by the way. No biggie.'

"So," I'd begun, my voice wavering slightly, "Ye're what? One thousand, two thousand?" I'd tried my hardest not to lose it.

Davina had finished her writing and had been slipping the page into a leather bound journal of sorts before she answered. "I'm just under a thousand years. It's very young for a Draenei, actually."

"Right," I'd choked, "young. I can see that alright."

She'd beamed, "Aww, such a flatterer!" She'd pointed to Mordaan who'd finished polishing his armour and was tinkering with his shield. "Mordaan is one thousand two hundred years. Still young for a Draenei but much older than me."

I'd forgotten completely about the pair of britches I'd been trying to sew and ignored them when they'd slipped through my fingers. My attention had been on the two in front of me; Davina in her white cloth robes, now writing on more vellum, and Mordaan in a simple pair of leather trousers and shirt. The latter had finished with his shield and had met my gaze. I'd flushed, slightly ashamed that I'd been caught staring and had quickly scooped up my belongings to bid them farewell and mull over what I'd just learned.

Fenrich was a warrior and was also, like me, a human and was a rather surprising twenty-nine years of age. I still have no idea how I'd thought he was in his late thirties. It must be the scar, or just the grumpy demeanour.

He'd had completely different attitudes to me though, obviously, and I'd actually found him to be a pretty decent fellow. He was very chivalrous, but also rather blunt and upfront with his opinions and had no qualms in expressing them whenever and however he saw fit. If he'd been in my world he would have been labelled as racist, misogynistic and sexist as soon as he'd opened his mouth to the masses. I'd loved that about him.

It was refreshing almost to have constructive, intelligent conversation with a person who didn't constantly pander to Political Correctness or virtue-signal. When I'd asked him why he was here he'd pointed to his scar, the one presumably made by claws.

"See this?" He'd asked. I'd nodded, "This happened when I was fighting for my King, Varian Wrynn. A felhound got me, and it got me good, but I came out of there alive." His expression had darkened, the metal plates of his gauntlets had scraped against one another as he'd clenched his fists. "My king died that day, burned to cinders from the inside out by that piss-rotten green whoreson of an orc. Those demons got 'im and I'm sure as hell gonna get my revenge." A wry grin curled had his mouth and tugged on the jagged welts on his cheek. "Maybe I'll kill a few Horde too for payback from that Banshee bitch abandoning us."

"What did he do to inspire you so much?" I'd inquired, curious and a little uncertain in myself.

"He led us well, he fought well. He was a good man, a good king." Fenrich's mouth tightened, "probably the best king Stormwind ever had. His son however..." He'd trailed off, frowning out into the darkness and muttering, probably curses of some sort under his breath.

"What, is his son bad?" I'd asked, tentatively.

"No he's not bad," he'd looked me right in the eyes, conflict had swirled in his grey irises. "He's a good boy, but he's not his father."

"What do you mean?" I'd pressed. I'd been silenced by a look which had told me he hadn't wanted to relay any further.

So I'd left him alone, my own thoughts whirring. His Patriotism had touched something within me. I'd found myself questioning my attitude towards my dad and his Republican zealotry. I'd still hated him, but I suppose I'd begun to see why some people may become so stalwart in their beliefs or faith that they would give their lives to the cause.

'Maybe I handled that situation the wrong way,' I'd wondered as I'd sat in my tent, thinking about the final argument with my father before my world-hopping. 'I could have been more civil with him, or just done as he'd asked…'

A memory had surfaced then, of a view of my mother being whipped by a belt buckle, my father in a drunken rage. All of it seen through the slim crack of the wardrobe where Fionn had hidden me.

'No.' I'd angrily shaken my head, fists clenching, anger holding fast in my heart. 'He doesn't deserve my civility.' I hadn't slept well that night, plagued by nightmares of abuse seen through the eyes of a child, the helplessness which I'd felt even to this day still lingering.

Alysria, now she was a tricky one. I'd tried to strike up some small talk one evening after supper but she downright refused to look at me even. I'd grudgingly asked about her from Davina and the Draenei was only too happy to relay the blonde pointy-eared Barbie's story.

She was a rogue, an assassin of sorts. Garbed in those fitted black leathers and possessing agility enough to rival a jaguar, she'd asked Faeldryn to join his rag-tag group and he'd, to the utter surprise of his fellows, said yes. When I'd asked about the reaction of the rest of the group, Davina had explained that Night Elves and Blood Elves had had a long history of hatred for one another.

Blood Elves were steeped in magic, whereas Night Elves shunned the use of such practices, until recently. Even then it was only barely tolerated. Although the elf claimed she was with the Neutral group, The Steamwheedle Cartel, Fenrich and the two Draenei were still wary of her.

As Davina had said, Blood Elves are known for their cunning and viciousness. Given the chance they would hop from allegiance to allegiance if it suited their needs. I'd not known her age, neither had Davina, but I'd learned that Blood Elves had a history with humans which can caused them to hate us.

"Wait, hold on," I'd started, holding my hand up to the horned woman, "They've been hating on humans for how long?"

She'd been sitting behind me, playing with my long hair, braiding it up in the fashion of her people.

"Oh, a little over ten years now. Since the Third War," she'd stated, rather blasé about the whole thing. The feel of her skilful hands gently teasing my locks had been very pleasant. "We Draenei aren't very fond of them either." I'd detected a frown in her hardening voice. "I guess we should be grateful in some way to them. They did manage to help us find Azeroth."

I'd raised my eyebrows. "That's good, I suppose."

"Yes," she'd separated a large portion of hair with delicate, clawed fingers. "Although they did it by hijacking our ship, slaughtering our brethren and attempting to commit genocide on us by opening a portal and picking us off whilst reinforcing their numbers."

"Ah," my eyes had widened. "That's not so good."

"No, it's not," Davina had combed out the braids and begun again. "But I've learned to see past that. They are decent folk once you see past the snobbishness, the fel taint and the sense of entitlement."

"Right," shudders had run up and down my spine, "I suppose I'd just be better off staying away from her then."

"Perhaps," she'd continued to put in another style, then another.

"Davina?" I'd asked.

"Yes?" She'd replied.

"Are you going to finish the hairdo?" I'd laughed.

"Maybe," She'd said coyly, drawing out the word. "Your hair is so soft! I can't help but touch it." I'd felt her hands run through it again. "Could you tell me your secret?"

"Maybe," I'd drawn the word out in the same playful way that she did. We'd both fallen about laughing.

And then there was Faeldryn. My pulse sped up a little when I thought about him. He was a druid, a 'feral' druid to be precise. I asked what it meant and the explanation was pretty simple; he turns into a big cat to fight and does damage in the form of bleeds and bites. I cringed at my reaction, the memory of the events thereafter causing my cheeks to flood with blood in chagrin.

"Hold on one cotton-picking moment," I'd exclaimed, holding my hands up, palms out, "You turn into a, what was it? A panther?"

Faeldryn had nodded, a smirk playing about his lips at my reaction. We'd been sitting side by side on a log, working. He'd been showing me how to stitch together a simple vest, and I'd been making a right pig's ear of it. I'd decided to ask him questions to divert his and my attention from my unfortunate case of 'stupid fingers.' It seemed to have worked, 'seemed to,' being the key word.

"Is it hard?" I'd asked.

"Is what?" He'd leaned back, folding his arms and cocking his head to the side, studying me now instead of my misshapen craftsmanship.

"The shapeshifting," I'd fiddled with my hands, waving them about as I'd talked, "does it hurt? Did it take you long to learn? Is just about anyone with magic able to switch back and forth between different forms?"

The questions had come out in a rush as I'd stared at the ground. "What's being a druid all about actually, because where I come from we haven't had fellas like them for millennia, and I'm thinking they were very different to what you're practicing."

The verbal slew had made him chuckle slightly. He'd tapped his nose, still smiling and made a small 'hmm.'

"Why don't I show you?" he'd said softly after nearly three minutes of contemplation. I'd tilted my head in curiosity and confusion, "It's better to show rather than tell, is it not?"

"Huh?" My brow had knitted in misunderstanding.

"You stay here," he'd stood and walked back a few paces before turning to face me again. I'd done as I was told and waited.

He'd breathed deeply and closed his eyes. Nothing had happened for the barest of seconds but I'd picked up on an edgy feeling. It was like there was an electric current charging the air around us. It'd left me feeling more than a little restless and jumpy.

When my attention had turned again to the elf I'd gasped in shock. His entire frame had warped and shrunk in on itself, like what happens to a soft drink can when you crush it. Nearly thirty seconds had passed and the man was gone, replaced by what can only be described as one of the most beautiful and terrifying specimens I'd laid eyes on.

The huge feline had padded in my direction, its movement's fluid. The sunlight had shimmered on its silken indigo fur, making me want to run my fingers through it. The deep colour of the fur had been interrupted by light, lavender symbols on its shoulders and slash markings zig-zagging vertically over its eyes.

On his chest was a patch of soft, pastel-pink fur which continued along his belly and dusted the tip of his paws and tail. A small necklace of some sort had been strung around his neck and bracers around his wrists and ankles had peeked out from under his thick coat. Those eyes, now shining a bright white, had held an eerie intelligence. Against my will, I'd sat frozen in place, transfixed. I'd swallowed nervously when he'd stopped in front of me, just staring at me.

I should have been afraid. Heck, it was probably unhealthy that I wasn't afraid and there was a huge, big panther right in front of me. Maybe it was because I'd known that it was Faeldryn and I'd trusted him enough not to hurt me.

His tail had flicked languidly behind him. In a single, sinuous motion, he'd yawned and stretched. I'd been able to see the muscles bunching at his shoulders and flanks, even covered up as they were. When he'd straightened, he'd gazed at me through eyes lidded at half-mast. I'd frowned and tilted my head when I'd heard…was that?

Good Lord, he was purring.

Maybe he's just a big old softie after all.

'Yeah, you've known him for what? Three, four days?' My more logical side had berated, 'Your naivety will trip you up.'

"Uhhh…" I'd awkwardly held up my hand, wanting to pet him of all things, "good kitty?"

Faeldryn had growled and crouched down, his tail whipping back and forth.

"Fuck! I didn't mean it like that." Scrambling backwards I'd held my hands out in a gesture to placate him, "good kitty, don't attack. Please!"

In the span of a heartbeat I'd been bombarded by a weighty, furry mass. My breath had left me as I'd hit the ground with an almighty thump. My eyes, which had squeezed shut on impact, gingerly cracked open. A furry muzzle was all I'd been able to see. My breath came in strained pants, restricted by the massive weight of the animal on top of me. I pushed up against him, trying to move him off. He grunted and lifted a little to my relief.

'I can breathe again!'

That relief was short-lived however as he'd sighed and flopped on top of me once more. I'd made a strangled squawk, wriggling in desperation to rid myself of this burden.

"Faeldryn!" I'd huffed, spitting out a mouthful of fur, "get off me now." When he didn't react I'd growled and poked at him. "Get off now or I'll pull your whiskers!"

A raspy growl had escaped him. He'd not moved an inch.

"You think I'm kidding," I'd moved my hands to the side of his face, reaching for the wiry hairs. "I mean it you know."

You know what he did next? He'd lifted his paws and caught my hands, pinning them down either side of my head. I'd struggled again, but he had an almighty grip on me. What he did after that had shocked me even more. I'd felt something wet and raspy scrape the side of my face. It was his tongue. He'd started licking me!

"What the - ?" I'd spluttered. "Faeldryn, what the hell? The fuck are you doing?" I'd bucked from underneath him, "quit licking me you fecking moggie and get. Off!"

The licking had stopped and I'd felt the same eerie sensation as when he'd first shifted. The furry feline disappeared, leaving behind a very mischievous-looking elf. I'd only then realised the position the two of us were in; me below him, his large frame pinning me down and his own hips straddling mine. My face had gone red with fright and embarrassment. I'd lost any capacity for speech and I could only stare wordless into his eyes, mortified with the whole situation.

"So," his deep voice had the consistency of velvet, "you were going to pull my whiskers, hmmm?" He'd tilted his head to the side, that long hair of his had fallen down from his back, creating an almost curtain around us. "That's not very nice, is it?"

I'd tried to answer and tell him to jump the eff off me but all that had come out was a dry squeak, further enforcing my embarrassment.

He'd chuckled, bringing his face down to my neck, pressing his mouth against the vulnerable spot under my jaw. "I think you're a much nicer person than that, don't you?" His hot breath and the softness of his mouth had made my skin tingle. "Yes, you're much nicer than I first thought." His tongue had flickered out and ran up from my jugular, all the way to my ear. "Are you as sweet on the inside as you are on the outside?" He'd crooned into the delicate shell of my ear, "I can't wait to find out." He'd nipped the sensitive skin, which had made me jump and cry out in a sound half way between a gasp and a moan. I couldn't get any hotter or I'd spontaneously combust.

'Oh please God, what in the world is happening?' I'd wanted to yell and scream and throw him off of me. I'd longed for the privacy of my tent. My entire body had felt like it was lit on fire. His fingers, which were entwined with my own, tightened their grip. I'd felt a rush of heat and electricity zing through me when he'd shifted his weight, his pelvis pressing into mine for the briefest of seconds. I'd felt my already racing pulse quicken even more as his mouth had moved down my jaw, stopping to rest at the corner of my mouth.

'Don't tell me he's going to - '

Right before I'd had my first kiss stolen, or anything even more precious taken, we'd been interrupted by the sound of heavy footfalls coming back to camp. The man above had me sighed, leaning back and releasing my hands from his. As soon as I'd felt the pressure lift, I'd shot out from under him and zipped to my tent like a bat out of Hell.

"Oh my God. Oh my God. Oh my GOD!" My body had started shaking like I was afflicted with hypothermia. "What the fuck just happened?"

'What the fuck indeed,' I thought, brought back to the present when I heard the source of my chagrin speaking with Fenrich.

To say I was confused by his behaviour would be an understatement. I was downright baffled. Thinking back to the way he'd treated me the night I arrived and the fevered delirium thereafter, I saw no reason whatsoever which may have triggered a U-turn in personality.

He'd nearly hated me from the way he teased and made snarky comments, laughing with Alysria about my clumsiness and the extra weight I carried around. What made it even worse was the bastard acted as though the whole panther-pouncing-nearly-kissing incident didn't happen at all, and when he'd leaned over me to show me a new stich the next morning I'd nearly had a panic attack. To my fury, he'd then begun to lecture me about self-control.

"As if!" I exclaimed under my breath, "The person who needs the most self-control is that big blue eejit. Fecking humping me like that brown bull." I rummaged through my pack, a gift from Mordaan after I'd recounted the fact that I'd lost all my belongings. "Who the hell does he think he is?"

"Who does who think he is?" I whipped my head around, calming when I saw Davina holding the tent flap back and peeping in.

"Oh, hi Davina." I turned back to my pack and jammed the half-made jerkin inside, pulling out a journal and handing it to her. "Here's that book of yours back. Thanks for lending it to me."

"Ah, wonderful." She plucked the volume from my grasp and rifled through the pages. "Did you find it useful in any way?"

I nodded, smiling. "Oh yes." I gestured that she come in and sit down beside me. "The history of this place is so interesting."

The Draenei delicately sat, curling her hooved legs underneath her. "Anything else?" Her crusted brow frowning. "Nothing you were looking for specifically?"

I sighed. "No, nothing at all like that I'm afraid." I picked at my fingernails. "Looks like I'll be going through every fecking book in this world before I can get back home." My mouth puckered into a hard line in annoyance.

I stopped my fidgeting when Davina laid her large, blue-skinned hand over my own. "We'll work it out," she reassured me, those starry eyes filled with concern and comfort. "Don't worry. I'm sure once we get to Dalaran we'll be closer to finding the truth. The best mages in Azeroth are there."

I gave her a wan smile. "I suppose you're right." She tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear and returned my smile, albeit with a little more vim and vigour. "I'm really hoping what happened to me wasn't so much as a fluke as it as a rare occurrence. If it's a fluke then I'm screwed, pretty much."

"We'll get you home." She ruffled my hair, making me hoot and slap her hand away. "Come on, I think the food is nearly cooked."

I undid my braid and combed through my hair with my fingers. "Hold up there, missus." I smiled at her rambunctious laughter as she sat down once more. "Come on," I turned my back to her, "you messed it, you fix it."

"Alright, alright." Her voice smiling, her hands gentle.

Quick as a wink my hair was nicely braided again and we were sitting side by side before a roaring fire. The rabbit was delicious, the Faronaar Fizz that Fenrich had made was even more so. I gladly washed all the food down with a few sips of Sea Breeze, a rather strong, yet delicious beverage. Perhaps I had a little too much too quickly because soon I was hiccupping and giggling, leaning against Davina for support.

Fenrich stared me down over the rim of his tankard. "Weak!" He boomed, chugging down whatever he was drinking.

I stuck my tongue out at him, childishly. "Bet ya I can keep up wich'ya!" I burbled, now slurping the strong wine.

"Hah!" He exclaimed. "What's the wager?"

"What'cha want?" I asked.

He blinked, pondering and rubbing his chin. A sly grin appeared as he thought a little more.

Davina frowned down at me. "Aoibheann, don't you think you've had enough to drink?"

I blinked owlishly up at her. "I'm only being true to my stereotype…hic!"

"I've got it." My attention went back to Fenrich. "If I win, when you're sober, you have to give me a kiss."

A hush settled over the group. My eyes narrowed and my brow furrowed as I mulled over the deal.

I grinned. "Done!"

"Right." The human held his cup up. "Let's get started. Mordaan," the big blue fellow gave Fenrich a toothy grin, "you keep tabs on us."

"Okay," he chuckled, laughing raucously and slapping his thigh when he noticed his sister's bewildered expression. "Davina, don't act so surprised. You knew something like this would happen sooner or later."

"Look at her!" She gestured to me, already chugging a second tankard.

'Lord this stuff is strong.' I mused, liking the fiery trail it made going down my throat. 'I wish they had stuff like this at home.' My head felt like it was full of helium, all light and full of air. I hiccupped, nearly falling off the log. Glancing at Fenrich, I noticed he barely looked affected at all. He gave me a devilish smile, upending his tankard and filling it up again.

"Davina," I heard Mordaan say sternly, "you're not her mother or her keeper."

"I know that but -"

"Then stop acting like it."

She sighed. "Fine," glancing at me, "If you have a bad head tomorrow, don't come to me for help."

I gulped the last of my second and moved onto my third tankard. "Pffft," I patted her shoulder, "us Irish know how to hould our drink. I'll be grand so. Ye'll see."

"Uh-huh." She chuckled to herself and shook her head. "I'm going to bed. Goodnight."

"G'night." I gargled, immediately becoming caught in a hiccupping fit, causing her and Mordaan to break out in loud, absurd laughter. It only made matters worse because I dissolved into giggles.

I continued to down tankard after tankard, stoically refusing to let myself slow. He kept smirking at me until he and I were beginning to feel the not-so-nice effects of the drink. One of which was the insistent need to relieve myself.

I tried to ignore it as I downed yet another tankard, my head full of air and my voice as loud as the warrior's. Alas, the Call of Nature is as persistent as one would imagine and I rose up to do my business in the dark.

"Where do ya think you're going?" The man bellowed, waving his empty accoutrement. "We have drinking to do. Unless," he puffed his chest up and gave me a bawdy grin, "you're that desperate for a kiss?"

I raised my eyebrows and smirked at him, laughter from Mordaan, Faeldryn and even Alysria spurring me on. "Sweetie, I don't need to get you drunk to ask for a kiss, much less take one from you."

With that I turned my heel, hurrying to a bush a good way away from camp, laughter still ringing in my ears. I found a good spot and hopped from one leg to the other as I fumbled with the ties on my leather britches.

"C'mon. C'mon. C'mon. Yes!"

Trousers undone and down, I did my business and whistled to cover up the noise. Once again I had fun trying to tie up the trousers. They were comfortable and all, and I was very grateful to Faeldryn giving them to me. But they were so fiddly, especially in the dark. I straightened my leather jerkin, yet another gift from Faeldryn, and made my way, albeit wobbly, back to the light of the fire.

The clothes I'd worn when I arrived had been washed and I'd stored them in my pack. Faeldryn had given me these sturdier garments because, in his words anyway, my clothes had about as much protection as if I'd been wearing none at all. I kept my bra though. That was a necessity.

A soft footstep just behind me caused me to falter in my stride. Not all-there nor quite sure what was going on, I turned around. My body, which had tensed up, relaxed when I saw who was behind me. Then it tensed up again in recognition of the person.

I took a step back. "What's wrong?" I asked him, "Did I take too long or something?"

He stepped forwards, eyes glowing the colour of honey, dusting his cheeks with soft, amber hues. "No," he murmured softly, moving closer to me, "I just wanted to ask you something."

"Oh." I took another step back. "What was that?"

Closer again, "why did you agree to that?"

I moved further away, only to have my back connect with a tree trunk. "Agree to what?" I frowned, thinking, "Oh, you mean that bet...hic!" My face screwed up as I squinted at him suspiciously. "What about the bet?" I asked.

I started when his hand came down onto the trunk beside my head.

He leaned against the tree, slouching slightly and brought his face close to my own. "Yes." His expression was unreadable. "Why did you agree to that?"

I shrugged. "Just a bit of fun y'know." My brows furrowed when I saw his expression darken. "Why do you care anyway? It's not like you have feelings for me or anything."

His mouth tightened into a hard line, what looked like hurt flashing through his eyes before his features lapsed back into that cocky smirk. "You know what?" He grasped my chin with his index finger and thumb, tilting my face up to his. "I think you're right." He glanced me up and down, "I mean, it's not like you're very appealing in that sense."

My breath came out in a quick gasp. "Well then," I said, my insides twisting up something sour, "could you lay off with the constant teasing and just let me alone then?"

He smiled, showing off those pearly white teeth. Very sharp, with very long canines poking out from under his upper lip. "Hmmm, I don't know about that." I squeaked, shocked when he buried his face into the crook of my neck, trapping me against the tree trunk with his body.

"What-what are you doing?" I pushed against him, whimpering when his arms snaked around me, locking my body to his. I could feel every inch of him, clad in that fitted leather. "Faeldryn, this isn't funny." A harsh gasp escaped me when he nuzzled the juncture between my neck and shoulder, lipping the soft spot just above my collarbone.

"You're so sweet," he crooned, inhaling deeply. He pulled back and threaded his fingers through my braided hair, once more turning my face up to him.

"I asked you to stop!" I exclaimed, glaring ferociously into his golden eyes. He was still smiling viciously, those fangs peeking out making him seem more predatory. I didn't like it. My fists clenched in anger, my body trembling. "What's your problem, man?" I spat, indignant, "Don't you understand the concept of consent or something? Could you please quit teasing me?"

He gave a short chuckle, releasing me. I backed away.

"I can't promise I'll stop," he called out as I stomped passed him, towards my tent. I turned to face him, crossing my arms and tapping my foot.

"And why is that now?"

I stood still as he swaggered over, leaning down and giving me one of the biggest shit-eating grins I'd seen since that cocky bastard of a classmate, Robbie Byrne. I'd suffered numerous grievances during my fourth year in Secondary School from that boy.

"You know what, Evie?" I bristled when he used my nickname. It had far too much familiarity attached to it.

"What?" I asked testily, curling my lip.

He pulled me to him, locking an arm around my back. I jumped and tried to wiggle out of his hold. When that didn't work I cried out in agitation. My brow furrowed and my face twisted into a mask of rage, glaring hotly at him.

He gave me a predatory, fanged grin, licking his lips. "I just love watching you squirm." Before I could react he grabbed my face between his two hands and pressed his mouth against mine in a fierce, harsh kiss. It lasted barely a second but it was enough.

My mind collapsed. My eyes widened, lips parted, my breath short. The strength fled from my legs, leaving me to crumple to the ground as soon as he released his grip. I felt him play with my plait and heard him as if from a distance just before he left me there.

"We'll be going to Dalaran tomorrow morning. Be sure you're up or you'll be left behind."

The heavy weight of my hair thumped against my back as he let my hair go. I just about heard his lithe footsteps as he walked to his tent. I sat there, hunched over myself. I could barely breathe, let alone think about what had just happened.

My chest felt tight. A knot formed in my stomach, tightening more and more with each breath, making me feel sick. Tears burned behind my eyes, wanting to push out and fall against the grass which I was currently clawing at unbeknownst to me. It was a few minutes at least before my brain kicked itself back into gear and I finally processed what had just happened to me.

Shame and fear were burned away by a scorching wave of anger. My shoulders trembled as I clenched my fists in rage, the fury making me feel stronger. How dare he!

"The bastard just kissed me." I whispered, launching myself to my feet, my face a mask of rage, ready to tear down the elf's tent and give him a good thrashing. "Not only that, but he assaulted me." I began to march, hurt lodging in my chest, its spikes piercing me all the way through. "Oh Faeldryn you'll fucking pay for this, you tie-dyed, flop-eared bitch!" I snarled, teeth bared and ready to unleash the pain I was feeling.

Just before I reached the bounds of the campsite, I saw Mordaan sitting on a log, gazing contemplatively into the last embers of the now-dying campfire. He looked up when he heard me, smiling.

"Ah, Aoibheann." He patted the wood beside him. My current dishevelled state didn't seem to bother him in the slightest. "Come, sit with me. You look as if you have something on your mind."

I blinked a couple of times, my rage fading a little at the warm sound of his voice, before wending my way over to him. Ashamed at my outburst and wondering if he heard it, I perched on the log, staring down into the ashes. I could feel those white eyes on me, scrutinising.

"So," he shifted, his heavy tail slipping on the rough bark and swinging gently to and fro behind us. "What's the matter?"

I bit my lip. "Which one were you referring to?"

He chuckled, "What has you troubled right now?"

I was silent. He sighed, placing a warm hand on my shoulder. I looked tentatively up at him. At least I wasn't flinching anymore at the sight of his rugged crest of bone and horn, the tendrils or those starry eyes.

"I can only help if you talk," the corner of his mouth crooked into a gentle smile. "Talking does help, you know."

I grimaced. "Well," my head ducked down, studying the suddenly interesting ground. "It's about…" I felt a squeeze on my shoulder. "It's, it's Faeldryn."

"Ah." His tone was heavy.

My whipped around. "You've had trouble with him?" I questioned, my eyes wide.

He chuckled wryly. "Trouble? Not really." He ran a hand through his hair, chewing on his lip before answering. "It's more like he's got troubles of his own."

"Oh." I twiddled my thumbs, scoffing. "He sure has a way of dealing with them." I muttered, my face twisting to a frown.

"What did he do?" Mordaan asked, frowning. "Did he hurt you?"

I sighed deeply, biting my lip. "Not really." Mordaan cleared his throat beside me, tapping his hoof on the ground. 'Not really' didn't seem to cut it. I sighed again. "He's been…difficult."

"In what way?" His tail swung up and landed between us with a dull thump.

"He, well," I struggled to find the words. My discomfort stemmed from the fact that Faeldryn's very physical interactions were rather personal. "He's been teasing me a lot and uhh, well..." I trailed off, my cheeks burning.

Mordaan turned to me, scrutinising my expression. "What do you mean by 'teasing'?" He frowned when I grimaced and picked at my nails, my feet shuffling on the ground.

I took a breath, holding it for a few seconds and releasing it in a rush. "It's, y'know." I wringed my hands, "he's been really touchy-feely and it made me feel really uncomfortable." I lifted my head to look at him, tears stinging my eyes. "This evening he," My voice wobbled. "He kissed me," I whispered immediately covering my face with my hands. "Before that, last week, he jumped me. The bastard licked me and he pretended it didn't even happen!" I ended with a squeak, my tone teetering on the edge of a sob.

"Ah," his heavy tone said it all. The hand on my shoulder moved so he had his arm around me. "Aoibheann," I had squeezed my eyes shut and was desperately trying not to cry. "It's okay. Come here."

My resolve crumbled when he pulled me to him in a hug. I muffled my cries against his rough shirt, my body shaking like a leaf. He gently rubbed my back and rocked me back and forth, whispering 'it's okay,' and 'it'll get better,' and 'you're safe now.' I felt an almost parental warmth coming from him, something I hadn't felt from my father since I was a toddler. That made me hurt even more.

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

The next morning was a bitch. My head felt like a blacksmith's anvil, hammering and pounding. I groaned and groggily opened my eye, hissing at the brightness of the sun peeking through the flap of my tent. Trust me to fall asleep in the one place to be blinded.

'First things first, I really need a drink of water.' I thought groggily as I felt how dry my mouth was and how heavy my tongue sat inside.

Muttering and stomping could be heard from outside. I lay there for a couple of seconds, waiting for my brain to wake up when I remembered the events of last night.

"Oh, Jesus wept." I moaned, covering my face in shame and feeling my ears turn red with chagrin. "Poor Mordaan, I hope he's okay."

That man, or Draenei, my God, He was far too kind. After my crying fit I'd felt the sudden need to become reacquainted with the contents of my stomach. He'd held my hair back from my face when I gave the bushes unnecessary fertiliser.

Even after having apologised profusely at the state of his shirt, covered in salt and a little bit of snot, he'd been completely fine with the fact that I'd just thrown up in front of him.

"I've been around humans long enough to have experienced this kind of behaviour," he'd said, brushing the whole incident off with a dismissive wave of his arm. "You'd better go and get some sleep now, we'll be up early in the morning."

At that point I'd wanted nothing more than to have the ground open up under my feet and swallow me whole. With a pained stretch I sat up, my face twisting wretchedly at the sour taste in my mouth.

'I'm never drinking again,' I thought blearily gathering my things up for one last wash before we hit the road. 'I mean it this time.'

Tentatively I poked my head out, spitting at the sun like an angry cat, and made my way to the small waterfall a little way away from the camp. Once there I undressed, washed and dried my shivering body.

The water was refreshing, but also freezing. Not even my extra blubber was good enough to keep all the heat in. As I was putting some clean clothes on, I looked down at myself just before I put the dark leather jerkin around my shoulders.

My belly stuck out over the waistband of the britches, sitting soft and squishy like a marshmallow. I poked at the wan skin, dotted here and there with freckles. I sucked it in, wishing that it was like that all the time. Feeling an all-too familiar pained insecurity when I let my breath back out, I let it return to its regular squidgy state. Quickly, I covered up again with a light cotton shirt under the jerkin, before pulling the leather ties closed.

"Well if it isn't the spotted dumpling." A slippery voice whispered in my ear. I jumped and turned, twitching slightly when I noticed it was Alysria. The elf was standing still as a statue and as per usual I hadn't heard a single footstep.

"Hello to you too," I muttered, picking up my things and squinting at her suspiciously. "You're using some nice vocabulary this morning." I tilted my head nodding and tapping my finger against my chin. "'Spotted dumpling,' now that's one for future reference."

She snickered, folding her arms and slinging her hip to the side, accentuating that lovely figure of hers. "You're ridiculous." I scoffed at that. "Anyway," she studied her nails dismissively, "Faeldryn sent me to tell you to get your butt down to camp." I froze at the sound of his name. "We're leaving. Don't be late or you'll get left behind."

"Sure I'll be down in a minute." I responded, occupying myself with folding my clothes and trying not to look at her. "You go ahead, I'll catch up."

She 'humphed' and sashayed down the trail which led out from the bushes and back to the camp. I could hear her muttering something under her breath. With a small puff of a breath I gathered up the last of my things and followed the elf. When I arrived back at the now former campsite, everything except for my tent was packed away and on people's backs. I looked at my stuff with trepidation.

"Oh boy," I whispered, wondering how on earth I was going to organise everything. "Right, first things first, get the auld tent sorted I suppose."

I took out my bag and bedroll and began to slowly dismantle my tent. It didn't go so well. With a squeal like a stuck pig I took down the wrong post and the whole thing fell down on top of me. I flailed, trapped in the rough fabric, trying to get out for want of air. Someone grabbed me by the scruff of the neck and pulled me out. I looked back to see Fenrich, fighting a laugh, holding me with one hand as easily as I would a cat.

"Oh." I said simply, my face going red. "Th-thanks Fenrich."

"No problem," he guffawed. I ducked my head ashamedly as he lowered me to the ground. "Do you want some help?"

"I would appreciate that, yes." I mumbled, fidgeting. When I looked at him again he had an understanding smile on his face.

"Here," he knelt and gathered everything up neatly, "you put this here, and that goes there…"

Within the span of a few minutes I was all packed up and ready to go.

"Thank you Fenrich." I chirped, ready to get going and to, hopefully, be on my way home.

I moved to join the others who were waiting. Faeldryn looked rather impatient to get going. I'd only taken a few steps before an arm slunk around my middle. A set of lips brushed my ear. I froze.

"Ah-ah-ah," the warrior said softly, "remember our bet?"

"Uhh, bet?" I frowned, wracking my brains. A light dinged somewhere in my head when I found out what he was talking about. "Oh." I breathed, my stomach tightening. "That bet."

"Mhmmm." He crooned, sounding pleased with himself. "You owe me a kiss, darlin'."

I stood there trying to find a loophole.

'A kiss, we agreed on a kiss,' I told myself, turning to face him. He had an excited twinkle to his grey eye. His gaze was fixed on my mouth. 'What can I do?' My mouth opened as I clucked my tongue, tilting my head to the side, pondering on the situation. Fenrich licked his lips in anticipation. I smirked as an idea formed in my mind. 'We agreed on a kiss, so I'll give him a kiss.'

"Close your eyes," I murmured softly with a smile. He did as he was told, waiting. "A kiss we agreed on, and so a kiss you'll have."

I leaned forwards slowly. He drew in a breath, his hands sliding up my arms to hold onto my shoulders. Ever so gently, I pressed my lips against his unscarred cheek. I lingered a moment before pulling away, blushing. The man opened his eyes and pouted.

"I thought we agreed on a kiss!" He complained, frowning. "That wasn't a proper kiss." He stared me down, demanding an explanation, which I gladly gave.

I tapped him on the nose, grinning. "Oh yes we did but," I tweaked his nose. "You never stated where, so I got to choose that."

His eyes narrowed. "Cheater," he muttered, releasing me and stomping away to join the others.

I giggled and trailed after him, thanking God for my sudden inspiration. We set off down an old cobbled road overgrown with moss and weeds. Every few metres the remains of a small fence popped up. Lined either side and at alternating intervals were what looked to be lampposts, although I couldn't see any lights.

The area around us was a sea of grass, disturbed here and there by gnarled, twisted trees and rugged outcrops of rock. The sun shone down from a patchy blue sky. To our right, a huge cliff arose. I could just make out an elegant tower perched on its summit.

So entranced was I by our surroundings that I didn't notice the party had stopped. I collided with Faeldryn's broad back with a surprised 'Oof!' and fell backwards onto my posterior. The elf looked down at me from over his shoulder, his amber eye winking in the sunlight.

"Clumsy oaf," he mocked, flashing a pearly tooth in a grin.

I glared at him. "Conceited flop-ears." I shot back, standing and dusting off my backside.

He chuckled and walked forwards. Mordaan gave me a concerned look but I shook my head. I was fine with words. It was just the physical stuff I became a little helpless with. I blamed my unresponsiveness on my lack of life experience with the opposite sex.

The paladin nodded and turned, following the druid to the object of the sudden halt. I strolled up with them and gasped when I set eyes on what they'd stopped for.

There was an elven woman standing before us. Her skin was a dusky lavender in colour, her hair the colour of a polished amethyst, and it shone like one in the sunlight too. It was left to fall freely around her shoulders all the way to her hips. She was clothed in a delicately embroidered dress which hugged her graceful figure. But it wasn't the elf who had my attention, as stunning as she was.

It was the creature which sat beside her in a box filled with straw.

It had the forequarters of a bird. Its plumage was a mix of light green around its head and chest area, fading to a gentle mauve everywhere else, with the primary feathers of its wings boating a dark lilac. A gnarled, fierce beak snapped and clicked as it cocked its head, looking at us with a beady, glowing, blue eye. Sprouting from its crown were a pair of spindly antlers which twisted and turned their way from its head. Its hindquarters were that of a horse with a lavender coat and tassels of feathers sprouting either side of the tail. It was magnificent.

"Ishnu'alah," the woman greeted, bowing. "How may I help?"

"We'd like to go to Dalaran please," Faeldryn told her, handing her some gold coins.

The lady nodded and clucked to the animal. It squawked and rose, flapping its wings once, twice, and stretching languidly. It hopped swiftly out of its box and landed beside Faeldryn, making a series of chirruping sounds.

He scratched its head and mounted it, sitting up on it like a horse. He walked it over to me, reaching a hand down to me. I flinched and backed away, not missing the frown that passed over his features before a mask of neutrality emerged and washed away any other emotion.

He led the beast away from us, stopping just before he reached the road and turned the beast. With a cry he spurred it and the creature began to run. After a few swift paces it hopped, unfurled its wings and on the second hop it took off, the sound of the feathers pummelling the air loud in my ears.

My mouth hung open in awe at the sight. In less than a minute the two were gone, circling higher and higher, gaining altitude until they finally disappeared in the distance. I only noticed then a large, round something suspended in mid-air. It was close enough to be visible but still far enough away so that minute details couldn't be distinguished.

"Aoibheann." My attention was taken by Davina who called me. She didn't seem to have noticed my odd behaviour. "Come on, are you going to Dalaran or what?"

"Huh?" I said stupidly, not knowing what to do.

"Come here," she grabbed my arm and led me to one of the creatures. "Take this hippogryph and fly up to Dalaran. It's simple."

"Woah, woah, woah," I stammered, straining against her. "Hold on. Fly?" I shook my head adamantly, warily eyeing the creature, the hippogryph, which was watching me from where it stood next to the Draenei. "I'm not flying. I have no idea how to fly. How am I supposed to fly?"

She sighed, pulling me to her. "Come here." I yelped when she pulled again, hard enough that I collided with her. Because of her height I ended up with a faceful of boobs, which I wasn't too glad about. "Look, you sit in front and I'll sit behind. How does that sound?" Jesus, she didn't even seem to care! What, did she launch people into her breasts all the time or something?

I mumbled a response, extricating myself from her bosom with a red face. She frowned, not seeming to understand what I'd just said. "That s-sounds good." I said again, giving her a thumbs-up.

'She's so fecking tall!' I thought to myself as I gingerly made my way to the hippogryph. 'Eight feet is far too high to be natural.'

Without any warning whatsoever she placed her hands around my waist and plonked me into the saddle of the hippogryph.

"Yiiiih!" I squealed, grappling for the pommel and clamping my knees tight. The hippogryph let out a high-pitched 'squaw' of annoyance and shifted, ruffling its feathers and flapping its wings.

"Settle down." Davina told me, swinging herself up behind me with practiced ease. "Just hold onto the saddle, grip with your knees and you'll be fine." She reached down and grabbed a hold of the heavy reins, her arms creating a cage around me. "Ready?"

"No," I whimpered, shivering. "You might as well go already."

She laughed behind me, nudging the animal into a walk, then a run, then we started jumping. First jump, I gritted my teeth. Second jump, I squeezed my eyes shut. We were suddenly weightless. I cried out as I felt us ascending, feeling gravity try to pull me back down to terra firma. My stomach pressed against my spine along with the rest of my innards and I felt like the sky itself was being placed on my shoulders.

"Oh Jesus. Oh Lord. Oh God." I whispered over and over as we continued to ascend, "Oh I don't like this. I really don't like this. I fecking hate this!"

I felt the animal lunge upwards as it rose. My mouth pressed together in a thin line and my hands gripped onto the saddle until they hurt. It was so rocky and jerky that if it hadn't been for Davina's arms around my middle, I'd have careened off the animal's back and into God – knows what below.

"Aoibheann," Davina said in my ear after a few minutes, "look, it's alright now."

Tentatively, I trusted her and opened my eyes a smidgen. They opened fully, widening to a breaking point when I saw the view. My breath left me entirely as soon as I beheld the wonders before me.

"Oh my God." I breathed, feeling very insignificant and small, and also very humbled. "It's, it's…"

"Beautiful?" Davina prompted. I could hear the smile in her voice.

"Yeah," I continued, shutting my mouth as we continued to fly to the object which had stolen my speech and muddled my thoughts.

It was a city of spires and domes, a jewel perched on a rock which floated in the still air. I had a feeling that there was a crater somewhere in this world left by the place when it rose up from the ground, if the huge coagulation of rock tapering underneath it was anything to go by.

As we neared, not only was the city of Dalaran itself suspended on an island, but there were smaller islands surrounding it. A good few of them even had healthy looking foliage flourishing too. The city itself was surrounded by high, white walls. The rooves of the domes, reminding me of St. Peter's Basilica from that school trip to Rome, were tiled in red, blue and violet. In the very centre sat a large building whose centre spire gave off a luminescent rose aura.

"What's that?" I asked, pointing to said building.

I felt Davina crane her neck and follow to where my finger was pointing. "Ah," she said. "That's the chamber of the Guardian."

"What's it for?" I questioned, tilting my head at the oddity of it all. "It looks pretty important what with all the glowing and stuff." My gaze swept across the various rooftops and other domiciles scattered about. "Jeez, everything looks important here," I muttered.

The priest chortled behind me. "Yes, it does doesn't it?" She mused. "Look, I'll show you around once we land and maybe we can find some of those books, hmm?"

"Alright then so." I agreed, nodding. "That sounds grand."

Shortly after I had my fill of the aerial view of the place, we landed. Davina dismounted and I followed her, stumbling a little as my legs adjusted to working on a solid surface again. A man whose features were very similar to that of Alysria took the reins of the hippogryph and nodded to Davina. She smiled at him and walked towards the entrance of a domed building.

I studied our location for a few seconds, trying to orientate myself. A large, circular platform of pinkish stone laid at my feet. Directly in front of me lay a broken pillar which rested against a high wall. Over the wall I could see ruby coloured domes and spires.

To my right was a stabled area, to where the blonde, elven man with blue eyes was taking the hippogryph. Just outside the centre platform was a grassy area.

To my immediate left I could see a shrine of sorts, consisting of a platform of solid rock surrounded by a ring of dark stone. A wavering image of a tempest hovered just above the platform, shimmering like a mirage. Standing either side of said platform were two guards, supposedly.

One was a hulk; green-skinned and sporting more muscle than a steroid-junkie of a bodybuilder. A long, heavy, braided beard, chocolate brown in colour, rested against his chest. Lord, he carried so much muscle that the weight of it made him stoop a little. He stood just over seven feet tall and was dressed in an array of chainmail adorned with bone, feathers and furs. An elaborate kilt sat on his hips and a lupine mask covered his face.

I squinted. Were those tusks peeking out from under the wolf's head or was it just the wolf? I shook my head, not knowing.

The second figure was female, and she was garbed almost identically to the barbaric hulk standing next to her. What caught my attention the most though, was her hair. It was bright red. Not the honey, blonde-red mix or the washed-out looking carrot-top red, but a proper, striking vermillion.

It nearly screamed for attention, not just for the colour but the style as well. A huge, spiky Mohawk bisected her skull, merging somewhere at the back of her head to form a pseudo-mullet. Long braids adorned with beads and bone trailed over her shoulders and down her back. She stood straight and proud, her skin a bright teal, contrasting with her hair.

I turned back to where the stables were. Just beyond that, a section of the wall which encircled the entire area had crumbled, leaving a gaping hole and an entry down to the lower level of the island. I could see others taking off and landing there on various mounts; some hippogryphs, others of which I had no clue.

A moment of panic seized me when I saw some people were running to the edge and launching themselves off into empty air. I moved closer and noticed that as soon as they leaped off, bat-like membranous wings erupted from their backs and they glided safely down to one of the floating islands below.

'What the Hell are they?' I wondered, unconsciously making my way to the wall.

As I neared I peered over the edge of the Island. Below me was another tier of grass surrounded by wall. Beyond that and floating a little way off was an island. If I squinted I could just make out people moving around. A flash of green caught my eye and I leaned forwards, trying to see a bit more.

Someone bumped into me then, nearly knocking me off the edge and sending me tumbling out into the open air.

"Hey!" I exclaimed, glaring at the offender. "Watch where you're…."

My indignant reply died on my lips as I stared at who'd nearly knocked me off of Dalaran.

A tall, fierce elven lady gazed coolly down at me. She was built like an Olympian, or a Navy S.E.A.L. – someone who did a lot of fighting, anyway. I openly stared at her impressive musculature. By the way she held herself, I knew she wasn't one to be messed with.

Her eyes, made of green fire, burned at me from their empty sockets. She had dark skin, seemingly purple but tinged with an unhealthy shade of grey. A scar trailed from the corner of her mouth down the side of her jaw, making her look all the more intimidating. Dark purple hair, tied up into a heavy braid, was slung over her shoulder and trailed down to her hips. Two small horns jutted out from the fluffy mass at her temples and curled around her ears, one of which had a chip bitten out of it.

She wore a dark, leather, floor length kilt with a belt slung around her hips. Around her chest was an amalgamation of leather strips which appeared to provide cover, but I couldn't see how they would provide armour either what with her midriff being exposed and all. I did, however, show off her tattoos beautifully. The bright red swirls carved into her skin pulsed almost to a heartbeat.

Around her wrists were armoured leather bindings and I supposed her feet were padded as well. A pair of twin glaives were sheathed to her back. They appeared slimmer than the ones I'd seen before, more deadly almost. I eyed their jagged edges warily, almost expecting them to jump out and impale me.

All over her armour and on her weapons were those strange runes written in the glowing, acid green. Was she the same person as the Heavy Metal Angel? Did they know each other? Did they work together? Did she have something to do with him being at that cave that night?

I quit staring and opened my mouth to ask her but she cut me off.

"Out of my way, human," her voice was as raspy as a crow's and her lip curled at the sight of me, "Some of us have work to do."

I flushed and stepped aside, jarring when I heard someone shouting my name. My head whipped around to see Davina at the other end of the Landing. When I turned to look back at Full Metal Elf lady, she was gone. Where did she go?

"Aoibheann!" I flinched at Davina's tone, hurrying to where she was standing. She folded her arms over her chest and tapped a hoof in impatience. "Come on, exploration can come later. We have work to do." She chided, grasping me by the arm and practically dragging me through the archway and down a set of steps. We entered a domed chamber, the entrance of which was guarded by pillars composed of that same pale stone which made up the vast majority of the city.

I could see so many people milling about, passing us by with barely a glance. So many people, so many races, so much variety.

"Wow," I said, pausing.

Davina pulled me along and I reluctantly followed, wanting nothing more than to stroll along the cobbled streets in my own time. We meandered along, dodging people by the dozen until we reached a large building. This one had a blue roof and was guarded by – I froze.

"Uhhh, Davina," I started, causing her to stop and turn to me, "Wh-what, who are they?" I stammered, pointing to the furry wolf-people.

She followed my gaze, confusion turning to realisation when she understood my predicament. "They're Worgen guards. They're just watching the Alliance inn. It's nothing to worry about." I started to protest but she shushed me with a look. "If I let you wander in your own time I'd get nothing done. Come on now, we need to get rooms."

I swallowed and mutely followed, shivering slightly when I passed by the guards. I didn't like their eyes, I noticed. They glowed either bright blue or amber and held an unnerving intelligence. One of them glanced at me, giving me a nod and going back to people-watching.

'Nope, definitely don't like the eyes,' I thought, 'Not at all.'

The interior of the inn was comprised of pale, heavy stone. A high, domed ceiling stretched above our heads, etched with delicate golden leaf motifs. The floor was laid out in large, rosy and pale flagstones. The decorated sconces in the walls housed candles which gave the room a homely, warm glow. Small tables were placed here and there, laid out with fanciful crockery. Directly in front of us was a bar.

The barkeep was a human man, dressed in a simple, yet pleasant looking cloth shirt and breeches. Either side of the bar were two stone staircases which led to what I assumed were the upper floors and rooms. Two archways gaped behind the bar, under the stairs. Laughing and shouts could be heard from the one on the left and the clinking of pots and pans could be heard from the right. I made a note to have a little mosey around once we got things sorted here.

Davina turned to the slight, elven lady standing just inside the door.

"Two rooms please," she told her, handing over coinage.

"May I have your names?" The blue eyed elf asked in a soft voice, "for the ledger."

"Of course." Davina nodded. "I'm Davina," she pointed to me, "that's Aoibheann." The lady tilted her head and smiled at me. I waved awkwardly back at her.

She produced a small book from somewhere in her exquisite dress, thumbing through it before taking out a quill and a small bottle of ink. "Davina and Aoibheann," she murmured, scribbling something down. A frown graced her brow, her long eyebrows drawing together in confusion.

I blinked when she stared at me, the frown deepening. "Aoibheann?" She asked.

"Yes?" I responded warily, giving Davina a 'what's going on?' look. She shrugged, shaking her head.

"Is there a problem with me staying here?" My stomach tightened in anxiety.

The woman's glowing eyes widened and she shook her head.

"Not at all." She told me, gesturing to the book. "It's just that your name is already here on record."

I balked.

"Yer wha?" I said, absolutely and completely lost. "Who in the feck put that there?"

"I would also like to know that as well." Davina chipped in, tapping her hoof on the cold stone floor, her tail swishing behind her in agitation.

The elf looked down at the page again.

"Let me see," her finger slid down, reading off names silently until her face brightened and she looked my way again. "A Kaldorei came by a few minutes ago and paid for two rooms for him and you."

"What was his name?" I had an idea who it was already. Anxiety turned slowly into anger. Davina looked worriedly at me. Had Mordaan told her of what happened last night?

"Faeldryn." She stated, taking a few coins from Davina's outstretched palm and closing her ledger.

I sighed, grimacing. Yup, I knew it. Davina was given two sets of keys with tags and odd symbols on them. She handed one set to me after clarifying with the innkeeper and I followed her up the stairs. She led me to a door down along a carpet-covered hallway. I unlocked it and stepped inside, walking over to the large bed by the window and placing my bag on top of the footlocker, rolling my shoulders in contentment at the sudden relief from the weight.

"I'll let you get settled down," Davina said to me, closing the door. "Meet me downstairs when you're ready and I'll show you around." I nodded and she shut the door, the clip-clop of her hooves muffled by the dark wood.

I took the time to study my room as I packed my things away, which didn't take long considering I had little to nothing. The bed was dressed with soft wine-coloured blankets and pillows. At its end was a footlocker, into which I dumped all my belongings. Covering the flagstones was a thick rug. A fireplace sat snugly in the wall to the right of me, two elegant wing-backed chairs faced each other either side of the hearth.

To my left was a stained-glass window, currently open. A pretty window box full of colourful flowers sat on the sill outside of the room. I wandered over to it, inhaling the sweet smell and taking my fill of the city. The paths were a hive of activity, with people of every sort going about their businesses. What struck me the most was the racial variety.

I could pick out a few humans, although some of them looked very … sickly; draenei, night elves, and blood elves. There were also some worgen, those wolf-people running about, the green-skinned hulks, tall rainbow-coloured creatures with enormous ears, tusks and awesome hair. I also saw what I thought were dwarves and even smaller folk, some who looked like human toddlers and others who looked like green skinned imps. I did a double take when I caught sight of Minotaurs and panda people.

'Oh my Lord, is that Po?' I thought, watching a rather rotund panda man wobble his way down with a keg under his arm, chatting idly with a Minotaur lady.

I rubbed my eyes and turned away from the window, jumping at a sudden knock at the door. I walked over and opened it, slightly, peering through the crack to whoever was on the other side. It was the innkeeper. I opened the door fully and waved shyly.

"Hello." I said, stepping out of the doorway so she could enter the room.

"Greetings," she replied, her blue eyes glowing warmly. "I just came to see if you would prefer to have your supper taken to your room or if you'd rather eat downstairs."

"Oh." I blinked, surprised. "I think I'll have it up here," I picked at my sleeve, "thanks for asking, anyway."

She bowed, "you're welcome," and turned, leaving.

I shut the door and stood for a couple of seconds before I remembered that I had to meet Davina.

'Feck,' I thought, quickly ducking out the door and galumphing downstairs. 'Where is she? Where is she? Where?' I scanned the open room, searching for the tell-tale tall lady. 'Ah, there!' She was talking to a short, stout man with a luxuriantly long and thick beard the colour of honey. He was dressed in an assortment of leather and plate armour with a battered helm shoved onto his head. A rough woollen cloak fell from his shoulders, stopping just shy of the ground.

I waved at her and she beckoned for me to come over, waving goodbye to the man. He nodded to her and marched off, slinging a massive axe onto a holster attached to his back. Davina slipped something into a satchel which hung from her shoulder and we set off.

I had a good look around with her. She showed me where the bank was, the barber's, I bought some fruit from Applebough, a talking tree. That was unexpected. I got to see the Violet Citadel, or at least, the outside of it. We went to a leatherworker's shop where I was shown some new techniques by a fierce looking night elf named Namha Moonwater. She also examined some of my earlier handiwork and kindly showed me where I could improve and how to stitch without turning my fingers into Swiss cheese.

"See, if you work the needle like this," she demonstrated, wiggling and twisting the implement through the tough leather, "your stitching will improve immensely and," she finished, handing me the now-fixed jerkin, "it will be bound all the stronger."

I held up the garment in wonderment. Such a perfect stitch. "Thank you," I breathed.

She smiled, revealing a set of sharp, sparkly teeth. "Not at all," pointing to my garment, "if you feel that your current tutor isn't fitting your aspirations, feel free to ask for my guidance."

I blinked, pondering.

"I think," I began, fiddling with the leather, "I'll stick with the person I'm learning from for a little longer, just to see how it pans out."

Namha nodded in understanding. I waved and left the Leatherworker's, finding myself at a skinning shop just next to it.

'Huh,' I mused, entering, 'what are the odds of that?' I was also shown how to skin more efficiently by a min – no, a Tauren by the name of Kondal Huntsworth. He told me if I wanted any help, I could come to him.

"Oh, thanks," I said, "but I'm already learning from someone else."

He nodded before responding in a humming voice, "The offer still stands if you wish to learn from me."

I smiled and nodded, leaving the shop and joining Davin

a once more. She was grinning from ear to ear, gushing about how much her gems had sold for at the Auction House. I humoured her and we wandered about some more. She pointed out the various other shops, from one where I learned First Aid, very useful and we eventually came to rest ourselves in a communal inn known as the Legerdemain Lounge.

The smell of coffee, chocolate, alcohol and people permeated my nostrils as we stepped inside. I started slightly when Davina grabbed my hand and pressed a small pouch into it, curling my fingers over the bag.

"Here," she fumbled with her satchel, craning her neck in some attempt to find someone. "Go and get yourself a drink. I need to meet someone."

I opened my mouth to respond but she quickly vanished, her salt-white head of hair disappearing in the dimness of the building. I stayed by the entrance, clutching the pouch before plucking up the courage and making my way over to the bar.

I awkwardly sat up on the stool, placing my leather in my lap. An elven man with a foxtail of a red ponytail and emerald green eyes wandered over to me, giving me a toothy smile. My foot twitched on one of the legs of the stool. He leaned an elbow on the counter, the ruffles of his ivory shirt slopping onto the wood.

"What can I get for you, cutie?" He winked, a sharp canine peeking out from his lip.

'My God,' I thought, staring. 'Are all these elves vampires or something? What's with the pointy teeth? Do they never go and see a dentist?'

I blinked and coughed, tying to cover up my staring and hoping he didn't notice it. I saw him raise a long, fiery eyebrow. Woops, he noticed alright.

"Uhhh," I started, my cheeks burning, trying to ignore his grin, "I'd like a cup of coffee please."

"That'll be six silver, sweetcheeks," he held out his hand for the coin.

I narrowed my eyes and scrunched up my nose at the 'sweetcheeks', rummaging around and counting six silver pieces. The coins were large and surprisingly heavy. When I held my hand out and dropped them into his palm, I was careful to not touch his tanned skin. He snickered at that.

"Your drink will be right up," he said, closing his palm and brushing his fingers against the underside of my wrist as he did.

I flinched and snapped my hand back, causing him to frown and shrug. I stared at the countertop, following the grain of the wood with a finger while I waited for my drink. Not too long had passed before a mug of delicious smelling caffeine was place in front of me.

"Thanks," I mumbled, glancing up at the elf, but he was already gone, sweet-talking another female customer. She had no problem whatsoever with that and openly flirted right back at him.

I snorted and took a sip of the steaming, dark liquid, hissing when I burned my tongue. I fanned my mouth, gasping. A short laugh came from my right, making me jump. No-one had been there when I sat down. I turned my head to look at them. It was at that moment that time stopped.

"Careful," he said, smirking and nodding to my cup. His voice low and gravelly, but still with a nice hum to it, "it's hot."

I openly stared, not even attempting to disguise it. "You," I whispered, lifting a shaking finger and pointing at him.

He frowned, his dark forehead creasing. "What about me?" He rasped, sipping his own drink with a large, clawed hand. He tilted his head to the side. "Do I know you?"

I nodded, then shook my head. I never thought I'd see this person again.

'What are the chances?' I wondered, staring into the jade glow that were his eyes. 'In a coffee shop of all fecking places.'

"You saved my life," I said, my voice low, my gaze fixed on his fiery green glare. "I was attacked by a demon, in a cave. Don't you remember?"

Recognition crossed his features, followed by mild annoyance.

"Ah yes," he took another sip, licking his dark lips. They weren't chapped, I realised, but rather soft-looking. "The clumsy oaf of a human who nearly cost me my mission." I felt shame wash over me, colouring my cheeks and burning my ears. "How could I forget that incident," he gently touched the right side of my jaw, stroking the skin with his calloused thumb, "especially after that punch you gave me?"

My mouth dropped open in indignation.

"Th-that was an accident!" I sputtered, tapping his hand away. "I didn't know who you were or what you were doing to me, or even what was going on."

He grinned and leaned against the counter, placing his elbow on the wood. "Oh?" He crooned, smiling lazily, "well, maybe you can tell me what you were doing there in the first place then."

I frowned, debating whether or not to answer. Could I trust him? I mean, he did save my life and all, but right after…

I gasped, glaring at him.

"You left me by the roadside!" I exclaimed, glaring, my hands clenching into fists. "You killed the demon, but you didn't even go for help after I collapsed."

He chuckled deeply, shaking his head.

"Of course I didn't leave you there to die," he grinned, showing those deadly teeth, "if that druid didn't come by and pick you up, that's his misdeed not mine."

"Druid," I mouthed, vague flashes of being picked up and healed by emerald light flitted through my mind, "wait, you mean Faeldryn?"

He started a bit when I said the name, the mirth leaving his features, making him look more and more solemn and quite scary.

"Yes," he turned back to face the bar, hunching over his drink, "Faeldryn."

I leaned back at the acid in his tone. 'Woah, what did that lad do to this chap?' I thought, 'what did they do to each other?'

We sat in silence, he sipping from his mug, me staring down at mine, sneaking glances at him every few seconds to make sure he was still there. After about a minute or so he lifted his arms and stretched, grunting. I flushed furiously at the action, noting the fact that he was still running around topless.

His close proximity, the obvious attractiveness of him, in a certain way, and the confident way he held himself made me feel all tingly. He caught me staring and a slow smile spread across his face. I ducked my head, wishing I'd worn my hair loose so it could hide the obvious burning in my cheeks. I occupied myself with my cup of coffee, which seemed miles more interesting now. The bitter gulp helped me get a hold of myself.

When I sneaked a peek back over to him I froze. He was leaning close to me, his chin on his palm. I sat like a rabbit caught in headlights. His face was so close that all I could see was the blindfold. After a moment he hummed and moved away, the corner of his mouth crooking up slightly. I thought of something then, something which I should have said to him before collapsing in a bloody mess.

I cleared my throat, catching his attention.

"So," I mumbled, studying the coffee clamped between my two palms. My tongue felt too big for my mouth. I pursed my lips. What was wrong with me?

"So..?" he prompted, leaning on the counter once again, watching me, a smirk playing about his lips as he languished there.

"I wanted to thank - thank you," I muttered in a rush, gripping the mug even more tightly. Why was it so hard to talk now? "For, you know." I lifted a shoulder, "the whole 'saving my life' thing."

He finished his cup and ordered a refill. I sat, feet twitching and fingers drumming against the mug in agitation. I filled the gap in the conversation by taking another big gulp of strong, hot liquid, feeling the beginnings of a caffeine buzz work its magic.

"Your welcome," was the response. I sighed in relief. "However," Uh-oh. "You're indebted to me."

I blanched, scrunching my face up in disarray. "I'm what?" I squeaked, my face going pale.

"A life for a life," he took a gentle hold of my chin and tilted my face up to his, "that's the way it works around here, dumpling."

"Wh-what do I have to do to repay the debt?" Not two weeks am I here and already I'm in debt.

"That's for me to decide." He released me and turned back to his drink. "Rest assured, I'll let you know when I do," he gave me a small once-over. "What's your name by the way, I never caught it from all that gibberish you were screaming at me."

I gulped at the simple question. "It's Aoibheann, Aoibheann Kelly."

He held out his hand to me, which I cautiously took. "I'm Melandryn, Melandryn Felstalker."

"P-pleased to meet you," I stuttered, the normality of it all leaving me reeling. Here we were, in a coffee shop, on a floating rock and we were exchanging greetings like old friends. "Can I ask you something?"

He nodded, releasing my hand.

"What are you?" I let my hand drop to my lap, fidgeting with my leather jerkin as I gauged his reaction.

Instead of getting offended by the question, he bore an expression of resignation.

"I'm a Demon Hunter." He said with the tone of one who repeated that phrase numerous times. "And before you ask, I was a Kaldorei before the change. No, I didn't lose my sanity, yes I still have all my emotions and no, and I don't go on a rampaging killing spree whenever my adrenaline levels or blood preassure get too high." I opened my mouth again but he cut across me, "yes, my horns are real."

I sat, dumbfounded. I felt a sudden need to giggle, so I did. The demon hunter, Melandryn, raised his eyebrows as he stared at my shenanigans. I gulped down the last of my coffee, smothering the hysteria in the bitter brew.

"Sorry," I gasped, catching a few drops on the corner of my mouth with my thumb. "It's just been a crazy two weeks."

He smiled, leaning forwards and propping his chin on his palm again. "Oh really?" He murmured, "Do tell."

As soon as I opened my mouth to relate the story, I was startled off my stool by an angry shout.

"Aoibheann!" I looked behind me from my place on the floor, seeing Faeldryn standing in the doorway. He stood with his hands on his hips and his eyes glaring down at mine like amber fire.

"Here," Melandryn's gravelly timbre tickled my ear as he grasped me by the elbow and helped me to my feet.

I turned to thank him, only to notice him staring at the druid in the door. It was then that I realised that Faeldryn hadn't been glaring at me, but at Melandryn. The demon hunter matched the druid with equal, if not more ferocity, his own face twisted in a vicious, hungry scowl, teeth bared.

I backed away from the two of them, the tension so thick you could cut it with a knife. They stood in battle stances, Faeldryn's hands hovering at his belt where I could see handles poking out, no, not handles, hilts. Melandryn's hands hovered around those huge blades on his back. The two of them were as taunt as bowstrings.

I stood helpless, not knowing what to do. Luckily, I was saved by Davina. Oh, God bless that woman!

"Evie!" She exclaimed, popping up behind me, "there you are! Listen, there's someone I'd like you to meet!"

"Davina!" I grabbed her by the shoulders, panicking, "Faeldryn and a demon hunter are eyeing each other up. It looks as if they're going to fight. I don't know what to do." At the mention of the words 'demon hunter,' her face darkened. "Please help. The hunter's the one that saved my life that night."

Her mouth tightened. "I'll see what I can do," she said tartly, brushing my hands off her shoulders and striding towards the two elves.

I heard her speaking with them for a few minutes but the words were lost to me. After a while the two of them relaxed and I wandered over when I felt it was safe to do so. I stuttered to a stop when I caught the tail end of the dialogue between Faeldryn and Melandryn.

"…I thought I told you to never come near me again!" Faeldryn hissed at Melandryn from the other side of Davina.

"Well," Melandryn drawled, circling the rim of his mug with a finger. He'd sat back down again the bar and continued to drink his coffee, "is that any way to greet your little brother, hmm?" He grinned at Faeldryn's obvious anger. "If it weren't for me you wouldn't have that little plaything now, would you?"

"Shut your mouth, hybrid!" Faeldryn snarled, banging his fist on the countertop.

"Plaything?" I whispered, feeling as thought I'd been punched in the gut. "Wait, they're brothers?" I whipped my head between the two of them, small similarities cropping up. The way they held themselves, the set of their mouths, even the way they'd behaved was now starting to fit into place. "What the hell is going on?" I asked myself, feeling even more lost than before.

The barkeep came up, his face stern when he noticed the obvious friction between the two men. "If you're going to fight, take it outside," he warned, "I don't want you wrecking my building."

The two elves looked at him, then back to each other. Faeldryn glanced over at me, making me freeze. He grabbed my hand and led me out. I looked back in shock, catching Melandryn's eye on the way out, feeling baited by his idle wave.

'Cocky bastard,' I thought, stumbling as the large blue man practically towed me along with him. 'This one isn't much better either.'

"Faeldryn, slow down." I demanded, hopping and skipping in an attempt to keep up with him. He gripped me even more tightly, making me wince. I'd never seen him this angry before. "Hey, Faeldryn!" Still no response. "Oi, Flop-ears!" I smacked him in the shoulder.

He growled and pulled me into the inn from this morning, pulling me up the stairs and into a room. Before I could do anything more I was flung against the wall, the angry elf locking me in place. I tried to move my arms, currently held over my head, but it was useless. His hands were like manacles around my wrists.

Helplessness welled in my chest, followed by panic, making my breath quicken and my pulse race. He loomed over me, tension crackling through him like lightning, effecting me as well. I wanted to hide and run away at the same time.

"What are you doing?" I whispered, scared. He didn't answer, only stared at me with those glowing, golden eyes.

I felt him move my wrists together, holding them in one hand. The other slid down to tangle in my hair. I gulped as my face was tilted up, my body trembling in fear and something else. Excitement? Oh please God no. His features softened slightly, the mask of anger fading, but the intensity grew even more. He brought his face down, his warm breath washing over me in shaking gasps.

I strained my head back, trying to get away. Of course I couldn't but I did it anyway. He was so close I could feel the heat radiating off him. I squeezed my eyes shut, tears stinging out from under my lids. In a shuddering gasp, Faeldryn pressed his mouth against mine, making me whimper and leading to all thoughts in my head to flee.

He kissed me softly at first, which was nice, but he quickly grew harsher, hungrier. I stood there, my knees becoming weak and my head feeling full of cotton. My knees gave out and I slipped. A low growl rumbled from his chest and he pressed his body against mine, locking me against the wall with his hips. I trembled, hating the way he was making me feel, hating my weakness and also completely confused as to what brought this all on.

His tongue ran along my bottom lip, making me gasp in surprise. He opened his mouth and deepened the kiss, tasting me, letting out a lusty moan which sent shivers up and down every inch of my body. The hand in my hair tightened its grip, making me grunt. Another growl erupted from Faeldryn, leaving me biting back a whimper in response.

'Why am I feeling this way?' I thought, shaking my head, desperate to get away and get my head around all that was going on.

He broke off the kiss, giving me much needed airspace. I gulped in air, shivering against him. I wanted to yell, to scream, something, but I was stopped short when he made a trail of ravenous kisses along my jaw and down the column of my neck. My skin was so sensitive, even the softest brush of his mouth had sparks of pleasure zipping through me like lightning. Once more he latched onto the soft spot just shy of my collarbone, nibbling and sucking on the delicate skin.

'If it keeps on like this,' I said to myself, biting back a moan when he moved lower down, 'I don't know how far it'll go.' He moved back up to nibble on my ear. 'Lord give me strength.' I whimpered, shuddering when he teased the sensitive shell of my ear.

"Faeldryn," I whispered. "Faeldryn, please –Mpffff –"

He silenced me with his mouth, his free hand disentangling from my hair and moving down my neck, brushing my collarbones, steadily moving lower. I shook my head, breaking off the kiss.

"Faeldryn stop!" I cried, bucking against his grip on my wrists. "Please!"

He stayed his hand and stared down at me, those amber eyes wanton, making my insides squirm. I took in a breath to tell him to release me but he darted down and buried his face in my neck again, inhaling.

"Faeldryn?" I asked, quivering. The feel of his feathery breath was ticklish. "Faeldryn, let me go."

"Why?" He whispered into my skin, so soft that I almost didn't hear it.

"What?" I asked, confused.

He lifted his mouth, licking a trail up my jaw to my ear. "Why were you there with him?" His mouth brushed against my ear as he spoke, his hot breath making me shudder. "Why didn't you come to find me?"

"Are you for real?" the blood left my face which went pale with hot, unadulterated rage. He moved away from my ear to look into my eyes. I wanted to slap him, hard. "Are you seriously going to ask me that after how you've treated me for the past few weeks? You said so yourself last night that you didn't care." I kicked him in the toes. "If you have a beef with Melandryn, have a beef with him but don't fucking bring me into it!"

He blinked. "Stay away from Melandryn," he said, "he's dangerous." That was a piss of an excuse if I ever heard one.

"Shut the fuck up!" I snarled my eyes stinging. I shook my head in disbelief. "Why in the flying blue feck are you getting jealous around Melandryn, yet you didn't get jealous whenever I was with Fenrich or Mordaan?" He frowned but he didn't answer. "I'm telling you Faeldryn, I can't be having with this kind of behaviour. Its fecking creepy and I don't like it." I wiggled my wrists, "now could you let me go please? And for God's sake, leave me alone unless it's important."

He mutely released my wrists, staring blankly at my face. A shudder passed through him when I pushed him off me and held my hands close to my chest. He stood still, rubbing his forehead, a pained expression crossing over his face. He looked confused, almost. While he was distracted, I slowly backed away from him, making for the door. To my utter bafflement and surprise, he reached for me, pleading me with his eyes.

'Oh no you don't!' I shied away from his hand, my eyes widening when he moved towards me, arms open.

"Aoibheann," he whispered, the corners of his brows drawn together in sadness and confusion, "please, I didn't mean to –"

"No." I said, shaking my head and darting away.

I fled to my room, shutting and locking the door. As soon as that was done I ran to the window and latched it shut. When all of that was completed I huddled on my bed, hugging my arms around myself, wondering where I'd gone wrong to deserve this.

"Oh please God," I prayed, my voice muffled by my knees, "Please God, I just want to go home."

.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.:.

Author's Note: Please leave me a review and let me know what you think, where I went wrong (If I went wrong) and if I left any loose ends untied.