I do not own nor possess any right over Harry Potter and World of Warcraft, all rights belongs to their rightful owners.

I'm sorry for not publishing anything sooner, I just didn't felt like writing at all. As said in the last short post, my grandpa passed away the very night I published it. Its sad, but we had a big ceremony in the cathedral and we had all the family and friends gathered, nearly 400 people who came to say farewell.

But life goes on, and even if it was very hard at first, now it feels like a painful memory.

Knowing that I won't be able to make new memories with him, that's quite the realisation.

I barely wrote anything since then, I simply don't feel like it. I managed a couple hundred words in the last weeks, but that's it. I'm definitely not abandoning the story, so don't worry, but expect slower updates for a time.

This chapter was written more than a month ago, but I wanted to check it, so there it is.

Please comment/review.

Thank you for your patience and good reading.

Tyrygosa proved herself to be a very talented mind-mage, just like she was excelling in every other field of magic. For a long time, not a single of her attacks was the same, using the elements of nature, the powers of magic and summoning many creatures of all sorts. She also varied her forms of attacks, most of the times using sheer force, trying to break her way in my mind, but also resorting to more underhand tactics and even going as far as to use dark and corrupting magics.

It was an impressive display of her capabilities that she never showed me before, but it didn't left any doubt over how good of a mage she was. Without surprise, dark magics were quite efficient against my guardian, either attacking it like an extremely powerful acid or corrupting it until it crumbled. These weren't the only times I got defeated, Tyri's attacks often managed to caught me off-guard due to their ever changing nature, but I was slowly getting used to it, improving Azeroth's arsenal with more diverse capabilities and learning how to counter more of her assaults.

But when she started mixing different types of attacks at the same time, it truly made it a lot harder to fight her, having to find how to deal with two or even three different attacks at the same time. She defeated me quite a few times, but with time I managed to space these defeats more and more, adapting to the several threats she targeted at me.

It took hours, with a quite a few breaks to let our poor brains cool off, before Tyri declared me good enough to resist the assaults on my mind.

"It won't protect you against N'Zoth, not fully. His attacks will target your will, your emotions, and he is far stronger at that than me. You should at least be capable to throw him off for a little while if he tries again." Tyri advised cautiously.

"I won't forget." I replied, massaging my head that felt about to burst.

"Come here."

I did as she said and she brought a hand to my forehead, unleashing a small wave of magic on contact that felt like a soothing cold on my brain, relieving me of almost all the pain.

"Thanks." I sighed in relief.

"Don't. Be careful with your mind in the future and keep your defences up at all times. You keeping your free will is all the thanks I need." She assured me with a small, tired smile.

"So you can smile." I joked, smiling too.

"Just because I'm a bit tired doesn't mean that I can't beat you up." She frowned, instantly removing all presence of her brighter mood.

"I wasn't saying that to be mean. You don't smile that much, which is a shame with your pretty face." I said jokingly as she started to freeze. "Hey! That might be why you're still looking for a mate! You're just not smiling enough."

She glared hard at me for a couple of seconds, her eyes fixed on me with undisguised anger, before she sighed, loosened as her shoulders dropped, leaning on the table.

"Do you really think so?" She asked a bit defeated, looking down at the ground.

"It may not play in your favour." I conceded with sympathy. "But, it's nothing that you can't change. From an outsider's perspective, you are never smiling and you're constantly frowning. It's not very appealing."

I was trying to be as kind and delicate as possible with this, but I was no master with the way to properly talk to someone about something like this. Merithra would be the best suited one for that.

"But you don't really think that it stops me from from getting a mate, do you?" She continued sadly.

"Only from an outside appearance. I know that you're a kind, carrying person. It's just that you have trouble showing it. I'm sure you'll find a man- a dragon that will love you for who you are." I tried my best to reassure her, putting a hand on her shoulder.

She looked up at me, her light blue eyes looking for something, before she let out a breath and stood up. A small smile made a way on her face, bringing in more life than there usually was. A life that wasn't represented by a scowl.

"There you go! Now, I'm no expert on... mate-searching advice, but if you try to be a little bit more open and give smiles more often, I'm certain that you'll find a mate that suits you."

"Good. I'll try this, and if it hasn't shown results in the next decade, I'll know who to blame." She replied, keeping her smile a little bit more before returning to a more neutral expression.

"You do that. I think it's time I go find Mightion, he'll probably want to join me to Thunderbluff anyway." I said.

"Can you make a portal that goes there?" Tyri asked more seriously.

"Let's see."

Magic quickly gathered in my left hand, glowing with a red aura as I performed the portal spell as quickly as I could, doing my best to keep the magic from vanishing in the air. It was a bit exhausting, having to do both the gestures at great speed and focusing on the magic, but I grinned as I was rewarded by a portal forming in front of me, the unmistakable totems of Thunderbluff appearing on the other side.

"Seems yesterday wasn't a fluke. Very well, you have my approval to go." She declared.

"Thanks mom." I rolled my eyes.

"Thank the titans, I am not." She snorted. "Speaking of which, you should go see the queen before leaving. Don't think I haven't noticed you flexing your hand." She replied with a little stare.

She was right that it was still painful, distracting also, but being forced to focus on my mind left me free to forget about it for a little while. But it was clear that I would need some magic to be applied on it, the pain was growing stronger and more distracting by the minute, faster than before even, which was a little bit concerning.

"Sure. Thanks a lot for everything, Tyri, I really appreciate it." I told her, giving her a brief hug.

Just like every-time I had hugged her before, she froze for a moment before giving me a small hug in return.

"I wouldn't say it was my pleasure, but close." She chose to reply.

I gave a small laugh at that, separating from her as I turned toward the door.

"I'll see you later. Have a good afternoon." I wished her.

"You too."

Freed from my classes, I slowly made my way toward the entrance of the archives and turned back to my dragon form, hissing in pain as the purple scar in my claw flashed for a second, at every beat of my heart.

Knowing what I had to do, I took off and flew toward the top of the temple, staying afloat as I entered the room where Mother and another red female dragon where discussing.

"I know that this is asking a lot, Torastrasza." Said Alexstrasza.

"No need to worry, my queen. This is well in my capabilities, I'll see that it is done." Assured Torastrasza.

"Good morning." I greeted them as I landed in front of them, keeping my right claw slightly off the ground.

"Good morning to you too, daughter." Mother started brightly before quickly frowning, which was quite awkward on her draconic face. "Is your claw painful?"

"A bit more than usual." I conceded.

"If I may."

I brought my claw higher and let out a big sigh of relief as the pain almost instantly vanished, the purple glow going away with it. I flexed it a little bit, enjoying the lack of discomfort.

"Thanks."

"You're welcome. Did you had a pleasant morning?" She asked me.

"I did. Me and Tyri got to work on my mental defences and she judged me capable enough." I replied with a smile.

She let out a sigh of her own, her body relaxing.

"You have no idea how happy I am to hear this." She said.

"Me too. I was planning to go to Thunderbluff in the afternoon, I just have to go find Mightion first." I added as I realised that I didn't know where he went.

"The Tauren capital? It is a bit far away." Mother continued a bit worried.

"Its fine, I practiced my portal spell again and I can cast it. Tyri forced me to do it this morning and I worked. Plus, I will be going with Mightion, he'll be there if I need any help." I reassured her.

That seemed to do the trick, especially the fact that I wouldn't be going alone. It surprised me a bit that she was so quick to trust Mightion, but I put this on her being the Queen of Life, literally having love and care for all creatures on Azeroth. Except the old gods, those were exceptions.

"Well, I won't delay you any more. I am also quite busy myself after all." She chuckled, turning toward Torastrasza.

"Then I'll be on my way. See you later, mom. Torastrasza." I said kindly, slightly bowing my head at the latter.

I turned around and jumped in the air, starting to think about where I could find Mightion. The obvious place would be the Obsidian Sanctum, but I wasn't so sure about that. Instead, I flew toward the Obsidian Dragonshrine, enjoying the fresh air of Northrend flowing under my wings as I quickly closed the distance between me and the volcano that stood as a dark pillar with a red glow coming from the top and the entrance of the shrine.

Landing before the entrance, I went in and passed by the large bones inside. But as I went deeper, it became increasingly clear that there was no sign of Mightion here. I did went until the end of the cave before turning back, wondering where he might be while I reached the exit. Taking flight once more, I tried to find another place where he could have been but couldn't find any.

Back to square one, I went to the Obsidian Sanctum, thinking that he could be there.

"Lady Amaria." Greeted me the two guardians.

"Have you seen Mightion? I'm looking for him." I asked.

"We did. He told us that you would find him at the Bronze Dragonshrine." Revealed the guard to the left.

"The Bronze Dragonshrine? Why not the Obsidian one?"

"Sorry, Lady Amaria, but he didn't informed us of the why." Said the same guard.

"Well, thank you for your help."

"It was a pleasure." The guard on the right bowed his head slightly.

Turning around, I opened my wings to their full wingspan and went toward the Bronze Dragonshrine. Even from the temple, the massive bones covering its top were easily visible, along with the crater of sand in its center. It took me a couple of minutes to reach it, but once I got close enough I recognised both Mightion and a bronze dragon that I barely recognised as Anachronos, son of Nozdormu and Soridormi. Both of them looked to be in trance, fixed before a large hourglass that floated in the air.

I approached slowly and silently, not wanting to disturb whatever was happening. The hourglass emitted a sort of pale veil of energy that encompassed both dragons, slowly moving around them back and forth only to return to the hourglass, humming gently as it happened.

Sitting on my haunches, I had to wait for a little while before both dragons woke up from their trance, Mightion shaking his head where Anachronos simply blinked his eyes twice.

"This certainly was a... complicated experience." Started Anachronos.

"Ugh." Grunted Mightion, still shacking his head. "I didn't know it would be that confusing. At least it was helpful."

"Mind sharing what just happened?" I interrupted them.

Both turned toward me, taking fighting stance for barely a moment as recognition flashed through their eyes when they saw me.

"Amaria? What are you doing here?" Asked Mightion a bit lost.

"Sorry for him, we just had a little trip into his memories. His confusion will pass quickly." Explained Anachronos.

"So you time travelled?" I asked, curious about how it worked thanks to my own experience with the Time Turner back on Earth.

"Partially. We didn't went back to the time of his memories, we went inside his memories where we could physically be present without affecting his mind." He continued.

"I- ah... needed it to recall a few things." Said Mightion as he shook his head again.

"And that required you to basically time travel?" I raised both eyebrows at that, slightly incredulous.

"That was no time travel." Huffed Anachronos, slightly annoyed. "Memories are fickle, precarious and can be unreliable. Going back to the moment where the memory was made is much safer than going on a guess."

"But since you had to go back to the memory, you did travel back in time." I continued, pretending to be absolutely certain to be right.

"No, no. Imagine rewinding your life backward, only from an outsider's perspective. It has nothing to do with time travel." He tried even more frustrated.

"Oh? So like watching a movie in reverse?" I asked.

"What's a movie?" He replied perplexed.

"Well, you could travel in time to the day I'll explain what it is..." I trailed off.

He glared at me before sighing, and I almost thought that he was really going to do it, but he simply turned toward Mightion.

"Is she always like this?" Anachronos asked.

"Hey!"

"Not always. She does like to tease Tyrygosa." Replied Mightion.

"I see. I think it is best for me to leave now." Said the bronze dragon.

"Very well. Thanks a lot for your help, I appreciate it."

"Goodbye."

And with that said he quickly left, taking off toward who knows where. I brought my eyes back to Mightion, curiosity showing clearly on my face.

"So? What was that memory trip about?" I asked a bit more seriously.

"When I left you earlier to go train myself, I found out that my memories of my powers were slightly inaccurate. Nothing drastic, but problematic nonetheless. It wouldn't have been a problem for me, but it was necessary if I want to teach you." He explained.

Realising that he did that for me made me feel slightly bad for teasing Anachronos, but not that much. It was endearing how Mightion kept trying to have my affection through endless displays of care and kind words.

"Oh. Thank you." I thanked him, not really knowing what to say.

"No need to worry about it. Are you ready to start?" He asked me.

"I was thinking to go to Thunderbluff first, then have the rest of the day to practice. I can created a portal for us to Thunderbluff so it won't be too long." I replied.

"That is more convenient this way indeed. Very well, let's be on our way." He agreed.

I was about to cast the portal spell, but stopped right before gathering my magic.

"Is it safe to use magic here? With all those time stuff?" I wondered, pointing at the hourglass still there.

"Maybe we shouldn't take the risk. I do not know whether it would be safe or not." Mightion agreed again.

We flew out of the bronze sanctum, landed in the frozen toundra, and I turned back into my human form to cast the portal spell. With that done, I stepped in, followed by Mightion.

"Greetings, warden of Azeroth." Welcomed a gruff yet feminine voice.

Well, it was nice to be greeted gently nicely for once.

I looked up to the massive tauren standing before me, with a deep black fur, long braids hanging on either side of her face. She wore a thick leather armour of the same colour that covered all her body except her head and hooves, and several large daggers that could have passed as small swords for humans were tightened to a belt on her chest. And a pair of short horns topped her forehead, a pair of natural weapons dangerous enough to kill.

"Greetings. I'll be honest, I didn't really expected anyone to recognise me." I greeted her back with a small smile.

"Not many humans come here. It could probably be counted on one hand. I am Jyn Thunderhoof." She replied.

I looked at her hand, which only had three fingers, wondering if she was saying that based on her hand or mine.

"But I do not recall seeing you before." The tauren said, addressing Mightion this time.

"I am Mightion, member of the black dragonflight. Its a pleasure to meet you." Answered Mightion.

"Am I correct to assume you're the one that was saved thanks to the Earthing Balm?" Jyn asked as her smile widened.

I would have winced if I hadn't thought to hide it, trying to look as unbothered by her question as possible.

"That is why we came. Is Baine here?" I asked.

"He is. Follow me." Invited us Jyn.

We followed into her massive footsteps, the ground hard and perfectly flat thanks to the many taurens walking there daily. She took us through the city, made us take one of the wooden bridge relying the exceedingly tall mesas, leading us toward the chieftain's tent in the eastern main city. The massive, heavy armoured and armed guards gave us a short glace before returning to their impressions of statues.

Jyn pushed aside the drapes covering the entrance and let us in.

"Thank you." I said, instantly imitated by Mightion.

Baine was there, sitting on a large and definitely very old cushion, breathing in a warm mist coming from a wooden bowl, eyes closed and deep in trance.

"Warchief, two dragons of the black dragonflight are here to see you." Introduced us Jyn.

Baine seemed to shudder for a moment before he blinked his eyes quickly, the mist returning to simple steam as he put the bowl down, turning toward us as a flash or recognition appeared on his face.

"Amaria. It is good to see you again." He welcomed us with a smile.

"You too Baine. I hope we're not disturbing you." I smiled back.

"Greetings, High-Chieftain, I am Mightion, member of the black dragonflight." Mightion bowed very briefly.

He sighed heavily and motioned for us two nearby cushions, which we promptly took and sat down, wondering what made him change his mood that fast. A nod toward Jyn and she left, leaving us alone with Baine.

"Your presence is... source of tensions, shall I say. Sylvanas warned us about you, forbid us to talk with you. I do not know what you did to gather her ire, but she made it clear that black dragons were to be turned away." Baine explained.

I raised both eyebrows at that, surprised that the Horde's Warchief would go that far just because of what happened. Me killing her soldiers could justify it, but they were the ones who started the hostilities. Could it be possible that she knew about my involvement with the Alliance at Lordaeron? That seemed like a more valid explanation.

"I did had a fight with some soldiers of the Horde, just on my way back after I got the Earthing Balm from you." I explained.

"Yes, about that, I am curious if it provided you the help you needed." He replied with a slightly more relaxed expression, looking at Mightion. "I believe that the answer is yes."

"I'm afraid we will never know." I started, trying to find the best way to explain what happened.

"What do you mean?" Asked Baine confused.

"Those soldiers that Sylvanas sent after me? They attacked me, one of them hit the coffret holding the Earthing Balm. I didn't realised it, but by the time I reached Wyrmrest Temple, all of it was gone." I let out, looking down slightly, well aware of the value of the Balm for the Tauren. "I'm sorry."

He told me all about the Balm, its origins and the duty given to the Tauren coming alongside it, how they used it to cure the world when regular ways failed. It had been a gift used with great parsimony through the generations of tauren, bestowed by the Earth-Warder himself. I could only imagine how saddening and angry Baine would be at learning that I lost it that dumbly.

Baine stood silent, not looking at me but deep in thoughts for a few seconds before he blew out a lot of warm air out of his massive lungs, bringing his eyes back toward me.

"This is a tragic loss. Moreover, it wasn't even used." He said.

"Yet, the fault is on the Horde. They are the one who attacked Amaria for no reason, breaking the chest holding the Balm in the first place." Intervened Mightion.

I didn't really wanted Mightion to join in, I felt like it was my fault and that I had to bear the responsibility of its loss.

"Yes." Agreed Baine, much to my shock. "As much as it pains me to know that fellow members of the Horde are responsible for its loss, it cannot be denied. Sylvanas. Her actions have been taking a darker turn, she is leading the Horde without honour, bringing division among us."

He seemed more angry toward his Warchief than me, which wasn't totally unexpected, but I was a bit surprised to know he felt like that toward her.

"Have you seen what happened to Undercity? What she did?" Asked Baine with both a harsher and pained tone.

"I did." I instantly said, remembering the horrific gas that she had unleashed. "I was there. I saw the gas killing foes and friends without distinction, she only wanted to kill as many members of the Alliance, regardless of the cost."

"I thought that dragons refused to choose a side in this war." He said surprised.

"We are. I only intervened as a support for healers, bringing wounded to the back and assisting in any way possible." I replied.

"Then you know that Sylvanas is becoming more than a danger for the Alliance. I fear that she will break the Horde."

"And will you do anything to stop her?" Asked Mightion.

"I will not." Replied Baine after a few seconds.

"Why?" I asked a bit taken aback. Baine looked like the type of person willing to put himself forward and speak his mind, I would have thought him ready to protest.

"I cannot bring any more division in the Horde than there is already. Many do feel as I do, but it wouldn't be wise to act now. Sylvanas isn't telling us everything, she has many plans going on behind her walls." He explained before taking a big breath. "But I believe you didn't came to me to talk about the Horde. Since the Balm was lost, yet your friend appears to be fine, is it accurate of me to suggest that you found another way to save him?"

"You're not mad that I lost the Balm?" I asked a bit unsure.

"I may be disappointed, but not in you, warden of the earth. I will tell Sylvanas about this." He replied with a small smile.

"Rokhan will do the same. Alexstrasza made it clear that she wouldn't tolerate another unprovoked attack on any dragon not affiliated with the Wyrmrest Accords." Added Mightion.

"Oh? You've met him? Rokhan is a good friend of mine, he has right morals and the heart well placed. He will help you." Affirmed Baine brighter. "But if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to know how you succeeded to repel the Corrupter."

"Right. Back to the Balm." I chuckled briefly.

I launched myself into this dark tale, explaining in great detail all I did, the influence of N'Zoth, what happened in Stormwind and how I destroyed it as well as all that happened after, to finally save Mightion. And even though I made it clear that I thought myself responsable for most of what happened, Mightion stopped me many times to correct me and say that it was more N'Zoth's fault than mine. In a way, I was both thankful and a bit annoyed with him. It felt good to know that he, along with many others, didn't see me as the monster who did these things, who succumbed to N'Zoth, but it was also a problem as it was indeed me who fell, not anyone else.

"This bring me to the reason of our visit. To apologise but also to honour my promise." I said neutrally as I looked into Baine's eyes.

"You didn't had to come so soon. As I understand, you haven't fully recovered yet." He replied with a sympathetic expression. I swear this tauren had a heart bigger than anyone else. And I also had to thank Mightion for telling him about my wounds.

"I am. It's just a scar that will take a long time to heal, but I'm fine otherwise." I countered.

"If you say so." Baine let go of the subject. "And I am honoured that in all that happened to you, you still found the time to think about us. It tells a lot about you."

I blushed a bit at this unexpected praise, accepting it as quickly as I let it go.

"As I was saying, I want to assure you that I'll be there should you ever need me. You helped me, helped us." I said as I turned toward Mightion with a smile which he reciprocated. "It is more than fair to return the favour."

"High-Chieftain, you have my most sincere gratitude for what you gave to save me. Vain as it turned out to be, I won't forget it. But more than my thanks for saving me, I too, want to offer you and your tribe my services. Tending to Azeroth is no easy task, and I know that your ancestors gave a lot to follow that duty that used to be only ours. Me and Amaria will soon start mending Azeroth wounds, and there is much to be done, but should you ever need us, we will be there." Added Mightion far more solemnly than me.

I nodded toward Baine, approving Mightion's words.

"And it is with as much honour that I accept your support. The Earth-Mother suffered a lot during the Legion's invasion, and I'm afraid that peace won't come soon with the war ravaging our world. Your presence will be very well received and I'm certain that both the Cenarion Circle, but more importantly, the Earthen Ring, would love to contact you soon." Smiled Baine as he stood up.

We did the same and followed him outside the massive tent. We crossed a part of the city to reach another larger building, built separately from the rest and reachable thanks to a long bridge of planks and ropes.

"Welcome to the Elder Rise, there is someone I'd like you to meet." Invited us Baine.

Stepping inside, we were met by a few Taurens discussing around a small fire, stopping their chat as we entered.

"High-Chieftain." They all said more or less at the same time.

"Friends. I would require Muln's presence." Replied Baine.

A large tauren, which was basically like every single tauren I ever saw, even if this one was slightly bigger, stood up and led us to the side, putting us out of sight of the rest of the tauren.

"What can I do for you, High-Chieftain?" Asked the tauren, Muln I presumed.

"Let me introduce you Amaria and Mightion, dragons of the black dragonflight. They are here to offer their help and I though that you would be interested to meet them." Introduced us Baine. "Friends, meet Muln Earthfury, our High-Shaman."

Muln's eyebrows rose up quite quickly, apparently surprised by our presence. "That is quite an unexpected news, but a welcomed one. We contacted Wrathion long ago and he made it quite clear that he had no interest in helping us." He replied a bit brighter.

"He is a very young whelp, he may not follow the duty of our flight and has dreams of greatness, but he acts for good." Answered Mightion quite diplomatically. I would have been less kind. "And he certainly does not direct our actions. Both me and Amaria are here without him knowing. Not that he won't learn about it, I believe he has spies almost everywhere."

"It lightens my heart to know that there are more guardians to carry on the Earth-Warder's legacy. I won't ask where you two were during all this time, but I will happily tell the other members of the Elder Council about your support." He bowed down slightly.

"We're more than happy to help." I smiled at him.

"We won't be doing anything today or anytime soon, but is there anything preoccupating that you'd like to tell us?" Asked Mightion.

"I'm certain that you'll hear about it soon, but the world is dying. Quite literally. It isn't just the wars at its surface, but the Titan beneath. Azeroth is bleeding, its Azerite is cracking the earth all over the word, especially in Silithus. Speaker Magni and several heroes of Azeroth managed to depower Sargeras' sword, but its still there. Your help would be invaluable to mend Azeroth's wounds, appease its suffering."

"Wait." Interrupted him Mightion. "You said speaker?"

"Yes. He hears the voice of Azeroth and has become her speaker, the one who share her words with us." Answered Muln.

"I've been told not too long ago that a certain speaker would bring warnings about Azeroth. There isn't much chances that it could be someone else." Continued Mightion.

"Then you should go meet him at your earliest convenience. He currently resides in Silithus, there is a camp there with both members of the Cenarion Circle and the Earthen Ring. They will tell you how to reach the chamber where Magni is." Added Muln, more seriously than earlier.

I had completely forgotten about that speaker, Mightion did mentioned it to me, very briefly, but I didn't gave it much more thoughts, having far more pressing matters to deal with. But it seemed like it would indeed be important to meet him soon. It gave us a goal, a more concrete application of our duties. I wasn't exactly thrilled to start now, with all I had to do already, but it was something that would have to be done at some point.

"We will, thank you for telling us." I thanked him.

"You're welcome." Bowed down slightly Muln.

"We're here to help." Agreed Mightion.

"But we have things to do first. We will come if there's any emergency, but we have previous engagements to honour first." I added.

"Do not worry, you're not the only ones helping, others can take your place for now." Affirmed Muln.

With that said, we started to take our leave, exiting the tent along with Baine and Muln. We reached the wooden bridge and I gripped the rope with my right hand, only to snap it back as a sudden wave of pain surged in my scar. I hissed and shook it a bit, trying to dissipate the pain, to no avail sadly. Mightion stopped and turned around, looking at me for a second before glaring at my hand.

"It hurts already?" He asked.

It was indeed a bit soon, seeing that I got Mother to heal my hand not long ago, but I did used more magic than usual, meaning that the corruption inside the scar was more likely to surge.

"Yes. Don't worry, I'll have Mother to take a look when we return." I replied, massaging my hand.

"Is there something bothering you?" Asked Baine with genuine concern on his face.

"A scar left from my encounter with N'Zoth. Its still fresh, but a quick heal and its better." I tried to reassure them with a smile.

"Alexstrasza won't be there for you everyday, you can't keep bothering her with it." Interjected Mightion with a mix of concern and annoyance.

"I know." I glared lightly at him, well aware of how inconvenient that was for both me and Alexstrasza. "Its not like I want to pester her."

I caught Muln and Baine exchanging a glance, with the former taking a step forward.

"If I may, lady Amaria, could-" He started.

"Don't call me lady, Amaria is enough." I cut him off, my mood still dropping as the pain kept harassing me.

"Very well." Muln continued, completely unfazed. "You said that you didn't required a lot to be healed. Does this mean that a novice could handle your injury?"

"I don't know. Maybe. Alexstrasza said that any priest or druid could do it."

"Then I may have a solution for you. Follow-me."

We crossed the city again and reached a small collection of tents, gathered on one side of a large mesa. There, five younger taurens, though they were still of a very impressive stature, being nearly two meters and a half tall, compared to Baine and Muln's three meters tall; were busy around a few pots of boiling water or casting spells on various plants and even some trees.

Most of them stopped what they were doing at our arrival, with only two working around the pots that kept stirring.

"Amaria, Mightion, may I introduce you our future druids. They are still learning, but they are competent." Presented us Muln.

"Nice to meet you all." I said, not managing to smile due to the pain.

"My pleasure." Continued Mightion even if he kept looking at me.

"Roko Proudwalker, step forward." Called Muln.

One of the young druid, a tauren with a dark orange and nearing brown fur, separated from the group. He was wearing a few pieces of armour made out of leather, covering his lower body, and a long sleeve shirt open at the middle, along with armbands on his forearms. Two white horns pointing forwards and a rather large tuft of darker hair on his head completed his look.

"High-Shaman, High-Chieftain." Roko said, giving a slightly unsure look toward us.

"Roko, let me introduce you Amaria and Mightion, dragons from the black dragonflight." Introduced us Baine.

"Amaria, would you mind letting Roko taking care of your injury?" Asked Muln.

"Not at all." I instantly agreed, only wishing to get rid of the pain.

I walked up to Roko and showed him my hand and the ugly scar within, pulsing stronger than ever with dark energy. He gave me a long look and then, slowly, took a better look at my hand, and I saw him starting to wonder how to react. He and the other young druids certainly looked like they were still learning, and I was starting to doubt about their capabilities.

Yet, Roko started to gather magic in his hands, a green glow surrounding them and seemingly dancing as its brightness increased. He then aimed his three-fingered hands toward mine and I watched the magic surround my hand and seeping in the scar. I expected the pain to lessen, but it did nothing, and I saw how it took Roko by surprise, with him removing his hands.

Thinking that that was it, I was about to remove my hand, not wanting to waste more time as the pain kept clouding my mind. But a slightly more resolute expression flashed on Roko's face and he started gathering magic again, still green but with a slightly golden glow that weaved itself in the spell, before casting the magic in my palm a second time.

This time, the relief was near instantaneous and I sighed in relief, the pain quickly disappearing as I flexed my hand. I looked up to Roko to see that he was smiling lightly, along with a relieved expression.

"I was right to choose you, Roko." Interrupted Muln, looking at my hand too and giving an approving nod at the younger tauren.

"Thank you, High-Shaman. I hadn't expected the basic healing spell to not work, but combining it with a rejuvenation spell seemed to have worked." Roko replied a bit more relaxed.

"It did worked. Thanks a lot, the pain was really starting to be impeding." I gave him my sincerest thanks.

"You did well, young druid. You went with the most basic spell first, saw its lack of effect and identified its cause accurately." Congratulated him Muln again before turning toward me. "Amaria. I would like to suggest you to take Roko as your personal healer."

I was a bit taken aback by his proposition, but I should have seen it coming. And thinking about his offer, I didn't really had any objection, as it was becoming clear that I would need my scar to be attended to several times a day. More if I forced a bit too much on my magic. Though, taking a glance at Roko, it was clear that the offer both took him by surprise but also that he didn't seemed particularly thrilled. He even looked reluctant.

"I wouldn't mind, but it will be Roko's decision. I can't in good conscience accept if he doesn't want to come." I said.

All eyes were now on the young druid, who was heavily thinking about his choice. I could imagine what he was thinking, maybe he didn't wanted to leave his homeland, maybe he didn't felt ready and so many more reasons.

"High-Shaman, the Archdruid Hammul hasn't approved of my studies yet. I still have much to learn, I do not think myself to be capable enough." Replied Roko.

"He speaks highly of you, young Roko. Your apprenticeship here might not be over, but leaving and exploring the world is the best way to truly understand the Earth-Mother. You will expand your horizons, gather new lessons from many new teachers. Hammul may be away for now, but I know he would approve my words." Encouraged him Muln.

Roko seemed to mull this over a bit more, finally turning toward me and Mightion.

"If I do come with you, what do you expect of me?" He asked, still feeling a hesitant.

A very legitimate question and concern.

"It would be to be my personal... lets say, caretaker. I need a daily application of healing magic on my scar, otherwise it hurts too much and I can hardly focus anymore. That would be the main reason of your presence. Me and Mightion will be residing in Blackrock Mountain, in the Burning Steppes. There isn't many animals leaving there, and very few plants can grow with the constant rain of ashes." I explained, taking my time to make sure that he knew what he would be stepping in. "I understand that all of these are very good reasons to refuse, especially for a druid. But, should you ever want to go anywhere, me or Mightion could take you wherever you need to be. I certainly do not want to have you stuck in the mountain all day long, and I would appreciate a few plants in the mountain, if only to decorate. It is very bland and harsh looking as of right now."

"Though, we don't plan to stay there all the time. We will be travelling, mostly to attend to Azeroth. Your help in these trips will be invaluable." Added Mightion.

"It does seems like the perfect opportunity to improve your knowledge of our world." Added Baine. "But, the choice is ultimately yours. There is no shame in refusing."

The look Roko gave his Chieftain was more determined than I expected.

"I will not back down." Said Roko, speaking without an ounce of uncertainty, and then turning toward us with a bow. "While I feel far from ready to become a true druid, it would be my honour to be of service, children of the Earth-Warder."

"There is no need of titles with us." I warned him playfully.

"At least not for her." Added Mightion with a small grin. I glared at him, but he didn't relented. "What? We will be the Lord and Lady of Blackrock Mountain. You should get used to it now."

"I had enough of titles and fame for two lifetimes." There wasn't many arguments I could give to counter Mightion, since most people in this world addressed each other by their titles. "Though, I understand why you may prefer to call me by my title. I won't mind it too much, but I would prefer you not to do so."

"Understood, Amaria."

"Wonderful! You shall make us proud, young Roko. Of that, I have no doubt." Exclaimed Muln.

"Thank you for your trust, High-Shaman. If you excuse-me, I'll go gather my belongings." Replied Roko, bowing his head to all of us before walking toward one of the tents.

I watched him go, thinking about how he would need a proper room in Blackrock Mountain. Me and Mightion could sleep on the ground in our dragon forms without worry, but Roko would probably prefer a bed or at least anything better than stone to sleep on. And maybe buy him whatever he needed to do his druid stuff. Plants, most likely.

"That is the second time that you're being of great help, Baine. I don't even know how to repay you this time." I sighed happily as I looked at him.

"There is no need, Amaria. Your presence is greatly appreciated, and I'm sure that you can repay this service by helping Roko in return."

"We will see to it. Thank you, Baine." I replied.

"You and your clans shall be welcome in Blackrock Mountain. It may be in the Alliance's territory, but we're the ones in control of the mountain. Except Sylvanas and her partisans, both members of the Alliance and the Horde shall be welcome in what will become a neutral ground." Decided to announce Mightion, a bit to my surprise, I will confess. Not that I minded, the war may rage on, but I had no reserves against having members of both sides in our home as long as they were ready to not fight each other.

"You have my gratitude." Replied Baine, holding his hand toward Mightion.

He shook it and then it was my turn, as if we were signing a silent agreement. It felt like it was more than that though, like if we were friends or companions agreeing to be there for the others. It was quite fun to shake hands with him, seeing as his was like three or four times bigger than mine.

We only had to wait a little longer for Roko to come back out of his tent, a large bag on his shoulder and a long robe now covering his shirt, still open in the middle but almost reaching the ground.;

"Apprentice Roko, it is both an honour and a duty that befalls on you. We know that you won't fail us, that you won't fail our allies, and trust that you shall act accordingly to your new status. Make us proud. And in no time, you shall return to complete your education and receive your staff. Go with the spirits' blessing, Apprentice Roko." Baine announced loudly, making sure that all those around heard his words.

Claps and stomps of applause followed, with a few of Roko's fellow apprentice coming to congratulate him, as well as Baine giving him a small collar made our of feathers and carved pieces of wood. Me and Mightion stood slightly aside, watching all of this happen in silence but without any sort of discomfort.

"Coming here was the right decision." Finally said Mightion, hands crossed in his back.

"Yes." I agreed.

...

"Every day that pass, and I see another extent of your kindness, your humility." Mightion said calmly, turning toward me and looking deeply into my eyes.

I had nothing to reply for a couple of seconds, not really knowing how to answer that.

"Why are you saying that?" I asked.

"You care, for others before yourself, no matter who they are. Its not uncommon, but few are like this in our flight. I know many dragons who would have taken Roko as their healer in a second had they been in the same situation as yourself, putting themselves before anyone else. Me included. But you, you agreed to take him only if he was alright with it. Ready to accept his refusal. We black dragons are often too proud to act with the care that you're displaying, and to me, it is as refreshing as it is surprising." He explained, gently taking my hand. "I truly am lucky to have the chance to be with you."

I was blushing madly by the time he finished, listening to him describe me in such a favourable light. I knew I wasn't as kind as he was making me like, I had many defaults, much like anyone else, some could say; but he was comparing me to the rest of the black dragonflight and himself. The other black dragons, I heard many bad things about them, since they almost only acted toward the destruction of Azeroth for centuries. But Mightion? I knew he wasn't like that, and hearing him speak of himself like this, rubbed me the wrong way. My hand was still wrapped by his glove, not grabbed or clutched, free to go at any moment. I could feel the tough material it was made of, but I could also sense his hand beneath it, and the gentleness he was displaying.

Pressing gently, trying to find the right words to not make a fool of myself, I looked into his bright, loving eyes with determination.

"I'm not the only one that differs from the rest of our flight. You say that the black dragonflight is uncaring, unloving. That's because that is all you ever known about them. I'm sure that it wasn't like that before the old gods corrupted them all. But even then, I know that you're different. You spoke of your family with love, you've been thinking of me before you almost since I met you. I know that you can care and love as much as I. It is harder for me, I'm still struggling against myself, but I now know that I love you too. You've been expressing your love far more openly than me, let it be by your words or your actions, and you've reacted to my unwillingness with far more patience than I could have ever asked. "

He gazed in my eyes silently, while I did the same.

"And I feel lucky too, to be with you." I added, smiling lovingly. "You've been courteous, kind, caring and perhaps just a little bit too touchy to my taste. But I don't mind staying with you. I don't mind loving you, if it means that you'll care for me this way the rest of our lives."

I used a bit more strength and started to bring him closer to me, feeling brave enough to officialise my words with actions. He seemed quite surprised by my movement but didn't stopped me, bringing his other hand behind my head as he bent down slowly. We kept staring into each other's eyes, a small smile on our lips that brightened our face coming closer at each second. Mightion had probably wanted to kiss me for a long time already, and he had been patient enough to wait for me. And now I felt ready, I was coming to terms with the fact that I truly loved him, that it wasn't just a false love made by the old gods.

That was it. I didn't thought that we would be doing it this soon, but it felt right. I started to close my eyes, ready to feel the contact of his lips on mine.

"I am ready."

My eyes opened wide at the interruption and I turned to the right, looking at Roko, standing there with his bag and nearly the whole city behind him, all staring at us.

I exploded in embarrassment, not able to say anything as I felt my face literally warm up, so much so that I was probably red as a tomato. Mightion grunted for a second before sighing, and I dared not look into his eyes as I realised that we almost kissed in front of so many strangers. I let go of his hands and kept staring at mine, not feeling like I could look at the taurens after that.

"Then let's be on our way." Agreed Mightion, quite stoic and not letting his disappointment show itself too much. "Amaria, could you create a portal for Blackrock, please?"

I nodded and got to work, using all of my occlumency practice to focus myself on my magic and not letting my thoughts about what almost happened hinder me. It took a little while, but the portal was finally ready, floating above the ground as a little hum of magic echoed around it.

"Thank you for everything, High-Chieftain. We will see each other soon." Thanked Mightion one last time.

"Safe travels to all of you, and may the Earth-Mother protect you." Replied Baine with a small bow of the head.

Without having said a word, I bowed too and stepped in the portal, eager to put this very embarrassing moment behind me.