Tiene entered the house with a soft smile on her lips and went through to the kitchen. She glanced out the window that faced the direction Camnath had disappeared and sighed.

Utterly oblivious to her audience of three grinning males who were to her left in the dining area, she started to hum as she then poured herself a cup of melon juice.

"That's my tune, and you hate it," Ianris said. 

Startled, Tiene spilt a small amount of juice on the table. Her spectators laughed lightly among themselves as her face flushed bright red. She picked up a cloth and dabbed up the spilt liquid. Still embarrassed, she growled back at her brother," I don't hate it, I'm just fed up with hearing you whistle it everywhere you go."

Inaris walked towards her, with an occasional glance back at the others, who were still grinning. "Now then, little sister, who was that young man?"

Tiene threw the cloth into the sink and swiped her cup up, almost spilling it again. "You were watching me?" she accused.

"Well we could hardly miss you both, you came to the front of the house after all," Inaris explained with hands held up in an attempt to appease her.

She seemed to accept his explanation. Looking past his shoulder, she saw Duthan and Lor'themar trying to look as if they were innocent bystanders. "You will know who he is anyway," Tiene said to Inaris, her mouth betraying a little smile at the corners. "They met him earlier." She nodded in the direction of the other two.

Ianris feigned surprise. "Duthan! Is this true?"

"Oh, stop it!" Tiene said. "I know fine they would have told you, and no doubt the three of you were spying on me. Probably even placed a bet on something or another."

A fleeting look of guilt passed between the brothers then Inaris laughed and put his arm around Tiene's shoulders, steering her into the dining area. "Tell me all about him," he said.

"Nothing to tell," she said, her cheeks flushing a little again.

Duthan spoke up. "He seemed a nice enough young man. Smitten with you anyway, Tiene."

She blushed deeper. "No, I think not. I stealthed yesterday when training. I thought everyone knew how to do it, but they don't. So, Camnath wants me to teach him the way you showed me, Inaris. But, he didn't speak to me before that."

Duthan raised an eyebrow. "I think, Tiene, it probably gave him the courage to talk to you."

She smiled shyly and dropped her gaze. The brothers, Lor'themar included, decided to cease from teasing her on the subject. It would be unfair to torment her.

"As long as he is nice to you, that's all we are bothered about." Inaris gave her shoulders a gentle squeeze then leaned closer to her ear. "Now, haven't you got dinner to prepare?"

She gasped. She had forgotten. "Oh, yes!" She ducked under Inaris' arm and made her way back into the kitchen where she busied herself, preparing their meal.

The conversation at dinner had been mainly about the Rangers' fight against the Amani trolls over the past few weeks. They had managed to keep them from advancing towards Tranquillien, at best keeping them within their boundaries of Zul'aman. There were still pockets of trolls in the surrounding countryside, but their attacks had lessened, for the time being, anyway.

Peace would never exist between the elves and the trolls. Constant intervention would be necessary. Sylvanas had been disappointed her Rangers' efforts did not result in as final an outcome as she had wished, but they had prevented further attacks from occurring at least for now.

The Ranger-General had decided to send some of the Ranger squads home as they were able to keep the trolls at bay with fewer numbers. They would, however, be recalled after a week so those left behind could then go home to their families too.

It turned out even Sylvanas' family were going through some significant events also. Her sister Vereesa, also a Ranger, had announced her betrothal to a human mage of the Kirin Tor by the name of Rhonin, and they were soon to be married.

Vereesa had been assigned a few months ago to escort the mage on a mission to rescue the Dragon Queen, Alexstrasza, from a former member of the Dragonmaw Clan, the orc warlock Nekros Skullcrusher. The orc had imprisoned the Dragon Queen using the Demon Soul, an ancient artefact from the time of the War of the Ancients. It was a powerful talisman created by the Dragon Aspect, Neltharion, to defeat the Burning Legion.

Rhonin had to destroy the Demon Soul, and in doing so released Alexstrasza. Her liberation turned the tables on the orcs during the war and brought it to an end shortly after. The mission also had an unexpected result. Vereesa and Rhonin had fallen in love.

On hearing the story, Tiene smiled. Ordinarily, such stories were dismissed by her, as her mind would be out in the woods chasing lynx or more recently, going over some of her studies. Today, however, it made her smile. It did not go unnoticed. Inaris noticed, but remained quiet.

A loud knock came to the door. Everyone looked at each other in silent surprise; none were expecting visitors. Inaris volunteered to answer it while the others continued with their meal.

A loud scuffle followed by the sound of something breaking came from near the front door. Instantly the family was up and round to see what happened. Inaris was on the floor. A small side table lay broken beside him. Blood trickled between his fingers as he held his hand over his nose. Tiene gasped and ran to aid her brother.

An enormous man stood in the doorframe glaring down at the warlock. "You stay away from my wife, Firefury, or so help me - I will knock you into Kalimdor and back."

Yathas was trying to appease the man while glaring down at his errant son, but the man would not listen to him. Duthan and Lor'themar fared no better, with the man threatening to add them to his list if they interfered anymore. He continued to glare at Inaris, fists clenched. Tiene feared that her brother would retaliate with magic, and she knew that would have a high probability of making matters worse.

But Tiene recognised the man. He was the weaponsmith who was prone to dalliances of his own, according to gossip.

Tiene had never condoned her brother's behaviour when it came to the ladies, but neither did she tolerate hypocrisy. And no matter what, no-one hit her brothers.

Tiene took a deep breath and suddenly stood up, facing the man with all the threat her slender frame could muster. "How dare you come to our home and assault my brother!" She pointed at Inaris' bloodied face.

"Tiene! Stay out of this," her father scolded.

She pretended not to hear and proceeded with her verbal assault, stepping closer to the angry man.

"Well, little girl, what are you going to do about it?" The weaponsmith's face betrayed a look of mockery at the slip of a lass pointing an accusatory finger at him. There was another look in his eyes too — one which Tiene did not like in the slightest and made her flesh crawl.

"Perhaps if you paid more attention to your wife than your customers' daughters, she wouldn't be tempted to fall into the arms of someone else!" she snapped at the man.

She heard her brothers and father gasp behind her, and the look on the weaponsmith's face was disbelief. And utter humiliation.

"Yes! Us girls talk!" She bluffed, leaning towards his bulky frame. No one spoke to her about such things; she'd just heard snippets in passing.

"So, think twice before you accuse others..." Tiene roughly scuffed Inaris' leg with her foot and glared at him too. " ... if it's true, of course." She had no doubt it was, but she just wanted to plant that little note of uncertainty in the weaponsmith's mind. She glared back at the man in the doorway. He wasn't so threatening anymore. He slowly shuffled back before turning around briskly and walking away.

Once he was out of sight, Tiene visibly relaxed. She turned to face a stunned audience. She involuntarily bit her bottom lip, the realisation dawning on her that she had just taken a considerable risk in facing up to the burly beast of a weaponsmith. Still, it had the desired effect.

She knelt beside Inaris, whose eyes were sparkling with mirth apart from the fact he was still bleeding. "As for you," she said. "Stick to the single ladies. I won't always be around to save you." She grinned. It felt surprisingly good being able to say that to her over-protective brother.

She helped him up and took him through to the kitchen, where she cleansed his bloodied face. The others followed and watched silently, still in awe of what had just happened. She kept her voice low as she spoke with her wayward brother. "I warned you, did I not?"

He couldn't help but grin at her. "Yes, you did. But sometimes, when you want something or someone, you just have to take them."

She stared at her brother. He realised how that had sounded. "I did not mean she was not willing, I meant... You might understand one day, Tiene."

"Hmm. Well, I do not wish to hear the sordid details, dear brother, but I strongly advise you to be perhaps more - careful, in future."

He smiled. Here was his little sister giving him advice on matters of which she had yet to learn. It was rather endearing. He dropped a quick kiss on her head before she pushed him away, with a smirk.

She finished tending his injuries, then with a flourish she turned to her father, Duthan and Lor'themar. "Now, gentlemen," she said, smiling. "I think I have deserved a reprieve from the washing up, so all of you can see to it." Then without waiting for a response, she headed off to her room.

Yathas glanced round the young men, affording a scowl at Inaris, and shook his head. He sighed. "She is more like her mother every day." 

Over the next week, Camnath walked Tiene home every day, but he was unable to join her to train on stealth until the beginning of the following week due to chores he had to carry out for his father who was a tailor and needed some deliveries done. Tiene was just happy that he wanted to walk her home regardless.

The knowing looks from Inaris and Duthan never stopped although they did not verbally tease her.

The day Camnath was able to join her for training, he walked her home as per usual. It was a little more comfortable making conversation now, although the odd crystal silence would present itself.

Tiene suggested they go out to the woods where she learned much about movement and stealth through observation of the lynx. Camnath agreed, he had never considered studying an animal's agility and using it as a reference for developing his movements. Before heading out to the woods, however, Tiene stopped at home to collect some spring water and fruit, which she thought would be suitable for them when taking a break.

About fifteen minutes later, they had arrived at an area which Tiene favoured for her observations. She was delighted to see her favourite lynx present. She signalled for Camnath to follow her and they watched the great cat from behind a shrub.

"See how she stalks," Tiene whispered.

"Yes," he replied, eyes entirely focused on the feline as she drew nearer her prey.

"I have realised it is not only the fact her soft paws make her approach practically inaudible, but also she chooses very carefully from which angle she attacks. If the prey is downwind from her, it will give her presence away long before it sees her."

"So what does that teach us?"

"Make sure you have a bath first in case you are unable to attack in the right direction." Tiene chuckled.

Camnath laughed too. "Nice one," he said.

She noticed how beautiful his smile was but quickly turned her attention back to the lynx when he glanced at her. "So, you have seen how she moves. Now try to emulate what you have seen." She moved away from the shrub and the direction of the lynx.

"You are saying I go on all fours?" 

"Almost. It would not be practical to try to mirror a cat completely; our anatomy is very different. But try this." She crouched down, as low as she possibly could, and she ran while her body remained unbelievably low. Her movement was fluid, no hitch in her steps at all. Then she turned and repeating the move, arrived back where he stood.

"How can you do that?" he asked, eyes wide.

"Just try," she said. "Start like this," she went into the crouch on all fours to demonstrate again.

He got into position, just like her. When he brought his hands up and tried to move his feet, he fell face-first into the grass. He pushed himself up and met Tiene's amused expression. He smiled a little awkwardly. "I think this is going to take some time," he said.

"Don't worry, I have been watching them for months, and I have only really started to get it right recently." She exaggerated, of course, it had only taken her a few attempts, but she said what she did so that he wouldn't feel so bad.

"We have less than a month before you leave though," he said.

She felt a tightening in her chest. "Yes, but you will be able to perfect the moves on your own once you get the basics."

He looked at her for a few moments, a little flicker of sadness swam in his eyes, then he nodded, before trying the move again.

This time he managed two steps before kissing the grass again. By the time half an hour had passed, he had successfully managed four steps, but his face was covered in green streaks, stained from mowing the lawn too often. 

Music: Once Upon A Time composed by Adrian von Ziegler

https://youtu.be/LEg4ZUT8MFI

Tiene suggested they have some spring water and a snack. He accepted gratefully. They drank in silence, occasionally meeting each other's gaze before shifting their eyes elsewhere. Tiene suddenly let a small laugh escape.

"What is it?" Camnath asked, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. He smeared the grass stain on his chin wider. Tiene laughed again.

"I'm sorry, Camnath. It's just..." She gestured to his face.

He wiped at his face with the palm of his hand and looked horrified when his palm came away bright green. He looked up at Tiene and saw her struggling not to laugh again. The corners of his mouth twitched. "I must be a sight," he said.

"Wait a moment," Tiene said. She took a handkerchief from her bag, doused it in spring water and gently dabbed his face clean. He flinched a little as she wiped his jaw. "Sorry," she said, drawing back.

"It's alright," he replied, running his finger over the area that stung. "I must have grazed myself during one of the falls, that's all. Please, continue." He raised his face towards her, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

She avoided his gaze as she cleaned him, struggling to keep a blush at bay. The more she saw him, the more he appealed to her. Trying not to stare for too long, she noted how his black hair was smooth and silken pulled up in the high knot. It revealed a handsome face with the azure eyes of the High elven race, and a full, firm mouth.

How she wished she was as pretty as the other girls though, maybe then it wouldn't just be her abilities in which he was interested. If only Duthan's words were right. Inwardly she sighed. She was what she was, and there was nothing she could do about it.

She was relieved when the cleaning of his face was complete but strangely disappointed too.

"Thank you," he said softly, his hand briefly brushed hers as she drew the handkerchief away. She jumped a little at the contact, but not so much that he noticed.

"You're welcome," she replied as she folded the cloth.

He grimaced when he saw how green the fabric was. "Sorry about that," he said, pointing to it.

"It will wash." She smiled and put the handkerchief back in her bag.

They were quiet for a few moments before he spoke again. "I think perhaps we should give this particular exercise a miss for the time being."

She smiled coyly. "Perhaps that would be best. For today anyway."

"Can you teach me the method you use for stealth though? Or will I end up another colour?"

"No, you will remain as you are," she giggled. "It involves an incantation, which once you have learned, you will not have to recite it aloud, but need only think it."

"That sounds easy. And I won't look like the meadow afterwards?" Camnath smiled.

"No." Tiene laughed. "But you should blend into it, so no-one knows you are there."

"Ok. I'm ready."

"Repeat after me then...Onas,"

"Onas."

"Thuash." She smiled.

"Thuash." He smiled back.

"D'aresh."

"D'aresh."

"Alsu o'doreu."

"Alsu... what?"

She repeated it.

He tried again. "Alsu o'doreu."

"Good. Now put it together. Onas thuash d'aresh, alsu o'doreu." Tiene vanished.

Camnath spun around, trying to locate her. She tugged his ponytail. "Hey!" He laughed. "Not fair."

"Repeat it then," she said.

He turned in the direction of her voice. "I – I can't remember it!" he said, laughing lightly.

So she repeated it word for word with him until finally, he managed it on his own. He was finally stealthed, and the look of surprise on his face was priceless.

He spun slowly, looking at everything around him, including Tiene who he now saw even though he couldn't locate her before. The world was in two-tone and rippled in front of him. He held up his hands, mesmerised as the skin seemed to ripple before his eyes. "It's like ... like being underwater!" he said, utterly amazed. He had not expected this at all.

"Yes, but it gets better. The haze will lessen the more you practice, although it won't disappear altogether."

"This is amazing!" He looked up at Tiene, his eyes bright and smile wide.

Her heart skipped a beat; those pesky butterflies were beating their wings in her stomach again.

Camnath moved to where she stood. "Thank you, Tiene," he said.

Her face flushed at his closeness. She stammered a little. "You will need to know h - how to come out of stealth too." She found it difficult to look at him; her heart was hammering.

He placed a hand on her forearm. The butterflies suddenly swarmed and flew round in their hundreds. "It's only one word, so easier to remember ..." Before she could utter it, he kissed her lips, soft, light.

"Tiene ..." he whispered.

"Sha'al," she said nervously, instantly materialising back into the real spectrum.

After a moment, she felt him release her arm and heard him quietly utter sha'al, a short distance from her.

For a few moments, he seemed lost for words. He picked up her bag in silence. He glanced at her, then turned in the direction of the city and with a sigh, said, "Guess I better walk you home now."

She didn't know how to react. On the one hand, she was delirious that Camnath had kissed her. On the other, the act had rendered useless, and at a loss of how to respond. All she could do was nod and follow as he headed towards the city gates.

Their journey back to her house was in total silence. She chanced the odd glance, but he seemed to be avoiding her gaze. Perhaps he had simply got carried away by being able to stealth and didn't realise what he was doing. That was probably it, she deduced.

They reached her door. Camnath took a deep breath and quickly looked at her. He seemed so embarrassed. "I'm sorry, Tiene. It won't happen again." He handed her the bag.

"Oh." Tiene took the bag and swallowed her disappointment. Lowering her eyes, she mumbled, "It's alright, Camnath. Don't worry about it."

He smiled half-heartedly and turned to walk away.

This time Tiene didn't wait to see if he would turn to wave at her. She reckoned he was just glad to get away from her.

As she closed the door, Camnath looked back. He fumed at himself for being so stupid. He'd just blown any chance he'd had of being something other than a sparring partner to her. She had been so quick to come out of stealth once he'd kissed her, he knew then he had made a move too soon.

It had taken him weeks to build up the courage to so much as speak to her, and now -. His shoulders slumped as he made his way home.

Tiene threw the bag onto her bed and flopped down, her chin resting on her hands.

She honestly didn't know whether he meant to kiss her or not or if her reaction ruined things. Infuriated with herself, she buried her head in her hands. She was going away to join the Crimson Blade soon. That meant three weeks left of seeing Camnath at the Students of Shadow and goodness knows if he would want to have the one-to-one training still. She could see this being genuinely awkward.

Unless -.

She sat up straight. What if she took a leaf out of her over-sexed brother's book? He had said sometimes when you want something, or someone, you just have to take them. She was not about to have a miserable last three weeks. She was going to find out one way or the other.

Hopefully, it would work in her favour, and Camnath would feel the same. Alternatively, if he hadn't meant anything other than an over-enthusiastic thank you, then she could at least move on without wondering anymore.

Look out, Camnath! She smirked.

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* Onas thuash d'aresh, alsu o'doreu – Of light and shadow, see me not

* Sha'al – Reveal

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