Music: The Elven Prophecy composed by BrunuhVille

https://youtu.be/7SPnSGJwbm4

Every two years, rogue guilds would meet for an evening of merriment known as The Gathering, held during Great-Father Winter holiday season. Guilds took turns at staging the event and the host guild would permit their students who were not spending the holidays with their families, to attend the evening. The guest Guild Leaders would attend with three of their top recruits. The celebration was a grand affair and eagerly looked forward to by the hosts and guests alike.

Tiene had chosen to stay, for Camnath had written to tell her he would be attending.

The evening would include music, dancing, good food, and duelling (for those so inclined) to show off their skills, and general camaraderie.

Having met some other guilds during her time with the Crimson Blade, albeit briefly, she was looking forward to mingling with others on a more social level.

Tiene was readying herself for the evening with help from Ella who fussed over her. The housemaid was not staying for the celebrations, but insisted on seeing Tiene in the splendid gown which Sauren had gifted the young rogue "as a reward for excellence".

The gown was exquisite - black with minuscule beads sewn into the bodice and scattered randomly in the skirts. It shimmered when Tiene moved and made the most amazing swooshing sound as she spun around; the skirts widening and swirling as she turned. While Ella busied herself closing the tiny fastenings at the back of the bodice, Tiene took time to reflect on the year's progress.

Since her arrival in Lordaeron twelve months ago, her likeability had been determined from the outset when Sauren had insisted she be given the lavish quarters in the main turret close to where his rooms were located. The preferential treatment was a mark of respect for her family's name and the legendary status her parents held from their time employed with the Crimson Blades.

But, as a direct result, she had been subjected to some scorn. Jealousy and indifference were also thrown in the mix from a few of the students. One, in particular, had been an enormous disappointment, but also a lesson. Thankfully, most students had been amiable enough, and some became good friends.

Her esteemed leader, Sauren, had been nothing but a gentleman and treated Tiene well; although he did tease her at times. They worked and trained together, periodically, but sometimes he would sit with her in the library where they discussed the books they enjoyed. They would walk along the battlements, sometimes in silence, sometimes in deep conversation. Overall, Guild Master and recruit got on well.

That, however, almost didn't happen when Lexie's departing 'gift' to Tiene cast aspersions upon the Guild Master. Lexie turned out to be a jealous, scorned lover and nothing more. Her accusations had led to Sauren divulging personal details - which, profoundly embarrassed Tiene, but also gave her some perspective. Her brothers were equally active with the ladies, but that did not detract from their kind hearts and decency; they were good men. Over time Tiene came to accept that her friend's words had stemmed from Lexie's sadness for being torn from the arms of the man with whom she was infatuated. Tiene, therefore, did not think ill of Lexie; if anything, she felt sorry for her.

Brett Hornsby was also delightful to Tiene, protective in a way, which was probably due to the fact he was still good friends with her father. He had told her of some of the missions and ventures he shared with her parents. Their Golden Days as they referred to them. Tiene was proud of how those who knew them spoke so reverently about her parents. Equally flattering was that they saw the same potential in her.

"There!" Ella's voice broke Tiene's reverie. "You look beautiful, Tiene."

Staring at herself in the mirror, Tiene could not help but feel like a queen. The gown was indeed splendid, and she was bursting with anticipation for this evening's festivities. "Thank you, Ella," she smiled at the maid's reflection.

"Have a wonderful evening, Tiene and enjoy the rest of Winter's Veil also." Farewells over, Ella left the room, and Tiene's focus turned to Camnath.

For all they had not seen each other in the last twelve months, they had maintained regular contact by letter. Their journeys home just never seemed to coincide no matter how much effort went into trying to arrange it. So, Tiene wondered how her ebony-haired elf would look now - a year older. No doubt he would have changed slightly, just as she had. Perhaps he would no longer be thin and reedy but toned and muscular and maybe even donned facial hair. Whatever, she had no doubt he would still be as handsome as ever.

Apart from cataloguing his progress with the Sigil of Shadow guild, his letters also expressed his feelings for her. Butterflies would dance in her belly as he said he wanted to make her his - to lay with her and love her. Her imagination ran wild with such thoughts, but she was concerned too - still being pure. What if she disappointed him when the time came? She hoped not.

Nevertheless, she had decided she would give herself to him this night. He was all she wanted; she loved him so much. It was to be his gift. Tonight was going to be so special, she just knew it.

*****

Sauren exited his rooms just as a pageboy ran up to his door. "A letter sir," the boy gasped. "Sorry sir, it got caught up with other things, hence the lateness of the delivery."

Sauren thanked the boy and shooed him away. He recognised the writing and eagerly opened the letter and read it. "Ah," he said softly to himself with a smile. "Excellent! Just what I hoped for." He folded the letter and placed it, envelope included into his inside pocket. Just then, Tiene's door opened.

He stilled at the sight of her, an involuntary gasp escaping his lips. She was exquisite. He had always seen an elegance in her since the first time they had met, but now, in this gown, she was utterly breath-taking - perfection, beyond compare.

"You are – stunning, Tiene," he said, his voice a touch more gravelly than usual.

She smiled shyly. There had been something in the way he'd looked at her, a glint in his deep brown eyes, which she had never seen before. For just a moment, it made her blush. Compliments were few in the Crimson Blades - unless it was about your fighting technique.

"And you too!" she said, looking him up and down in his silver-grey attire. Embroidery decorated the cuffs and lapels of his three-quarter length jacket, his trousers, similarly adorned down the outside seams. A waistcoat, in a slightly darker shade of grey, was embossed rather than embroidered. The deep maroon cravat added stark contrast and was tied neatly around his neck. "You look like a prince and a very handsome one at that."

He smiled at the compliment. It had been sincere and triggered something akin to warmth in an otherwise cold heart. "May I?" he asked, holding out his arm to escort her to the evening's festivities. She accepted and together they descended the stairs to enter the grand hall.

Music: Florence Tarantella composed by Jesper Kyd for Assassin's Creed II

https://youtu.be/VeS7PxGeJJI

Around three hundred guests were present, and all applauded as their host, Sauren entered, accompanied by Tiene. Stunned by the welcome, she quickly pulled her arm away and stood with hands clasped in front of her. The leaders of the guilds came forward to pay tribute to their host.

Tiene was presented as Sauren's most promising student. Once her name was revealed, the leaders and their recruits greeted her warmly with the utmost respect. She glowed with pride as she now knew her parents' reputation was indeed global, at least in rogue circles. She bowed her head in gratitude and welcome.

She heard someone approach from behind and glanced over her shoulder to see Brett standing to attention in his finery. "Good evening, Tiene," he whispered. "Might I say how lovely you look this evening?"

She smiled. "Thank you, Brett. You are very dashing yourself." She heard him make a little grunt - he was not used to compliments either.

Her eyes continued to scan the room. So many people! But she sought only one pair of eyes belonging to a particular ebony-haired elf. One charismatic smile, the one she loved -and suddenly, there he was! Her face lit up.

Sauren, although still talking with another Guild Master, noted the look on Tiene's face. His eyes followed her gaze. It took him only a moment to remember the elf from the wedding back in Ghostlands. A strange sensation tightened his chest.

She glanced Sauren's way, and instantly her smile faltered. Acutely aware his expression had caused her alarm, he smiled and raised a quizzical eyebrow. Tiene relaxed. His conversation with the Guild Master soon ended, and Sauren turned to her. "Is that the young man who attended the wedding with you last year? The one who went to Kalimdor?"

Tiene nodded excitedly.

"Sorry, but I cannot remember his name," Sauren said, trying to keep his voice even.

"Camnath." She beamed, bouncing on her toes, then quickly she stilled. It was a childish display - out of place and unbecoming for a young woman and in such prestigious surroundings.

Sauren nodded. "Well, ask him to join us."

Tiene did not need telling twice and eagerly she went over to bring Camnath forward. Desperately she wanted to throw her arms around his neck, but that would not be etiquette at such a gathering.

"Tiene!" Camnath greeted as she arrived at his side. "You look - beautiful!" His smile, warm and full of love suddenly faltered, his brow creasing. "Not that you weren't always beautiful, I mean. You're just - just -" He floundered.

Tiene smiled, laughing softly. He still stumbled when telling her how he felt, worried he offended her by saying the wrong thing. She found it endearing and those pesky butterflies of hers were swarming by the thousands.

"I know what you meant, Camnath, don't worry. Come," she said, tugging his arm. "Sauren wants you to join us."

"Sauren does? Us?" Camnath raised an eyebrow.

"You know fine what I mean, silly!" She was glowing.

"Yes, I know." He patted her hand, and they joined Sauren who was now speaking with Camnath's Guild Master, Belaen Bloodbane.

"Ah, Camnath," Sauren greeted him. "We met at Rhonin's wedding." Sauren offered his hand.

"Yes, that is correct. You remembered me?" He shook the Guild Master's hand.

"Well, I admit I recalled your face, but not your name. I needed Tiene to refresh my memory."

"Ah. Of course."

Tiene looked at Camnath. There was something in his tone, which felt a little off. He did not acknowledge her concern. Instead, he listened to Sauren as the conversation with Belaen continued.

The Sigil of Shadow Guild Master spoke highly of his student, boasting how he had already won nearly every training duel and scenario entered. "He has also completed a total of eight team missions and three single ones, so far. I say that is a tremendous achievement for one still relatively new," Belaen said proudly.

Camnath smiled, appreciative of the commendation.

"Impressive," Sauren replied. "Tiene is also excelling with her missions and duelling techniques. Perhaps we should have you duel each other in tonight's contest."

"It would be a shame to ruin such a pretty gown, though," Camnath said, mirthfully, glancing at Tiene.

"I could have her remove it," Sauren said.

Belaen laughed, albeit a little uncertainly, and Camnath grinned, tight. Tiene shifted uncomfortably. She had never known Sauren to utter innuendoes before, and something inside told her his utterance was more than just for effect, but she did not wish to acknowledge that. Glancing around, she noted even Brett seemed uneasy. The implication had not gone amiss on any of the present company; a moment's awkward silence ensued. Then, light-heartedly, Sauren added, "So she can put on her armour, I meant, gentlemen." He smiled and winked at Tiene.

Camnath then spoke up. "Would you excuse us, please. Tiene and I would like to dance." He put his arm around Tiene's waist.

The leader of the Blades looked at the elf, his expression deadpan, holding his gaze for a few moments. "But of course, you will have much to catch up on, and no doubt wish to talk about your families and home. Off you go then." He made a show of shooing them away. They turned and moved further into the great hall.

Sauren nodded to his second in command, beckoning him closer. Brett leaned in. "Keep an eye on them," Sauren said. "If they go upstairs, I want to know. Immediately!"

Brett tried to conceal an irritated sigh.

"Is there something you wish to say?" Sauren asked in a sharp tone daring the man to utter anything other than what he expected to hear.

"No, Sauren. Nothing."

"Good. Now go do what I pay you to do."

Irked, Brett nonetheless moved into the crowd. Spying on young Teine and her beau did not sit well with him in the slightest. They were a lovely young couple and seemed right for each other by what he could tell not only that night of the wedding but also from the way they looked at each other tonight.

He had even noticed Tiene's face as she sat huddled in the corner of the library reading letters of which he assumed Camnath was the author; the smile and look in her eyes could only be those meant for one's true love. It always reminded him a little of Yathas and Lina.

He was immeasurably relieved when his esteemed leader had staid his hand all this time, focusing on the girl's training and professional development instead. But, he could see the hunger simmering in Sauren's eyes. Sauren concealed his desire well from Tiene during their little walks and talks. She believed he was nothing more than a respectful, decent and fair leader. Brett knew the day would come when she would witness the unmasking of Sauren Nightflame, and he had an inkling that day had just arrived.

The Guild Master, going by some things Brett had overheard over the years, was insatiable; his sexual appetite well known among certain circles.

Although Sauren spent a fair amount of coin in brothels, such as Odette's, the renowned den of sinful pleasure in the city, he also had the gall to invite women to his chambers. Some who exited Sauren's rooms in the wee small hours looked ashamed, regretful. Yet, others seemed to have enjoyed his style of pleasure and readily returned on following nights. But, the most hateful thing about Sauren's sexual exploits, in Brett's opinion, was some of those women and young girls came from within the complex.

Now, Brett was expected to report if Tiene and Camnath so much as made a move towards her chamber. The seasoned rogue did not want to stand in the way of love's young dream. Yet, equally, if he did nothing, the result could be catastrophic for both the youngsters.

And what of Yathas, his good friend and father of the young woman who was within Sauren's crosshairs. What would it do to him if he knew his daughter was at risk? Faced with the dilemma, Brett felt sick to his stomach, regularly chastising himself for not preventing the young Firefury from entering the guild. He should have torn that letter up before Sauren had seen it, but no! He'd failed; let down his friend, who'd trusted him and his judgement for years, and also an innocent young girl, destined to be one of the most excellent rogues, but also to become one of the Guild Master's 'pets'.

Apart from Sauren's disreputable sexual activity, there were other matters which Brett questioned about him. The leader's true intentions for the guild were now under scrutiny. Sauren had been attending secret meetings to which Brett had not been privy. It was by pure chance snippets of information had found their way to the second in command. Brett deduced if the said meetings heralded nothing untoward, he would have been asked to attend. After all, Sa'themar was never one to hold meetings which did not involve his trusted advisors.

So far, Brett knew of one name whom Sauren was conspiring with, but about what, and why, was still unclear. It would be getting looked into. However, for now, it would need to wait.

Music: Stolen Kiss composed by Ronan Hardiman - Riverdance

https://youtu.be/syoiuSZZIOc

Camnath handed Tiene a glass of wine. They clinked glasses and took a sip. A stray strand of her hair fell over her cheek, and he swept it behind her ear, slowly tracing his fingertips along her jawline to her mouth.

She nudged against his palm. Just the barest of touches sent those butterflies soaring.

"You do look wonderful tonight," he whispered.

She smiled. "And you! So handsome, and filled out, I see." She pinched his biceps, playfully.

He laughed lightly, ticklish from her touch. "A little, perhaps. It comes with the training." He studied her face. She was no longer the little girl who'd cleaned his face of grass stains in the meadows near Silvermoon City. She was a fully blossomed woman with a body he would love to indulge. He flushed slightly at such a thought, running his finger between his neck and the ochre-coloured cravat.

He planned to go about things the proper way. Although he knew she would agree, he nonetheless wanted to ask her face to face if he could request her father's permission to court her. But, a cluster of nerves prevented him from doing so there and then so he decided to ask her later in the evening.

"I have a gift for you," he said.

"Oh? What is it?" she enthused.

He reached into his jacket pocket. "As it is eternal spring in Quel'thalas, I returned home to get these for you. They may not survive much longer here, though."

He presented a small glass jar, its lid, a fine cloth, tied with vine and looped to provide the handle. Inside, two butterflies, their golden, crimson and azure wings beating lightly against the glass. "You always talk of your butterflies when you write," he said, smiling.

Tiene's eyes brimmed with tears; his gift moved her. "Oh, they are beautiful, Camnath! It is the most wonderful gift I have ever had. Thank you." She blushed a little, then whispered. "I have a gift for you too, but later - in private." She reached out and traced her fingertips over his cheek.

Seeing her eyes darken with desire, he smiled back, knowing what the intended 'gift' was going to be.

"Shall we dance, then?" she asked, sneaking a glance over his shoulder where dancing couples already graced the floor.

"If you so wish, my lady." He put their glasses on a nearby table and led her through to the next room.

*****

Sauren, now mingling with his guests, kept a close eye on Camnath and Tiene, and also his right-hand man, whom he suspected did not like the latest task he had was assigned.

The Guild Master's eyes settled on the dancing couple. The way Tiene had looked at Camnath irked him; it stirred a new emotion of which he was unaccustomed. Jealousy. Utterly alien to him, it left him confounded. All he knew was the need to control. Envy somehow suggested he - cared.

The notion was ludicrous, so he dismissed it, and continued moving through the multitude of guests, nodding politely and smiling where appropriate.

His eyes drifted back to Tiene, absorbing everything, in minute detail, notably where the ebony-haired elf placed his hands. There was nothing disrespectful or improper in his touch; it was just - irritating he held her at all! And, it appeared she was enjoying being held by him. Sauren noticed how her thumb and forefinger played with strands of his hair while she engaged in conversation with him. The way they smiled at one another - was endearing.

Sauren tore his eyes from the couple and focused on his hands. Inadvertently, he toyed with his wedding band, a bitter reminder of his past. The corners of his mouth twitched; odd, really why he'd never removed the ring as such. He'd resorted to wearing it on his other hand; a sign the marriage, although dead, had still lingered, in his thoughts. Of late, however, its significance had lessened.

His brow creased, pensive, as he recalled his wedding day. The ceremony was straightforward, but the celebrations had been joyous indeed - forgoing one or two 'incidents' involving particular guests, but nothing to deter from the bride and groom's special day.

The sweet scent of summer blossom carried on the breeze, and the little flower girl scattered petals in front of the happy couple. It was perfect. Piper was beautiful too, in her soft white gown and satin slippers. He recalled her chestnut hair, pinned with delicate flowers, bouncing in soft ringlets over her shoulders.

Again he studied the ring on his right hand as the memories unrolled. Oh, Piper was terrific, in every way; for about three years, anyway. But time passed, and no sign of an heir was imminent. Sauren became depressed, angry even. The shift in emotions resulted in her refusing to allow him near her after that. Failure to carry his child proved too great a sorrow, for them both.

Sauren then sought pleasure elsewhere. His disappointment and bitterness manifested in a slightly perverse form of sexual activity. Granted, he did not intend to brutalise women and certainly not to the point of injury, but now and again, they did leave with marks. Some found his games a little alarming and avoided him at all costs, while others, were drawn - like moths to a flame.

Eventually, as the marriage was no longer a proper union, he sent her packing back home to Darkshire, in Duskwood. Occasionally he would send for her when he needed to attend social events, where couples were the desired attendees. She would attend, under duress, then be sent home after he ravished her, his bitterness still raw.

His anger flared when he discovered an outside influence had induced her barrenness. That situation was dealt with - brutally. Sauren battled with his own demons after that incident, and Piper's attendance grew less frequent.

Since meeting Tiene, however, Piper had hardly entered his mind.

His dark brown eyes lifted to the dancing couple. Watching Camnath closely, he sneered.

*****

The night, as expected, was a huge success. The guests seemed to embrace the evening's festivities thoroughly. The food, wine, dancing and entertainment had been met enthusiastically by all.

The duelling contest was all that remained, which would take place in the outer courtyard. The guests all gathered around the area ringed off for the match.

Wagers placed, combatants from each guild paired up and duelled.

Camnath and Tiene placed their bets and from the sidelines shouted support to their respective guild members. The setup and even the rules were a little nostalgia for the young couple, reminding them of their early days in the Students of Shadow when they spent a good bit time cleaning paint off each other.

The Blades beat the Shadows easily. The victor's leader grinned, conceited. Tiene was jumping up and down, cheering, while Camnath hung his head in defeat. A sly smile crept on the young elf's lips before he scooped Tiene up and kissed her on her mouth, deeply. She responded warmly, her arms around his neck as she leaned into the kiss. They parted, faces flushed, soft smiles still playing on their lips.

Sauren's grin, however, had quickly disappeared. He clenched his fists. Enough was enough!

                              ________________________________________________

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