Dedicated to RedExcalibur 

"Anar'alah belore!"* Yathas said as the numerous platters, bowls and baskets of food arrived in through his door. "Are you feeding an army, Lor'themar?"

The newly appointed Ranger Captain approached the wagon and dropped a bag of coins in the hand of the delivery boy who sat atop. The boy thanked Lor'themar and then flicked the reins to move out. The hawkstrider omitted a loud squawk and jolted forward. 

Turning to Yathas, Lor'themar smiled. "It is not that much Yathas, just enough for tonight and perhaps a few days. Your generosity over the years has been more than I can repay."

"You do not need to repay anything, it is always a pleasure to have you around." From the corner of his eye, Yathas caught sight of a pretentious individual heading towards them. Dar'khan. Unlike some, he thought.

The mage's signature wide-brimmed hat with pristine feather and billowing cloak bounced and whipped along as his confident gait drew him closer. His attire as always, extravagant in red and gold, made many a female head turn - along with the odd male one as well - but Yathas found it merely emphasised the elf's turgid ego. The head of the Firefury household rolled his eyes as the mage's overly-enthusiastic salutation announced his arrival. "Greetings!"

Yathas' mouth stretched in a tight smile. He reminded himself this was an evening celebrating Lor'themar's promotion and as such it was imperative he tried to hide his aversion to the mage; he was after all a friend of Lor'themar's and Yathas would not offend the young Ranger Captain by being unwelcoming.

A minuscule squeal of delight sounded from behind him. Yathas turned to see Tiene standing, bouncing on her toes as she too caught sight of Dar'Khan. Dressed in a deep maroon gown, drawn in tightly at the waist, Yathas felt a mixture of pride and sorrow as he looked upon his little girl. She had grown up so fast and was now a beautiful young woman, the mirror image of her mother with all the attributes men would now look at with hunger. Men like Dar'Khan.

"Ahh, Yathas!" Dar'Khan grabbed his hand and shook it, vigorously. 

Instantly, the mage's over-familiarity irked Yathas, but, in keeping with the spirit of a gracious host, he nodded and welcomed the Magister to his home. Dar'Khan handed over two bottles of wine as a gift for allowing him to dine with them. Yathas thanked him. 

The mage then turned to Lor'themar. They hugged, slapping each other's backs in greeting. "And look at you!" the mage said to his friend. "Captain no less! It is good that some of us get the recognition we deserve." The hint of bitterness was almost tangible.

"Thank you," Lor'themar replied. "It is good to see you again, Dar'Khan."

Inaris and Duthan pushed passed Tiene and went to greet their guest also. There was much back-slapping and handshaking again.

Then the magister caught sight of Tiene, still standing in the shadow of the door frame, her hands clasped in front of her, a nervous little smile playing at the corner of her mouth. "And who is this? It cannot be...Tiene?" 

He slid past the two brothers and stood at the side of the door. He tilted his head from one side to the next, taking in the vision before him. "My, haven't you grown!" He took one of her hands and brushed his lips across the back of her knuckles. Bringing his eyes level with hers, he inhaled. "You taste and smell very nice," he smiled.

Tiene blushed furiously, not quite sure what to do with herself, but inside she was dancing with glee.

Inaris caught his father's disapproving eye. Quickly, he stepped forward, angling his body between Dar'Khan and Tiene so he blocked the view of his sister. "Come indoors why don't you. We have a veritable feast waiting." He ushered the mage indoors.

Lor'themar and Duthan suppressed their laughter as they witnessed Tiene clenching her fists, her eyes narrowed, glaring at Inaris' back.

Yathas shook his head. This was going to be a long evening, he thought but tried to quash such feelings by smiling at Lor'themar and gesturing him inside.

***

As it turned out the conversation had flowed easily enough. They all enjoyed a splendid meal, thanks to Lor'themar, and they had indeed celebrated his promotion enthusiastically. He informed them that he and Duthan would be leaving in a couple of days time to aid with the battle against their age-old enemy, the Amani trolls, on the eastern border of the lands. With good fortune, they would hopefully eradicate them altogether.

"I take it Lady Liadrin will be there too?" Dar'Khan said, watching his friend closely.

Lor'themar maintained his cool poise. If he'd taken the mage's question to imply more than he'd actually said, he did not show it. "Indeed," he replied, candidly. "His Majesty felt that she, along with fellow priests and magi, would greatly reinforce our ranks and the ultimate demise of the Amani tribe."

Tiene studied her adopted brother closely. She admired him for his discretion although she did not see the harm in his admitting he had feelings for Lady Liadrin. Perhaps it was respect for the woman that he did not advertise his emotions. She had never met the priestess but had heard nothing but good reports.

The conversation then turned to Dar'Khan, who readily boasted of his own achievements. Granted, he had done many great things, primarily his contribution to the creation and evolution of the elven cities and lands. He had ensured the High Elves had all they required.

This he had accomplished through utilising the Sunwell, the elves' source of arcane power. This was not something to scoff at nor belittle, but his craving for recognition seemed somewhat - calculated. 

Was it not simply for the good of his people he had carried out such work? Was not the proof that the elves were content and safe within their beloved Quel'thalas not gratitude enough? Tiene wondered. It appeared not. 

There was a definite tone of bitterness when the magus spoke of how he seemed to have been overlooked for election to a higher status within the Magisters on the isle Quel'Danas. "I think I at least deserve being appointed Seeker of Wisdom," he said haughtily.

"But, is that not what you do anyway, Dar'Khan?" Inaris asked. "You always seem to be on some venture or another. I assumed it was to further the knowledge of magic and its sources, is it not?"

The mage studied Inaris over the rim of his goblet. The warlock was not only over-protective of his little sister, but also very astute. 

There was a slightly chilly silence before he responded. "And of course, you are right, Inaris. That is basically what I do, it's just a title would make my work that much more official-sounding." 

His eyes blinked, slowly, before he planted his gaze on Tiene. Her cheeks flushed each time their eyes met. It was not hard to tell the young woman was taken by him.

"I will fight against the trolls and all who threaten Quel'thalas one day too," Tiene announced suddenly, maintaining eye-contact with the mage. 

Everyone at the table stared at her. 

The only one to respond was Dar'Khan. "And how exactly do you plan to do that, my lovely?" he asked, his eyes focused intently on her.

"Like my mother did. As a member of the Crimson Blades." She swallowed.

Inaris and Duthan exchanged stunned looks. They were not aware that Tiene knew of their mother's affiliation with the rogues. Their father had kept it quiet, not wanting their sister to know about her mother's days as a high ranking assassin. 

Lina had died in battle, and Yathas did not want to lose his daughter in the same manner. He had seen striking similarities in her from a very young age and feared that she would want to travel the same path. 

The brothers looked to their father, who seemed momentarily stumped by his daughter's revelation. 

Tiene did not miss the glances between her family. "Do you honestly think I venture out into the woods simply to watch the pretty dragonhawks and mana wyrms?"

Yathas' voice quivered slightly. "Let us talk about this another day, Tiene."

"Why? Is it not the slightest bit feasible that I wish to be as instrumental in the glory of our people as Dar'Khan, Inaris, Duthan and Lor'themar?"

The mage concealed a satisfied smirk behind his goblet. He liked the fact she mentioned his name first. An ego was an ego - no matter who bolstered it. 

Still, the air had become a little thick, so he suggested a way to alleviate the situation. "May I suggest a small stroll to walk off all this wonderful food? Yathas, would you allow me to walk with Tiene? I promise it will be in close vicinity to your home."

Tiene's face reddened. She was betwixt pursuing her argument or being alone with the wondrous Dar'Khan. The latter was extremely tempting. 

After a moment, she realised there was an opportunity here. Seeing her father still in shock from her announcement, she pushed back her chair. "I think that is a fine idea, Dar'Khan. I'm sure my father will not object?" She stared at Yathas awaiting his answer.

Yathas, in turn, looked at his sons. It seemed they thought it was perhaps a good idea, considering the alternative. The subject matter, (whilst they had conspired to talk to Yathas about Tiene training as a rogue) was somewhat raw at this moment. It wasn't as if Dar'Khan was a stranger to any of them after all, even though his manner at times left them a little speechless. Besides, Inaris had every intention of being close by in the shadows keeping an eye on them. So they consented with subtle nods.

Yathas, sighed and agreed, but insisted the mage did not go far from the house. Dar'Khan agreed and said he would have Tiene back home safe and sound before too long.

***

The evening air was, as always, warm and comforting. It seemed no matter the time of year, temperatures in Quel'thalas never really fluctuated much. Tiene, with her hands behind her back, walked beside the mage, her eyes cast down, but stealing little glances now and again.

He could feel her eyes on him; and also those of another. No doubt her warlock brother, he mused. Perhaps a little mischievousness would be fun. As they walked, he started to form a spell. Tiene noticed the amethyst swirl in his hand as it grew from a speck to a sphere covering his palm. "What are you doing?" she asked, nervously.

"Want to play a little game?" he whispered.

"Such as?" Her expression was one of wonder mixed with uncertainty.

"Hide and seek," he said before grabbing her hand and forming a magical doorway. He pulled her through and snapped the portal closed behind them.

She gasped at the suddenness of being teleported and panicked for a moment until she realised where she was. They were mere feet from where they had been. They were in the Court of the Sun, its walls concealing their whereabouts. 

"Who are we hiding from?" Tiene asked as they stood in front of the Court's centrepiece, a large fountain.

"Inaris. He is fiercely protective of you, Tiene."

"Of course he is, as is Duthan, my father and even Lor'themar."

"Yes, but how is one meant to steal a kiss, if they are constantly watching?"

Her heart was pounding and an odd little sound fell from her lips. Had she heard him right? Was he teasing her? "And - and why would you want to do such a thing?" Her brow furrowed.

The mage laughed. Her question was quite unexpected. "Why would I not?" He edged closer.

Her posture was defensive, challenging. This young woman was a bit of an enigma, Dar'Khan concluded. He knew she liked him, her constant flushed cheeks when their eyes met, confirmed it. Yet, here she stood, questioning his intentions. He leaned down until his lips were only millimetres from hers. 

"Tell, me Tiene, if you were a trained assassin, and say, an enemy tried to kiss you, what would you do?"

Her answer was quick and concise. "An enemy would not want to kiss me, Dar'Khan! He would only want to kill me."

The Magister inched back. "You are feisty, my lovely. Very clever. Alright, put it another way then. Supposing someone you did not expect to kiss you made an attempt to do so, what would you do then?" He moved in closer again, a sly smile forming, the tip of his tongue playing over his lips.

She was drawn to his mouth, hypnotised by the hidden promise it possessed, yet it was something which she was incredibly unsettled about too. 

For some inexplicable reason, the image of Inaris blasting the doe in the meadow swam before her and she snapped out of her trance. "This," she said, taking a small step forward.

Dar'Khan's smile faltered as he felt the point of cold steel against his throat. He moved back, amazed to see a small dagger in her hand. His reaction made her feel bolder. "Where on Azeroth were you hiding that?" he asked, eyes wide in surprise.

"Tricks of the trade, Magister. If I tell you, I will need to kill you." Tiene forced her hand to remain steady.

It was then the Magister realised Tiene had jumped at the chance to be alone with him, not for the obvious reason as he had first thought, but rather with an ulterior motive. This was no little girl with a mere crush in front of him, oh no. She may still be pure, but she was not foolish nor was she likely to completely melt if he did kiss her. Still, there was scope.

Tiene forged on. "Fight my case for me with my family, and you may not have to steal a kiss, Dar'Khan."

Dar'Khan was now intrigued. "And why would they listen to me?"

"Come now, oh, Great One," she said, knowing how to play to his ego. "You are not naïve. You know my father does not exactly - approve of you."

"Yes, I am aware he finds me ... a little over-bearing, shall we say."

"For the sake of argument, yes, let us say that. My father wishes for me to settle down with someone and have lots of children," she said, toying with the tip of the dagger's blade.

Dar'Khan smirked. He reckoned he knew now where she was going with this.

"So," she continued, "if he thought you and I were to be remotely romantically involved..."

"Then he would agree to your training as a rogue instead," the mage concluded. He laughed as he saw Tiene's mouth curl up into a smile. 

Dar'Khan stepped closer to the golden-haired elf. There was definitely more to this young woman than he had realised. He had underestimated her. "So, what of that kiss then?"

"Do as I ask, and I will pay my debt. Fail me, and it may be a different type of kiss you feel." She drew the flat of the blade across her throat, emphasising her intent.

He doffed his hat and smiled affectionately. "Your wish is my command, young lady." He offered his arm.

Inside, she was trembling. She had not dared to believe she could have carried off that little act, but by all appearances, she did. And, it seemed, rather well. She linked arms, and they started back to the house.

"You wouldn't really do that to me though would you, Tiene? I thought you liked me," he said patting her fingers.

"Oh I do like you, Dar'Khan, but the assassin is in my blood. Perhaps it would be in your best interests not to press me to find out."

The Magister smiled. "I shall keep that in mind, Tiene."

                                                                            Dar'Khan Drathir

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* Anar'alah belore – By the light of the sun

Thank you for reading !!!

All comments, advice and suggestions are welcome. Should you like this chapter, please be kind enough to vote, it would be most appreciated.