Yathas was already awake, ready for the day ahead. He was always an early riser. Typically, mornings were spent negotiating prices for the hides and furs brought in from traders. He had a reputation as a fair dealer, and his shop always attracted a lot of business.

Once trading was complete, his tanners would get to work on the hides, putting them through a thorough and timely process before the skins could become saleable goods. His leather workers made items from bags to hats, armour to saddles, according to designs created by Yathas himself.

His creations were sought widely throughout Quel'thalas, and he had, in past months, even secured trade further south in Hinterlands and Alterac Valley. The war had certainly helped Yathas to broaden his customer base, and more business was always welcome in his eyes.

This particular morning, however, he wanted Tiene to accompany him to his premises. He had been working on some unique armour for her. A fitting was necessary before it he could finish it with the piping.

His shop was in The Bazaar, and it would take them a good fifteen minutes walk, especially as he had some banking to do en route. Tiene was looking forward to her new armour. Her father was an exceptionally gifted man in the trade. So, she waited for her father to collect his various patterns and bills before they left for his work.

Meanwhile, Inaris chirruped a good morning as he readied himself for his studies in The Sanctum. Still sporting the black eye, which the aggrieved weaponsmith awarded him the week before, it was now a yellow-blueish colour and Inaris was back to his usual charming self.

Tiene could not help but smile at her brother's errant ways, even though she knew he was often stepping where he should not. Then oddly enough, there were places specific individuals wished he would step, yet he had not. Cel, for example - Tiene's instructor.

As it happened, neither Nerisen nor Inaris had pursued the poor woman. Tiene knew Cel most definitely preferred Inaris; the instructor's comments about how fortunate Tiene was to have such a wonderful, charming, charismatic, witty, brother, were becoming a daily thing. Cel was bound to run out of adjectives for him one day - surely. It was becoming embarrassing really. Tiene could have sworn the woman had sighed when she noticed Inaris passing one day on his way to the Sanctum, then again, perhaps she just imagined it. But, there was no doubt, her brother did captivate the ladies.

Both brothers did actually, although Duthan did not go out of his way to chat up the ladies as Inaris did. He, it seemed, preferred women who were fighters, be it archers, warriors, hunters even paladins, and apart from those hunters within the Rangers, the others to his taste were not always readily available. Tiene only knew this as she had often overheard her brothers talking on the occasional nights they decided to have drinking sessions in the garden below her window. What else was she meant to do, but eavesdrop?

Granted, it was not all about their somewhat active love lives, but there was enough for her to pick up snippets. She did giggle when she heard some of the things the two of them discussed. Going by the context of their conversation, she deduced their general meaning.

Now and again they would erupt with raucous laughter, quickly followed by them both shushing and hushing, as they tried to calm down so as not to wake Tiene. Little did they know their little sister was crouched by her window, wide awake and listening avidly. The more they shushed and hushed, however, the louder they usually became, until father had to go out, tell them to be quiet and call it a night. They were such naughty boys, and yet, apart from the burly weaponsmith, everybody liked them. And the ladies certainly loved them.

On a slightly sour note, it sucked that she had to learn of such things by eavesdropping on her brothers. She would have loved to have had a close friend that she could sit with, chat and giggle about things.

The girls around the Square were inclined to be a bit aloof and often looked down their noses at Tiene. She didn't know why really, she always smiled and said hello, but her salutations more often than not, went unanswered. Perhaps it was because they thought she was too much of a tomboy, slinking off into the woods watching the lynx' massacring the little fluffy rabbits and squirrels for dinner. Those girls would have fainted at such sights, Tiene thought with a smirk.

She supposed it also had something to do with the fact she did not partake of their hobbies either, sewing, cooking (although that was improving through a concentrated effort), or getting all preened and pampered just to walk down the street for five minutes because they knew a particular boy they liked might be in the vicinity.

She did so wish she was prettier, though, especially since meeting Camnath. Perhaps she should take more of an interest in looking good, or at least as nice as she could, with her plain looks and skinny frame. Now that she had introduced him to her hobby of practising stealth and stalking about like the lynx, maybe he too thought she was more of a tomboy. But, he had kissed her! So...?

Oh, such confusion and trauma came with being on the cusp between girl and womanhood. Her body had gone through the strife of it well enough - once she got over the shock, that was. She thought she was dying the first time she bled.

Her father had found her curled up in the corner of the garden in tears. She had blurted out that she was not long for this world, and her father just smiled! That made her even more distraught.

Then, of course, he explained things, and her fear turned to utter horror and profound embarrassment. Still, the transition on that front went relatively smoothly, but her mind and emotions were seriously struggling.

"You're deep in thought there, sis," Inaris said, munching on an apple as he walked over to her.

"Hmm?" she was startled from her reverie. "Oh, just...thinking."

"About?"

Her face flushed.

"Ahh," he said, winking at her, which only made her blush more. "Young whatshisname, eh?"

"Camnath," she said quietly.

Inaris continued munching as he watched his sister's face blush even more. "If you get any redder, Tiene, you will explode. Now come, tell me what's on your mind." He ushered her through to the living area, sat down on the small couch and patted the seat beside him, inviting her to sit. Hesitantly, she did. There was an awkward silence.

"Come on now, tell me what's bothering you," he coaxed.

"Well," she started quietly. "It's just ... I wish I were pretty."

Inaris stopped mid-bite of his apple and gaped at her. "What do you mean you wish you were pretty! You are! You're beautiful!" He hugged her with his free arm and continued munching his apple.

"You're only saying that because I'm your sister."

"Uh uh," he shook his head and his forefinger, keeping careful hold of his apple. "Going by the rules, as you are my sister, I should be saying you're ugly and teasing you rotten."

"You do tease me!"

"Yes, but nicely." He grinned at her. His face became severe when he realised she genuinely believed she was unattractive. He sat back from her a little. "Tiene, honestly, you are beautiful, why on earth would you think otherwise?"

"All the girls ignore me and look down at me. I'm not rude to them, ever, but they don't like me, and they are all so pretty."

"Hang on. I thought this was about Camnath." He looked confused.

"It is; actually, I'm just comparing myself with the girls and thinking perhaps he thinks the same as they do. That I'm – well, not very girlie."

"Has he said something to upset you? Or done something?" His expression was grave now.

She hung her head, the blush creeping back over her cheeks. "He kissed me."

Inaris was quiet for a few moments. Then he laughed lightly. "And so, you think that he thinks you're not pretty and girlie; even after he kissed you?"

"I think he just did it as a thank you for teaching him to stealth."

Her brother sighed. "Did he kiss you here," Inaris touched her cheek. "Or here," he touched her lips.

"Here," she replied, pointing to her mouth.

Her brother leaned in carefully. "Then it was not intended as a thank you. The boy likes you Tiene. Because you are pretty."

"But he apologised and said it wouldn't happen again," she said sourly.

"What did you do when he kissed you?" Inaris was a bit puzzled looking.

"I came out of stealth, I panicked."

Again, Inaris smiled. "That's why he apologised then. He thought you objected to him kissing you."

"But I didn't!"

"You know that now I know that, but he doesn't." Inaris took the last bite of his apple, then with a glance behind, to check their father wasn't near, threw the core out the open window. "So, you have to correct that, Tiene."

"Well, I was thinking about what you said, about when you want someone you take them..."

"Whoa, little sister! One step at a time. It will be a while yet before you reach that stage."

She looked deflated. "However," Inaris continued, a plan forming in his mind. "Let's first of all, boost your confidence a little, not that you should need to go this route, but..." he shrugged, "... then we will discuss tactics. I have a friend who can work a little magic on you..."

She looked up at him, hopeful. He read her thoughts. "No, no, not my kind of warlock stuff. Lady things. Your hair, your eyes, your lips, you know what I mean."

Tiene's lips formed a silent Oh but smiled at the idea. "Come with me little sis..." he said, getting up, offering his hand to help her rise.

Her shoulders slumped. "I can't. Father wants me to go with him to try on the armour set he is making for me."

"Ah. Well then, after that I will take you to meet my friend. But, erm -don't let on about what we are doing." He tapped his nose with his finger and winked.

"Don't you have to go to the Sanctum, though? And I have my training to attend this morning too."

"Oh, it won't take long. You are such a beautiful canvas to work with already Tiene. She will only need a slight flick of a brush to highlight your best features. I will accompany you and father, so afterwards we can sneak off."

Tiene smiled. Having a brother with such amazing friends wasn't that bad at all.

"Are you ready then, Tiene?" her father's voice came, perfectly timed.

"Yes, father," she replied.

Yathas came into where the two of them sat. "I thought you would be gone already, Inaris," He said on seeing his youngest son.

"I have decided to come to see Tiene's outfit then I will walk her back to her training."

Yathas nodded, thinking it was considerate of Inaris to look out for his sister. Especially since she had so boldly stood up for him against that agitated husband, a mere week ago. Although Yathas was more than fully aware that his sons, particularly his youngest, were extremely fond of the ladies, he did not approve of their dalliances resulting in bad blood visiting their home.

Admittedly, it was no surprise that it had been Inaris' romantic encounters that had ended with violence. Yet, it was the mere slip of his sister who was the one to defend him, and very effectively at that. He wondered what Lina would have made of all this.

Tiene bounced on her toes in delight at the exquisite armour her father had crafted for her. It was expertly tailored, fitting her shape perfectly, enabling ample movement with no restrictions whatsoever. Made from the hides of Shadowhorn stags which hailed from Ashenvale in Kalimdor, it was of the highest quality leather of the day.

The skins had been cured in Kalimdor, to prevent the infestation from bacteria which would ruin the quality. Once Yathas had procured the hides, they were unhaired, degreased, desalted and soaked in water. Later, they were treated further to ensure any remaining hair and soluble proteins were removed.

This lengthy process ensured the hides were in excellent condition which would allow superior tanning. It took time and precision for leather to arrive at the required state before designing and crafting of garments could commence.

The result for Tiene was a rich, deep burgundy, supple leather. Yathas had manufactured an entire ensemble, including bracers, pauldrons and boots. The piping was all that remained, and it would be in gold, adding a bright contrast. Yathas was so proud of his little girl, and he had spent many hours working on this personally, for her. He knew she would carry on in her mother's footsteps and believed with all his heart she would transcend the skills he and his wife had once possessed.

She hugged her father and kissed his cheek. What would life be without such a generous, loving man in her life? He promised to bring it home when it was complete. Once changed, she bid her father farewell and left his business premises with her brother.

It was early still, and the city was relatively quiet. Inaris led her back to the Walk of Elders. He led her between the pillars of a building she had never been in before. There he took her down a spiral staircase into an opulent room filled with luxurious furnishings and beautiful drapes.

"What is this place?" she whispered.

Inaris smiled. "It is a place where the women are - gorgeous and specialise in ...making men happy."

Tiene gasped. She had heard him and Duthan talk of such a place during some of their wine evenings. "You have brought me to a brothel?" she whispered, eyes wide.

"How do you know that word?" Inaris was stunned.

"You and Duthan! During your drinking nights."

He looked a little embarrassed. "Ah," he said. "Well, anyway, I have a friend here..."

"Is she one of your ladies?" Tiene asked quite innocently. She had got the gist of such an establishment but didn't know the full extent of its practices.

"No, just a friend," Inaris answered honestly.

"Inaris! Darling!" A velvety voice came from their far-right.

Tiene watched, transfixed as the most stunning woman she had ever seen emerged from between the silken folds of midnight blue drapes.

She had fiery red hair piled up in a high bun with a long ponytail protruding from its centre and cascading down to the middle of her thighs. Her face was like porcelain, the most exquisite cheekbones, large bright eyes, and lips full, painted a deep, glossy red. She wore a gown made entirely of purple silk, like that of a spider web, delicate, fragile. See-through!

"Inaris," the woman purred. "You know we can satisfy your appetite, sweetheart. There is no need to bring your own."

Tiene glanced at her brother. Was he blushing?

"No Aledine, you misunderstand. I have a matter of a  - delicate nature to discuss."

The woman approached them and looked Tiene over. "Then come through to my chamber."

The woman turned and led the way back through the silken drapes as Inaris followed, his arm gently resting on Tiene's shoulders. The room, softly lit, was as sumptuously furnished as the foyer. The woman indicated for them to sit with a delicate gesture of her beautifully manicured hand. She turned in a quick, almost regal flourish and rested against the large desk in the centre of the room.

"So, darling Inaris. How can I help." Her voice was smooth, hypnotic.

"This is Tiene, my sister. She is under the impression that she is..." he looked at his sister. He did not want to use words that she might find hurtful. "She lacks confidence in how she looks." He finally offered.

The woman's eyes widened. "Really?" she said.

She pushed herself up from the edge of the desk and in two elegant strides, stood in front of Tiene. She lifted Tiene's chin with her extraordinarily long fingers and turned her face from left to right. "You are a natural beauty. Why do you think otherwise?"

Tiene did not want to repeat the whole story. So she said, "There is a boy..."

"Ah!" Aledine smiled. "Say no more, child."

"Forgive me, Aledine, but I am not a child," Tiene braved.

"Tiene!" Inaris chided, looking apologetically at the madame.

Aledine, however, was not in the slightest bit offended. "No Inaris, she is quite right. I did not mean to patronise you, Tiene. I apologise."

Tiene smiled. She decided she liked this woman after all.

"So tell me, what do you want to do with your life Tiene?" Aledine asked, moving away to the back of the room when she lit a couple of braziers. Their light uncovered another table with an enormous mirror in front of it. Tiny pots, palettes and brushes littered the top of the table.

"I am training to be a rogue. An assassin," Tiene replied, curious about the table and its contents.

"Beautiful and deadly then," The madame smiled, beckoning her with a curve of her forefinger. Tiene moved over without hesitation.

Aledine pulled out the chair which was tucked under the table, and Tiene sat down. The sultry woman looked at the young girl through the mirror. "You are exquisite, Tiene, do not doubt that. But, you must learn to see your beauty. Believe it!"

She dabbed a delicate brush in a pot of colourless liquid, then into a dark coloured powder. She tapped the brush to remove the excess then told Tiene to close her eyes.

As the young rogue felt the fine brush sweep across her upper lids, Aledine continued in her hypnotic voice. "These pigments only emphasise what is naturally there, Tiene. True beauty comes from belief in yourself. There is absolutely no reason for you to think or feel otherwise. You are a queen. A vixen. A siren. A goddess! Now, open your eyes."

Tiene did as she was told and looked in the mirror. Her eyes looked enormous, yet the dark-coloured pigment was subtly applied. Next, Aledine selected another brush, and this time used a cherry red colour which she applied to Tiene's lips.

She pursed her lips in the mirror to show Tiene what to do. The young rogue copied her. Then a much bigger brush was selected and dipped in a rosy pink powder. "Are you still a virgin?" Aledine asked.

The question stunned Tienne. And Inaris - who coughed with a measure of embarrassment. She looked in the mirror at Aledine who held her gaze. "Yes," Tiene mouthed, her cheeks flushing.

Aledine smiled. "Not for much longer, I think."

At that, even Tiene's ears blushed - right up to their tips. It was not soothed any when Aledine leaned close and whispered, "I can advise you on that too, should you need it. Do not be ashamed of your body. It can serve you as a weapon - as good as any dagger will. Under the right circumstances, of course."

She dusted Tiene's cheeks with the brush. "Learn to use your womanly wiles Tiene, it may, in the future, be what saves you. You are more powerful than you realise. You can kill a man with your thighs, in the throes of passion, did you know that?"

Tiene's eyes were wide. She shook her head slowly, between brush strokes. Aledine smiled again. Tiene believed that everything this woman did and said had the power to put people into a trance.

Next, Aledine took a broad hairbrush and started to groom Tiene's hair, with long, careful strokes, her hand just ghosting against the back of her neck as she lifted more of Tiene's golden mane. The sensation was very new to Tiene. She felt so relaxed that she closed her eyes and succumbed to the small shudders that travelled from her neck, down her spine.

The feel of Aledine's hands on her shoulders made her eyes flutter open. In the mirror, Tiene stared at her reflection. She had never seen herself this way before. She was attractive; beautiful even.

The girl who had entered the room earlier was but a ghost of her new self. Subtle, natural shades had enhanced her eyes, lips and cheeks. Her hair was like golden silk, set high on her crown and cascading over her shoulders.

"You see? You are indeed a natural beauty, Tiene. Never underestimate yourself or your abilities as a woman. The boy in question will fall at your feet, as will many others, I have no doubt. All you will have to concern yourself about is who you choose." She pressed some small pots of pigment in Tiene's hand as a gift.

The lesson was over, and Tiene rose from the seat. When Inaris looked at her, his jaw fell wide. "Oh my!" he said, smiling. "What have you done with my little sister?"

Aledine answered. "She is no longer your little sister Inaris, she is a full-blooded, full-grown woman. She just needed someone to tell her and make her believe in herself."

Tiene turned and thanked Aledine. The regal-looking woman lightly touched cheeks with her fingers. "Go now and conquer all, young Tiene. And should you require any coaching in other areas, I will be happy to oblige." 

Then she turned to Inaris. "And you, my darling..." She drew a long finger down over his cheek and onto his mouth. "Please, do not be a stranger."

Once outside, Tiene took a deep breath. She felt invigorated. Reborn, empowered.

"Now remember, Tiene. Not a word," Inaris said.

"Oh, do not worry," she said, rolling her eyes. "Your secret is safe with me."

"That's not what I meant..."

But, she was already striding away, head held high, leaving her brother standing with his mouth open.

Tiene could not wait to see Camnath.

                              ______________________________________________

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