Welcome to Gaia! ::

The next story belongs to Rynn, there are a few main characters other than Amirynth herself. Firstly Zevron the quel'dorei rogue, Tai'jin, Malis' daughter and proficient shaman, Asinity a paladin of the sin'dorei, Mordagen, another rogue and best friends with Zevron and I'mani, Drakkari Deathknight who is the main villain.

There is actually a playlist that goes with this story, if you are interested, let me know!

This is the main story of Rynn and Zev...

Up to this point: Asinity had started to send out teams on missions and one of the pairs he had thrown together was Amirynth and Zevron. The unlikely duo go head to head with a demon and Rynn's intelligence impresses the rogue while he surprises her by putting himself into danger so she is able to escape. She gathers up the guild to form a rescue party and they go to save Zevron. The next day she heads to Dalaran with some healing salve she has and helps tend for his wounds. This surprises Zev and thus a friendship is formed...

Chapter 2: Demon Hunt - Blind Ambition

The Quel'dorei's zhevra slowed to a halt as he glanced down at the wrinkled map laid out across his lap. "This must be it....Fire Scar Shrine..", he took the cigarette out of his mouth and nonchalantly dropped the still smoldering butt onto the grassy Ashenvale ground. The tip had to be correct, it was only a couple of hours ago he had snuck into Astranaar, taken a guard hostage and threatened a very excruciating death if he didn't give the rogue all the information he needed about known orcish warlocks and demon taint in the area. Thinking his days were numbered he coughed up the name 'Fire Scar Shrine' and 'Ilkrud Magthrull' a name, Zevron reasoned, that sounded too silly -not- to be orcish. So he let the poor guard live, but kept his keys, and forty two silver pieces from his pocket, which would help pay for a nice meal when he got back home.
Zevron rarely left his home, for he quite liked it there, the scenery, the smells, the people. No, not the above city, he hated that place with a passion, but below the surface, down the dank dim-lit pipes to where he had lived most of his life. It was home and that was all that mattered. Kalimdor was quite nice, for this was one of the first times he had ever been to this side of Azeroth, the first being escorted to 'The Ring of Valor' by Uncle Sal, in hopes of drawing a bigger crowd from his matches. Joni, who had at first put off Zev more than any other person, was becoming his greatest ally, and closest friend. Their fights last season were more like training exercises on learning to work better. More and more they were becoming a well oiled machine, knowing how the other though. This season they would do great, Zev thought smirking.
A loud sound startled the steed. Zevron slid off and with a light pat, sent the zhevra off, as he jumped into the nearest bush and cloaked himself in the shadows. He took this mission as more than something to ease his boredom, which was the reasoning he gave everyone, but more to prove himself. He wanted to show everyone that he was more than just a jokester, albeit funny and devilishly handsome as he was. Khenti had been the only one to see that there was more to him then he showed, Zev knew that was a fact. He had been the one who let Zevron join the Raven's Flight, and in turn become part of something greater, more than just the soloist that he was before that. Zev promised that this mission would go right, to assure everyone that Khenti had been right about him. He reached into his belt and clicked the communicator off. He hadn't told Amirynth about this, knowing that she had more to deal with, this 'Malis' situation. "Rynn...." he said softly. She had been one of the only kind people towards him since the start, a rare thing in the life of this Quel'dorei, for that she had his thanks, but he wouldn't want anything to danger her, that was his prime reasoning in this.
Snapping once again out of reverie, the sound getting closer as he spotted the source. Cloven hooves stomping their way towards the shrine. The monster's face looked as if it had been kicked in, however, what it lost in beauty it made up for in scope. This demon was huge, its leathery wings flapping behind it as it plowed its way through anything in its way. The red skin that seemed stretched over the massive form looked like no hue of red the elf had ever seen before. Only feet from the bush where the rogue hid, the form stopped and bellowed out in a guttural voice "Ilkrud, I am here! Prepare for my arrival" the sounds seeming to carry on for miles. If it were not for the ornate obsidian armor wrapped around it's waist, arms, ankles and shoulders, Zev would have mistaken this demon for a normal doomguard. Something was going on and it was Zevron's duty to find out.
The form began on its path past the red columns into the shrine and Zev was hot on his heels. Yes, this was indeed the right place, and Zevron was going to investigate.

*To be continued

Chapter 3: Search in the Sewers (cont.)

Chapter 3: Search in the Sewers (cont.)

Zevron turned around at her voice, his eyes widened as he dropped his cigarette and blinked at her. "You look -Perfect!-" The shirt showed off her slight curves, her pale skin contrasting against the dark blue of the material. She even looked like she had some shape to her now it was no longer hidden by layers of thick brocade. The slenderness of her figure only added to the hidden inner beauty that he knew was within her. The rogue noticed her discomfort and walked up to her, putting his hands on her shoulders and giving her a small shake. "You look -Fine-, That is much better garb to get around easier."

"B-b-but..." Amirynth looked like she was almost in tears.

He placed a hand on her cheek, a concerned expression on his face. "Whats the matter?"

Rynn looked down towards the ground and took a deep breath. "I'm... I'm hideous... I w-w-wish... I w-w-wish I didn't..." She kept her arms pressed close to her body, the patches of scales and scars showing bright red against her pale skin with the embarrassment of being so uncovered.

"Wish you didn't... Look badass?" Zev tilted his head to the side, glad it wasn't anything more serious. "You know..." He smiled at her sweetly, "You are the most breathtaking woman I have ever seen." His grin widened, "And if you are curious, my new favorite colour is blue, thanks to you." He put his forehead to hers, trying to let her see what he saw. "If I'm not sure about anything it is that you look amazing."

She sniffed and looked up, suddenly captured by his intense gaze. His eyes were blue, not pale like Dukker's but more intense, a vibrant blue that danced with an illusive merriment. "You r-r-really think so?" Glancing back down at the shirt once more she blushed again, this time not so embarrassed but more pleased. "Thank you..."

Zevron nodded with another grin before taking a step back and turning towards the sewers. "Now, shall we start? Meet me at my house. Get there as fast as you can." He leaped into the air and then dashed off, running as fast as he could back to where he lived under the city. He had a little preparing to do before she got there.



"Alright, so." Zevron took a stern look towards Rynn before grinning. "To hide effectively. You need to remember three things: Shadows, Sight and Silent." He ticked them off on his fingers as he spoke. "1: Shadows. Stick to them, they are your friend. Never leave them. If you are trying to be kept hidden, stay in the dark places." To illustrate he crouched down and then zipped into a corner where the light from the upper tunnels could not follow. He was almost invisible and made Rynn think of the dark clothing that she now wore. His voice came eerily from the darker areas, each time from a different location. "You can't expect to be a master at first but it takes practice, Learn when to use the shadows and darkness to your advantage."

Rynn nodded, listening carefully. She could no longer tell where he was and instead stayed in the center of the room, glancing around in case he came from one of the many corners of the sewer. She was startled for a moment when the rogue's voice came from right behind her and turned around to face him.

"2: Sight. Your target can't see you if it's not looking at you." He vanished again only to appear behind her once more. "Am I correct?" Zev's voice sounded a little smug as he instructed her.

She blinked and turned once again, trying to follow his voice. Smiling slightly she nodded, "Yes..." He vanished from sight once more and she looked around only to hear a splash to the left. Quickly looking over there she spotted nothing but suddenly Zevron was at her right arm grinning again.

"Make sure you break line of sight as much as possible. If there is an obstacle, get behind it. Keep your cover until they look away. Another useful strategy is the distraction." He disappeared once more, slinking into the shadows and threw a stone towards her right side causing her to look once again. Quickly moving up to her left side this time he put his arms on her shoulders and added to his lesson. "So they look right and you go left. Sight is key. break that, they are helpless, you go by unnoticed." Seeing her nod again he leaned up and whispered into her ear sweetly, "And number three is...?" The rogue slunk back into the shadows.

Amirynth twitched a little but was getting used to his vanishing and re-appearing. She turned around to see if he came back but realized she could no longer even hear his footfalls. Following in his lesson she quietly put her finger to her lips, hoping she was facing the right direction and was rewarded with another whisper in her ear.

"Can't notice what you can't hear... Very good."

She nodded silently and smiled, still trying to hear his footsteps but, even with the water all around she didn't hear anything but the normal 'drip drip' that was prevalent in the sewers. Closing her eyes for a moment she tried something else, gently feeling with her mind for his signature aura. Turning to face him she opened her eyes and grinned.

The rogue grinned back, "Stick to those three rules and practice them and it's all downhill from there." He sat on some of the debris that collected in the bottom of the sewers and nodded. "And that's all I can give you for tips, until you just practice it yourself."

Amirynth walked up and leaned over, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thank you Zevron." She placed a frail hand on his shoulder and looked gravely into his eyes. "You may have s-s-saved my life with this..."

Stunned a little with the quick kiss, the rogue blushed and put a hand behind his head. "Oh... psssh... it's nothing..." Inside he melted a little, a slight goofy smile spreading across his face. "Anything for you... I'd never let anything harm you. You know that I'd do anything to keep you safe." He nodded as he suddenly remembered that she was soon to be leaving, his expression turning a little more subdued. Snapping his fingers to make the small flame appeared he wiggled it to make it go away before adding, "You better get going. I'm sure they want you to start soon."

Amirynth smiled back at his grin, her eyes glowing softly "I thank you from the b-b-bottom of my heart. One day I hope to return the favor." She sighed lightly at his mentioning of her leaving and shook her head not really wanting to leave yet, "I'm g-g-going to miss our little chats Zevron..." The warlock noticed his sad nod in answer to her statement and then looked over towards the ladders. "I... well... we make a g-g-good team... I just wish..." She paused and tried again, "Well it's not like I c-c-can teach you fire control in a d-d-day..."

"Oh, it's fine." Zev kept his expression impassive yet his blue eyes seemed to flicker for a moment. "For you, I'd wait an eternity."

She looked back towards Zev, "I wish you c-c-could maybe c-c-come..." She stammered to a close upon hearing his words.

"I've never been there..." The rogue thought for a moment before nodding, making his decision. "I'll go with you. There's nothing here for me." he stood up and grinned, "I couldn't think of anything better."

"Really?" Amirynth looked up a little stunned.

He nodded again and gave her the thumbs up "You got it!" He was a little excited about this. A new world, new opportunities and this way he would be able to continue through his list. He had almost forgotten it in the spontaneous lesson but it all came back to him. Rynn was his ticket out there, it was perfect!

Chapter 4: Awakenings (cont.)

Asinity crunched a dead scourge's ribcage under his plate boot. He had been following the small band of undead until it reached the Mosswalker village and was doing his best to clear the menace before it got too thick. Gorlocks, large and small, were falling in the wake of the ghouls, powerless to stop it. He swung towards the nearest undead, his hammer glowing with the light as it drove a path through the scourge, the tide turning towards his favor. After clearing out the majority of the undead he turns his head, ears catching the sound of sobs. Turning towards the source the paladin's eyes flicked with Light as he gazed upon the troll.

She sat there, head bowed as she let the world around her move along with out her. Why was she even here if she couldn't help? Shaking her head, tears flowed down from closed eyes as she sobbed. She felt the aching emptiness in her chest where the warmth of the spirits once pulsed. Doubt assailed her, what if she never contacted the spirits anymore? She didn't notice the press of undead lessen around her, or the paladin who had paused to watch her. "Ah be tryin' mah best... please... don't give up... please... don't ya be goin' too..." the troll was almost chanting to herself, her body rocking the gorlock in her lap.

He narrowed his eyes as he regarded her. She seemed so familiar but he couldn't place where from. He studied her for a long moment before his eyes fell to the gorlock and he frowned lightly. Slowly he walked over towards the pair. "...perhaps I can be of assistance?" He placed his hammer to the side, carefully keeping it within reach in case something attacked. He quickly looked over the area, sure there was no scourge close by.

The troll looked up, tears in her eyes. Her newly braided dreads had fallen out of the ponytail she had tied them up in. A tattered and torn blue robe covered her knees, obviously mended in a few places. She sniffed once, rubbing her nose against the back of her pale blue arm. "Ah can't help them..." She whimpered as she spoke, her hand brushing lightly over the gorlock's eyes, closing them. "Ah be tryin' t' heal them but t' spirits..." The shaman sniffed again, trying to stop her tears.

Asinity took a step back, his eyes widening as she raised her head. It couldn't be... He could hardly believe what he saw, recognizing her in an instant. "Light, no..." The paladin's mouth fell open slightly in surprise as he stared at her. She was paler than he remembered, her tattoos were absent and her eyes now burned with an unearthly ice blue but there was no mistaking it. Her hair was bound in the familiar red dreads, though wraps of vines replaced her golden bangles but it was definitely, "M- Malis?"

Malis blinked, her forehead creasing into a confused frown. "Ya... ya know me? How?" Her mind was a whirl, temporarily forgetting her plight in surprise. "Ah not be knowin' any pinkies..." She looked him over, trying to shake the odd familiarity that seemed to draw her to him. The drums grew stronger for a moment, matching her heartbeat that seemed to rush faster, either in shock or the frantic attempts to heal the scaled ones. She tried to think of where she had seen him before, How could he have known her? She couldn't remember a time when she had traveled further than this place... she wasn't even sure where this place was. When had the blood elves ever ventured into Stranglethorn Vale? she didn't know.

He took another step back, shaking his head in disbelief. "You... you died Malis..."

Her eyes widened in shock, she couldn't believe what he was saying. She was dead? She looked down at her hands, they were pale, not as blue as she remembered but... She was moving, talking, she felt a tightness in her chest as fear coursed through her, What if he was right? She pushed that thought down, it couldn't be true, she wasn't even that old yet. Malis shook her head a little shaken, "Why ya be thinkin' ah be dead? Who ya be t' be sayin' that? Ah never be meetin' ya before."

Asinity stared at her, his mouth still agape. Did she not remember anything? He frowned slightly, not knowing quite what to say, what to tell her. It was obvious she didn't realize that she was dead and he quailed at her reaction upon finding out that she was. "Malis, I... I'm Asinity. I... we were going to hunt dragons, the day before you..." He closed his mouth and looked at her, he just couldn't understand the why or how.

"Ah be rememberin' t' dragons... big red one." She tilted her head to the side, "Came t' mahself in a vision, very important ah be thinkin'." Malis wrinkled her nose as she thought about the snatches of dreams she had seen. Her eyes widened slightly as she suddenly thought, "Why be it that a pinkie be comin' an' tellin' mahself that he be goin' t' hunt dragons wit' mahself?" She didn't understand how he could have known her visions. "Ah be rememberin' pinkies in mah dreams... wit' red hair... maybe ah be seein' ya in mah vision?" Nodding slightly she added, "Maybe that be why ya be seemin' familiar?"

Asinity turned slowly away, shock still evident on his expression. "Malis, I..." He started, but his mouth closed tight before he could continue. Grabbing his forehead in frustration, his chest began to heave as he took deep breaths to calm himself. Gritting his teeth he tried again. "I watched you die right before my eyes... and you're here... again. Why? Why do you all come back? Is it just to die again and torment me with agony?"

She stood, a look of anguish upon her face. "Wha? What be wrong?" Placing a paw on his shoulder Malis tried to comfort the blood elf as best she could while trying to piece together the whirling maelstrom inside her mind. He was so convinced that she had died and come back she almost believed him. Her mind balked at the idea, there had to be something else, something else to explain why she seemed to be missing certain memories. "But ah not be gone... ah never be... why ya be sayin' ah be dead? Ah don't want t' be makin' people hurt..." Her voice came more as a whimper as her grip on his shoulder tightened.

The paladin jerked around to face her and teetered for a moment, his balance wavering. Turning to face her completely, Asinity took another deep breath and sniffed, forcing himself to look at the troll before him. She seemed exactly how he remembered, her open face that showed anything that she felt, her child-like mentality that was honest and pure. Whimpering lightly, Malis bit her lower lip, a familiar expression in an unfamiliar place, reminding him of the bloodelf who she used to share a deep connection with. He noticed she now had two tusks, her visage was sallow, cheeks pale, showing her obvious demise. Still, she was whole and complete though a recent scar tugged at his mind for a moment as his damaged ear twitched slightly. Her eyes were red from crying and he could see the worry showing in her eyes.

"Ah don't want t' be causin' ya pain... ah be sorry..." Malis felt the sinking feeling grow within the pit of her stomach. Doubt assailed her once more as she tried to remember the paladin who stood before her. Some how he knew her, not just in passing but it was obvious on his face that he knew her very well. She struggled within her self, torn between wanting to believe him and running for her very existence. If he was correct in saying she was dead she had no right to be walking and talking. That was a thought she quickly pushed aside, No, he had to be wrong. She broke eye contact for a moment, not wanting to appear like she was staring when her gaze fell upon the forgotten gorlock. "Oh! They still be needin' help... ah be forgettin' them!" Turning around she saw that most of the creatures had vanished, hopefully to a safer place but still there were a few bodies laying still on the jungle floor. Rushing over to another scaled one she examined him. He was no longer breathing. She berated herself for leaving it to long, for not helping enough. "Help... ah need help wit' him."

Asinity looked past her to the gorlock. Turning back, the bloodelf's gaze fixed on Malis a moment longer as he struggled to compose himself. "Here... move. Let me heal him." The trail of a tear still remained wet against his cheek. He gestured for her to move aside before kneeling down next to the fallen creature and holding his right hand close to his side. Light began to swirl around it and he flexed his fingers slightly, as if caressing the warm air gathering in his palm. Slowly he moved his hand over the scaled hide of the gorlock, the Light swarming over the creature in attempt to heal it. The paladin flinched as he felt the trolls hand on his shoulder once more as she tried to help out by sheer will, chanting something softly. After a few breaths he lets out a heavy sigh. "The plague has been upon it for too long. My Light is useless... only a Naaru could save him now... or perhaps a powerful druid or shaman."

Trying to hold back fresh tears, Malis nodded, her bottom lip wobbling. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to re-center herself. The blade grew cold at her side and the runes glowed ever so slightly for a brief moment before her eyes opened again, the soft icey glow reflecting his pain. "Here... take the shinie. Ah be thinkin' ya should be havin' it... ya be earnin' it more than ah have." She thrust her arm forward, the red stone laying in her palm. "Ah can't even be healin'... never be very good but ah be practicing' but... ah still not be very good. Ah be goin' on spirit quest but now... now t' spirits not be talkin' t' mahself... Ah not be knowin' what ah be doin' wrong." She realized that at this moment she was blabbering on but couldn't seem to stop herself.

Chapter 5: A Twist in my Story

Rynn looked around at the land of blues and purples, an area that amazed her with its large mushrooms and pools of glistening waters. The swamp teemed with life but Rynn hardly noticed, her long hair sticking to the back of her neck with the warm, moist air that surrounded her. She had been given a day off and decided to do a little exploring when a green-haired troll singled her out, wanting her to help out with a few quests. Thus the warlock found herself in the middle of Zangamarsh dragging a few items back to the troll settlement of Swamprat Post. She had chuckled at the name when she first got there but still had a pang of loss when she found herself to be surrounded by trolls. Shaking off the slight feeling of gloom, Rynn turned towards the entrance of the hut, about ready to move on to the next place.

Zevron suddenly appeared from somewhere above, startling Rynn out of her thoughts. She glanced up, the whisper of a spell on her tongue before realizing who it was. "Hello there Zevron," She laughed, "You s-s-surprised me." Her next question died on her lips when she noticed his harried expression, his body shaking a little. "Everything ok?" The warlock looked a little worried.

"Perfect!" The rogue came in close, his boots squelching a little in the soft mud. "Only... I can't seem to find anywhere inhabitable here. At least anywhere not too hot, not too wet, not too ugly..." He waved a hand in the air vaguely as a large bug chose that moment to fly before his face. Zevron swatted it out of the way with a sigh before giving an exasperated look toward Rynn, "You know what I mean?"

The warlock tilted her head to the side before smiling lightly at his frustrations that mirrored her own. "Yes, I know what you mean... The trolls are nice here but... s-s-sometimes they remind me of Malis and... well I'm not to fond of sleeping out on the ground if I don't have to." Amirynth picked at her hair, pulling it from the back of her neck again and for a moment considering braiding the whole thing out of the way. Must be why the tribes always twine their hair into dreads or mohawks... Rynn tossed her hair back for the umpteenth time that afternoon.

He saw her pulling her bangs out of the way and nodded in understanding. "That and wet doesn't mix with my hair. I pride myself on my distinctive look and this humidity is definitely not helping with the 'make Zevron look good' achievement." The rogue ran his hand through his raven black hair and posed slightly, a grin upon his face.

Amirynth chuckled lightly as she finished fussing with her own mane that was slowly becoming frizzy in the heat. "I do like your hair..." She pulled at a few strands before pushing them off her shoulders. "Mine is nothing s-s-special... everyone has red hair it seems."

"But not everyone makes it look as breathtaking as you manage to."

This made the warlock flushed bright and she hid her face with the aforementioned red hair. "You always say s-s-such sweet things..." Turning she fiddled with her bags and other gear, wishing for a moment that she had some localized place she could keep her items leaving only the essentials to be carried around over hill and dale.

"Not to everyone." Zevron winked at Rynn with a another charmingly wide grin. After letting her flounder in embarrassment for a few moments he asked. "So what you doin out here anyway?" When he had left to complete his few errands, she had been floating around in Hellfire with the orcs, and the dirt, and the dust, and the redness. Zev shuddered a little at the memory of that barren place. "You gonna be here long?" First he had been too dry, now he was too wet, the rogue hoped that Rynn was ready to leave as much as he was.

Rynn eyed the bloodelf for a moment before turning to point out the troll who stood behind her. "I was asked by the t-t-trolls for a bit of help. I had a little spare time so I said ok." She noticed his expression as he swatted away another fly and chuckled to herself before gesturing towards the windrider. "I am d-d-done here for a while if you had a better p-p-place to visit?"

He grinned from behind his mask. "I did."

"Mind leading the way?"

"Uhh..." Zevron looked over his shoulder towards the windrider and cringed inside. "I think the view is better if we just hoof it. I didn't bring either of my mounts." He waved his hands negligently as if trying to pass it off as if it was a normal thing. "And it's not like you have access to a flying mount of your own yet so it's not too bad."

Rynn give him a long look out of the corner of her eye, nodding as she spoke, "Sure, I don't mind... the s-s-senic route sounds wonderful." She whispered a few demonic words calling Blaize to her as Zev went over to talk to the windrider for a moment to 'borrow' one of the large winged felines. The warlock smiled as she heard his 'Lets go!' in the distance as he waved her towards him. This was going to be quite an adventure...

They cantered through the forest of mushrooms wind whipping through their hair. Rynn felt her steed's movements under her legs as they passed by bugs that walked as if they were on stilts and angry wasps which buzzed as they were disturbed. There was a simply euphoria that came with being able to move so fast and their laughter chimed through the swamp. She felt the moisture in the air lessen as they reached the outskirts of the marshes and breathed a sigh of relief. While the swamp had looked interesting, the weather there was quite oppressive. Moving around the corner she suddenly paused, her fel-steed stopping in it's tracks at her sudden stillness. The wide grasslands of Nagrand was a drastic change from the closer quarters of the mushroom forests, the cool breeze being the first thing she noticed. Amirynth gaped at the landscape that was spread out before her.

Zevron realized that Rynn had stopped following him and turned to look back. Upon seeing her face he grinned. "Look around!" The rogue spread his hand out in a wide gesture that encompassed the view. "It's awesome!"

She gazed out over the lush, verdant hills that seemed to go on forever. Covered in short grasses, it looked like a sea of green that surrounded them completely, spreading further than she could see. Off in the distance, rocks moved across the landscape causing her to take another look and realize they were actually large beasts that were slowly moving over the ground. She was spellbound by the beauty, feeling a quiet peacefulness that calmed and welcomed her. Completely speechless, the warlock shook her head, almost not believing her eyes as she glanced up towards the sky and gasped at the large moon that floated above them. Swirls of crystalline rocks and glittering debris moved slowly like ripples that moved across the wide open sky. Each part of the lands was unique and yet flowed into each other, the purple details of the sky complementing the great green ocean below.

"Well I lied when I said I didn't find a perfect spot. I just don't know if you like it..." Zevron's eyes never left her face as he spoke. "But we can see, I'll show you where it is."

Rynn nodded, finding her voice finally "It's... It's b-b-breathtaking here...This p-p-place is wonderful..." She drank in the scenery like a starved traveler who hadn't had water in days. So much of her time had been spent in Hellfire and before that the Plaguelands that she hadn't not seen anything quite as beautiful as this in a long time. "Oh Zev! You really did find something... I do like it."

The rogue continued to grin as he studied her expression. "Isn't it?" He nodded gravely. "Finally a land that comes close to your own beauty."

"I'm not... that..." Rynn gave up and looked towards him, noticing his stare and blushing bright red. She looked down, her hair hiding her face and embarrassed expression. "Thank you..." She still did not see how he could even start to compare her looks to the breathtaking scenery around them but she did appreciate his comments.

He winked at her as she floundered and then gestured towards the path. "Follow me, there is more." He wanted to show her the entirety of the lands but for now had a singular destination in mind. This happened to be one of his favorite places that he had found in the Outlands so far and Zevron was happy to see her enjoyment and surprise when she first saw Nagrand. They raced along the path at breakneck speed, enjoying the ability to just run without having to weave through and around obstacles. He glanced back towards her, as they rode on. When they had first met she had seemed rather plain in looks but it was her soul, her being, that shone through and captivated him. He wanted to make her smile at every chance he got, even making her blush was fun. The rogue was so lost in his thoughts that he didn't notice the large tusked beast who had chosen that moment to walk directly in their path. "Watch out for the Elekk!" He pulled upon the reins of the windrider, causing it to veer quickly to the right, narrowly missing the back legs of the great herbivore.

Amirynth mirrored him, pulling back on her reins, her fel-charger pawing at the air as it reared up. Her eyes opened up wide in alarm as Blaize spun around to the side and cantered off a little to get away from the great beast who lumbered away not even noticing the smaller creatures that surrounded it. "Oh my... that was an... What d-d-did you call it? An Elekk?" She frowned as she spoke the unfamiliar word.

The rogue nodded after checking that she was safe. "Good thing he showed up too or we would have missed our turn." He pointed towards a smaller offshoot of the path. "It's this way, I remember now!" Zevron lead her down carefully until they reached one of the many bridges that spanned a giant cleft in the ground. Pausing Zevron glanced down before going a little pale under his mask. "Heh... Watch me ride without looking." He closed his eyes and laughed nervously, urging his windrider over the edge of the bridge with his knees and clinging to it as the lion slowly made it's way across to safety.

With a small giggle, Rynn followed him, her eyes moving down to gaze at the waterfall below them as she passed over the robe bridge. Upon reaching the other side she nodded. "Where to next?"

Chapter 5: A Twist in my Story (cont.)

Zevron looked down at the blankets curious to know what she was going to do. "Lay it on me..."

"Follow..." Amirynth gathered up the blankets and carried them up the ramp. Searching quickly for a good spot she started spreading out the blankets one by one until a patch of the stone roof was covered enough for two. "There now we can enjoy the b-b-beauty." She turned back towards him with a light smile. "It's almost as if we p-p-planned it."

"Heh, you always know how to fix things." He grinned and poked his toe at the pile of blankets, testing them. It seemed like it would be surprisingly comfortable.

She blushed and looked down, "I kinda had too... Taking c-c-care of Malis was like taking care of a kid sometimes..." Rolling up the last blanket to be used as a pillow for the both of them she turned and stood up, her gaze traveling to the sky which was now covered in a net of glittering stars that bathed the lands in a soft pale glow.

"Yeah, I can see that after meeting her." Zev didn't notice when she turned to him, her face going pale. "Strange troll, good sense of humor... or lack of attention span. But really, arn't those the same thing when you think about it?" His eyes widened as he saw her reaction, moving closer to her as she backed away, almost to the edge of the roof.

"Y-y-you... you met her...?" Rynn shook her head, not believing what she was hearing. Her mind was a whirl, if Malis was really back then maybe Asinity had been wrong about that death knight. What if the death knight was wandering around with her face. But even that didn't make sense, why would a death knight even consider such a task? The Lich King had chosen Archeon as a vessel but Malis was just a troll... and not exactly supposed to be alive as much as Rynn wished she was. "B-b-but... how..." She took another step back, her heel brushing up against the edge of the roof, a small ridge the only thing to stop her from falling. "How d-d-did you meet her?"

Zevron blinked, taking a step towards her, worried she might fall and preparing to catch her. "Um... She called me Peaches." He shook his head from side to side, "Obsessed with shiny things. Reminded me of a younger me... well not that she was younger, but how I acted when I wa--" Suddenly he moved forward as Rynn slowly toppled towards the ground, almost too stunned to continue. he wrapped his arms around her protectively, "You alright? You look like you've just seen a ghost."

Shaking like a leaf in the wind, Rynn looked up at him with tears in her eyes. "No... I haven't b-b-but... you have... you m-m-must have... she..."

"She?" Zev prompted.

Amirynth gulped and took a deep breath. "She d-d-died a few months back... I was... I'm the one responsible for her d-d-death... Its why I did so much to p-p-pay for... I still don't think I've done enough but... if she is... oh no..." The 'lock was babbling by this moment, her mind flying back and forth. She was terrified of both outcomes, if Malis was alive that would be one thing... but the thought of seeing her as one of the undead was very unnerving to her... and if it wasn't... Rynn didn't even want to think about what would happen if the Malis impostor turned out to be that death knight.

"Oh yeah, she's dead alright. Dead as a doornail... but so much life in such a dead body?" He shook his head "I don't get it either."

She glanced up at his face and slunk closer into his arms, a look of fear upon her face. "Then she is b-b-back... she... Oh Zev! She attacked me in the b-b-battle. She attacked Asinity..." She closed her eyes and shook her head, "B-b-but he said it wasn't her... I just don't know anymore..."

Zevron held her closer, "She seemed friendly towards everyone to me. Maybe it wasn't? It could have been a different death knight? There are many different answers to this riddle." He ran his fingers through her hair in an attempt to comfort her.

"Malis was always friendly... b-b-but... I don't understand how she c-c-could have come back... they burned her b-b-body on Yojamba Isle... I was there for her wake..." She leaned into him for much needed support, her mind a maelstrom of thoughts and fears mingled with the hope that maybe, just maybe her blood sister was back and everything was alright again. "Malis was by blood sister, we were c-c-close once. When I first saw that death knight I was so afraid it was her. For Malis to be t-t-trapped in such a manner... it is just so hard to imagine. I was relieved when Asinity met up with her and p-p-proved it was not the troll I loved..."

The rogue thought for a long while as Rynn babbled in his arm until her shaking had subsided enough that he felt comfortable releasing her a little. "We'll pack up tomorrow and go find her then. Find out what is really going on." He noticed she started trying to talk again and putting a finger to her lips he rocked her back and forth, "Shhh, it'll be ok. We'll get to the bottom of this... but first you need rest. Tomorrow we'll plan what we can do."

"I shouldn't abandon my p-p-post but..." She took a deep breath and rested her head against his chest. "I need to know if it is true..." Closing her eyes, Rynn felt the steady beating of the rogue's heart calming her trembles. Snuggling in closer her mind still floated far away to where Malis and her had always met. Her thoughts snapping off each other, she felt as if every memory had decided to come forward, demanding attention. She blinked, feeling the excitements of the day wear on her, making it hard to concentrate. Rynn placed a hand upon Zev's chest and felt his heartbeat, the only steady thing around her at that moment. "Heartbeat..." The murmur escaped from her lips.

He blinked, slightly confused with the odd change of pace. "Uh... thank you?"

"Hmmm?" She looked up, her eyes soft and unfocused.

Zevron smiled down at her, "I guess it doesn't matter right now..." He gave her a quick squeeze before untangling himself and standing up. Moving over to the side he pulled off his armor, carefully piling it up in the corner where it would be safe over night. Realizing that the warlock had been silent the whole time he turned slightly, "You okay back there?" He slipped his tabard over his lithe form and added it to the growing pile.

She nodded, even though he couldn't see her before speaking, her voice light and wispy, "Yes... I just feel t-t-tired..." She watched him undress and pulled off her heavy robes, leaving her thin white under-robe on and sat down onto the blankets. "Thank you Zev..."

He walked back towards her after placing his knives within easy reach of the blankets. "What for?" Laying down next to her he yawned slightly, feeling the exhaustion of the day.

"For helping me... for b-b-being here... for everything..." Rynn lied back and looked towards the stars glinting in the heavens above. When she had first come to the Outerland she has despaired at the ravaged lands. At least when she worked in the Plagued lands she could go home to Dalaran once in a while. Here though there was nothing, at least that was what she had thought... until now. She listened to the quiet noises of the night and snuggled close to Zevron.

He smiled greatly, gazing down at her gorgeous face, "Like I'd rather be anywhere else?" Zevron's heart beat faster and he made no effort to hide neither the beating or the stupid grin on his face. He put his arms protectively around the slight warlock protectively. "Don't --mention it..." Zev yawned deeply, his eyes starting to close. He whispered softly into her ear "Goodnight Rynn..."

"G-g-good night Zevron..." The warlock felt slumber over come her.

Chapter 6: When paths cross once again... (cont.)

Rynn walked with little Zev in her hand in the gardens outside the city. She was fretting that things were already getting off track but was still holding hope that he would show up. Not that she thought that he wouldn't, but it was more like he's show up with an entourage of guards and such following him. At least that is what he played it up to be... She turned and walked down the ramp to the lower section that went under the bridge. Stopping to smell a few of the Mageroyal she felt her arm suddenly grabbed and would have gasped but for the hand around her mouth.

The rogue had his arms wrapped around her, making sure she wouldn't be noticed under the shadows of the bridge. "Shhh..." he hissed under his breath at her almost-squeak. When he was sure that she wouldn't say anything else he released her and took a step back, still keeping out of sight. "Okay, so I'm here... What do you have for me?" He raised an eyebrow at the pile she handed him silently and took it, quickly vanishing once more.

She only had to wait a few moments until he re-appeared, this time glaring daggers at her. Face impassive he threatened her with bodily harm if she so much as giggles. "For the remainder of this trip, you do not speak to me." Zev frowned and crossed his arms over the brown and russet robes he now wore. The effect was only heightened by the dark purple pattern and contrasting orange/yellow trim. He shook his head once more and muttered, "I should have looked for myself... or figured out a plan 'B'..."

"I found it in one of those old chests... I'm s-s-sorry..." Rynn had her hand over her face as she tried not to laugh. "Nothing of mine would have fit you... I g-g-guess I should have looked around a little more for s-s-something a little less..." She stumbled on the words, "eye-catching..." She felt bad for him, usually her robes were plain blacks or sometimes darker blues or greens. The only one she had that was flashy in any way was her ritual robes, bright red with gold rune work around the cuffs and hem. Even those were still tastefully made... this robe was just... garish.

Zevron turned his head and scoffed, refusing to even look at her. "You have five seconds to let all your laughs out." He was bristling with indignation and scowled at the flowers that he was sure would laugh at him too if given the chance. "5..."

Rynn didn't want to laugh at him but his almost comical reaction to the robes just pushed her over the edge. She felt the laughter bubble up and started to giggle.

"4..." Zev's scowl deepened.

Unable to stop herself, Amirynth burst out into a chiming laughter, something she hadn't done in a long while. She held her hand to her chest as her shoulders shook, not just laughing at Zev's predicament but to relieve the tension she felt within.

"3... 2... 1... Lets Jam!" He stomped off, making a bee-line to the gates. Zev kept his head covered with the hood, not just to hide his eyes, but also not wanting anyone to possibly recognize him in this awful get-up. Reaching the guards he gave the what he hoped was a respectful nod and stalked right through, the warlock in tow. "I've never been here..." He grumbled lightly, keeping his eyes out for the guards who were patrolling near by. "I already don't li--" Zevron spotted a guard coming towards them and changed his tone, "Wow! This city rocks!" Pulling his hood lower he almost stooped as he walked, letting Rynn lead him through the streets to the troll's house.

Amirynth lead him down the long streets, making the familiar twists and turns as if she was in a haze. She had hardly been in the city since that fateful day, and only twice since to her old place. She felt a chill of trepidation as she made her way around the final corner, seeing the door to the place she once called home. With a deep breath the warlock turned towards Zevron, "You know... I g-g-grew up here..." She tried to concentrate on her long gone past rather then what may be waiting for her behind that door.

"I feel for you." Zevron scowled from under the hood, pulling it closer as he spotted another member of the Symphony close by, "Oh s**t... He can't see me like this..." the muttering came from the darkness as the rogue was about ready to bail and go find somewhere safe to hide.

"Nice dress Ma'am." Mordagen nodded towards the disguised rogue with a slight smirk.

Rynn glanced around and saw Mordagen, giving him a polite nod before turning towards the gilded door. "We're here... there is nothing to worry about..." She didn't notice Zevron lifting his middle finger behind his back without looking. Amirynth took another deep breath and pushed open the door, a little surprised to see that it was unlocked. Stepping in, the warlock looked around with wide eyes. So much of the place has changed. Where once the place had been kept spotless by Yazuri, there was things out of place. Hunting gear and findings littered the tables and shelves where once her books stood. General clutter filled the living area with items and objects, many she did not recognize. "It looks so d-d-different..." Amirynth wondered if Tai'jin or Kiowa were somewhere inside, the former she wouldn't have minded but the latter was one who she did not want to chance meeting again.

He raised an eyebrow, not really having much to contribute as he stretched his shoulders out. The robe was not quite fitting right, even if it was bigger. The rogue's eye moved over the many items and trinkets that were scattered around, his mind unconsciously totaling their worth as he looked. He reached for his pocket without thinking and felt the material of the robe in the way. Pulling off the hood once they were safely inside and the door was closed Zev nudged Rynn with his elbow "You said I could get out of--" he was interrupted by a voice that came from upstairs.

"Who be there?" Malis looked down at the two blood elves before grinning, recognizing the rogue. "Heya there Peaches! Who be ya girlie?" She almost ran down stairs pulling Zevron into a big hug and knocking the breath out of him. "An' what be t' thing ya be wearin'? It be a new fashion statement? Ah be likin' t' brown." She nodded and eyed the warlock with a nod, "It be nice t' meetcha there!"

Rynn was in shock, her mind in turmoil. This was Malis, it had to be... She gulped, This was the troll she remembered, the one who stood by her side all those years, the one who had done so much for her and shared so many experiences with... Shaking her head slightly, she took a step back. The troll resembled her so much but in the same moment looked so different. Malis looked dead, that was obvious, her dreads were not as long as they used to be, though one stood out being the only one that had one of her familiar bangles around it. Amirynth stared at that dread curiously, for a moment wondering why it seemed out of place.

The rogue gasped as he was bodily picked up and hugged by the troll. He growled at Malis' mentioning of his current attire. "She made me do it..." To bring his mind of the subject Zev leaned back and nudged Rynn's side again, trying to get her attention, "I thought you knew her?" She had said so many things about Malis and now they were face to face he was surprised she was just standing there.

She just stood there for a moment before her thoughts were interrupted by Zevron's prod. "She... she's... it's her... It's really M-m-malis..." Rynn took a few more steps back as she watched the troll who was now staring bemused at the both of them.

"Everything ok?" Zevron looked worried.

Rynn shook her head, "She d-d-doesn't know me..." Tears came unbidden to her eyes, "She... d-d-doesn't remember who I am." The warlock's shoulders drooped. "Malis was my b-b-blood sister... We have shared so much and she... d-d-doesn't remember a thing." All those nights spent chatting, all those adventures, all the sacrifices she had made, the pains and sorrows, the joys and merriment, everything seemed meaningless now, a forgotten book left upon the shelf. "It's as if I d-d-didn't exist..."

"Sure she does..." The rogue walked behind Rynn and pushed her forward, moving her hair out of her face and then looking towards the troll as if to challange her. "Don't you remember this woman? From what I understand she took care of you." He watched Malis' face as a look of confusion passed over her and she shook her head. "You don't remember anything? You two have had many times spent together from what I have heard. You sure you don't remember her at all?" Zevron gave Rynn's shoulder a squeeze, trying to give her some support.

Malis frowned at the two blood elves, not quite sure what the rogue was getting at. She was sure she had never seen the warlock before, though the troll was happy to meet her now. She shook her head again, "Nope, ah not be rememberin' her at all. Are ya part o' t' Symphony too? That be how we met maybe?" She was interested in getting to know as many people as she could in hopes to fill out the patch of life that she kept getting told that she was missing.

Her breath caught in her throat. Malis didn't remember her at all. It was one thing to see the lack of recognition on the troll's face, quite another to hear it. "Malis... We... we used to be sisters... You and I..." Rynn clanched her fists to her side, "I... we... we c-c-could be sisters again if... if you would take me back..." At Malis' look of shock she took a deep breath and tried again, "We used to live here... in this p-p-place. You would take c-c-care of me when I g-g-got sick..." Her hand came up to finger the necklace that the troll had given to her.

Zevron frowned as he watched their interactions. "If you two spent so much time together then why doesn't she remember you?" He throught it was a little odd, craning his neck to examine her dead flesh. "Maybe it has something to do with the whole 'being dead' thing." He answered his own question a few moments later, "I'm not sure, maybe that is what broke up some of her memories." Shrugging he pulled a little at the robes he wore, they were starting to feel uncomfortable.

With a thought, Amirynth looked up suddenly, her eyes searching the troll's face. "Her eyes..." She noticed that, while they were still red, like the shaman she remembered, they seemed to have a pale blue glow about them, "just like Dukker..." she murmured to herself. Her eyes moved back towards the lone dread. "Malis, where d-d-did you find that?" She wondered if it was the same one that Malis had once given her.

"This?" Malis fingered the bright red dread that hung to her shoulder, the gold bangle resting on her collarbone. It had been tied securely into her other dreads, looking obviously different and yet still seeming to be in the right place. "Oh ah be findin' it here... Eli be takin' me over here an' he be sayin' ah be livin' here an' ah be lookin' around in t' room he be sayin' was mine..." She got an unfocused look in her eye as her thoughts turned inwards and she shrugged, "Dunno, somethin' be makin' me want t' be wearin' it... Ah be likin' t' shinies on t' end." She glanced back towards Rynn with a wide grin. "Ah be likin' t' shinies, Sinny be takin' me back t' mah cave one day an' so ah can be bringin' man shinies back home..." Her eyes moved down towards the necklace that the warlock was fingering and for an instant they flashed a pale purple before going back to their darker red.

Rynn smiled sadly, "That was the d-d-dread that you gave me... I left it here for Tai when... Well when I had to leave the city..." She glanced up at the troll's odd eyes as the flickered almost purple. "Have you met her yet? Tai'jin is your d-d-daughter, she is very nice. Was very k-k-kind to me when I first met her when... when she d-d-didn't have any reason to be."

The troll growled suddenly at the mention of Tai's name. "Ah not be thinkin' she be of mah blood." Turning on her heel, Malis crossed her arms and stalked to the side of the room, kicking at a fallen pillow. "That pinkie lovin'..." She glared at the two blood elves and waved a hand at them. "Ah see ya two are wit' t' right kind. Ya wouldn't be thinkin' o' bein' with some orc or maybe a tauren?" Not even waiting for their answer she stalked off to the other side of the room, continuing her tirade. "She be thinkin' it be ok t' be wit' a pinkie! In mah day ah be lookin' t' be wit' a strong troll wit' big tusks! Not wit' another race, that be... that just be..." Malis stopped and turned to face them. "You stick wit' her Peaches, she be a good match for ya. What this world be comin' t' if everyone not be followin' in their parents footsteps!" She shook her head, finally subsiding for a moment.

Zevron grinned a little inwardly, pleased at her latter statements, "Well, you see--"

"Malis... we're not... I mean..." Amirynth shook her head, "I'm with..." She didn't see the rogue's eyes suddenly dart towards her direction.

The troll raised her eyebrow, "Oh ya two not be t' gether? Mah appoligies!" She nodded once before her eyes gravitated towards the necklace once more. Absently, Malis fingered the dread once more, her thoughts elsewhere. "So Rynn, ya be sayin' we be sisters? Why would ah be acceptin' that?" She just could not understand why she would have had such a connection to a Sin'dorei. Had her travels in the city changed her that much? She felt a little uncomfortable for a moment as she remembered the argument she had with Tai the night before. First the troll had accused her of trespassing and then had the nerve to say she was her daughter. At first she had been astounded, but pleased as Tai seemed to have a strong connection to the spirits like she did and was a competent warrior... but then she had mentioned that Dellyne... How could someone of her blood even consider that! Malus just couldn't understand it, her stomach almost churning at the thought.

The rogue just stood there, eyes fixated on Rynn as his mind whirled. He felt a tightness in his chest as he heard the words she uttered. She was with... who? He opened his mouth without thinking and blurted it out, "Rynn... What were you saying at the end there?" He completely ignored the troll, so intent he was with the answer.

Amirynth looked between them, the sudden barrage of questions from both sides overwhelming her. "I... I'm with Dukker?" She wondered why that was so important, her thoughts on Malis and the disturbing question, Why would she accept having her as a sister? Her mind was taken aback with the simple question.

"Dukker? I've never hear of this..." He felt the tightness grow in his chest, heat rising to his cheeks. "You've never made mention of him before." Zevron felt like he had just been slapped in the face... or gutted in the stomach.

She looked up frowning, not understanding the pain in his voice. "I thought I had... He... He lives in Dalaran with me..." She thought back to the day Zevron had gone home with her and remembered the death knight hadn't been there. She had been so wrapped up with the move to the Outerlands that it had slipped her mind to say anything. She had always been private about her life and didn't think she was important enough that someone would want to know.
Zevron's eyes never left her face, "But I thought that... it's just, We--" His mind was racing. All that time they had spent together, the chats they had down at the end of the sewer pipe. She had never even thought to mention it. Her quiet nature took on a different aspect as he wondered if he even knew her at all. Zev frowned suddenly, his expression black. "You know what, Nevermind. I should have realized..." He ripped the robes off and threw them to the floor, stalking towards the door and slamming it on his way out.

"I'm s-s-sorry... I d-d-didn't think... I am s-s-so..." Amirynth felt her world crumble around her at the anguish and anger that was apparent in his voice. She reached out her hand to the door that had bounced off the frame by the force that he had used. "Zev..." How could she not have seen it? The warlock shook her head. She hadn't even thought for a moment that he was interested in her more than just a friend and now it was too late. Her shoulders dropped in defeat. Malis didn't remember her, she had just lost a close friend due to her carelessness, what else could go wrong?. She turned to the troll to say her goodbyes. Rynn decided to just go back to Thrallmar and finish her work there. At least then she would no longer cause any more pain. "Malis...?" She noticed the troll watching her with an odd expression.

Malis snorted, "Funny... seems he be havin' pretty strong feelin's for ya an' ya be wit' someone else. That can be awkward..." She blinked, her eyes glowing a pale blue, "So... whatcha gonna be doin' about it?"

Amirynth looked up, used to the troll's forwardness, and shook her head. "I... I d-d-don't know..." She took a deep breath, wanting to talk to the troll like she used to but was unable to. It would be best to just leave now, it would take what strength she had left to get back home. "I'm g-g-going to leave before I c-c-cause any more troubles... It was very nice to meet you again, Malis." She turned her back to go.

"Why leave... we be havin' so much fun..." A darker growl came from behind her, causing the warlock to turn, her eyes widening. I'mani stepped forward out of the shadows a wide grin on her face. "Ah be thinkin' you have a little explainin' t' do." She leered at the bloodelf, her bulk towering over Rynn as she raised her arm. "An' then, it be time for ya t' die."

Rynn took a few steps back, bringing her arms up as she screamed, "N-n-no! Not... you! How!? HELP!!!" She looked around frantically for an escape, spotting Malis' axe in the corner. Lunging for it she hoped that her training with Zev would pay off.

Then it went black...