Araatris stared down at Kharendos’ sleeping form and glanced up to where Fethas still watched from the edge of the bridge. She’d been doing some thinking… and some talking and had come to a conclusion. With her current restrictions, she was helpless and it was unacceptable. Right now, she needed to earn their trust again and according to Mal she’d have to act how they expected her to. Seemed silly, but… if it loosened their restrictions because they thought she was “getting better” then it was worth it.

A part of her wanted to deny their claims about her illness regardless of proof. The other part of her was driven to protect the Netherbane which she couldn’t do where she was. And if she was what they needed protection from… Araatris ran her bandaged and gloved hand through Kharendos hand. If -he- was a threat…

She shook her head. Not yet. She needed to see things for herself. Find answers for herself. There was no way that sweet kind Ryni was the cause. And contagious? Neither Tsunomi nor Fethas had contracted it which seemed odd if it was contagious.

It was a risk to try this, but it was the only way that they might loosen their grip slightly. Araatris would need to be what they expected to be “normal” and she would need to be helpful. She took a cautious sniff. Kharendos’ scent nearly overpowered her for a moment until the breeze blew bringing other smells with it. Fethas, Ssvix, and Falowin were nearby. No matter.

Standing quietly, Araatris went to her pack. Luckily, she’d grabbed some things before being sent to Darnassus, including a familiar red dress that Kharendos had liked. She changed out of her current clothes, carefully bandaged her bare skin, and pulled on the dress. She left the mask off; though she was sure she would regret it and packed the black leather into the bag.

Already, she felt dizzy from the nearby scents, but Araatris forced herself to breath calmly and steadily. Tomorrow she would be Araatris Valryss… the one they knew. She would play their games and follow Mal’s lead when she was unsure of what they expected. After all, he seemed to know what they were talking about.

In the end, she would get the information she needed and find out for herself who the threat to the Netherbane was. If her blood was corrupted, perhaps there would be something that could close the wound and neutralize the blood. The rest of their claims… dubious at best, but she could do that much if it made them feel better. The Orc, she felt, had still deserved his death.

Araatris laid down to rest. She stared at Kharendos’ back for a long while before sleep claimed her.

I didn’t expect what came out in my writing. Just like all thoughts though not all of these may come to light, but I must admit… It feels good to know she has an odd reasoning for the overly happy, pleasing, and playing dumb. The saddest part? She still has no clue that something actually -is- wrong.

- – - – -

You’re playing them?

Araatris snorted to herself as she laid back in the grass off to one side in Darnassus. Her hands were behind her head. A warpstalker raised its head to look at her at the sound.

What you do you care?

I don’t, child. I’m rather proud of you.

Her lips curved into a grin beneath the mask. High compliment coming from you. Anyway, I don’t mind taking a break. And I’d like to avoid Thar being mad. He can be harsh when he chooses to be. Too bad I have a babysitter.

And what would you do without the warpstalker, child?

Could go find Eraelan…

Why him?

Because I think he’d give me what I need. The others see me as something weak to be protected… and watched. They’re starting to look at me like him. I’m not stupid. If I’m not careful, they’ll kill me just for being me. I’m fine, but they’re concerned. I’ll heal up in a few days and then they’ll see.

Malorin was silent.

I only do it to protect them.

I know, child.

Malorin’s presence felt reassuring and it relaxed Araatris. She thought it was best to play dumb around the others. She didn’t like seeing them so agitated. So, she would act as she was expected to. She would play nice with Sedrai and Feyldrinn… for now. It made them happy. It was a shame that they couldn’t see the threat.

She would do anything to protect the Netherbane. If it meant she had to slaughter all of the Orcs, demons, and refugees, and Sentinels. No one would harm her family. Not even Xyus.

Araatris started as a large hand painfully yanked her to sit up. Kharendos frowned from where he crouched in front of her. “Hey! What?!”

“I told you that you needed to tell me where you went.”

“I forgot to leave a note. It’s not a big deal.”

“I searched for you. I had to learn where you went from someone else.” Kharendos released her wrist and reached up and untied her mask. “Troublesome mask…” His hand gripped her chin and he leaned over to kiss her ungently. “Don’t worry me like this again.”

Araatris felt her heart thudding in her chest. Not with fear, but with excitement. She chuckled as Kharendos sat next to her and pulled her against him. “As you wish, lover. As you wish.”

The warpstalker stared impassively at the couple.

Araatris looked at the body out of habit with her felgaze as she kicked him over. She wiped her bloody blades across his shirt. More than likely a worker, but he’d gotten much too close to the Site for her comfort. Much as she’d told Sedrai the night before, she didn’t suffer threats to the Netherbane. The horde had pressed close enough. She wasn’t going to just sit and watch if they stepped into her patrol area.

I really like this new side of you, brat.

Shut it, Mal. I have no idea what you’re talking about.

Really? You’re certainly taking charge of things. And the way you decided to just bide your time with that draenei.

Are you going to help me with my patrol or talk?

Malorin grinned broadly. I’ll help you however you like.

She continued her patrol without incident. Her blades cut down any demons in her path easily. Upon making it to the Site of Lessons and finding it empty, Araatris went to her resting place. She shoved the covering to the side and entered the tree hollow.

Her nose wrinkled. The scents were strong here, but at least it was quieter than outside. It seemed like everything was brighter, the sounds were louder, and the smells in some cases… overpowering. She would need to change the bedding. Araatris grinned. It’d helped her hunt though, so it was only a minor annoyance. And the hunt had felt good.

To see them dead at her feet… better.

Her eyes raked across her arm and Araatris tilted her head curiously. That welt. Did she get injured today? She hadn’t felt it. No matter. She’d simply need to wear better armor. She went to the corner and dug through her clothes setting aside several items.

The blackened leather was supple as she changed. The pants and shirt fit well and the boots seemed to be the right size. She tugged on the fingerless gloves and finally tied a black mask to cover the lower part of her face. Her face was hidden between that and the blindfold. Only the crimson locks that now hung loose over her shoulders betrayed much of who she was.

The change felt good. The clothing felt… right. In her mind, the familiar presence of Malorin felt approving.

Now… now you look like you should. Part of the darkness.

Araatris grinned. The damned should dress the part.

In the presence of others they are calm and polite, but the way that they stay close speaks of their still newfound love. The embraces, the smiles, the gentle clasp of her tiny hand held so gently by his, the soft whispers between them, and on occasion… the gentle flush of Araatris’ cheeks.

Araatris is always eager to rest early of those nights; forgoing the rest of her normal training. They drank in each other’s presence in the privacy of their little tree den. They loved each other as only mates do with whispered words of devotion in the quiet night. When all is said and done though, they stay ever alert, for it would not do well to be caught unprepared in the most vulnerable of their moments.

Tonight Kharendos tugged Tris’ favorite attire in place, the warm fabric covering her skin from the slight breeze that eased in the entrance. The night was always pleasantly cool here. A fact that she was grateful for at this moment. Araatris snuggled back down into their bed and his embrace.

Her fingers played lightly at the buckle of his kilt for a moment before moving to wrap around him. Kharendos’ hand ran through her crimson tresses and she found what was left of the stresses from the week ease away. Araatris nuzzled into his chest sleepily. As her breathe slowly evened out into the sweet oblivion of sleep, Kharendos smiled gently at her.

He spoke softly, “I love you, Tris… much more than words can say.”

“I love you too, Khar.”

It was a sleepy mumble that barely reached his ears, but made him grin all the more. Kharendos listened intently one more time to check for trouble before he too let himself relax and fall asleep. There the two unlikely mates coiled in a tangled of limbs. A testament against the darkness that threatened to consume them.

A few weeks into beta and Blizzard’s making some bold moves. This isn’t the first time they’ve done something so bold, but needless to say it always worries the community. We have a few more months. If you have worries, then people in the beta probably have the same concerns and are providing feedback already. If you get into beta, then provide constructive criticism once you’ve tried it.

Don’t knock til you try it.

Yeah, I’m worried about missing my Divine Spirit. Having been a Disc priest for so long, it’s going to be weird not having that buff. But, I want to try it before I worry about it. They say we don’t need it. We probably won’t. I am a bit concerned that they kept the Lightwell. Great spell in theory, but I rarely see it used. It requires two things: a group trained to use it and DPS having the opportunity to walk over and use it. In the AOE battles of today… it’s hard. It’s almost useless in some fights. I can’t even imagine using it on Marrowgar. However, I prefer my Disc spec.

I like condensing the talents. Looks like we’re going to still have plenty of room to move about. Locking us into one talent tree until we finish it? I don’t mind that so much. When I’m leveling a character I tend to do that anyway. Just like old days we’re going to have about 10 points to go into other trees. Same flexibility as vanilla in that respect. As long as we don’t have…”trash” talents that no one wants, then I think we’ll see variations in builds. It would be nice to see less “cookie cutter” builds. I’m not really going to comment on Mage or Rogue trees. I don’t raid with either one and I don’t feel I have the grasp of them to say anything.

I will comment on CC though. I love crowd control. I use it. I abuse it. Solo or not, I really, really like it. Leveling, I shackled, sheeped, and have sapped my way up. Maybe you can just beat it down with AOE, but I find the dynamics of crowd control much more fun.

I remember shackling through Scholo, Strat, and Naxx. Heck, I even shackled in ICC 5 mans. Why? It makes things easier. That means though that you have to move you AOE away from my shackle. That means you actually need to coordinate who you’re attacking. It means… OMG… you have to mark your targets. I played back in vanilla when you had to coordinate without AOE awesomesauce or having marks built into the game. I do not feel the current AOE design allows for the building of teamwork. It’s great for PUGs, but that’s about the only allowance I can make on it.

Cataclysm is supposed to bring that back. Blizzard, thank you. The number of times that a well-placed CC has saved my priest’s life is more than I can count. Especially when fade or shadowmeld was on cooldown. Most importantly, you’re giving purpose to these abilities again. I know that I hate having that spell on my bar that I never ever use. Or worse yet… you need it after nearly a year of not using it and you have to find the dang thing. To me, it’s important that the abilities that you give us have a purpose. Especially an entire category like CC, so I hope that you do bring them back. As much as I fussed about trying to heal and CC at the same time… it added an exciting dynamic and challenged me in a new way. We need those types of challenges.

Oh yeah… and fishing. Please, please, please change it! I fall asleep at my keyboard. I can’t believe that was ever your intention for fishing. PLEASE! Thanks! I hope I see changes in the later beta builds. Although I’ll have to rely on others for that information since I’m not in beta. ^_^;

Now, I said that I was going to touch on RP. Yeah, yeah. I know. This is an RP blog and I’ve been spouting mechanics for several paragraphs. Thanks for being patient if you’ve survived thus far. *grins* I think Cataclysm will be opening up tons of RP. After all, the entire world is changing. I’ll try not to be specific as I don’t want to spoil the story for anyone that doesn’t want it, but I can give some general ideas.

Guildhouses. Tons of RP guilds have an area that they hang out. You might want to have a backup plan/story/plot just in case yours isn’t there come Cataclysm. There’s a good chance that even if it’s there changes might have occurred. Be prepared. Where will you go? How will the loss of something affect you? Do you have RP memories associated with it?

Bosses coming back. For me, this is awesome. I love how this will affect one of my characters. Serephim despises one with a passion. It could put her in extreme danger. Will she become his unwilling minion? Will she stay his worst enemy? Are there any bosses that are going to affect your character? What about the new races? What about choices your faction/race is making? How does that make your character feel?

Every change is an RP opportunity. Look for them. Use them to your advantage. Let the world that Blizzard is changing influence your character. It’ll add a fun and new dynamic.

Most of all, realize that Cataclysm is still in beta. What we see now will not be the final product. There’s plenty of time for feedback and change. I know that I’m looking forward to see what Blizzard will do. And like most, I too am hitting refresh on my battle.net account and hoping to see the beta invite. Until then, I will have to rely on all of you for my information. Thank you!

Mal, I’m getting really tired of your advice. Why don’t you shut it?

You’re being a fool. He’s lying to you. He’s a threat.

He’s my father.

Let me put this in terms that you can understand, child, since you listen to him so well. He is keeping the truth from you, yes? See him as he is now, Araatris, and not as he was. Do not let your feelings cloud your judgment.

I told you to never do that.

Nonetheless, it has made my point. Wake up, child.

Araatris started as she sat up. She’d chosen a spot to rest since she hadn’t made it back to the Site of Lessons before she needed to rest. It was her fault for choosing a longer patrol, but after everything, she needed some time to herself. Patrols made it easier to think and she could train as she traveled. She purposely chose difficult paths that forced her to concentrate her sight to see the dangers. It had helped to sharpen her vision.

Honestly, everyone seemed like they were close to the breaking point. She was no exception. Her rest was short and often filled with vivid images or Malorin making himself known. There were times when it was difficult to tell if she was awake or dreaming. Only the physical sensation of other people or training grounded her.

The thought of her own father made her sick. Sick with fear and worry. Thoughts of Ryni made her breath catch and she wondered if it had been the right decision to support Ryni following Sedrai. She wondered if she was okay. Thoughts of Tharion made her worry as she watched more and more weight set upon his shoulders and there was nothing she could do. They kept meaning to meet and work on her training, but like most things, it seemed less important in the overall picture. So, she managed herself as best she could. She pushed herself and used what she could get out of Malorin. But she had to admit their training had been a bit sparser and shorter than it used to be.

It wasn’t his fault and Araatris didn’t mind in most ways. She was concerned that she was falling behind though. Next thing she’d know Ryni would be blinded and bound. Still, she felt she was making good progress. Immolation, while still challenging, was possible to use in combat now. It was still a bit… wild though. Additional control should come with practice.

Pausing along the path, Araatris turned slightly and headed towards Aszhara. No one would miss her if she took a detour for a bit in Aszhara. The demon hunter there left her mostly to her own business except when she had questions. She found a strange calmness there with him and his fel hound companions. She’d taken to meditating there at times. Perhaps, she would take advantage of its effect and try to sleep.

Sleep was something that eluded Araatris much of the time. Too many thoughts and being unable to close her eyes due to the felsight created a perfect environment for insomnia. It was one of the many things that she avoided mentioning to others. They had enough to worry about. When it got too bad, she’d drug herself to sleep for a day to rest. She always did it when Kharendos was nearby. She wasn’t sure if he’d realized what she was doing yet.

It was this lack of sleep that also allowed her to make stupid choices. What the hell had she been thinking offering herself as evidence in front of Tsunomi and Aneesh to the druid Feyldrinn? She’d hoped that he’d trade for the book. But Tsunomi had gotten at least part of what of the book back without the need of the offer.

And that priestess, Araatris knew that somehow she was the cause of the druid discomfort, but had been unable to find out anything. The only thing she got out of it was a memento. She wondered briefly if Tharion would know what they were and clutched the obsidian prayer beads hanging off her belt. The crescent moon in the center bounced off her thigh as she traveled.

The worst thing, her gut instinct was telling her to listen to both Tharion and Malorin. Araatris had a dark feeling that she wouldn’t like what she saw if she truly decided to look at her father. It was a terrible feeling, but his actions… his words… were already leaning towards something she didn’t want to believe. She would need to steel herself. She would have to meet with him again. It could be that when he answered, it may not be the answer she would want.

After training with her family, the Netherbane, Araatris had left the next day to continue the task Shan’do Tharion Greyseer had given her. She was to search for Xonath’s host. However, she had a task of her own she wished to complete. She would talk to her father first.

Kharendos’ news about her mother showing up at the patrol had left her uneasy. It certainly did not seem like the mother she’d known as a child. Her mom had never been confused or agitated. To Araatris, she’d been a steady rock when everything else had changed. It seemed to have the memories of her mother, but it seems that the method of resurrection had not been perfect. She seemed unstable. Dangerous.

It made her heart ache to think such a thing about her own mother. Araatris walked towards the Old Town inn where her Uncle Rosef had directed her. Her father would be there if he was in town he’d told her. Perhaps her father could shed more light from his own encounter if they compared notes. She was strangely glad that Shan’do had sent her to Stormwind. It delayed any possible meeting with her mother a bit longer. The thought of seeing her mother as she was now felt disturbing, though she had not admitted that to anyone else.

Araatris knew that she should talk to Shan’do more, or someone at least, but they were all so busy. Yet, his words had reminded her that it wasn’t safe to sit on some things. “Remember what happened last time He was loud.” She remembered all too well. Even in his sleep, her Shan’do managed to remind her of such things. Since they were… busy, she would talk to her father. Even if she was still pissed at him, he could understand her feelings about her mother.

* * *

Xyus looked up at a knock on his door. “Just a moment.” He finished penning in his current entry and blew on the ink to dry it. He knew where almost all of the artifacts resided. If he could somehow figure out how to retrieve them, then they would all be out of danger. If only she could help him. Xyus put those thoughts to the side. He would worry about that later. There was much to do until then.

The inn staff were used to his eccentricities now and tended to leave whatever he’d requested outside of the door. If it was someone else, then it would do them no harm to wait. He put the quill to the side and close the ink pot. Then he carefully closed the journal and put it in a drawer. A more impatient knock sounded at the door. “I said just a moment!”

Scooting back from the desk, Xyus stood and strode to the room entrance. He opened the door with a jerk and physically flinched at the sight before him. Kirie Valryss pushed him back into the room with her sword tip and shut and locked the door behind her.

She pushed back a faded hair blond hair that had once been the same vibrant shade as Araatris’. “It’s good to see you again, Xyus. I believe we have business to conclude, my traitor husband.” Kirie grinned wildly as Xyus attempted to shove the chair and the desk between them.

“Kirie… love. Listen to me! It was an accident!” Xyus pleaded desperately. She kicked the chair with enough force that a leg broke as it tumbled out of her way. “I didn’t mean for anything to happen. You have to believe me! You can still help me. We can-.” He ducked as Kirie swung towards his neck.

“LIAR! I would rather cut out your tongue than listen to your lies.” Kirie slammed the sword into the desk and it cracked down the middle.

Xyus circled the room and kicked the bed frame away from the wall in a vain attempt to keep yet another piece of furniture between them. “Darling… angel of my light… please listen! Can’t you find any of yourself left? Did he take it all? All the love for me? All the love for our daughter?”

Kirie hooked her foot around the foot of the bed frame and with inhuman strength kicks it towards the desk. “Love for a traitor. Love for the one who sent me to my death. I think not. And never…” She strides forward speaking in tandem with the steps. “… ever speak her name again… you… you DEMON!”

She shoves him against the wall with force and shoves her sword up to his throat. Xyus’ eyes look haunted as he meets her now unnatural eyes. Eyes that show none of the love that had once been held there. “What will you do with her?”

“I’ll fix everything… I’ll fix her.”

* * *

Araatris stepped into the doorway and noted that this particular inn seemed darker than the others. There were less windows and more candle light. It made for an oppressive atmosphere. With a nod to the barkeeper, Araatris climbed up the stairs. Noises she’d dismissed as the normal operation of the business were much louder as she crested the stairs. Things banged around and she could hear cursing and muffled yelling.

Frowning, Araatris stopped at the door that was her father’s room. It was coming from his room. She tried to turn the door handle, but it was locked. Clenching her teeth, Araatris stepped back and kicked the door as hard as she could. The door not only opened with a slam, but fell off its top hinge revealing a dreadful scene.

The room was practically destroyed. She doubted robbers could have done a better job of ransacking the room. Yet, that was only what she absent-mindedly picked up due to her felsight. Her true attention was focused on the two people at the far side of the room. Her mother pressed her father up against the wall. Her sword blade pressed against his neck. Even from here, Araatris could see the surprise on her father’s face and the almost inhuman snarl turn into shock as her mother turned slightly to look at her.

“Mother?! What are you doing?” Despite everything she’d been told, Araatris couldn’t help but be incredulous.

“Oh my darling. My sweet little Ary…” The sword eased up. “You shouldn’t be here. Just step outside while I take care of this demon.”

A shiver ran up Araatris spine. “Mother. Stop this. I’m not a child and you’re attacking Papa.”

The woman snarled, “HE’s not your father! My husband would have protected us!”

“Calm down, mama. Calm. Remember. You always told me that it wasn’t good to jump to conclusions. Papa told me there were a lot of demons that day. It was an accident.”

“There were not that day! I recall it well! He’s working for that demon. That… that… Xonath.”

Araatris caught sight of her father’s hands moving, but couldn’t see a purpose to it. It seemed he was still disoriented. “How do you know of Xonath? How were you raised, mama? Please… tell me. Maybe we can help you.”

Her mother’s face twisted into confusion and the blade finally relaxed and dropped as she turned to Araatris. “I… I don’t know, Ary. I don’t know. But… I’m here. I can protect you. From him… from all of them. You won’t need to be a demon hunter anymore.” She takes a few steps towards Araatris. “I love you… I’ll protect you…”

Her skin crawled with the desperate sound in her mother’s voice. “Mama. Please… please stop. I don’t need protecting like that anymore. I’ve made my own choi-.” Araatris’ sentence cut off as her father raised his hands and looked briefly triumphant as he cast his spell. Araatris watched her mother consumed in a blinding fire. The triumph faded to horror as the sword dropped away from his neck and Xyus paled.

Looking away and backing away because of the heat, Araatris found her back pressed against the wall as her mother screamed and pleaded. She listened to her mother beg that she not listen to her father. She listening to the dying wail as the body was reduced to ashes. She listened the fire crackled and died out, but only burned the body.

She stayed like that as the Stormwind guard came and took statements. Araatris answered them hollowly as her father placed an arm around her and held her. He sat with her on the broken bed and cradled her to him. Her fuzzy sight still half blinded, grief shuddered through her. He murmured soothingly to her and rocked her, but nothing would erase the sight of her mother covered in flames and his triumphant grin and his horror. Still she clung to him and for the first time in years whimpered for a mother that would not be returning.

* * *

Several days had passed. Araatris had put her duties to the Netherbane on hold as she’d mourned with her father. He’d explained the rest of what had happened before she arrived, but mostly they’d reminisced of the days when they had been a family. It had been hard as they both attempted to come to terms with that fact that the woman that had died had truly died years ago. That figure had been nothing more than a pale echo of that powerful figure in their lives. It didn’t make it any easier in the end.

Demons had not only claimed her mother once now, but twice. Araatris would be damned if they took her father away too. For all of his mistakes, for all of his fumbling, he was her father and she loved him very much. She wasn’t sure quite where he fit in this new life of hers, but it was something that she could resolve with time. In the meantime, she would hunt any demons who hunted him.

It was with that resolve that Araatris now patrolled the streets of Stormwind for the hidden dreadlord. With light steps and the shadows willing… If he was in Stormwind, she would find him.

But… Araatris lips quirked into a smile remember Tharion wearing the purple hat and carrying the diamond studded cane. She couldn’t think he was overly upset with the fun he’d seemed to be having. It was good to have had so much laughter. Things had been dark lately. Although, she wished that she’d been able to finish her conversation about Malor-.

Are you happy, child?

I’m fine, Malorin. What are you talking about?

You’ve fallen out of favor to be sent on such a fool’s errand. You will die before you find this Xonath they seek.

Araatris gripped the reins of the griffon tighter. She was grateful for the sight of Stormwind before her. I will not die.

She winced as that same guttural tongue he’d used before assaulted her mind. You are a fool, child! You will be the death of both of us!

Landing, Araatris slid off the gryphon and handed the reins to the gryphon master. She stepped away, letting her feet lead the way as she spoke with her Other. He hasn’t sent me to my death. I’m simply to look.

The harsh language grated her ears as Malorin seemed to be cursing her in this other language. She paused under the assault and only began moving once his words calmed. I will say this only once, little demon huntress. Leave Stormwind and never come back. The smell of death is strong here and it will consume you. It waits for you where you cannot see… where even your sight cannot reach. I cannot help you against everything you run across.

Malorin?

His answer was silence. He’d been moody like this for a while. It made her uneasy and she could feel him smirk. It was another game of his to throw her off balance. The only thing that worried her was if there was an element of truth to what he said. After all, those were the most dangerous lies. She could only be cautious.

Sighing, Araatris went into the inn near the main square and secured lodging. She would be here for a few days; there was no sense in being uncomfortable. It would be best to secure tasks in the main quarters of the city to give her reason to travel throughout. The temperature was cooling though it must be heading towards evening.

The best time to search and travel was during the day. At night, even shadows were suspicious. Ordering food sent to her room, Araatris heading upstairs to wait and meditated. In the end, Malorin would answer to her will, but for now, she would endure.

Perhaps that was something Tsunomi couldn’t see as she wasn’t a bound demon hunter. Araatris had seen the gentle side briefly during some of her trials. Even at her binding. And she was grateful for the gentleness that had surrounded her at that moment. It was not something that Eraelan would have ever done.

Tharion was trying to find a balance between the path he had walked and the path of his students. Araatris had no doubt of this. If he’d approved of Eraelan’s methods… if he’d thought they’d worked, then he would be using them. However, he’d modified them. Tharion had completed his own rituals, something that she wasn’t sure that she could do herself. It wasn’t out of compassion that he did them himself.

Control? If a ritual was done wrong, it could cause odd effects. Araatris thought briefly of the mention of Elithe. If someone did the ritual themselves there was probably more chance of it going wrong. It was unpredictable at best to begin with.

Knowledge? Knowing how to do the rituals could create rival demon hunters which may not have the same goals. In fact, some might use it to just get the power or become demons. Knowledge was dangerous as best. Araatris knew for a fact the rituals were not detailed in any of the public books. It was locked away by Tharion. She’d looked out of curiosity once.

Yet, Araatris couldn’t help but wonder that perhaps she was an example of how soft a demon hunter could be without that… cruelty. Perhaps she would be sharper and stronger like the others already under Eraelan’s tutelage. And maybe… maybe she would already be dead. He’d probably kill her as a failure.

Yet, Tharion had come from that. Powerful. Strong. Wise. She wondered if she could benefit from some of the same. It was hard not to respect, at least a little bit, the origin of her teacher. And briefly, she wondered if Eraelan would teach her.

Tools…

No, he wouldn’t. Araatris knew that she was a worthless tool. Eraelan would kill her for her inability to live up to his goals. She would have to do this on her own. She could no longer give herself the luxury of time. Next time, she could be dead. How many times did this have to be proven for it to become real? This was the first time a true enemy had come to the Site.

How trusting she’d become. So many strangers passed through, she assumed friend, but any one of them could be enemy. Any one of them an agent against them. Any one of them… a demon in disguise. What a fool she was.

Tharion had done much of this on his own. He had mastered his abilities. However, the strength simply did not exist yet. It would take time. But… she would become strong enough. Strong enough where she could walk beside Tharion, her Shan’do, instead of behind. Strong enough to protect the Site. Strong enough to help stop the Burning Legion. Strong enough to protect others. …Strong enough to be respected as an equal.

“You may stay. You will not… distract me.”

“I was planning on doing my weapon drills.”

“Indeed.”

Sighing, Araatris took up a familiar position nearby and drew her duel scimitars. She focused on her breathing for several moments when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Ignoring the hand, she stepped into her first weapon patterns. The first step cut behind her towards the presence and thin air.

Would you like me to-.

No, I wouldn’t.

Very well, Tris.

It irritated her that he still played games like this with her. Malorin had even resorted to twisting her words when she was talking to Edesia the other night. She had thought they were past such childish games, but he seemed to be frustrated and taking it out on her. Probably because he realized the same tricks would no longer work. It was only a matter of time before he found something else.

Pausing at the end of one form and before Araatris began another; she took several moments to concentrate on her breathing and focus. If she focused in just the right way, she could see threads tying herself and Malorin together mentally. Each string was slightly different. Like a puppet, if she pulled one it caused a different reaction in the powers that Malorin gave to her. She was only familiar with a few of these strings.

Araatris shifted and tugged on a shiny black string. The world shimmered into shadow and she let go. That one controlled the tattoos. Useful. Araatris pulled the string several times trying to get used to the feeling as she attempted to do her form at the same time. There were a few fumbles with the multiple focuses, but it wasn’t too bad. She could only hope that if she needed to use it that she would be able to remember the feeling in battle. It was easy enough outside of battle though.

The hair on the back on her neck tingled and Araatris felt as though she was being watched even though Tharion had not moved. Araatris twitched. Wouldn’t be distracted her ass. He probably simply wanted to watch her train. Well, she would train. It wasn’t like him watching made any difference. Tharion had watched her complete these same forms several times before.

Switching her focus back to the puppet strings, Araatris tugged on a few others but they didn’t budge. Frowning, she continued to the next, green one. She always found it amusing that she could still see colors mentally. This one was difficult to hold onto as it was very warm and she felt the same feeling as when she tried to access the felfire. Green and warm… no surprise there.

Red… What’s that red string? She hadn’t seen that one before. Malorin chuckled in the back of her mind as she set her hand on it. It felt strange. Like an echo. Like something on the edge of being. It felt like… it felt like Malorin. Her forehead wrinkled as she pulled on it with the barest pressure. Nothing. Like many others, it didn’t budge.

Curiously, Araatris yanked forcefully… and screamed as pain racked her body. She let go it quickly, but it’d already driven her to her knees. Her arms had unconsciously dropped her swords and wrapped around her body. It had felt like it was tearing her apart piece by piece. She shuddered and finally came to awareness of Tharion kneeling in front of her.

“Araatris.” Tharion had his hand on her shoulder and gently shook it. “Araatris.” He seemed wary as well as concerned.

Taking a shaky breath, Araatris managed a rasp. “I’m fine. Just… was experimenting.” She paused to breath and forced her arms to release its hold on her torso. Her body still ached. “I think I found something that does something to my body… I thought I was being torn apart…”

Tharion seemed to be inspecting her. “Indeed.” He motioned for her to sit as he did so. “You have studied. What do you think that it could be?”

Araatris shifted to sit cross-legged slowly with stiff muscles. She sat for several moments and thought while Tharion waited. “A change… Malorin seemed to enjoy the thought, so it was a change. It wouldn’t have killed me. He wouldn’t have let it for his own sake.” She rubbed at the muscles in her arms. “Metamorphosis.” She tilted her head. “Does it always hurt like that?”

“All are different, Araatris.”

“Am I different in other ways?”

“Your eyes do not have the felglow. I only see it briefly when you train.”

“They don’t?”

“Indeed.”

“I… I wonder…”

“What do you wonder, Araatris?”

“I was thinking about what Edesia said. I haven’t really seen any other… live humans take the path. Nor dwarves or draenei. Do you think it’s rarer for others to choose this path or that they are not capable?”

“You are not the first nor will you be the last. Capabilities are individual.”

“But…”

Tharion grinned. “We are not talking about butts, Araatris.”

Araatris scrunched her face up. “Tharion…”

“Indeed?”

“I’m just worried she’s right. I mean, I’ve already lost myself once, I never heard of that happening with the others…”

Tharion reached forward and pressed his fingers over her heart, “I would not have completed the rituals if I did not believe you could walk the Path.”

Unable to help herself, Araatris grinned slightly. “Guess I’m too stubborn to give up anyway.”

“Indeed.” Tharion grinned back as he retrieved his hand.

“Well, I’m too stiff to train anymore tonight thanks to this. I’m heading back to the Site. You?”

He shook his head. “I will be heading off shortly to search for Xonath again.”

Araatris slowly stood and managed a slight bow. “Well, I will wish you a good hunt. Be safe, Tharion.” She turned and began walking away, not expecting and answer. She only paused for a moment as Tharion’s voice followed her.

“You as well, Araatris.”