UGH.
FINALLY.
All I had to do was remove Luchraline and Aldercy and I could actually finish this. XD
The lineart for Laet has been done for, like, months. So I just coloured it and made it fancy today.

Anyways.
For all of you that have been waiting for the story and stuff.
I AM SO SORRY.
But it's, like, 13 pages long.
If you want the story file so you don't have to read it in this pathetic box the entire time, I'll give it to you.
I admit, it's not the best work, and I even had to force myself to write it sometimes, but I'm hoping you'll at least enjoy it a little! :3

(I've checked 100 times, but if you still see any typos, please tell me! THEY'RE EMBARRASSING, YA KNOW =O )

Laet’s Story

It was early morning and the sound of a trumpet echoed through the camp. Time to wake up for the raiders and time for Laet'Tahal's quickly thought up plan to roll into action. He got up and put on his spell-broken circlet, getting ready to act. He looked at Drusva, his partner-in-crime, and smirked, “Well, Drusva, I'd say it's about time we get out of here, don't you agree?"
"Indeed, I do, Master~."
She smiled mischievously at him and they headed downstairs. By the last step, Laet had lost all emotion in his face. If they were to believe the headpiece still had control over him, he had to pretend he had no control over himself. He looked around for Luchraline, and then noticed that there were crates being lined up on one side of the wall. Drusva shrugged at him when he glanced at her and he headed outside, looking around at his surroundings. Tents were being put away; horses and wagons were being loaded onto.
Laet was leaving alright, but once again with the camp. The only question was where was the camp going to?

"Ah, Mr.Sundancer, it's good to see you've awakened nice and early." Laet knew that voice, and dreaded it. A white battle steed stopped in front of him, and almost crushed his feet, making him lucky that he backed up. Dismounting from the horse was Dalin Aldercy, the Captain that Laet'Tahal had grown to hate during his imprisonment. This hate, however, Laet had to keep hidden.
Laet'Tahal stayed quiet and kept his face expressionless, watching Aldercy. It took everything in him to keep from leaping out and strangling the captain. Drusva shot the captain a dirty look. Just because Laet had to be nice didn’t mean she had to be.
“Quiet today, I see.” He watched Laet strangely, ignoring Drusva.
"Yes sir." He eyed him, speaking slowly. "The troops are packing, where are we leaving to?" His voice was monotone.
"We're leaving the home continent and crossing the Great Sea to Southshore. Near Tirisfal. I'm sure you know where that is."
Laet, indeed, knew where Southshore was. He had raided there once; it was where he first raided with Lexmoore.
The captain continued, “So you best ready yourself for a long voyage." He tied his horse up and walked past Laet and into the inn. Laet had never seen Aldercy go into the inn and wondered what business he had in there. He stood outside the inn's cloth door, pretending to mind his own business as he glanced inside to see what was going on. Aldercy spoke to Laura, the wife of the one who controlled the inn. Luchraline stood not far away, packing, but she wouldn't be able to understand them.
"Laura, are you almost done?"
"Yes, hon. Just a few more things to pack away." She smiled at him and gave him an apple from one of the crates. “Will you help me load these onto the wagons, dear?"
"Of course." He kissed her softly and left her side, then went to pick up a few crates. At this time, Laet'Tahal moved away from the door to make his eavesdropping less obvious. He sat on the ground a few feet away, pretending to meditate. After all, it was still early morning.
Drusva stood next to him, leaning on the wall and staying quiet like a good, obedient minion.
Aldercy left the inn with the crates and handed them to some soldiers, pointing at the wagons and instructing them to put them there. He glanced at Laet almost coldly, as though he had suspicions of him, "I thought you were over your addiction."
“Our thirst is a thirst unending."
"Hn." He took a bite from his apple and mounted on his horse, riding off without speaking another word.
Drusva sighed a sigh of relief and looked at Laet’Tahal.
Once Laet was sure Aldercy was far enough, he went back into the inn and went over to Luchraline, speaking in Thalassian, “Luchraline, were you listening to them?"
Luchraline glanced up at him, tilting her head, “No, I could not understand them. Was there something interesting that they were speaking about?"
"Luchraline, I think Laura is Aldercy's wife."
Luchraline blinked, " ... Well, I haven't seen her husband yet, but how can you be so sure?"
"The way they spoke to each other."
"They could just be friends."
"Who kiss."
"..." Luchraline paused and looked at Laura. She couldn't envision her being with someone as cold as Aldercy. But who knows. Maybe he's different when not in battle. “Are you absolutely positive, Mister Sundancer?"
"I was right outside the door."
"You were eavesdropping?"
“I was."
“That’s naughty of you."
Naughty of him? She's bringing something like that up? What a silly goody two shoes. He had valuable information and she was criticizing him for how he got it?
“Luchraline, don’t you know what this means?”
“No.” She stared at him strangely, as if getting the hint that he was planning something she wouldn’t like. She frowned softly, waiting for him to tell her with her large, innocent eyes locked to his.
“I finally have a means of controlling him.”
“No, you don’t.”
“I don’t?”
“Laet’Tahal Sundancer. If you harm her, I will be very cross with you!”
Laet frowned at her. Now she was getting angry for his achievement? This discovery could save their lives!
“Luchraline Dawnbringer, you don’t understand. I know you resent war and anything that has to do with living like we have to, but life’s life and you’re going to have to be prepared when you get in a situation similar to the one you faced a week ago!”
Luchraline eyed him coldly a bit. It was the meanest look she’d given them since they’ve met. She crossed her arms, leaning back a bit as if she was going to give a smart retort.
“I wouldn’t be in this situation if people did the right thing like they’re supposed to. If people treated others as they wished themselves to be treated. Now you promised me that you wouldn’t kill anyone, and I’m keeping you to your promise.”
Drusva finally interrupted, getting annoyed by Luchraline’s tone with her master, “Hey, Little Miss Holier-Than-Thou, I think you’ve forgotten this is the real world, and as much as you wish everyone was perfect, they’re not. My master will do whatever’s neces-“
“-Drusva, that’s enough.” Laet’Tahal quieted her. He still seemed to favour Luchraline over Drusva. Drusva frowned at him.
“But Master! She has no righ-“
“Drusva!”
Drusva shut up and pouted, looking away. Now both women were upset at Laet’Tahal.
Laet’Tahal continued for Drusva, “She was right, Luchraline. And even if people did what they’re supposed to, you always have to expect the unexpected. I’m just being prepared.”
Luchraline watched him intensely for a moment, and then left him to help Laura pack.

Laet’Tahal had very few things to carry. If he had put the spell book on his belt, then he would have had nothing at all to carry. After the raiders packed up and the inn was taken down, the wagons started heading off to Theramore. During all of this, Laet’Tahal, despite his good behaviour, Drusva, and Luchraline were chained - wrists and ankles- while on one of the wagons. Aldercy and a few of his men rode up ahead the large group, and when they made it to the city, they were greeted warmly. So warmly, in fact, that Aldercy agreed to let them stay the night. The troops deserved nice rests for the work, after all.
And so Laet’Tahal, Drusva and Luchraline were taken off the wagon. Unlike their human counterparts, they weren’t greeted as warmly. Laet’s thoughts weren’t on that, however. He immediately took into account their location and started thinking about using it to their advantage.
“Luchraline...” He spoke Thalassian to her.
“Yes, Mr.Sundancer?”
“We’re in a country called Dustwallow Marsh, have you ever been here before?”
“Dustwallow Marsh? Can’t say that I have..”
“Ahh, Luchraline. Aldercy will regret having brought us here.. For, I have a better plan. And one that you might find much more appealing. “
“Oh? I’m listening?” She smiled softly at him. This made Laet’Tahal smile back; he loved her smile.
“To put it simple, we just run. I’ll try to find a way out of these chains, and then we’ll sneak out the best we can. Once we get to Brackenwall Village, there will be nothing they can do to harm us.”
“Is Brackenwall Village a Horde residence?”
“Yes, it is.”
“I don’t want to go.”
“Luchraline! It could be our only chance!”
Drusva had learned that speaking up was a bad thing, and as much as she wanted to say ‘suck it up!’ she couldn’t, lest she be punished by Laet.
“Mr.Sundancer, the Horde is just as bad as the Alliance!” Luchraline protested further.
“Maybe so, but you’re also skipping over the fact that they’re on our side! Unlike the Alliance, their members won’t get you arrested when you aid them!”
This caused Luchraline to quiet down. She couldn’t argue against that.
Laet continued, “And where did you expect us to escape to? The Horde are the only ones that will accept us.” Or at least he hoped so. He was having his second-thoughts as well.
Luchraline nodded softly, agreeing. “Okay. I’ll go. I suppose anything is better than staying here.”
Laet’Tahal smirked in his triumph, “Ah, I couldn’t have said it better myself.” His eyes brightened a bit, but he quickly removed his expression, in case someone spotted him.

Aldercy strolled over casually, “Well, look here, my two favourite elves.”
Laet glanced at him.
Aldercy smirked at Laet’Tahal, as though they were two good friends keeping a secret, “Mr.Sundancer, I figured, since we’ll be here only a night, and you being with such good behaviour, that I’ll leave you two to explore the city.”
Laet almost laughed- this was going exactly as he wanted it to!
Aldercy continued, “But the wrist chains stay and you’ll have two guards with you at all time. Nothing against you, really, I just don’t want you two to get in trouble. That, and I suppose that I’d get a few dozen complaints about two Hordish characters wandering about. Anyways, is that a problem for you two?”
Laet spoke monotonously, “No.” He kept his eyes away from the captain’s.
Aldercy watched him suspiciously, “Good.. Well, then. Enjoy your time off. And don't do anything foolish." He headed for the bar, where Laura stood by the door, chatting with most likely a local.

At that moment, two guards came up to Laet'Tahal and Luchraline. Laet didn't recognize them from the raid and saw that they wore the local uniform. He smirked; this would be simpler seeing as he could act as himself around them.
“Alright. We've got your eyes on you two.” One of the guards spoke.
Laet quirked a brow at him, “Likewise." He looked at Luchraline, speaking Thalassian, “Would you like to go visit the sea, Luchraline?"
Luchraline looked at him strangely. She knew he didn't want to go to the sea just to see the sea. “Why?"
Laet smiled slyly, “Why else? Relaxation.. Gaze at something beautiful, albeit, not as beautiful as yourself. Would you like to go or not?" He hesitated, his eyes widening a bit, “Oh, did I say that out loud?" You dog, you.
Luchraline giggled softly, “Okay, okay, I'll go.”
Laet was still slightly shocked that he had let his thoughts slip. Don't worry about such petty things. She doesn't matter. Do you feel that?
Laet almost involuntarily touched Luchraline's shoulder. He was silent still before Luchraline gave him a confused look and snapped him back.
"Mister Sundancer?"
"Miss Dawnbringer! I apologize, I seemed to have... dazed a bit. To the sea it is!" He looked at the guards, returning to common. “You two fellows. Take us to the docks."
The guard looked at him as though insulted, “You’re asking us-"
The other guard interrupted, “Okay! It is our humble duty as workers to this beautiful city to do so." He shot the other guard a look.
The first guard mumbled something and turned around, starting to walk toward the docks. The other guard went behind Laet and Luchraline, helping escort them.
"Now don't try to run off, you two. We've got the entire city defense warned about you."
Laet'Tahal smiled sarcastically, "Oh, yes, wouldn't dream of it! Why would I ever want to leave such a wonderful place, filled with wonderful people? Wonderful people with wonderful little lives and wonderful families; wonderfully filling out their dreams as their wonderful city defense department protects them from wonderfully horrid creatures like us." He dipped the end of his statement in poison.
Luchraline was oblivious to his sarcastic comment, as always.
The first guard kept walking, but the second guard glanced up at Laet strangely, as though he had said something that was obvious, “Just shut up and keep going."


The water was choppy and rugged from the activity going on in it. Ships carrying people and supplies came from all over, sailors washing and mending the ships, labourers moving cargo onto karts that were taken to different shops in the market place. No, this wasn't peaceful at all like Laet'Tahal had said.
“It’s a little busy, don't you think, Mister Sundancer?" Luchraline looked up at him, a little disappointed.
"Indeed. But that's a good thing." A creepy smile crept onto his face, his eyes searching for something.
Luchraline watched him for a bit, “What are you looking for?"
“Somewhere where we can get rid of these men.”
Luchraline's eyes widened a bit, “You’re not going to hurt them, are you?"
Laet'Tahal scowled at her, " What would you rather me do, take them with so we can both die?" He looked at one of the guards, “I do believe this brings back memories of my childhood. My father and I always used to fish- could you be so kind as to fetch me a fishing pole?"
The first guard looked at him, confused, “... A fishing pole?"
"Yes, that's what I said."
“We’re not your servants." The other guard looked a little offended, crossing his arms.
“This is obvious, but I only ask you as a favour. Only one has to go get the pole, Luchraline and I will stay here with the other guard."
The first guard looked at the other guard and shrugged, then went to borrow a fishing pole for the bored elf.
Luchraline looked at Laet'Tahal, tilting her head, “How did you get him to go away?"
"I asked for a fishing pole." He didn't look at her, then spoke to the other guard, “Ahh, back before I converted, I loved these docks,.." He lied, " Swimming and fishing, hell, I loved water in general." He smirked, heading to the sand near the docks. The other guard was caught in surprise by Laet's movement.
"Hey! You said you wouldn't move!"
“Ah, but it's just an innocent admiration.." He walked to the sand, Luchraline following, and Drusva on the other side of him. He pretended to see something under a dock and went over to it.
“Stop!" The guard nervously went after him, “Wait for Jack to return!" He frowned as he grabbed Laet'Tahal's arm.
Laet'Tahal grinned and pulled him in by his grip and grabbed the soldier's head, snapping his neck. The chains didn't stop him; they only made it easier, in fact. "Ah... There we go. One down.”
Luchraline's eyes widened and she looked at Laet'Tahal, "...How dare you!"
“We discussed this before, Miss Dawnbringer. You have to trust me."
"That man was only doing his job!"
"AND I'M ONLY DOING WHAT'S NECESSARY!"
He snapped at her, growling. He quickly stopped himself, pausing and turning away, “I apologize. The other guard will be back soon; best meet him there if this is going to go smooth."
He brushed himself off and headed out from under the dock, looking around.. No one seemed to have freaked out yet, so he returned to the place where the guard had left him.

Soon, the guard returned, confused, “Where is Al-"
"-He went to get something to eat."
The guard frowned, “He wouldn't do that one duty."
Laet'Tahal shrugged, “That’s a fine pole you retrieved for me."
Luchraline held baque tears, hiding her face. She didn't want to mess this up for Laet'Tahal.
The guard handed the pole to Laet'Tahal, with some bait, “Here. We'll wait for Alphon to return."
Laet'Tahal, “Why wait?" He quirked a brow and went down to the sand again, not glancing at the dead body from before.
Luchraline followed, waiting for the worst. Drusva prepared herself to help him.
The guard, Jack, growled and took out his sword, a bit more aggressive than the last guard. “Listen here, elf-!"
Drusva smiled a bit and pulled out her whip and whipped the blade away. “Oohh~ Sorry, mister.. I got excited."
Laet'Tahal shot Drusva a look, “Now, now, control yourself!”
Drusva made a sarcastic regretful look, “I’m sorry, Master, I couldn't help it. He just looked so.. threatening with his sword."
Laet shrugged, "Oh well, things happen." He looked at the guard, "Well?"
The guard eyed him coldly, “Well?"
Laet smirked, “Your sword. Aren't you going to pick it up?"
Jack the guard scowled, “I don't like the look on your face.” He leaned down to pick up the sword, but Drusva stepped forward and kicked it under another dock, neighbouring the dock that hid the dead guard.
“Oohh... Sorry, mister.” She winked, “I guess you're going to have to go fetch it...” She smiled innocently at him, shrugging. Laet'Tahal felt proud of Drusva. She was making this extremely easy for him. Luchraline continued to keep her eyes averted. Jack, however, was not happy, “Whatever you two are planning, you'd best stop immediately.”
“Us? Planning something? But mister, we don't want to hurt you...” Drusva set her hands on her hips.
"Indeed, we just want to enjoy our day. Now pick up your sword so we can fish peacefully while we wait for your friend."
The guard had to remind himself that they were unarmed except for Drusva, and cautiously turned to regain his sword. Drusva and Laet exchanged glances.
“How convenient, it's in the shade. Come to think of it, all this sun is ruining my wonderful skin...” Drusva smirked dangerously and went after the guard. Laet'Tahal and Luchraline followed.
“No. You three stay where you are!"
Drusva caught up to him and whipped around his neck, leaning into him and covering his mouth with her hand, “Shhh...”
Laet'Tahal glanced to make sure there were no suspicious people as they hid under the dock.
“Make it quick, please make it quick." Luchraline whimpered quietly, covering her ears and closing her eyes.
Drusva tugged on her whip, choking Jack, “Baby...” Who she spoke to was hard to determine, but she soon looked at Laet, “Would you like to do the honours, master?"
Laet's eyes were on Luchraline, his eyes narrowing, “No, no... Go ahead, Drusva.”
Drusva frowned at this, “Excuse me, master, but are you not doing this because of her?"
Laet'Tahal looked at her with ice in his eyes, “Are you questioning my decision?"
Drusva hesitated, “Of course not, Master.” She strangled the guard, letting him drop to the ground gently. “Now how do we sneak out of here unnoticed?"
“Do you even have to ask?" Laet'Tahal smirked, “We swim."
Drusva smiled, “Of course. So simple. "
Luchraline looked at Laet'Tahal, keeping her eyes away from the dead guard, “That’s it? What if they spot us in the water?"
"We'll swim under the boats when we can. Hopefully by the time there are no boats, we'll be too far for them to catch us. And the great thing about swimming is that the guards are wearing armour."
“They’ll sink like rocks." Drusva chimed in.
"But we're chained.” Luchraline's pointing out the obvious made Laet'Tahal's smile drop, “And we can't hold our breath forever."
“As for the breath, I know a spell for that, as for the chains... It may be awkward, but we'll make due, I'm sure... All I have to do is take off my belt for Drusva to be free, that may make things easier."
Drusva grinned, moving in front of Laet'Tahal and taking off his belt, “Well, why didn't you say so in the first place?" She put the belt on herself so it wouldn't hang loose.
Luchraline sighed, " Are you sure your spell will work?"
“Of course it will, I'm very skilled with my spells!"
"Okay. Then cast it."
Laet'Tahal didn't waste any time in casting a water breathing spell for the three of them.
“The waters are filled with dangerous creatures, so be careful." They sunk into the waters and began to make their escape.

Swimming while being chained was not easy at all. Laet'Tahal was grateful for being free from the Alliance, but if he could get one more wish granted, it'd be to remove those bloody chains. He kept his eyes open for anything that felt like eating elf today.
Laet’Tahal led them away from the shore and behind one of the many ships docked. So far so good. He dived again, deep enough so they couldn’t be seen at the surface, but not too deep as to lose track of where they were. He led them out past the walls of Theramore and onto shore close by.
They walked onto the beach and Laet’Tahal wrung his clothes out, looking around, “…” He made sure Drusva and Luchraline had made it out okay, and he couldn’t hold back a grin, “We made it. We’re free.”
Drusva smiled at him, “Boy, you look excited, master.” She wagged her tail and looked at Luchraline.
Luchraline looked at Laet, holding back some tears, “I still can’t believe you-.. They were innocent.”
Laet frowned, quirking a brow at her. What a mood killer. He wrung out his hair, “Miss Dawnbringer, I suggest you get over that fact very quickly, because we’re going to be walking. A lot. And I don’t want to hear it again.”
Luchraline frowned at him, and then looked at Drusva, who was wringing out her hair. She decided to do the same.
After they were all wrung out, Laet started walking along the coast, heading deeper into the marsh. Drusva and Luchraline followed him closely, helping him keep an eye out for guards or the like.

Fifteen minutes passes at they made it to the mainland. Nothing too bad had happened, except a stray murloc dared to assault them, which Drusva took care of single-handedly. They even managed to get out of the chains.
Laet’s eyes darted around the area, one miscalculation could get them back into imprisonment, “Brackenwall Village is this way. Keep very quiet, and out of sight. There are still humans in this area.”
Drusva nodded, Luchraline doing the same. The three of them headed out, deeper into the Marsh without armour and weapons, except for Drusva, but that hardly counted.

“Mister Sundancer… I can’t walk any further.” Luchraline sighed and sat down in the grass, “And I don’t mean to whine, but I’m really thirsty, too.”
Laet’Tahal stopped and turned to look at her, “It’s alright, you’re right; we should rest.” He walked over to her and sat next to her, looking her over. She wore the same clothes she had been serving in, and those were nothing special. A plain linen shirt, with linen shorts. If you’re going to be a prisoner, you can’t expect to be clothed in the best. Laet’Tahal was dressed in something similar, except with a light robe that fell to mid-thigh. Obviously, he wore something different when he raided for the alliance, but he clearly wouldn’t be fighting in Theramore.
Well, if he was, he wouldn’t be now.
They had made it pretty deep into the marsh, and the sun was falling. Laet was determined to get them there before the night, so it’d be easier to see.
“You know, it’d be harder for them to see us at night, master.” Drusva brought up a point.
“Right, but it’d also be harder for us to see everything else. Not much moon will shine through the trees,” He retorted.
Drusva looked at him, “I’m sure we’ll see enough.”
“But whatever we can see, they can see. So it really doesn’t matter,” Luchraline chimed in, “So no matter what we do, we need to be careful...”
Laet’Tahal nodded, “Then it’s settled- who cares when we go, as long as we get there.” And with that, Laet’Tahal got up and started walking away. Luchraline flinched at his sudden, unannounced action and got up, following him with a sigh. Drusva wasn’t far behind either.
“I’ve never liked this place. There’s nothing to like about it. Master, let’s never come back here again,” Drusva whined.
“Agreed,” Laet’Tahal had had quite enough of Dustwallow Marsh, “Don’t worry, we’re almost there. We need to cross into another road...” He took a step into the makeshift road, glancing around for any Alliance characters, “Actually, considering how far we are from Theramore, it may be safer to walk on the path...”
“Oh please, can we? I really don’t want to step on another snake.” Luchraline pleaded with him, following.
“For once, I agree with her.” Drusva stretched her wings once in the open.
Laet’Tahal frowned, “If we’re being pursued, they’d spot and catch us easier.”
“I don’t think Captain Stick-up-his-ass even knows we’re gone yet.” Drusva looked at Laet, rubbing his chest absently, “lleeaasee?”
Luchraline tilted her head, giving Laet’Tahal puppy eyes.
Laet’Tahal sighed and ran a hand through his unkempt hair, “Fine! Fine… But Drusva, you stay in back and keep an eye out for anyone on the trail. If you spot anyone, go after them, we’ll escape into the wilderness.”
Luchraline’s eyes widened a bit, “Are you asking her to give her life for us?”
“Hon, I’ll distract them, and then I’ll just return to the Twisting Nether, it’s not a problem.” She smirked at Luchraline, then looked at Laet, “So let’s get going, Master.”
Laet turned and started heading down the path, turning onto a separate one to get to Brackenwall, but was quickly stopped by a sword to his neck. How did he not see that coming? He glanced to his side, a high elf scout standing in front of a tree held the sword firmly. The high elf must have hidden along the tree while they changed their route.
“You three, stop!” The high elf was male and covered in thick, but stealthy leather armour.
“I don’t really have a choice, do I? Lest I want my head severed.” Laet’Tahal shot the high elf a look, “You must work for the Alliance.”
“And you must be part of the Horde.” The high elf scoffed, “I can see it in your eyes.”
Laet’Tahal grinned, “Right you are.”
Drusva glared at the high elf and gripped her whip, “Hi there, mister. Can you let go of my Master?”
The high elf pulled the sword closer to Laet’Tahal neck, “I hope you’re not thinking what I think you’re thinking, succubus.”
Luchraline backed away from the scene; the last thing she wanted to do was to hurt a high elf, one of her own kin in her eyes, “lease don’t harm us, we mean no trouble, we’re just passing through.”
The high elf shot her a look, understanding her Thalassian, “You’re in Alliance territory.”
Luchraline frowned, lowering her eyes.
Laet’Tahal scoffed, “Alliance territory! Nonsense!” He pointed to a high hill on the other side of the water that helped make up the marsh, “Brackenwall Village is right over that hill- this is HORDE territory!”
Drusva interrupted, “Yes, so back off, fool.” She eyed the high elf, raising her whip.
The high elf frowned, watching them. His ears perked up, as though hearing a familiar sound.

Laet’Tahal heard it, too. Horses- and they were coming quickly. He looked at Drusva, “Get Luchraline out of here and run.”
“But Master!” She frowned, “We could easily take out this feeble man!”
Luchraline frowned, not wanting the man to die with an added bonus because he was a high elf, “I…”
Laet’Tahal shot Drusva a stern look.
Drusva sighed and took Luchraline’s wrist, but it not soon after, a group of white and grey horses surrounded them. Some of the horses whinnied, pumped up for a chase if they needed to do so. The high elf backed away from the scene and watched the Alliance at its work.
“Mr.Sundancer, I’m ashamed of you.” Aldercy frowned, “And you must take us for fools.”
Laet’Tahal scowled, growling. He was so close, but so far away. Brackenwall was only a hill away. “I’m sure I’m not far from the truth.” Laet spat at the captain.
Aldercy’s eyes narrowed at the disrespectful elf “Capture them.” He bellowed to his men.
Laet’Tahal was not about to surrender. He hoped he had not lost practice, “Over my dead body, you swine!” His hands ignited into flame and fire surrounded the three of them, creating a fiery barrier between them and the soldiers.

Luchraline looked at Laet’Tahal and protested further, “Mr.Sundancer-” But before she could finish, Laet’Tahal interrupted her with his tongue like a sword.
“Miss Dawnbringer, if you can find another way out of this situation with the three of us alive and the soldiers alive as well, you may execute it. But as for me, I will do what I have to in order to keep us alive the less complicated way- by eliminating that which is trying to kill us!”
Luchraline was about to point out that Aldercy had only commanded them to capture the elves, but held back her words due to Laet’s ever diminishing tolerance towards her. It also helped that she did not have another way out of the situation that meant no harm to all of those involved.

The horses instinctively backed away from the fire, and the soldiers had no choice but to dismount and capture the elves on foot, which wasn’t much of a problem, considering they were already close and the warlock had chosen to create a cage of fire around them. There was no way in, or out, without getting at least majorly singed. The soldiers drew their swords and thanked the heavens that they were wearing some pretty thick armor. Aldercy stayed on his horse, watching the group as they charged into the flames and disappeared.

Laet’Tahal was ready for them when they arrived. He stood in front of Luchraline, and casted a number of memorized curses on the first soldier, and then sent the second soldier back into the flames in spell-induced hysteria. Unfortunately, there were more than those two soldiers, and soon, a third and a forth got close enough to Laet’Tahal to take him down. But fortunately, those soldiers had their weapons whipped from their grip by Drusva, who was bound and determined to protect her beloved master. Laet’Tahal took advantage of their stunned, weaponless, state and smirked, then grabbed their skulls in his large hands and ignited them instantly.

It didn’t take long for Laet’Tahal to start running on adrenaline alone. He had been drained of magic for a long time, after all. He glanced back at Luchraline every once in a while and actually smiled tiredly at her.
“This is nothing compared to what I used to do.”
Luchraline smiled sadly back at him, “You still promised you wouldn’t kill. Even if it is for me.” She held up her hands and healed whatever wounds that the fray had given him.
Drusva glanced back at them, snapping another soldier’s neck with her whip. She frowned at the bonding they were doing- even during battle! They couldn’t save it for some other time?! She noticed the flame barrier dying down, which meant that her master was getting tired.
With the flames having subsided a bit, a towering figure charged through the fire, headed straight for Laet’Tahal and his priestly high elf. Laet’s eyes quickly followed the figure, readying another fire spell.
“Welcome to the fight, Aldercy!”
“Mr.Sundancer.”
It was then that Laet’Tahal noticed that Aldercy wasn’t stopping. He hesitated in his spell, and in his hesitation, Aldercy acted, drawing his long, engraved, sword and swinging it down in one powerful motion.
Unlike Laet’Tahal, Drusva acted and grabbed her master’s hand, pulling him away from the captain and out of the way of his sword. Unfortunately, Luchraline, without Laet’Tahal in her way, was quite in the way of that blade’s path. Her eyes widened for a moment as the blade collided with her in slow motion. It cleanly cut into her chest cavity, severing her heart like a warm knife through butter.
Surprised by the sudden move, Laet’s spell ceased. He looked at Drusva irately, ready to chastise her for pulling her away from a personal battle until his eyes noticed Luchraline on the ground.
“Luchraline!” He pulled himself away from Drusva and ran to her desperately, not noticing Aldercy turning his horse around to watch. Laet’Tahal fell next to the fatally wounded high elf and looked down at her, his expression almost as pained as hers would be. If she were alive. He checked for a pulse at least a dozen times and set his ear on her bleeding chest.
“Miss Dawnbringer! Rise!” He growled, “I can’t have you on my conscience, too…”
Drusva stood back and watched. Her expression was much less pained- good riddance. That high elf had only slowed them down and was hogging her master! However, Laet’Tahal’s growing distress was getting contagious. His grief practically leaked off of him and this made her frown instead of celebrate. Her poor master had lost the last close person to him- other than herself of course, but did he even see her anymore?
Aldercy was a whole other story. He felt no remorse for the pain he had caused the elf. He had done it before, and he’d do it a million times- and even then, it might not amount to the number of Alliance he had killed. He watched his fallen adversary, filled with a sort of satisfaction. Yes, he was quite sure that Laet’Tahal was much too broken to fight. Capture would not be necessary, as the elf would now tear himself apart. Aldercy called back what was left of his group and left, convinced that they had won the battle.
“Sir,” one of the soldiers asked, “Aren’t we going to slay them all? They’re on Alliance territory.”
Aldercy raised an eyebrow, but didn’t look at the naïve soldier, “No, they’re not. That was on Brackenwall’s land.” He smirked smugly.
For a moment, that soldier looked distressed, as though he feared the entire Horde would come after them. But another soldier caught eye of his face and laughed. They all laughed at the silly fact that cost Luchraline her life.

And it was Luchraline’s body that Laet’Tahal held in his hands. He clenched her shoulders, then wrapped his arms around her in a hug, ignoring the cooling blood painting itself as a sad piece of art on his chest.
“Luchraline… How did I fail to protect you? I was given the life of one person and I couldn’t even keep her alive.” He stroked her hair and rose to his feet, holding her body as he forced tears back in front of Drusva. Drusva walked over to him, brushing a strand of hair from his face, but he turned his head away, “ Don’t touch me, minion.”
Drusva stared at him in disbelief for a moment, “Master?”
“And stay quiet!!” He growled at her, “You talk too much for a minion, so shut your pathetic mouth!” He stared down at Luchraline’s body. She was so beautiful, even as a corpse. He knew that if she was even slightly alive right now, he would have kissed her, but even he halfway respected the dead.
“I know a person… a mage. She’s a master alchemist that lives around here due to the amount of strange herbs. If we hurry, perhaps…” He looked around quickly, speculating their location and determining the distance of the mage.
But Drusva interrupted, “Master, I know you told me not to talk, but she’s already dead.”
“I’ve heard of spells.” He set a quick pace to Brackenwall Village. “Spells and potions.”
“Necromancy, master? That could ruin her. You could curse her…”
“NOT ANOTHER WORD FROM YOU, MINION!”
Laet’Tahal seethed in anger and worry, spotting some mounts outside the city walls and “borrowing” a horse that reeked of death. He mounted the horse, keeping Luchraline’s ever-bleeding body close to himself. He didn’t even wait for Drusva as he galloped off as quickly as he could.
Drusva frowned, I didn’t get him back, I lost him. She looked sad for a moment, before disappearing into the Twisted Nether.