Author's Note: This is a sequel to Ileeya's Thorn and Defiant Vengeance. Although I'd recommend reading those first, this story should hold up on it's own as well.

The Lunar Festival. A celebration held by the druids from the town of Nighthaven in Moonglade. The festival occurs once a year to remember the victory over the first invasion of the Burning Legion- a vast army of demons and more. It was a war that brought about the first alliance of night elves, tauren, furbolgs, and earthen. It also brought out demigods and dragons, long thought to only be myth. However, it also was the first time that the leader of the black dragonflight, Neltharion, showed his corruption and betrayal of not only his own kind, but all those of Azeroth as well. He became known as Xaxas to the night elves, and Deathwing, The Destroyer to everyone else.

About a year and a half ago, though most had thought him long dead, the huge dragon had burst through the crust of Azeroth, causing earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and utter destruction to many parts of the world. Shamans and druids worked hard to heal the land, as The Destroyer flew over the planet, burning the land at random with his molten breath.

It was only recently that the four remaining dragon aspects, the shaman from the Earthen Ring named Thrall, and a group of brave heroes confronted Deathwing using an ancient weapon. The menace had finally been defeated, literally ripped apart. As a result, the druids in Nighthaven were expecting many more guests to their usually quiet town for this years Lunar Festival.

Dormir Whitestar watched his daughter, Ileeya, tie up a bundle of herbs. Sitting and playing on the floor near her feet was Adorei, his granddaughter. Like most merchants and vendors in town, she and her boss had stocked up on supplies. Malvor, the shop owner, was tying up his own bundle. They finished their work and put it all away.

"Very good, Ileeya. I think we're more than ready for the festival to start tomorrow. Take the next few days off. I already have some students scheduled to work." Malvor began to sweep, his usual custom before closing shop.

"Thank you." Ileeya wiped her hands on her dress and turned to pick up Adorei. She saw her father standing at the doorway and gave him a smile as she exited the shop. "How did your meeting go?"

Dormir fell into step beside his daughter as they headed towards their house. "As I figured, Rabine asked me to help patrol the town. He wants to step up security for the festival. The last thing he wants is for the Horde and Alliance to start fighting here. And I have to admit, I agree."

"Me too." She frowned as a thought occurred to her. "I wonder what Kirlothenin would do if that happened?" Kirlothenin Dawnwhisper was a blood elf who lived with them. He was also Adorei's father. Through a series of events over nearly a year, he and Ileeya found themselves together. He was in love with her. She...cared about him. That's all she could feel for him for now though she knew he hoped for more.

"Dormir?" Her father turned to see a warden beckoning him over. Ileeya paused as her father went to talk to the warden. She figured it was probably about his duties for tomorrow. She knew he wanted her to wait for him, but Adorei was beginning to fuss and she wanted to get her home. It wasn't too far to their house and she decided to keep going, figuring he would quickly catch up. Ileeya thought about the past couple of months as she walked. Kirlothenin had forced her to face her own feelings towards him. But he couldn't force her to love him. A part of her wanted to love him because he was the father of her baby. Realistically, however, she knew that to be a wrong reason.

Another part of her used to hate him, fear him, distrust him. It was that part of her that kept her held back and reserved. She no longer hated and feared him. But trust was still an issue for her. Despite his making himself completely vulnerable to her, it was still his plan to do so. Of course he wouldn't do anything against her if he was trying to gain her trust. Still, he seemed in earnest. She only wished she knew how to get past her own doubts. He was a powerful mage. He's proven he could get into her mind numerous times. He could block memories and make her go places she didn't know she was going. And he can make some sort of mental connection to her.

Oddly enough, she did believe him when he promised to protect her and Adorei. He's proven himself in that regard, almost getting himself killed while trying to save her. She trusted him with her life...just not her heart.

A shadow enveloped her and her path was suddenly blocked. She had been looking at Adorei and hadn't been paying attention to where she was going. Ileeya had bumped into someone. Looking up, she stared into the sneering face of a male night elf. He had the large build of a warrior. His long purple hair had silver streaks in it and was pulled up into a topknot. Surprised at his look, she stepped back, wondering if she had offended him. "Sorry." She altered her course but found him mirroring her movement. "Excuse me." She tried to go around him again. And for the third time, he blocked her.

Ileeya glanced back to where her father had been, but she couldn't see him. She was on her own. Straightening her back, she shifted Adorei to one arm ready to speak more firmly when he spoke first. "So it's true!" Ileeya blinked and saw him looking at Adorei. The baby's blue eyes were open and looking around. "I didn't believe him when he told me. I told him that no self-respecting kaldorei would have a baby with a traitorous sin'dorei!"

Ileeya began to grow nervous for Adorei. Most night elves she had come across either calmly accepted the child of mixed heritage without question, or quietly scorned them, but left them alone. This was the first aggressive show of contempt she had seen. "Sir, as you know, this is a peaceful town. Please take your aggression elsewhere or the wardens will see to it that you cool off in a cell for the night." She tried to be polite, but firm at the same time.

"Wardens? I don't see any warden's here."

Ileeya's stomach began to sink as she realized he was right. She could tell from the look on his face that he was looking for trouble. "Look, I just want to go home."

This must have been the wrong thing to say as it seemed to have set him off. "Home? You mean you want to go back into the arms of that fel-sucking leech!" He took a step towards her, but stopped at the sound of another voice.

"If you have a problem with this fel-sucking leech, then I suggest you take it up with me." The warrior turned his head to see a blood elf mage standing not too far from them.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Ileeya backed away from the warrior who now seemed to focus on Kirlothenin. Kirlothenin slowly moved so that the warrior's back was now to Ileeya. "However, I assure you, I will provide much more of a challenge to you then a woman holding a helpless infant."

The night elf unsheathed a large sword. "I accept your challenge, sin'dorei." He immediately crouched into a fighting stance, then with a roar, charged forward. Kirlothenin cast his blink spell, materializing right in front of Ileeya. Looking her in the eyes he raised a hand and muttered another spell, at the last second turning towards the halting warrior and pointing his hand towards him.

A thud was heard as the sword fell to the ground. The warrior couldn't hold it if his hands were hooves. The mage had polymorphed him into a sheep. Kirlothenin quickly turned back to Ileeya, anger in his fel-green eyes. "Why were you traveling alone? Where's your father?"

As if on cue, Dormir landed and transformed out of his stormcrow form as he took in the situation. "What happened?"

"One of your own was harassing Ileeya. You were supposed to be with her!"

Ileeya was getting irritated with Kirlothenin's anger. "Dad was called away and I decided to continue walking instead of wait for him. I don't know why you're getting angry. I've walked home by myself plenty of times!" She saw a look pass between Kirlothenin and her father and began to feel that there was something more going on. "What? What are you keeping from me?"

Dormir sighed as Kirlothenin calmed himself down. "Kir, take her home and explain. I'll wait here for your spell to wear off and then take this fellow to the holding cells."

Kirlothenin took Adorei from Ileeya, doing a quick check to make sure his daughter was alright. They walked as he explained. "As you know, they are expecting more people to show up here for the festival. Tensions have also been rising between the Alliance and Horde. Now imagine that tension here in Moonglade when all those people arrive tomorrow."

Ileeya began to understand where he was going with this. "That's why they are increasing security this year."

"And why your father and I want to make sure you and Adorei are not alone at any time, as you have just found out. Even your own race will hold bitterness for Adorei as will mine."

They had arrived at their house, but she stopped before entering. "Kir, I understand the need for extra precautions. But-" She looked at him with a slight bit of annoyance. "Why didn't you and father just tell me this in the first place? I may not have walked off by myself had I known of your concern."

"We didn't want to worry you." She glared at him and he sighed. "Okay. We should have told you. Now go in. You've got company."

Ileeya entered the house and grinned at the sight of her brother, Jelune. "Hi!" She gave him a hug and the two sat down at the table to catch up.

…

Amy Masters jumped out of bed, looking around her new room. She still found it hard to believe her dreams were coming true! Not too ago she was just an orphan trying to get by. She felt attached to Miss Kristie right away when the older woman was introduced to her. They did many things together before Adam came along and saved her from some bullies. She had adored him in an innocent and trusting manner from almost the moment she had set eyes on him.

So when she saw that he and Kristie were no longer fighting but actually getting along, she felt something stir within her. A part of her missed her dad who had raised her by himself until he had been deployed to Northrend during the war. She had stayed with family friends at the time, but when it was announced that her father had died, the friends had also found out that their father had died also. The family could not support or raise Amy...not if they wanted to look after their own children. So, with reluctance, they had given her over to the orphanage where they knew she could be properly cared for.

The happiest moment in her life so far was when Adam and Kristie had announced their engagement, and that they planned to adopt her. But she had a hard lesson to learn about patience. Adam and Kristie warned her from the start that they had wanted a long engagement due to their recent adventures. They wanted to make sure their feelings for each other were true and not a result of the danger they had been in.

Almost a year ago Kristie and Adam had been taken hostage by a mad woman. They had escaped and traveled to distant places in order to keep her from finding them. In the end, the woman was caught and Kristie and Adam returned home, injured, but well.

Two weeks ago, Amy celebrated her tenth birthday. She received many gifts- among them, a small horse sculpture that Miss Kristie made herself, and a kitten Adam bought for her. And the best gift of all was when Adam and Kristie had finally announced a date for their wedding. With that set, Amy officially was able to move from the orphanage to the Alexston's home. She would live there with Kristie's parents until Adam and Kristie came back from their honeymoon.

Amy turned her mind to the present as she washed her face in the basin and got dressed. Today was the first day of the Lunar Festival and she was exited to go to Moonglade for the first time. After her face and hands were washed, she took the steps two at a time and leaped over last three steps, earning an admonishing look from Mrs. Alexston. "Sorry."

The older woman smiled at her apology and went back to cooking eggs in a pan. Mr. Alexston was finishing his eggs, but paused to greet her. "Morning."

Amy gave him a big grin. "Morning, Mr. Alexston."

A look passed between him and his wife and he put his fork down, wiping his mouth with a napkin before glancing at Amy. "You know, if my daughter is going to adopt you, then it seems that such formalities are not needed." He saw the child frown, then reached over and patted her hand. "By that, I mean I want you to stop calling me Mr. Alexston and call me...Baros." He was hesitant to be called 'Grandpa' just yet. He wasn't old enough to be a grandfather! "And you can call Mrs. Alexston, Elenor."

Amy smiled. "Okay, Mr...uh, Baros." She gave a giggle at the name, unused to saying it.

There was a knock at the door and Amy jumped up. "Can I answer the door?"

Baros began to stand. "Not without an adult nearby."

"I'll answer it with her, Dad." Baros looked up to see his daughter, Kristie, come down the stairs. Amy ran to her, giving her a hug before they both opened the door. Kristie froze as Amy said "Hello." The man at the door was Lord Aron Boxley. While she was used to nobles occasionally stopping by for business with her father, this particular noble just happened to be her fiancé's father. Adam and his father didn't get along...at all. Adam refused to speak to Aron because he blamed him for his brother's death.

It was an awkward situation for Kristie. She cleared her throat and gave him a quick curtsey due his rank, indicating for Amy to do the same. She then glanced at her father. "Lord Aron to see you, Father."

The noble lifted his hand to indicate for Baros to remain where he was. "Actually, Miss Alexston, I wanted to speak with you alone, if you have a moment?" He stepped aside with a sweep of his arm outwards as though it didn't even occur to him that she might decline.

"What business have you with my daughter, Lord Aron?" Baros approached them, his voice distrusting, yet allowing a small amount of cordiality because of his rank. He had his own reasons for not trusting the man.

Boxley narrowed his eyes briefly. "Is there a problem with wishing to speak to my future daughter-in-law?" This made Kristie pause to wonder. She didn't know that he even knew his son was engaged. It was the first time he had ever spoken to her.

Before Baros could reply, Kristie spoke up in hopes of preventing an argument. "Lord Aron, I'm actually fairly busy today. Adam is coming over any moment now and we will be attending the Lunar Festival together with Amy."

"I ask only a few minutes of your time, Miss Alexston. We can talk here in the courtyard if you wish." The courtyard of the Cathedral was practically on their front doorstep.

Kristie bit her lower lip. She was extremely curious as to what he would have to say to her. On the other hand, if Adam saw them talking, he would probably get very upset. Curiosity won out. "Very well. Just a few minutes." She indicated for Amy to go finish her breakfast and then stepped outside, leaving the door open because she knew her father would want to keep an eye on them.

They reached a spot near the fountain in the center of the Cathedral's courtyard before he spoke up. "Miss Alexston, as there is not much time, I will be frank. I wish to speak to Adam and would like your help in that regard." His voice was business-like as if he were speaking of a transaction of some sort, not as a father desperate to speak to his son.

Kristie took a little offense in that, but masked her feelings on the matter. "Lord Aron, I know why he chooses not to speak to you, and I don't think I can convince him otherwise, especially considering, I tend to agree with his reasons."

Lord Aron frowned, anger and frustration showing clearly on his face. "But you do not know my reasons! Is it not fair that you have only one side of the story and make judgment on that?"

This stung Kristie, as she recognized that he was right in this instance. She took caution, however, knowing how tricky some nobles could be. "I know that Ruben died because of your order for him to do something he thought was stupid." She dared him with a look to deny her statement.

He surprised her when he did not deny it. In fact, he even admitted it. "It was my order." The man's voice softened a degree. "I refused to accept any responsibility back then, Miss Alexston. But I've had thirteen years to think upon that moment." He sighed. "Thirteen years is a long time to think both sons dead."

Kristie blinked at this sudden change and revelation. "Both?"

Aron nodded. "Both. When Adam disappeared without a trace and the rumors spread of his joining the Defias Brotherhood, I..." He broke off a moment to compose himself. "I searched for him, of course, but to no avail. I hadn't heard anything from him. Not one word. I was so sure there would have been a note to let me know he was okay and somewhere safe at least. But, no."

He ran his hand through his dark brown hair in an oddly similar fashion that Adam did. "The first time I had any indication he was alive and well was when he announced himself at your father's trial. I looked him in the eyes for the first time in over a decade and saw the exact same look he gave me the night he ran away."

Lord Aron fell silent and Kristie could almost feel sorry for him...almost. Her voice was softer as she spoke. "That is a long time." She tried to imagine worrying over Amy for thirteen years.

"Will you help me, Miss Alexston?"

Kristie thought of Adam and sighed. "I don't think there's anything I can do. Despite your realizations and regret, no one can change the past. Ruben is still dead."

"And I will continue to bear that guilt. Nonetheless, do you blame me for wanting to reunite with my one remaining son?"

Kristie shook her head. "I don't know what I can do, but I'll speak to him about it." She looked him in the eye then. "But if he insists on me dropping it, I will."

Aron nodded his head. "An attempt is all I ask. I will continue to do what I can as well." He then gave her a respectful half-bow before turning and walking away in his abrupt way.

Kristie watched him leave for a moment, then sighed and stepped back to her home and inquiries from her parents. She waited until Amy went upstairs to make her bed before she briefly explained to them what the noble had wanted.

Baros frowned as he muddled this over. As a father, he couldn't help but sympathize with the man. However, neither would he have done what the noble had. Of course, he didn't like his daughter being put in the middle like that either. He put his breakfast dish in the washtub and turned to watch Kristie chat with Elenor. He had remained silent on the matter since the first time he had seen her kissing Adam. Baros had to admit that he could see how happy she was with him, and that Adam had a good heart. He was able to protect her as well. If only the boy had continued his paladin training. But, no. He had to be a rogue.

…

Adam, Kristie, and Amy approached the druids just outside the city. Amy was bouncing around with excitement. The smile on her face couldn't be any bigger. "Now, remember the rules, Amy?"

She looked up at Adam, nodding her head. "Stay near you. Don't talk to any Horde members, even if they know Common, unless they are one of the Cenarion Circle tauren druids. If we get separated, tell a Moonglade warden and/or go to..." She scrunched up her face as she tried to recall the name of the meeting spot. "...the moonwell?"

Adam nodded. "Good. It should be safe there. The druids don't tolerate any trouble between the Horde and Alliance."

"Aren't they from Horde and Alliance factions themselves?"

"Yes and no. Although they are comprised of night elves and worgen of the Alliance, and tauren and trolls of the Horde, they consider themselves neutral. Their focus is taking care of nature and keeping Azeroth balanced."

"Balanced? How?"

Adam laughed. "I honestly don't know. Maybe we can ask them while we're there. Now here-" He pulled out what looked like a stone and handed it to her. "This is to be used in an emergency only, understand?"

Amy held the stone. It was smooth with some inscriptions on it and small enough to fit into her pocket. "What is it?"

"It's a stone." He grinned at her sardonic look. "Okay. It's more than that. If you get into trouble and we aren't there, rub it. I'll glow and grow warm to show that it is activated. Kristie and I have stones as well. Yours will glow ruby red. Mine glows silver, and Kristie's glows gold. If you use it, ours will glow red to show it was yours that was activated. They'll also help us to find you. Remember, it's only to be used in an emergency. Okay?"

She nodded and he turned to purchase the fireworks they needed to earn their invitations to the festival in Moonglade. The invitations were magical and could be used inside the huge moonbeam near the vendor. They set off the fireworks as instructed. Amy laughed at all the pretty colors.

"Hello Adam, Lady Alexston, Miss Masters."

The three turned to see Lord Grayson Shadowbreaker approach. "Good morning, Lord Grayson." Kristie gave a quick curtsey, noting Amy did the same. Ever since Adam had proposed to Kristie, Lord Grayson had insisted on giving Kristie the title of 'Lady'. Technically, she wouldn't get that title until she married Adam. Even then, she wasn't sure if she should have it. Adam had abandoned his family and noble roots. He even refused to be called Boxley, going by his first name only.

Noting Adam's nod of respect, Grayson returned the nod. "On your way to Moonglade?"

"Yes. We were just about to go through the moonbeam that will transport us there."

"Good. Good." He looked at Kristie and seemed to be almost embarrassed about something. "Um, Lady Alexston, if I may have a moment?" Kristie nodded and stepped away with him. "I have a confession and a request." He paused as he saw her look of curiosity. "The sculpture you made for me has met with an unfortunate accident. One of my servants accidentally knocked it over, and it now has a crack and a couple of chips out of it."

Kristie looked concerned for a moment, with mixed feelings on the matter. She had started that sculpture when she and Adam had to hide in his house along with Adam's SI:7 partner, Maggie Strome. She hadn't finished it, though, until after that adventure had ended. But she also had to wait to finish it because her shoulder had been injured and she hadn't been able to even lift the hammer. Under Grayson's firm and often irritating guidance, Kristie had been able to recover.

The first thing she did once she was able to sculpt again, was finish what she had started for him. It was a simple flat stone in which she had carved one large eye patch that matched his, as well as his other eye. But inside the iris of that eye, she had sculpted the view from the balcony in the upstairs sitting room of his house. It was as though the top of Stormwind was being reflected in his watchful gaze.

When he had finally seen the sculpture, she had heard a sharp intake of breath from him. He had been silent for a few minutes and replied simply with, "I think I know just where to display that." His reaction had been thanks enough for her.

"I can take a look at it in a few days and see what I can do to fix it." She gave him a reassuring smile. He thanked her and continued on his own journey.

When she returned to Adam and Amy, she briefly told them what happened and then they entered the large beam of moonlight. With each of them holding their invitations, they spoke the words and immediately found themselves among a number of humans who were dancing in celebration around the moonbeam they arrived in. It was essentially a portal, but not created by the same arcane magic that mages use for their portals. Actually, none of them understood just what magic was used, but it didn't really matter. This was their first trip as a family. They were more concerned about enjoying themselves than how they got there.

There were signs pointing in the direction of the main town, Nighthaven. The small family walked up the road for ten minutes before rounding a corner to see the town come into sight. Moonglade was beautiful. It was relatively small compared to some territories, but not so small that one couldn't get lost in the forest. They made their way through the town until they reached what looked like a dock or wooden platform of some sort. There were two vendors and a night elf who told them he would give an award for shooting off fireworks in rapid succession.

Amy was too young to participate, but she could watch. She cheered Kristie and Adam on as they successfully shot off the fireworks and were rewarded with something called Elune's Candle which was a single canister that shot a firework at a target. It could be used however many times it had charges.

They walked off the platform and wandered around the town. All of a sudden, a large white saber cat jumped onto Adam, knocking him down and pinning him. Amy screamed and Kristie immediately pulled her back out of harm's way.

"What the-?" Adam stopped himself from cursing in front of Amy. A deep, rolling laugh came from a few feet away as the now playful cat panted into Adam's face. Adam grimaced at the foul-smelling breath. "Jelune! Get your stinking cat off me!" A whistle from its owner commanded the hunter's pet to jump off the human.

As the rogue stood up, dusting himself off, he heard Kristie begin to laugh. He threw her a glare and turned to the night elf. "Thanks a lot, Jelune." The sarcasm dripped off his voice. But he approached the elf and offered his hand in friendship.

Jelune took it happily. "You should have seen your face, Adam." He chuckled again before nodding towards Kristie. "Ishnu-alah, Kristie. It is good to see you safe."

Adam glanced at Amy, peeking out from behind Kristie. Both fear and curiosity were in her eyes. "Jelune, I would like to introduce you to my soon-to-be adopted daughter, Amy Masters...the one you just scared to death with your little prank."

Jelune's smile faded as he knelt down in front of her. "My apologies, child. I did not mean to frighten you." Adam gave a small grin of satisfaction at Jelune's sudden contriteness.

Amy gave him a shy smile, then glanced nervously at Sabine. Noticing the glance, Jelune grinned and gave his large pet a rub on the head. "Don't worry about Sabine, here. She won't hurt you. She was only greeting Adam for me. Come. You can pet her if you like." She approached the large cat and Sabine seemed to oblige her by lowering her head for Amy to scratch behind her ears. When the child did so, the oversized kitten purred, delighting Amy as it did so.

Jelune stood and turned back to Adam. "Better?"

Adam ignored his smirk. "Is Ileeya here as well?"

"Of course she's here. Where else would she be?"

Adam raised an eyebrow and shrugged. "Where is she? I'd like to introduce her to Amy as well."

The hunter glanced around and spotted Ileeya a short distance away, directing some visitors towards the vendors. She looked up at that moment, spying her brother with Adam and Kristie. Ileeya walked over and greeted them. "Ishnu-alah, Adam and Kristie. It has been a long time." She gave them a smile as Adam introduced the child that was with them.

Amy had never been around so many night elves before, much less acquainted with any. Now she knew two of them! She tilted her head and noticed two tattoos on the female's face. "What are those for?" She pointed to the marks.

"They are tattoos. A right of passage of sorts," she replied patiently.

Kristie glanced at her face, seeing what looked like green leaves around her eyes. "Are those new? I'm sorry. I don't recall from when last we met."

Ileeya nodded her head. "Yes. When you met me before, I was not yet considered an adult. I've since finished my schooling and have already learned much as a druid. I'm considered an adult among my people now and have chosen my marks proudly."

Kristie was curious about this. "Does it have a meaning?"

"For me, yes. Each tattoo is different for each night elf with a meaning they bring to it. Mine shows both my desire to cultivate plant life, and my desire to heal those who need it."

"They're pretty." Amy reached up and touched the night elf's face.

"Thank you. I think so, too." Ileeya then stood and glanced at the trio. "If you don't mind, I would like to invite you to dinner. I'd love to catch up with you. And there's...some things I should let you know."

Jelune glanced behind her. "You'll have to explain now, Ileeya."

Adam followed his gaze and saw a blood elf carrying a bundle. He frowned slightly, trying to place where he had seen the elf before. Then it dawned on him and he began to tense up as his eyes flicked over to Ileeya before resting once again on the blood elf. It was the blood elf that had kidnapped Ileeya! What was he doing here? Adam's hand hovered over his daggers as the blood elf stopped and watched him.

Jelune put a hand on Adam's shoulder. "Stand down, Adam. There's been a few...changes since last we met." Adam looked at Jelune with a little surprise. "Kirlothenin is no longer our enemy." There seemed to be a mix of emotion behind Jelune's eyes. Adam surmised that the hunter both accepted this blood elf as an ally, and disliked him at the same time.

"Booty Bay." Kirlothenin finally placed where he had seen the human before. "One of the bidders." He watched the way Jelune interacted with the rogue and quickly realized the human's role in how Ileeya had escaped back then. "Ah. A ploy. Clever." He moved carefully to stand near Ileeya and shifted the bundle in his arms, which Adam finally saw was a baby. "I had been curious how that was managed."

Adam felt very confused at this point. Ileeya wasn't afraid of him anymore, it seemed. She even turned to him to talk to him. "Kirlothenin, this is Adam." Ileeya took the baby from Kirlothenin. "Adam, you remember Kirlothenin, I see. But, there has been a change. Kirlothenin is now my protector...our protector." She indicated the infant.

Adam glanced at Jelune for confirmation who only nodded and said, "Perhaps we should make that an early lunch."

Adam looked at Kristie who was confused, but curious about what was going on. Then he looked at Amy, who was more interested in playing with Sabine at the moment. There was obviously no fear from Ileeya or Jelune. Adam felt satisfied that there was little danger, though he still did not trust the blood elf. "Kristie?" He looked at her again. "Mind a change of plans?" She shook her head and indicated for them to lead the way.

...

He found her. Jerold couldn't believe his luck. It had been over a year since he had last seen her, but his memory was as sharp as ever. The forsaken quietly moved a little closer to the group, making sure he wasn't noticed. As he did so, he noticed the blood elf with her and found himself momentarily shocked. The traitor! It was the blood elf who had sold her to him! Jerold fought to contain his outrage at the elf for keeping her! How he spirited her away, he didn't know. The undead man looked at the others in the group and spied the human rogue. Or perhaps, he did. That was the same rogue who was bidding against him!

Jerold could see the scam now. They put in one of their own to make the bidding go up, then when he was distracted with paying them, the rogue took off with her. They took his money and had probably had a good laugh! The forsaken was furious. This, in itself was surprising even to him. Jerold was normally even tempered. This was mainly because he rarely showed any emotion at all. Emotions were for the living. He was undead.

The night elf female was holding something. A baby? He dismissed any concerns. If it was her baby, then it belonged to him, just as she rightfully belonged to him. That was a simple conclusion in his mind. The group was now moving and he tried to follow without being noticed. There were two night elves, the blood elf, and three humans, one of which was a child of...nine? Ten years?

The child reached up and took the hand of the rogue as they walked. So, there was some sort of relationship between the two. He stored that bit of information in the back of his mind. The brown-haired child was now skipping between the two humans and he found himself curious about her. Perhaps it was because she was so young. There were no children in Undercity. Or, at least, none that were so...lively.

The human paused and glanced back around as though he sensed he was being watched. Jerold turned slightly walking in a different direction, while keeping them in his peripheral vision. There were many Horde members walking around the town. He was seemingly just another one here for the festival. When the rogue continued on, the undead man held back. He had to be careful not to be noticed. He followed them silently, and hidden from their sight until they reached a house and entered. He now knew where to find them.

He waited out of sight as he thought about his purpose for being at the Lunar Festival in the first place. The apothecary who hired him was expecting one or two 'subjects' from here to be brought to him. Jerold knew just who to deliver to him now. But in addition to that, he will have to prepare the cells to hold more than he originally expected to retrieve. He turned to find Lara, the forsaken mage he was working with.

As he walked, he recalled how nearly a year ago, he had to return to the apothecary he worked for empty handed. Jerold had to repay the apothecary the whole sum from his own funds. This set him back monetarily a good deal of money and now he wanted his goods. Jerold's dead skin pulled tight as his yellow eyes narrowed. It didn't matter that he had no idea what to do with her. It was simply a matter of principle. She belonged to him. And he will claim Ileeya as the sold goods she was. The infant will be his as well...a bonus for all the hardships he had received in losing her and having to track her down. The blood elf and rogue will go to the apothecary. The others with them? Well, it's their own fault for being with the traitors.