Finally! Onto the next story!

Edit: This story definitely ended going in a direction I didn't originally plan on (which I'm sure you figured out already). As some of you noticed there's some incorrections lore-wise, constancy errors, and some plot points were dropped entirely in the end: like Melu becoming an actual traitor to Silvermoon and spying on them- or Shan'dor! Ugh. I won't lie, I had planned on explaining what happened with the mana wyrm (and the kitten that showed up for a grand total of what? 2 chapters?) but silly me did what I always seem to do, start writing right before I need to be somewhere and end up rushing everything so I'm not late.

Not that I'm trying to make excuses, it's just a bad habit of mine I'm trying to break. XD

I'll probably rewrite this AGAIN. Not now, for now I'm going to start a new story and give this one a break. But I'm definitely coming back to it and taking all the helpful tips you guys gave me when I do fix this up.

World of Warcraft belongs to Blizzard Entertainment. Original characters belong to me.

Chapter 18: Sanctum.

Present.

Melu jumped. She was so lost in thought she didn't even notice Koleyna's arrival until she turned around only to be face to face with the woman.

The guild mistress chuckled as Melu clutched her pounding heart. "I'm sorry, Melu. I didn't mean to scare you. I just thought you should know Shoshan came home with a stray. Little Shishi's so taken with him, I thought it might be best if you swooped in to the rescue since no one else is able to pry the girl away."

The mage groaned. "Oh no! Alright, let's go. Where are they? The dining hall?"

Koleyna shook her head. "No, my office."

Melu blanched. "Oh, she hasn't made a mess, has she?"

The hunter laughed again. "No, don't worry. She's too busy climbing on the little stray to notice anything else."

She smiled before giving the leader an inquisitive look. "You keep saying stray... what sort of animal did Sho find?"

Koleyna hummed to herself and ran a hand through her lynx companion's fur. "A lion," she said finally.

Melu squeaked. "A- a lion? And Shishi's playing with it? Are you mad?" Adrenaline shot through her veins and she raced toward the guild office. She almost ran straight into several members of the Sanctum before ripping open the door.

"Xishimu!" She cried, her eyes landed on the dark haired child instantly. The moment her eyes landed on what was the center of her baby's attention her heart lodged in her throat.

He was different, but still the same. He watched her with the same startling blue eyes she remembered. He had more scars and his tired face was covered in scruff. His armor was better than the time in Warsong, but worn. It also seemed that he no longer carried the short swords he favored, instead every belt on his body was lined with daggers.

"Feng?" she breathed.

The tiredness faded, making way for a warm smile, eyes sparkling. Only half aware of her actions, Melu leapt forward and threw her arms around him. She shook as he returned the hug, burrowing his face in her neck and running a hand through her hair.

"I told you we'd see each other again," he rumbled against her skin.

Melu laughed, tears rolling down her face. She didn't remember him making that promise, but regardless, she was happy he kept it.

"Aren't you glad you came to check on Shishi?" Toxi asked, her eyes twinkling mischievously as the group watched their little trick play out.

The mage twisted around to give a halfhearted glare to Koleyna standing in the doorway.

"You liar! You said Sho brought home a lion."

The huntress smiled pleasantly. "Well, she did... in a way. Besides, your cousin would pout for days if we didn't stick to his plan."

"I don't pout," Haphaestus scowled which quickly turned into a triumphant grin as he looked at Melu. "From what you always told me about Feng and Tai, I knew they'd come to find you eventually and when they did, it had to be a surprise." Leaning an arm on his leg, he pointed at Melu and chuckled, "I wish you could've seen your face."

The room burst into laughter as the mage mother ripped off her slipper and threw it at his head.

She looked down at Feng who still held her tightly. "Did Tai come with you?" she asked excitedly.

He shook his head. "No, she had to stay in Stormwind and take care of mom and the little ones."

Melu frowned at his words. "Take care of her? Is she okay?"

Feng sighed. "When the cataclysm happened, Stormwind's park was destroyed. Benji was home alone at the time when the entire area fell into the sea. By some miracle he survived. She spotted him trapped beneath some rubble about to drown and she just..." His eyes were far away as he retold the story. "Jumped. She was too far to land in the ocean, there wasn't anything but stone but she jumped anyway. Her legs were shattered and we found out later that she injured her spine, but she kept crawling. She dragged herself all the way to Benji, got him out and brought him up to a safe spot until a few druids came and flew down to them."

Devastated yet relieved by the news, Melu wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her cheek against his.

He continued, "They both survived, Benji has a few scars and Mom will never walk again. But they're alive."

"The Sanctum offers you our condolences for your family's misfortune," Koleyna spoke. "I'm sure you're tired from your travels, please stay here rest. I'm sure Melu and Shishi would love to hear your stories." Shifting her weight, the Duskheart motioned to the hall behind her with a thumb. "Now, shoo. All of you, I have paperwork to finish," she teased playfully.

The pair rose to their feet as the room emptied, Zanzo dragging a stubborn Sho by her nose.

"Owie! Mean ol' troll!"

"Moon-brained goat legs."

Melu smiled endearingly as she swept Xishimu up into her arms. Feng watched her, following close behind as she walked back to her room.

He's here. He really came for me. The thought made Melu giddy and she could barely control the bounce her step. Shishi watched the stranger with delight occasionally wiggling her little fingers at him.

"Why did you decide to find me?" Damned blushing face. It was like she was the same weak heiress that stumbled into him at Warsong.

Feng smiled down at her, his hand landing softly on the small of her back. "I think you know why."

"I- I want to hear you say it," she stammered and stopped to face him.

He hesitated a moment. Long enough for Melu to panic and scold herself for being so demanding.

He ruffled Shishi's hair as he asked, "Is she yours?" Melu nodded. His shoulders fell. "So... you found someone. That's great." Well, he certainly didn't sound like he was happy for her. She smiled, laughter in her eyes as she caught on to his misunderstanding.

"Feng, she's also yours." The rogue was struck dumb by the words. His eyes widened, his mouth hung open. Melu laughed. If only Haphaestus was around to see this face.

Melu looked down at her daughter. "Xishimu, or Shishi for short," she introduced and held the girl up to him. "Honey, this is Feng, he's your daddy."

The tiny half-elf looked between the two adults. "Daddy?"

As Feng shakily took the child into his arms, Melu nodded. "That's right. He's your papa."

Shishi's eyes lit up as her mind instantly formed a new title for the father. "Puppy!" she squealed, chubby arms wrapping around the rogue's neck in a choking hug. Feng laughed and his warm gaze shifted to Melu. One hand released the toddler and stroked Melu's face gently. He leaned in close, his lips hovering over hers.

"I love you," he whispered. She fought to keep her trembling legs in check as she closed the distance between them. When they broke for air he continued, "I would've come sooner, but I had to wait until the trial was over-"

"Trial?" Melu interrupted and she suddenly felt quite stupid for never considering the consequences her sudden departure caused for Feng.

He shook his head. "No, not me. Winters. After everyone escaped, she turned herself in and plead guilty to everything that happened that day. She confessed in front of King Wrynn that she wanted revenge against the Harvester for her brother. She said that it was the only reason she vouched for your release, in order to draw Shadoweye out of hiding."

"But that's not true!" Melu said. "She wouldn't do that! She was so kind, she..." her voice trailed off as Feng rubbed his thumb over her jaw.

"I know. Thelrien told me later that she did it to protect us. She took the blame so no one would come looking for you."

Melu held back a sob, trying valiantly not to cry and upset Shishi. They stood there in silence as she regained her composure. Finally, she continued her trek to her room.

After some time, she looked up at Feng and asked, "What will you do now? Are you going to return to Stormwind?"

He smiled and shook his head. "No. I told myself I would go back if you had moved on, I just wanted to see you." He shifted the little girl in a more comfortable position. "But now I think I'll stay. I'll be here as long as you want me."

Melu smiled at his words.

"Yes, please, please stay with me."

Feng glowed at her words and leaned down for another kiss.

"Forever," he promised