A/N: This is a short "soft-erotic" Horde story. It is somewhat tied to my main story, The Fire Dancer, and will offer some hints about the plot, but no spoilers. Disclaimer: suggestive sexual themes, language, slight smut, nudity and all that good stuff ahead. Enjoy!

Chapter 1

A thunderous rumble reverberated through the plains of Mulgore. From the Red Rocks or Bloodhoof Village, it could be heard as a distant growl, low and steady like the approaching sound of a storm rising over the cliffs. Yet further north, at the Tauren capital of Thunder Bluff, the growl became a roar, loud and rhythmic like a racing heart beat. Though it was well after dusk and the last traces of the sun were sinking behind the mountains, an orange glow could be seen beneath the horizon line. The light flickered across the green plains and brown rocks, casting monstrous shadows that danced across the high faces of the hills.

Settled on the low plains beneath the rising mesas of Thunder Bluff was a large encampment composed of canvas tents emblazoned with the mark of the Horde. The fake sun rise was created by torches and braziers, flaring with brightly lit fires that illuminated the camp. The towering shadows created by the light were those of the Horde forces that inhabited the camp. They were composed of many classes—warriors, hunters, shamans, mages, rogues, priests—and almost every race belonging to the Horde were present amongst their ranks. Spread across the encampment, they celebrated in raucous exaltation. Their booming voices ascended into the sky with the sound of the thunder, which was actually the deafening beat of ritual drums played by Tauren and Orc drummers. The jubilant and intense noises created a great din that continued to echo across Mulgore. This was the Celebration of Battle.

Ryuk Bloodrage could feel the drums throughout his entire being. They shook every fiber of his sinewy body and coursed through the blood that rippled in his veins. Their beat became his pulse, quick and steady. The song spoke to his warrior's spirit and evoked in him the desire to honor his tribe and faction with the defeat of his enemies in the encounter they prepared for.

He felt truly exhilarated, imbued with the zeal for combat.

"Da spirits of battle bless us tonight, brotha."

Ryuk looked up into the face of a grinning Troll warrior holding two large steins that could only contain more of the mead that was being passed around the camp. He handed one to the Orc as he took a seat on the mat next to him and lifted the other in his hand. "For blood—"

"—and thunder!" the Orc hunter replied, raising his own drink. The Troll laughed as their mugs clinked together in toast and together they drank until they were empty. Ryuk sighed as he felt the cold alcohol rush through him and buzz in his skull. He would be plenty drunk by the end of the night, as most of those present would be. The Celebration of Battle, a festive gathering held often before large groups of Horde went off to engage their enemies on battle grounds across Azeroth, would continue well into the night and early hours of the morning. The gathering was meant as means to relax and celebrate. There would be story telling of battles past, reenactments of renowned fights, toasts to future kills, and an enjoyment of all pleasures. The forces gathered beneath Thunder Bluff composed one of the largest assemblies of Horde Ryuk had seen a long time. Thus, the celebration was to be grand and boisterous.

"Best Celebration of Battle I evah been to, mon," the Troll said with another chuckle as a Tauren woman came by with a large mead skin and refilled his cup. "Der nevah been dis many Horde in Thunder Bluff for a long time!"

"This is true, Zill," Ryuk said as he let the server pour mead into his mug. "I would die a thousand deaths in Warsong Gulch if it meant I would enjoy such festivities before I went into battle."

"I would die even more, brotha! Da mead flows like water, da drums feel mah heart with passion for battle, and…" He grinned suggestively as a group female Elves approached them. "…der is much beauty to enjoy here! Could dah afterlife be any better?"

Ryuk chuckled heartily and tore a chuck of boar from the plate at his feet. Zill was right. The Celebration of Battle was almost hedonistic. Horde leaders often encouraged their fighters to indulge in all manner of pleasures before battle. It was believed that, with the physical desires of the body satisfied to the fullest, a warrior was able to fight the next day with a focused mind, purged of distracting thoughts or urges. Therefore, the celebration was thoroughly supplied with food and alcohol. Filled with excess of the two, fulfillment of other wanton acts was sure to follow.

A goblin madam led the group of Blood and Night Elf prostitutes, ringing a bell and calling out to advertise the sale of her beautiful wares. They were almost nude, clothed only colorful sheer silks draped over their lithe bodies. Clad in dazzling jewels and tinkling trinkets, they spoke seductive words of encouragement to those that passed by.

"Never did think much of elven women," Ryuk commented as he tore at the meat with his strong teeth and observed the goblin haggle with two Orc men for one of the tall, blue skinned Night Elves. "Too skinny if you ask me."

"Oh, I dunno, mon," Zill muttered as one of the Blood Elves, a dark beauty with red hair and glowing green eyes, beckoned in their direction. "Something exotic and temptin' bout em. Dey be so small and curvy…make me wanna be rough with em."

Snickering, Ryuk reached for another hunk of meat. "You truly live by your loins, just like the rest of your race, Zill," he teased as he nudged the purple skinned Troll.

"I gotta do it while I can, mon!" Zill replied with a wink. "When I find mah mate, it'll be for life. I'll dedicate mah body and soul to only her and won't no other woman sway me from her. But until then…" He blew a kiss to the Blood Elf, eliciting giggles from her and the other women. "…Zill gonna get as much practice in as he can."

Ryuk shook his head and chuckled. "I cannot argue with you there, my friend. But you can have those elves. I'd rather have a woman who can withstand my might." He beat his broad green skinned chest with a powerful fist and smiled.

Zill roared with laughter, pushing back the stray dark green hairs that hung in his wild brown eyes. "Point taken, brotha. Though mah preferences are broad in terms of women, I've always been fond of those of formidable strength as well as exotic beauty. Nuthin' like a woman who can give ya a bit of a challenge." He shook his head to the goblin madam, who seemed to have hopes of selling him the Blood Elf for the night. "Besides, why waste gold on a prostitute when so many women be willin' to be wit ya for free? Der be quite a number of them here."

The Orc nodded, looking to a group of female warriors that were cooing over weapons being sold by a vendor at a nearby tent. "A woman who is my equal both on the battle field and in the bedroom would be the ideal mate," he remarked as his eyes gazed up the naked muscled legs of one of the Orc warriors. "A master of physical prowess with weapon and bo—"

"Are you two brutes being lechers again? I swear, you both think with the wrong organ."

Ryuk and Zill looked up at the Tauren woman that stood towering above them. She was taller than the two males with spotted brown and white fur that covered her broad and muscled body. She wore a simple white cloth robe that hung around her shoulders and a braided cinch at her waist. Her hands were on her hips and she wore an expression of exasperation.

"We was jus' agreein' how we appreciate a woman of physical strength with beauty tah match, just like you, Aurora!" Zill said in a playfully seductive tone as he lifted his cup.

"Hmph," the Tauren named Aurora grunted as she crossed her arms. "I am quite certain you were, Zill, in addition to ogling those Elves that just passed by and that group of warriors over there."

Zill blushed and scratched his head while Ryuk laughed. "Ah, jus' bein' ourselves, Aur. Ya been knowin' us since we been leetl kids. Have ya known either of us to be anything more than males with urges and needs?"

Aurora rolled her eyes. "I regret to admit that you are right," she huffed and swept back one of her long braids that was decorated with flowers.

"It seems we are not the only ones looking for company tonight," Ryuk said with a sly grin as he noted the woman's appearance. "I haven't seen you wear flowers before, Aurora."

The Tauren blushed immediately and fingered her hair. "Well…you men aren't the only ones who are allowed to enjoy yourselves," she said with a smirk. "Anyway, I've come to tell you that Drek'Thar is about to begin his speech. Everyone is convening at the center campfire. I've heard there is going to be a special presentation tonight. We'd better go now if we want to sit up front."

"Hmm, I wonder what it could be?" Ryuk mused as he rose from his mat and drained the rest of his cup. He wiped at his lips and brushed the dirt off of his kodo skin pants. "Well, whatever it is, I am certain it will be enjoyable. I am eager to hear Drek'Thar's address most of all. It is an honor to be able to see him in person."

"Ya, mon," Zill said as he stood up and stretched his tall, lithe body to its full height before slouching over. "Da Fire Dance will be right after too. Wanna make sure I get my pick of da finest girls tonight." Aurora shot Zill a look of utter digust while Ryuk laughed. "Just kiddin', Aur. Let's go."

"…and to the Alliance forces who think they can reclaim the trees and lands we have claimed with sweat and blood in Warsong Gulch, they are sadly mistaken! They shall learn that the Horde does not easily relinquish what is belongs to us!"

A triumphant cry erupted through the crowd of hundreds of attendees seated around a large clearing in the middle of the encampment's tents. Standing on the wooden platform in the center of the circle, surrounded by blazing torches, was an elderly Orc shaman dressed in full armor. He held a massive dagger above his head while his other hand was balled in a tight fist.

"The Horde have held fast in the forests of Ashenvale for over a year now," the Orc continued, speaking in a wise and commanding voice that was heard as far as atop mesas of Thunder Bluff. "We have claimed many parts of the contested land and defended it against demons of the Burning Legion and forces of the Alliance alike. The resources we harvest from the land go to aid our brothers and sisters all over Kalimdor, throughout the Eastern Kingdoms, and even as far as the Outlands. We shall not fail them by letting the gulch fall back into the hands of our enemies!"

Drums bellowed and hands clapped in approval as the exclamations continued. Drek'Thar lowered his hands, bringing the great blade to his side. "My brothers and sisters: eat and drink your fill tonight! Give thanks to our ancestors and the spirits that allow us to stand on this ground that we are able to call our own! Satisfy your bodies and lift your spirits! It is your reward for the great service you do for all your tribes and clans by raising your weapons and fighting in the name of our great Warchief Thrall and all he has given us! For the Horde!"

"FOR THE HORDE!" came the roaring reply that echoed throughout the valley and undoubtedly past the plains of Mulgore. Drek'Thar raised his fist again and cheered with them.

"He is truly an inspiration," Ryuk said as he clapped his large hands together eagerly. He sat between Zill and Aurora on wool mats toward the front of the crowd that encircled the wooden platform. "It's no wonder Thrall is such a motivational speaker."

"He taught him well," Aurora said at his left as she applauded as well. "It's an privilege to hear him speak personally. I've only seen him in person once or twice."

"He was in Ogrimmar when I was der on a quest a few months ago," Zill said as stared up at the blind but mighty Orc warrior. "I swear I passed about three feet away from him. Damn near pissed mah self. He be a legend."

"Now," Drek'Thar continued after the crowd grew silent again. "I bring a special gift from our Warchief Thrall—" The crowd screamed again, this time calling the Orc leader's name. "—and his most trusted advisor, Vol'jin of the Darkspear Tribe. As some of you may know, especially our Troll brethren, the Zandali Conference was held this year. The Troll nations, though divided by old conflicts, meet every 6 years on the island of Zandalar to discuss future peace negotiations and methods to repair the broke bonds between them. Our Warcheif Thrall journeyed to the island with Vol'jin to speak with the Troll leaders."

Zill whistled loudly and cheered along with the rest of the crowd. Ryuk smiled at his friend's enthusiasm and pride for his race. "Thrall met with the Troll king Rastakhan and his advisors to speak of the accomplishments of the Horde on the main continents. King Rastakhan has always been grateful to the Warchief for aiding our most honored brothers and sisters, the Darkspear Tribe, in the past and giving them a home on the continet of Kalimdor. To show his support for our efforts, the king offered his own troops, fierce and well-trained Zandali fighters, to join in our battles in Kalimdor and in the Outlands!"

Drek'Thar gestured to a large group Trolls, all wearing bright armor of red and blue, sitting behind the circular platform together. The crowd cheered even louder, welcoming their new comrades. Ryuk nudged Zill, who smiled and shouted.

"It has been my privilege to get to know our Zandali family and welcome them as new members of the Horde. I have spoken with them and have had the honor of learning much about their culture. Tonight, they have prepared a sacred ritual for us, one that is performed on the eve of every great battle the Zandali participate in. May it fill your hearts with zeal and strengthen your bodies with power and fortitude for the coming battle in Warsong Gulch!" A final cheer went up through the crowd as Drek'Thar bowed and descended the stage to join the other elders in chairs near the inside edge of the crowd.

"Zandali Trolls! Here!" Zill said excitedly as he craned his neck to get a glimpse of the Troll warriors that were gathered on the other side of the circle. "I've only seen dem on Yojamba Island in Stranglethorn. I can't believe Thrall got Zandali warriors to join us!"

"I've heard they are astounding fighters," mused Ryuk as he watched two lines of cloaked figures ascend the steps to the platform. "I wonder what ritual we are about to witness."

"I think it's starting now," said Aurora as she pointed to the stage. "Look!"

The figures, all wearing red cloaks except for one, were now situated in a perfect semi circle on the round platform. The crowd, still buzzing and lively from Drek'Thar's speech, slowly began to grow quiet as they realized the ritual was beginning. The entire camp grew calm and the noise decreased to a quiet lull of whispered words. The robed figures reached up to their necks and removed their blood red cloaks, letting them fall to their feet.

A collective murmur came from the crowd. Standing on the platform were twelve Zandali Trolls. Clad in scant garments of reds and oranges, the women wore bands of cloth around their breasts and long skirts with slits that revealed their long muscled legs while the men had on simple loin cloths and wrappings of gold around their limbs. They all wore intricate gold masks decorated with bright feathers and beads. The center figure, clad in a hooded cloak of stark white, remained covered.

To the side of the stage, while the crowd began to buzz louder with excitement and anticipation, the Tauren drummers began a slow and steady beat on their instruments. They were accompanied by pipes that played a soft melody and a guitar, deep and low, followed the rhythm. The Zandali performers began to move in a slow circle, twisting their well toned bodies with lithe and fluid movements. They danced with a deft spirit that was both graceful and fierce. Tossing their heads, gyrating their hips, and flailing their limbs, they performed with a passion that was inspiring and enticing.

Ryuk squirmed slightly on his mat and licked his dry lips, realizing that his mouth was agape. The Zandali Troll women were beautiful. They were just as tall as Darkspear Trolls yet had builds that seemed even more lean and curvaceous. They were both well muscled and feminine; it was evident that they were fighters that had trained their bodies well. Their skin, colored in shades of light red, brown, and orange, was gleaming in the heat of the torches. Zill, along with every single male around him, seemed just as charmed. He was quite certain that the women of the crowd were just as enamored with the male Trolls, whose bodies were well built and just as appealing.

As the beat of the music became even slower and the drums were played a bit louder, the white robbed figured stepped forward and removed its cloak. The crowd collectively exhaled and a few whistles were made as the last performer was revealed.

Ryuk's breath became caught in his throat. The robbed figure was another Zandali female, yet she was easily the most beautiful of them all. Her skin was a light shade of golden tan, flushed with red in the light of the torches. Her hair, a dark purple that shimmered like amethyst, was long and wild, tied up high on her head with golden ornaments. Her face was gentle and beautiful, not as hard and angry as most of the Troll women he knew, and even from a distance Ryuk could see that her eyes were a shade of deep honey brown. She wore a long sleeveless robe of white that hung low in the front and was open at the sides, revealing a full chest and long, muscled legs that were bare and wet with sweat.

"Da Loa be praised," Ryuk heard Zill say in a breathy voice. "She be a work of da spirits…"

Aurora snickered at his comment, but even she could not keep her gaze away from the platform. Indeed, every pair of eyes present in the camp that night were fixated on the platform, most likely on the white clad Zandali woman who was now encircled by the dancers. She was swaying her hips slowly in an erotic movement that made Ryuk's loins quiver.

Then, she opened her mouth. At first, the sound was low and quiet, like the distant rush of wind through a valley. Then, the it became louder and seemed to float above the assembly as if it were carried by the air itself. She was singing, a slow and melodious tone that was without words. She bent back her head, her mouth opened wide as her body rocked back and forth and her hands twisted and circled around her head. The tune was identical to that of the musicians and was synced to the dancing of the other Zandali Trolls. When she added words to her song, they were in Zandali, the native Troll tongue. Ryuk knew a lot of the language from what Zill had taught him and what he picked up from Trolls in Ogrimmar and Sen'jin Village. He had always loved the language, as the words were almost rhythmic and rolled off the tongue easily. It was a contrast to his own native tongue, which was guttural and rough.

The song she sang, like the dance of the performers around her, was both gentle and passionate, filled with high tones and deep hums. She sang of the fervor of battle, of the honor of fighting and dying for one's clan, and the glory that came after. Her lyrics spoke of conflicts past and how the races of Azeroth forged through the land with blade and skill and determination while remaining steadfast and united. It encouraged valor and conviction and called all defenders of the Horde to stand against their enemies.

Ryuk felt the song reach deep into his spirit. His heart swelled. His entire body seemed energized, quivering with the desire to act upon the melody's charge. He had never felt so fervent and eager. Even Drek'Thar's speech had not reached him as deeply and profoundly as the singer's words. He watched her hips move back and forth as her body twisted and curved down to the ground. It didn't hurt that she was positively alluring either.

The woman's song and the music from the musicians were clear and loud as the crowd had grown completely silent since the performance's beginning. The Orc warrior averted his gaze long enough to look around him, curious at the reaction of the other attendees. Zill was completely still. His mouth was open, his tongue practically lolling out of his mouth between his two curved tusks. Aurora had her hands to her mouth and tears were streaming down onto her furry cheeks. The other members of the crowd were in just as much awe. Some cried softly, clearly touched by the message of the song. Others, mostly the more brawny warriors, beat their chest softly and gripped their weapons, feeling the same ardor Ryuk now had in his heart.

He turned his attention back to the stage and let himself get lost in beauty of the scene before him. The woman was singing louder, her song reaching a passionate crescendo as she referred to war as an ardent lover who called many to honorably offer up their skills and possibly their lives. Her song drowned out every other single noise present in the valley, even that of the musicians. He heard only her. He saw only her. Her graceful arms, circling wildly above her head as she moaned and cried out in melodious fervor, seemed to beckon to him.

He swore that her eyes, deep and glittering with an erotic fury that was reflected in her words and movements, swept over the crowd and looked straight into his. Though he knew the notion was foolish, he felt as if she sang only to him.