Stranglethorn Vale

The shadows shifted ever so lightly in the boulders, but the gnome held her ground patiently. Her prey was near, she could afford to wait. A twig broke, a pebble shifted, yet still she waited. She needed to be sure before she attacked.

Finally, a shadow detached itself from the edge of the cliff and moved off. Breathing out slightly she relaxed her muscles. That was too close for her comfort. Slowly she rose to her feet, moving forward as quiet as the night. She needed to overtake her prey before he reached the small village of Booty Bay. Once there, he could get transport anywhere, and the goblins were more likely to turn a blind eye than to help.

Her sharp eyes scanned the forest, finding a smaller trail that would allow her to hopefully cut in front of her target. The road he was on was well traveled, but meandered back and forth. Quickly she ran down the little trail, making no noise, making full speed. Five minutes later she came to where the trail and road intersected. Scanning the ground, she saw no signs that anybody had passed by recently.

Hands on her swords, she quietly drew them both, and crouched beside a boulder to wait. Sounds of boots scuffing the dirt began to reach her. Peering around the boulder she saw her target, a tall Worgen dressed in black, coming down the road. A bag was slung across his shoulder, a brace of knives around his waist, and a broadsword was hanging from his belt.

Waiting until he was in range, she left from the shadows, both swords drawn and ready. "Die Thief!" She yelled, Almost simultaneously a larger shadow leapt from the other side of the road screaming something like "Gol'Kosh Lak'Tuk". Unsurprisingly the Worgen dropped to all fours and began to run.

Kimiel landed on her feet, dropped her swords and unleashed a pair of throwing knives at the Worgen. One knife severed the belt around his waist, the other embedded itself in his right calf. The orc beside her,who was apparently the larger shadow, had thrown two axes at the Worgen, one embedding in his left calf, and the other trimming his ear.

Sparing a glare at the Orc, Kimiel retrieved her swords and charged towards the Worgen, the heavy footsteps of the Orc behind her. Reaching the Worgen first, she slid her sword under his throat, gently lifting his head. "The Chalice of Ishnu, give it to me, I will make it painless."

A deep guttural voice sounded behind her, as a sword appeared pointed between the Worgens legs. "The Blade of Kulkar as well, and you might still be able to pleasure women."

Kimiel tried not to shudder, or turn around. "Well Worgen, want to retain both heads?" Gasping in pain the Worgen glared at the Orc, who had snorted and moved his blade just a little the wrong way. Licking his lips, the Worgen opened his backpack, and pushed a golden, gem encrusted cup towards Kimiel. With one sword under the Worgens chin, she sheathed the other and picked up the cup. Deftly she pushed three gems as she had been instructed, and two rubies slid together on the cup. Convinced she had the correct cup she returned her attention to the Worgen, who was very slowly, and very cautiously removing the sword from his sheath. Shining in the evening sun, the sword was laid down beside him. Grinning the Orc picked up the sword, inspecting it closely. Grunting with acceptance, he slung it over his shoulder. "I have done as you asked, now please, let me go, I have learned my lesson" the Worgen rasped. Kimiel raised her head to look down at the beast. "There are many in the alliance who would let you go, or leave you alone with the Orc." Lowering her sword slightly, she half turned. "I, however, am not one of them." Her eyes flared as she spun quickly, her sword laying open the Worgen's throat.

The Orc grunted and looked down at the corpse. "Ya kinda made my threat a bit obsolete there." Grinning, he swung his sword up, removing part of the Worgen. "But an Orc has to keep his word to keep his honor."

The two stared at each other, not in a fighting position, but not quite at ease. Kimiel sighed and sheathed her sword, no need to kill the Orc now. Bowing her head slightly she turned to leave.

"Wait," the Orc mumbled. "When I return the sword home, Vol'jin will ask what else the thief had. What's that shiny cup do?"

"I do not know, I was asked to retrieve it by a very frightened mage at Dalaran, and shown how to verify its authenticity." Half turning, she looked at the Orc. "How about that sword, anything special about it?"

The Orc frowned, then nodded his head. "There is, just can't tell ya." Kimiel nodded. "Not for the likes of us to overstep our commanders. We just do. It's enough to know the thief stole two talismans. Dalaran and Orgrimarr can talk it out together if they wish."

Snorting with humor the Orc laughed. "Attitude like that, you would make a good Orc little one. I am called Rokt'garn." Bowing deeply with a smirk the Orc looked up. "My pleasure little gnome."

Kimiel turned, a very small smile visible. "I am Kimiel Sprocketwheel. Warrior of the wild, defender of the people, drinker of ale." At the mention of ale the Orc's eyes lit up. "There was a little dinky pub a ways back, be good to wet our whistle before our long voyage home."

"There is merit in what you say, very well, I will acquiesce to a pint or two, or three." Grinning the Orc and Gnome walked the road to the tiny pub.