I do not own Zelda or Warcraft.
Chapter 3: The Wild Sage
"Who-who are you?" Midna shrieked, her voice caught. Link held the Master Sword in front of him, forming his body into a stance that promised a flurry of steel.
The creature stepped away and bowed. It was huge, nearly eight feet in height, and was broad at the shoulder. The creature had an appearance similar to that of cattle, with a long, wide face, short horns, and a thick, grey mane. The creature looked hunched, almost, its bull-like head set below an arched shoulder. The face had eyes that held a look of wisdom, the wisdom that comes from many, many winters. A long, braided, grey beard hung from the bottom of the creature's muzzle, as though it were a rope. A thick leather robe was draped over its body, coming down almost to the creature's cloven hooves. A long, fur cloak over its back, swaying with the motion of it's tail. The creature set down a long wooden staff, holding its three fingered hands outwards in a motion of surrender.
"I mean no harm, and do not wish to cause fear. I apologize if I have done so." The creature's voice showed age, and had a thick accent, as though unused to speaking their language. Link relaxed his stance and lowered his sword. Midna, however, still stood at ready behind Link, her eyes set, the light of challenge in them.
"Y-you've certainly accomplished that!" She said, a voice that held both slight fear and much anger. "Tell us who you are, and while you're at it, where we are!"
"Hmm. A fiery spirit, in that one." The creature said, calm in the face of Midna's outburst. The creature rubbed at the base of its beard and focused his wizened eyes on Link. Link's expression was set. His sword had lowered, but his eyes gleamed: In the blink of an eye, he would be ready to fight. The creature seemed to smile.
"And in this one, I see great a great spirit of courage, and feral eyes." The creature said, the voice of one impressed. Link blinked at him oddly. "The eyes of cunning. Feral, cunning, and spirit. The eyes...of a wolf."
Link drew back slightly in surprise. Midna huffed impatiently. "Yes, he's a wolf...but who and what are YOU!"
The creature smiled again. "You, young fire-spirit, have a caring, wise heart mixed with your fire. Hmm." Midna simply stared at him. The creature bowed low again.
"I apologize, young fire-spirit. Those are qualities that I truly admire and respect. But I have gone vastly afield of your question." The creature said, stepping backward. "My name is Sagetotem, of the Tauren in Kalimdor."
Midna drew back. Her anger was quickly replaced by confusion. "Tauren?" She voiced. "Kalimdor?" Link shifted his feet, staring at Sagetotem, his hand beginning to crawl to his chin.
Sagetotem smiled at them again. "If you wish to know what a Tauren is," He said, spreading his arms. "Look no further. As for Kalimdor, explaining that would require effort. But I will teach you, if you are willing to learn."
Midna nodded, her suspicion of him beginning to fade slightly. Even so, she did not trust him. Stepping forward and standing next to Link, she spoke. "I can at least see that you don't seem to mean any harm, at least right now. But, how can we be sure this isn't some sort of trick or something?" Her eyes narrowed, and she brought up her hand.
Sagetotem laughed heartily. Midna frowned at him. "What quarrel would I have with two strangers obviously confused on an unfamiliar world?"
Now Midna's suspicion grew. "How would you know if we were from another world, if we are from one?"
Sagetotem rubbed at his beard. "I watched your entry." He said, somewhat thoughtful. "A small portal opening up in the air, with the two of you being spewed out like a meal made of soil? It seems quite obvious to me that you are not born of Azeroth."
Midna's confusion grew again. Azeroth? Wait...didn't he say we were in Kalimdor? Midna opened her mouth to speak. Sagetotem interrupted her with a gesture, and she frowned deeply, unhappy about being interrupted. Link sheathed his sword and folded his arms, deciding it was better to listen quietly. Sagetotem nodded, and then spoke again.
"Your eyes speak volumes, young fire-spirit. But before I explain, would you tell me your names? Fire-spirit seems like hardly a suitable name for a mortal."
Midna's mouth tightened slightly, but she nodded. "My name is Midna." She said. She beckoned to Link, who gave a short bow. "This is Link."
"Earth Mother bless you both." Sagetotem replied. He motioned to their left. "There is a road here that heads towards the Crossroads here in the Barrens. That was my destination. If you will join me, I will explain to you about where you've found yourselves."
He picked up his wooden staff and shook it. He nodded at Link, then turned to Midna. "What you are about to see will be shocking to you." He said, loosening his hands. "Rest assured, all that will change is how I look. I want to be sure that I can help to defend you. So do not be alarmed."
With that, his body began to change. He got on all fours, and his body suddenly grew thick and furry with heavy, brown fur. His limbs became strong, his tail short, and his head, still with short horns, flattened and came to a short snout. His body thickened even more, and his neck grew, the hunch disappearing. His mane flowed along his back now, coming almost to his tail. His limbs ended now with huge, razor like claws. He turned to them and let out a slightly feral snarl.
A bear. Midna's eyes grew large. He just turned into a bear...with horns...Trying not to let her shock overcome her, she bit her lip. Link had drawn his sword again, but kept it at his side firmly.
Sagetorem nodded, his now bear like head beckoning them on. "Come." He said. "We have much to speak of along the way." Midna stared at the large, brown bear, too overwhelmed to speak. Link's jaw dropped slightly, and then reset itself, as memories of himself and his wolf form came to the forefront. Sagetotem tossed his ursine head, and began to walk. He paused, then looked back at them.
"Well? What are you waiting for?"
