As Marelnestrasz flew over the dwarf he noticed somehow the hunter too was heading directly to the teleportation spell's target location. But unlike the dragon the tiny dwarf would not reach that area anytime soon. Marelnestrasz was not very experienced with bipeds but he guessed the dwarf would need approximately an hour. The dragon instead could travel so much faster. A few beats of his great wings and the tiny hunter was no longer in sight. Marelnestrasz concentrated all his senses on the area he was heading to. His consciousness expanded, cautiously touching every life out there, asking if they had seen any intruders. It took some time but then he knew where two people - likely a dwarf and an elf - who had suddenly appeared out of thin air, had found shelter. What Marelnestrasz bothered was that he still could not feel any of his brethren near. The only other dragon his senses could detect was the queen herself rushing rapidly to this place but still many miles away.

Dunol glanced at the small device at his wrist again. A major part of his former success as a hunter were those little gadgets most other people only cared to laugh about. The device still pointed him to the north east. Unbeknown to both Jaja and the dragon, he had attached a homing device to the bracelet he had found a long time ago at an ancient location and slipped it on the fake elf's wrist. Now he had not only robbed the dragon of most of his strength and abilities but he could not escape either. The old hunter was smiling. His master would be very pleased.

Korialstrasz drifted on and off again. He was so cold each and every of his scales seemed to shiver. An enormous headache was building behind his eyes and the still slightly swaying ground made him nauseous. Only as he heard movement to his left he remembered were he was. And that he had no scales in his current form. Korialstrasz opened his eyes again and was a bit frightened by the sheer power it had cost him to accomplish this easy task. A young dwarfen girl with auburn hair tied to two wet ponytails sat next to him. The tattered brown mantle she was wearing was soaked, too. It took a few seconds before the disguised dragon remembered her. Jaja, his feisty saviour. She looked frightened and was obviously watching the dark surroundings of their small shelter. Korialstrasz tried to speak, but his throat felt too dry and swollen. He managed only a few croaking noises but that was enough to gain the girls attention. She gestured him to stay quiet and continued her watch. The fake elf too concentrated his senses on the world around them. Although he still could see, hear and smell even better than most of Azeroth's inhabitants, he felt somehow disconnected. As if he tried to hear in the water, watch through fog or smell with a cold. Something was missing. Korialstrasz could not specify the feeling until he saw a huge shadow landing somewhere south of them. He had lost his connection to his kind. And if that effect worked not only one way it would explain why the other dragons had not found him yet. Korialstrasz saw the shadow shrink to a smaller shape and suddenly knew why Jaja was nervous. His respect for the girl even grew. She somehow had sensed the other dragon out there. But there was no need for anxiety, because this dragon was a friend, was he..? What if this was one of his pursuers, one of the blue ones who had tried to hunt him down earlier? He was in no condition to fight or even flee. Jaja was right, there was every reason for fear.

Marelnestrasz hated this bipedal and weak form but first he was not sure if one of the two persons under the stone really was Korialstrasz for he still was not able to sense the fellow red one and second there was no way his huge dragon form would fit in the dry shelter. He had to ponder all possibilities before he decided to take a dwarfen disguise. After all the Wetlands still were under the reign of Ironforge and mostly dwarfs lived here. So this form would be the least suspicious. He brought his unfamiliar cloths in order and walked to the overhanging rock as quickly as possible. He was astonished at what he saw when he got nearer. A dwarfen girl armed with a tiny, worn and slightly crooked dagger was standing in front of a nearly naked and barely conscious Krasus.

As soon as Jaja saw that there was a dwarf heading straightly to their shelter, she drew her dagger. Perhaps this was just a traveler passing by, perhaps it was another disguised dragon, but more likely it was one of her father's contacts who wanted to buy the injured elf. She was not going to take any risks. Jaja dragged the barely conscious dragon behind her so he was lying in the back. Whoever was approaching them would have to get past her first. As soon as the stranger was in shouting range, she hollered, as she had heard the guards of Menethil countless times before: "Oi, state your name ´n´ business..." And because she thought she should add something more colourful, she continued : "Or get lost!" The other dwarf stopped obviously surprised. She wagered her dagger and repeated: "Ya name ´n´ business, fella!" Her heart dived as she saw a lopsided grin on the stranger´s face.

As Korialstrasz caught a glimpse of the new arrival's face he instantly recognized him as Marelnestrasz, one of Tyranastrasz sons. His beloved Alexstrasza must have sent him. Although he did not exactly like the younger dragon he approved his queens choice. Marelnestrasz was always eager to fulfill Alexstraszas orders. He was loyal to her beyond all measure, keen and able to improvise if needed - an ability not very common among the dragons. The disguised dragon nearly smiled. Those were the exact words Tyranastrasz once used to describe a much younger Korialstrasz. Well, he had not stopped at the merits then but continued with his flaws: pigheaded, overzealous, a bit too reckless and complacent. Perhaps he and Marelnestrasz were constantly on bad terms because they both were too much alike? He tried to sit up a bit and struggled a few moments against gravity before he was successful at last. He knew the eyes of the younger dragon never left his frail elfen form and he really did not want to appear as weak as he felt. "Korialstrasz, it looks like I have just arrived in time." Of course the other dragon had to rub it under his nose. A few years ago Korialstrasz had rescued Alexstrasza who had been captured and enslaved by orcs. Unfortunately he had not been in time for Tyranastrasz. The old red dragon died fighting Deathwing trying to protect Alexstrasza and the precious eggs. Marelnestrasz and a few other dragons addressed reproaches to him for not acting earlier. Although the majority celebrated and hailed him as their hero Korialstrasz too sometimes thought about what would have happened if... Tyranastrasz was Alexstraszas prime consort at that times and despite the fact that the queen loved Korialstrasz more than any of her other consorts, it hurt Korialstrasz every time he saw her happily together with another dragon. Alexstrasza was the love of his life. Could he have acted earlier? Could he have saved Tyranastrasz? He was over the moon with joy as he himself became Alexstraszas prime consort a short time after. Of course the dark voices never faded away - neither in the inside nor outside.

Marelnestrasz did not exactly knew what to do with the feisty dwarf. So he decided to ignore her for starters. It was strange to see the omnipotent Korialstrasz lying on the dirty ground exhausted from just sitting upright. The younger dragon crossed his arms before his chest and studied the gaunt elven body. He did not understand what most of the dragons liked about the lanky elfs. Marelnestrasz found them as unappealing as all bipeds. But having to watch one of this bodies nearly naked was somehow disgusting. He wondered briefly why the other dragon had not said anything but came to the conclusion it did not matter. "I am going to bring you back. The dwarf may stay unharmed." "The dwarf has a name, you sullen bloke. I'm Jaja and you're not gonna hurt me. I've got a weapon and I can defend myself - and Krasus if he doesn't want to go with you." Marelnestrasz turned to the girl again and eyed her suspiciously. "Are you threatening me?" "'m not threatening anyone. Just made a statement, sunshine."

Jaja heard a suffocating noise behind herself. She did not like letting the stranger out of her sight but it really sounded as if Krasus was in urgent need of help. As she turned however the girl saw the disguised dragon was giggling heavily - and obviously in pain because of it. Either there was something very funny she just did not get or the dragon was loosing it. Perhaps he already was delirious? They really needed help. The sooner the better. The stranger had called Krasus "Korialsomething"... If Jaja recalled correctly that was the very name the fake elf had told her father some hours ago - was it really just hours ago? It surely felt like half a lifetime. So perhaps this dwarf knew Krasus? Perhaps he was a dragon too? If dragons were able to look like elfs they surely could appear as dwarfs too. And perhaps he knew a healing spell. However she did not trust the stranger, she would stay alert. "Ya goin' to help any time soon? Or jus' wanna stay here 'n' watch?" The other dwarf flinched a bit before pointing at Jaja's small dagger. "You will have to let me take a look..." Everything else he might have been planning to say just got cut off by the arrival of another stranger.

It had been a long time since Alexstrasza had flown at that speed. She hurried as fast as her wings would let her. She still was not able to reach her consort with her dragon senses but she had a bad feeling urging her forward. Her gigantic body remained cloaked by a powerful invisibility spell as she carefully landed next to the overhanging rock. While the Dragonqueen changed her form she struggled to recover her breath. It only took her a few moments to get ready then she headed straight to the ill-matched pair. She could identify Marelnestrasz instantly but the girl... She really was a dwarf. Finally the queen caught a glimpse of what must be Korialstrasz in his elven disguise laying behind the female dwarf on the soil giggling heavily and struggling for breath at the same time - a truly disturbing sight. Alexstrasza heard panic rise in the girls voice as she snapped at the younger dragon. One more step and she let her invisibility spell slip. Marelnestrasz was mid word as he immediately recognized her and instantly showed her the respect due to her by dropping to his knees and bowing his head. The girl who was standing with her back to the Dragonqueen however sensed there was something, whirled her self around and in the same instant readied her dagger to defend the injured dragon. Alexstrasza felt respect for this determined dwarf but while turning the girl had moved a bit so the queen now was able to get a good look hat her consort. Concern instantly flooded through her veins. Korialstrasz looked battered, seriously injured, very ill. And somehow he was not dressed appropriately. She briefly wondered why but the worry gained the upper hand. She sank down on her knees next to him determined to heal her beloved consort.

Jaja somehow... sensed movement behind herself. She had not heard anyone approaching but Krasus had made - and still was making - a lot of noise. She hurled herself around ready to face the new thread. But instead of a menacing person she saw the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. The other dwarf had dropped to his knees and Jaja too was nearly overwhelmed by the authority, grace and... love she radiated like an aura. Her hair had the colour of fire, long and silky. Her eyes sparkled like precious emeralds. The features of her face of such stunning beauty Jaja lacked the words to describe. She wore a gown embroidered with jewels in red, gold and purple. Although she looked like an elf two horns decorated with jewelry grew on the sides of her head. The stranger knelt beside Krasus and muttered: "What have they done to you, my love?" Jaja remembered something Krasus had said earlier under the influence of the baneful brew. "I am the prime consort of Alexstrasza" So it was very likely this woman was the Dragonqueen, Aspect of live. No wonder she wanted to eat humble pie. Jaja watched Alexstrasza put her lips passionately on Krasus' and noticed his body react to the ardent kiss instantly. But only moments after the gaunt elf struggled to break the contact. The queen seemed startled and frowned deeply as Krasus asked breathlessly: "Did... have you learned anything... about what happened to me?" "You were attacked. Very likely by two blue ones..." "Three... Have you talked about this to anyone yet?" he interrupted her concerned. "Ysera knows and she probably has already talked to Nozdormu..." Krasus sighed heavily. "The damage has already been done. The seed of mistrust has been planted." He shook his head in desperation. "I'm sure those weren't blue dragons. I think someone wants to drive a wedge between the flights, mayhap even wants to provoke war amongst us."

It was hard for Korialstrasz to brush Alexstrasza away and break the contact. He was longing for her touch as he was longing for the heal spell she had just started as he urged her to interrupt it again. She had to know, every passing second might be of dire consequences. Perhaps the harm was not done yet. But his love evaporated the dragon's hopes. The dwarfen girl interrupted his train of thoughts a bit cranky: "Anyone care to tell me what's goin' on?" The Dragonqueen turned an inquiring look at him so the gaunt elf introduced the girl: "Meet Jaja, my feisty saviour." He was grinning a bit but put his obvious amusement on his injuries and perhaps the fewer he felt rising. To his amazement Marelnestrasz added: "Mildly annoying and iritating but highly valiant." Alexstraszas voice was full of respect and affection as she addressed Jaja: "I am deeply indebted to you. Please accept my sincere thanks." Korialstrasz felt his strength rapidely fading away. There was another issue he had to touch upon. "'m sorry", he mumbled, "but... Jaja, tell her." Somehow the girl instantly knew what he expected of her. He sent his thanks to who ever was out there for that. Korialstrasz eyes slipped close as he listened the dwarfen girl recount the latest events. She held nothing back, talked about the brew, how her father wanted to sell the dragon, how they both managed to flee...

Alexstrasza followed the girl's story with growing horror. As she had finished, Marelnestrasz raised his voice again. "I was not able to detect him. I think that's the main reason for me nearly not finding him in time." The queen nodded her agreement. Although she did not know what kind of herbs Dunol had used, she was sure that was no side effect of them. There had to be something else. Suddenly the bracelet caught her eyes and a plan was starting to take shape. Alexstrasza took a better look at the filigree ribbon around her consort's wrist. "This is ancient... Nothing a simple dwarf should have access to. Do you happen to know where your father got this bracelet, Jaja?" But the girl only shook her head. The Dragonqueen shot Korialstrasz an asking glance and was met with a determined and approving look in his eyes. She suddenly understood why he had stopped her spell. Her consort had have the same idea. Cautiously she put her plan into words. "I want you to return to the dwarf, my love. Let your self be found. I know it is dangerous and you are hurt, but we have to learn more about him, this artifact and whom ever is paying for our kind." Korialstrasz simply shook his head and whispered: "Don't blame yourself... I know it's the only way." "Marelnestrasz will stay and watch." "No, my love.", the injured dragon disagreed weakly. "If he stays too near they will get suspicious. I'm sure they would detect one of our kind." "I will stay and protect you." Alexstrasza turned around and gave Jaja a startled glance. "Of cause you will have to work your magic thing to change my face a bit or someone might recognize me." The Dragonqueen's respect for the young dwarf even grew. "Are you sure about this, Jaja?" Korialstrasz asked nearly inaudibly. For a brief moment there was something like hesitation clearly displayed at the girls face but then she obviously made up her mind, nodded. "You really are?" the queen pressed her. With a broad smirk on her face the dwarf answered: "Sounds like an adventure to me."


I want to thank the wizzard of vienna who talked me into writing this fanfic for Blizzard's Creative Writing Contest and volunteered to beta for me. Planned originally as a 3.000 words short story somehow the plot grew and now with nearly 10.000 words written I still have ideas for much more. If you enjoyed the story and/or would like to read more, just drop me a message or review.

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