Palette stood tall in front of the council. She knew that this was going to happen once she and the group that went with her returned. The only thing the worried her is if they decided to send her back to Orgrimmar for helping the Alliance in a dire time of need. The council was comprised of Yagga, Hynor, Raiften, Garrosh, and Saurfang.
"You doing what you did could label you as a traitor and many may think that is because of your human origins." Hynor stated giving the human druid a sneer. A blood elf that had a stick up his ass and despised humans, meaning he could care less of what happened to the druid.
"I helped them because they fight that same enemy we do. Not only that, but now they have to help us when we are in need of help and they can't refuse." Palette replied heatedly. "I would rather have them owe us, then we having to owe them! Do you want that to weigh on you knowing you owe something to the Alliance?"
"Not particularly, but that doesn't stop the fact that you took nearly half of the Horde, that is stationed here, with you." Hynor said seething through his teeth.
"They went with me willingly. I never once ordered them to come with me. I only stated that if they wished to fight the undead than they were to come with." Palette stated. "Ask them yourselves."
"Their will be punishment for the actions you took by undermining Hellscream. He is the Overlord here at Warsong and what you did was dishonorable." Hynor stated.
"Dishonorable? Is it dishonorable to take action to save lives or to let the scourge take over that camp recruiting even more into there ranks? Where do you think they would head to next? That camp was only a few miles from Warsong." Palette argued. "I took those who would fight and stopped the scourge from coming here next. Which also means we saved those of that Alliance camp from turning and living to see their families once more!"
Saurfang raised a hand stopping the two from fighting knowing that would probably have gone on longer. "Hynor is right that you must have a punishment for going about disobeying Hellscream the way you did, but Palette is also correct if those that did go, didn't take action there, we would have been fighting them here."
"I will take any punishment that you deem I must, just know that I will always help any who ask for help." she stated gaining a nod of understanding with Saurfang but all turned to Hynor when he spoke. "A public lashing with only bandages to help with the healing. Scars will be her reminder of her wanting to play hero. And it should be Hellscream that does the lashing since it was he that she undermined." the blood elf grinned viciously inside knowing of their courting to each other, having over heard that little bit the other day.
Palette flicked her eyes towards Garrosh but didn't see any hint of what his thoughts were with his blank face. "Like I said, I will take any punishment you deem necessary." she replied keeping any emotion from her voice. "You will receive a lash for every Horde member that went with you." Hynor said smugly.
"A hundred and thirteen lashes?" Saurfang asked the elf as he glanced his way. "I think it would have to be for every Horde member that was injured during that fight. That one seems more fitting since all went with her willingly. She will get lashes for those injured because they turned to her as leader."
Hynor glared at the orc, wanting to see the blood run down her back like a waterfall. He loathed this human even more than those of the Alliance. Who ever let her live and join the Horde should never have done so. "That would mean only forty six lashes."
"Then, that is how many she will receive. One lash for each of those injured under her command." Saurfang stated in finality.
"If I may." Palette said and with a nod from Raiften, a male orc besides Hynor. "I wasn't looking to be the leader, anyone of them could have said they were when Marshall Emsworth asked. I was only trying to do good to those that needed our help, help that I was willingly to give. I don't have the experience to lead anyone nor do I want to. I did it, because all of them chose me to be that person." she stated looking to Saurfang knowing her would give the final say.
"I say that what Saurfang stated for her is a good punishment." Raiften said in agreement to Saurfang. "Of course you would, you're an orc like he is." Hynor mutter angrily.
"I second dat." Yagga said having heard the elf. "It be not day kin of orc, Hynor, day be agreein ta da punishment for her dat be more reasonable ta her case." Hynor growled a little grinding his teeth. "I don't even see why you're here in this council if you're a neutral party." Yagga chuckled at him. "Dat be cause I was Horde before da Earthen Circle. I still have a spot in dis council weader I be one side or not mon."
Saurfang turned to Garrosh. "You have been quiet, Garrosh. What is your vote?"
"She will get the forty six lashes." Garrosh stated after a few minutes looking into her eyes and Palette nodded understanding his choice. Saurfang 'hmm' before calling a guard in to start announcing what will be taking place within the hour. He turned to Palette once the guard left. "You will be chained when this happens." he told her with her nodded. "I understand."
Two guards came in and took Palette leading her to the spot they would set out the punishment. She could see many already there as she was lead to the middle and her hands cuffed each to a pole that held her arms a little above her head. She waited as minutes ticked by and the room grew fuller. Soon they entered and Garrosh held the whip that would give out the lashings as he passed her to stand behind her, taking the back of her shirt and slicing with his hunting knife.
"Do this fast." Palette stated in a whisper hoping he heard when he turned to take a few steps away. Saurfang stood behind Garrosh and the mummers that were heard died. "Palette Nightgazer will receive forty six lashes. One for each of those injured under her command. This is her punishment for disregarding Hellscream. Let this be your reminder." Once he finished he gave Garrosh a nod.
She grinded her teeth preparing for the sting and with a crack, pain bloomed acrossed her back making her arched it trying to get away from the sudden pain. A grown was all that was heard from her and soon the second lash hit. She focused on breathing trying to not cry out but could feel she wouldn't win. By the seven lash, she cried out as the chain gave a little rattle from her tensing up. Blood could be felt running down her back as more lashes were given. Her mind was a jumble trying to find a way out of the pain that was becoming more unbearable.
Garrosh did another crack of the whip watching as a line of red appeared and hearing her cry out from the pain. He had to do it, even if she was his mate. If he didn't do it, someone else would have. This image will be burned into his mind for years, seeing the blood, hearing her cry out, and knowing he was the one that was the cause of it. His face showed nothing, but his eyes held everything that he felt doing this to his mate. It burned inside of him that he was the one making her feel pain, fearing she wouldn't want to be his, after.
By the last fifteen, she had tears running down her face. Her awareness was dimming fast and she soon passed out letting her arms take her weight. Everyone watched silently as the last was given and no one moved to let her go as many were stunned by watching Palette take her punishment for helping the enemy when many had also gone with her. Yagga went forward after minutes ticked by with nothing being done and waved a hand to the guards to unchain her body and carry her to the healers as she followed after.
Garrosh stepped slowly into the room that held Palette. He was greeted with the sight of her laying on her stomach and her back covered in bandages that Yagga was still putting on her prone figure. "Ya should not be here." she stated in a low voice not even glancing his way.
"I must see her." he replied no taking his eyes off of her. "Will you show me what I need to do?" at his question Yagga turned her head to him. "Why would I show ya how ta take care of her wounds when ya were da one ta give dim ta her?"
"Just show me, troll. I will take care of my mate." he grounded out as her eyebrow raised a little at him. "Ya whipped yar mate?" she turned back to dressing Palette's wounds as she thought. "But I understand why. It be ya that she disobeyed and so ya be da one to give da punishment as leader to subordinate. Come here." she stated moving a little so he could watch as she dressed the wounds and covered them.
Once they were done he sat in a chair near her head and gazed at her. "She be strong and will be okay." Yagga stated as she got up. "I be back ta show ya how to redress dim." she informed him as she left the two of them alone.
He sat silently watching her breath for an hour thinking. No mate would have ever taken that form of beating from their mate like that. His mind was brought back when he heard a groan of pain and slight shifting. Leaning forwards he grasped her tiny hand in his larger one gain her attention.
"Garrosh.." her voice was harsh and cracked from her cries but she gripped his hand tightly, trying to not tense at the pain coming from her back with each breath sho took. Soon she lost consciousness again and he could see the pain he had caused along her facial features and could hear it in her voice. Taking his other hand he ran it over her head feeling the feathers that were tied to her short brown hair. "I will make this up to you." he told her before getting up, only to stop at her whisper showing she had regain conscious. "Stay…please."
He stood for a little longer, watching her eyes look into his, seeing the pain she was in and complied to her wish. "If you want me to." she gave him a small strained smile. "I do." see her trying to move her hand a little but he stopped her by placing his on hers letting her grip it. "Even after the lashes I gave you, you still want to be mine?" he heard her sigh. "We are not mates yet, Garrosh. That was my punishment for what i did and how i did it. It had nothing to do with us as soon-to-be-mates. I do not think you at fault for something I take responsibility for."
He said nothing to her answer as he stared at their hands before looking back at her. "Sleep, you need rest." she hummed at him closing her eyes trying to find sleep. Within several minutes he could tell she was under as footsteps were heard coming towards them. "It be time ta change her bandages." Yagga said with her hands full of the supplies. "Dis be Frostweave, dis should help keep her back cooler. Once we take da old ones off, ya put dis on her. It be healing ointment." she stated handing him a tub of the ointment. "What is in it?"
"Dis and dat." she replied as she started to remove the old bandages. "It will help wit da pain she be feelin. Her back be numb once dat is on."
The two fell into silence as they worked to remove, put on the ointment, and replace the bandages. Yagga stood once more giving him a nod as she left. "I be back in da mornin ta change dim again. Make sure ya get sleep yarself Hellscream if ya want ta take care of yar mate. Just know dat within the next day or so, she'll be heading back to Orgrimmar." he was surprised at this.
"When was this decided?" he asked the troll. "Hynor thought tat Palette was no longer good ta fight and so got da others to agree ta send her away. Hynor was grinin when day came ta dat agreement." Garrosh growled with a scowl as Yagga glanced his way. "We be needin ta watch dat one in da future. i be not likin him and he may plan ta get rid of her."
Palette took a deep breath and smiled when she felt only a twinge of pain. Four weeks had passed since she found herself being taken back to Orgrimmar. What surprised her was that her mother was there waiting for her and helped to take care of her wounds. "How is your back my dear?" Eskola asked her daughter getting a grin. "Much better with each day."
"That is good to hear. Let me look at it one last time before we head to the market for lunch." Palette nodded and took her shirt off for her mother to see. Red lines ran in all direction with some of the lighter marks nearly gone leaving no signs of scaring, but most would. Putting her shirt back on they made their way to the market to have lunch since her brother and sister in law had arrived that night for trade.
"Tell me more of this Garrosh that you have chosen as your mate." Eskola stated eying her daughter with mirth as they sat at a table that would hold another three people. "I know he is orc but you have not said much else on him. As your mother I must see if he should even be worthy of being your mate." Palette gave a small laugh at her mother's way of digging for information. "You will see him once they defeat the Lich King mother, just wait."
"We are sorry for being late." Ezhaw stated as they arrived and sat with Palette and Eskola. "You're fine brother, we only just got here ourselves. Isi how have you been?" Palette asked her sister is law who was sitting next to her and for some unknown reason Palette thought she looked like she gave off this slight glow. "I have been good, have you heard the news yet?"
"What news?" Palette asked looking between the two mates when Ezhaw answered. "The Lich King in no more. Later this week, once the Horde makes their way back their will be a celebration. Have you ordered food yet?"
"No, we were waiting for the two of you before doing so. And no talk of what is happening, it is time for family." Eskola answered with eyes crinkling with knowing at Isi and her glow. "Then lets order." Palette said smiling and the four did so. "Did you know, son, Palette will be mated soon."
Ezhaw snorted hard in surprise as he looked to his sister. "When did this happen?! And who!?"
Palette rolled her eyes at her brother. "It was bound to happen with how many times we were at each others throats."
"You choose Garrosh?!" Ezhaw gave another snort blowing out through his nostrils before letting out a bellowing laugh. "You are right, dear sister, with that way your two went at it from the beginning this was bound to be the outcome."
"So glad you find this entertaining brother." She replied with a smile and once Ezhaw got his laughing under control it was his turn to ask. "When do I get a niece or nephew?"
"We are not even mates yet and you are asking me this already?! Shame on you!" Palette grinned at him enjoy the time she was having with family. "It will not be for some time if you need to have an answer."
"Is the family going to be receiving a new addition?" Eskola asked suddenly then glancing at Isi who glanced at Ezhaw and took his hand. "That is mostly the reason we are also here for." Isi stated.
"Wait…you are with child?" Palette asked stunned looking from her brother to Isi. "Are you?"
"Yes, we found out two weeks ago that I am a month into it." Isi said as Palette jumped up crying out loudly and giving Isi a hug before moving over to give one to her brother. "I'm going to be an aunt!"
"And I am going to be a grandmother." Eskola said happiness filling her voice. "How did you know mother?" Palette asked as she sat back down. "I know many things, my dear. It comes with being a shaman."
The food arrived and they became silent as they ate with small talk in between. Palette was excited inside that soon Garrosh would be back and couldn't wait.
"Please come visit Bloodhoof village soon." Isi said as Palette gave her a grin. "I would love too, I haven't been to see my brother's home yet. Tell me everything as the baby grows." Palette stated glancing at her stomach that held the growing baby. Isi chuckled. "I will, if you would like you can help me make some things before the baby shows up." her grin grew. "I would love too."
"Ezhaw, how is the my home holding without me?" Eskola asked her son. "It is holding. I have been to it several times already to make sure." he answered. "I should be heading back soon once Palette's back heals up a little more. Be safe on your way back my son."
Palette and Eskola watched them leave before making there way back to Palette's home. "Palette!" they turned and Palette gave a shout once she saw several people going up to them in greeting. "Agmor, Groiko, Kru'Gen! Why are you guys here already?"
"We weren't in the main battle so we were one of the first to find ourselves back." Agmor stated.
"Then it is good to see you all again. Where is Duleald?"
"He was put with the other healers that went with the army to take the Lich King. He will be arriving within a day for two." Kru'Gen stated giving a yawn. "I am heading to my home to sleep in my bed that I have missed dearly. Lets go home Windsong." he said petting the serpents feathered head as he waved the others a goodbye.
Palette turned to her mother and gave her a smile bring over her friends. "Mother this is Groiko and Agmor. Groiko, Agmor, this is my mother. The one that left was Kru'Gen and his companion Windsong."
"It is good to meet my daughters friends. She has told me much of you." Eskola stated her eyes crinkling.
"Dat be only da crazy ding we be doin I hope." Groiko said making Palette grin. "Only the craziest."
"I be headin back ta my home mon." She said heading away.
"We will have to have a night out tonight, tell Kru'Gen to make sure his ass is there also." Agmor said and the troll waved her arm up into the air in acknowledgement. "Come on, lets head to the home I've missed." the three head to the house. "How is your back?"
Palette looked over at her friend. "Getting better. At times it still hurts but not to where I cant move around."
"That is good to hear. It was something I did not like watching. Many were shouting out in your defense after it had happened." Agmor stated. "They did not like that since they turned to you as leader, you were to receive a punishment for a willing decision on their part."
"It is good to hear many are taking her side knowing she fights and takes responsibility. Look around, many are seeing her with respect knowing she is horde." Eskola stated glancing around as the two others did as well. Barely anyone orc, troll, tauren, and a few blood elves paid much mind to Palette human figure and those that did would give her a nod in greeting as they passed or she when she met their eyes.
Palette returned all that did so. "I am showing that race does not define you to a side known to one race or the other." she turned to her mother. "I once met the Jaina Proudmoore, the only other human to be an ally to the horde."
"Proudmoore? You've met her?" Agmor asked.
"Yes, she's a little taller than me by an inch or so." Palette answered. "Her power could be felt, like it was waiting for any release within a second if need be." the three went inside to continue talking as Eskola went over her wounds. Soon night had fallen and Palette gave her mother a hug letting her know they would be back in a few hours. "Have fun with friends my dear. I will have tea ready for the two of you once you return."
"I do not think we will be that drunk, that tea is needed, mother." Eskola gave her daughter a look of knowing. "My dear, you are young and will be surrounded by friends, you will be drunk." Palette shook her head but smiled at her mother. "I love you mother."
"And I you. Now, go before your friend gets even more impatient." she stated giving Palette a slight push out of the door and watched as the druid met up with her hunter friend and they left together.
"You two are already drinking? You were suppose to wait up for us damnit!" Agmor growled out playfully as she sat next to Kru'Gen with Palette in the other. "Bartender, a round of mead!"
Palette took a gulp of the mead as Groiko gave Kru'Gen a smack in the back of his head. "MON! Dat aint drinkin! Ya takin baby sip, drink dat shit down!" Palette smirk before banging her fist lightly on the table. "Chug, chug, chug." Agmor gave a slight laugh as she joined in making Kru'Gen glare at the two. "I'll drink how ever I want!"
"Do you really want us females to out drink you, you an orc male!?" Agmor loudly stated getting Kru'Gen railed up. "FINE! Ill drink to shut you up cur!" he shouted and gulped the cup down then taking the second that had been brought and gulped that down, slamming it on the table. "See how you do that!" he replied then belched smirking at the huntress.
Palette laid a hand on Agmor's arm gaining her attention. "We got this." Agmor smirked as the both turned to Kru'Gen. "Be ready to kiss the bottom of my boot." Agmor grinned before chugging her cup and Palettes when it was handed to her slamming both down giving the orc next to her a challenging gaze.
"My turn! Bartender, we need more mead and give me a large shot." Palette shouted and once it was brought she chugged her mead down then took the large shot. "Try that."
Groiko shook her head at the three. "Ya be stupid mon, da three of ya. I be da sober one in da hour if da three of ya continue like this."
"Then we need a drinking game." Agmor stated and Groiko smirked as she took out a deck of cards wiggling her eyebrows. "Ya mean dis?"
"Lets do this." Kru'Gen said helping to clean the table off of empty cups and trying to dry some spots. Within the hour the four were barely able to focus long enough on their cards as their would wouldn't stop tilting. "What do I have?" Palette asked showing her cards to Groiko.
"I cant tell what ya have, mon, if I cant tell what mine are." Groiko replied slurring heavily and squinting at the cards. Agmor threw her cards with the others. "Den we need ta drink, bitches!" the orcess stated and the other three gave shouts of agreement.
Groiko laughed. "Ya mon, ya starten ta sound like ah troll!"
"Ah who cares, all I know is this orcess is going home with him!" Agmor stated pointed towards Kru'Gen making said orc choke on his drink. He drew back to try and look at her with his vision blurred. "What in your blasted mind has you thinking that!?"
"This!" Agmor replied swaying as she got up and sat in his lap taking his jaw in her hands and kissing him. Palette and Groiko gave out loud wolf calls and howls at the two. Kru'Gen growled but returned the kiss and the two could see it was getting heated fast. "Get her in your bed for Earthmother's sake and fuck her already!" Palette shouted gleefully earning both orcs attention. "Or are you that kinky to have your friends watch?"
"It be not ta first time I've seen anyone go at it at my home island. We trolls be freaks." Groiko said with a shrug and a smirk. Kru'Gen growled lifting Agmor up and took her out of the inn leaving the two at the table. "I be wanten my own fuck now." she stated then glanced at Palette. "To bad yer mate not here."
"Don't remind me." Palette groaned. "Does being drunk always make females horny?"
"Not all da time, just ta those dat know day have someone ta tango with in dose nights." Groiko replied glancing around and spotting a nice male troll. "Bless my Zal'Zan's heart, but dis female hasn't had a good night in a while. Hate ta leave ya like dis but he be a nice tang callin ta me."
Palette waved her friend off. "Don't be, im heading home myself. See you tomorrow." she got up heading out of the inn grinning to herself at her friends as she stumbled to the house. Eskola gave a knowing look at Palette. "She wont be home I take it." her mother stated. "She went to fuck Kru'Gen in the drunkessness we all share." Eskola help her make her way to the kitchen table. "Why cant Garrosh already be here!?" Palette loudly said laying the first half of her body over the table. "Even Groiko went and found herself someone to fuck."
Eskola shook her head as she readied a cup of tea. "You will be fine dear. Once you are his mate you can take him however you want. Drink this, it will help you in the morning." Palette moved her head to look at her mother. "But mother…I don't wanna…"
Eskola only raised an eyebrow at her daughter. "I will not say it again." Palette groaned but sat up a bit more to chug the tea and made a face. "Urgh! That takes awful!"
"It will help. Now, get to your bed so you can sleep this stupidness out of you." she said helping to stair her daughter to her bed. Once in it she bent down to nuzzle her forehead. "Sleep little one. I will see you once you wake."
Palette nodded as the alcohol was starting the make her pass out. "Love you mother." Eskola gave a huff of air blew her hair slightly with it. "And I you my little one."
I would like to thank SerpentBane007, vader634, azureus631, and Kitaluv for the follows! i do hope you continue to enjoy the story.
Also i big thanks to vader634 for being my first favorite for the story!
Please! read and review! i do love them.
ps. if you readers have an idea on an outfit for her to have i would gladly like to see what you come up with. i have been thinking of changing it up and possibly adding some tattoos, much like those of tribal or something, and some piercings. if you have something that could work with her let me know.