A Bond Forged, A Decision Made
By Serinthia Draftwood
Lakota kept her body tense and still, gazing at the landscape ahead of her, watching as a large boar came into view a good distance away. Serinthia's voice was barely even a whisper in her ear.
"Take all the time you need," she said softly "The shot is there, and will bring the swiftest end. Don't jerk the trigger; just squeeze softly, but firmly."
Lakota took a deep breath and gazed steadily down the sights on the rifle she was using, keeping her mind and her focus on the target until she was sure she had it. Gently she squeezed the trigger.
The shot startled the boar, but only for an instant as it struck true, dropping the animal to the ground. Serinthia blinked and sat up from where she and Lakota had been laying in wait by one of the tall plateaus.
"Excellent," she said proudly "I barely could've done better."
Lakota chuckled.
"Now you're just flattering me," she said, getting up and dusting herself off a bit "You're right though, it's a better method than the way I used to do it. I guess when you're a hunter by trade you learn a lot of the tricks the rest of us are blind to."
"It does take a certain level of training," Serinthia agreed as they went to fetch their kill "Well, he was a big one wasn't he. Your butcher ought to give us a couple silver for this one."
"That's what you said the last time," Lakota said "And all you managed was one silver."
"I don't recall," Serinthia mumbled, though grinning slightly "Come on, help me skin and clean this thing before Kirika gets wind of it and decides she's hungry."
"Where is your cat, anyway?" Lakota asked as she got to work.
"Around somewhere," Serinthia said with confidence "She knows who her Mistress is, though, so she'll come when she's called."
The two female tauren had been having a productive day. Only a couple weeks after their first meeting, Lakota felt as though she had known Serinthia her whole life. Her mother had had concerns that she only felt such an attraction because the hunter had saved her life, but it turned out the two had much in common, and there was much the hunter could teach her on subjects that she was interested in. Hunting for example. Lakota had always had some skill at it and she enjoyed hunting around the canyon for the food that her people survived on. Still it amazed her learning the finer aspects of the skill that she never even knew about.
The two had been hunting most of the day not far from Freewind Outpost. So far they had managed five wild boars. In Lakota's experience that yielded an acceptable amount of meat, but learning how to kill more efficiently from Serinthia meant the kills were more productive and there was more meat that would still be usable. Once the meat and hide from their latest kill had been obtained, it was packed into Serinthia's rapidly bulging backpack before the seasoned hunter whistled sharply.
"Come on, Kirika, we're going!" she called.
Almost as if she had been waiting for the command, the big orange cat, or tiger as Lakota had learned she was called, came running from over a low ridge nearby. Serinthia stroked her head gently a moment before the three of them headed back to the outpost.
Laden with a heavy bulk of meat and hide, they elected to take the elevator up to the top of the large plateau on which the bulk of the outpost rested. As they waited at the base for it to make its decent, Lakota glanced at over at her friend.
"Thank you for teaching me all that you have," she said.
"I only hope it's been of use to you," Serinthia replied "Admittedly I've quite enjoyed your company."
"As have I," Lakota said with a smile.
The elevator arrived then and whisked them quickly to the top. They parted ways there briefly, Lakota going to tell her mother she was back, and Serinthia going straight to the butcher.
"This load has to be worth more than that," Serinthia stated "The hide alone…"
"But I don't buy hide, do I? Do I look like a leatherworker to you?" the butcher was saying "Meat's one thing and for this much, I'll go…say…ten silver."
"20," Serinthia insisted.
"15," the butcher said with a frown "And be thankful trade's been good enough to warrant that price.
"Very well," Serinthia said with a sigh, accepting the money. Hunting she excelled at. Bartering was another matter. No wonder she loved hunting so much. Sometimes the animals were better to deal with than the people. She counted the money into her coin purse and concealed it within her armor before heading back to the tent she had been allowed to use while staying at the outpost. As she did so, one of the Freewind braves came up to her.
"A wind rider messenger left this while you were away," she said, handing Serinthia the small folded note.
Serinthia took it and looked it over a moment before nodding quietly and heading back to her tent.
Lakota, meanwhile, had returned to her mother's tent to change clothes and get ready for the evening feast. Her mother, Thalia, had been waiting for her.
"Lakota, we need to have a talk," she said.
Lakota paused and looked at her mother somewhat apprehensively.
"About what?" she asked.
"You seem to spend so much time with that hunter," Thalia said simply enough.
"So?" Lakota asked, sensing an argument she'd heard before "What's wrong with making friends?"
Thalia's gaze softened slightly as she walked over to her daughter and put a paw on her shoulder.
"But you want it to be more than that, don't you," she said "Whether you choose to love a male or a female is of little concern to me. Our ancestors speak to us and guide us on the path we are meant for, but you know how hunters can be. They're restless and can never stay in one place too long. You're still young and I just don't want you to be hurt."
Lakota sighed softly and nodded.
"I know, mother," she replied "but how can I know who I'm destined to love if I don't follow what my heart tells me."
Thalia smiled slightly.
"You're right, my daughter," she said "But all I want you to do is listen, at least a little, to what your head tells you too."
"I will," Lakota replied "I promise."
She hugged her mother warmly before finishing getting ready. Her mother did as well and soon they could smell well cooked meat coming from the bonfires outside shortly before they heard the rhythmic drum beats signaling the start of the feast the outpost held every now and again to celebrate fruitful abundance in their food and trade.
The music was good. The food was good. The tribal dances under the light of the fires and the rising moon were good. The one thing that was missing was Serinthia. Lakota had known she wasn't there from the first, but didn't want to go running after her like some lovesick youngling, especially if the hunter had only been temporarily detained. It wasn't until her belly was full and she tired of the dances that she went to seek her out.
Serinthia was found sitting outside her tent, her armor discarded and wearing only a soft brown dress, tending a small fire, her pet Kirika resting quietly by her side as the hunter stroked her fur gently. She glanced up as Lakota approached and knelt quietly by her side.
"Something troubles you," Lakota said after a moment "I can see it already in your eyes. What's happened?"
Serinthia looked over at her a moment before speaking.
"I received a letter today," she began "The Orcs in Stranglethorn have more work for me to do. I guess I impressed them the last time I came through the area."
Lakota felt her heart nearly stop, but she said nothing, letting the silence lengthen until she couldn't stand it.
"So you're leaving then," she said.
Serinthia sighed as she poked at the burning ember of the small fire somewhat.
"They want to pay me a couple gold pieces," she said "And the journey would be worth it. The truth is…I love to travel."
Lakota nodded a little bit before sliding close to Serinthia. The hunter responded in kind, sliding her arm around the younger tauren and holding her gently, something they had begun to do rather frequently as of late by the light of a fire.
"I know," Lakota said quietly, gazing into the fire.
Serinthia began to stroke her gently before speaking again.
"I want to go," she said "Yet I find it harder than I have in times past to find the motivation to leave."
"You swore you would help your people," Lakota replied softly "You made it your goal in life. I don't want to stand in the way of that, and I'm sorry if I've…complicated things."
Serinthia smiled softly and shifted a little bit so she could look at Lakota directly.
"I suppose some could call it that," she said "But I don't. The stories you hear are true, you know. Hunters often think their pet is their only friend in the world. And yet, I find that I enjoy your company, and I've come to care about how you feel. One would almost call it…love."
Lakota felt her heart warm again, feeling her very soul tingle as Serinthia confirmed for her what she knew she already felt.
"I feel the same," she confessed "Ever since that first day. I care about you as well, and I think…no, I know what I feel for you is also love. But I also know I don't want you to give up your goals in life just for me."
"That decision is for me alone to make, I'm afraid," Serinthia said, stroking her paw gently around Lakota's neck and shoulder "Maybe I might choose you over roaming the landscape till the end of my days. Besides, perhaps there is a way I can help here."
"Or…maybe I could go with you," Lakota said, almost without thinking, so much so, she gasped at herself in surprise at the very thought.
Serinthia stared at her a moment, startled as well before responding.
"The life I live out there is dangerous," she began "Especially Stranglethorn. It's contested territory. Aside from the animals, it's crawling with Alliance. I can hold my own, but I would worry for your welfare. Perhaps I will speak with Rau Cliffrunner tomorrow and see if I can offer more of my services. He was quite pleased with the job I did disposing of Arnak for him."
"Perhaps," Lakota acknowledged "You'd really stay here just for me?"
Serinthia smiled slightly, the firelight dancing in her eyes as she nodded slightly.
"You'd really give up your life here and see the world with me?" she countered.
"I think, no I know I would,' Lakota said softly as she leaned against Serinthia once again, letting the hunter draw her closer.
The two sat quietly by the fire awhile longer, both quietly lost in thought over what their future would bring. In time, Lakota began to yawn softly and Serinthia smiled.
"I think perhaps it's time we retired for the evening," Serinthia suggested, hugging Lakota gently.
Lakota stretched a bit and nodded in agreement. Still, she seemed reluctant to leave, turning to look at Serinthia hesitantly, a thought coming to her mind, but she hesitated to ask. As had happened so often lately, the hunter seems to almost know exactly what Lakota wanted to ask.
"There's room," Serinthia said gently "if you care to share my tent with me for the night. Perhaps in the morning we'll have somewhat clearer heads."
Lakota smiled a little bit, blushing slightly as she looked up into Serinthia's eyes.
"I'd like that," she said quietly.
Without a word, Serinthia buried the fire quickly before withdrawing into the small tent, letting Lakota follow after. Kirika seemed content to sleep under the stars and that was just fine for the two females who found themselves drawn together under the covers, finding contentment in their shared warmth.
When morning came, Lakota woke first, finding herself snuggled close to Serinthia, her head resting on the other's shoulder, their arms draped across each other. She lay there awhile, reveling in the warm contentment she felt in the situation. It was the first night she had shared so intimately with another female, having not even worn anything to bed, deciding instead to share the experience in nothing but their fur. Sleeping had actually been all they'd done, really, aside from a shared kiss or two, but it was still a pleasing experience, and she found herself quite content to stay right there until Serinthia awoke as well.
It wasn't long though before Serinthia herself began to stretch, blinking her eyes open somewhat and yawning a moment before glancing over Lakota.
"Good morning," Serinthia said softly, stroking Lakota's hair gently.
"Good morning," Lakota replied "I hope you slept well."
"Better than I have in awhile, that's for sure," Serinthia said.
They lay just like that for a little while as they heard the rest of the outpost slowly awakening as well and beginning the new day, before Lakota stretched again and looked towards the crack of sun shining through the tent flaps.
"We ought to get up," she said "We should see if they have work for you."
"You're right, of course," Serinthia said, somewhat reluctantly letting go of Lakota and sitting up to stretch more properly.
Lakota did the same after a moment before standing to get dressed, finding she didn't blush so much any more at the thought of Serinthia seeing her nakedness. She trusted the hunter implicitly by this point, she knew that now. Nor was she shy about watching Serinthia dress as well. She loved Serinthia's personality and attitudes first and foremost, but her physical form was just as pleasing.
Once dressed, Serinthia paused outside to feed Kirika before letting the loyal cat tag along with her and Lakota as they headed over to the out post leader's tent to see if it was too early to speak with him. As it happened, he appeared from it as they walked up, apparently ready to start his day as well.
"Good morning, ladies," Rau Cliffrunner said, in a deep voice that reflected the size of his muscular tauren frame.
Both Serinthia and Lakota paused, bowing their heads slightly before returning the greeting.
"I know it is yet early," Serinthia began "but I wondered if there are, perhaps, any further tasks you require of me."
Rau paused then, looking Serinthia over consideringly.
"You have done many good deeds for your people here, hunter," he said "However, just at the moment, peace is abundant, and should remain that way for some time. The only thing of real note is that a group of Goblins and Gnomes will be using the Shimmering Flats east of here for a time, playing with their bizarre machinery. However, I'm not convinced yet that it poses any kind of threat to us. I'm afraid I don't have any tasks."
Lakota saw Serinthia's shoulders slump very slightly as she felt her own do the same. There went that idea.
"I thank you for your time then," Serinthia said respectfully "If I can ever be of further use to you, please send word."
"Of that you can be sure, Serinthia," Rau replied "You are a gift to your people. Don't let anyone tell you differently."
He turned then and headed off to find something to eat, leaving the two females standing where they were, looking at each other.
"So," Serinthia said.
"So," Lakota agreed, thinking about what her mother had said about following both her mind and her heart. It was then she came to a decision.
"I'll go pack then," Lakota said simply.
"What?" Serinthia said with some level of surprise.
"I was serious last night, you know," Lakota said softly "If being with you means leaving here and seeing the world, then that's what I want to do. Besides, I've always been a bit curious to see what lies outside this canyon. I've never even been to Thunder Bluff, if you can believe that."
Serinthia looked Lakota over a moment before taking her paws in her own.
"Are you absolutely sure this is what you want?" Serinthia said "These things that I do are dangerous. I could be killed. So could you."
Lakota had been afraid of that. She'd be an idiot not to be. Still…
"I think that would be preferable than watching you leave and then spending the rest of my life wondering if you're alive or dead," she said quietly.
Serinthia smiled then before drawing Lakota close, the two of them hugging tightly.
"We'll face it together then," Serinthia said quietly.
"Together," Lakota mumbled softly, hugging close and feeling a thrill of both excitement and relief now that the path in her life had been set.
Or was that her stomach? Something growled between them and it certainly wasn't Kirika. The two separated both blushing softly.
"I think we should face breakfast together first," Serinthia said.
With breakfast come and gone, Lakota went to break the news to her mother, who had been less than enthusiastic. In the end she had been accepting, but not without a condition.
"Swear to me," she was saying to Serinthia "That you will watch out for her, and keep her safe.
Serinthia nodded softly.
"I swear it," she said "Lakota's important to me too."
"I hope so," Thalia said "And be safe, yourself. I still owe you for saving my daughter's life."
"I like to think we're even on that one," Serinthia said, squeezing Lakota's paw standing next to her.
By mid-afternoon two wind riders had been brought from their pen and were being prepped for departure.
"Where will you go first?" Thalia asked.
"Thunder Bluff first," Serinthia said as she made sure her gear was secure on the wind rider's back "I need to speak with the hunter trainer there, and it'll be a good place for Lakota to get some equipment of her own. From there it's on to Orgrimmar where we'll get an airship to cross the sea."
"It sounds like such a long way," Thalia sighed.
Lakota finished securing the gear on her own wind rider and went to hug her mother tightly once more.
"Don't worry, mother," Lakota said reassuringly "I told you I'd stay safe and I meant it. Besides, you made Serinthia swear to it, too. We'll come back in time, I promise."
"Be sure you do," Thalia said softly, nuzzling then kissing her daughter's cheek softly before letting her go reluctantly.
"Come on," Serinthia said as she mounted up "We should make Thunder Bluff by nightfall."
"Wait, what about Kirika?" Lakota asked, looking around.
"Believe it or not, she can make the run faster on her own without us," Serinthia said "She should make it there at some point tomorrow or the next day. Don't worry, she's very well trained, she'll find us."
"Maybe someday you can teach me how you train animals so well," Lakota said.
"I'd be happy too," Serinthia said.
She snapped the reigns sharply then and her wind rider took off into the sky over head. She circled around the outpost for a moment as Thalia came up and received one last hug from Lakota before the young tauren snapped her reigns and took off after Serinthia.
Thalia stood there, trying to keep the tears out of her eyes as she watched the two circle for a moment before flying off towards the north, soon out of sight. Her son was dead. She wouldn't see him again until she passed on. She dearly hoped she'd at least be able to see her daughter again.
To be continued…