Chapter Three

Forced Hand

Elwynn Forest

3:00 AM

Audric had been up for nearly a whole twenty-four hours. Their late start out due to Rosette's promise of a feast to the people of Moonbrook brought them nearly a whole day behind on their travel. He had grown exhausted with the travel through Westfall and into Elwynn Forest. The Queldorei steed gave a soft whiny as she was continued along, Audric patting her neck as he lowered the reins to let her slow down.

"It's alright Leona, we'll find a place to rest." He smiled as he called his horse by name, she shaking her head with a snort as he looked ahead at the lights that lit the road. Up ahead he could see the barracks, the guards posted outside it alert to the world around them. He didn't have any camping supplies on him at the moment, so perhaps they would be willing to let them stay till morning. Well, later that morning.

He guided his horse towards the large building as the guards lifted their heads to him, Audric's head tilting forward in a nod to them as he halted his mount. Being careful not to wake Rosetta or Kamp who slept behind him on the horse, he slid down off the side of the saddle, swinging his leg over the cat's head so he landed down on the ground on both feet. In order to not look intimidating Audric removed the hood from his cloak, causing the guards to take notice of his pointed ears right away.

"Can we help you, traveler?" One of the guards spoke with a deep voice, looking at him through the openings of his helmet.

"Yes, my name is Audric Delorme. I am on my way to Stormwind but as you both probably know it is early in the morning and I have not yet had any rest. Would it be at all possible if I could stay here until it is safe to travel again?" Speaking with a professional tone, Audric explained his situation to them up to the point where he didn't have any camping materials.

"I see. You're right, it's not too safe for travelers here at night. I don't see a problem with you staying in a spare bunk." The other guard spoke, offering a smile to the half-elf. Audric nodded with appreciation, guiding Leona to the back where they kept the stables. Exhaustion still hung over him as he tied up the horse to the hitch to make sure no one took off with her. Elven horses were a prize among horse breeds. They were a lot slender then the horses most humans rode and it proved them to be faster and more efficient for quick travel. They often lived much much longer then their common cousins.

Once he had removed his belongings from the back and had woken up Kamp, he carefully grabbed Rosette, placing the sleeping cat around his neck like a scarf. She was at an angle where her paws draped over his shoulders, making her stay there. With a yawn he headed to the front of the building and into it as the two guards lifted the gate high enough for him to get through. He walked quietly through the halls, peering into the rooms before finding one with a few empty bunks. Careful not to disturb the people already sleeping he quietly placed Rosette on the lower bunk while Kamp jumped up onto it next to her.

Somehow even with all the movement she still remained asleep, Audric was glad for this. Most of a cat's life was spent sleeping it away, but he knew inside she wasn't a cat, but a woman, and this woman deserved all the rest she could get. He decided to wash before he went to sleep, he glancing about the room to see if there was anything he could used for a towel once he was finished. With nothing showing up, he simply shrugged and headed out and down the hall to where the wash room was located.

Rosette's head slowly lifted as her eyes opened, just in time to see Audric leaving the room. She wasn't even sure where she was or how she had gotten here, thus she quickly jumped down, following after him. She was quiet, keeping close but not so close as to alert him of her presence. She wanted to see where he was going. Rosette quickly slipped into the room he entered before he shut the door behind him.

Glancing around she saw a large tub with hot water where the steam billowed out from a cauldron over the fire. There was a bucket for filling the tub by hand, a chute that lead from the pot to the tub to easily and quickly get the water in. There was a water pump next to the pot for refilling it once you were finished. Audric took to filling the tub for himself, dumping the water down the chute till it was filled to his liking. Rosette then blinked once she realized what he was doing in here.

She turned around to leave, smacking her head into the closed door. She panicked, jumping up to try and grab the handle but ended up only sliding down the wooden door. The next best thing she would have to do was hide until he was finished. With that thought in her head she glanced about the room till she had found a few boxes that cast a shadow from the light of the fire heating the water. She moved into the shadows, unfortunately it was in direct view of Audric's body.

He didn't know of the feline watching him and began to strip of his clothing. One piece after the other, Rosette couldn't tear her eyes away. He removed his chest piece, setting it to the floor as the lithe muscles of his back shifted in the dim light of the room. His hands worked on his belt, pulling it off and placing it with the rest of his armor. Hooking his thumbs in the sides of his pants he pulled them down, stepping out of them and leaving himself exposed.

With dilated pupils, Rosette took in the sight she probably shouldn't have. Her eyes fell from his back to that firm rear, her paws reaching out and her claws flexing like she wanted to reach out and squeeze it. She never realized how hot he really was until she saw him like this. Even his … well yes that was just as impressive. She was a woman in a cat's body after all, she had every right to be unable to turn herself away.

Audric reached up pulling on the string the kept his hair tide back. Rosette watched as that luscious hair fell from it's hold, flowing down to the middle of his back like a waterfall. Oh if cats could blush! Once he was satisfied with the temperature of the water he stood on the lift, dipping one foot into the water then the other. He slipped down into the water, submerging himself up to his chest as he sighed in relaxation.

He placed his arms on the sides of the tub, closing his eyes and letting his head tilt back just a bit. Rosette finally turned her head away with nothing more to stare at. She shook her head, then glanced around the room for a window or something she could escape out of. Lifting her eyes she noticed a small barred window across the room. This would be her escape.

She rushed along the floor, sticking to the shadows as she could. Jumping along the boxes she began to climb her way up, slowly and carefully to the top. She had almost reached the final box when suddenly she was grabbed from behind. She squealed out, writhing in the grip as her paws swatted the air left and right. She was quickly turned, coming face to face with Audric.

"What a curious little kitty we have here." He smirked as he looked at her. Rosette found her eyes locked on his chest, his body slick still from the water of his bath.

"I didn't see nothin'!" She whined out, lifting her head back up to meet his face. Audric laughed, bringing her down the boxes and setting her on the floor as he held the towel around his waist.

"If you weren't peeking then how'd you get in here?" He said with another smirk as he leaned back against the tub.

"Well, I … uh … I saw you were leaving so I followed to see where you were going. I swear I didn't know it was a bath and by the time I realized it I was locked in!"

"Alright, I believe you. Since you're in here you might as well take a bath with me."

"WHAT?" Rosette blurted out, stunned by his suggestion.

"Why not? Your paws got all muddy from the road in Moonbrook yesterday and I'm sure you don't want to lick all that off. Besides, just because you're a cat on the outside, doesn't mean you're one on the inside." He was just being a tease now, and he knew it. He was exactly right about her not being a cat on the inside. Every sense of her human woman insides were screaming to be released from this curse so she could tell him how she really felt. Hearing it from a cat would be awkward no matter how you looked at it. Slowly she shook her head but she was taken towards the tub anyway.

What he had meant by her not being a cat on the inside was that she wouldn't mind the water, unlike normal cats who most hated getting wet. He let her dip into the water and all at once it was like she was thrown in with her clothing on. Pulling off his towel Audric got in with her before holding her against his chest.

"Mind your claws." He said, grinning down at her while she stared up at him, looking like a drowned rat. This is so unfair... Rosette thought to herself, giving a small sneeze as condensation was forming on her whiskers. He knows very well that I'm no cat on the inside and this is just killing me.

"Is this okay?" He looked up from the top of his head, looking out at the window above.

"Fine..." She mumbled as bubbles came up from the surface where she talked. He looked back down at her smiling lightly and giving her head a wet pet.

Westbrook Garrison, Elwynn Forest

10:36 AM

After a good morning worth of sleep Audric was ready to head out. He led Leona out from the stable, things packed on the back and in the saddle bags. Rosette had chosen not to ride on front this time, but rather behind him near the end of the steed. Embarrassment from the morning still lingered around her, she couldn't even look at him without picturing him naked. Instead Kamp had taken the front, sitting near Audric's lap. Audric thanked the guards for letting them stay before climbing on to his horse an riding off.

Making up for lost time he urged Leona into a gallop, rushing down the cobblestone roads towards the large city of Stormwind. After an hour or two of riding and cutting through Goldshire without a stop they stood at the gates of Stormwind. He slowed the Queldorei steed down to a walk as he made his way through the Valley of Kings.

"What exactly are we going to do when we get here?" Rosette asked from behind him. Audric glanced over his shoulder a moment as he walked the horse into the city.

"We're going to see if anyone can remove the spell for you. If that doesn't work I guess we're going to have to go to the source." He said calmly as he rode through the Trade District, nodding his head to people as they waved in greeting. The city was loud enough and bustling enough to mask their talking to one another.

"Go to the source?" She sighed as images of Sedisa invaded her thoughts. She really didn't want to face her again and by the result of their first interaction, she was sure she didn't want to see her again either. Audric rode through the canals and into the Mage District, coming to a stop in front of the large tower that served the center of the area.

"Up in that tower or some of Stormwind's most powerful mages, I'm sure one of them can undo this." Audric said to her with a smile. He slid off the side of the horse once Kamp jumped down, then reached to take Rosette into his arms. She declined by jumping down on her own, heading up the spiral ramp to the top of the tower. He was a little disappointed, frowning as he watched her head up without him and with a quiet sigh he went up after her. Perhaps he did take it a little too far that morning.

Mage District, Stormwind City

12:18 PM

"Hmm, this indeed is a powerful spell. I will try my best but I am not sure I will be able to dispel it." An elderly mage looked Rosette over as he mentally tried to unravel the riddle that was the polymorph she was placed in. He muttered words of incantations, as he held his staff out at her. Nothing happened. He gave a disgruntled look and tried again. Still nothing.

"Why's it not working?" Rosette asked, tilting her head up at the elderly man.

"Well, mages aren't known for easily being able to dispel another mage's work. I would suggest going to the Cathedral District, the priests and paladins might have better luck then this old man has." The old mage chuckled, allowing Rosette to step down from the table she sat on.

"Thank you for trying." Audric said, nodding his head to the man, heading out as he follow after the cat. Rosette was silent the rest of the walk, still remaining behind him on the horse while Kamp walked along side the horse. Once they were at the steps of the Cathedral he hopped down off the side of the horse only to see Rosette already heading inside. He followed after her, silent as she wished him to be.

"Welcome to the Cathedral of Light!" Brother Sarno greeted them as they made their way inside, Audric waving his hand with a light smile.

"Excuse me brother, is there a priest or paladin available at the moment? I'm afraid my friend here needs a magic dispelled off her." He motioned to Rosette who sat near his feet.

"Ah yes, just give me a moment and I will see if anyone is around." Sarno nodded his head, rushing off to find any of them who were available. The two were left in silence as they stood within the great hall. Audric sighed lightly, looking down at Rosette who glared off to the side.

"Listen Rose, I'm sorry for this morning. I didn't think you'd take it this hard. I promise I won't drag you into a bath with me without your permission again." He apologized to her, Rosette looking up at him as he spoke.

"You're right you're not cause once these guys remove this curse off me I'm out of here." She spat up at him, a small growl within her voice as she spoke. Audric frowned, but nodded in acceptance. After a few moments Sarno had returned with a priestess of the Light.

"My goodness what do we have here?" She smiled lightly as she knelt to Rosette, looking her over as she lifted her paw into her hand.

"I got polymorphed by an angry mage." Rosette muttered out, the priestess coming to a stand.

"How awful, I'm sorry to hear that. My name is Sister Lilly. I will try my best to dispel this magic." With a kind smile the priestess spoke, then leaned down to her again. Placing her palm down onto Rosette's forehead she began to say a prayer, her eyes closed while her other hand held tight to her staff. Audric watched as slowly golden sparkles surrounded the cat, swirling around her and beginning to lift her into the air. Slowly her transformation started, paws turning to hands and feet, tail vanishing, ears lowering back down to the side of her head. After a few moments Rosette stood there, perfectly normal, and perfectly naked.

As if the priestess had known she quickly handed her a robe but not before Audric had taken her figure in. A light blush formed on his face as he took in the slender curves of her body. It was hard to imagine that figure was hidden under plate armor most of the time. Just like that the image of her body was gone as it was covered with the robe she was handed.

"Oh! Thank you Sister Lilly! I feel great! I feel like my old-" Rosette began to speak before she watched the purple magic swirl around her. The robe fell to the floor in abandonment as they heard a small "Oof!" as she hit the floor. Looking up from the pile of clothing, Rosette sighed, once again in her cat polymorph.

"Oh dear … this is not good at all. This must be some powerful magic." Lilly frowned as she knelt to Rosette again. Audric grit his teeth, he knew it was too good to be true. Not even the power of well trained priests could dispel the magic placed upon her. This only meant he was right about his hunch and that Sedisa was to blame for the spell. This also meant that they would have to go meet her.

"You wouldn't happen to know who has done this to her?" Lilly looked up to Audric as she spoke.

"I have general idea." He sighed out, watching as Rosette just sat on the floor, ears lowered slightly.

"Well, I would take her to the mage responsible for it. If we are unable to remove it, they are the only one that can." Lilly spoke as she looked down at Rosette as well, giving a soft frown from the depressed look she gave off.

"Thank you for trying Sister, I guess we'll be heading out to go meet her then."

"Do be careful, Light bless you." She bowed her head slightly to him before gathering the robe and returning from where she had come from. Rosette just stared at the ground in disbelief. Her head hung low, Audric knelt down behind her, not making any movement to touch her but holding himself close to her presence.

"I don't understand … I was so close … I was almost me again." Rosette muttered to herself, unaware of the hand that gently pat down on her head.

"Rose, you have my word I will accompany you the entire way to Dalaran where Sedisa resides. It may be a long journey but I will be with you every step of the way." Giving her reassurance, Audric spoke in a calm tone. Rosette lifted her head, looking back at him with drooped ears before she moved and jumped up to his arms. He caught her, smiling as he held her close and ran his hand down the fur of her back.

"It's alright, we'll get through this together."

Old Town, Stormwind City

9:12 PM

The sound of laughter filled the air of the pub. Music mingled with the beat of feet dancing on the floor, a couple with arms hooked danced around in a circle before switching ways and doing it again. Hands clapped while people observed, and not too far off to the side Audric sat at a table, a mug of ale in his hand. Kamp laid under the table to avoid getting stepped on while Rosette simply sat on the table, watching the crowd clap and dance. Her expression hadn't changed much since the dispel had failed to work.

Audric looked over at her, reaching out and letting his hand slide down her back. The feel of his hand startled her at first but then she simply accepted it, laying down on the table as she looked over the crowd still. She was a cat now after all. Cats liked getting pet so she would have to start liking it too. It's not that she didn't like it, in fact the gentle feel of Audric's hand running over her fur felt soothing enough to take her worries away. No wonder cats liked being pet so much.

She could honestly say that if were never to be human again, she wouldn't mind becoming just a pet to Audric if he were to pet her like this always. Audric knew she was still feeling down about earlier. The city of Dalaran floated high above Crystalsong Forest and so they would have to take the boat leading to Northrend to get there. Oh what he wouldn't give to have one of those beasts that could fly to make this whole trip easier on the both of them. For now the boat to Northrend would sail in the morning, so he was taking this time to relax.

"Cheer up Rose, before you know it we'll be on that boat and soon be in the city of Dalaran where you'll be back to normal." Audric spoke to her with that soothing voice.

"I know." Rosette sighed, lowering her head to the table. Audric watched her a moment before looking back to the crowd. A small grin formed on his face as he set his mug down on the table.

"Care to dance with me?" He smiled, causing Rosette to look up at him with a dumbfounded stare.

"What? Dance? With me?" She asked, sitting upright as she placed a paw to her chest.

"Yes you."

"No Audric, you'll look silly dancing with a cat."

"I already look silly talking to one." He snickered lightly and reached across the table, picking her up under her shoulders.

"Wuh? Audric wait!" Rosette called out as she was carried away. The half-elf carried her across the room to the dance floor. People stopped their routines to watch as he waltzed onto the middle of the event. He smiled as he began to twirl around with her nearly at arms length, the group of dancers watching him with a confused look before a dwarven woman shouted out a cheer. The group continued to dance with them now, Audric still moving around with Rosette in his grasp.

Rosette couldn't help but laugh as she was twirled about. She held onto his wrists without using her claws, letting herself be twirled along with him. This was the best she had felt in hours, and it was all thanks to her escort. Audric set her on the floor to move on her own, the cat balancing on her back legs as she hopped around to dance. Many people clapped as the cat moved across the floor in hops, others observed the adorable antics of the feline.

"Still think I look silly?" Audric laughed as he called down to her.

"Even more so now!" Rosette called back up to him, laughing as she hopped around him. The two continued to dance the night away with the party in the pub. Perhaps it was the alcohol he had consumed, throwing caution to the wind, or maybe it was Rosette, but Audric didn't care if he looked like a fool. As long as Rosette was happy, he would be the biggest fool the world would see.

Stormwind Harbor, Stormwind City

6:00 AM

The bell signaling the boat was almost ready to leave for departure rung as Audric lead his horse along by the reins down the dock. Sleeping on Leona's back Rosette was found, Audric could tell she wasn't a morning person for she never could wake up before ten. He smiled as he watched her, making sure she stayed on balance while he guided the horse up onto the boat. He nodded his head to the deckhand while Kamp trailed behind him, tail wagging happily as he jumped around the deck. While boat rides were fun for most, the end of this trip he didn't wish to come across. Dealing with Sedisa was like trying to push a stubborn mule in a direction it did not want to go.

He gave a soft sigh, looking at the harbor a final time as the paddles on the back of the boat began to spin. The water crashed on the wood as it forced it's way down, causing the vessel to move forwards at a slow and steady pace. The morning fog would prove difficult to maneuver through, but once they got out onto sea they would be fine. There was a long trip ahead of them, and he was ready to take it for Rosette's sake.