Author's Note: Sorry I have been quite busy lately, thus why I haven't been updating fast like I was before. I haven't been able to take my laptop with me to work to write them as quickly.

Also the last few parts of this chapter was written with a kitten sleeping on my boobs. That is all.

Chapter Six

Wings

Agmar's Hammer, Dragonblight

2:23 AM

She didn't know how long she had been trapped in the cage. Rosette was moved from her cold space near the stables and into the main hold where she was used as bait for the overlord's wolves. The two canines would toss the cage around like a metal chew toy, trying to get the the feline prize inside until the orc found that their blood lust was built to his liking. Once she was done being a chew toy, she was thrown to the back of the keep for the next round. This had gone on for the past two days.

Rosette was a nervous wreck, she couldn't tell what time it was, how long she had been here. There were no windows where she was, no hope. She laid on the floor of her cage, wishing this would end already. She wished the wolves would find a way inside and just end their game the next time she was tossed to them. Anything would be better then living another day being tortured like this.

Sleep was fleeting, it came rarely and when it did, it was restless. Tonight was no different. Rosette had begun to fall asleep when her cage was rattled, causing her to grasp at anything she could find. Her disturber was none other then the Overlord himself, Agmar grinning at her as he spoke.

"Listen here little kitty. I'm sure you've been having fun with my wolves but we're shipping ya out tomorrow along with that horse. We'll be missing ya, that's for sure." He smirked as he looked back at his wolves, they growling as they began to prowl towards her cage. Dear Light, not again. She sighed as she slowly stood in the cage, mentally preparing herself for the chaos she would have to endure. However she was not tossed to the wolves. As a matter of fact she was set up higher to where they couldn't reach her.

"Gar'mak, Lak'tuk. Let's go." The Overlord spoke with a yawn as he motioned for his wolves to follow. The beasts gave a look back at her before growling and following after their master. Rosette let out a sigh of relief as she slumped back against the wall of her prison. Spared, for today. Agmar was taking his wolves away with him, that must have meant it was night at some point. What time, she wasn't exactly sure.

So she was going to be shipped out tomorrow huh? She was going to be spending the rest of her life as an attraction for the smelly Horde. Or worse yet, a meal. Rosette cringed at the thought, eyes closing tightly as she wrapped her arms around herself as best she could. Tears were starting to sting at her eyes, threatening to spill over in streams down her furred cheeks. She didn't want to be here anymore, she didn't want to be a cat anymore.

She had thought that the life of a soldier was hard, it was nothing compared to this. As a cat you couldn't do much of anything against the dangers of this world. You had to rely heavily on the people around you for food, protection, shelter. Not being able to do anything on your own, you'd realize just how much an animal needed you. Rosette was experiencing this need first hand.

She needed Audric, now more then ever. But he wasn't going to come find her, he was dead and it was her fault. The tears grew more before she screamed out, slamming her back against the cage. The force of herself throwing her back at the cage wall caused it to jerk, balancing on the edge of the boxes it sat on before tumbling to the floor with a loud clatter. She closed her eyes tightly, waiting for the punishment that was coming from her cause of the loud noise.

Nothing happened. Rosette slowly opened her eyes, looking around the dimly lit room. She let out a sigh of relief, sitting upright in the overturned cage. She couldn't let her guard down just yet, she using her sensitive hearing to listen for footsteps, anything of approaching orcs. Still nothing. Perhaps she was safe for the most part.

Dragonblight

2:58 AM

"Agmar's Hammer. What would the Horde want with your cat?" Ashaldan looked down at the large fortress while Tula hovered over it. Audric's eyes narrowed as his grip tightened on the beast's antler.

"She's a very special cat, more then anyone would know." He growled out, then looked back at the elf behind him. "Take us down there, I have to get her out."

"The darkness of night has cloaked us well, but you will ruin it if you run head first into their dwelling. We need a plan." The Kaldorei spoke softly, then pointed down to the ground where she singled out two guards standing watch. "The guards are tired, but still alert. Perhaps we can borrow their armor and sneak our way in."

"Will it be that easy?" Audric looked back down as Tula took to flying to the ground and out of sight of the fortress. Once she landed Audric slid down and helped Kamp to the ground while Ashaldan slid down on the other side and fixed her robes afterwords.

"If anyone asks, we are new recruits, I am a troll, you are one of the Sin'dorei. Our helmets will keep anyone from seeing our faces clearly, the dark will also mask us." She spoke with such confidence in her voice, Audric found himself believing this play without flaw.

"How are we going to get the armor from them? Uh! Hey where are you going?" Audric began to ask her, stopping once he watched her walking ahead right for the guards. His eyes widened as her body almost seemed to meld into the night, his eyes losing track of her once she had gotten close enough to the guards. Audric waited, eyes narrowing, straining to see what was going on before he heard what sounded like a gong. The two guards hit the ground with a thud as Ashaldan had smashed the helmets together from behind. Once she waved back to Audric she began plucking the armor from the unconscious bodies.

With an odd look he slowly walked forward through the snow, taking claim of some of the armor she threw at him. Since they were not the same shape as the orcs, the armor was a little difficult to fit into. The armor was too small for Ashaldan, but she managed to make it look like she was a troll issued the wrong set, and Audric wasn't neatly built enough to fill the armor fully. It managed to get the job done, the two orcs bodies were dragged around to the side where they wouldn't be seen while Audric and Ashaldan made their way inside the keep. So far, so good.

"'Ey!" The two of them jumped slightly at the sound of a voice from the side. They turned, looking to see an orc walking towards them, coming to a stop as he looked them over. "Just who are the two of you? And why are you dressed so ridiculous?"

Audric couldn't understand a word of what he said as he spoke in Orcish. Guess they hadn't thought of communication when they attempted this plan. He remained silent, side glancing to Ashaldan to see if she had some sort of plan for what to do next.

"New recruits mon. We be sent here for replacements, ya?" Ashaldan spoke to him clearly in his own language even with a trollish accent, causing Audric to stare at her in disbelief of her fluency of their language.

"Hnng, right. Get some armor that actually fits you then." The orc grunted, moving along on his normal patrol.

"How did … when did?" Audric began, Ashaldan shushing him as she pulled him along. The two moved through the shadows, looking around for any sign of Rosette.

"Let's check to main room, I'm most certain they keep their most valuable items with the overlord." Ashaldan whispered, creeping towards the main building. The two stood upright and walked normally when passing a guard, but other then that they continued along, carefully stepping into the building. The large room didn't have too much in it except for two smaller, open rooms in the back. Along with cots there were a few boxes, and a tipped over cage. Ashaldan moved past him to search the room quietly, the first thing she looked into was the cage.

Inside was a very sick looking black cat, she laying on her side with her paws over her eyes. Silvery eyes narrowed before she pulled a small gnomish army knife from under the armor, flipping it open to show a miniature set of 'thieves' tools'. Carefully and as silently as she could she used the tools to dig into the lock listening for the distinct click before pulling them out and unhooking the lock. She stuffed the knife back under her armor before opening the door and reaching in pulling the cat out. Audric quietly made his way towards her, trying to contain his excitement of her having found Rosette.

Calmly she handed the cat to him, placing her finger to her lips to keep him quiet before she stood, motioning for him to follow. Audric carefully held Rosette in his arms, his heart torn at the sight of the condition she was in. He followed Ashaldan, cradling the cat within his arms to hide her from sight. There wasn't much he could do for cover for her. They would have to stick to the shadows now. Of course that was what Ashaldan was best at.

The moved around corners, avoiding guards before they made it to the home stretch. Home was too close, Audric broke quickly into a run for the gates. He had to get Rosette out of here and somewhere safe. Ashaldan dashed after him, but the both of them came to a quick stop as gunfire tore through the air. The shot struck the ground at their feet, causing them to back up a few steps.

"What do you two think I am, stupid?" The voice behind them spoke in common, causing Audric and Ashaldan to turn to see Overlord Agmar standing there with a rifle aimed at them. "Oh no, you are the stupid ones, elves."

"I should have known you wouldn't be easy to fool. Let the man and his cat go Agmar, they are nothing for you." Ashaldan lifted her helmet off, glaring back at the orc. He laughed, tossing his head back as he did while his wolves rounded the corner to stand on either side of him.

"Do you think I'd listen to a long eared freak like you? That cat is going to Ogrimmar for the warchief to do with what he wishes. It speaks like a human! I think he would like to know a lot from that little feline."

"You truly are an idiot." Ashaldan smirked, tossing off the chest armor as she popped the holders from their slots. The hunks of metal fell piece by piece, reviling the black leathers she wore underneath them. Agmar's laugh turned louder as he fired off the gun once again. Like lightning she grabbed the daggers at her waist, using the blade to deflect the bullet up into the air. The Kaldorei jumped into the air, looking as if she was blending in with the night around her.

Audric looked around, trying to find any trace of her before he was startled once Agmar came flying towards him. Somehow the elf managed to get behind the orc and used most of her strength to kick him in the back. The sound of his back cracking was enough to know that it was an extremely hard kick. Agmar hit the ground with his face, sliding to Audric's feet as he stared down at him. The orc lifted his face up, growling and reaching up for Rosette but was denied when the half-elf's foot stomped down on him.

"Grah! Don't just stand there you dumb mutts! Attack! GUARDS!" Agamr called out, whipping around and knocking Ashaldan away as she tried to come at him from behind. She gave out a quick gasp, digging her daggers into the ground to slow her speed of sliding across the ground. The two wolves howled out, rushing after Audric while guards began showing up.

"Hold on, I'll get us out of here!" Ashaldan called out, reaching into her bag and pulling out a small black sphere. Raising her hand into the air, the elf smashed it against the ground causing smoke to fly every which way and provide cover for their escape. Not sure what was going on, Audric gasped out as he was jerked by the arm, being pulled to the exit. He stumbled at first but soon got footing as they rushed for outside the gates. Keeping Rosette in his arms, he looked down at her as she remained still, looking as if she was in a deep sleep.

"Tula!" With a wave of her hand, Ashaldan called for the mount, she flying quickly to her master's side while she nearly threw Audric up onto her. With everything happening so fast Audric didn't have much time to react, let alone do anything to help. It was like the Kaldorei had it under control from the start. Instinctively he reached up and took hold of one of the antlers, prepared for the sudden jerk he got when Tula flew up into the air. What he wasn't prepared for were the flight of Wyvern that were quickly gaining speed.

"They're going to catch up to us if we don't move faster!" He called out as he looked behind him, ducking as arrows were starting to be fired.

"Hold on! We need just a little more time!" Ashaldan urged Tula faster, the Hippogryph crying out in protest but flapped her wings harder, soaring through the air at nearly breakneck speed. It was hard for Audric to keep his eyes open from the pressure of the wind being forced against him. He tried to open one eye, looking around to see where they were. They skies were too dark to see anything far ahead, but he had a feeling they would be safe soon enough, they just had to...

"TULA!" Ashaldan's shriek pierced his ears as the great beast they rode began to decend at an alarming rate. Three arrows had struck the hippogryph's wing, causing it to cry out in pain and begin to spiral downward. Down through the clouds, the ground fast approached, Audric wasn't sure how high they had been up but it was becoming evident they had been high above the clouds. With sickening snaps the beast fell into a tree, branches breaking with the momentum she had from falling. With a final slam Tula draped over a limb, causing Ashaldan and Audric to be thrown off her back.

The impact of the ground against his back caused Rosette to be tossed from his arms, rolling helplessly along the snow before coming to a stop. Audric fought the feeling of unconsciousness that loomed to overtake him. He had to get Rosette and keep her safe! He began crawling towards her when Ashaldan's hand shot out, grabbing his wrist and yanking him behind the tree. His surprised yelp was muffled quickly when she placed her hand over his mouth.

While two of the Wyvern flew off with a mission accomplished, only landed on the ground, looking around the area for the remains of anyone that fell. The orc riding it climbed off, slowly approaching Rosette's body. Audric growled, his hands going into fists. He would not stand by helplessly again and watch as HIS Rosette was taken from him. Ashaldan gasped out a little as he shoved her away from him, he grabbing the daggers at his side as he stormed towards the orc.

This was for the days of torture they had put her through. This was for the number of lives they had wasted for sport. This … this was for even laying a finger on her in the first place, for taking all the happiness out of those beautiful green eyes. Rage was building up inside him. If he just had his bow he would be done with this as quickly as it started. Range wasn't an option now.

The orc knelt, beginning to scoop up the cat when sharp pain struck at his back. Once, twice, soon it became faster as more rage fueled the assault. Audric stabbed at the orc's back, shouting out curses at him with every stab he made. Blood spattered up onto his face, hands, chest. This wasn't like him at all. That kind face he always gave Rosette was gone, only now it was placed with a look of hatred.

With a thump the body fell to the ground, and yet Audric continued to wound it. The daggers pierced through the flesh only to be drawn back and thrust in again. The orc had long since died from the pierce of his heart, and still the half-elf kept at it. It was only when Ashaldan shoved him back and yelled when he snapped back to reality. He looked as if he had just been woken from a dead sleep.

"He's dead! There's nothing more! Do not draw this out more then you must!" She screamed at him as she whipped him around, hands on his shoulders as she gave him a firm shake. His eyes opened wider once he realized what he had done, he turning around to look at the snow around the body which was nothing but red.

"I … I..." Audric tried to speak, at a loss for words. He lowered his head in shame, eyes closed.

"Get your cat." She spoke to him, releasing her grip on his shoulders while she moved to the tree, looking up for a way to help Tula down without injuring her more. Audric moved his way around the blood-stained snow, slowly lifting the black cat into his arms. He backed away, moving from the body to the tree they had fallen out of. Tula's body gracefully fell from the limb she hung onto, she giving a squawk of agony from the now broken wing with the arrows in it.

"Easy girl." Ashaldan smiled, petting the beast on her forehead as she tried to calm it.

"Do you know where we are?" Audric asked, looking around the unfamiliar area.

"Looks like Snowfall Glade. Good, we're not far from a town." The elf spoke softly while she checked over Tula's body for anymore wounds. She frowned softly before helping the Hippogryph brace herself, grabbing the arrows and quickly yanking them out. With each one the beast let out a cry of pain, but once it was finished Ashaldan lavished her in affection and apologies. Audric sighed as he began to realize this selfishness he had shown.

"Ashaldan, I apologize for the trouble I have caused you and your friend." He looked down at Rosette in his arms. She still had not woken up.

"Do not worry about it. I would have asked of the same thing if it were Tula." She offered a warm smile, the first one in a while. Audric smiled in return as Ashaldan took hold of Tula's reigns to guide her along. "Come on then, we shouldn't dally in this forest at night."

Moa'ki Harbor, Dragonblight

8:29 AM

Rosette woke to the smell of the same incense as before, the scent strong enough to knock her out of her stage of unconsciousness. Green eyes opened to a haze as she tried to piece what was going on together in her head. Suddenly her ears lowered at the thought of another round of wolf chew toy. What she wasn't sure of was why she felt so warm, the ground beneath her soft. Slowly she lifted her paw, rubbing her eyes to look around the small hut she was in.

She found herself tucked in a basket, a blanket wrapped around her tiny frame while the heat came from a small burner in the room. On either side of her bed was a bowl of water and a bowl of food, or rather a stew instead of something a cat would normally eat. Who would know she didn't really eat cat like foods … unless. Slowly Rosette tried to take steps from her bed. Her strength dwindled, but she was doing well enough to keep herself to a stand.

She pushed away the cloth over the door slightly, squinting her eyes to see. Over the snow and the strong smell of incense, she could smell him, almost feel him. Audric... Her legs began to carry her farther, like her soul was pulling her out into the cold towards him.

"Audric..." She mumbled out, stumbling, tripping over her own feet till she fell face first into the snow. Suddenly she felt herself lifted, that familiar voice in her ear.

"Silly cat, what are you doing out in the cold?" Audric smiled down at her as he held her against his chest. She looked up at him, struggling to make out his features. "Come back inside before you freeze to death out here."

"Audric … I thought you died … how did you find me?" Rosette began asking as many questions as she could, curious as to how he managed to infiltrate an entire Horde base.

"I will tell you all about it later. Right now you just rest." He moved into the small hut with her, slowly placing her back down into the basket. Rosette smiled, letting herself lay against the soft cloths within the bed. Audric smiled down at her, petting the fur along her side as she began to purr.

"I'm just glad … I got to see you again..." She closed one eye, using the other to watch him while he pet her side.

"Rest Rose, you will need your strength if you want to get to Dalaran." He smiled as he spoke, then stood up on his knees as he adjusted the burner in the room to make it not as warm. Once he was sure Rosette was resting again he left the tent, moving down the path to the shore where Ashaldan stood with Kamp and Tula. After much travel, his fox companion had even brought his beloved Queldorei steed back home.

"How is your Hippogryph?" Audric asked, coming to a stop beside the elf as she stared over the waters.

"She will live, her wing is broken where she was shot, but other then that she will recover and be in the skies once more." Ashaldan sighed, gently petting the mount across her beak. Tula cooed softly, nuzzling her head sideways into her hand.

"Listen. I want to thank you again for helping me get Rosette back. She really means a lot to me." Audric smiled slightly as he spoke, reaching behind his head and scratching it from embarrassment.

"You should be thanking me for saving your life in the first place." Ashaldan stared ahead at the snow starting to fall onto the water's surface.

"Ah, well … that is to say..." Audric closed his eyes, images of Rosette in her human form on the brief moment in the Cathedral flashing through his mind. "I would give my life to save hers. If I died tomorrow, I would rest easy knowing that she was safe."

"It's a cat..." She slowly turned her head, looking towards him.

"She's … not really a cat."

"Oh?"

"Rosette is a human, she is only Polymorphed into a black cat by-"

"Sedisa Flameheart."

"How did you-?"

"You would not be traveling such a far distance on foot if it was not her doing. Everyone who knows magic knows that any spell that cannot be broken by normal means is her work."

Audric stared at her before giving a small smile. "Right well..."

"I can not fly you to Dalaran with Tula's broken wing, but I will accompany you if you would have me." Ashaldan offered him a sincere smiled, holding her hand out to him. Audric looked down at it before offering a smile in return, taking her hand into his own and giving it a firm shake.

"Sounds like a plan then, we could use a helping hand." He said in a welcoming tone. Ashaldan smiled, turning to look back over the snow covered waters.

"We'll leave for Crystal Vice in the morning then. For now rest, recover your strength." Slowly her eyes narrowed, looking to the sky.

"You'll need it."