The Darkest Dawn
Chapter 2: Uneasy Allegiance
The lump in Tory's throat grew larger, silence washing over the wooded lands as the gun was pressed harder to his temple. The hoarse voice came once again, the tone threatening, "You killed Hel'gir. You killed my companion. Why shouldn't I kill you where you stand, Elf?" Before Tory could respond, Salys sprang out, frantically speaking to the man. "You don't understand, he was merely defending me. We didn't know the bear was yours. We're sorry, so very sorry. Please…"
The man looked to Salys, his eyes fiery, resentment sparked within. "Sorry doesn't bring back Hel'gir." Tory's voice was the next to speak up, though he didn't sound as worried as he looked. "We can help bring your comrade back, but killing us won't help with that. I ask you to let me go, and we'll revive him." Those fierce red eyes flashed back to Tory, than the gun was lifted from his skull. "You better be able to bring him back." Tory gave a sigh of relief, then nodding, headed over to the fallen bear.
"Salys, will you help me." She rushed over to Tory's side. Both the Elves brought their hands over the creature, a warm glowing enveloping them. As the glowing grew brighter, the wave of light began to wash over the bear. The man with the fierce eyes looked to the Elves, his voice not so hoarse, but worried. "What are you two doing to him? What's going on?" Tory was the one to speak, "We're using the powers of light, of Redemption, to bring the fallen spirit back to the body."
The light diminished within another moment, and a cool breeze washed over the three. The man moved beside the bear, his hand running through its soft fur. "Hel'gir…can you hear me?" The silence was broken by the grunting of the bear, raising itself slowly up to its feet. "Hel'gir! Aye, welcome back friend!" The bear roared soundly, the man gave a wide smile. Tory and Salys stood up, looking to each other, still a sense of worry coming over the two.
The man, noticing this, stood up, moving before the both of them. "I don't apologize for how I came off on you two. But thanks, nonetheless. You saved my friend." Salys smiled weakly. "We're glad to of helped." The man shook his head. "Bah! My name is Zhlarn. I'm an Orcish warrior from the city of Orgrimmar." Salys continued on, "I'm Salys, and this is my partner, Tory. We're from the Order of Blood Knights, a paladin group, so to speak." The man holstered his gun over his large shoulder, than grinned. "So…you two Elves headed to Duskwood, eh? It's the only reason I can see two members of the Horde within Elwynn Forest."
Tory nodded, "Yeah, we need to pass through Duskwood, then through Stranglethorn Vale." The Orc's grin grew wider. "To Booty Bay…ahh, then we're on the same trail. Hel'gir and I will accompany you." Tory began to shake his head, that lump of worry in his throat again, "No, no, that won't be necessary. I'm sure we'll only slow you down." Zhlarn raised his fist, bringing two fingers to his lips, whistling loudly. Within seconds, Hel'gir ran by his side, grumbling loudly. "Nonsense, you can't slow us down. Besides, you could use us getting through Stranglethorn. For the love of Leeroy, only a fool would dare enter those lands without assistance." Salys looked to Tory, the same expression striking her. This Orc just invited himself to join them, and wouldn't take no for an answer.
Tory sighed heavily, and then Salys turned to Zhlarn. "Erm…alright. You can…" "WELL WHAT ARE YA WAITIN' FOR, ELVES?! LET'S GET A MOVE ON!" Zhlarn began sprinting towards Duskwood with Hel'gir closely at his side. Salys looked to Tory, both her eyebrows raised, Tory looked back to her, returning the gaze. "I know…I know…he's going to be a lot of trouble to get rid of." Salys laughed, "No, I'm not worried about that."
Tory glanced at her, confusion taking him over. "You aren't?" She giggles, "No, I'm not. I am worried he's going to take away from my smart comments." Tory glared, Salys walking by him with a smirk. "Smartass is more like it…" She turns to him, her face red, "What did you…" "HEY, ELVES! HURRY THE HELL UP! WE DON'T HAVE ALL NIGHT!" Salys brought her gaze back to Zhlarn who was waving up the hill. Tory walked by Salys, now with a smirk on his face.
"You're right, Salys…he might just take your spot." Laughing, he began walking towards Zhlarn, Salys at his heels, grumbling angrily as they continued their trek to Duskwood…
"General, they're coming in from the west, we're being trapped inside!" More sounds echoed out throughout the land, death heard from every corner. "Lead the men to the incoming forces. We will not be trapped within this crevice. We will either escape, or die trying." The soldier looked to the general, fear washing through his blood soaked body. With a slight nod, he leaves, headed towards a mass of men, sword and steel. "Not this day…"
"You Elves…are the SLOWEST CREATURES I'VE EVER SEEN! My grandmother, the great Orcish shaman Zhul'Ner could run circles around you, even with her armor-clad, seventy seasons old body!" Zhlarn continued, consistently battering the two with insults and slurs. "Salys, I'm beginning to find you to be tolerable. In fact, you were no where near annoying. This, on the other hand, is."
Salys laughed, "I dunno. I kinda like him, Tory. He's giving me a ton of ideas for you later." She gives a wicked grin, his bright eyes flashing to Tory. He didn't bother to look at her, but he kept his eyes ahead, watching the forest edge beginning to appear, a small stream up ahead, right with Zhlarn and Hel'gir. "Maybe we should ditch him. We could hide underwater and float downstream after he's surfaced.
He'll never know what happened." Salys shakes her head, "I am not going to float down that cursed stream. Going through Westfall and passing all those ignorant Alliance once was enough for me, thanks. We're sticking with greeny." Tory glances to her. "Greeny? You named him?" She smiles brightly, "Yes, manbear, he's greeny." He sighs, pushing her shoulder, forcing her to stumble to the side. Giggling, she stops walking, yelling out as Tory continues onward.
"You know what you're going to get for that, right?" Tory yells back to her, "I can only imagine!" Breaking into a sprint, she climbs onto his back with a mighty leap, holding on as he starts running forward, trying to shake her off, laughter spewing from her. "Get off, Salys! Agh!" She grins, "Never!" He runs forward, swaying side to side, his attempts to shake her grip off all useless.
"HEY! ELVES! WHAT ARE YOU TWO DRUNKARDS?! COME ON!" Zhlarn laughs to himself, smacking Hel'gir on the head with a hearty chuckle. Tory stops in place, both him and Salys looking to the Orc. "I'm beginning to wonder why we joined the Horde." Salys shakes her head. "Maybe they needed a little something pretty." Tory turns his head to her, his eyes narrowed. Looking to him, she smiles, giving him a kiss on the cheek. "Getty up, horsy."
Sighing, Tory leads on, headed to the ever nearing Duskwood border. "Someday, Salys…someday…"