Disclaimer: Really, if I owned Warcraft all those marauding bastards wouldn't be invading Bloodhoof. I'll blow them up yet! Wait, no, Blizzard won't allow that. Anyhow, I still don't own Warcraft. I think that much is obvious.
A/N: Wow, somehow I am not procrastinating, this is big for me. Especially around this time of year, Valentines Day always depresses me. Funny huh, well I guess that's what you get for reading the fan fiction of a depraved pessimist. Anyhow, I'd like to continue to respond to your reviews.
I'd like to thank Youkai no Miko. You've been a lot of help. As for the subject of Bolo, yes, I really did like him. He was a chipper and aspiring tauren who would have made a great husband for Yawna. But the truth is he served his purpose well. I allowed him to be mused over and allowed Yawna and readers to draw close to him, but then I served him out. He was mainly an anchor. Yawna needed to lose something other than her home, Hardhoof, who's name even changed. She needed to let go of something other than her mother, family, and her mentor, Two-Moons. She needed to lose her future, and thus Bolo died. Sorry guys, Yawna never was meant to have such a happy ending.
Thank you Crimson Reaper as well, comments like that make me feel fuzzy all over. Anyhow, that was a great guess, you've hit the nail on the head. And as for Empty Dreams, I'm yet to read it but as soon as I have free time I know where I'll be.
Also, I apologize for Var'Jun's latest rage in the last chapter. Believe me, this troll has quite a few problems. Those will unravel and come up later. I also hoped you guys liked Kat, she's a fiery witch isn't she? Well, there is a softer side to her, as many will soon find. Also, in case you were wondering (and I think I did mention is at the beginning) I do actually play Warcraft. I'm a level sixteen tauren going by the name of Cleavehoof, and my kitty cat pet Fortitude. Give me a heads up if you've seen me. Anyhow, there is actually a chapter at the end of this long intro, so read on!
Chapter Five: Dancing Through the Deceit
It did not take long for Kat and Var'Jun to begin to warm up to each other. Despite their previous bantering the two were not only now tolerating each other, but also agreeing. This did pose a problem with Yawna though, because though the Tauren proposed a democracy on what they should investigate first her vote was always outnumbered by the troll and human, both having very similar ideas.
"We need to get new supplies." Kat put in as her hands flew up in the air, "Not only do I not have a weapon apart from that dirty dagger I snatched from the undead, but my clothes are tattered and burnt and I can't possibly wear these for long around that lecherous troll." Well, maybe they hadn't exactly stopped totally fighting.
Var'Jun ignored this latest stab at his intentions. He was slowly learning to tolerate these, and even though he often stabbed back the two often were in good humor. However, with a slight smile and a quick hand the troll caught the tip of the human's sleeve, yanking softly and dodging the slap she sent his way.
"Cut it out you two," Yawna sighed softly, for she already knew that her commands were no use. "And I can't see any signs of civilization anyhow. But what do you really expect Kat? You are a human remember? If we find a Horde town, which we are bound to, they're going to take you prisoner, or worse!" Yawna shook her head resolutely. Her mind was still fresh with the memory of the pain she had felt with the close range kill of the undead. She couldn't imagine the death of a human, her friend, so close to her.
"We'll find a way, but we still need supplies." Var'Jun replied, his lanky legs sprawled out in front of him as he rummaged through his pack on the grass. The limber troll sighed softly, producing a leather flagon of water and a handful of loaves of tough bread.
"This is all I have left, and a few gold pieces I got from my old village. It'll be enough to fix my sword and get some new supplies and clothes, but even that won't last long. And I severely doubt you have enough Yawna, though you axe needs nothing."
"That's good, because we may need to do some fighting." Kat said, her hand coming up to point to the horizon. She was straining her eyes, the young race of humans did not have as sharp eyes as trolls, and Var'Jun spotted what is was far before her.
"A caravan," He said, once more his spidery hand coming up to shade his eyes against the sun, "Gold, green, and purple tens from what I can see. Anyone know what flag that is?" He had already pulled out his broadsword, the impossibly wide blade flashing in the sun.
"No, but I know gold is a human color and the orcs often use green. Night elves tend to favor purple. It would be rather strange to see them together." Yawna blinked the sun spots from her eyes, her axe resistant in her hand. No matter how much she stretched out her Awareness she could not sense any ill will from the caravan. In fact, her Awareness only sensed good feeling and welcome.
'They'll have to trust me.' she thought to herself.
"Put away your weapons." she dictated, Weary traveler looking up at her with a puzzled expression. The troll and human followed suit, Var'Jun coming to the tauren and studying her eyes closely.
"Are you quite sane, Yawna? I know you have things against killing er, everything really. But, that would be suicide." Var'Jun shook his eyes, looking at Kat for support. "Help me here, she's really serious."
"Just trust me." Yawna said softly, "Pretty much both of you own me your lives. I saved you from humans, Var'Jun. And Kat, I saved you from Var'Jun. The least you can do is believe me."
The two sighed, their eyes conveying disbelief, but they did owe the tauren. Weapons slid back into their sheaths and the small company faced the oncoming caravan. On closer inspection the whole caravan was moving their way, large carts piled high with tents and goods were pulled by straining Kodos, muscles bulging along the great creatures legs. There were figures seated atop the carts, and when they drew close enough Var'Jun gasped, his sharp eyes picking up something he thought impossible.
"Night elves and tauren, sitting together. They're all in peace. I see some humans and trolls too, even a scarce gnome or dwarf or too. And yes, an undead and a few orcs." Var'Jun shook his head, "And guess what, they've got beer."
Kat rolled her eyes, smacking him soundly on the back of the head. When the troll raised his head again she fixed him with a burning glare. "Tell us details. What are the wares, are any prisoners? Are there guards? You can worry about the beer later!"
Var'Jun sniffed disdainfully. "Crazy woman," he muttered under his breath, "Not worried about the beer, eh? I'll get her drunk yet, that'll show her." He sought guards and prisoners, but reported he could find none.
"Didn't trust me, eh?" Yawna chuckled to herself as she watched Weary Traveler immediately settle, scratching a flea on his neck. She chuckled as Kat looked robbed of a sincere thrill.
The troop grew closer, and the small company was greeted warmly. Yawna and her friends were treated with the utmost respect, though one human did take a special interest in Kat. She tolerated this with the patience of a saint, though Var'Jun was a bit more annoyed by it than she was.
Yawna found company with an elderly tauren who guided her friends and her into the caravan. The nomadic inhabitants of the cavalcade were setting it up, smiling and waving with friendly glances at the newcomers. Every race was there, though it was no surprise that it was mostly taurens and night elves. There were, in fact, walking along the border of the night elves lands near Mulgore. But Yawna could not only sense no hard feelings, but the thought was contagious and she felt herself immediately warm up to all the races here.
"There is no fighting… Why?" Yawna requested Bront, the elderly tauren who was taking them to the caravan leader. He chuckled softly, a sonorous sound like water falling into a deep bellied pot.
"I can only guess you've heard, maybe even experienced the fires that have been burning towns no matter what side they are on. Well, all of the people around you have suffered these fires and lost everything dear to them. Sometimes this caravan picked up stragglers and was mostly tauren a short while ago. But soon we began to pick up wounded loners and then traveled to burnt villages and pick up the living. We have learned to let go of the differences that bind us and just welcome." Bront smiled back at Var'Jun and Kat.
The two were walking not far behind, their faces pulled taut as they had once again refused to talk. Yawna could only imagine the quarrel this time, but she could infer that it might have to do with the puzzled looking human who had offered the priestess his arm.
"And it looks like you have already let go of the differences as well." Bront said softly, watching the young tauren's face for changes. "I'm sure the leaders will have no problem accepting you. If it were my choice your group would already be sitting, drinking and eating with the caravan, but it is not. We still have to screen races for anger towards another. Some people have trouble letting go of the differences."
"There are no differences." Yawna said softly. She was tired of hearing this, form Kat, from Var'Jun, and now from Bront. Her ears pressed back on to her head, and she was about to finish her thoughts when Bront opened up a tent flap and motioned for her to step in.
It was warm, lit dully by a few smoldering fires and a few blown glass bubbles that were spinning with fireflies. The effect was ghostly, the faces of strong protectors and four figures sitting at the end of the gigantic tent were silhouetted.
"Who have you brought us, Bront?" One of the figures requested, her tone friendly but still demanding. She had long pointed ears, and was immediately recognized as a night elf before she even drew into the light. Behind her followed two more tauren and a dwarf who looked like he would rather be drinking and feasting than be there.
"Travelers… and a wolf," Bront said, introducing the group in turn. The night elf was patient, but when Yawna stretched out her Awareness something in the elves eyes awoke and she glared directly at the Tauren.
"Have you found them trustworthy?" The dwarf asked in a good natured voice that sounded as if gravel was rolling about on his tongue. He was smiling now, as if awaken from his bad mood. The night elf was silent though, her eyes till probing into Yawna's.
"They seem amicable enough." Bront chuckled as he saw Kat straighten up, though he hardly could have guessed that it was because Var'Jun had been quarrelling under his breath with her and she had finally broke and slapped his wrist, only gaining a smack back. Yawna warned then angrily, glaring at them from the corner of her eye.
"Then they are allowed to stay as long as they please." a tauren said, nodding his head at the small group and turning his back on them as he headed back to his post. This ended the conversation and Bront quickly guided them out.
"Mingle, walk about, try and make friends. If you wish you are part of the caravan now." With that Bront turned and left. Yawna blinked, her mind still trying to comprehend what had happened. She was sure, somehow, that the night elf had sensed her presence in her mind.
"I'm going to get some decent clothes… and a weapon. I'd do with a nice stave." Kat flexed her fingers, looking at the dagger at her side, "But I doubt this hunk of scrap metal will fetch more than three copper."
"I'll come with you," Var'Jun gave the priestess his sauciest grin, "I'll help you pick out some new robes." This only earned the troll a sound thump between his ears and Kat went stalking off with her hands clenched.
"Why do you provoke her?" Yawna asked when the troll shook his head a rubbed his bump, inspecting his fingers closely for blood. He shook his head when he found none, grinning broadly and looking after the still raging figure of the human.
"I don't know. Her reaction often… interests me." Var'Jun shook his head, waving over his shoulder as he blasted after the priestess, "Don't sweat it Yawna. Go and have some fun, you need it." As they troll disappeared behind a tent (followed by a barely audible yell that came from Kat) Yawna nodded to herself.
"I do need a break," she said, half to Weary Traveler and half to herself, smiling as she rounded the bend. The caravan was fully set up, shops and traveling merchants with their wares spread out. Children ran through the streets and under her feet, their screams of joy coupled with the frantic yell of parents with the fires still in their minds.
But Yawna did notice other things than the serene peace offered to her in a rather mocking way. Alliance merchants often pulled their wares closer to protect them when a Horde member passed by and vise versa. The races stuck mostly to themselves, and though there was no fighting there was not the utmost peace. Yet the caravan was surprisingly refreshing, and most of the people seemed friendly and happy.
That night was a peaceful one. For once in a long time the small traveling group could rest, their good spirits bolstered by infectious joy of the people in the troupe. That night they met at the Hobnob, an awfully large ten set up in the middle of the site. Inside were people of all kinds, close together but not so crowded that breathing would become difficult. Their bodies warmed the tent, no fire needed. The light was the same blown glass spheres, their hollow insides housing fireflies that shimmered and danced. A few bards had gathered to one side, their flutes and fiddles singing out well known tunes. A dance floor had been opened at the center of the tent where a few couples were now swinging wildly.
Yawna was seated at a table over to the side of the dance floor. She had a plain view of the festivities to her right, but then again maybe it would have been better if her view of this was blocked. For to her right were the drinking festivities.
Var'Jun stood beside a table, his grin wide and split. His clothes were patched, new leather showing dark through the faded stuff. He had tamed his wild mane of plum tinted hair and it was now pulled back in a thick braid on the nape of his neck. A few strands of hair hung over his eyes and he was staring out at a crowd of drunken men and women now. He had been participating in these drinking contests, much to Kat's dislike. She was watching him with distaste as his Adam's apple bobbed to and fro and he downed a large tankard of ale.
Everyone around cheered and clapped and even Yawna couldn't help but clap. Var'Jun smiled sheepishly, but then brushed the smile off his face and returned to his usual impertinent grin. He chuckled to himself, sliding a few coins onto the bartender's table and handing Kat a small glass of wine.
She smiled weakly, shaking her head as new bets were placed on the troll. He was smirking as money piled high and a new bet of beer was placed before him. The eager warrior scooped up the tankard, his mouth opened wide in a genuine grin of what was now making him very drunk. Kat rolled her eyes as the beer disappeared down his open throat.
Yawna chuckled to herself as the priestess sat down beside her. She was wearing new robes that she had purchased at a vendor. They were snug, with the same bell sleeves. But they were enforced with leather and thick linen. Blues of every shade and white made for noticeable clothes, but Yawna doubted that they would need stealth. In fact, she was beginning to like the idea of the caravan and it enticed her to stay.
"Look at him, will you?" Kat sipped at her wine, her eyes rolling as copper piled high in front of the troll. He was grinning madly now, looking Kat's direction every once in a while and holding up a fistful of copper.
"Did you two make a bet?" Yawna asked as Kat grimaced and turned away from him. She looked at the tauren with an expression of bitterness. She nodded at her wine, wincing as another cheer from behind her announced that Var'Jun had won more money.
"Yes," Kat said miserably, "He betted that he could make more money than this dress was worth in one night. I betted he couldn't because he didn't have anything to get money with, but I think he knew exactly what he was doing."
"What were the stakes?" Yawna asked, her interest piqued. She reached her Awareness out, ignoring the buzzing happiness that was coming from the people around and felt Kat's emotion run through. She felt some regret, a large amount of annoyance, and something strange she hadn't felt in a while. It was the same feeling that she felt when she used to think about Bolo, but this emotion was Kat's. Yawna pulled away from it, something in her mind clicked and she smiled widely.
"He's going to dance with me." Kat said, looking back at the troll. He grinned her way, holding forth a handful of what was copper and making a two with his fingers.
"One more silver to go." He roared above the crowd, smiling as he pulled forth what looked like a tankard the size of a bathtub. Men cheered and a few female trolls standing nearby swooned and hung on the tall troll's shoulders.
Kat turned away and Yawna felt a lash of jealousy swim into her mind. But it passes quickly and Kat mused softly to herself. "Maybe it won't be all that bad." But the priestess shook her head, making an annoyed face back at the troll as he collected his winning and began to count them out.
It was not long before Var'Jun was beside their table, his breath smelling off coffee and his mind brought back from the intoxication. He laughed loudly, laying down three silver, newly converted, onto the table top. He also let a few copper coins fall beside that, smiling as he saw Kat's face blanch.
"I told you I could do it. Now you have to hold up your end of the bet." Var'Jun smiled warmly as the priestess looked to Yawna for help. The tauren could so nothing but shrug though, and in the ancient words of her own mentor Two-Moons she chided the human.
"A bet is a bet." The tauren sniggered to herself as the priestess nodded as if headed into battle and arose from her seat. Var'Jun, though not usually optimistic, was shrugging and ignoring a few stragglers who were still offering him beer bets.
"You're right." Kat took Var'Jun's outstretched hand and she suddenly found herself smiling. "I still can't believe you got me into this mess. You should have let him kill me Yawna." With that Kat raised herself from her seat, a grin plastered on her face despite the fact that she had complained earlier.
Yawna watched the two twirl around the dance floor. Her heart ached for Bolo, and not for the first time did she wish for a life without the terrible fire and death. But a sad smile still crept across her muzzle. Even though she knew she could not reverse the effects of the fire she still wished they were all alive.
Even drunk Var'Jun was still fast on his feet and Kat was a fast match for him. The two spun around others, their frenzied desire to outdo each other making them swing faster and faster. Yawna suddenly stopped smiling. There was something wrong, something so infinitely wrong that it washed over her in a wave and made her immediately sick to her stomach.
It was only then, when Yawna looked up, did she realize that Var'Jun and Kat were the only two on the dance floor that were dancing through the deceit. Among the couples dancing Yawna could only see Horde on Horde, Alliance on Alliance. Nowhere was that breached, only Var'Jun and Kat were the exception.
The sickening wave of wrongness washed over her again and she staggered from her seat, her face painfully drawn. When she looked up again it was too late to warn the troll and human, for the power had shifted and Yawna had lost her awareness ((A/N: No pun intended!)) of the future.
"I've had enough." It was a crazy voice, like the man was chewing on his tongue as he spoke. His voice was oily too, and as he stepped from the crowd he was immediately recognized as one of the top bettors from Var'Jun's drinking contest. He was holding a large blunderbuss in his hands, pointing the barrel straight at Var'Jun and Kat and smiling like a demon. His eyes glinted and a few more of the caravan stepped forth.
People were stepping away from the two. Yawna was left in the outer circle, unable to move as hatred from her Awareness surged through her body. She was left staring at the troll and human, the hall falling silent.
A large orc snorted, his sword quivering in anticipation in his hands. He pointed it at Var'Jun who's face had become very calm and centered. He slowly unlaced his arms from Kat, his stance dropping.
"It was only a harmless bet." Var'Jun had his hands in the air now, his fingers almost tickling the tips of his ears. Yawna winced as a small searing pain formed in her back and she realized with a jolt that the orc had pushed his sword tip into the warriors back a little too hard. It was a small wound, but to Yawna it screamed with the agony of anger.
"Harmless bet," A dwarf spit, "Harmless bet. It if were different times I already would have shot you down. I've put up with being friendly to you Horde bastards, but having a pair bonding between the Alliance and Horde? Never!"
Ignoring Var'Jun's receding protests of a 'harmless bet' the Horde and Alliance members alike began to step forwards. A few swords tickled Var'Jun and Kat a distance apart. Yawna could feel both their distress longer than the hatred now around her, and she took a step from the crowd and held up her hands to prove she was unarmed.
"This is pointless," she was cool and calm again, her voice radiating authority and even though she was young it seemed to ring with wisdom. "Just minutes ago you were having a great time together. No hard feelings, right?" Yawna flinched visibly when a nearby dwarf reached up and thrust a blunderbuss against her head. Her cow-like ear twitched inside of the wide barrel of the gun but otherwise the tactic was ignored. Her Awareness did pick up the violence of the gun, as it always did, and her ear began to sting with pins and needles.
"Enough of this." A different voice, one Yawna would soon be used to. From the growing crowd another figure stepped into the bare circle. She was wielding an intricate bow, a light weight arrow already notched and ready. A night elf.
The elf sighed as if bored, her arrow pointing to the orc whose sword was still pestering Var'Jun. She had delicate hands, purple hued like the rest of her skin. Blazing white eyes registered the orc frozen for a second, then finally lowering his word as he realized something difficult for him to comprehend. The Night Elf was shorter than he and by far slimmer. Her wardrobe was compiled of deep shades of silver and purple, rich and vibrant. It was laden down with strong steel and hints of gold, a quiver of light leather on he back and a small dagger at her side. The night elf chuckled and tossed her head, making her deep blue hair flick over on shoulder and onto her back. Her ears tickled the rafters holding up the tent and they caught the sound of Var'Jun mumbling something about not needing help.
"Believe me troll, if it weren't for your company then I would have let you die. And as for you, that dwarf back there, lower your gun. I'm sure you would rather go drinking then spreading the blood of your future savior." The night elf smiled to herself as her ears picked up the sound of the gun leaving Yawna's head. She had a strong and commanding voice that was friendly in any other circumstance, but demanding.
'Oh, that was who she reminded me of.' Yawna thought to herself, 'The night elf in the big tent. The leader. They seem so similar, these two. And that strange feeling when they talk. Like they know too much. Must be what the orc was so puzzled by.'
"Be civilized and go back to your celebrations. They won't last long." The night elf seemed to warn them, her lips dancing with a smile. "You can only hope that this isn't the first to go." She was practically beaming when the crowd broke and the troll and human were left alone on the dance floor. Only the orc stayed, watching the elf with puzzlement.
"Why, Gwyneth?" the orc asked her, "Why would you, of all people? You, who is the leader's daughter, why would you save these people? In the past you would have laughed as their blood spilled. Has the caravan softened you?"
"I'll ask you not to bring up my past," the elf replied levelly, "And what's more, I suggest that you not bring up your own either. It will only cause trouble for you, believe me." With that she turned on her heels, ignoring Var'Jun and Kat who were still standing very close to each other and watching the elf as if she had sprouted a second head.
"I am Gwyneth," The elf offered her hand to Yawna who had not moved, "I know about the Awareness, as Two-Moons called it, and I know about your sightings, you journey, and your company. But don't worry, I promise I won't alert anyone else. I believe it would only make them kill you."
Yawna blinked in surprise and shock. She opened her mouth, but could find nothing to say to the perceptive Gwyneth. Var'Jun and Kat were standing behind her now, keeping a respectable (or maybe more) distance from each other and watching Yawna as if she had sprouted more heads than it appeared that Gwyneth had.
"I suggest we leave soon. There is going to be a-"
"Fire!" The elf was cut off quickly as a small gnome came rushing into the tent. He was carrying a heavy pail of sloshing water, his voice panicky. He tripped, the water spilling all over the ground and sinking into the bare earth. He Didn't seem to care though. "FIRE!"
Var'Jun cried out, pointing to the side of the huge tent. A small flame had shimmered through what the others had thought to just be reflections. As soon as it came through the entire side of the weakened tent began to burn down. Kat began to chant, a small blue light appearing in her hands as she watched what appeared to be the entire tent come crashing down.
But that was not what Yawna had seen. She had seen the entire side of the tent torn down in a flurry of claws and red eyes. A nightmare glared at her and the Tauren's limbs froze, her breath escaping her lungs and whispering out her teeth. She did not regain it, only stared as the Demon Wolf thrust its burning skull of a head through the burnt away tent and smiled.
"This is going to be fun." A voice in her head said softly and the wolf thrust itself forth towards all the helpless creatures. A blast of flames erupted among them and the voice returned. "Come play with me Raincaller."
Oooo000oooo! Cliffy. Sorry all, I couldn't resist, it was just too perfect. Now maybe you will send threatening letters my way, that would be fun and scary! Yay! But I'd like to say I'm on vacation in a few days (Yay for February Break) and also that I will get the latest installment as soon as possible. Now, leave a review because unless I get some I'm not gonna write the new chapter. And you don't want that!