**THIS STORY WAS RECENTLY REVISED! By me. February 2011. Just so you know... LOTS has changed.**

DISCLAIMER: This entire story is Copywrite. MINE. Got it? World of Warcraft, however, is NOT. Most characters are my own, except characters like Thrall and such. The world, too, belongs to Blizzard.

-x0x-

Chapter 3: Elven Eversong

I felt a shift. That was the first feeling my mind registered. It was a small shift, but enough to wake me up. I swear, I sleep with my mind left on. I felt the gentle rocking of the boat again before deciding to open my eyes. The ceiling was boring, as most of them were, so I turned my head to the side. His face brightened up the dark room, with his genuine smirk. It was both kind, and a little arrogant. I felt calm though, until my mind began to remember what was happening.

"Eh?" I twitched suddenly, "K-Kujajin?" I spoke softer.

"We're almost there." He said simply, standing up straight and looking away.

"Well hell," I cleared my throat, "that was rather quick,"

"Well, the captain received a letter from a hawk that Auberdine wasn't safe, another raid to be specific." He explained, "So we're stopping somewhere along the Northern coast of Lordaeron," He seemed to not like the sound of the word, "The captain has to go back, but he said that we can probably find some kind of boat out here."

"Well then, we should get going." I sat up quickly, almost falling back down; I must have been more exhausted than I thought. I caught myself quickly and avoided Kujajin's eyes once more, embarrassed. As usual when I'm around, there was an almost awkward silence.

"By the way," He smirked, "You're kind of cute when you sleep. Far less threatening, you know."

"Uh," I pulled away and sat up all the way, "thanks…" I mumbled with a blush.

"Well," he started abruptly, almost startling me, "Time to wake up 'Sleeping Beauty'."

I glanced across the room to see Alpine sleeping with his mouth wide open, snoring loudly. He was face-down, with his ass sticking up in the air. He looked like he was drooling. I can't say that I didn't expect it. I cringed and looked away.

"Gee, isn't that attractive," I muttered sarcastically, repressing the image.

"Hey Al, wake up." Kujajin called over to him, hoping that would be enough.

"Mlurgle…" Alpine rolled around a little, but didn't wake up.

"I'm going outside," I mumbled as I left the room. I knew Kujajin followed me with his eyes as I left, but I didn't really care.

I walked through the dark halls and up the stairs to the front of the boat. It was colder out there, and further woke me up. Being cold always woke me up. Warmth makes you more tired, I find. When you're in a warm bed you sleep for far too long, but when you sleep outside or something you wake up at a reasonable hour. Every morning, I either have to take a cold walk or splash some chilly water on my face to feel truly awake. Maybe that's just me. The brisk air smelt of sea and rain, I noticed I was right as the first raindrop struck my cheek. I walked over to the ledge and crossed my arms on it. I looked out at the grey, cloudy sky in the reflection of the dark sea.

I don't remember how long I was out there. The boat was moving slowly, but the rain was picking up quickly. Not that I minded, because rain was nice once in a while, and I'd always enjoyed it. It was weird, people always thought I was kind of an oddball for my preference of stormy weather, but I never really thought it was all that strange. Hejan really bothered me about it, he was always talking about how "lovely" the sun was, and how I wasted my time shutting myself away when the sun came around. It bothered me. But now that I thought about it, he kinda of made me appreciate a few days of sun once in a while. There's merit in both, I think.

"Hey," Kujajin's voice broke the silence as he stood next to me, leaning on the rail, so close that his arm touched mine. Guys do that sometimes, intentionally touch you, even when you don't want to be touched, so they can get your attention and all.

"Hey," I repeated quietly without looking over at him. I was almost focused on the feeling of his goddamn arm touching mine.

"I was wondering," He trailed off, as if in thought, "I've wanted to ask for a little while now,"

"Hmm?" I looked over at him. I felt a little better now, being out here in my element and all.

"What's your real name?" He asked, staring into my eyes.

"I…" I hesitated for a while, until I finally made a decision, "My name…" I sighed, and looked into the swaying of the ocean, "Nasrina." It slipped out unexpectedly like the sea breeze had pulled it from Pandora's box.

There was a silence as it sank in. I didn't really want to disclose it right away, but it was more of a slip of the tongue than anything. I immediately frowned at myself, glaring at my fingers as if they had handed it over like a gift. I do that a lot. I say things I don't really want to, and as soon as I do I know I regret it. I don't know why things don't sound the same in my head. I'm careful with my words, but not careful enough, clearly.

"Why would you hide it?" He said softly, moving a little closer.

"I've never really liked my name, I hate the goddamn thing," I lied vaguely. Of course that wasn't the only reason.

"Why? It's a beautiful name," He replied, though I was sure he was only trying to flatter.

"Hm." I smiled to myself, "Perhaps." I let it slide for a moment. "To be honest, I just don't like people knowing it." I couldn't look away from my arms, crossed before me, "It makes me feel more vulnerable, you know, when people actually know your name, it's like they know who you are. And I don't want to get to know people any more..." I was really on a roll today.

There was something about him, this Kujajin fellow, that pulled my secrets out of me. I can't really explain it, it's hard to put into words. Maybe I was just still a little hurt, and stupid. God, was I stupid. It was the girl in me, she's crazy. Or maybe it was Kujajin. I don't know, he just felt approachable I guess. He's kind of proud and all, but he tries to relate to people. That's more than I can say about myself. That, and he seems to have some trust in me. I don't find that very often. Not to mention, he doesn't criticize everything about me like Hejan used to. He was different, in a way. And the girl in me was infatuated. She's stupid, though.

"You won't always feel that way," He seemed to smile, though I only peeked at him over my shoulder.

"Since we're asking questions and regurgitating secrets and all," I said bitterly, "If you don't mind my asking," I watched his reaction to gauge his level of sentimentality to the subject, "how can you speak Common?"

"I figured you'd ask that," He closed his eyes and smiled, "Took you longer than I thought it would, though," I pouted a bit as he continued, "See, where I come from, we are taught many languages. Personally, I preferred this one, for its simplicity and fluency." He explained, "there's so much to learn about it. Lots of slang, and connotations, double meanings, all kinds of interesting perks, you know."

"I suppose you're right," I took his word for it, I never learned much about other languages, not where I grew up. Obviously.

"Hey guys, look!" Alpine bounded up the stairs and shoved in between us, pointing ahead, "Land-ho!"

"Ah, so we're here," Kujajin mumbled as if he recognized the place, as his cat walked up beside him and looked over the side of the boat.

"Come on, let's go get our stuff." I said turning away and going back inside the boat.

I put on all my armour again and strapped my weapons in to place. I always felt better when I was fully equipped. The boat itself was less than comforting, for it creaked constantly and was stained with dirt all over the walls and floor. Definitely not a luxury cruise here, but then again, this is the kind of ship that I'm accustomed to anyway. The metal doors and window frames were tainted with rust, and the roof was leaky, but I loved it. It told stories. By the time we came outside again we were on a shore of some kind.

"I apologize," The captain sighed as he finished pulling the boat as close as he could, "This is as far as we can take you."

"We understand," Kujajin spoke up, and as if insightful, added, "War is the most constant thing in this World."

"Aye." The captain nodded before saluting us off, "Safe travels, youngsters."

"And to you." We replied, not in unison at all. The captain spun the steering wheel over and over before managing to pull away. His boat wailed on the waves, and we finished our farewells.

"So," I began slowly as the came down from the mast, "Where the hell do we go now?"

"Um…" Alpine raised his hand again, "Where are we?"

"Perhaps we should find out; there's got to be a village somewhere around here," Kujajin looked around, scouting the area.

I nodded and followed his lead again. It was becoming a habit more than anything, following him I mean. It didn't take long until we reached a sign, though. It was written in a different language, one that I didn't understand. Around we saw some water, a tall and swirly tower, and some half-sunken ships. It looked very clean, despite the abandoned area. I looked back at the sign and tried to make out any familiar letters, but of course you can't figure something out if you have no idea how to do it, and in this case, I don't think I've ever tried to read this strange language. But it was familiar. I could definitely name it, it was Elven.

"What does it say?" I asked Kujajin curiously, knowing he must know his own language.

"Sunsail Anchorage." He said simply, then added, "Which means I know where we are."

"Awesome!" Alpine grinned and did a little dance, "/dance!"

"Well," I waited for him to continue, but I don't think he got the hint, "where are we?" I asked him, wanting to know.

"Sunsail Anchorage is an abandoned port in Western Eversong Woods," He paused, not giving me any useful information.

"Is there a village nearby, by chance?" I questioned again, getting rather irritated with having to ask him over and over for information he should have readily provided.

"Fairbreeze Village is just East of here, down that path." He pointed down a small road, and finally I stopped my inquiries.

"Then c'mon," Alpine jumped suddenly, "I'm starving!" He booked it down the path.

"Hey, slow down," I yelled after him, but he was too far to hear me very well already, "goddamn savage." I said to myself and Kujajin as I went after him.

The walk was breezy and fresh, and the clouds were not present here. It was an odd contrast with the scene I just fell in love with, but I suppose this had merit too. Somehow. The road was beautiful and sunny, while draped with artistic flora. It looked like it had been designed by some kind of artist or something. Beautiful would be the understatement of the century. Everything was well aged, perfectly coordinated, and fit together like parts of a puzzle. We came upon the small village rather quickly. The buildings were complex and well-built, with a colour scheme of beige and red. It must be an Elven village, I was right.

"Before we get to the village, I must tell you," Kujajin hesitated as he spoke to me, not so much to Alpine, who was prancing around us like a fairy.

"What is it?" I asked, ignoring the humming bull.

"We're in Horde territory now, so you'll need to," he trailed off, clearing his throat as if to avoid something that would hurt my feelings, "you'll need to hide the fact that you are Human, I'm sure you realize."

"Of course, I understand." I said with a nod. I reached into my bag and pulled out a cloak with a hood and put it on. I was glad I carried extra vestments now.

"Good." He nodded back, accepting my makeshift disguise, "Just keep your head down so they don't notice your eyes."

We approached the outskirts of the village, and something caught my eye. There was a girl crouched in the bushes a few yards away. She had her back to us, and seemed to be picking herbs, if my vision didn't betray me. Kujajin must have spotted her too, because he stopped and looked over at her. Alpine stopped because we stopped, not noticing a thing, and he looked back at us with a confused look. I watched Kujajin stare intently at the girl, as if he had just found something he was missing. I suddenly felt hidden from him, too, beneath this cloak and all. I shrunk back a bit and let my eyes barely see him from under the hanging hood and my furrowed brows.

"Oh, man!" I heard her sigh tiredly, "Not quite enough," She stood up abruptly and spun around. She jolted at the sight of us a little while away. She squinted her eyes at us for a moment before speaking again, "Hey, are you-" She stopped too, and Kujajin and her stared at each other. Again, I felt more than invisible.

She seemed to brighten up suddenly, and hurriedly waved at us, well, at Kujajin. She dropped what she was holding and ran over to him. She was kind of clumsy, tripping on some roots and such, but upon reaching him she jumped into the air and embraced him in a hug. He was almost knocked over, but simply patted her on the back with an embarrassed smile. Max walked around her and sniffed her, but seemed to recognize her. I just stood a little ways away and watched as objectively as I could.

"It's been so long," She said, out of breath, "You've gotten taller, and stronger!" She praised as she inspected him, circling him quickly.

"Yes, yes, I should hope so, Votheilia." He laughed lightly as he turned to follow her.

"And you have friends now, Kuj." She looked over at us, but neither me nor Alpine made a move. Alpine seemed to be gawking, at her, too. I felt a bubble of rage, or jealousy maybe, but stifled it away as best I could.

"What's that supposed to mean? Did you think I wouldn't make friends?" He joked, pretending to be offended.

"Shut up." She shoved him playfully.

"Well indeed you're correct, these are my friends." He stepped back with us, as if to pretend he still remembered we were there.

"There'll be plenty of time for proper introductions, come on back home, hurry now," She gestured then pulled Kujajin in some direction, presumably her house.

Alpine and I followed silently behind them. The entire way she was chatting on and on about things I didn't know heads or tails about. Who was this Elf, anyway? And how did she know Kujajin? I analysed her. I felt a flame of jealousy burn within me again; not that I'd ever admit it. It's a stupid feeling us Humans get, I wouldn't expect Kujajin to understand anyway. He was too full of himself to ever feel envy, anyway. She was a little taller than me, but shorter than Kujajin. She was a blood elf, who spoke Common language to him. That was certainly peculiar. Judging from her clothing, she was a Mage, a Mage herbalist actually. Another thing that was odd, she was strangely happy for an Elf. But like most female Elves, her hair was long and blonde, and her skin was pale.

"Mom's out to get some pastry materials, she's really into baking right now." She said as we entered the house.

"And I see you've taken an interest in herbalism." Kujajin replied, acting rather casual.

"Oh yeah, that's, like, my new favourite pastime." She said with a grin, then waved the subject out of the air, literally, with her hand, "Anyway, take a seat on the couch." She led us to the living room.

The house was quaint. It was rather small, but cosy. It had a fireplace and a few old, comfortable chairs. It seemed old fashioned, but it was nice. I think that old fashioned places are better, in a way. I mean, they're not cluttered with all this new innovative crap. That's what I think, anyway. I sat down on the love seat slowly, making sure to keep my hood on and eyes down, as Kujajin had suggested. I don't know why I listened to him, anyway. Kujajin swung around the other side of the couch and sat next to me, while Max laid down on the floor near the door and relaxed.

"So, now, who are your friends?" She asked, sitting in a seat in front of us, as Alpine found a place by the coffee table.

"I'm Al!" Alpine spoke quickly, waving his hand, as if she wouldn't know who was talking. He was the only one here with such a loud voice. Though, I could see Votheilia being loud, she seemed rather peppy now, and already her voice was piercing in a way. Girl voices make me cringe like that sometimes.

"Uh, hi, Al." She waved back with a kind smile. I wouldn't let her sink in easily though, I was rather suspicious of people. As you can tell.

"Now, Vo, please don't be angry," Kujajin said slowly, and I assumed he must have been talking about me. I really was a bother, I guess.

"About what?" She asked innocently, as if she had missed something.

"We have someone from the Alliance with us." He told her, carefully.

"But he's a Tauren, why would he be Allia—" Kujajin cut her off, for she looked like she was about to prattle on.

"No- not him." He groaned, glaring at Alpine.

"You mean to tell me I'm not Alliance?" Alpine gasped, and covered his mouth with his hand in shock.

"Of course not, you fool." Kujajin snapped at him, giving him a stupid look.

"Oh, you must mean Viola," Alpine muttered, nodding his head in understanding.

"Naturally," He looked back at Votheilia, "She's a Human, Votheilia."

"Oh really?" She almost jumped, and I twitched at the sound of her voice, "let me see!" She leaned over to me and I leaned back instinctively, though she could probably now see my eyes behind the shadow from my hood.

"Uh-" I straightened considerably, almost embarrassed.

Kujajin nudged me, as if to tell me to do as she says. I looked over at him, trying not to show my reddening face. He seemed to be eager to see her reaction, so I obliged. Slowly, I reached up to my hood. Grasping it with both my hands, I flipped it off my head and looked up at her. She stared at me with wondering eyes. It was like being some kind of race from the Outlands, that she'd never encountered before. I watched her eyes as they trailed over my face and features. It was kind of unsettling, this person I've never met looking me over like that.

"Hope this doesn't sound weird," She gawked, but spoke to me with an even tone, "I've never seen a Human in person, well, up close, before."

"R-Really?" I asked curiously. I guess I never really took time to see any other races up close either, but I mean Humans are kind of boring. We look so normal and all, it's odd to think that they could find me interesting.

"Never!" She smiled again, that strange Elven smile of hers, and then frowned, "Kujajin, why would you think I'd be angry?"

"Well I don't know, bringing an enemy into the house isn't exactly something I do everyday, you know." He said with a deep frown, almost as if he was pouting. I almost laughed in his face, but had my self control.

"Bound to happen sooner or later," She shrugged, as if she knew it was going to happen.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Kujajin asked, as if he was more than a little offended by the remark.

"Well, it was your idea to use Common as our "secret language", Kuj," She poked at him, "And who was the one who used to read all kinds of Human Literature?"

"Cut it out," He shushed her, "Anyway, this is Votheilia," He introduced her, and my eyes followed his words and I looked over the girl by this name, "My sister."

"Your..." I suddenly looked at her differently, "Sister."

Maybe I'm a bit judgemental sometimes, I don't know. Or maybe I just get caught up in my mind. Nothing had really changed about her, unless you count my perception. I don't know, I guess I kind of resented Kujajin for not introducing her when we met, and maybe I handled it the wrong way. God, being a Human is so complicated sometimes, with all these crazy thoughts. I don't think Tauren are this complex. Actually, looking over at Alpine as he just sat there smiling, I was almost sure of that.

"So what are you doing in these parts again anyway, Kujajin?" His sister asked, as if she hadn't even noticed my silent hostility.

"To tell you the truth, being here was kind of an accident." He said slowly, and even I thought the statement might hurt her feelings a bit, "We couldn't dock a ship at Auberdine —where we were going— because there was a battle going on, so we docked here."

"This is a strange place to dock if you're going to Auberdine," She noticed, "That's on Kalimdor."

"The captain said that he had to drop us off and head back as quickly as he could, he needed to put his goods on a stronger ship so they could reach their destination on time." Kujajin explained, something he didn't even tell us.

"I suppose how you got here doesn't matter," She shrugged softly and waved that subject away as well. There was a quiet ding from the next room, "Oh, that's the pies, would you like some?"

"Yes—yes please!" Al nodded enthusiastically, the first words he's said in a short while, which was strange for him. To be quiet, I mean.

As Votheilia went to take the pies out of the oven, Kujajin showed us to the dining room, which was just a door away. In fact, not even a door, it was an empty door frame. Kind of strange. Again, it was a quaint little room, with wooden chairs and table. She placed the two pies —because she had been making two of them apparently— on the table, and Alpine immediately began feasting upon one. It was a little more that surprising, no one else had even sat down, and the pies were still steaming hot. I was sure he burned himself more than once. Finally, Kujajin and I found our seats.

"I suppose if you go up North a bit to Silvermoon City, they may have a means of transportation for you." His sister explained, ignoring the beast at the table.

"The Dragonhawk handler, I'd assume." Kujajin spoke up in agreement.

"Exactly." She nodded.

"Then that's where we'll go." He said surely, making his mind up firmly.

"Please stay a little longer?" His sister pleaded quickly, then went red and sheepishly scratched her neck.

"..." He stared at her, and she gave him pleading older sister eyes through her shroud of innocence, "Oh, all right," he caved, "but just a little while."

"Dude," Alpine spoke with his mouth full, "'ow ma'y more piesh you gotsh?"

"Oh, a bunch." She understood him and stood to go to the kitchen.

"Hey Votheilia," Kujajin called after her.

"What?" She answered from around the corner.

"Is there any place around here that's good for travelling supplies?" He asked her.

"Geez, Kujajin, have you forgotten everything?" She poked her head through the kitchen doorway in an almost huff, "The general supplies, o'course, but they close pretty early, you'd have to hurry."

"All right, I think I'll go pick a few things up for the journey, then." He said standing up.

"I'll go with you." I began standing up too, resolute not to stay here with someone I didn't know very well.

"No," He put his hand on my shoulder and pushed me back down gently, "If any of the guards find out who you are, well, let's just say that would be pretty bad. You'd blow all our effort." He made it sound like I'd be careless enough to be found out, and that I'd take all the blame, even though this whole thing was my idea. Why do guys always push things onto you like that. They never take responsibility. He was trying to manipulate me, and using that damn touching method again to do it.

"Fine, have it your way." I sighed, sitting back in the chair of my own will, not wanting to start an argument in this house, which wasn't mine to fight in.

"Al, you coming?" He asked, turning to Alpine. I hoped at least he would stay, so it wouldn't be so awkward and all.

"Can't… Piesh…" He said, muffled from the food still in his mouth.

"Okay then." He nodded then began to walk away, "Farewell," He did a mock bow and left. Though it accomplished nothing, it was kind of funny, in a way.

"Pfft." I shook my head, but laughed a little.

"Okay, I'm back with more pies." She came back in with an armful of about six pies, "Did Kujajin leave already?"

"Yeah, he did," I hurried to help her with the pies, easily taking a good amount with little effort.

"Oh, well, here you are anyway." She laid the pies out on the table in front of Alpine. He just stared for a few seconds, as Votheilia waited on a response.

"Six pies, one guy? Get ready girls, because you're about to see something really special." He said cracking his neck.

"Oh dear lord," I rolled my eyes. Not that I would have been disgusted or anything, it just seemed that even Alpine had something to be boastful about.

"Let's go to the balcony." Votheilia said to me, tugging on my sleeve gently.

"Anywhere but here." I joked, following her quietly.

"Your loss!" He called after us as he picked up a pie in each hand.

"So," Votheilia closed the curtains behind us, but left the door open. She leaned against the railing and looked back at me, "Viola, was it?"

"That'd be me," I nodded, trying to act casual, though I was bad at it sometimes.

I'm usually really good at acting apathetic or easy going, unless I'm in an environment I'm not familiar with. I mean, if I'm out in the wilderness, I jump up on rocks and stuff, you know, horse around like a goof and all, but at someone's else it was different. I felt like I couldn't touch anything, that I couldn't look bored or something like that. I just had to be polite. I was also awkward at talking with people when I first meet them, as you can probably tell.

"That's a weird name," She raised an eyebrow, as if asking the origin. Her and her brother were alike, I suppose.

"I guess I can tell you," I felt all right sharing it with her, for her brother would probably do the same, "it's not really my name, just a name I've been using." I explained, leaning on the rail next to her. I felt that perhaps if she was Kujajin's sister, I had no reason to lie.

"Why?" She questioned.

"Well," I laughed to myself, "Believe it or not, I'm kind of wanted, like, a criminal of a sort," I told her, "and I don't want them to find me, you know?"

"You're a criminal?" She gasped.

"No, no, well, yes, but saying it like that sounds awful. Something bad just happened to me, is all. And I guess I went about fixing it the wrong way." I went on, "As for the name thing, well, after that whole incident I kinda felt like I needed to distance myself from people. That happened to include not disclosing my true identity. I don't know how to explain it, when you know who someone really is the relationship is on a different level, I guess. I didn't really want that."

"But you do now?" She picked up on my subtleties.

Girls are different than boys. I mean, lots of guys don't understand the secretive underlying meaning behind what we actually say. Some do, don't get me wrong, but very few. Girls can mock, expose, or even insult someone without them even knowing. We have this kind of secret art, I like to call it. I'm really good at picking that sort of thing up, and apparently so is Votheilia. It's not that hard to find, I think, you just need to be a careful listener really. It's like reading, I guess. I was a very good reader. As you read, you learn to interpret as you go, and when you read so many lines you eventually start automatically asking yourself about the motive, or the meaning behind it. That's probably why I'm rather skilled at it. I guess guys don't get it because they're just so oblivious and inexperienced when it comes to talking to girls. We never mean what we say. We really don't.

"I'm getting there," I said, and the answer was enough for the subject on my name to close. However, this brought about a new issue.

"So, does that mean you and Kujajin are pretty close?" She asked after a few seconds of silence.

"I haven't known him for very long, but I guess he's my closest companion." I told her, looking over the balcony. I wasn't lying, either. He was.

"I haven't seen him in years," She spoke softly and trailed off, as if maybe she was somewhat jealous of me. Maybe Elves can feel that emotion, some of them anyway.

"Has he always been so…" I thought for the right word, "invasive? I mean, he's kind of... blunt, with his charm, you know?"

"Kujajin? Charming? Oh never, he was the least confident, the least flirtatious, and the least arrogant Blood Elf I've ever known." She explained, seeming somewhat flabbergasted. I didn't expect this answer at all.

"That's strange, because he's always been so… forward, with me, even when I told him not to." I shrugged, then added, "And kind of overly confident."

"That doesn't sound like him," She shook her head, then grinned suddenly, "Maybe he likes you." She elbowed me playfully.

"Dare to dream," I said with a laugh, completely ignoring the potential in the statement.

"Oh come on, you know it's true," she nudged me again, trying to get me to believe it.

"Yeah right," I defended with another laugh, looking away. There was a comfortable moment of silence as the topic settled, and a new one came to mind, "Say," I started, and upon hearing my own voice I noticed how the air was rather silent without dialogue, "is there a reason that your brother hates the Horde so much?"

"Well, there's one I can think of." She thought back, "You see, any time we went to any major city, the Orcs would, I don't know, act very Orcish. You know, the crass and vulgar remarks, the insults, and it wasn't just Orcs. Trolls were very flirtatious with me, and Kujajin couldn't stand that. So, we became callus towards them. They would always try to make advances on me, and Kuj was always very protective," She when quieter through the sentence, and was then cut of by a cry from inside.

"Ow! I got a splinter in my tongue!" My Tauren companion shouted in pain.

"Huh?" Votheilia spun around, "That's the table you're eating, you idiot-spit it out!" She shouted, rushing inside.

I shook my head and smiled, hearing faint whimpering and scolding. I suppose I hadn't realized how long I had been out on the balcony, for I was just staring at nothing in particular, in thought. I think lots of people do that, when you think. I don't know though. I mean, when I'm thinking of something, like images of things, it feels like I can almost see what I'm thinking about. I don't know if it's the same with everyone, but I can almost make myself think I'm actually there, it's like being in a dream that feels more real, because I'm conscious and aware of it. I don't know, anyway, I was off doing that. While in my sort of trance, someone climbed on to the roof and flipped down in front of me. He remained upside down with his face inches away, clinging to the balcony above us with his feet and hands.

"Boo." Kujajin smirked, but I didn't flinch or anything, though indeed I had been caught off guard.

"That was fast." I replied coolly, playing tough.

"I know my way around this town." He shrugged innocently, playing cute as if he wanted me to be impressed. I wasn't about to bow to him because he knew his way around the village he grew up in or anything, if that's what he was pushing for. Praise.

"Well come down from there already Spiderman, we should go soon." I said, taking a step back so he could land.

"My, my," He flipped around and landed on the balcony with a soft thud, "You seem pretty eager to leave, Nasrina."

"I'll have you know I'm just not one to lounge around." I said, turning away and crossing my arms defiantly.

"Understandable," He agreed, "You don't get such toned thighs from sitting around all day, now do you?" He looked at me over my shoulder with a cocked head through piercing, flirtatious eyes.

"I don't think my thighs are any of your concern," I snapped and stormed back through the door, into the house, though he didn't motion to follow right away. Besides, everyone is muscular in this World, we all have to fight to stay alive, if you're not strong, you're dead.

As I entered the house I came upon a sight that would forever be seared into my mind. Alpine was lying back in a chair, but that wasn't the weird part. Of course not, that's not very strange at all, is it? No. This is the weird part. Votheilia was leaning over him, with one hand on his goddamn chest, spoon-feeding him a chunk of pie. I stood silently for a few seconds before they noticed me. They remained completely still, staring at me. It was one of those awkward silences you always hear about.

"I don't even want to know." I said, putting my hands up defensively.

"I-uh-I-" Votheilia took a step back, stuttering, "I didn't want him eating my table again; he just shoves anything in his mouth without looking at what it is!" She defended.

"You really don't need to explain," I told her, as I raised my eyebrow at her nervousness.

"Uh- I gotta pee!" Al perked up, skidding out of the chair towards the bathroom.

"He's so charming…" She mused, though I'm sure she hoped I didn't hear it.

"…" I stared at her for a second, "Well," I shrugged, standing more casually, "different strokes for different folks."

"So," Kujajin entered with a groan through the doorway behind me, "what'd I miss?" Oh the dramatic irony.

"Oh, nothing much." Votheilia scuffed her foot as she began to clean the mess of pies.

"Where's Al? We have to leave soon." Kujajin looked around, as if perhaps he was hiding behind a counter or in a cookie jar or something.

"He had to see a man about a horse." I informed him with an old euphemism, not wanting to hear Votheilia's stutter.

"Just-ah! Gimme some—son of a-gaah!" Noises came from the bathroom, then out emerged Alpine, covered in toilet paper and soap, "The bathrooms too small!"

"No, you're too big." I reminded him dully.

"That's what she said!" Alpine shouted with a laugh. Everyone just stared at him, "What? It's a joke, it's funny."

"Come on Al, we have to go." Kujajin walked past him towards the front door, pulling him behind by the end of the toilet paper roll that was wrapped around him.

"Go where?" Alpine asked as the toilet paper unrolled off of him a bit.

"Oh gee, I don't know, perhaps we'll pay a visit to Orgrimmar to, I don't know, maybe stop the Orcs from launching some kind of massive strike on Stormwind City?" I remarked as I pushed him along from behind.

"You know," Kujajin said as he slowed, "there was once a time the Horde and the Alliance banded together to save the world. Can't they just stick to that?" he ended, in thought.

"Never going to happen." I said with complete absolution.

"What makes you so sure?" Kujajin looked at me over Alpine's shoulder, questionably. I don't think be believed me.

"It's simple, really," I started by clearing my throat, this was something I firmly believed in, "I know that not only Human kind, but various other Races in Azeroth have a great capacity for many things. For knowledge, for forgiveness, for love, and, for hatred. Hatred can lead people to do crazy things, and even if there's a million kind people, if there's even one angry person, they'll find a way to make every else angry and violent. It happens. Nobody is perfect, and not everyone can resist manipulation. That's what starts war, it's anger and hatred, which come from jealously, pride, greed, all kinds of things. And hatred breeds only more hatred. But no matter what, you see, people like conflict, and hatred, and anger. I don't know why, I'm not a specialist or anything, but I do know that there is a lot of people hurting, and a lot of people getting hurt all the time. Right now. That, my friend, breeds war."

"You really feel strongly about this, don't you?" Kujajin asked me, somehow amused.

"I do." I said with a nod, and I suppose he let the subject fall for now, we were in a hurry anyway. Or maybe he wasn't secure enough in his own perception to defy me.

"Well then we should do our part, anyway," Kujajin paused, "Oh, Max," The cat looked up at him from its spot on the floor, "I want you to stay here, pal."

"Why?" Votheilia asked with a serious expression.

"Things are too dangerous, not to mention he can't fly on mounts unless I dismiss him, and he doesn't like that too much," Kujajin explained, patting the cat on his head, "Not to mention, someone's got to stay here and protect Mother, right?" The cat seemed to understand his responsibilities, somehow, "Don't worry pal, we won't be gone too long." The cat whimpered, and Kujajin stroked his chin to sooth him.

-x0x-

Preview of Next Chapter:

"We're too much of a threat," I added myself.

"You mean we attract major aggro." Alpine stated, I'm pretty sure he was joking around. He does that, jokes around even when it's clearly not the time for it.

"You could say that," I nodded while rolling my eyes. I wasn't much in the mood for his stupid jokes.

"So what do we do?" Votheilia asked, ignoring our dialogue.

"I'll go stealth," I started, taking some control, "Kujajin has aspect of the beast and feign death if things go awry, and Alpine can change his form and prowl." I spoke out.

"What about me?" Votheilia asked, looking somewhat nervous.

"Mount me." Alpine suggested, changing his form into that of a cat.

"Now that is what she said." Votheilia smirked, but walked towards him and climbed to ride him like a mount. She seems a little unsettled but didn't complain or whine any more. It's nice when people don't fill the air with useless noise like that.

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