Well, while the patch was uploading, I had a lot of free time to work on this. Hope everyone enjoys this because I put a lot of thought into it. So please read and review. Also, if anyone as any ideas, please let me know.
Let's rock!
-x-
Ravenwrath awoke as the light of dawn hit his face. His eyes opened and he took in the small room he had shared the night with the Blood Elf. He looked over to his side and saw that she was still there, the sheets covering her naked form as she laid their curled next to him. Wordlessly he got out of bed and began to dress, not wanting to wake her. Last night had been all about self satisfaction for the both of them. For him…she helped him forget and provided some pleasure. As for her, she took some of his mana with every kiss. She probably felt his power in the dining area below and wanted it enough to sleep with him. As he finished dressing, Ravenwrath left the room.
As he walked down the stairs, Ravenwrath saw that he wasn't the only one up. Ellia was there as well eating some bread. From what he could tell, he had looked better the night before. Her hair was a mess and there was some straw in it as well. Her armor looked stained with mud and her face looked dirty as if she had slept outside. As he walked over to her she gave him a hard glare.
"What's the matter this time?" he asked as he sat down. Moments later a plate of sausages was placed before him by the Forsaken cook.
"Who said anything was the matter?" asked Ellia with some anger. "Everything is fine. Sure I slept in the stable while you got to sleep in a nice, warm bed with a slutty Blood Elf. But that's no reason to be angry. And sure, I got only this one piece of bread while you get an entire plate of sausages. I couldn't be happier!"
"By the Earthmother," swore Ravenwrath. "First off, if you want some meat all you had to do was ask." As he said that he slid the plate in front of Ellia. "Second, you're not my type. If you want a room all you had to do was ask."
"I did," she hissed as she took as sausage. "But apparently, they didn't seem to care much for me." Just then a mug of hot tea was placed in front of Ravenwrath as well as some more sausages. "By the Light, what is going on here?"
"They like me," said Ravenwrath as he began to eat. He tried to eat in piece, but Ellia continued to give him a look that made him feel uncomfortable. Finally, he sighed. "Last night I showed them that I was one of them. I may be human, but my heart is with the Horde. They know that and so they treat me like I am a member of the Horde. You, however, have not and so they see you as Alliance. The only reason you are alive is because you arrived with me and thus you are given the smallest amount of respect."
Ellia looked thoughtful for a moment as she turned back to eating her meat. Since she had met this Ravenwrath person, she had tried to be friendly with him. But he was always distant with her. But since they arrived here he seemed so much more alive. It was like he could only fit in here and nowhere else.
"I think I understand," said Ellia as she finished her plate. "But, why did you betray the Alliance? Why do you side with the Horde?"
"Because the Horde saved me in so many ways," said Ravenwrath vaguely as he stood up. "And who ever said that I was the one to betray the Alliance." He reached into his pocket and left several gold coins on the table before walking towards the door. Ellia quickly consumed the rest of her meal and ran after him.
Outside, the sky was a dark green almost similar to what it had been at night. It was…odd to say the least. And even though it was the early hours of the morning, the Forsake were hard at work. There were several carts with a dark green liquid being pulled up and a statue of Sylvanas was being put into place. Elsewhere there seemed to be Forsaken construction workers who were going over blue prints as they looked at a building.
"The Dark Lady is tired of having her buildings looking like the Alliance," said a familiar voice. Ravenwrath turned and saw Ravgash on top of a large black wolf. "I see you are up early friend."
"I am," said Ravenwrath with a nod. "Are you heading out?"
"Now that you are awake I am," said the old Orc. "I shall be joining you on your tip to Ironforge." Slowly, Ravenwrath turned his head to Ellia who was now looking a little sheepish.
"I see that she told you," said Ravenwrath slowly.
"One on the many, many thing she told me," said Ravgash with a sigh. Ravenwrath began to speak but Ravgash held up a hand to silence him. "I don't know what your quest is my young friend, but I wish to join you. Perhaps this old one may prove to be of some assistance. And maybe I may experience one more great battle before I join the ancestors."
Ravenwrath crossed his arms and sighed. This wasn't what he wanted. This was his blood quest, his revenge! It was bad enough that Ellia was with him and now he had this old Orc who wanted to join. He had not wanted any company to join him on this quest in the first place because he knew he would die in the end and wanted no one else to share in his fate. But it was too late for that now. Ravgash knew where he was going and would most likely follow him even if he said no. And at least he would be good company and provide a strong arm as well as powerful insight.
"Fine, you can come," said Ravenwrath as he turned towards the stables. As he got to him mount, he saw that one of the bags on its side had begun to move. Thinking it a rat or something, Ravenwrath opened it only to have a small creature the size of a rodent fly out. It was dark skinned and a little slimy. From what he could see it had four legs and a set of wings. Its face resembled that of a shark and even seemed to have gill like markings on its neck. Even its tail seemed to end in a fin. The baby Onyx Nether Drake stared at Ravenwrath for a moment before flying up and landing on his head. "Crap."
-x-
Thrall sat on a stone in the Valley of Honor as he watched the little ones play by the small lake. They were orphans, just like him. But unlike the Warchief, they were not forced to fight gladiator battles. They were not forced into those dreaded Alliance camps. They were not beaten and made to think that they were less than nothing. No, they were as children should be: laughing and happy. And to the Warchief, it was good.
Few Orcs could understand why he liked to sit here from time to time. They could not understand that this was the real reason he did what he did. He wanted his people to grow up in this land and be happy. He wanted the best from his people and to stop the constant fighting. And the smiles on these children showed him what words could not clearly express, at least not to him.
Then there was the other reason why he was coming by here more often. Soon he would be a father. That thought caused him much happiness as well as some worries. The reason why he and Jaina were hiding the fact that she was pregnant was because they knew both sides would see it as a betrayal. Also, they child would become a target of assassins from both Alliance and Horde. Then there was the fact that this child would be the son or daughter of the most powerful shaman and mage in Kalimdor. No telling how powerful this child could become.
"Warchief," called out a familiar voice that pulled Thrall from his thoughts. The Warchief turned and saw Drek'Thar, the blind shaman of the Frostwolf clan. After the death of Thrall's parents, Drek'Thar became the protector and leader of the Frostwolf clan. Then, when Thrall found his clan and learned of his heritage, it was Drek'Thar who helped Thrall discover his shaman powers. While he could be cranky at times, the Warchief valued his advice.
"Yes old shaman?" asked Thrall as he got up. Drek'Thar let out a sigh.
"It is time for the meeting," Drek'Thar replied. "Had to look all over for you, you know? It doesn't do this old shaman any good to be walking all over this large city. And there are matters to discuss before the meeting starts." Thrall nodded and the two began to walk tighter. Despite being blind, Drek'Thar seemed to have no problems walking next to the Warchief. And as they walked, he spoke of various Orc matters.
"There was an attack by the Quilboar on Razor Hill yesterday. I know it happens from time to time, but this time it was different. It was thought out. Those creatures are getting smarter I tell you."
"I see," said Thrall as he scratched his chin. "Then if that is true than perhaps we can work something out. If they're willing to talk that is. If not then I must put the safety of my people first."
"Very good Warchief," said Drek'Thar with a nod of approval. "There is also the matter of the Whiteclaw clan."
"I heard about them," said Thrall. "They were destroyed after the portal fell because they had sided with my father."
"Apparently their destruction was greatly exaggerated," replied Drek'Thar. "From what we have found out, they left the mainland a year before the portal reopened and our world was fractured. It seems the found an island and have stayed there till now. They now wish to join the Horde."
"I am pleased," said Thrall. "They are welcome here as well as any Orc that wishes to throw off the chains of slavery the put on by the demons. Do you know who their chieftain is?"
"Yes, her name is Hargu Dragonspear. She and her warriors will be coming to Orgrimmar to meet with you as well as," Drek'Thar finished his sentence by muttering something that Thrall couldn't hear. The Warchief stopped in his tracks and gave the blind Orc a demanding look. And even though he was blind, Drek'Thar seemed to feel uneasy under the look. "Very well, she is coming to meet you as her future mate."
"WHAT?" roared Thrall so loudly that all of Orgrimmar had to hear it.
"I take it you're not pleased," said Drek'Thar. "Figured as much. That you wouldn't be pleased that is."
"What did you do?" demanded Thrall.
"I only set up a marriage meeting," said Thrall. "To be honest, the Frostwolf and the Whiteclaw clans have been allies for over two hundred years. Your father told their former chieftain that he hoped to have their children wed as a sign of friendship. Now, Hargu wishes to honor that agreement. From what I have heard she is a wonderful girl and a fierce fighter. I'm sure the children you two will have will be healthy and strong."
"Do I not have a say in this?" demanded Thrall.
"Of course you do," said Drek'Thar. "That's why it's only a meeting and not a wedding. And you owe it to them seeing that they were nearly driven to the brink because they supported your father. There is also the matter of honoring your father's wishes." Drek'Thar then placed a withered hand on Thrall's broad shoulder. "Thrall, to be honest I am also worried about you. You should have found a mate by now and started a family. I won't be around forever and you will need an heir to take over the Frostwolf clan someday. Please Thrall, just meet with her."
Thrall gazed into the cloth that covered the old shaman's eyes. He did make some good points. But there was Jaina. He loved her with all his heart. But Drek'Thar was like an old, annoying uncle to him. Without him, he would have had a harder time finding out who he was. He owed Drek'Thar much. Was there a way to please both people he cared for?
"Very well," sighed Thrall. "I shall meet with her, but nothing more."
"That's all anyone can ask for," said Drek'Thar as they entered Grommash Hold in the Valley of Wisdom. It was small for a fortress, which was the way Thrall wanted it. He didn't want anything too imposing like Hellfire Citadel or anything that would inspire fear to anyone who looked at it. No, that was the way of the old Horde. Instead, it was a one story building that was built right into the wall of the canyon and was composed of several circular chambers. The outer most chamber was used as a trainer area of the shaman and next to that was Thrall's throne room. The rest of the chambers were things like Thrall's bedroom and such.
Upon entering his throne chamber, Thrall saw that there was a brilliant device in the middle. It was a giant red sphere that seemed to give out a pulsing red light and just hovered in the air with nothing to support it. Around it were several circle platforms that looked like they were made of the same red material encased with gold. This device was created by the Blood Elves so that they could hold Horde meetings. In the past, all leaders came to Orgrimmar but they stopped after because the Alliance kept attacking shortly after they left. No one knew how they got their information or which capital they would attack. So the Blood Elves came up with this device. Thrall stepped onto his platform and images of the other leaders appeared on the other platforms.
"It's about time you graced us with your presence Warchief," Garrosh said in a snide manner. Thrall stared at the Mag'har leader, who had brownish red skin and carried two large axes with him. When Thrall had first met him, Garrosh was a mess of self pity and shame. But after he leaner the truth about his father and the role he played in saving the Orcs from the Blood Curse, Garrosh seemed to regain his confidence and then some. He was a capable leader but was far too impatient and wanted nothing more than to finish what the original Horde began. That was something that Thrall had no desire to do what so ever.
"A minute or two will not change a thing," said Sylvanas as she crossed her arms. "And, unlike you, he is in command of far more that one campaign." Next to her image, Lor'themar nodded. Garrosh growled at the undead elf.
"I shall take great pleasure in cutting out that tongue of yours," he snarled.
"Calm down mon," said Vol'jin. The blue skinned, red haired shadow hunter of the Trolls was not in Thrall's chambers but near the site of the Echo Isles where his people were rebuilding their homes.
"Agreed," said old Cairne Bloodhoof. Like most Tauren, he looked like a creature that was half cow and half human. He had shaggy brown fur and horns that were cut off half way. He seemed to have trouble standing upright, but that was most likely due to his advanced age.
While Cairne and Vol'jin belong to different races, they both held on to similar beliefs and goals. Both of them had a deep respect for tradition and nature. Also, they were with the Horde so their people could have a home. The Tauren had finally stopped wandering and had a home of their own called Thunder Bluff while the Trolls had just recovered their own homeland. This was the purpose of Thrall's Horde, to have land to call their own. To have a place where human and the Alliance would not hunt them down like animals and put them in cages. Here they could do trade freely and teach their children traditional values that they had held on to for centuries. If only he could make Garrosh understand this.
"I have little time to waste, unlike the rest of you," snarled Garrosh. He turned to Thrall and glared. "I need more troops sent over right away so that I can finally put an end to Valiance Keep and all the humans inside of it!"
"Are you trying to make us lose the war against the Lich King?" asked Thrall with a sigh.
"How is getting rid of those annoying gnats going to cause us to lose?" demanded Garrosh as he stomped his foot, an Orcish sign of frustration.
"It is simple," said Lor'themar. "First of all, we know that his power seems to have increased drastically over the past several years and his forces are ever growing. You do know where he gets them, don't you?"
"Of course I do," said Garrosh. "I am no fool, no simple peon! His army is full of those unnatural walking corpses!"
"Good job mon," said Vol'jin. "Now, tell ol Vol'jin what might be happenin should you be a killin lots a them Alliance so close to his home?"
"He…," began Garrosh as he began to think of what would happen. It looked like he knew the answer, but was trying to find another outcome that would favor his agreement. However, in the end, he let out a sigh of defeat. "He would raise their corpses and add them to his forces."
"Very true," said Thrall with a nod. "Therefore, it would be wise to focus at the task at hand rather than trying to settle something that was lost years ago. The Horde lost the Second War years ago and I have no intention to continue fighting simply for the sake of fighting. Nothing will be accomplished by going to war with both the Lich King and the Alliance. Besides Garrosh, your father once told me that only a fool repeats the same mistake over again and expects a different outcome."
"They treat us like savages," roared Garrosh. "Have you no pride as an Orc? Have you any pride with the Horde?"
"Then the only way to change their minds is to prove otherwise," said Cairne. "And we have the perfect chance to prove it at the Feast. Tell me Warchief, how are the preparations?"
"They are going well," said Thrall. "I would like us all to meet at the Undercity four days before the Feast is to take place. Then we may travel together by zeppelin to Ironforge. I am also preparing several dozen gallons of boar's grog." Boar's grog was a popular Orc ale within the Horde. In fact, it was their major trade with the humans in Theramore Isle. "Also, before we depart, I want us all to plan out topics during the dinner. Please try to keep it civil and away from business. We are going there to enjoy ourselves and try and find a way to get along with each other. And that goes double for you Garrosh!" The Orc in question simply grunted and turned his head to the side.
"Now that that's settled," said Sylvanas, "My scouts have found out more information on the new Lightbringer class sky ships."
An image appeared in the red orb that everyone could see. It looked like a giant boat with dozens of propellers on it. But instead of being made of wood, it looked more like steal. It was also longer and larger than the other sky ship that the Alliance had in Icecrown. From what Thrall could see, the propellers weren't the only things on it that were designed to keep it in the air. There were also devices that seemed to shoot flames downwards that helped it remain afloat in the air. Also, there were dozens of cannons onboard that seemed to be more advanced than the previous model.
"How many they be makin?" asked Vol'jin.
"From what we have been able to discover," said Sylvanas in a calm manner, "the Alliance is currently making only three by the order of a human named Lord Lexise Westron. They have been making them for the last several months and they appear to be seventy percent completed."
"Meaning that they still don't have a working one," said Thrall. Sylvanas nodded.
"My own people, as well as the goblins, have been going over what we have seen and have already determined their strengths and weakness," said Sylvanas. "Compared to its predecessor, these sky ships have twenty times more fire power, have no blind spots, and have a much stronger hull made of Titansteal. In short, flying fortress with incredible fire power. However, they take a long time to build just one. Also, they are very slow and not very maneuverable. So, in order to properly fight something like this, I have created the Gorehowl class zeppelins."
Once again the red orb showed an image of a craft. But this one was smaller, built for one or two. From what everyone could see, the top was where the captain would pilot. The weapon that this zeppelin used was a harpoon gun that fired from a slit in the lower deck so that the weapon could fire anywhere within a one hundred and eighty degree radius. Its construction looked like it was made of wood. Compared to the Lightbringer class ship it looked more like a life raft than a battleship.
"It seems to be a bit more modest," said Cairne.
"That thing is not fit to have the same name as my father's weapon!" yelled Garrosh.
"A wolf will not fight alone, but in a pack," said Sylvanas. "Especially against a more powerful opponent like a bear. While they are small and weaker, together they are powerful." The Dark Lady pointed at her creation. "This small craft is many times more maneuverable and faster than any handmade craft to date. It fires exploding harpoons that will also deal piercing damage as well as explosive. Finally, we will be able to make more of these in a week than the Alliance will in a year. It has been four weeks since we began to make the Gorehowls and, right now, there are thirty two heading for Vengeance Landing as we speak. All we need are the proper people to polite them."
"I see," said Thrall as he rubbed his chin. "Rather than try to match the Alliance and be behind them by several months, build a fighting force that will exploit the weaknesses while giving it a harmless appearance. Hopefully we will never have to use these against the Alliance, but they will be useful as a backup plan."
"There is more," said Sylvanas. "My forces have informed me that the Kul Tiras fleet has been rebuilding under Lord Admiral Tandred Proudmoore. However, they seem to have only rebuilt it to match what they had before Lady Jaina and Warchief Thrall destroyed it. Also, Tandred is incompetent and relies heavily on one of his female captains."
"Foolish little man," growled Garrosh. "To be controlled by a female is pitiful." Sylvanas narrowed her eyes.
"Do you have something against females Garrosh?" she demanded.
"They are not fit to be warriors and have no place in the battlefield," said Garrosh. "They let their emotions get the better on them all too often."
"Women deserve your respect," said Sylvanas. "That is due to the fast that we have to work twice as hard as men to get anywhere in this world."
"And we owe everything to women's emotions," said Thrall as he glared at Garrosh. "It was because of a woman's emotions that I was freed from my captivity. It was because of a woman's emotions that allowed those Orcs with a deadly sickness to survive. It was because of a woman's emotions that helped protect this land from being invaded by the Kul Tiras." Thrall showed his fangs at Garrosh. "Never speak so rudely towards women in these meetings again for else you will no longer be part of them! Is that understood?"
"Yes, my Warchief," grumbled Garrosh.
"Getting back on topic," said Lor'themar as he tried to ease tensions. "Both the Forsaken and the Blood Elves have been building up our navel fleets in order to prepare for any type of assault from the Alliance. My people have been building a type of ship that is built for speed while not sacrificing fire power."
"And my people have been building what I like to call carrier vessels," said Sylvanas. "The oldest rule in warfare is to gain the high ground and I will apply the rule in the ocean."
"And how do we know that you won't use these new creations of yours against us," demanded Garrosh. "You come in here with all these new sky ships and vessels and you expect us not to be taken back that you are expanding your own personal military force?"
"Who said anything that the Forsaken and Blood Elves will be the only ones to use these?" asked Lor'themar. "They are all for the purpose of the Horde."
"As long as that is true, then there is no problem," said Thrall before Garrosh could say anything. "I will begin sending people to Vengeance Landing so that they can begin training in these new sky ships and boats."
"As will I," said Cairne.
"You better be savin my people some room or else you be bringin the bad voodoo," said Vol'jin. Sylvanas gave them a nod.
"Good," said Thrall. "Now, I would like to discuss the Ashenvale situation."
-x-
"FOR LIGHT'S SAKE PLEASE STOP!" screamed an Alliance soldier. He was currently in the dungeon of Lexise's castle. He had been sent there was several other soldiers to help protect the fortress and to ensure that the Horde wouldn't be able to breach its defenses. What had been something to be considered an honor had turned into a nightmare as he was chained to the walls of the dark stoned room.
Before him stood a warlock, the cause of his current suffering. He stood there, all skin and bones while dressed in red robes. His features were sunken and seemed pale, as if he too had been a prisoner in this dark and lonely place. One of his arms was stretched towards the soldier as a purple stream of energy with wailing faces in it seemed to connect them. His other arm was stretched out towards an egg that was in the middle of the room while he sent it bits of the soldiers soul.
"That is enough," said Lexise as he entered the room. "It's about to hatch."
"As you wish my lord," said the warlock in a gasping voice. He turned his attention to the egg that, at one point, had gone up to his knee. But now it went up to the man's hip! The egg began to hatch and soon one of the black scaled man like creatures appeared out of it. The solider sobbed as he watched it stand for the first time and look up at its evil creator.
"Good," said Lexise as he examined the creature. "It's male. Let's hope that it is obeys me as well as the rest of its sorry lot." Lexise pointed at the soldier. "You may eat him; he is of no more use to me." The creature didn't need to be told twice. It charged at the chained man and bit into his leg. The solider continued to scream for the Light's mercy but to no avail.
"Master," began the warlock. "May I have some time to rest in my chambers?"
"You may," said Lexise while he kept his eyes on the soldier. "I'll have need of your skills soon so get some rest." Lexise then let out a laugh as the soldiers leg was ripped off from his body.
The warlock said nothing, he simply left. He was happy to get away from the insane noble. While most people thought warlocks were soulless creatures, even the most hardened warlock would be disgusted by the things Lexise did here. And had he known then what he wanted, the warlock would have said no. But it was too late now, thought the warlock as he entered his room.
The room was almost completely bare. There was a bed and a night stand and nothing more. Since it was underground there was no window. In a way he too was a prisoner here. But sometimes looks could be deceiving which he proved by pressing a stone at one of the rooms empty corners which caused a secret passage to be opened. As the warlock entered, he thought about how he had gotten into the mess. Back then, he had been told that it would help destroy the Horde and nothing more. And having just lost his daughter at the age of eighteen to a Troll, he welcomed the chance to strike back. But not like this.
At the end of the passageway there was another room and in it was the only thing that kept him sane in this mad house.
"Father," cried a woman who had been sitting in an oak chair. The warlock smiled at her as he entered. She wasn't human, but one look at her scales could tell you that much. She was a foot shorten than he was with black scales covering nearly all of her body. Her figure was that of a female, thin waist with large breasts that were covered with golden scales. Her facial features were smooth and her hair was like strands of pure gold.
She was the only female that he had managed to spare from death. She had been in the first batch, created with too much human in her thus giving her free will. When he first held her a year ago, it was like having his daughter back. But Lexise had ordered all females to be killed to control their population. But he missed her and her she had remained.
"Will you stay with me for a while father?" she asked in a sweat voice that betrayed her appearance.
"Yes I will my dear Alextralla," he replied.
-x-
"I'm back," said Ravenwrath as he approached the fire. It was late at night now and they had just entered Silverpine Forest. Seeing that it was getting late, they had ventured off the road and set up a small camp between the road and the lake. Ravenwrath had gone out for a while to gather some herbs and seeds used by druids for some of his more dangerous spells. However, when he returned he found only Ravgash sitting by the fire cooking two rabbits. The old Orc nodded to confirm his presence.
"I take it that your search went well," he stated.
"It did," replied Ravenwrath. He blinked as he realized something, it was quiet. "Where is Ellia?" Ravgash sighed.
"She went down towards the lake awhile ago," he said. "For what reason, only the ancestors know."
"What could she…oh, never mind," said Ravenwrath as he walked towards the lake. "While I hope that the murlocks have done her annoying mouth in, I'd be a fool for letting her go off on her own."
"Whatever you say," said Ravgash as a chuckle. He then added, as soon as the human was out of ear range, "Ah, to be young and in love."
As Ravenwrath moved towards the water, he noticed several things lying on the ground. They were corpses of murlocks. The vile man fish like creature looked like they had been struck by lightning. Seeing that this was the right patch, the young man followed the trail of death until he came to the water. He then stopped a dark figure in the water. He squinted his eyes and moved closer and slowly. For all he knew, it could be an enemy. Then, at the water's edge, he saw something.
It was Ellia's mail armor. Slowly he looked back at the water and saw that Ellia was staring back at him. Water was dripping off her blue skin as her cheeks darkened in embarrassment. She then screamed as she covered her breasts.
"PERVERT!" she yelled as she hurled lightning at him.