Trouble in the Valley
"I am very happy for you both. You have made a great advancement for your race." Teak Hawk congratulated them as they walked back through the drag. "I know I may be rushing things a bit but I must ask. Now that you two are officially a part of the Horde, are you also prepared to join our team and the responsibilities tied to it?"
Ecstatic with the day's events, Ellorei answered for both of them.
"We're ready for anything, Teak Hawk!"
Despite her mistrust in the smiling troll behind them, Quel'Anis silently nodded and agreed. Teak Hawk smiled warmly, "Then come with me and you shall meet the rest of our party." The girls followed the tauren back to the center of the city where masses of adventurers prepared for raids and recruited for missions. Ku'Mari treaded not far behind as Quel'Anis made quick glances back at him.
"Are ya in need of somting', Kellani?" He asked politely.
"Nothing. And its Quel…Anis. Separate the two." She snapped crudely.
"But, Kellani, its one name."
"Its Quel'Anis. Quel… Anis…eergh! Trolls!" She complained. Frustrated, she turned back to Ellorei who held back from laughing.
"It's just his dialect, Kellani. Ya know, man! It sounds like Kay-lah-nee!" Ellorei laughed.
Quel'Anis was furious now and she huffed recalling her father's betrayer
calling her 'Kellani' as a child.
"Yah know what kellani'wa means, don'tcha, Kellani? It means ya easily taken. I'ma take yaway tah Stranglethorn Vale an keep ya to mehself." He had told her as he held onto her tiny arm. She was too young to understand what he had meant at the time, but knew somehow not to trust him. He was big and ugly with wrinkled green skin and yellow eyes. His teeth were brown and razor sharp and his tusks jutted straight up. She remembered how horrible his breath was when he pulled her close to speak to her and how he seemed to reek of rotted onions and moldy, fermented fruits. She turned and glanced back at Ku'Mari once again. She recalled his presence up-close when they first met. He was nowhere near as wretched in appearance as her father's betrayer had been. He was younger, cleaner, and even somewhat pleasant to the eye. He even smelled rather good as she caught his scent of sandalwood blow past her. But his words were too smooth and tricky and his voice seemed to hiss, like that of a snake. Either way, he was a troll and the characteristics of his race remained his flaw. Quel'Anis continued in deep thought as they reached the bank at the center of the city where the rest of Teak Hawk's crew packed their supplies for their travels.
"Everyone, these ladies are our new additions to the group. They are hunters and they should be able to aid us in long ranged attacks. Perhaps now the healers will be given more time to heal. I've been told that they are exceptional in archery and their pets will be able to add to defense as well." Teak Hawk gestured for the girls to introduce themselves.
"I am Quel'Anis Serais of the Ghostlands, first class hunter…"
"I'm Ellorei Stormcrest of the Ghostlands… second class hunter, but I'm a first class pet trainer. We are proud to say our race has officially become an addition to the Horde and we now gladly stand before you to join your team! We promise to give our all for the whole of the party; to fight and protect… no matter what!" Ellorei proclaimed as she bowed before the group. They all laughed and clapped loudly at the two elves. The blood elves turned red as Quel'Anis hit her companion in the back out of embarrassment.
Garrett came close and took Ellorei's hand, still laughing. "Glad to have ya, missys!" he said as he escorted her to the group. "The name's Garrett Warden of the Forsaken. First class rogue, second hand bandit." He said as he handed Ellorei the Troll Sweat elixir she and Quel'Anis had fought over earlier. Quel'Anis searched herself for the elixir but it was nowhere to be found. She looked up and glared at the rogue with an eyebrow raised. (Oh he's good!) Garrett winked at Quel'Anis and turned to the female troll beside him. "And this lovely troll lady would be Miss Mikal'wah Binkwei, if I'm correct? Second class mage-."
"First class!" she corrected him.
"First class?"
"Second class…" Ku'Mari re-corrected as he rolled his eyes at the lying troll mage.
"Second class mage. Beware her magic wrath." Garrett finished jokingly.
"Ya puny blood elves be best tah stay outtah my way!" the troll threatened.
"Fair enough." Quel'Anis answered dryly, not intimidated by the female troll one bit. She was far too small (in comparison to Ku'Mari) and her face was far too pretty for a troll, to be in the least bit threatening. Mikal'wah immediately scowled at the petite blood elf. Garrett stepped in between the line of fire by introducing the big orc standing to his other side.
"This is Barrack Morgash. Our brute strength tanker of the crew."
"I look forward to splitting open heads beside you, elves." The orc said in a deep welcoming voice.
"So what's our first mission?" Ellorei jumped in all eager excitement.
"First we take care of our cloth and armor. We shall need stronger armor as we strengthen and develop our skills. We'll go to the leather-worker, mail specialist for Barrack, and then to a tailor." Teak Hawk explained. They went from shop to shop having weathered armor repaired and weak armor replaced and finished by collecting cloth items at the tailor's shop.
"Whatcha got in mind fer ya company, Tauren?" the old female troll tailor said gathering bolts of cloth.
"Our goal is to reach Razorfen Kraul in a few days. We plan to vanquish what population they hold."
"Ain't ya forgettin' that nasty old hag, the leader of the quillboar tribe. I hear she has a nasty strength in her magic." The old troll warned as she pushed two bolts of wool onto a shelf. "You be needin' something wit magic defense."
"That's what metal is for." Barrack interrupted.
"Only a big warrior oaf would tink so! Magic can get around ya clunky metal!" the old troll exclaimed.
"All ya could use a shirt' ah defense. I know of ah fibah that will suit yah pahty well, but it will not be easy to obtain."
"We're up for the cause, of course." Teak Hawk replied.
"Dere is a small valley that sits just above Astrannar in Ashenvale. Dere, you will find a small tribe of dryads. Deh females stay close in the balley and are referred to as Laughin' Sisters. Abonoxious crittahs, if ya ask me! Half human, part elf, part fawn. They roam about collectin' flowers, connectin' wit nature and giggling. Dey hair is comprised of mana mattah that will work as a good magic defense when weaved together and sewn up. I know a tailor who be excellent at weavin' hair tah fabric. Her name be Kil'Hala. That troll can make straw in tah gold, she be so crafty! Bring the hair to her and I assure you the best robes and tunics you can find in deh Barrens!" the tailor explained and sent the group off.
The party headed out of Orgrimmar, north-west across the Riverfury bridge and past he mountain's edge of Azshara. Quel'Anis noticed the dusty golden gravel of the barrens turn to brown dried grass as withered, dried trees stood along the mountain like a fence. She stared at the growing yellow mountains as they passed to the right of the road.
"Azshara is a desolate land haunted with death, grieiving souls of the past wars and hollow beasts of power; far too great for our abilities." Teak Hawk explained noticing the blood elf's curiosity.
"That is why we prepare cautiously for Razorfen, is it not?"
"Teak Hawk, why is Razorfen such an important feat for us?" Ellorei butt in as Barrack gave his own explanation.
"Quillboar in the Southern Barrens are strong and defiant. Damn feathered pigs! They rule the southern Barrens like barbaric kings when they have no right!"
"They withhold bountiful treasures that will put us well off when we succeed them." Garrett added.
"Everybody talks about deh Razorfen Kraul Quillboar and those who go up against dem have all failed. If we are to defeat dem, we will be acknowledged for a great battle achievement. Our reputation will grow in deh Barrens and we might even impress Thrall." Ku'Mari continued.
"That is why you put this team together, Teak Hawk." Ellorei turned back to the tauren whose eyes looked rather sad.
She sighed and shook her head, "The others have their viable reasons for joining and I am pleased that they have come. But my sole reason for this raid is revenge…justice."
"Really?" Both blood elves turned to Teak Hawk as she explained further.
"My brother and a party of Horde members attacked the village a year ago… and failed. Everyone died. They cleared a good amount of the population's guards, but once they reached the inner caves, they were over taken by foul minions. I plan to avenge my brother and make sure that justice is served to those wretched creatures that rule the thorn lands of Razorfen Kraul!" An angry tear dropped from her eye and Ellorei came close to comfort her. Quel'Anis joined Ellorei at Teak Hawk's side.
"We are here to help you succeed and succeed we shall!" She said in the boldest and most sincere tone. Teak Hawk smiled, "I am very glad Ku'Mari found you blood elves. You will do us well."
Day suddenly became night and the brush grew thick and rich in violet hue. The dry desert air turned cool and moist, quite similar to that of the Ghostlands, yet completely unfamiliar. They had reached the boundaries of Ashenvale.
"Everyone, be on your guard. These are contested lands… enemies could be anywhere. Especially sentinels." Teak Hawk warned.
Garrett shook his head at this statement and a look of sadness came over his face. Teak Hawk though surprised by the undead's reaction looked over it.
The blood elves were drowned in awe at their mystical surroundings. Some how this place hit close to home, yet not at all.
Unable to take her attention away from him for too long, Quel'Anis looked back at Ku'Mari who lagged behind the group. He pulled out a strange elixir and drank it. Unsure whether or not it was her imagination, the blood elf could have sworn that the troll's eyes began to glow a strange amber color and he gritted his teeth as he growled low and quietly.
(What IS he doing?) She glared at him and reached for her dagger. Ku'Mari suddenly shook his head and rubbed it as if he had been struck, a look of utter confusion crossing his face. He looked ahead and noticed Quel'Anis watching him and grinned.
"Kellani." He called to her in a taunting tone. The blood elf quickly turned back to face the group as they walked.
"Trolls!" She muttered under her breath.
As the gates of Astrannar began to appear out of the violet mist, Quel'Anis picked up on a strange sound over the hill beyond the road. It was the sound of female voices speaking in unfamiliar tongue and giggling.
"We have reached the Dryad's Valley." Teak Hawk presumed as she left the road. The group followed silently as the laughter grew louder at the top of the hill. They peered down into the valley to find numerous female dryads prancing about with pale olive skin and silky long hair that was as green as the grass.
"Oh how lovely." Ellorei whispered, edging over the hill to have a better look. "It's a shame we have to kill them and rip the hair out of their skulls."
"That hair will do our armor well against magic." Teak Hawk explained as she gave a look to Garrett, Barrack and Mikal'wah. They nodded and began to head down the hill. The mage troll stopped half way and focused her energy to channel a spell. At the first strike of ice, the rogue and warrior charged into the field and began hacking and slashing at the gentle dryads.
"Alright girls, let's see what you're made of!" Teak Hawk smiled and thundered down the hill. The hunters summoned their pets and Ellorei led both Dreakai and Lune down into battle.
(She always was the direct type.) Quel'Anis smirked, shaking her head as she stood beyond Mikal'wah and began shooting down one dryad after another. The elvish fawns screamed in horror as they were taken down by the group. Quel'Anis suddenly realized that Ku'Mari still stood at the top of the hill behind her. She immediately turned back to find his eyes glowing yellow once again as he chanted in a strange tongue.
(What the hell is he doing?!) She backed away down the hill into the center of the action just as a dryad came at her in full force. It was a weak attempt but Quel'Anis could sense the creature's desperation as it bucked and scratched at her. Quel'Anis quickly spun around behind the dryad and stabbed her in the neck until she collapsed. She looked back at the hill to find Ku'Mari gone. She scanned the valley but could not spot the troll. (Why isn't he fighting? Where has he gone? How can this group possibly trust him? Absolutely suspicious!) She looked back to Mikal'wah who charged spells at a terribly slow pace. The female troll blasted a nearby dryad and looked back to Quel'Anis and gave her a sinister grin. She ran down into the center of the field and began charging up another spell- a terribly bad tactic for a mage. Quel'Anis did not understand Mikal'wah's expression but she swore to shoot either troll were they to make the wrong move. She continued to attack dryads while her eyes fished around for the absent shaman troll.
As the killing party carried on, the dryad's shrieks and screams could be heard throughout the valley. Garrett grabbed a hold of one and stabbed her repeatedly in the chest before noticing movement in the distance. Massive, darker dryads and night elves charged onto the field waiving long blades and staves as they made their battle cries. The females had called for help and the rescue party came in intimidating abundance. The male dryads galloped on, towering in stature, built with pure muscle and large antlers jutting from their heads as the male night elf druids transformed into vicious beasts of nature.
"Uh oh!" Garrett announced, letting the dead dryad in his arms fall. "I think we may be in over our heads here, kids!" He quickly withdrew multiple daggers and throwing stars and pitched them violently at the oncoming mob. A few night elves went down but the dryads galloped on with fierce speed.
Ku'Mari suddenly reappeared and began casting out his totems around the team as they fought. Everyone in the group felt their power and stability increase and they prepared for the mass ahead of them. The male dryads attacked, swinging at the first enemy they reached. Quel'Anis stood afar and shot arrows in a mad frenzy, trying her best to slow the enemy attacks. Ellorei and the two lynxes worked to take down one of the giant beasts as Teak Hawk did her best to heal her party. Barrack created wonderful distraction to many of the dryads with his mass of strength and physical power. He bashed away at the challenging beasts as Garrett slipped around them surprising them with fatal blows. Mikal'wah blasted away her enemies with ice attacks that left a snowy blanket over parts of the valley but her magic gave out shortly. At one heavy blow from a night elf, the mage troll blacked out and fell into the grass. Ku'Mari set the night elf ablaze, killing it before reviving Mikal'wah and healing her. She smiled and winked at him as she jumped up and headed toward her next enemy. Ku'Mari raised a brow and shook his head. (Dat girl takes everyting deh wrong way….)
Three dryads had made their way to Quel'Anis, their chests spiked with her attempts to take them down. She dodged their blades but could not avoid their beatings. As she became delirious from the loss of energy, Garrett stole her attackers' attention by killing two of them with a few quick strikes. Quel'Anis' vision went a blur. Colors smeared blue, green and violet.
(Damn! One of those bastards poisoned me!) Quel'Anis could feel the stinging pollen draining down the back of her throat as she stumbled forward, becoming weak and nauseous. She could barely make out Ellorei in the distance getting attacked by numerous elves and dryads. Dreakai and Lune lay dying, unable to move an inch to save their struggling trainer. Quel'Anis fumbled for her arrows and shot down three of the dryads as the night elves looked her way. Two drew away from Ellorei to attack the new target, their eyes glowing like bright beams of light. She shot one down just as the other slashed at her arm. Before he could swipe his dagger at her again, she pulled out an arrow and aimed at the center of his head. The shot went straight through as he fell to the ground. As Quel'Anis looked back to her weakened friend, she noticed yet another attacker approaching from behind with his staff raised. But he was no elf or dryad… he was a troll.
"NO!" Quel'Anis screamed in fury as she shot a viciously accurate arrow into Ku'Mari's chest. The troll looked down at the arrow that had pierced so close to his heart, looked back up and smiled at Quel'Anis before falling to the ground. A green healing light glistened and fell over Ellorei as she turned and attempted to lift the troll back up. Quel'Anis could feel her heart sink as the same green light cured her poison and revived her energy.
Another dryad approached and knocked Ellorei nearly on top of Ku'Mari before slashing at her back. He reared up, but before he could pounce, three arrows went into his hands and neck. Within a blink of an eye, Quel'Anis was before him, ramming her dagger into his neck until she was able to pull his head straight off.
An awkward shriek came from the center of the battle and the group turned in to see Mikal'wah shaking in a wild manner.
"What's happening?!" Ellorei called to Teak Hawk who stood nearby holding down a dryad. The Tauren smiled, shaking her head.
"Mikal'wah is at her last limit. She is going to become a Berserker. Stay clear!"
The female troll grabbed a hold of her head as her veins contorted and eyes filled with blood. She screamed and blasted a mass of blazing fire upon all enemies within a ten foot radius, killing them instantly. Garrett and Barrack cleared the way as the last of the night elves and dryads retreated to the hills.
As Mikal'wah's spell completed, she fell into the grass, exhausted. Tears of blood trickled from her eyes as she panted and held her throbbing head. Garrett and Teak Hawk ran to her side and helped her up, but Mikal'wah's weak legs would not let her stand. Barrack took her into his arms and carried her. Meanwhile, Ellorei helped an injured Ku'Mari sit up. She immediately turned to Quel'Anis and gave her the look of death.
Garrett went about the valley and collected the hair from the female dryads that lay scattered in the grass.
"What a bloody mess! We'll have to clean these scalps in a stream before we head back."
Quel'Anis began to help Garrett collect the hair when Ellorei interjected.
"What in the name of the Sunwell was that, Quel'Anis!" She asked angrily grabbing her companion's arm. Quel'Anis shook her off and continued to collect the bloody green hair.
"It was an accident…"
"Absolutely not, you witch! Your aim is far too keen for that nonsense!" Ellorei pulled her friend close. "Do not let your father's past consume all of your abilities in reason. This is not you! Don't start down a path of pointless hatred or you'll never turn back. I can't believe you would attempt to kill someone who would gladly die in your place." She said in a tone of disgust and went to help Mikal'wah.
Quel'Anis felt her stomach turn sour as she approached Ku'Mari, who sat casting healing spells over himself and the party. The arrow was still lodged deep into his chest and as the blood elf came closer, she realized that he had withstood multiple attacks for he had a tremendous amount of bleeding gashes and bruises all over his body. She stood before him with a cold expression of annoyance and yet confusion twisted across her face.
"Can I help ya?" Ku'Mari asked dryly as he cleaned his wounds.
"What were you doing?" Her voice was still rather harsh.
'Healin' yah friend… or is it forbidden fah trolls to aid yah kind?" He asked coldly.
Quel'Anis felt strangely hurt by his reply. It was the first time he had ever shown any sign of anger or disappointment in her and it felt awful. She should not have cared, but for some reason she wanted to cry. This was rare for her and she refused to let it happen. Instead she sucked up the pain and snapped at him.
"The hilltop! Your eyes were glowing! It was far too easy to mistake you for one of them!"
Ku'Mari stood and looked down at the petite blood elf. Her green glowing eyes were beautiful but hard. Still, he could sense a bit of guilt in the expression on her face and he began to smile.
"Took ah summonah potion. Ally barrier elixir." He answered quaintly as he walked away. She turned and watched him go to Mikal'wah to appraise her for her great instinctive attack.
Garrett and Ellorei finished collecting the dryad hair and packed it into two bags. The group headed wearily back over the hill and on to the road. After such a loud battle, the forest seemed oddly quiet and the group remained well alert as they headed back to the boundaries of the Barrens. Quel'Anis tailed behind the group and watched as Ku'Mari finally pulled the arrow from his chest. Blood spattered onto the road and Quel'Anis felt her stomach turn sour once more as she began to feel ill.
Ellorei walked beside Garrett and Barrack, who still carried Mikal'wah. The mage troll was terribly fatigued from her massive attack and slept soundly in the giant orc's arms. Quel'Anis caught up to Teak Hawk who led the way.
"May I ask you something?" she inquired shyly.
"Of course, Quel'Anis." Teak Hawk smiled.
"What does an… ally barrier elixir do, exactly?"
Teak Hawk shook her head, "It is the summoner elixir. It grants the consumer the abilities of a pet or minion."
"What kind of abilities?"
"Elusion, agro-priority attacks and the sacrifice barrier."
"What is that?"
"It allows the consumer to obtain a large percentage of his party's damage as a barrier defense… much like that of a tank. I implored Ku'Mari not to use it but he insisted. He must always be such a persistent hero. He never seems to realize how valuable he is to our party and yet he fully risks his life every time."
Quel'Anis remained silent for the rest of their trip.
By late noon, they had made their way deep into the Barrens. The group continued south until they reached the ten-mile marker to the Crossroads. As the sun finally set, the company climbed a small steep not far from Gold Road and set up camp with a quiet fire.
Teak Hawk chuckled as she came to sit with the two blood elves that finished eating their dinner.
"I see Mikal'wah is well again and looks to aid Ku'Mari back to health as well."
"If anyone should be tending to him, it should be Quel'Anis." Ellorei remarked in a harsh tone. Her face suddenly broke into a smile and a giggle as she watched Ku'Mari try hard to politely reject Mikal'wah's efforts. The three females watched Ku'Mari head to his tent, still holding his chest wound, then the two looked to Quel'Anis. Quel'Anis turned to Teak Hawk who gave a nonchalant shrug and then to Ellorei who gave her nothing but frost. "You should be thankful he is still with us and continues to stay. You owe him more than your apology!"
Aside from her own pressuring guilt, Quel'Anis knew Ellorei would not forgive her for her recent actions unless she apologized soon. She sighed and got up. She could feel her heart drop into her stomach as she slowly approached Ku'Mari's tent. She had never known so much guilt for her errors before, perhaps because she was more often right than wrong. However, there was something more…something that irked her worse than guilt, yet she could not finger out just what it was.
She lifted the tent flap and peered inside. Ku'Mari kneeled with his back to the entrance, stretching his long lean and muscular torso and arms. Quel'Anis could tell by the deep soft growl he gave, that he was still in some bit of pain. He had accepted Mikal'wah's offering of hot water and bandages but they sat steaming and neglected. As he stretched, his wounds tore slightly, expelling small trickles of blood.
"No, no! You'll make them worse!" Quel'Anis came and knelt before him in pure concern. Ku'Mari turned and looked to her with surprise.
"As ah blood elf, physical aid may be fine. But fah ah troll, we best depend on the blood of our broddahs. Our bodies regenerate from deh inside out." He explained.
"Then physically mending the wounds on the outside will make the healing process go faster." Quel'Anis was persistent as she wrung the soaking wool bandages out. She wrapped two around her hand and hesitated for a moment. His blue skin was strange, though the texture was much like any blood elf's, his arms and legs were covered in a thin sheer blue fur like that of a human man's arms, only softer. She slowly and gently pressed the hot damp fabric to his back and began to rinse the blood away.
"My greatest apologies to you, Ku'Mari. I did not put my trust in you from the start and…and…"
"And neahly killed me?" The troll laughed and smiled warmly at the blood elf.
Quel'Anis felt the tears well up in her eyes once more. She had not cried since her father's death so many years ago. She bit her lip, trying desperately to hold them back and she positioned herself in front of him to mend his chest, making sure not to show her face behind her copper hair.
(Pathetic… I feel like a human.) She recalled her studies of the emotionally weak race and how often their females were known to cry. Then she recalled how her mentor, Kaendris had advised that a bit of crying every few years or so, could heal many inner wounds.
"Strange, ya know." Ya always been so cold to me, but cha touch is so warm. So ya can beh kind too, I see."
"I've never really been exposed to the outer world before. I have studied on the different races of the world but have never personally come across many in my life… until now. When I was a child, my father had a traveling companion, a warrior troll named Bahlik from Stranglethorn Vale. He was crude and nasty, but my father trusted him with all his will. They had planned to help each other accomplish a major mission in the Eastern Plaguelands, but when they both returned successful and with their fortunes, Bahlik used my father's sword to behead him in front of me. He took the sword, my father's rewards and my father's head saying that it would be worth a pretty price to the Scourge. I was eleven."
"Those actions go beyond tha manner of ah race. They be dark legions out there dat go beyond hatred and hurtful tings in dis world. I am sorry for ya sufferin's." He placed his large warm hand over her shoulder sympathetically.
"Other than Bahlik and the treacherous Zeb Tribes of Quel'Thalas, I have never known other trolls. I suppose my poor accusations come from my assumption that…"
"Dat all trolls be the same?" Ku'Mari began to laugh. "Buncha decievin' monstahs! So many see us dis way. You ain't the only one. Wit races so beautiful and so vain as deh humans and deh elves, its no wonder neahly everybody else looks like monstahs!"
"But my people are for the Horde. I tend to forget that now and then."
"Do not be offended, but cha people ally wit deh Horde because deh be outcasted by the night elves and humans. Don'tcha forget." Ku'Mari continued to laugh.
Offended anyhow, Quel'Anis immediately protested.
"The night elves snubbed us because we chose the knowledge of powerful magic over petty nature! And the humans… they betrayed us… they're such fickle, small minded creatures!"
Ku'Mari laughed even harder as Quel'Anis grew angrier and more defensive.
"So dis is what they be teachin' ya in Silvah Moon City!"
Quel'Anis scowled and violently ripped a bound and healing bandage from the troll's arm. He suddenly yelped but continued to laugh. Quel'Anis threw down the wool bandages and began to leave when Ku'Mari took a hold of her hand. "Kellani…" He gently pulled her back down before him and looked to her with full sincerity. "We are apart of deh Horde for our own reasons but just remember that chu and me is on deh same team. We stand for deh same thing. And really, when it comes down to it all…" he wiped up a streak of blood from his chest wound and held it up for Quel'Anis to see, "we all bleed deh same blood."
The troll's words sunk in and Quel'Anis suddenly accepted the warmth of his kindness. Something had finally clicked and the blood elf now allowed herself to admire Ku'Mari not only for all he had done, but for who he was. What was more, his strange soothing words of equality comforted her and she felt satisfied with their discussion. In fact, she felt more content than she had ever felt in her life. She dropped the used wool rags into the bowl of water and headed for the opening of the tent.
"Its getting quite late. I hope you shall be well and rested by morning." She said kindly.
"Kellani?" Ku'Mari called in a deep soft voice.
The blood elf immediately spun around, but instead of her usual emote of annoyance, ready with correction, she felt a strange flutter in her heart as a conflicted smile crossed her face.
"Yes?"
"May good juju reside ovah ya sleep tonight."
Not quite understanding these words, Quel'Anis simply and politely replied with a, "Thank you", curtsied and left to retire in her tent.
After dressing into his tunic, Ku'Mari left his tent to see who remained by the fire side. The entire company had retired their sleeping places, all but Teak Hawk who stood nearby and Garrett, who appeared to be watching guard over the camp.
Ku'Mari came before Teak Hawk, looking to Garrett in concern.
"Will he sleep?" He asked watching the living corpse stand as still as a statue at his post.
"Many undead in company see themselves responsible for watching guard in the night." Teak Hawk explained. "For him, this is rest. He will not know the peace and tranquility of sleep again until his soul has released from his dead body. Thus is the way of the Forsaken. Let us ease his duty a little."
An illuminated dust sprinkled down over the tents as the druid and shaman casted their spells of protection over the camp. Garrett turned, smiled with a broken jaw and gave the thumbs up.
"May spirits be well in the morning." The tauren said sweetly as she went to her tent. Ku'Mari smiled and returned to his tent as well. He could hear Garrett reciting what sounded like an old human poem to keep himself company. The gentle rhymes put the troll to sleep.
Dawn came warmly and brightened the sky. Everyone gradually began to emerge fro their tents to stretch, prep their materials and cook a good breakfast.
Quel'Anis came from her tent already in her leather armor and came to the fire pit to squat beside her companion. Ellorei was still in sleeping wear, a pair of leggings and her old cotton tunic, cooking breakfast.
"Ellorei, you sure do quite enjoy a slow and easy morning." Quel'Anis chimed humorously.
"Breakfast is my most favorite meal of the day. You know that! Besides, this is the sun's best angle. I know that the Sunwell must be gaining in power everyday. It's revitalizing to know."
Quel'Anis realized that it had been nearly four weeks since their last exposure to the Sunwell's powers. She was amazed at how well she and Ellorei had disregarded their need. However, the last three days had been more exciting and eventful than any quests they had experienced in the last few years. They had simply been too busy to notice their need. It itched at Quel'Anis now but she did her best to ignore it.
"Breakfast, anyone? I've made sugar cookies and young quillboar bacon." Ellorei offered.
"Sounds delicious." Teak Hawk gleefully picked some up.
"Cheah, well, I be makin roasted kodos wrapped in briarthorn." Mikal'wah proudly contested. Barrack drew to the scene like flies on molasses. He was usually, brute and stern in his manner, but this cheerful morning he sounded like a goofy oaf. "Oooh! Me want Bacon Bird Sandwich!"
Ellorei turned to Garrett, "Care for some breakfast?"
"Ellorei, the undead cannot eat." Quel'Anis quickly reminded her.
"Actually, the undead can eat, we just don't… unless… that is… if a human comes around." Garrett let out a long sinister laugh. "But really, I give thanks. I have my unnecessary vice." He finished as he lit up a pipe.
Quel'Anis turned and gazed toward Ku'Mari's tent. Ellorei could sense her friend's new interest and concern and smiled.
"Quel'Anis, please take this to Ku'Mari. It will give him strength."
"Oh no, I possibly couldn't…" Quel'Anis felt the burn of her companion's insistence. She sighed, took the bowl of cookies and bacon and headed for the troll's tent. She was immediately intercepted by Mikal'wah who stood with her arms crossed in front of the tent.
"If dis be fa Ku'Mari, I can take it in." She insisted.
Felling oddly nervous to speak with him again anyway, the blood elf willingly handed the bowl of food over and retreated back to the camp fire.
"Don't be too harsh with her, Ellorei. After all, Mikal'wah is quite a force to reckon with. And anyhow, I could never imagine Ku'Mari unable to forgive of all people, Quel'Anis." Teak Hawk and Ellorei shared a smile before falling into a giggle fit. As Quel'Anis came to sit with them once more, the three females, the undead and the orc watched as Ku'Mari retreated from his tent, rolling his eyes and shaking his head with the bowl of food in his hands as he came to the fire pit. Mikal'wah followed out shortly behind him, finishing some point of complaint. "I'm just sayin' it ain't right and ya know it!" Her eyes immediately darted to Quel'Anis and went to pull her cooking bird off of the fire. Everyone sat and ate in silence as Teak Hawk and Ellorei did their best to hold back laughter.
Quel'Anis sat sharpening her dagger with her equipment sitting nearby, clean and organized. Ku'Mari watched her and smiled which bothered Mikal'wah tremendously.
(He always be smilin' about her! What's wit all dat damn smilin'?)
"Say, Kellani, dat blade be lookin' awful weak for ya. How's deh staff treatin' ya?" Ku'Mari inquired. The blood elf looked down at her untouched staff which seemed to glow brighter than usual in the sunlight.
"Um… well…fine…I suppose." She lied hesitantly.
"How about I teach ya some skills wit it later?"
Quel'Anis looked to Mikal'wah whose lovely golden eyes had become tight slits of fury as she stared back at her. Still, she recalled that Ku'Mari had a promise to keep to her mentor. She knew well his promise of protection also came with lessons and she could not refuse the experience.
"Very well then." She said properly.
Mikal'wah scowled and headed back to her tent to break it down in her frustration. Teak Hawk giggled as she stood up.
"I'll go help the poor dear."
As breakfast eneded, Ellorei suited up for the day while Barrack and Garrett broke downt he tents and packed up the camp. Teak Hawk stood at the edge of the peak, gazing into the sun. "One day closer to justice, dear Brother. One day closer."
Secrets in Ashenvale
The company reached the Crossroads by mid morning and consorted with the troll tailor Kil'hala. They handed her the bags of collective dryad hair asked for her services.
"Deez will do just fine. I will make robes, tunics and shirts to fit ya classes properly. But I gotta take ya measurements first." She said seeming somewhat distant from interest in the work. The group took no mind and obeyed her requirements.
As everyone was sized for their new clothing, Quel'Anis who had finished first, wandered off the road and into the desert plains. She pulled her staff off of her back and gripped it tightly in her hands. All too used to her long-ranged eyes, she aimed at a snaptail raptor not far in the distance that paced about searching for food. She focused in on the movements of its head when suddenly a hand touched her back. She swiftly spun around and flipped the staff but Ku'Mari caught it in mid-air with one hand.
"So much focus… too much focus. You be ah huntah, you should be knowin' ya surroundin's at all times."
"My depth perception is near perfect." Quel'Anis argued.
"Right… when ya ain't so…" he tapped her from behind and she turned, "distracted." He finished as he turned her head to him with his fingers to her chin. Quel'Anis could feel her face flush red and knew that it surely wasn't caused by the hot desert air. She braced herself with the staff and backed away.
"Ya priority has always been to attack what's in front of ya but whattah ya do when dey comin' at ya from all different sides?"
Quel'Anis stood tall, used to the support of her straight posture for shooting, and planted her feet firmly into the ground as she awkwardly but forcefully swung the staff at Ku'Mari. He easily stopped the strike with one hand, sending a tremor through the rod and Quel'Anis fell. The troll swept her up before she could hit the ground and their eyes met. He grinned as he held her and Quel'Anis helplessly turned red once again.
Having finished their measurement fittings, Teak Hawk and Garrett sat a few yards away watching the entertaining scene before them.
"Do you think she gets what he's workin' on her?" The undead man smirked shaking his head as he looked to the tauren.
"As far as I've thus learned, Quel'Anis is quick-witted and very bright but this is one area she has no experience in."
"Defensive training… right!" Garrett teased and the two chuckled lightly. Then he suddenly sighed, something completely out of character for him to do.
"It's nice to see attraction between uncommon races with no consequence to it."
This statement was quite mysterious coming from, of all people, Garrett. Teak Hawk remained without response and continued to enjoy the "training session."
Ku'Mari released Quel'Anis and backed away as he pulled out his own staff. He tapped the anchor points on her weapon.
"Forget all dat archery stuff for ah minute. Spread ya feet bout shouddah wit apart and bend ya knees to brace yaself."
Quel'Anis followed his instructions.
"Balance, right… Deh only time you be holdin' ya staff in deh middle wit two hands is when ya pivotin', so ya don't drop it. Ya gotta hold it from far ends to block an' closer tah one side tah strike." Ku'Mari circled the blood elf slowly as she adjusted her stance. He admired her lovely slender figure for a moment before suddenly swinging in for an attack. She turned and immediately blocked him. The troll smiled and nodded accordingly as he backed away and moved slowly around her again.
Quel'Anis' face was stern as she concentrated and calculated his moves. She could not help but crack a smirk as she felt his eyes on her, "You will not be easy on me, will you?"
"Don't have tah be. You be a quick learner. An' if I ain't careful… yah might just woop mah ass!" He grinned. He struck again and this time, the fight continued. Quel'Anis blocked strike after strike as the troll's attacks came faster and faster. They fought at an amazing speed for staff combat and both broke into a sweat as it became more intense. Ku'Mari would not let up and even at this high pace, he managed to give her information.
"Ya got good stamina but ya not very strong. Nevah let your opponent brace against ya center. Dey'll knock ya over. Always work around ya weaknesses." With an extremely powerful strike, Ku'Mari attacked the center of the blood elf's staff and she inevitably fell. But before Quel'Anis hit the ground, she swung her staff out and struck at the troll's ankles and he, too, fell to the ground. Ku'Mari immediately burst into laughter. "Good! Very good!"
Quel'Anis could not help but join in and the two sat laughing until the rest of the company approached them. Barrack was the last to join them and he met up while scratching his head, with a look of concern.
"The troll woman seems to be really bothered. I think she wants some help." Barrack was always confused by females and their emotions.
"Why didn't she say so in deh first place? I can sew like its notin'" Mikal'wah said pulling out her small sewing kit.
The company returned to Kil'hala's hut and offered their services to her. The old troll laughed with a salty voice, "Don't be ridiculous! I don't be needin' no help sewin' a couple ah tops!"
"Barrack told us that you seemed troubled by something. If there is anything we can do to help…" Teak Hawk offered graciously.
The old troll sighed and set her project aside.
"If ya really tink ya could help… I'd be willin' to waive deh fees for mah service." She paused for a moment and received nodding heads to her proposition. "My cousin be in distraught ova a mattah dat happened a bit ago. It been eatin' me up too. Her siblins were killed by creatures in deh forest of Ashenvale and dey have meh family's sacred charms. Deh be treatin' dem like death trophies!" Angry tears began to well up in her eyes.
"We'll take care of the situation." Barrack answered quickly, hoping the troll woman wouldn't start to cry. Oh how he hated watching females cry. It was always such a ridiculous scene!
"Oh tank ya! Ya find meh cousin at deh Zoram'gar Outpost, in Ashenvale. But lemme finish deez clothes before ya head out."
The team headed back out to the plains to train, all except for Mikal'wah who stayed to help Kil'hala.
Ku'Mari immediately began taunting Barrack to instigate a duel of magic versus brute strength. He rubbed the orc's bald head and ran around him making faces and raspberries. His plan had worked. Barrack was peeved at the goofy troll's antics and he pulled out his massive mace and began to swing it.
"RRRAAAAGGGH!" He bellowed as he rammed into Ku'Mari who stumbled back but managed to get enough space to charge off a lightning attack. Barrack was stunned as the troll struck him with his staff, knocking him to the ground. But before Ku'Mari could climb atop the orc to make a finishing attack, Barrack rolled out of the way and got back up on his feet.
"He's quite cunning, that troll." Teak Hawk grinned while shaking her head as she sat next to the two blood elves. "Ku'Mari's favorite finishing attack is to climb upon his opponents and strike them with an elemental attack right in the face… a rather cocky and youthful technique, but impressive when he can manage it."
"He sure loves his staff. He makes so much use of it. Does he have any back up weapons?" Ellorei asked while observing the troll's actions. Quel'Anis turned to Teak Hawk curious of her reply.
The tauren sighed, "He does but I'm sure does his best not to use them unless appropriately…provoked."
Ellorei pushed on, "Is he not skilled with…them?"
"More skilled than with his staff."
The blood elves looked to the tauren in shock.
"If you recall our attack on the dryads, Mikal'wah had a rather successful outburst of magic power. That outburst came from her innate ability to go berserk. Just as you blood elves have the racial ability to silence your enemies from using magic; trolls have a rather primal ability to go berserk. All instincts take over and they go into a blood rage attacking anything that comes into their path. Though Ku'Mari tends to suppress this ability around us, I have seen him become berserk once."
"How does it happen?" Ellorei urged on.
"Ku'Mari will only allow his instincts to take over when something deeply angers or upsets him. Most trolls will go berserk when they lose their defenses and become weak but Ku'Mari refuses to rely on it. Of course, we all know how difficult it is to anger Ku'Mari." Teak Hawk smiled.
The troll and orc came running at each other at full speed, weapons ready. As Barrack swung in for the attack, Ku'Mari climbed up onto the orc's chest and blasted frost into his face. Barrack fell over once again, his head coated in ice. He slammed his fists into the ground as the ice began to melt.
"Damn you, Ku'Mari! You know I HATE the cold!"
The troll burst into laughter as he helped the orc back onto his feet.
"Dat's why I did it! Hahahahaha! You bettah be watchin' ya face round meh, mon!"
Teak Hawk shook her head, "Yes… he is very cocky."
"Next time, I'll wear a mask! I see why your kind wears them all the time!" Barrack said breaking into a small smile as everyone headed back to Kil'hala's hut.
They returned to find all of their clothing finished and the old troll and Mikal'wah helped hand the shirts and tunics out.
"All green…oh they're so pretty!" Ellorei said cheerfully.
Garrett was skeptical, "They look like team uniforms."
Teak Hawk smacked him on the back of the head before turning to Kil'hala and thanking her for her hard work.
The group packed up and headed back toward Ashenvale in their new green garments. Barrack and Garrett did their best to hide green garments under their leather and mail. The undead looked around at his crew and shook his head as another group of Horde members passed by, chuckling to themselves.
"Uniforms is what they are." Garrett said shamefully.
"Oh stop, Garrett. They're lovely!"
They reached Ashenvale by nightfall and found the troll woman, Mitsuwa.
"Ya been sent by meh cousin, no doubt." The young troll said pointing to her cousin's fine tailoring work.
Garrett gave Ellorei a look.
"Your relative mentioned something of missing charms?" Teak Hawk began.
"My kinfolk were travelin' here wit many sacred troll charms but doze damn Thistle furbolgs, dey attacked and killed dem before dey could even get here! Doze charms are very valuable to meh and meh family. Please retrieve dem. Head north of Astrannar to their den. Dey'll be hidin' dem somewhere fah sure."
As the team headed north, Ellorei doted over the beauty of the forest landscape.
"This is such a lovely magical place. It's a terrible shame that the night elves decided to ostrasize the Highbourne and forced them off the lands."
"It's a shame that you don't see how much more powerful our people have become because they were forced into the elements to make for their own." Quel'Anis argued.
"Actually, ya peoples is about deh same. Yah jest opposin' sides. Night'n day… Moonwell…Sunwell…Kal'dorei…Sin'dorei… its all deh same." Mikal'wah butt in and Quel'Anis did her best to hide her anger from the arrogant troll.
"Its true the two sides have similarities, but the people of the Kal'dorei and Sin'dorei lead such different life styles simply in the way thy see the world." Garrett added passionately.
"Since when does everyone know everything about our races?!" Quel'Anis finally snapped. Nothing was more irritating.
Garrett went silent as Mikal'wah smirked in satisfaction. The undead man sighed once more as he soaked in his surroundings. Teak Hawk noticed his strange sad and nostalgic behavior seemed worse each time they came to Ashenvale. She began to wonder what was so significant about this place to him.
They reached the Thistlefur den, a small valley lightly guarded by large bear-like beasts who grumbled loudly to each other as they paced about.
Everyone looked to their leader awaiting her orders. "Garrett, you and Ellorei sneak into the den and find the charms. Mitsuwa said they resemble that of rubies with emblems carved into them. The rest of us will distract the creatures in combat on the field."
Her plan fell into place perfectly. The furbolgs were so occupied with their attackers that they did not notice the rogue and hunter sneaking into the cave. Ellorei and Garrett found old wooden chests surrounding the inner caverns and within each one were small piles of charms. It only took them a few minutes to find and collect all of the charms before heading back out of the cave. But they were greeted by numerous unhappy furbolgs, who growled and bared their fangs. The beasts were of tauren size and mighty powerful at that. Garrett and Ellorei split ways and ran around the mass just as the beasts jumped into a pile where the two once stood. They ran frantically into the valley towards their group, the bags of charms hanging over their shoulders.
"I figured…(panting)…this…(panting)… was gonna… be the easy… quest!" Ellorei made out as they reached their allies. The furbolgs chased not too far behind them, snarling as they went. Even as the group killed the creatures off, more and more seemed to appear out of nowhere.
"Where are deez bastards comin' from?" Mikal'wah exclaimed as she charged up a fire attack. A furbolg slashed her stomach, knocking her down. As it reared up to strike at her again, she winced and covered her head with her arms. Quel'Anis had finished off one of the beasts and saw the troll in turmoil. Using her magic, she drew the attacking furbolg to herself and stabbed it with her dagger. Nearly twenty-some furbolgs closed in on the group.
"This don't look too pretty!" Barrack said angrily as he gave an aggressive roar, hoping it would discourage the oncoming beasts but their numbers were too great to be intimidated.
In her last line of defense, Mikal'wah casted a massive frost spell which exploded around the group. The furbolgs were slowed by their icy coating. The troll fell to the ground, exhausted from her efforts, as Barrack and Quel'Anis pulled her back. She frowned as she huddled into the center of the group.
"Smart attack, Mikal'wah! Thanks!" Quel'Anis smiled and handed her a few slices of bread and a small bottle of juice, before turning back to the attacking beasts.
A look of surprise crossed the troll's face as she ate the bread. She didn't know what to think of the blood elf's compliment. Ellorei fell to her hands and knees as a furbolg violently struck her over the back of her head. Teak Hawk tried her hardest to heal her falling members but her channeling was constantly disrupted by the constant attacks.
Suddenly, a strange loud blaring noise washed over the small valley. The Thistle furbolgs stopped fighting and looked in the direction the sound had come from. They snarled as they dropped onto all-fours and scrambled back into their cave.
"What was that?!" Barrack exclaimed as he searched about.
"Ovah dere!" Ku'Mari pointed to the hilltop of the valley. A blue-ish figure of a woman with a flash of white hair turned and ran into the shadow of the brush.
Garrett began to chase after the figure but Teak Hawk insisted that he not bother with her. Everyone stood tired and perplexed by the sudden events and they quickly moved to higher grounds to hide in the brush. As they sat healing and replenishing themselves, Teak Hawk bowed her head.
"I apologize, everyone. My strategy was at fault here and we nearly…"
"Don't beh beatin' ya self up ovah it, mon. Nobody knew dey'd be so many of'em." Ku'Mari patted his leader on the back. Once their health was sufficiently restored, the group headed back to the outpost and handed in the charms to Mitsuwa. The troll thanked them graciously.
"Meh cousin will be very happy to hear deh news! Please, stay the night. I will cook a hearty feast for ya and accommodate a nice place for ya at deh inn." The group could not decline. Although in good health again, their strength and spirits were low. Having been nearly beaten in battle, their armor had broken and their weapons were sparse and dull.
They traveled with Mitsuwa to Splintree Post where she cooked up an amazing array of foods. Everything from Char-grilled Wolf Meat to Cruchy Spider Surprise, Sweet Banana Bread to Spiced Bread loaves were brought to the round dining table at the inn. The group was also provided with plenty of ale and wine, which particularly excited Barrack, Mikal'wah and Ellorei. As the knight went on, the three of them ate and drank profusely and became quite gleefully drunk.
"Come on, Quel'Anis, have ssshome wine! It's made with enricssshed grapes of Azshara and water from the ol' night elves Moonwell!" Ellorei offered as she pushed goblet into Quel'Anis' face. The sober blood elf was quick to force it away.
"Oh please, that stuff numbs the mind and makes a fool of you!" she declined arrogantly.
Ellorei pouted, "Only if you allow it to! I guess you're jusssh too weak to tolerate it."
Quel'Anis immediately whipped around and snatched the goblet from her friend's hands. "Tolerate this!" She snapped as she chugged the wine down in one gulp.
Ellorei gave a sinister smile as she looked to Ku'Mari who sat with Teak Hawk, watching the scene unravel. A smirk came with intrigue replaced the look of shock on the troll's face.
"Oh no!" Teak Hawk giggled as she smacked the troll on the back. "Don't you go starting trouble tonight, Ku'Mari!"
"Quel, you've got a few more cups to drink if you're gonna catch up to me." The young blood elf teased.
"Give me a break! I can drink you under the table any day!" Quel'Anis insisted.
"You bluff!"
Quel'Anis poured and drank down four more cups of wine as her friend teasingly berated her.
Ku'Mari, who had taken down a few beers himself, took up a hand drum and sat beating a tribal rhythm as Mikal'wah and Barrack began to dance.
"I can dance better than you too!" Ellorei once again challenged her blood elf friend and joined the other two on the dance floor. However, Quel'Anis sat down beside Teak Hawk and in a subtle and passive tone replied, "Perhaps so." She accepted it. "But I can sing better." Teak Hawk realized that this was possibly a reoccurring game for the two since childhood and she smiled at how they enjoyed the competition.
Irritated with her tight bun, Quel'Anis struggled to release the tight leather rope that held her hair together. Teak Hawk helped release the binding and Quel'Anis' long flowing auburn hair bounced down past her shoulders. Fully inebriated and carefree, she began to sing an Orcish song she had learned from her mentor, Kaendris, when she and Ellorei were first taught the foreign language. She chimed beautifully Barrack cheered on the blood elf for singing a song from his childhood.
So lovely a sight it was seeing such devout team members celebrating life after such a near-death and failure experience. Teak Hawk was moved with such warm pride for her party.
Mikal'wah sat down next to Quel'Anis and suddenly threw her arms around her. Quel'Anis stopped singing and looked at the troll in surprise.
"Ya blood elves… ya ain't so bad! Yah fight really good, ya can sing pretty and ya way nicer den I thought!"
Quel'Anis hugged the troll back and they laughed in their acceptance of one another. Then the blood elf began to sing once more.
Teak Hawk walked out onto the deck to find Garrett sitting alone, staring out at the moon.
"Not in a party mood, I take it." She said in a caring tone. She much enjoyed the responsibility of being the mother hen.
"I have many things on my mind, lady." Garrett sighed. "This place holds a lot of memories for me. Many I thought would leave me once I arose from the dead and was free of the King's power… many… I had hoped… would go away for good."
"Memories? From when you were human?"
Garrett nodded.
"I had thought that all Forsaken lost memory of their past lives once they arose from the dead.
"Save, this one." Garrett stared out into the lush green and violet-leaf trees of Ashenvale. The two sat in peaceful silence and listened to the silly mess that went on inside. As the night began to wind down, the inn grew quiet aside from the occasional few brash laughs from the drunken crew.
Mikal'wah, Barrack and Ellorei had all bundled into a pile in the corner of the room, peacefully asleep on one another. Quel'Anis and Ku'Mari sat adoring their commrades.
"Dat right dere, is how ya know ya gotta great team." Ku'Mari smile
"Shilly girl… told you I could handle my wine…." Quel'Anis slurred lightly as she tipped over and fell off the bench they shared. Ku'Mari caught her before she could hit the floor- it was becoming a predictable habit- carried her to a guest bed and laid her down. He stood admiring her beauty as she slept. It was the first time he had ever seen her hair down and she looked warmer and softer; an attribute that began to slowly come out from her once hard and icy shell.
"You best be careful, troll. A woman's beauty can kill a man." Garrett half jested as he passed by.
Ku'Mari turned and grinned, "You be deh one who tol' meh she gotta death mark on meh, right? Did it to meh deh first day I saw her, mon. She did almost kill meh, if ya remember."
Garrett sighed once again, "A woman can make a man go crazy…do things he never imagined he'd ever do…." This comment was less humorous as he seemed to be at a distance. Ku'Mari followed his friend back out to the deck where Teak Hawk stood quiet and still.
"If ya don't mind meh askin', whatcha mean by ya words?"
"Silence." Teak Hawk suddenly whispered. Ku'Mari gestured in question, immediately alert.
"We have an unwanted visitor…" The tauren subtly motioned toward a shadowy part of the foliage just below. A female figure moved ever so slightly as a small breeze blowed the leaves around them. The three silently communicated a strategy and nodded in agreement. Ku'Mari quietly made his way inside, down to the bottom level and waited just inside the entranceway. Garrett and Teak Hawk carried on a petty conversation until the tauren gave the signal. Garrett abruptly leaped off the deck and dropped to the ground outside the inn. He charged at the figure, Ku'Mari ahead of him nearly upon the spy. Her silvery hair flashed in the moonlight as she turned and bolted into the woods. As she ran, her body shrank into the form of a panther and she gained speed.
"Night elf! Druid!" Ku'Mari shouted as he and Garrett now struggled to keep up. Teak Hawk, now in the druidic form of a bear, thundered past her comrades, and pounced on the small panther. There was a ferocious fight between druid beasts as Ku'Mari and Garrett caught up and prepared to attack as well. The troll struck the panther with lightning while Garrett pitched sharp daggers into its side. The panther cried out as she returned to her night elf form. Teak Hawk also reverted to her true form and stood back with her allies as the night elf dragged herself a small distance away, covered in gashes, skin-tears and burns. Garrett froze in sudden shock. Ku'Mari and Teak Hawk channeled their final attacks as Garrett suddenly ran and dropped to his knees before the night elf.
"NO! DON'T KILL HER! I BEG OF YOU!" He cried out in a weak and broken voice of desperation.
"What deh hell ya doin',mon?!" Ku'Mari exclaimed.
"Garrett! What is this treachery!?" Teak Hawk scowled.
"She's deh enemy!"
"She is my lover! Please…" He implored.
Ku'Mari looked to Teak Hawk who wore a cold, stern expression.
The tauren darkly answered, "Bring her to the inn. Make sure she is seen by no one."