#Omaroku

[joywindsong]

The Half Blood Mage Pt 2

The Backstory

Traditionally in night elf society, men are guided to the teachings of Cenarius while women are expected to follow the light of Elune. 

Vionira Moonwalker was one of the exceptions. Vionira showed a strong bond with nature early on in life. Born in Hyjal, she is relatively young compared to her peers. The Cenarion Circle was also hesitant about welcoming her into their ranks. After the Third War things were starting to change within the Cenarion Circle. Gender became less of an issue, as well as race. The tauren, who once followed Cenarius’ teachings but strayed away towards elemental magic, were in the process of reconnecting to druid teachings. This of course did not come without concerns.

The tauren were allied with the Horde. Even if they shared the same values in the teachings of Cenarius, they were standing by the same orcs who laid waste to sections of the sacred forests of Ashenvale during the third war. 

Vionira, like many of the Kal’dorei, was residing in Moonglade after the fallout of the war. Though she had years of experience as a druid, she was still treated as a novice and expected to attend training seminars far below her capabilities. One of the trainers was a Highmountain named Ualke. 

Ualke was a mysterious character. He resided with the Bloodhoof sharing his wisdom. Much of his teachings focused not on druidism purely, but the connection of mortals to the greater powers on Azeroth. Expertise that spanned across both druidism and shamanism made him a valuable resource in reintroducing the teachings of Cenarius to the tauren, aswell as reviving the practice of shamanism among the orcs and trolls of the Horde. Ualke regularly traveled to Moonglade with his tauren druid pupils, but he proposed to take it one step further. “Some of my students in shamanism are struggling to truly connect to the elements. It also seems that there is hesitation in my pupils in Moonglade to fully accept tauren druids. It would seem mutually beneficial to bring some of the orcs and trolls under my guidance to come to a haven of nature and allow everyone to co-exist.” Ualke would propose to the leadership in the Cenarion Circle. Reluctantly, Ualke was granted permission and the next time he came to Moonglade he brought along about a dozen students. A few druids, but mostly shaman. Some tauren, but several orcs and trolls as well. They were welcomed to the city of Nighthaven but of course stood out very clearly. Ualke had mostly brown fur with a gray mane and gray patches forming. His eyes became white as he grew old, his exact age unknown but his presence was that of a tauren in his physical prime, especially with antlers towering on top of his large frame. Mail shoulders over his ceremonial robes filled out his massive frame even more as his deep but raspy voice projected over the students before him in the forest of Moonglade. Students dressed in basic ceremonial robes sitting in the grass.

His parting words as he ended his lesson:

“Your connection to the forces of nature on Azeroth will only grow stronger if you accept your brothers and sisters regardless of race. Do not allow arbitrary political divisions in the world to make you bigoted. Elves were once trolls. Tauren were the first children of Cenarius. The orcs are our new brothers and sisters in Azeroth, and may not be the last. They breathe with the elements and the Earthmother, Elune, the same as us all. I ask that you not simply go your separate ways as I dismiss you. Please, intermingle. Understand each other. Strengthen your connection to the world around you. That is a greater lesson than I can bestow onto any of you.”

Vionira stood up and scanned around. She was a tall and toned elf with bobbed green hair, light purple skin that skewed almost pink, and dark purple markings that went down across her light blue eyes. She looked across the crowd and saw most of the students mingling within their own races or factions. So much for what their teacher asked of them. 

Across the way she noticed a tall troll with green skin and a shaved head. His tusks protruded from his face and he leaned back against a tree not speaking to anyone. Vionira took the opportunity to approach. “Hello. What is your name?” Vionira asked as intimately as she could. The troll looked down at her, he had a bit of height on her despite both being tall. “What it be to you? Old bull be preachin’ tales. Da’ elements be communin’ jus’ fine. No need’ta be friendly wit’ elves.” He dismissed.

“Well. What he said is true. Elves were once trolls, so in a way we’re kin.” Vionira lectured to the scoffing shaman. 

“Why ya’ tryin’ so hard? Ain't’ya elves be hatin’ us Horde?” “Well. I’m a druid first. I’ve also been a druid longer than anyone else in this group, and Ualke is the only instructor who actually says anything interesting. Your warchief also helped us greatly in defeating Archimonde at Hyjal. So, maybe some of you are alright.” Vionira says to the troll who blows air out of his nose. “Our Warchief do be great mon. Saved me from bein’ sacrificed by fish.” The troll chuckles. “Vionira Moonwalker, by the way.” Vionira smirks.

“Omaroku.” He tells her reluctantly. “When do you leave?” She asked. “I believe we be headin’ out at sunrise tomorrow.” Omaroku responded. “Any plans between now and then?” Vionira curiously asked. “Nope.” He answered. “Well, how would you like me to show you around?” Omaroku looked around and sighed. “Ain’ got nothin’ better to do.”

The pair split off from the group and start walking towards Nighthaven. “So’ya been a druid longest of everyone?” Omaroku questions the elf. “Of the novices. I’ve been a druid much longer than I’ve been in the Cenarion Circle. Traditionally women in our society are warriors or priestesses or sentinels. The men tend to be the druids but now it’s opening up more.” Vionira explains.

“Shamanism be new to me. I was jus’ a headhunter out on the isles I came from. Joinin’ the Horde bring new opportunities. Learnin’ ta’harness elements seem to offer more.” Omaroku explains. “You hunted heads?” she responds. “Eh, somethin’ like that. So ya’ be powerful?” 

“I would be more powerful if I got the chance to train at my level. But I’m stuck here for now. Until I can go out into the world and start really testing myself.” Vionira vents. “If ya powerful, show me.” The shaman challenges. “Excuse me?” Vionira is caught off guard. “Lemme see how great a druid’ya be, Vionira.” The troll crosses his arms. “Alright. Let’s go this way then.”

Vionira leads Omaroku off the trail and into a clearing in the woods a bit into the hills. Out of sight of the trail or the village. Vionira stands a few feet away with her hands out as Omaroku stands still in front of her. 

“Stay still and don’t struggle.” Omaroku raises an eyebrow at the elf's instructions as vines rise from the ground, entangling him. 

“What ya’be doin!” Omaroku hollers. “They only last a moment.” Vionira pants as the vines retreat from the thrashing limbs of the troll. “Dem’ vines got thorns!” Omaroku raises his forearm covered in scratches to the elf’s face. “Oh, sorry. Hold on.” Vionira’s hands glow and she casts a spell on Omaroku causing his wounds to quickly heal. “Hmm. Be an’interesting trick but what can’ya really be doin’ in battle?” The troll asks. “I don’t know how I’d demonstrate that. This is a peaceful haven for nature and beasts alike.” Vionira says, wiping sweat from her forehead.

“Ain’t tryna spar?” The troll teases. “I’m not sure you’d survive. Don’t wanna cause a war.” The druid retorts. “Ya’seem sure. Ain’t even seen me fight. Might surprise ya’.” Vionira laughs at the implication and Omaroku changes the subject. “Do be similar to elemental magic tho. Maybe the old bull be onto somethin’.” 

“Perhaps. Maybe that means you shouldn’t be so closed off to me just because I’m an elf.” Vionira says sitting down leaning against a tree root. “Ay, who be sayin’ I jus’ be closed off to elves. I ain’ one to go sharin’ everyting wit’ everyone.” Omaroku defends himself as Vionira motions for him to come sit with her. The troll obliges sitting a few feet away to keep his distance.

“Well, I personally hope that if you and your people are living in Kalimdor we can have peace. At least co-exist. For the good of Azeroth.” The night elf tries to explain to the troll who squares his shoulders away from her. “I jus’ want my people to survive. We been displaced enough in my life. The Horde offerin’ us a home when nobody else will. Same wit’ the tauren. All dis’ nature stuff, it be a means to an end.” Omaroku confesses. “A means to an end?” Vionira asking for elaboration. “I got a new home, new people, new nation. I ain’t strong enough to defend, but it be worth defendin’. I ain’t got the spirit of a berserker, ain’t got the patience of a priest, ain’t got the smarts to be a mage, and I ain’t so good wit’ tamin’ beasts. Elements be the only ting I feel I can understand enough to achieve the power I need ta’earn my keep.” Omaroku tells her. “I see.” Vionira scoots a bit closer. “I thought you were gonna say you just want to be strong, but it’s honorable that you have a purpose behind that. In a way you could connect that to all of Azeroth like Ualke says.” Vionira leans against the troll and points up generally at the trees. “I want to protect all of this, and coincidentally the nature I want to protect helps me in that purpose. Maybe the answer to harnessing the full power of the elements is to see how they allow your home to stand strong?” Vionira notices the feeling of warmth of her body touching his and sits back on her own. “Ya’know.” Omaroku chuckles “I was a bit inspired seein’ Thrall come in and fry dem fish up ta’help us. I guess the elements gave’im power to build us all up.” 

Omaroku looks over at Vionira and their eyes meet. 

He hasn’t looked directly at her so openly until now. Vionira looks away. The troll notices how smooth and soft her skin is and how delicate the features of her face are. His eyes wander down inspecting the shape of her body and Vionira peeks back over at him. “Excuse me. What do you think you’re looking at?” She scolds. “Ah, sorry.” Omaroku blushes looking forward. “Never seen’an elf up close before. At least not one not tryna kill me.” “Oh.” Vionira blushes looking at the toned muscular body of the troll. His face is much… cleaner than she would have expected. Her eyes are drawn to the long curved tusks coming from his mouth. “I’m sorry if this is strange but… could I touch them?” Vionira asks pointing to the corner of her mouth. Omaroku looks at her confused. “Uh. Sure.” He leans his face towards her. Vionira runs her fingers across his tusks. They look like they’d be more coarse but they’re smooth to the touch. As he leans forward her face gets closer to his, for a moment they gaze into each other's eyes. Vionira moves closer, angling her face between his tusks. Omaroku puts his hand on her cheek as she gets closer, gently and naturally guiding her face. Their lips touch.

[joywindsong]

The Seductive Bandit Pt 3

"It's about damn time ye showed up! I told ye we set sail at dawn!"

Alyarus drops a box of engineering parts, including the laser gun that was pointed at her the night before, on the deck of the Great Blue Meg.

The pirate ship is ported off the shore between Ratchet and Northwatch hold at mid morning.

Alyarus is in full sailor's attire. A buccaneers shirt, belt, and cut off shorts with sailor's boots and gloves. She flips the hair from her face smiling after leaving the box of goods at Mad Whale's feet.

"I knew you wouldn't leave without me." She smirked.

Mad Whale rummaged through the box.

"I ain't seein-" Alyarus hands him a pump like device. "AGH! DAS EXACTLY WHAT WE NEEDED FROM THE LIL MUNCHKIN! Thank ye Alyarus!"

"My pleasure captain."

Alyarus looks up at the deck and notices an unfamiliar, large, hooded figure. A man standing at well over 6 feet tall with broad shoulders wearing plate and chain mail armor. His features are difficult to make out from the brown bushy beard on his face. Alyarus puts a hand on the hilt of her sword.

"And who are you exactly?"

"Aye!" Mad Whale exclaims "This is why ye need to be showin up when I say!"

Mad Whale beckons the man over.

"Alyarus, meet yer new crewmate for the next few months at least. He'll be joining us on our way 'round the Eastern Kingdoms."

The man removes his hood to reveal wavy dark brown hair that curls down to his eyebrows. Despite his beard, his face looks relatively young, perhaps early to mid 20's.

"Vontez Cronart, formerly of Alterac Kingdom ma'am."

Alyarus gives Vontez a wild look.

"Alterac? That place still around?"

Vontez looks down. "No ma'am. Not as it once was. I spent my teen years as a refugee."

"Ah. Another refugee huh? Guess the deckhands around here are getting better than being creeps and scoundrels."

"Aye! Not a deckhand. A crewmate." Mad Whale chimes in. "Vontez was a student of the Argent Dawn. He be a very valuable combatant to our crew while he joins us! Which is why you be supervisin him!"

Alyarus looks shocked. "The Argent Dawn!? What kind of Paladin joins a pirate crew!?"

"One that's not particularly a fan of Kingdoms and is too proud to stow away." Vontez responds.

Alyarus sid-eyes the strange man. "I'm not so sure about this."

"Well I am!" Mad Whale exclaims. "Now raise anchor! We're already behind schedule! Set sail for Booty Bay!"

Deckhands adjust the sails and heave the anchor from the ocean floor. The ship leaves the shore out onto the Great Sea.

~

The moon lights the deck of the Meg. Vontez looks out at the water as the current voyage is nearing its end. The air is cold and breezy out on the water.

"I'm surprised your showing so much skin in this weather." Vontez remarks, noticing Alyarus stalking behind him.

"You get used to the ocean air after several years out here." She comes up next to him and leans on the railing.

"If you're part of the Argent Dawn shouldn't you be up in Northrend right about now?" Alyarus prods.

"I'm not part of the Argent Dawn necessarily. I was trained to harness the light by them, but their affiliation with the factions isn't my cup of tea."

"Would rather run around with pirates huh?" She jokes.

"Honestly, yes. I watched my life fall apart because of the Alliance. The Horde would never have a human like me, but I doubt they're much better. Pirates, at least the ones like Mad Whale, operate under some code of honor."

Alyarus stares off at the soft light on the deck.

"Well I wouldn't call what I did to get those parts honorable."

"Azeroth's oldest profession?" Vontez quips back.

Alyarus blushes "None of your business young man!"

Vontez laughs "Trust me. I find that to be much more honorable than what I've seen from the supposed 'high societies' of humanity."

"I didn't come up here to reflect on your past." Alyarus changes the subject. "We'll be at shore off the coast of Stranglethorn Vale tomorrow morning. About a mile north of Booty Bay."

"We're not porting at Booty Bay?" Vontez questions.

"We're not." Alyarus answers "The old man has a bounty on his head. Comes with the territory of captaining a pirate crew. That's where you and I come in."

Alyarus pulls out a map and motions for Vontez to move in closer to see her instructions.

"Our group will head in through this opening in the jungle by the Gurabashi arena. It will be you, myself, and our shipwright. Between the three of us we should have no issues making it to the roads. We don't look like we're aligned with a particular faction with a human, tauren and high elf, so hopefully we shouldn't be targeted by any Horde or Alliance passing through. There are beasts and forest trolls but they should pose no threat to us. Then we just follow the trail to Booty Bay and find our contact at the inn. Then we come back and set sail to our next destination."

Alyarus rerolls the map. "Should be an easy in and out."

Vontez looks confused "Then what do you need me for?"

"Have you been to Stranglethorn Vale? I may have downplayed it but saying 'should' doesn't mean absolute. There are hooligans and dangers all around that jungle. We need at least two to three competent arms to be sure we get in and out." Alyarus puts a finger to Vontez's chest. He's wearing simple clothes in place of his plate armor. "We haven't seen how capable you are yet. Moosehead is a pretty powerful Shaman but he's not exactly a fighter. So it will mostly be up to us to make sure no harm comes to him, because I know I won't understand a damn thing that comes out of our contact's mouth. Unless you have some expertise we don't know about, we'll need to keep him in one piece on the way into town."

Vontez looks off to the ocean. "Seems simple enough."

"It should be. Get some rest. We'll be on shore before you know it."

~

The ship reaches the shore of Stranglethorn Vale. The morning sun accompanies the sound of exotic bugs and birds singing in the wilderness. Alyarus, Vontez and Moosehead walk down the plank with Mad Whale giving parting words. Alyarus is wearing her regular garb with a cloak to cover up. Vontez is in his plate armor. Moosehead is wearing robes and ceremonial garb towering over his companions with a strange set of antlers unlike what you would find on most tauren.

"Alright crew! Just go into town, get what we need, and come back to the ship. If ye ain't back by sun down I'll be forced to come in after ye' and nobody wants that."

"Understood Captain." Alyarus salutes leading Moosehead and Vontez into the wild.

"Moose. You stay back a bit and report on the rear. Vontez and I will move forward and make sure anything in front of us is slain for a clear path."

"Aye aye Miss Alyarus."

The trio move into the cover of the trees. Cutting through foliage and covering ground. Alyarus puts a hand up to halt the group.

"What's wrong?" Vontez asks to a quick hush from Alyarus.

"We should have seen something by now." She whispers.

"Seen what!?" Vontez asks under his breathe.

"Something! A raptor, wild cat, gorilla, anything." Alyarus searches around and notices the skinned corpses of beasts around them in the bushes.

"DUCK!" Moosehead yells summoning the earth beneath them to knock Vontez and Alyarus off their feet.

A bolt of lightning cracks and bursts the trees around them.

"MOOSE WHAT ARE YOU SHOOTING AT!?" Alyarus yells.

"I didn't shoot at anything." Moose says sternly pointing ahead at a heavily armored troll wearing a Horde military tabard.

[joywindsong]

The Half Blood Mage Pt 1

The sky is purple over the magical city of Dalaran. Everyday life has resumed for the Arcane scholars living beneath the impenetrable dome of magic. Despite the city very recently experiencing many drawbacks between the Scourge invasion and some notable power struggles, things seem to have settled down as the city is being rebuilt to its former glory.

Within the city is an orphanage, mostly the children who lost their families during the Third War and rampage of the Scourge across the Northern Eastern Kingdoms. As the surviving wizards of the Kirin'Tor returned to the ruins of their city, the Alliance sent with them a newborn child without a home, Onara Moonwalker. A girl who stood out among the high elven and human orphans.

"Onara is not weird. She is just a bit different is all. Just like none of you are exactly the same." Orphan Matron Aria explains to the children.

The young half troll Kal'dorei sat off on her own facing the wall of the orphanage. Turquoise hair tied back into the same pigtails that all the other girls had. Eyes glowing blue and skin that was a less vibrant mix of green and blue. Most alienating were the small nubs of tusks that poked out from the sides of her mouth.

"She looks like those green guys that my dad used to tell me about that came through the black portal! Is she one of them!?" A human boy yelled.

"That's the dark portal, and no. She is not an orc. She is an elf just like many of you. She has also suffered loss like all of you, so I won't tolerate the unkindness you've all been showing her." Aria scolds crouched down to be on the level of the situation.

Onara has her hands over her mouth with tears forming in her eyes. Aria goes to Onara with a hand on her back to console her.

"I heard her parents didn't even die! They just didn't want her!" Hollered one of the elf boys.

"No wonder, she must have been an ugly baby." Whispered one of the girls, loud enough for Onara to hear.

Onara tries to hold back tears but runs out of the orphanage wanting to be anywhere but there. Aria calls after her but Onara runs out into the streets. Up the cobblestone road, the voice of the orphan matron fades. Suddenly a wall of ice shoots up from the street and Onara has to stop suddenly falling over herself down to the ground.

"Careful little one! It's dangerous up ahead." A human man in purple robes approaches the girl as the ice wall falls. The man has long blonde hair and a clean shaven, but visibly wrinkled, face. Kneeling down to her level he points at the construction just ahead.

"The streets are no place for a child like you to run around unattended." He turns to see her crying. "What's wrong? Are you hurt?" Onara covers her mouth trying to speak through the sobs.

"The other kids- they said- said I was ugly and- and that my parents didn't want me..." the child manages to make out.

The stranger offers an empathetic expression.

"That's very cruel. I'm sorry they would say things like that. I can't imagine how that must feel for you."

Aria catches up to the child.

"Onara! Don't run off like that!" The orphan matron scolds as she gently helps her to her feet and scans her for injuries. "Thankyou sir, for stopping her."

"Of course. You're her guardian I presume?" Asks the stranger, still kneeling down to Onara's level.

"I run the orphanage, so yes." Aria assures.

"Then with your permission, I'd like to offer her this to lift her spirits." The man conjures a mana cookie in his hands and presents it to the pair. Onara's face lights up.

"That is very kind of you. She may have it." Aria confirms as he hands Onara the cookie.

"How did you do that!?" Onara inspects the cookie with wonder and amazement.

"Magic." The stranger says with a smile on his face, as he waves a hand with an arcane glow causing Onara's face to beam with excitement. He looks up at Aria as he stands up. "Allow me to escort you two back to the orphanage."

As they reach the orphanage and Onara is sent inside, the stranger has a word with the orphan matron outside.

"Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Elrik. I'm a professor at the academy. I'm curious, she mentioned the children here were being unkind to her."

Aria sighs. "Unfortunately. Her mother is a member of the Alliance who fraternized with a Troll before tensions rose to the point that they have now. Her mother wanted to send her to Moonglade so she could still be apart of her life, but apparently there was concern about the proximity to the Horde. So, she was sent here as reconstruction was starting. It was fine for a long time but I'm afraid the kids have started latching onto her differences in a bad way as she's grown."

"I see. She is much younger than any of the students we currently have, but she seems to have an interest in magic and I do wonder if she may feel a bit more accepted with us. If you feel it might be right for her, I know the right people to talk to."

~

The sky would stay purple under the dome of protection for several years. The once small child is now a less small child approaching ten years of age, running through the halls of Violet Hold in her trainee's robes. Her hair has grown to elegantly fall down to her shoulders.

"Miss Moonwalker! No running in the hallways!" Adius yells at the young student.

Onara blinks down the hallway "Sorry! I couldn't hear you. Guess you have to catch me first." Onara laughs turning the corner to a portal with the gnome professor looking up at her.

"You think I can't use magic for mischief too?" Adius opens another portal. "To my office young lady."

Onara pouts stepping through the portal. "Seriously? You're gonna write me up for that?"

"Not exactly. There are about to be some major changes around here that may impact you Miss Moonwalker."

Adius follows her through the portal that closes behind him. Onara takes a seat and the gnome steps up to his chair behind a small desk that is somehow still too big for him. Adius sorts through a few papers on his desk before pulling out an envelope with the Stormwind seal on it.

"That's for me?" Onara sits straight up in her chair.

"No. This is for me and for all the major administrators and governing bodies in Dalaran. But it pertains to you." Adius explains as Onara sinks down. "I won't get into all the politics of it or we'll be here all day. But, what you need to know is we will be transporting the kingdom of Dalaran over Northrend."

"What? You can do that?" Onara asks bewildered.

"We can do that. But what matters is we will also be opening Dalaran to outsiders for the first time in many many years. Both members of the Horde and the Alliance will be passing through."

"Really!? So does that mean I'll finally be able to see people who look like me!?" Onara exclaims.

"Hmm perhaps." The gnome ponders. "However, you are our youngest student and there will be potential danger with the outsiders. But thankfully any concern of that has been calmed by this." Adius files through the papers again to find a plain envelope.

He removes the letter inside and hands it to Onara. She quickly scans it and her eyes suddenly go wide shifting back and forth through the letter.

"This is really?..." Onara looks up at Adius.

"Yes Onara. It has been a pleasure teaching you but it's time for you to reunite with your mother."

[joywindsong]

The Seductive Bandit Pt 10

Ranger boots hit the ground. Running up the trail through the Ghostlands. Ignoring the cries for help from the mutilated citizens of Quel'Thalas who lie next to bodies and fall victim to straggling scourge forces. Watching the ranger run by, selfishly drowning out their pleas, would be their dying memory. Her knees and ankles ached with sharp pain, but the Lich King's forces still roamed. She couldn't stop running. Up through the Thalassian Pass, she saw the bodies of the guardians of the land, running past into Lordaeron.

Nowhere seemed safe. She could go to the lodge just past the border, but who knows what kind of Scourge could be there, or other refugees who might question her. She was wrong for what she was doing. Her family and friends were dying as she ran. As she came through the pass she looked out onto Lordaeron to see how the plague had ravaged the once serene landscape.

~Epilogue

Alyarus awoke staring at the ceiling of the infirmary on the Great Blue Meg. There is a tight compression on her left arm. Her nose and face are throbbing. She has to breathe through her mouth but there is a sharp pain as she inhales.

"You're awake." A deep voice said, approaching her bed.

"And, you're alive." Alyarus looked up at Moosehead.

The tauren pulls an ankh from under the collar of his robe and shows it to her.

"The Earthmother decided it was not my time to leave." He grinned. "See she spared you as well."

"Yeah... bad habit it seems." Alyarus stares up at the ceiling. Moosehead lets out a sigh.

"There is no shame in self preservation my friend. You said it yourself. Dying to the Scourge with the rest of your kin wouldn’t have made any difference. If they won't take the capable combatant you've grown into, that's their loss." Moose says handing her a mug.

Alyarus sits up to intense pain in her ribs. She takes the mug through the winces of her agony.

"Just woke up and you're trying to get me drunk?" She takes a sip to taste nothing.

"It's water. You're too dehydrated to heal back to full health." Moose informs.

"Did he make it?" She questions curiously over the top of the mug.

"The human is perfectly fine. Just shaken up. His stoic demeanor doesn't change the fact that he is a young adventurer. He hasn't seen what we've seen. This also seemed to be a rather emotionally taxing event for everyone involved."

Alyarus looks down at her mug. "I wasn't talking about Vontez..."

"Pesky paladins always seem to have some trick up their sleeve. He came back from the edge of death and the Captain disengaged us from the situation." Moose explained.

"So he'll be back for me."

"You have a whole crew behind you. The Captain would have never sent a new recruit with us if he expected things to go so South. He did his best, but Vontez has a long way to go. He wasn't ready to go up against an elite like that." Moose tells Alyarus who stares straight ahead. "I'll give you time to process things. I'll be back to heal you in a bit."

Later that night Alyarus is up and moving. She sneaks up to the upper decks to see Vontez looking out at the water. She slips through the shadows to appear behind him.

"How are we feeling new recruit?" She teases to no response.

Alyarus comes up next to Vontez and touches his arm. He's wearing his cloak in plain clothes.

"You did your best, and you lived to fight another day. That's what counts."

He sighs. "I'm sorry I couldn't protect you..."

Alyarus tilts her head. "But you did protect me."

"I didn't. I started doubting the light and that's what let him overwhelm me. I couldn't stand to see someone wielding the righteousness of the light for such an evil reason. I started questioning it and I lost it." Vontez explained plainly. Alyarus raises her eyebrow.

"I thought the light had no moral compass. It's just a matter of personal determination. My brother's power from the light isn't a testament to the force's nature, but his own twisted sense of morality." Alyarus leans on the railing and looks up at the sky. "My brother's sense of right and wrong has always been based in bureaucracy and law. That's what made him take to the light so easily. He has a black and white view on those things. It's very easy for him to dedicate himself to the cause of maintaining order and status quo. You watched your kingdom crumble at the hands of the law. So of course you'll both come from two very different points of view."

Vontez sits on the deck covered in his cloak. "Why is he so much stronger than me? Is what I stand for not something I believe in strongly enough? I'm ashamed that I couldn't step up to him and prove him wrong."

Alyarus steps up to Vontez and crouches down. She removes his hood and pushes the hair off his forehead.

"I'm not a servant of the light. But I know my brother has at least a few hundred years on you. He's naturally going to have a stronger sense of what he stands for. You don't even know how little you know yet. Testing your devotion to what you stand for is what makes you stronger. This is one of those tests. But it’s very noble of you to feel the way you do."

"I am still ashamed that my values were shaken and it could have gotten us killed." The human's face remains stern and melancholic.

Alyarus pouts and puts her hand on his bearded cheek. "Failure is a part of life. Heroes survive, like we did today, and keep moving forward." She leans forward and kisses him on the cheek. "It's cute that you feel so bad about not protecting me though." Alyarus walks back to the lower decks.

Vontez blushes a bit and turns to her as she's leaving. "What was that for?" Alyarus smirks.

"Feel grateful. Not many men have gotten that for free. All you had to do was almost die for me." With a cocky grin she slips back into the shadows.

Vontez, not used to affection, takes a moment to take in what happened. He looks back out into the night sky reflecting on the high elf's words.

~Prologue

Far up north over the Crystalsong Forest in Northrend, two wyvern fly to a city in the sky. Touching down in Krasus' Landing a troll and blood elf dismount from their taxis.

"Wow mon. So dis' be what dey was hidin' over in Silverpine?" Omaroku remarked.

"Your first time seeing it?" Moraliuen asked. "Ya tink a troll my age was hangin around dem' parts before the Third War? All I be knowin' is a big barrier in da middle of da woods."

"Aren't most trolls from the Eastern Kingdoms?" Moraliuen questioned in an antagonizing way. "I know ya don't be implyin' I'm an Amani. Stranglethorn be all I know of dem' Eastern Kingdoms before everyting. Speakin' of, what was takin ya' so long the other day?" Omaroku prodded. "Had to take care of some enemies. Was a bit more troublesome than I thought." "Ah, chasin' dem honor kills for da Warchief?" Omaroku laughed.

"These were just some pirates, and most slipped away. Though I did slay a few of the Alliance in the jungle that day." Moraliuen bragged. "I'm sure dey had it comin'. Da elves always do... no offense." Omaroku laughs again. A messenger runs up to the pair. A younger human male wearing a purple robe. "Excuse me. Do either of you speak common?" "We both do" Moraliuen responds. Omaroku grumbles and says to Moraliuen in orcish. "Ay mon! Ya know I don' be tellin' Alliance I know it." "He seems to be with the Kirin'Tor. They're a neutral faction." Moraliuen responds back in orcish to Omaroku waving a hand. The young man points to Omaroku. "Are you a Darkspear Shaman by chance?" Omaroku reluctantly responds. "Yes. I be." "The Kirin'Tor are looking for an... um." The young man reads off a piece of parchment. "Omar..Rocku?" "Omaroku?" Moraliuen asks. "Is that how this is pronounced?" The young man shows the parchment to the blood elf and Omaroku snatches it out of his hand. "What be this?" Omaroku reads off a physical description of himself on the piece of parchment. "7'4? I be 7'6!" "Oh wow! So it is you! I was the one who found you!" The young man cheers. "Oh yeah. You're gonna have to come with me to see my teacher. He can explain everything." Omaroku gives the young human a puzzled look. "We have business Omaroku." Moraliuen reminds his comrade in orcish. "Ya' be goin' ahead. I'll entertain dis' little man." Omaroku tells Moraliuen who shrugs and walks off. Omaroku follows the boy to the Runeweaver Square where they enter one of the far buildings. An older gnome with brown hair, most not on the top of his head, wearing a Kirin'Tor tabard and purple robe looks up at the troll walking in. "Is this Omaroku?" He asks the young man. "Yes sir!" The student says excited. "Good work. Allow me to speak to our guest alone." The young man leaves a bit disappointed.

Omaroku waits for the door to close. "What be da deal mon'? Who are ya and what ya be lookin for me for?" The gnome motions for Omaroku to sit in the nook by the doorway. Two small chairs across a small table. The gnome sits and Omaroku's lanky body squats into the chair. "My name is Adius. I'm a professor of Arcane here in Dalaran. I'm also in charge of managing the well being and care of some of our youngest pupils." "What dis' got to do wit me?" Omaroku asks impatiently. "Well. As you know, Dalaran has been closed off to the world for many years. Since just after the Third War. Partly to maintain a peaceful sanctuary for our studies, but also to avoid the conflict growing between the two factions. We also became a sanctuary for survivors of the scourge and some notably unique cases." Adius conjures some tea onto the table with cups set for both his guest and him. He takes a sip. "One of those unique cases was a newborn child from the Alliance whose mother didn't want to risk that child becoming a casualty of war." "Hold on a minute." Omaroku leans forward pointing to his military tabard. "Dis be lookin' like a lion to ya? What ya be tryin'a say?"

Adius takes a sip of his tea. "Her mother was worried she'd face discrimination in the Alliance. Her mother was a night elf. The father was a troll." "Now-!" Omaroku goes to protest and has a sudden realization. "Wait a minute mon'..."

"Mr. Omaroku. We believe we have your daughter." Adius tells the troll blankly.

Omaroku's head sinks into his hands on the table. "We received a report from the Alliance a couple of days ago. Her mother has passed. We were in the process of arranging a return of custody. She's been heart broken ever since we told her the news. We were hoping you'd be willing to at least be apart of her life."

"I had an elf chile this whole time mon'..." Omaroku is in shock.

"She doesn't know who you are. We won't tell her or introduce you unless you're feeling up to it. She's been raised by the Kirin'Tor her whole life, and she even has a ton of potential already in arcane magic. There would be no harm in leaving her in our care." Adius assures. Omaroku sighs. "I dunno mon..."

~FIN

[joywindsong]

The Seductive Bandit Pt 4

Another bolt of lightning ricochets and sets fire to the trees and foliage around Alyarus, Vontez and Moosehead, who are taking cover behind a fallen tree.

"Dammit! Why is he attacking us!" Alyarus yells at Moose.

"I don't know! Let me try to talk to him!"

ZAP! Another burst of lightning explodes the tree they're hiding behind, sending shrapnel and debris everywhere.

"I don't think he's trying to talk!" Vontez exclaims, rushing into battle.

"Don't be a hothead! Dammit! Get back here!" Alyarus shouts watching Vontez beam his shield at the troll.

The troll uses his dual maces in a unified swing to deflect the shield in another burst of lightning back at Vontez.

Vontez barely catches his shield, getting knocked back. The troll sends a wave of frost at the Paladin, hindering his mobility. Vontez uses his survival instinct to break free just in time for the troll to close the distance and send a wave of flame that Vontez barely raises his shield against. Lightning cracks and the troll spins around to do a unified strike with both maces into Vontez's chest plate.

A small explosion bursts on Vontez's torso knocking him down to the ground. As the troll reels back for a final blow Vontez summons a bubble to protect himself, deflecting the attack.

The troll grunts in frustration. Alyarus appears behind the troll and slices her dagger across his hamstring. Her arms tingle and tense up feeling a shock. He must be using a lightning shield, but she powers through to toss blinding powder in the troll's eyes as he turns to face her.

"Stop!" Moosehead shouts, vaulting an earth totem at the feet of the troll. "Get away you two!"

Vontez pulls Alyarus away from the enemy while she tries to regain feeling in her arms. Moosehead approaches while the troll speaks in tongues that Vontez and Alyarus can't understand.

"What the deal mon!? Why ya protectin that Alliance scum!?"

"We are neither Horde or Alliance. We are travelers headed to Booty Bay." Moosehead responds in Orcish.

"Travelers wit a human Paladin? Smells like Alliance to me! Why you with these two!? You colluding with the enemy!?" The troll barks angrily.

"We are neither Horde or Alliance. I am not of the Horde. They are not of the Alliance." Moosehead reiterates. "What is your name, brother of the elements?"

"Why I be tellin ya!? So you can send more to come kill me!?"

"I am Moosehead. Student of Ualke from the Highmountain tribe. What is your name." He repeats sternly.

"You be a student of Ualke!? I ain't seen dat old bull in years!" The troll glances around and lowers his weapons a bit. "Omaroku. Why ain't ye serving the Horde then?"

Moosehead responds "I'd assume a student of Ualke understands there are bigger things in this world than warfare."

Omaroku sneers at Vontez and Alyarus as he places his weapons back at his side.

"Be careful mon', I be lettin ya be. But my comrade ain't gonna be so lenient if he finds ya'." Omaroku whistles and summons a frostwolf to the clearing. The troll mounts the wolf and rides off into the jungle.

Alyarus goes to Moosehead's side "What did you say to him?"

"The elements bind the world in many ways. But we must hurry. It seems like he's not alone."

Alyarus gives a prompt nod and continues leading forward.