Small world through small eyes

[Vilmah]

((Flashback stories! Interaction is cool open, as long as they match the timeframe.))

She'd been watching the blademaster's sword dance for hours. Isshnryu was caught in the heat of the moment, his long ponytail swinging about like ribbon in a breeze, even though Durotar had no wind and it was his constant fluid grace that made his hair sway. Vilmah had never met a blademaster before today, and his stance impressed her. He wasn't heavilly armored, like most warriors. Rather, he considered spaulders too bulky, and greaves too heavy. Isshnryu wore sandals and light mail overtop leather, which made his less than impressive frame just a bit bulkier. Still, he was small compared to his peers.

It was his size comparison which caught Vilmah's eye. The warrior trainer had told the innitiates of Vilmah's age that they would recieve a special guest today, and instead of their usual training, he would give them a lecture. Isshnryu, however, saw it fit to instead teach them about his weapon mastery. He used a long thin sword with only one edge, but weilded it masterfully. As if dancing, he swung his blade before the recruits and taught them that there could be beauty on the battlefield.

"Remember that patience is key," he reminded them. The orc walked past the innitiates, who stood lined up in two rows in front and behind him. "Do not falter when you swing. Your heart must be linked with your blade. Your sword is an extension of your forearm, like so."

Isshnryu held the blade aloft, and Vilmah could see what he meant. He did not bend his wrist. His forearm flowed into the sword like it was a part of his arm. Increadible.

"There are some amongst you who would try to weild the blade as I do. It is not an easy path," he continued. "I am not here to tell you that my way is best. Rather, I am here to show you that you need not be exactly the same as every other warrior in the Horde. There are options."

The blademaster continued to teach them his style. Vilmah didn't consider herself proficient with a blade, she was more prone to weilding axes. However, the lesson was still interesting. It was nice to see that size wasn't always what mattered most.

"Honor on the battlefield, do not forget," Isshnryu said, bringing Vilmah out of her daze. "We must honor the fallen, reguardless of which side they are on. The furies respect our causes. Defiling a corpse by leaving it to rot, or stealing bodyparts like some occursed troll.. they do nothing but belittle our spirit. Do not let your soul be lessoned by being the barbaric creatures we have been accused of being. We are a proud race. Bury the dead, burn them. Honor them. This is the only to retain your honor, as a warrior."

The other orcs passed looks towards one another. It was obvious that Isshnryu was losing his audience. The warrior trainers dismissed them, and the blademaster was forced to sigh in defeat. Who would listen? Despite his history, his skill, what orc of this generation would bother to honor a fallen enemy? Isshnryu sheathed his blade and sat, removing a bundle of wrapped cloth from his bag. He caught a pair of eyes on him. "..and who are you, girl?"

"Vilmah, sir," she answered. Approaching her elder, she looked timid and frightened, but wide-eyed and excited as well. "Vilmah Bloodborne."

Isshnryu's eyes trailed over her form. She was small, smaller than he'd been at her age, which he assumed was somewhere around thirteen by the looks of the other recruits. "Were you satisfied with my lecture, Vilmah Bloodborne?"

"Oh yes, sir," she answered earnestly. "Especially when you explained your concept of honor on the battlefield, sir."

"You are pusillanimous," he replied, unimpressed. "And easilly intimidated. I see that clearly."

Vilmah shyed away. "My apologies, sir."

"Why then are you a warrior?"

She opened her mouth to answer, but couldn't find the words. After some thought, she shook her head. "I suppose because I wasn't good at anything else."

Isshnryu studied her again. It was Vilmah's face that caught his attention, and her form that held him. She was called "Vilmah", a commoner's name, nothing of any great value. Her face, however, could easilly have fetched great sums of money had she decided to capitalize on her femeninity. That combined with her small child-like body was profitable indeed for a war-torn Horde's men. Indeed, this -was- still a child. He wondered how innocent she really was, to have wanted to become a warrior. "What weapons do you specialize in?"

"I preffer axes, sir," she answered. "The two-handed variety, especially."

Brutish. She wanted to be brutish. He could see her trying too hard, and it was laughable, this tiny thing with hardly any muscle at all, swinging about a gigantic weapon in some vain attempt to look fierce. "You should use smaller weapons, for those little hands of yours."

"Yes sir."

Was that a blush on those cheeks? Yes. She was impressed by him. Isshnyru was no fool, women loved to be complimented, and this whelp was no exception. However, small hands were no compliment. It was his attention to her that she found herself being surprised with. He made her out to be special, for a moment. "Hold out those hands."

She did as he asked, and from his wraped cloth, Isshnryu produced a ball of rice. Breaking it in two, he gave her half. "..rice?"

"Glutenous rice. Sticky rice," he said with a nod. "Try it."

Vilmah took a bite, leaving a grain on her lips. Isshnryu found himself lingering on that white grain as it floated on her full lips, their underside a punk blush color that faded into brownish green. He caught himself staring as the tip of her tongue brushed against those lips, sweeping the grain into her mouth. "..thank you! That was lovely."

"Yes," the blademaster said, rising from his seat. "Good. Return to your studies, Vilmah Bloodborne. Be a strong warrior, be honorable. I expect you not to let me down."

She shook her head, "No sir. I will not let you down," and saluted.

Isshnryu left her, sitting in the same position that she sat in while his sun-damaged eyes roved over her thighs and calves. Such an innocent warrior, a young thing, the perfect tool for battle if she weilded her skills properly. However, combined with that naive nature and timid personality, he doubted she would live past her first year as a warrior. Isshnryu felt guilty, but was glad for it.

[Lupa]

" Tempest! Stop yer lolligaggin! We gots places tah be. " Lupa growled from her raptor's back. No name.. just raptor. He was a means of transport, nothing more.

Behind her, digging in the red Durotar sand at a boar den entrance, the huge black worg whined his frustration. He was hungry, and Lupa was out of fresh meat. The dried jerky she carried would sacrely satisfy his considerable hunger.

" Iffen you come, ah promis ah will get you some fresh meat in Orgrimmar." The worg snorted and trotted after his mistress.

The tall troll huntress with the snowy white hair and greenish blue skin made a leisurely pace towards the gates of Orgrimmar. There in a sandy clearing she passed a group of warrior initates, going through their exercises. Lupa paused a bit to watch their weapons drills.

One slight female orc caught her attention. She seemed to be out of place among the large burly orcs and the tall lanky Darkspears she saw among the students.

The warrior masters seemed to be demonstrating some sword techniques. Lupa was impressed with the skill of the master in the center of that group of students. Not that she knew much about sword play, Lupa was an axe wielder out of preference. She liked the feel of two sturdy axes in her hands, almost as much as she loved her bow.

Tempest growled his impatience. " Hmm.. ok..ok.. best get you fed befoe you decahd ta eat wun of dem younglings.."

Turning her raptor around, Lupa continued her way into Orgrimmar.

[Vilmah]

Vilmah heard the growl of a wolf, and the trotting of a raptor. She looked away from the demonstration for a moment to see a tall white-haired troll go past their group, her skin a bluish green. Green? A green troll? How very odd. She decided to research later why a troll would have green skin, even though there was no real reason to. What was it about trolls she always found so interesting?

"Dassa pretteh set o' legs raht der'," murmured one of the Darkspear warriors beside her, eyeing the white-haired troll lady as she went past them.

Vilmah sighed. They -were- pretty legs.

[Niethan]

The verdant landscape was only just waking up, mist still clinging to the trees and birds singing sleepily. Spiderwebs filled with dew glittered among scattered branches, their makers likely cursing the cool damp air for daring to ruin their stealthily laid traps. The adults of the small troll city of Zul'Mashar were giving thier morning greetings, stretching and preparing to break their fast while giving irritated glances at the empty places where children should have been-- the youth were entirely too energetic, to be up and about at this hour. All in all, a peaceful morning.

Until it was shattered by a vicious battle-cry, heralding the war of the day.

"BANZAI, BITCHES!"

The huddle of green-skinned children scattered like startled birds under the hail of stones. Up in the tree, out of immediate retaliation the mottled grey form of Muir Marinus crowed with delight. First blood was his! He hurled a few more rocks down at the few larger children who were trying to return fire. The little punks deserved it.

By now they were mobilizing, gathering the rocks he'd thrown as well as a few of their own. Muir tossed them a rude gesture with a grin, then darted off into the trees. The other children bullied him for his differences; his mottled pelt, his smaller size and more delicate bones. Muir never took the abuse without a fight. Those very differences made it easier for him to wage geurilla warfare on his kin.

He swung down from a tree with a hint of the jungle-grace that the Mossflayer lacked, and started off in a sprint, cackling. Now, to lead the band of hoodlums to the mud slicks, and--

"Oof!"

Muir was held back by a sudden grip on his jerkin, letting him slide to the ground in a confused and breathless daze.

"Couldn't even wait until after breakfast to start trouble today, brother mine?"

[Khiskiva]

She hated the way Ami looked at her, Khiskiva smirked at the other girl, who's blood-stained face was always full of rage at her peers, especially Khiskiva. Together they had been sharpening their axes, waiting outside of Zum'rah's quarters as the priest did his daily rituals.

"He's going to choose me, you stupid half-bred bitch," Ami said with a sneer.

Khiskiva cackled. "Why would he do that? You're about as interesting as spit."

Ami snarled and rose her axe. "You have a lot of nerve, trying to tell me who's interesting and who's not! You can't even properly weild an axe! All you do is carve dolls, like some kind of monkey human."

"Tsk, your insults are as pathetic as your flat chest," Khiskiva replied dryly. "Now why don't you go wash your face. You dishonor Zum'rah, coming here like a stray dog."

Ami wasn't the brightest girl in the world, but she knew when to clean herself. She stood and walked away, just as a large dry hand settled on Khiskiva's shoulder. "You make enemies well, sister."

"Thank you, Xiarki," Khiskiva replied, standing.

Xiarki embraces his sister, his hands pressing firmly against the flesh on her hips and waist. She was a prize in his hands.. the muscle of a Darkspear, the skin of a Sandfury. They were only half-siblings, after all. Perhaps he would let her...

"Khis!"

Her eyes brightened at the sound of her name. She and Xiarki turned to see Zum'rah, aged and scheming with a grinning face, calling for his apprentice. "Yes, sir?"

"Come, child. I have need of you."

She gladly went to Zum'rah. Xiarki watched with contempt.

[Noury]

"Ghaahwaa Baackunk! " said Grrn't . He pointed to the sack of rocks. Trogg-man nodded and shuffled over to the sack. He hefted the smelly burlap sac over one shoulder and followed the trogg back towards the cave. They needed tools, and these were the best rocks for making hand axes and slug squishers.

Entering the cave, Trogg-man was hit with the wave of stench that emanated from its depths. Not that he minded much. He had grown accustomed to it.

" Wwhooorrooaaahh! " shouted Grrn't, announcing his presence to the tribe. Immediately the two were surrounded by a half dozen smelly, grimy troggs. " Ghahahaha.. waaa..!!" they exclaimed. Happy to see such a rich haul of rocks. Trogg-man didn't even have time to drop the sac before large, gnarled hands grabbed the sac from off his shoulder. A half dozen troggs then set to fighting over the choice pieces of rock. Grrn't smacked a couple on the head with his wooden club.

" MaahaagwaraH!!" said Grrn't. Then he scooped up a few of the largest, choicest rocks and shoved them into Trogg-man's arms. He then shoved Trogg-man forward, guiding him deeper into the cave.

They passed little alcoves here and there, lined with filthy skins and crude earthenware. The habitations of individual trogg families. Deep down the arrived at Grrn't's alcove. A trogg rushed out to greet them.

" Bhahbabalooo!!!" exclaimed Brrrp'th. Grrn't's wife. She looked pleased, with her balding head bobbing and beard whiskers twitching. The two embraced and smacked each other on the face.

Trogg- man felt the love..

Brrrp'th led the two to a large skin mat, where three wooden planks were piled high with steaming cave slug stew. With relish Grrn't dove into the green mound face first, as is proper. He slurped up the juicy meat with his bulbous lips. Beside him Brrp'th followed suit. Trogg-man did his best to be polite and mimicked the two, but couldnt get himself sufficiently grimy to his embarassment. They didnt seem to notice the slight.

Dinner soon turned amorous for the two troggs as they started playfully smearing cave slug over each other. " Ahahahahaoooo?" said Grrn't with a sly wink to Brrrp'th. She smiled alluringly, showing her three yellow teeth. Soon she turned and faced the cave wall. Grrn't tossed aside his remaining stew and went to join his wife.

Trogg-man excused himself and went to find a more private corner of the alcove to give the two their privacy. He found one about 4 feet away.

He lay down, carefull to not squish the bedbugs. Soon he drifted off to sleep. His dreams started again as the always did.

" Run Wes! To the lake! Don't look back!"

" Father!!!... the dead things enveloped him, dragged him down under their mass. Wesley ran.. into the cold water.. then swimming.."

The dream shifted suddenly. There was light.. blinding white light..

" Wesley. It is soon time. You must leave soon....."

[Khiskiva]

((lol.. Nouri, that was fantastic.))

[Noury]

((lol.. Nouri, that was fantastic.))

(( Thanks! :lol: I couldn't resist. In that time frame Nouri was a hermit, living with the troggs.. ))

[Lupa]

Lupa reigned in her raptor before the butcher shop in Orgrimmar. Motioning for Tempest to wait, despite his obvious drooling at the smells coming from within, she entered and bought several stacks of ham steaks. Emerging from the shop she tossed him one, which was snapped up out of the air and practially inhaled. She tossed him another, which was eaten in a more leisurely way.

" There you are Lupa. We have all been waiting on you." said a deep baritone voice from behind her.

Turning Lupa saw the companions she had come to meet; Swifthoof, the tauren druid and owner of the voice that had hailed her. Beside him on a brown riding wolf sat Torg , her leader and friend. The orc had his best armour and weaponry at the ready. Ever at his side, Oola sat her undead mount fairly glowing with holy light. Behind them all, a shadowy figure. Mounted on another undead mount, he seemed to almost fade into the background. His particular forte.. Brinthus. master of the stun lock. Sneaky bastard extraordinaire.

" Ah am raht on tahm. No sooner, no later. Its you folk who insist on comin way too earleh, then gettin bored and cold stiff with the waitin." said Lupa with a grin. This was their team. One of the core squads of Citadel.

" You have everything you need Lupes?" asked Torg. He was always the methodical one. Ever prepared to a fault. " We are heading far afield this day. A special mission. One you in particular are sure to enjoy."

That caught Lupa's attention. " Oh? An what do this mission be?" asked Lupa, mounting her raptor.

" We have been commisioned to assault the Sandfury city of Zul'Farrak. To rescue some prisoners being held, and to slay a witch doctor. There is a curse on that city. Blooddrinkers, and more. Whispers tell of a demi-god. Monstrous. We shall see. " said Torg.

Sandfury! Ancient hated enemies. Lupa felt her trollish blood grow hot with anticipation. She grinned at Torg, flashing her polished tusks.

" Well, we best be headin out den. Sun is risin high and mah blood with it. Dere be Sandfureh ta slay. ".....

[Malakim]

Malakim stumbled out of his hut, he had drank a little too much the night before. He could feel the alcohol still having effect on his body as he wobbled about the sandy ruins. He shook it off, it wasn't the first time he regretted a decision from the night before, and it would not likely be his last.

He wandered about the "Town" throwing rocks for the basilisks to chase after, it was stupid that they chased after rocks and some people found it childish for Malakim to still do this, but he couldn't help it. Something about a big plated lizard running around always made him laugh.

However, it was a short lived amusement and he continued on to where he really enjoyed to spend his time... The holding cells.

The tribe had recently gone on a raid and that meant there would be new "Friends" to play with in the cages. He slowly walked up to where the cages were and greeted the jailer for today, briefly exchanging small talk before picking out who he would torment today. There in the back huddled towards the back of a cage was a small goblin. With a small grin Malakim approached the cage and pressed his face against the bars, the goblin unsure of the intentions of the troll looked at him shyly.

"Come over here little one, I won't hurt you. I am a nice troll unlike all these other brutes." He turned and winked at the jailer, this was going to be fun indeed. The goblin leaned forward only slightly wondering if he could trust the troll or not. Malakim's smile grew bigger and he reached into his pack to pull out some food, a small roasted quail, and held it out in front of him for the goblin to take.

The goblin sniffed at the quail at first it had be two days since he had any food and the quail smelled like heaven. Malakim dangled the quail in front of the cage waiting on the goblin, "Come now little one, it is really good." The goblin's stomach growled loudly and he could no longer take it he reached out of the cage to grab the offering from the troll.

Dropping the quail Malakim grabbed the goblin's hand and held it up to his face. The goblin's eyes grew large as he saw the troll lick his hand. A loud scream was heard throughout the camp when Malakim sank his teeth into the goblin's flesh and bite off his finger.

The goblin managed to wiggle free of the troll's grasp and held his mutilated hand close to his body as the troll eyed him and smiled, letting a small stream of blood flow out of his mouth. Turning back to the guard, Malakim laughed, "I never get tired of that."

[Khiskiva]

She spent the day with Zum'rah. The priest's sickly hands were like ice, so strange in their desert home. After some time with him and his ceremonial preparations, the older troll leaned in close to his apprentice and spoke in breathy low growls. "You know.. I can teach you to be like me."

"Like you?" She asked. Khiskiva was ambitious.. but she was no priest. "How?"

Zum'rah grinned, his teeth like jagged rocks over a blackened tongue. "Samedi can not be fooled.. but he can be delayed. You see, with me, you can live forever."

"..forever?"

The two trolls stared at eachother. Khis could feel the power in her mentor's words. Living forever.. why not bless them all with it, then? Because she was different. Special. His chosen. The old troll caressed Khiskiva's young face. "Yes.. now go. Return tomorrow. I will teach you to live forever."

She left his home, but it didn't feel right. To live forever was.. sacrelige. How could he make such an offer? Xiarti smiled at her from the front of their sandstone house. "How did it go?"

"Fine," she replied casually.

Xiarti rose from his seat in the sand and put his arms around his sister. "I've heard things about him.. you know, he's a lecherous old man. He might try to--"

"He's my elder, I'll do what must be done."

Her brother frowned. "I am your elder too. Does that mean I should get whatever I need from you?"

"Of course," Khiskiva said with a shrug. "You're my brother. I would do anything for you."

Xiarki could feel his blood boil with hatred and lust. It wasn't unheard of for family members to interact physically with one another.. but to do so was still quite taboo. At this point, however, he didn't much care. Khiskiva was a traditional girl, she was submissive to men above her station. Her brother grabbed her by the waist with his huge hands, and tossed the smaller troll over his shoulder. "Good."

Khiskiva didn't know how to respond. He was her brother, after all.

[Malakim]

Malakim walked away from the holding cells, still enjoying the after taste of the goblins finger, nothing quite had the right mixture of salt and flavor like that of goblin flesh. He thought about continuing his walk around the area wondering what everyone else was up to today. He was quite bored at the moment, and boredom usually led to destruction in some form for Malakim.

That's when he saw her, some overzealous troll taking a smaller female over his shoulder. He had an idea of what that meant, he couldn't say he wouldn't do the same thing, but he also thought why should that fool get all the fun?

This day seemed to be full of promise, he slowly walked up behind the little duo and poked the male troll in the back, and awaited him to turn around.

[Khiskiva]

Xiarki looked around, irritated with the intrusion. He smirked and held tighter still to Khiskiva, who drummed her fingers boredly on her brother's back. "Something you need, then?" He asked impatiently.

Khiskiva's hair covered her face, the long red tresses falling past her brother's waist. She was curious as to who would stop her brother, an accomplished mage. "Who's there?"

[Malakim]

Malakim smiled at the larger troll completely ignoring the smaller captive. Licking his lips clean of the remainder of the blood still present, he opened his mouth as if to speak but instead thrust his fist into the face of the mage and laughed.

[Khiskiva]

Xiarki reeled back, holding his bloodied nose and dropping Khiskiva unceremoniously into the ground. She took a moment to compose herself before turning to see her brother blast a fireball at the other male, his light robes swirling about his arms from the heat. "You're just intent on irritating me aren't you, fool!"

Khiskiva sighed, and watched. Like any fourteen year old girl, she admired Malakim's muscular build.

[Lupa]

The first series of guards fell silently and swiftly. They inched their way deeper into the bowels of the Sandfury city. Before them was a courtyard.

"Patrol.." signed Torg. We all too up position. Lupa could sense the approach of two trolls. As they rounded the stone wall the team was hiding behind Torg attacked. His initial charge stunned the one troll who had the misfortune of being his primary target. The other whirled and took one step towards his partner. One step only, before she was smacked in the back of the head by Brinthus.

Leaving the woman reeling, he set to work with his knives on the troll Torg was engaging. The troll was just beginning to falter under that combined assault when his partner recovered from the sap. Immediatly she was forced to defend herself from a snarling mass of frenzied worg. Tempest was fired up. Lupa's bow sang, once, twice, soon three arrow shafts quivvered from the center of the woman's chest. She fell in a heap.

" Not bad shootin iffen ah do say so mahself eh Oola?" Lupa turned to face her friend. But instead of Oola standing there, a forlorn frog looked up and croaked its indignation. Beyond the frog stood a Sandfury witch doctor, his hand still smouldering with arcane energies. Immediately Lupa sent up the alarm and shot the mystic with a concussion shot. Reeling from the impact, he could do little but watch as Brinthus leapt at him and opened up his abdomen. His viscera spilling out, the mystic dropped into a puddle of his own blood.

In a puff of smoke Oola returned to her humanoid form. The string of curses that came from her lips almost made Torg blush. Lupa smiled at his discomfort. He was a proper orc after all.

Moving ito the courtyard the team encountered their first real challenge, an armed contingent of Sandfury guards with pet basilisks on leashes. The battle lasted a few minutes but seemed to be hours. Lupa at one point had to drop her bow to come to Oola's aid as a pair of soldiers managed to dash past Torg, Brinthus and Swifthoof in cat form and set to work on her. Her shield protected her until Lupa was able to fly into them, axes swinging. She wingclipped one and sunk her offhand axe deep into another. It bought the time needed for Swifthoof to rush in and tear into one. Tempest joined him and soon the two trolls found themselves being mangled by teeth and claws. Gathering up her bow Lupa sent arrows flying into the two.

When the dust settled, no sandfury remained alive in the courtyard. However from deep within the city an alarm gong sounded. So much for secrecy...

(( Ahhh.. this briings back sweet memories.. :D ))

[Malakim]

The fireball seared into his flesh revealing a cascade of blood and tissue. The troll didn't even blink at the pain, he enjoyed it, it was the marks of battle that consumed him. Malakim stood continuing his laugh, "Nothing personal, I am just bored today and you looked to be a weakling so I felt the need to teach you that females belong to the strong."

The troll reached behind him to pull out a pair of fighting claws that he slipped on over his blood soaked hands. "If that weak control of fire is all that you possess then you will be broken in little time at all." With those words the Malakim rushed the mage with the claws aimed at his throat.

[Khiskiva]

"That's right, show him who's stronger Xiarki!" Khiskiva shouted. In truth, she was interested to see who would win, be it her brother or the other one. Xiarki wasn't exactly the smartest boy in the world, but she respected his station and wouldn't deny him.

However, this other troll actually fought for what he wanted. That was interesting, and exciting.

"I'll deal with you later, 'kiva," Xiarki said irritably, blinking away from Malakim only a moment after the claws grazed his throat. Blood freely ran from the sizable gash. "Gah! How dare you!!"

Weaving his hands through a spell, the mage fired a series of arcane explosions at Malakim. He would have continued, had it not been for the alarm that he heard soon after.

"We're under attack!! Everyone, to your stations!"

Khiskiva looked up fearfully.

[Malakim]

Surrounded by arcane energies Malakim could feel each blast eat away at him bit by bit, he couldn't find the mage through the magical haze that was flowing freely. He could feel the anger and rage building up within himself it clouded his thoughts his mind focused solely on destroying his opponent now.

The darkness had begun to overtake him, he heard the alarms going off but cared nothing of that now. If the guards couldn't handle an attack then they deserved to die for their failures. Evidently, the mage, this Xiarki cared for the alarms and gave pause to his attack.

Malakim yelled at the other troll, "Giving up so soon?"

[Khiskiva]

"Don't be stupid!" Xiarki shouted at Malakim, running towards the courtyard. "We've got to protect the city!"

The mage ran off in a flourish of dusty robes, his short red hair shining with sweat in the sunlight. Khiskiva stood from her place, and watched him go. She raised a hand and shouted at him. "Be careful, brother!" Looking at Malakim, she shifted from one foot to the other, trying not to panic from the excitement surrounding them. "A-aren't you going to go and help them??"

[Malakim]

Malakim growled in anger, he wanted to finish he wanted his fight. He smashed his fists into the ground as a dark shadow evaporated from the troll's form...

"You are right, girl fetch my arrows and meet me at the wall."

He ran off for the front lines, he would see his share of blood today.

[Lupa]

The sounds of growing commotion came from within the city. Torg brought the team up to a slope leading up to the top of the encircling wall. " We have to avoid the main streets. Here, climb the wall. We'll see if we cant work our way around the patrols."

Scaling the wall was easy. It was wide enough for them to walk safely without fear of falling. The team moved deeper into the city. Below them they could see the occasional patrol run by, back towards the direction of the courtyard they had just left. Each time they hunkered down to avoid detection.

There! In front of them was their first objective. The pool of the demi-god. There were only a few guards stationed around the pool, most having taken off to answer the alarm summons. Torg nodded at Lupa, who notched an arrow and inhaled deeply... exhale... inhale... slow exhale... HOLD! RELEASE!.

The arrow flew true and skewered one of the guards through the skull. His companion whirled to see where the attack came from. Too late as Brinthus was already on him. The team jumped down, Swifthoof dashed towards the troll and joined Brinthus in dicing the fellow up.

" Oola.. the hammer.. everyone else.. behind me. " ordered Torg. Oola took the Hammer of Zul that they had obtained from Lupa's homeland and rang the gong that summoned the demi-god. Ghaz'rilla. the waters of the pool churned as the giant hydra emerged. Torg readied his sword and sheild and set to work. The battle was not long. Under the coordinated attack, and Oola's heals the avatar of the demi-god fell with a crash.

" Thats one task done." said Torg after they took stock. " Now, the prisoners."

Working their way in towards the center of town where the prisoners were kept was more difficult. They ran into frequent patrols. With each encounter the risk of their presence grew. There could be no survivors to run off and alert the Sandfurys to their whereabouts.

They emerged into the wide open square before the central ziggurat. There atop the ziggurat were the cages that held the prisoners. There were may trolls in the square, mostly at the south end away from the steps of the ziggurat. It would be a mad dash to the top, a swift release , then ... battle most fierce.

"Ready?" asked Torg. They all nodded. This was going to be intense....

[Khiskiva]

Khiskiva nodded and obediently made her way to the armory, where she picked up two bundles of arrows. Running as fast as she could, Khiskiva made her way to the wall and looked around for Malakim. There were other Sanfuries there, dozens. They crowded the young girl, making it nearly impossible for her to see. Finally, she spotted him in the distance, and ran to him. "Hey! I-I have your arrows!"

She slid on her knees behind him, holding them protectively in her arms.

"Here!"

[Tillna]

((Curse Till living in one a different relm qand two, in the desert...><))

[Malakim]

Malakim lifted the girl to her feet and took the arrows from her, placing them in his quiver he breathed in the air. It was hard to make out anything amongst the crowd of the trolls. He stood silent for a minute with his eyes closed trying to pick out what didn't belong, his head began to wander back and forth as if in some trance. Finally his eyes snapped open, "I know where they are going, hide girl you won't be able to stop them." With that he took off in the direction of the cages.

"I wonder if that goblin will be happy to see me again? Either way these intruders owe me blood for what they stopped."

[Khiskiva]

Khiskiva ran. She was afraid for both her life, and the life of her brother. She heard the commotion coming from the ziggurat, the cries for help as everyone rushed to the top of the stairs where intruders had freed their prisoners. Khiskiva ran into her home and hid. She hurredly knelt down on the rug in the middle of their den, and held her hands high in prayer.

"Please please, Ula'tek! Give my brother the cunning he needs to destroy these intruders!!"

Xiarki had his eyes set on a white-haired trolless. She was a Darkspear, no doubt.. perhaps some bastard halfbreed like his sister. He wove his hands in a spell, and fired a frost bolt at her, chanting all the while.

[Lupa]

It was close quarters fighting. Her bow was of little use. Lupa wielded both axes left and right. All around her the prisoners they had freed took up fallen weapons and attacked their captors. Torg had been blunt with them " You are all dead already. You are meat for the Sandfury. You can stay here and accept that fate, or you can take your fate in your own hands and maybe..just maybe win your freedom."

Faced with those options, the prisoners fought like the possessed.

Lupa had just lopped the head of a troll that came at her from the side when she was shocked to the core by a biting blast of icy cold! Her limbs felt leaden and her arms dropped to her sides. Just then a sharp pain bit into her side as an arrow dug in just under her ribcage.

Torg saw the blast and identified the source. " Oola! Silence that bugger!!" He pointed to the nearby mage. Oola nodded and wove her spells. The mage was just about to cast another blast when the energies he summoned fizzled and dissipated. Swifthoof shifted out of bear and sent a moonfire blast at him. Lupa took the respite to push the arrow through her abdomen to emerg out her back. Reaching around she yanked it free with a shriek of agony. Tempest launched himself at the mage as Lupa pulled her bow out and sighted on him.

She released the arrow. Just at the last second another troll moved into the arrow's path, to be stricken down. As the troll fell, Lupa could see the mage was nowhere to be seen. Neither was Tempest, who was probably chasing after the fellow.

" Reinforcements are coming.. this is over team. Extract!" shouted Torg over the din.

Calling to the remaining prisoners, the team forced a wedge through the defenders on the steps and ran down a side alley where the pursuit could only come in single file. Lupa brought up the rear, calling for Tempest. She heard the answering howl from somewhere off to the left. " Well, he's gonna haff ta make it on his own" thought Lupa. The worg was resourceful and swift. He should be alright.

The team and the few prisoners that managed to survive turned a corner. Lupa followed, and ran smack into a young redheaded troll girl who had popped out of a nearby doorway. The girl bounced off her mail chestplate and hit the stone wall. Lupa shot out her left hand and grabbed the girl by the throat. She lifted her axe, ready to split her skull.

The girl looked at Lupa with huge eyes. Something stayed Lupa's hand. She was so young. An enemy? Yes! Kill her! But still.. a doubt.. some weight on he axe hand. Lupa lowered her axe slowly. Pursuit was coming.

" Thank the Loas this day chile." she said in her Amani accent. " Foe you be spared bah dere graces onleh."

Lupa released the girl and let her fall to the ground. She followed the team and met up with them on the outskirts of the city. There was Tempest. His huge canine teeth blood red. What bacame of the mage she didn't know. But few survived Tempest when he was in a frenzied chase.

"Well, the witch doctor lives. We will need to come back again, later when their guard had relaxed. For now, it would be suicide. Live today, fight tomorrow." said Torg.

[Khiskiva]

Khiskiva was panting, frightened and shocked that she was still alive. The troll woman with white hair.. the enemy.. let her live!? What was it she spoke? Amani? It had been spoken of before, but she never heard it..

"They're retreating!!" She heard someone yell.

Her heart lept with joy. They were leaving! perhaps Xiarti had thwarted their evil plans, he had saved them all! Getting back to her feet, she ran throughout the grief-stricken city, determined to find and congratulate him. He'd rescued them all from the brink of destruction, he'd saved them, he'd--

"Xiarti!!"

Khiskiva tripped over her own feet at the sight of her brother. He lie in a pile of his own entrails, stomach and throat torn open as if by some beast. Lifeless eyes looked up at her as she shakilly knelt down by his side.

"X-xiarti.. n-no..! No no no!"

[Malakim]

Malakim smelled them... Running, trying to flee from his home, unacceptable. They stole from him his glorious battle for the day and he had not seen the end of it. He followed in the shadows as they ran through the side areas, he saw them threaten the little girl and make their way to the gates outside, with the prisoners... his prisoners.

He smiled as he saw them pause and take their time to actually talk outside, the troll smiled inwardly and thought I can still have some blood then. He took aim upon the goblin still clutching his hand from earlier in the day. He aimed his bow at him and let an arrow fly, striking in the back of his neck dropping him to the ground.

He stood up on the archway and yelled at those still alive below, "What you can only attempt to move into this city, have you lost your resolve already? You show only signs of weakness."

[Lupa]

Lupa saw the arrow hit home. She followed its path, and sighted the figure atop the archway. She heard the words.

" Count your dead Sandfureh.. and count ours! Among your dead you will fahnd yo demi-god. Ah seh it been a good day. Foe us thet is.. don worreh.. we be back!" Lupa shouted in troll at the figure.

"Lupa. Ignore him.. he delays us for his folk to arrive. Let us be off." said Torg. Ever the pragmatist.

With a scowl behind her for the taunting figure Lupa mounted up and the team rode off towards Gadgetzan.

[Khiskiva]

Khiskiva tried to ignore the shouting behind her. Yes, they had slain Ghazrilla. Had these adventurers truly been so self absorbed that they thought their demi god was dead forever? Pathetic. Soon his earthly corpse would dissapear, able to be summoned again when they gave him offerings or sacrifice. Khiskiva didn't care. Not now. Now as Xiarti's body lay lifeless before her eyes.

She saw the one who picked a fight with him earlier, shouting from their walls to the enemy. She felt a surge of anger at him, but it was quickly replaced with the grief of her mourning. How could she be angry? He had done nothing wrong..

"Load this one," said one of the priests. They picked up Xiarti's corpse and carried him.

Khiskiva stood. "W-wait! Don't!"

"We'll find a use for him later," said another priest. "Not to worry, Zum'rah will keep his corpse from rotting. You will see him again, someday."

She nodded. What else could she do? She'd been defeated. She was a helpless girl, lost without her brother.

[Malakim]

Malakim smiled as the group ran off, he knew his taunts had bothered them enough that they would return, and he would be ready. As he was sure that the female had dropped her guard he placed his mark on her, to be sure he would know where she would be next time. "Oh yes this will be fun..." His mind shifted again to the troll mage, "Mmmmm I have a fight to continue this day just keeps getting better."

He marched back through the town mocking what guards he passed for their failures today. That's when he found her kneeling next to a body as if tears were forming in her eyes.

"What is is girl? what's the matter now?"

[Khiskiva]

Khiskiva broke into tears. She knew it was weak. She didn't care. Even the Sandfury mourned their dead, she should be able to cry if she so desired.

"D-dead..!" She said, through choked sobs. "M-my brother is dead!"

She didn't look at Malakim. It would have been wrong of her to try and blame him, but she wanted to, so badly.. where had he been to help Xiarti? Why couldn't he save the mage? Why had he taken so long to spring into action? Why was her brother dead, and this other one still alive, a smile still playing on his lips.

[Malakim]

"Dead!?" Malakim growled, "That's not how it was supposed to happen." He glanced out over the exit of town he could feel the mark moving further and further away.

Malakim grabbed at the nearest vase and threw it against the wall, "That wench she took it, she stole my honor... I was supposed to kill him not her. When she comes back, and I know she will I shall kill her with my own hands."

Malakim looked back at the crying troll... He didn't know why, but seeing tears always cut through to him. It always made him ache on the inside, he didn't know what came over him when he said it but he did, "I am sorry for your loss, if I can do anything to help... I tend to have a lot of pull with everyone."

[Khiskiva]

"She stole your honor.. just by killing my brother. She took him from me, and now I'll never see him again."

Khiskiva buried her face in her hands, red hair tumbling over her shoulders as she tried to keep him from looking at her. She felt dishonored, and weak, before a troll who could have easilly killed her if he so desired.

"I don't.. I don't know what you could possibly do.."

[Lupa]

The sun dipped low on the Durotar sky. Lupa had flown straight from Gadgetzan back to Orgrimmar. Mounting her raptor she and Tempest made their way out of the city, slowly back towards Senjin Village. Lupa needed to smell the sea air.

Every slow step of the raptor sent waves of pain through her body. It was regenerating, but the wound in her side still ached. Lupa felt herself hoping that the troll that shot her lay among the dead. Unless it was that fool atop the archway. In which case, they had a date.

Dried blood covered her from head to toe, her mail rent in places and her white hair streaked and matted with rusty crusts. As she passed the open area where the warrior students were early that morning, she saw a lone solitary figure seated on the sand. It was the slight orc girl she noted earlier. Lupa stopped her raptor to gaze at the girl.

She sat, in quiet contemplation. Alone. She stirred, and looked up at Lupa. Lupa managed a tired smile, nodded at the girl, then continued slowly towards Senjin Village.. the sun dipped past the hills, turning the landscape the same color as the dried blood in her hair.

(( and.. now back to the vault with Lupa.. that was fun! Also helped me to reconnect with Upae's background. ))

[Vilmah]

She was still waiting for Galrok to come home.

Vilmah hadn't seen her friend in months. He had murdured a higher officer, and fled to the land that the Undead were inhabiting, so he wouldn't attract attention from his fellow orcs. Vilmah missed him. Without the contant guidance from her friend, she was at a loss of what path to follow, or who to turn to. The world was opening up into a large and scary place, scarier than she'd ever imagined. The sound of footsteps brought her out of her reverie. Another raptor, no doubt.

She turned and saw the same white-haired troll lady as before. She looked dazzling, covered in blood stains, her wolf streaked with black and brown. The troll lady smiled at her. Vilmah smiled back, and the lady left.

The world was turning into a scary place indeed. Even the prettiest lady she'd ever seen was covered in blood, her hands stained with murder. Soon, she'd be just like her. Bringing her knees to her chest, Vilmah stared at the sand. Galrok wasn't coming home.

[Malakim]

Damn her tears Malakim's eyes cleared up, he saw the sad troll who just lost what could be seen as her world. "I can't bring anyone back from the dead but I can help you live on."

He took her hand and led her up the backside of the wall, sitting her down away from all the death of today he smiled at her. Reaching into his pack he pulled out some more quail, "Here eat something, it will help you feel better, or at the least give you some strength back."

He felt a dark scream in the back of his mind, but shook his head an quickly dismissed it.

[Khiskiva]

Khiskiva looked confusedly at the troll. Why was he being so nice to her? She took the quail timidly, and pulled off a leg. The meat in her hand felt cold, like her insides. She tried to look up at him, but only managed a sniffle before putting the meat into her mouth.

"..thank you," she said, wiping tears from her eyes.

[Malakim]

Malakim looked at her face, her tears were stopping but the sadness hadn't. "So... What are you going to do now? If you need a place to stay I have a hut up on the hill over there." He pointed off to a hut seperate from the rest.

"I don't really know what to offer to you, but if I can do it I will to make things right for you."

[Khiskiva]

She looked at Malakim strangely. Wasn't he going to kill her brother only ten minutes ago?

"I.. I don't understand. Y-you were going to kill my brother, before.. why would you help me?"

[Malakim]

"I was there to teach him that if he wanted to exert his will on you like that, he had better be sure that he had the strength to do so..." Malakim paused for a moment unsure of himself.

"As to why I am willing to help you... I don't know. It's just that being up here away from the fighting away from everything, it makes me feel peaceful. It's just..." He let out a big sigh, "Sometimes I don't have control over what I do, sometimes I have.... I don't know, but it made me powerful. The trolls here embrace the power I can unleash with it so I guess it's good. It has made me stronger than most, and here you get respect for that power... besides it's a lot better than where I used to be..."

[Khiskiva]

Khiskiva looked at Malikim strangely. "I see.. and here I thought you just wanted me for yourself."

She gave a sad chuckle, the situation turning morbidly funny. She supposed that Xiarki had died sooner, rather than later. He had always been rather overprotective and controlling of her, and today wasn't the first time he'd tried to claim her physicially. She supposed it was also his last.

"And power and strength -are- good things. You should be proud of being respected for having them, but, I'm glad that I help you to feel peaceful."

[Malakim]

Malakim smiled, "It is nice to have someone to talk to, I never really have anyone here talk to me, they are usually afraid of me. I wasn't born here after all, at least I don't think so, and well... my first nights were a bit strange."

He reached over and took the young troll's hand opened his mouth and proceeded to lick it, "Thanks for showing me a good day... umm? I don't know your name."

[Khiskiva]

Khiskiva blushed, her slate colored skin turning pink. This was new.. why did she feel nervous? Probably because males didn't often treat her with respect. If they wwanted something from her, they took it, which was exactly what this one had done with her hand.. but she felt a subtle tenderness in his motions. It was very alien.

"Oh.. well, 'kiva, is what my friends call me." Her full name felt too long, most of the time. "And your name?"

[Malakim]

She tasted good he had to admit, he didn't feel the taste of battle on her, he could feel her heart beat and it gave off the aura of a timid nature. He smiled at her name. "That is a nice name, it fits a girl of your standing... Beautiful and sweet." Malakim laughed at the thought of his own name, "Most people don't call me by my name in here, I was called dinner on my first night, on my second night I was called demon, but if you really want to know my name is Malakim."

[Khiskiva]

"Malakim," she repeated, rolling the name on her tongue. She recalled hearing about an outsider coming to them, long ago. She'd forgotten about it, but apparently this was him. "Thank you, Malakim. That's nice of you to say."

She scooted a bit closer to him, her hand trembling in his grasp.

"I think I'll call you Mala, if that's alright. It'll be my special name for you."

((lol.. this is hillarious... apparently, Khiskiva used to be sweet and timid. ^^))

[Malakim]

A special name? Nobody had shown him this type of kindness, it was usually fear and hatred which they passed off as respect. He smiled as she moved closer to him, he felt her warmth where he had only had coldness before.

he leaned his head against her, "I have never had a special name before, well not a positive special name. I can see why people would want to keep you to themselves." He held her hand tigther, "But I will protect you, I will keep you safe from the harms of this world."


((Ya I am amused I get to mess with Mal's twisted soul, should be good practice for where he is now))

[Khiskiva]

Khiskiva felt an overwhelming urge to pet the long hair on Malakim's head, as it rested against her. Bringing up her free hand, she gently stroked his hair, and spoke in an almost whispering tone.

"Thank you, Mala. Thank you for wanting to protect me."

Protect her.. that was a concept she'd never considered. Not even Xiarti truly wanted to protect her, before. Rather, he wanted to control her, and had often been just as violent as anyone else. Malakim might have been an outsider, but in truth, so was she. There was something underyling that linked them together.

"And if there's anything you need from me, I'll do it."

[Malakim]

Malakim smiled, "I think you are doing well enough, I am happy, which in all honesty doesn't happen too often. As for protecting you, I think that by being a sweet being as you are makes you worthy of all the protection I can provide."

He enjoyed the feeling of her hands in his hair, normally he retreated from affection. He couldn't trust most people's intentions, but he felt at ease around her, as if her presence was helping to hold back a part of himself... a part he wasn't sure he liked.

[Khiskiva]

Khiskiva felt elated with his compliments. She was forgetting her grief, her brother, and Zum'rah. All she could see was the kindhearted male in front of her, his blue hair in her fingers, a smile on his lips, her other hand in his.

"I promise I'll always be sweet to you, Mala."

[Malakim]

He pulled her closer wrapping his free arm around her shoulder, "I am glad I lived through today." he licked her cheek this time, "Otherwise, I may not have known that the world is so beautiful with people like you in it."

[Khiskiva]

She giggled in his arms, and the feeling of his rough tongue on her cheek made Khiskiva blush warmer.

"I'm glad you lived, too. I'm glad you tried to beat up my brother, and I'm almost glad that those intruders came here today because it gave me a chance to meet you."

Her face close to his, she smiled and licked his nose, deciding that if he could be strange, she should too.

[Malakim]

He smiled as she licked his nose. Her smell permeating all around him now, he was truly happy at this moment. Holding her in his arms he wondered if this happiness would last forever, if she would be in his arms forever. He no longer cared about tomorrow, and what would happen he was happy now and that's all that mattered.

Tomorrow was approaching soon, the moon had begun it's journey through the sky and now the two were surrounded by the light of the moon and the stars. It was Malakim's favorite time of a given day when the beauty of the stars were out to keep him company, he used to look at them every night wondering what was out there in this world. Tonight however, he couldn't take his eyes off something much more closer to earth. The troll next to him was more beautiful than any star he had caught glimpse of and he found himself unable to take his eyes off her.

"This has been a great day indeed, I would never have guessed my day to turn out this way when I first got up this morning." He leaned over and kissed Kiva on the cheek.

[Khiskiva]

Khiskiva smiled up at Malakim. It felt like he'd cast a spell on her, how else could she explain the spiraling feeling she had gotten so quickly? It didn't make any sense at all, really. One moment ago she was crying her eyes out, the next she was staring lovingly into the eyes of the male who was ready to kill her brother.

Then his lips touched her skin.

She reached up, and caressed Malakim's face. Young as she was, she couldn't contain the emotions building up inside. "I bet it will be an even better when you wake up with me, tomorrow."

[Malakim]

((Hot diggity daffodil))

Malakim let is face wander through her hands, it felt right. In her hands she held the power to melt away his worries and his pain. He didn't care about anything else in that moment, the city could have been destroyed around him in that instant and he wouldn't have even noticed.

He stared into her eyes taking note of every swirl, every pigment of color, and every moment he fell deeper in. That's when he heard her say, "I bet it will be even better when you wake up with me tomorrow."

He stood puzzled, "Why what's going on tomorrow?"

((I couldn't help it that seemed way too fun))

[Khiskiva]

Khiskiva giggled, stroking the soft skin on his lips. Where was that overzealous male who was so eager to slice Xiarti in half? He seemed lost in this boy's expression of innosence. She wondered whether or not she should continue, but her mouth moved anyway.

"..well, if you like, the same thing Xiarti had in store for me."

[Malakim]

Malakim smiled at Khiskiva, he had never really had an chance like this, the others were far to afraid to even stand too close to him for too long. He lifted her in his arms kissing her neck and carried her over the sand.

He felt the coolness of the sand on his feet, it was always so hot in the daytime yet it felt like ice at night. He carried her all the way across Zul'Farrak to where his hut lay pushed up against the back wall on the hill.

There he lay her gently down upon her back on his bed, he lifted the covers softly over her, "It's chilly out you should stay warm." He then left the hut and came running back a few minutes later with a basket full of fruit, quite a bit of it had spilled out as the troll was running more fast then careful on his return trip.

He placed the basket on the edge of the bed and he sat there next to Kiva. Malakim pulled a bunch of grapes out of the basket and pulled them off one by one offering them to her.

[Khiskiva]

Khiskiva was stunned as Malakim put her into his bed. The way he handled her, she expected him to pounce like a lion in heat. Instead, he tenderly covered her in blankers and left in a flash. She was mildly frightened. It was easy to cuddle with him, outside in the middle of the city, where if he'd tried to be violent she could ask for help.. but she was alone, now. What could she possibly expect?

When he finally returned, she saw a happy glint in his eye, and a basket in one hand. Looking at him curiously, she watched as he produced a sprig of grapes.

"Oh.. Mala!"

She grinned, relieved, and ate what he offered, making sure to let her lips linger on his finger with each piece of fruit.

"..thank you."

[Malakim]

Malakim's grin grew bigger as she thanked him. "You don't have to thank me, I am only trying to treat you as you should be, unfortunately there are no perfect grapes in this basket and this room too is not perfect, but it is the best I could. I hope you can forgive me for not providing everything you deserve." That's when he smiled bigger still when he thought of what he should do.

"I do hope this can help to make up for it though."

He turned her so her back was towards him, and reached up to her shoulders. Slowly rubbing around her shoulders and her back he let his lips fall to her shoulders, occasionally dipping down to kiss her shoulder before rubbing them one more.

[Khiskiva]

Khiskiva gave a shuddering jerk at the touch of Malakim's hands on her shoulders. She had never been treated like this, before. It seemed as if she'd fallen into a dream, some strange fantasy. Out of nowhere she'd met a male who not only cared for her, but treated her like.. some sort of princess.

"M-mala.. this is so nice of you.." She said as he massaged her. As nice as his hands her, it was his kisses that made Khiskiva flush with pleasure. "I-I have to do something nice for you, too.. b-but I don't know what. Please, tell me what to do to make you happy."

[Malakim]

Make me happy? He never really thought about it because right now in this moment he was happy. Happier than he had ever been.

"You honor me, you don't have to do anything more to make me happy Kiva, all you have to do is let me continue. Because all I need to make me happy is to see you smile, to know you are happy. That alone keeps me happy."

He continued where he left off rubbing deeper and going back and forth across her shoulders with his hands and his lips.

[Khiskiva]

Khiskiva shuddered against his touch. His tusks brushed against her skin with every kiss, smooth bones that stroked her back through the linen shirt she wore.

"I-I am happy.. you don't need to do this to make me happy.. I'm happy just being here with you, Mala. Although.."

She turned around to face him, and smiled.

"I do wish.. there was something I can do. You've done absolutely everything."

[Malakim]

Her smile was as wonderful as the rest of her, he wasn't sure why she felt compelled to do anything for him. He couldn't stand it though, she was so wonderful to him, so beautiful and sweet.

He leaned in and kissed her smile awkwardly as he tried to angle his tusks so they wouldn't hurt her. Licking her lips a little as he moved away, "I would be happy if you stayed with me, it gets very lonely here. Let me hold you and keep your warmth through the night."

He got a little grin on his face, "What did you have in mind though beautiful?"

[Khiskiva]

Khiskiva didn't really want to answer. She felt as though saying what she'd been thinking would lessen it. After all, that was what all of the other men wanted.. Malakim was different. He actually cared about her. She was sure he'd enjoy it, but.. she wanted it to be special.

"I thought.. for a moment, that you would be like the others. That all you really wanted was..." Her voice trailed, before she found it again. "But that's not true. You're not like them at all."

She leaned up and kissed him, her long tusks pressed against his mouth as she manuevered her face around his own larger ones.

"But I'll stay with you all night. I'll hug and cuddle you until the sun comes up, and be glad for it."

[Malakim]

He wasn't entirely sure what she meant but not like everyone else, he knew he was more of an outcast than most. Perhaps other people did the backrubs first then the food. Either way he was happy that she said she would stay the night.

"I am happy that you will stay with me Kiva, you can consider this place your new home from now on."

He lifted her across his lap and draped his arms over her shoulders letting them wrap around her waist and resting his chin on her shoulder. He took in her the air around her and smiled, it was pure and sweet... if just a little confused.

"I hope you can stay here forever."

[Khiskiva]

She leaned into his embrace. Khiskiva felt both safe and happy, here with Malakim, as if in another world. She wondered how this feeling had never been explained to her. It wasn't just physical longing.. she wanted his company. His friendship. His kind voice in her ear, or his lips on her skin. She didn't even care about how powerful or strong he was. He could have had anything he wanted from her. It made her feel safe, yet.. terribly vulnerable. The vulnerability was exciting.

"I hope so, too. Just you and me."

Khiskiva turned her head just slightly, inhaling the scent of Malakim's leather and skin. He was so different from the Sandfury.. no wonder they treated him so strangely, and yet.. he was perfect.

[Malakim]

"You and me."

He liked the sounds of that, it was perfect, he had met her only this morning but in the course of one day he had found compassion in another, it was so different from what he had seen so far here in the sand. He had been taught little but from what he had seen there wasn't a lot of compassion shown throughout the ruins. There were always people fighting and sure they put up with what he did, but mostly out of fear that he might hurt them...

That's how things worked, the strong rule everything, with the weak getting to choose from the leftovers. Today however, that vision was broken. She seemed to be drawn to him because of his attitude not so much his power.

He began to rub his head against hers back and forth. Then slowly he licked the back of her neck tickling out shapes on her neck with his tongue.

"You are perfect Kiva, and you taste great."

[Khiskiva]

Khiskiva shuddered in his grasp, her skin turning to gooseflesh at the feeling of his tongue. Why was he so.. animalistic? No other male had ever done this. They manhandled her like a piece of meat and were done. Malakim tasted her, and she found it to be the most amazing feeling in the world. The primal sensation of his hot mouth against her neck made the young girl blush harder than she ever thought imaginable.

"Th-thank you, Mala.." she said quietly. "You can taste me anytime you like."

[Malakim]

He could feel her blush, and it made him happy, it meant that he had done something right. At least he hoped that's what it meant.

"Anytime I like? Well that could be very fun come dinner time." Malakim laughed a little at his own horrible joke.

He didn't know what else he could do for her, he wanted to give her everything she deserved everything he could ever do. He licked up her neck again as a breeze came in through the hut blowing a loose flower in through their door and onto the bed. Malakim eyed the flower then looked at Khiskiva, he picked up the flower and brushed her hair aside from her ear and placed the flower behind it.

"For you, my little night flower." and he kissed her once more.

[Khiskiva]

She must have been dreaming. How else could a flower have floated in throught the window? How else could she have felt so comfortable in the arms of a male? It had to have been a dream. She didn't care. Khiskiva put her arms around Malakim's neck and drew herself close to him, her mouth against his as she kissed him like the world was ending. Her heart pounded hard, so hard she felt it might burst through her chest. She could feel her pulse quicken with every second she held on to the kiss, and finally brought her tongue to touch his.

[Malakim]

He felt out of place with her tongue on his but at the same time it felt, right. As if this is how is life was meant to be. This is where he was supposed to be and he enjoyed it he actually had a reason to look forward to the next moment in his life and the moment after that.

He laid back on the bed with her in his arms slowly moving his arms over her back feeling out every curve and ridge of her spine. Malakim licked Khiskiva's lips once more before joining their tongues together again.

[Khiskiva]

Khiskiva smiled at Malakim, her red eyes glowing in the moonlight that poured in through the window. Lifting the covers of his bed, she brought them over him so that they were both underneath them, together. She wrapped her arms and legs around him, his heat keeping the night's chill from her as the desert temperature dropped to dangerously low levels. Her lips soon met his again. It was as if she couldn't get enough of his taste, either.

[Malakim]

The warmth of her body felt wonderful on his own. He hadn't become aware of how cold he had gotten from the wind until the troll felt Kiva shiver against his body.

"I am sorry about that... I will be warm in a moment."

Holding her tight he continued to kiss her and slowly worked his hand up to her tusks feeling the sharpness of them he felt even more entranced by her. finding himself tracing along her body with his hands, it was impossible for him to stop.

[Khiskiva]

"Please.. make it warmer," she said quietly, as Malakim's hands encircled her body. "I like it very very warm."

Khiskiva put her hands underneath Malakim's leather armor, feeling his waist, stomach, chest. She found herself exploring him, as if she'd never even looked at a male before. It was all so different when she was actually allowed to enjoy herself, for once. Things took new meaning. His hot breath in her mouth was pleasing instead of imposing. His large tusks rubbing against her face were gentle, uncontrolling.

She felt the sudden urge to cast a fire spell, but didn't know why. Somewhere in the room, a fire spirit drifted by, blessing them both with a warm breeze.

..a fire spirit? How was it she could see one?

Khiskiva tried to ignore the vision she'd had, instead returning her attention to the male who held her so tightly. She found her legs shaking with anticipation.

[Malakim]

"Warmer"

he began to rub his hands over her body in a patient soothing manner to help her warm up. letting his hands move across her legs which began shaking, she must be very cold he thought to himself.

It felt awkward to have someone feeling under his armor, he rarely took it off in the first place, usually only when the smell of battle and blood became too overpowering that he had to clean it. More so he rarely stayed in his bed for very long, it didn't feel right to him to be there it felt like he would let his guard down and something would happen to him someone would hurt or kill him when he wasn't paying attention. To that end he usually slept on the floor in a corner with weapons at the ready at all times.

Tonight was different he was actually enjoying himself, he didn't care what happened next. A raid could come in and destroy everything and he would be happy with this day, but it wasn't over yet...

He began to move her from side to side using his tongue to keep track of her moving it across her back going higher and lower in small patterns tracing now with the wetness of his tongue instead of the soft hands he had used previously.

[Fallacy]

He ducked around the corner of the hall, hearing the growling of the Scourge that were following him not far off. His shoddy armor was covered with torn cloth, but spots of bone were still visible. He held one of his swords close to his chest, the other to his side, not making a sound in the dark corridors of the ruins of Azjol'Nerub. The ghoul chasing him made sounds like it was sniffing him out, a sound like a throat had been sliced open. Luckily, some stone wall slightly shifted, and the undead ran off in the opposite direction of where he hid.

Seeing that his pursuer had gone, he turned to head to safety. He nearly jumped when he found an arachnid figure in front of him.

"Retrukh, here you are." Retrukh was the Nerubian term for "emptiness," and was what the spider people called Fallacy. "I thought we had nearly lost you."

"Sadiin, you... argh! Stop sneaking around me like that!" Fallacy had raised his blades to defend himself, but then let them flop to his sides as he saw it was no threat.

"Come, the rest of the party is not far off. It's time to head back to the encampment." The Nerubian scurried off into the dark, and Fallacy quickly started after him.

"So, how did your contingent fair, Retrukh?" Sadiin was being sarcastic, of course; he already knew the outcome.

"What do you think? I'm the only one who made it out alive. It was a suicide mission, Goldweaver."

The Nerubian just chuckled. "But, you did succeed, did you not?"

Fallacy nodded. "You know me..." He pulled out a strange stone from a leather bag on his hip. "This thing better be worth it."

"No one ever dies in vain, Retrukh. Every death happens for a reason." Sadiin did not look at him as he said this, simply for the fact that Fallacy had already experienced death.

"Maybe so..."

[Khiskiva]

Khiskiva gasped. His tongue, not his hands.. what was it about this male and his tongue?? It was addictive, she wanted so much more. More of his hands on her, more of his mouth on her, more of his tongue covering her skin as she removed her shirt to give him easier access to her back. If he was enjoing it, she wouldn't stop him. She enjoyed it too.

Another warm breeze.

Her eyes caught the glimpse of another spirit. This time, a wind spirit. He looked at Khiskiva with the body of a troll, but wings and the head of a bird of prey. He vanished as quickly as she saw him. Why were the spirits coming to her, of all people?? And why now?

A pleased cry escaped from her mouth as Malakim's tongue hit her spine. She was getting much warmer, now.

[Sulajin]

Sulajin huddled on a boat at sea. The foul winds driving rain everywhere, throwing huge waves that threatened to tip him over, and threatening to steal his thick leather cloak. Lightning cracked overhead, but he did not flinch. He sat, his cloak drawn over his body and head. Arms and legs on the edges. Hold it tight. Don't let the wind in, or you'll be swept away. Small rituals, held from childhood.

"I will not fear. I am a man now. This is an important mission I have been given. This ocean can't go on forever... it won't be long before I hit land. Blessed Loa, let me hit land. Lukou! Here my prayers! Let me live to see the sun rise!"

Despite his protests and callings, the storm did not relent. Sulajin remained huddled under his cloak.

"What foolishness... I should be the one who saves the Darkspear from heddonism and going astray? I am but one! What can I accomplish!? No...

No. Do not think like that. Remember your teachings, what was it that Hanal always said? 'Remember your breath of fire. For it shall warm your body in the dead of night, and the carress of the Loa it brings with will warm your soul.' Breath of fire, breath of fire...."

Lightning rends the sky over head, boiling the seas where it strikes. "How can I concentrate enough to perform my Juju now!? Just... relax. Think of something...Warmth... heat...."

Sulajin's chest heaves, steam pouring from his nose as the colour begins to come back into his face.

"I am strong... I will not break... I will fight in the name of the Loa... I will do my family proud..."

[Malakim]

He saw her remove her shirt, he looked her over. He had never seen the form of a female so close to him. She was beautiful, everything about her was perfect not a scratch he could see on her. To be honest he was using his eyes too much at the moment. He felt as though his tongue made much more the powerful tool than his eyes could.

He could feel the room getting warmer, he wasn't sure why but he was glad to be warmed up. That meant he could share more with her, he lifted her onto his lap and lifted her leg. slowly caressing it with his hand then adding his own tongue to fill in what he missed.

"How did I miss you? For all those days I have lived here and just now I am realizing how empty they really were without you with me Kiva."

[Khiskiva]

She felt her breath quicken with the caress of his hand, his urge to use his tongue like another appendige. Finally feeling herself relax in his hands, Khiskiva arched her back and threw back her long red hair. It had covered up most of her, before. Now, her upper body was completely exposed. A loarge jagged scar ran down her chest, beginning at her collar bone and ending just above her belly button. She sighed at his words, her teeth gritting together.

"I-I don't know, Mala.." she replied timidly. "Except, I am always with Zum'rah, the priest. I'm his appretice."

A breeze caused Khiskiva's hair to flow behind her, like thick red cloth. Before her, the eyes of another wind spirit twinkled before dissapearing. She shook with fear. It looked displeased at the mention of Zum'rah.

"..but I'd much rather spend time with you."

Another breeze. This time, she felt her skin glow heat. The wind and fire spirits danced harmoniously before her.

[Fallacy]

Fallacy watched the fire dance in front of him. The camp was in a room close to the surface, so it had a circular opening exposing the sky, so the fire and the moon created a strange mix of orange and blue light. The fire swirled about as the mountain winds blew into the camp, but he could not feel a pinch of it. He felt very little, besides that.

"Retrukh, you should be celebrating your victory!" Sadiin came and set next to Fallacy, holding a stein out to him. He took it reluctantly, and only sipped from it once before setting it on the ground.

"I'm not much in the mood to. I hardly felt like I won back in those tunnels. I failed my men horribly." Sadiin let out a slight grunt, reaching for his belongings.

"I had not planned to give this to you so soon, but, perhaps, this is the right time." He held out something wrapped in brown linen, and Fallacy took it conservatively. He unwrapped it slowly, revealing the hilt and sheath of a marvelous dagger. The hilt was golden, and had aquamarine set where it met the blade.

"It's... so amazingly crafted, Sadiin." Fallacy's hands nearly trembled with it in them. "I don't deserve it."

"Now, you're just going to let that go to waste? I'm called Goldweaver for a reason, and it is simply a gift for you, and there's nothing you have to deserve to recieve a gift, is there?"

Fallacy shook his head. "No, of course. I'm grateful. It's just that--"

"The Scourge are here!" An alarm went out through the camp. They were caught off-guard, and scrambled to collect their armor and weapons.

"Now, of all times? Come, Retrukh!" Fallacy grabbed his swords from his side, and stood up to face the coming undead.

However, the attack was too well planned. The Nerubians were unprepared, and severely outnumbered. It wasn't long before they were surrounded with less than ten left, huddled in a circle in the center of the room. The Scourge were boiling with bloodlust with their prey trapped before them.

Sadiin panted heavily, having already taken a wound. "Retrukh, you must get out of here with that stone!"

Fallacy turned his head to him in amazement. "Are you insane, Sadiin? I can't leave you here to die!"

It was too late. Sadiin fired a stream of web at the Scourge that were blocking the exit, keeping them in place. "Don't argue, go now!" He shoved Fallacy towards the exit.

"You... idiot!" Fallacy sliced at the stuck undead as he ran past, but the remaining Scourge swarmed on the remaining Nerubians. He did not watch it happen, but he could hear the devouring of flesh for a long time. He ran in a blind rage, and could hardly remember how he made it to safety afterwards.

[Malakim]

Zum'rah.... He knew who he was, he never liked that priest, always eccentric and excessive in his work. He didn't know if he liked the idea of Kiva being his apprentice, but he knew that if something happened that he could take care of it. He may have been a priest, but it is hard to heal something if your head is missing...

"Perhaps you can take the day off tomorrow then? We can spend it together there is a lot I would like to show you."

Malakim felt along the ridge of her scar unsure of what happened to cause a permanent injury on a troll, he knew most people didn't want to talk about their injuries so he didn't want to ask.

"Did I ever tell you how wonderful you are?"

He brought his lips up to hers again.

[Khiskiva]

Khiskiva giggled at the repetition of his compliments. She kissing him willingly, her finger burying themselves in his long hair before tuggling a bit on his lower lip before she pulled away. She was fighting the urge to bite him, enjoing his sweetness too much to want to spoil it with her usual acts of violence.

"Yes, but I don't know if I've told you.."

She leaned in close to him, her mouth sideways against his long ear as she whispered.

"I'll take tomorrow off.. I'll spend the day with you, and every night after that. You are wonderful, Mala. You've made me forget how to be sad."

Her tongue peeked out between her lips, and the trolless ran it allong the edge of Malakim's ear. She licked him slowly, savoring the peace of the moment, even as the fire spirits grew numerous around her. Or perhaps she was simply seeing them more clearly, now?

[Malakim]

He actually blushed at her compliment, she would take forever off for him? He wasn't sure what he had done to deserve such a gift, but whatever it was he was glad he did it.

"I have never been this happy in my life, I promise to keep you safe forever we are together."

He enjoyed the way she licked him back it made his hair stand up on the back of his neck, and he even got a slight growl forming, it was bliss.

One he hoped would never end...


((And I am off for a bit to do my firefighter skills test woohoo))

[Khiskiva]

Was he growling? Oh yes, he was. She must have hit just the right spot. Khiskiva grinned and combed her fingers through his scalp, her tongue licking every spot and crevice in his ear until she finally took a bit into her mouth and suckled on the flesh. She could see a fire spirit behind Malakim, breathing hot air into his body. Maybe that was what made him growl? Or maybe the spirit was simply reacting to all the heat they were creating.

She didn't bite hard. Khiskiva pressed her body gently against Malakim's, moving her mouth from his ear to his neck to his collar bone.

"I'm already safe, love," she cooed.

((Good luck! I gotta go gratuate! *dash*))

[Fallacy]

"Retrukh, you've hardly moved this past week." An elder Nerubian, dressed elegantly in gold and a various assortment of gems came into Fallacy's private quarters. "You must stop this moping about."

Fallacy sat on his bed, idly holding the dagger Sadiin had given him. "Anub'Dakar, I just don't..."

Anub'Dakar placed himself on the ground nearby, crossing his arms. "Retrukh, you cannot blame yourself for what happened that night. Sadiin gave his life so that you could escape, so that you could continue living. Are you just going to let that go to waste sitting in your room for eternity?"

Fallacy sighed, as if he drew breath, which he no longer did. "Am I truly worth that much? Sadiin deserved to live much more than myself, why must I always be spared?"

"Sadiin thought so. If he believed your life was worth saving, we must all accept that. It is a sign of your destiny to be set for great things."

Fallacy unsheathed the dagger, looking at his own reflection in the gold. "Why am I so different? I am undead, yet I am not bound by the Lich King. This fire within me, it burns from something buried deep within myself. Something dark..."

Anub'Dakar rose from his place on the ground. "You cannot find your answer here, within these dark halls. You must return from whence you came, back to your own homeland."

Fallacy placed the dagger back. "And leave my brothers here? How can I just abandon you all?"

The elder Nerubian grunted, in a near casually happy sense. "We will live on, like we always have. Retrukh will be written in our records of a force that stood in the face of Ner'zhul and emerged always victorious. Your story will inspire the others, and your presence will never die in our hearts, even if we leave this world ourselves." Anub'Dakar made his way to the door. "I've already gotten a ship prepared for you. It will take you to Lordaeron, but you must be wary, the Scourge have already made an attack on that land."

Fallacy watched the Nerubian leave, then stared down at the dagger. "To fight, for the sake of those that gave their lives in the presence of evil..."

[Malakim]

His ears... She found just the right spot, it caused him to shudder a bit and let out more of a growl. This girl knew just what to do to get him going, it amazed him and drove him wild. He reached behind Khiskiva running his fingers through her hair and slowly rubbing her head.

He felt her move on and actually bite him, he enjoyed the pain of battle, but this was so... so much more euphoric. He moved his head side to side as if in a dream, such a random day to turn into a perfect one.

He turned once more to the girl of his affections, and rubbed his tusks against her lightly enough to cure any itch that may reside in her shoulders, slowly working his way across her body before finally stopping at her lips so that he could lick them once more.

((Way to graduate))

[Khiskiva]

She loved his growl, his tusks, his tongue. Khiskiva felt the spirits bless her with praise for allowing her true self to shine for once. When she was happy, she could see them. When she unleashed her own sense of joy, they answered her. She felt as if electricity could pour from her hands, like water could materialize wherever she wanted, like she and Malakim were on fire.

"Mala.." She whispered as his tongue left her lips.

The electricity sparked. Khiskiva felt her own needs peak, and wrapped her legs around his waist. Throwing her weight to one side, she hoped it would be enough to carry him over. It might surprise him a bit, she was smaller than him, but she was also very much a troll. A bit of fighting for dominance was a sign of effection, if done properly.

[Malakim]

He barely got out the words, "Kiva?..." before he felt himself rolled over. Well now this definitely was something new, he had never been rolled by a female before. On the other hand he didn't mind it at all, in fact it was amusing to him to see what she had planned. He was so worried about keeping her happy with whatever he could do that he didn't think about what plans she had in the cute mind of hers.

He knew he should be nice and let her have his way, but what the hell. He could still find a way to have fun with her and enjoy himself as well. He moved his lips in towards hers pressing up against her lips. As he moved away a very sly grin could be seen along the corners of his mouth.

He reached up with his hands and began to work his fingers back and forth very fast against her skin. Okay so it wasn't the most sexy of plans, but for a silly troll tickling his desire was a sign of true affection.

[Khiskiva]

Khiskiva giggled, high pitched and carefree. She tossed her head back, her red hair looking like fire that burst from her head as she fell to her side in his hands.

"M-mala..! That's not fair!"

She tried to curl up in a ball to fend him off, but she knew that it would be to no evail. He could easilly overpower her, but she liked that most of all.

[Malakim]

So she thought she could get away by curling up? He thought it was cute that she was trying to avoid his tickles but he also knew that he could do what he wanted and she couldn't really stop him.

Where was the fun in overpowering her though?

He relented just long enough for her to feel safe from his advances for a moment just enough for her to relinquish her arms and legs from her body. However, as soon as he caught sight of an opening he dove back in tickling her relentlessly. He laughed as he saw her squirm.

"Don't pretend like you don't like it sweetie, I see that smile you love it."

[Khiskiva]

Khiskiva giggled uncontrollably, her arms and legs flaling to try and push him away.

"N-no.. no I don't!"

She decided to try and fight back, instead. As soon as he was above her, she slid her hands beneath his armor again and tickled his belly.

"Hah, I'll get you yet!" She said with a wide grin.

[Malakim]

He could hear the wavering determination in her adamant protest against his tickles. It would do her no good he could keep this up forever if need be...

What was this? She was trying to turn his game against him, well now he had a solution to this.

He removed his leather chest piece entirely and draped it over her head, to obscure her vision. It seemed to work well as he continued back at his winning tickle war.

[Khiskiva]

She struggled against the leather armor as it covered her face, trying to use her hands to keep his at bay, but to little evail. Tossing her head back to try and throw back his chest piece, she caught the smell of his sweat on the leather. To say she enjoyed it wouldn't be doing her feelings justice. For some reason, she felt possessed by the undeniable urge to touch the skin that had clung so tightly to this leather.

Using one of her hands to throw the chest piece to the floor, she tightly wrapped her legs around his waist and threw his back against the bed, stradling him with her hands pressing down on his shoulders. Her long red hair draped her face and naked chest like a waterfall, and her tusks shone from the moonlight of the open window.

[Malakim]

She definitely had some fight in her, he loved it. She fought against him with what she could and actually got him on his back, he could have easily thrown her back, but this was too good to pass up.

He smiled at his conqueror, "So, you have me at your mercy... What do you have planned." He licked his lips in anticipation.

[Khiskiva]

Planned? ..what did she have planned? She hadn't thought it out, that far. Khiskiva tried to think fast. What could she do for him, now that she could do anything she wanted? She supposed it would have been sweet to just lay beside him, kiss him, cuddle him and hold him throughout the night.. but the fighter inside said otherwise. It was feeding off of the smell of his sweat.

Smiling mischeviously, she leaned over and kissed his wetted lips. Her tongue slid into his mouth, stroking and toying with his a bit until she ran it down his chin, his throat, and his neck. Khiskiva continued on her trail, edging off of him slowly as she kissed and nipped at Malakim's skin until she came to the belt around his waist.

[Malakim]

This one was such a master strategist, she knew what she was doing. He felt her tongue softly in his mouth and he enjoyed her taste still a trace or two of the grapes upon it.

That spawned a new idea in his head as she reached lower on his body he reached over the edge of the bed where the basket of fruit still lay. He reached in to feel for something of the right size... A strawberry perfect.

Placing the fruit in his mouth he reached to her chin pulling her face back up to his. He kissed her again but this time with a fruity surprise, he worked the strawberry from his mouth to hers. Smiling he said, "And how does that taste my little night flower?"

[Khiskiva]

She grinned, chewing the fruit while tickling under his chin with a fingertip. She finally swallowed and nuzzled his nose. "Perfect, Mala, almost as good as you."

Reaching down with a hand, Khiskiva slowly undid his belt so that he might not notice what she was doing until she whiped it off of him in one quick motion. The leather made a snapping noise as she pulled it off, and let it drop to the floor.

[Malakim]

The crack of his belt made his head snap instantly to where her hands were. Well now, it seemed as though she had more on her mind than just fruit. He had a pretty good idea what she wanted next.

He looked further down towards his leggings there were slightly faded black now from being in the sun most of the time in the day as well as the battle that had recently taken place. It wasn't the most standard color for a Sandfury... but then again he wasn't the most standard of Sandfury.

He reached down and slid his pants down around his ankles struggling slightly to get them off over his feet, "Stupid feet, always bigger than I need." When he finally managed to remove them completely he wrapped them around Khiskiva's shoulders much like a black scarf.

[Khiskiva]

Khiskiva giggled again, her shoulders covered by Malakim's pants. They also smelled like leather and sweat. She slid off of his stomach and lay down on her side, facing him. One of her legs encircled his body, her free arm caressing his chest. Snuggling up close, she moved her mouth to his ear. Again, her mouth worked on the thin flesh.

"I'm yours if you want me," she purred.

[Malakim]

"If I want you?" there was nothing more he wanted right now in his life than her. She was wonderful she cared for him, she didn't push the thoughts of power and strength on him she liked him for other reasons, ones he couldn't quite understand but he knew it made him smile.

"There is nothing more I want than you." He looked away for a moment, "I don't deserve someone as wonderful as you though, you bring happiness where I had only darkness, you bring a calm to my endless rage. How can I say I deserve someone capable of so much when I can only give you so little?"

[Khiskiva]

Khiskiva could feel her heart melting. This male was precious, like a precocious little boy. Where did he learn to talk like this? He had the charm of a travelling mintral, as if he'd been wooing girls his entire life. She couldn't imagine how many other girls would have fallen for his charms, but rethought the idea. Most of the other girls weren't exactly ones for kindness. Likey they would have found him strange.. or even weak. But this was no weakling. He was the outsider, the strange monster.

And he was hers.

"You've already given me everything I've always wanted, Mala," she said with a kiss on his cheek.

[Malakim]

He didn't really know what he had given her except a few semi fresh grapes and a strawberry or two. "I am glad you think so beautiful, I have tried my best to give you what you deserve. I know it is not enough but there is always tomorrow and the day after." He sighed for a moment then held her closer, "But for now I am glad to have you with me, because I can do anything for you... Anything."

[Khiskiva]

She wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her head against his chest before sighing contently. "You know," she started, yawning. "I really do believe you could do anything, if you wanted to."

Khiskiva's knee stroked Malakim's thigh as she tightened her grip around him. She could feel the fire spirits in places that she didn't want to ignore.

[Malakim]

"Anything!?" She actually believed in him felt he could do anything, he didn't have that much faith in himself, let alone understand why anyone else should. He hadn't done anything great in his life, he hadn't slain a dragon he hadn't led a group a people to glory he had barely been able to kill the beasts that surrounded this area.

Something felt warm in him though as if he really might able to accomplish a lot with his life, "You know maybe I could... just maybe, if you believe in me."

He reached around her thighs to lift her up closer to his chest. He felt like he needed her warmth now more than ever, he was actually beginning to believe in himself more because of her.

"You are my angel Kiva, you make everything possible for me. I am undeserving of this gift from you but I appreciate all of you."

[Khiskiva]

"Angel? Me?"

She'd heard of different religious beliefs, of these angel things. They were supposed to be beaitiful spirits, with the wings of birds. They much resembled the spirits of the air, except they had pretty troll faces instead of the faces of birds. It was a strange compliment, but one nonetheless.

"Of course you deserve me. You were nice to me when nobody else has been, before. You're so..." She tried to think of the correct word. "..polite."

[Malakim]

Polite? that seemed a word far to out of place for him. He had be called many things none of which were nice until today. He briefly questioned himself on his worth of her, but dismissed it thinking it to be now an insult to her to question her reasons.

Instead he chose to change his focus back upon her pleasure as the faith she showed in him was more pleasure then he ever deserved. He eased her onto her back slowly feeling her form on his way down towards her legs. Lifting her left leg high in the air. He began to use his tongue up and down the back of her leg slowly going from the tip of her toe to the back of her knee and back again.

He got a wicked grin upon his face as he thought of what his tongue could give to her, licking his lips slowly he looked into her beautiful eyes once more, "What do you say we dress to match." He tried to hold back a snicker as he awaited her answer.

[Khiskiva]

She returned his wicked grin. He really was nice.. but he was more of a standard troll then he would let on. Even in his kindest moments, there was a hidden passion within him. When he brought it out in little spurts like this, it drove her absolutely wild. She was finding him to be more and more irrisistable.

"Yes, please," she said, nodding.

Biting her lip, Khis stroked the side of Malakim's face with the soft side of her foot.

[Malakim]

Malakim reached up under the trolless enjoying the feel of her foot. He slowly felt for a hold on her leggings before feeling confident he could get them down quickly and better than he did his own, muttering to himself, "Stupid feet."

There was a little cheer in the back of his head as he managed to get them off of her with little effort, He took in her entire form stunned at how magnificent she looked and let out a small grrrrrrrrrrr. He felt this was his chance to reach his tongue further than he could previously, now instead of stopping at her knees he ran his tongue back and forth from toe to inner thigh, until he felt her blood quicken.

"Is everything alright?"

[Khiskiva]

She'd felt his tongue ust about everywhere, today. Her hands, her face, her neck and back.. but there was one place he could put it that she knew would outshine the others. Not that they weren't wonderful in their own way, but...

"..everthing's perfect, Mala."

If Khiskiva was his angel, then this was heaven. What other male would have done this for her? It was always the other way around. Always. She made a mental note to start keeping a diary. She wanted to remember every detail of this day and night.

[Malakim]

He slowly worked his tongue up and down tasting every part of her, making sure to notice the subtle difference between leg, thigh, chest, arms, and of course her mouth. There was however, one spot that he had yet to check on her. Feeling ambitious and just a little bit silly enough to try he lowered his head between her knees.

He licked higher and higher on her until he could smell her, that inner voice in his mind that was usually silent except during fighting was screaming at him Go for it. He reached his tongue out slowly reaching inside of her, moving it slightly in a circle first in one direction then the other. Before going too far however, he reached back outside and licked down the inside of her legs before looking at her face to see how he was doing.

[Khiskiva]

Holy ghosts!!

She could feel her body jerk involuntarily as Malakim worked his tongue on her. What a strange feeling, but what a terribly good one.. trying hard not to push him away from the utter intensity, she arched her back and gave a cry into the chilly air. Her knees shook against her lover's body, her hands gripping the sheets just shy of tearing them.

"..M-mala...!"

[Malakim]

He paused for a second unsure of whether she was really happy or if her hurt in some way. She didn't yell for him to stop so he assumed that she wanted him to continue and continue he would.

With a devious smile he returned to the comfort of her legs this time reaching out further with his tongue not just to toy with the surface but also to explore her inner most secrets. Reaching his tongue inside he slowly brought it forward and releasing it back to it's start, as if she had been coated in some mysteriously flavor that was impossible to have enough of. He continued to press his tongue further and further reaching his arms around her legs to gain leverage to push even deeper.

[Khiskiva]

She let his hands take her closer, and felt her back slide against the sheets. Oh, how she loved to be in his hands. Even moreso did she feel overwhelmed by the feeling of his tongue and hot breath. Khis didn't look at the tears she was making in his sheets, or even at his head as it bobbed slightly in front of her. She kept her eyes shut tightly, her senses eveloped about the physical pleasure coming from Malakim's simple motions.

That was when she felt the spirits falter.

Be careful.. one of them whispered.

[Malakim]

He was unsure how long he could keep his tongue moving like this but he was determined to find out, besides seeing the pleasure he actually gave her, he was enjoying himself, she had the taste of a sweet fruit. Probably so of the leftover strawberries, but either way it was fantastic.

He slowly moved his hands closer to where his mouth was currently moving in slight motions up and down. There he moved his finger around the edge of his tongue slowly increasing speed to see if that made her happier or not.

[Khiskiva]

She jerked again, her pulse raising higher until she was sure she would pass out. What was she doing? Oh. Holding her breath. Khiskiva allowed herself to exhale.. then inhaled, and held it again. It felt too good, far too good.. where did he learn to do this??

Be careful! One of the spirits warned.

Don't let your guard down..

He's coming!

She tried to ignore them. This was her time with Malakim, nothing could ruin it, not even the chatty spirits.

[Malakim]

He smiled as he continued the use of his tongue and fingers. His mind slipped for a moment, most of the other males around the camp often talked of their "Conquests" although he never personally talked to many of them he heard them in passing, trolls can be loud sometimes, especially when talking of their... abilities.

Amazingly they never talked of their affections in such a wonderous tone as they did for themselves. It was always I got with her and her and her. It was never and I did everything I could to please her in every way possible. This bothered him, they didn't know what they were missing out on. He planned on having a great story if only to share with himself. He was going to keep this up till sunrise if he could. After all Kiva deserved only the best... over and over and over again.

[Khiskiva]

Laughter surrounded them. Not the giddy laughter that they'd shared earlier, not the innocent happy giggling that he'd given her while they tickled one another, but something else entirely. It didn't come from either one.

"What do we have here?"

Khiskiva gasped. She knew who it was, but why was he here? Why now?? What could possibly have possessed him to want to find her at this hour? "Z-zum'rah? Sir?"

An older troll walked in through the door. He had bloodstained robes, and held a tall withered staff. There were cracks in his whiethered face, and a devious grin accross his lips. "That's right, Khiskiva. And who is this handsome young male?"

[Malakim]

Malakim growled at the intruder, standing from the the bed between the two as if he were a fence. "What are you doing here priest, never once have you stopped by to say hello since I moved in and now in the middle of the night you come here why?"

Malakim didn't like the smell of this priest, he smelled like death. It bothered him, that he was a contradiction, it bothered him that he was intruding in his home, and it just pissed him off that he wrecked his fun.

[Khiskiva]

Zum'rah laughed.

"I never had a need to visit you, outsider, until you so blatently tried to claim one of my own.." His hollow eyes looked at Khiskiva, roving over her young body like a predator studied a piece of meat. "Yes.. she is lovely, isn't she? A pity she'll have to be punished. Having bed fun with her brother, or even her fellow students is one thing. Being distracted from her Sandfury heritage is another thing entirely."

His smile faded.

"I felt spirits about this place. I wasn't surprised to find you at the center of it. What have you done to her?"

[Malakim]

He could feel his anger rising at this priest's arrogance.

"You will not lay a hand on her priest, you will not take another step closer you will leave our home and live your empty life elsewhere, she is not yours to claim as you desire she is her own being and is under my protection now."

Malakim clenched his fists, "As for your foolish question I have done nothing to her, she is the one that has set me free."

[Khiskiva]

Zum'rah smirked. What an arrogant little whelp this was, coming to their homeland and acting as if he had a choice in the matter.

"Free? What a silly concept."

The ground vibrated slightly, as Zum'ah summoned his children. A glow in his staff filled the room, creating tiny illuminations in the windows which grew larger and larger until one might realize.. they were actually eyes. Dry dead eyes in the bodies of wrapped corpses. The corpses climbed in through the window, and made their way towards Malakim with outstretched hands and open mouths.

[Malakim]

"Oh hells" was all he could say seeing the undead clamor into their house. Now he remembered why he usually slept on the floor in full armor and weapons close to his side... So he wouldn't end up naked and relying on his fists alone.

"So you have to rely on tricks priest? you can't fight like as you should... Well then I suppose you should be taught some manners."

Malakim jumped on the closest of the dead warriors he could reach, holding it down by its neck by placing his knee across its throat he began to pummel the wrapped face of the creature in with his elbows each sound making a sickening slurp as bone and tissue were shredded with each blow.

Standing up from his first kill Malakim eyed the priest, "I sure hope your friends aren't all so weak."

[Khiskiva]

"All of my friends are relitively the same, boy," the priest said with a chuckle.

Raising his palm, Zum'rah cast smite upon Malakim's body. More and more zombies filled the room, pouring in through the window to make their way towards their adversary. Khiskiva finally gathered the courage to react.

"No, Zum'rah, don't hurt him please!" She pleaded, running to him. "I'll do whatever you say, but please do not harm him!"

There was a moments hesitation in the preist's face as he looked down at Khiskiva. Her young eyes were full of frightened tears, and she stood bravely for what she loved. Part of him almost pitied her. That is, until he swung back with his staff and slammed it hard against her face.

There was a crack as her nose and jaw broke, simultaniously.

[Malakim]

Malakim reeled from the holy powers burned into him, over the mass of zombies filling the room Malakim saw Khiskiva pled for his life, and be struck down for it. He heard the bones in her face crack and he winced in pain for her.

That's when he heard it, the voice that he considered his voice of battle... It protected him when he needed it he should be able to tear through this pathetic priest and his little brotherhood easily.

So what are you going to do now?

He got up from his kill staring through everything in front of him focusing solely on his desires. He promised to protect her and nothing would get in his way, he would rip the marrow from the priest bones and feed his corpse to the carrion birds outside.

He let out a tremendous growl, not like he had shared with Kiva in passion this was primal it was the sound of death and destruction. The zombies began to shuffle in a pattern to protect their master, but it didn't matter to the enraged troll now. They would all die, he would see to that.

He charged into the entire group tearing his way from one zombie to the next ripping what appendages he could from one corpse and embedding it into the the one behind it. At last he could see the priest, jumping over the remaining undead he headed full force towards Zum'rah.

[Khiskiva]

Zum'rah laughed again. This was becoming fun. A berzerking boy, who thought he could betray his own elder? How dare he.

Casting a shield over his body, the priest sent a mind blast at Malakim. Within the very center of his brain, he could hear Zum'rah's voice taunting.

Forget her, boy. Forget her face, forget her voice.. she is not yours to have. She will never be yours again. You will forget everything you have done, and so will she. You see? Already her brain is emptying of it's love for you. It won't take long before she forgets you entirely.. shouldn't you do the same?

Beside him, Khiskiva stirred. Her nose was bent down the front, and her chin was swollen and blackening. Looking at Malakim, she gave a weak cry and fell unconscious.

[Malakim]

The words were twisting in his mind it ached he could see her in pain yet he could do nothing he tried to move but his body just would not respond. He yelled out to Khiskiva as he fell to his knees.

The words continued their taunts he tried with all his might to fight against it, but the priest was too strong, his magic too great. Malakim's eyes closed as his body gave out crashing to the ground in one large mass.

Zum'rah couldn't help but laugh at Malakim's misfortune, "He thought he could defeat me? Humph, what a fool."

As the priest was about to leave and let the unconscious troll be food for his children. The young troll's body stirred, first to his knees then to his feet. Stretching out completely the troll cracked his neck before saying in a mocking tone, "Boo, leaving already?"

[Khiskiva]

Zum'rah smirked, picking up Khiskiva's limp body and throwing it over his shoulder. He snapped a finger and more zombies emerged from the windows, making their way towards Malakim.

"You should leave this place, boy. Or die.." He chuckled. "The choice is yours. Either way.. you can't protect her, now."

[Malakim]

His tone turned harsh and cold, "Oh I didn't say anything about protecting anyone fool." Walking forward the troll destroyed every zombie that walked along his path. Easily twisting limbs until they snapped, pushing his hands through the chests of others ripping out any remaining organs.

"I have been aching for a fight ever since that wench troll invaded this place earlier, and I must thank you for the chance to enjoy myself this evening but you are going to have come up with more than these pathetic dust creatures if you plan to live past today."

[Khiskiva]

"Live? What a silly thing to say," Zum'rah mused. "You see.. I will live forever. While you.. heh.. you won't live to see the sunrise."

He reached into his robe, and drew a small shell. Blowing into it, there came a high pitched whistle. It might have been late at night, but all those who remained awake heard the whistle, and came running. The drew their weapons, and stared down Malakim. Fellow Sandfury, all of them.

"He's a traitor," Zum'rah said calmly. "Dispose of him."

[Malakim]

"Well if this is what you all desire, I don't mind breaking a few necks tonight, I needed a warm up." He rushed through the crowd with demonic speed, grabbing anything he could on those bodies he passed by. Breaking their bones and slashing at throats with his bare hands. He would not be denied his battle, whether it was those he lived with or not. Nothing bothered this side of him, and even he was unsure of whether he could be stopped or not.

He moved from troll to troll breaking through their pathetic line of defense for the priest. He figured there would be a use for that girl when he was done with the rest of the priest's lackeys. When he reached out to grab Khiskiva from the priest he felt his hand burn and it felt as though he was punched in the gut as hard as possible by the biggest dire troll of them all. He dropped to his knees and began to cough up blood.

What had happened? Why did it hurt when he touched her there was no reason for that to happen. Was it? It couldn't be, he wasn't capable of stopping him now, the priest had seen to it that his other half would be out of commission at least for awhile.

He stumbled to his feet wobbling back and forth, "You are lucky today priest, but I will destroy you have no doubt of that." With those words Malakim made his way to the back of the city as fast as he could to recover from the injuries that were most likely made by that.... Fool.

[Khiskiva]

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