(( I posted most of this on TNG when I first came to the server, but am re-posting it here now that I have a home ))
--Text from a letter sent to General Delivery, Crossroads outpost, The Barrens.--
To my Karnia,
Ya liddle brat, dis is yer mother. I havent gotten any letters from ya in weeks. I sent ya to da valley of trials for training, and I hear from Inka that youve done nothin but drink da money I gave ya at da pubs in Orgrimmar! It took me a month of working to afford da travel costs to get ya down dere! "I want to be a shaman mamma!" My Blue Ass you do!
If I knew who ya fatha was ya can bet I'd have him drag ya home by ya ear! And what is this business I hear about a boyfriend? An unead Zombie boyfriend!? I pray ta da Gods dis isnt true! Do ya want ta shame da whole village! He used ta be some famous human? I don't care!
I expect a direct reply from ya young one. I will not have one of me daughters running amok and bringing dishonor ta me name. What would ya sista say? Ya wouldnt want me ta hunt her down and find out her opinion I wager.
Just because ya reached ya blossoming age don't mean I can't beat ya, dere will be no more drunken table dancing, what ya think ya are, one a dem mutant Night Elfs?
Let yer mother know wats goin on, da womens circle worries about ya, and I need ta know at least one of ma girls is on da right path.
Luv,
Garla'jin
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The early morning sun shone brightly down on the seaside town of Ratchet. It shone on the rooftops, and on the dock. It shone straight into one of the top floor windows of the inn and down onto the sleeping face of a young Troll girl. She did not appreciate its cheerful rays, and pulling the blanket higher up over her head, snuggled deeper into the pillow. She was smiling and drifting off again when the innkeepers assistant, a smelly little goblin by the name of Tumek, burst into the room bearing a pitcher of washwater.
"Its 8am! Time to wake up! You know the rules! Turnout is at 9am unless you pay the 15 silver for another day. Do you want to stay another day!?"
He held his hand out towards the bed. Wiggling his filthy little fingers in anticipation.
"No." She mumbled. "I'll be leaving this morning. Just set the water down please."
Tumek pulled his hand back reluctantly and put the pitcher on a small crate by the bed.
"Well, you have one hour, then you have to pay again. Time is m-"
"Yeah, time is money friend, I get it. Now shoo."
He backed out of the room, giving her the stink eye as he left. After he had gone Karnia rolled over and swung her feet off the bed. The wood was warm and felt good against her bare feet. She yawned largely and padded over to the washbasin. It felt so good to be on her own, to wake up when she wanted to ...sort of. And to know she had the whole day to do with as she pleased.
She caught sight of herself in the small mirror and laughed. Her hair was a wild mass of blue atop her head. She went to her pack and took out two brushes. A large one for her hair and a much smaller one for her tusks. She was quite sure her breath smelled like kodo ass. After she had washed and put her hair up in its usual style atop her head, she carefully repacked her gear and headed downstairs. After a quick thank you and goodbye to the innkeeper she was walking west to The Crossroads.
Everything was still pretty quiet this time of the morning. Upon entering the outpost she went straight to the large round building. The outpost Inn. Where she was immediately greeted by a darkly greenskinned, black haired orc.
"Good Morning Karnia! You are as bright as the sunshine. Have you come with more medicine for these idiots?"
"Yeah, good morning to you to Gorthak. A trolls got to make some silver somehow. Oceanview rooms don't come cheap, and bar wench isnt my idea of a good time." She replied.
Karnia made the rounds around the large room, nudging the sleeping patrons with her foot. "Wake up you loafs, Healing potions 1 silver! Great for those hangovers! Takes the headaches away! Only 1 silver. Cmon, I only have a few left now!"
After she had sold most of the potions in her bag, she made her way back to Gorthak. She slapped down 10 copper and took an apple from the basket on the bar.
"Another profitable morning." She said, taking a large bite. "At this rate I should be able to afford this seasons lessons by next week."
Gorthak laughed. "Your probably right kid, theres no shortage of drunks to be had here at The Crossroads."
As if to illustrate his point, a large Tauren with matted black fur began to loudly retch inside his sleeping cubby. Karnia ran over to him yelling. "No, you big dolt, drink the red one! The red one!" She pulled and yanked on his huge furry arm till she had more or less rolled him onto his side. She picked up the half spilled blue potion and took a fresh red one from her bag.
Gorthak chuckled to himself and reached behind the bar. He grabbed a jar of cider and tossed it to her as she was walking back. "Here kid, on the house, for helping me out this morning. Ive never seen these smelly shits get up so fast."
"Don't get used to it Gorthak. I'm probably heading back to Silverpine this afternoon."
Gorthak raised an eyebrow. "That forsaken youve been pallin around with?"
Karnia gave the orc a poke on the arm. "Yes, as if its any of your business. The sun of the barrens is to much for him right now, he wanted to head back to The Sepulcher where its cooler. I'll be meeting him in The Undercity around supper time if the bats are running on time."
Gorthak gave her a return poke to the arm. "Just as long as you know..." He lowered his voice to a stage whisper. "They say he's insane!"
Karnia sighed. "The change was hard on him, it was hard on all of them, you can't blame him for a little odd behavior!"
Gorthak snickered. "Who did he say he used to be again?"
Karnia glared at him. "I don't have any more time to talk about this. I have a long walk today. I should be back in a week or so."
Gorthak began pulling trays and fruit from behind the counter. Already the potions were working and several orcs were coming to settle on the benches by the bar. A cluster of Tauren women had also come in the front door. The in made a very delicious Raptor-egg omelet.
"Don't go away angry Karnia, I could care less what you do, but your a sweet girl, you need to be careful." He reached back under the bar and came up with an envelope of rough linen paper. "Here, you got a letter. Maybe its some good news to wipe that sour look off your pretty face."
"A letter?" She took the proffered envelope. "Alright you, I'm off. Thanks for the cider." She turned for the door. "Safe Travels kid." Gorthak called, then turned back to his cooking.
She walked out the front door into the bright mid-morning sunshine. Lifting a hand to shield her eyes she studied the writing. Her face fell.
"Oh Bloody Murloc Balls!" A small orc girl who was walking by dropped the basket she was carrying and clapped her hands over her mouth. Her eyes wide with shock. Karnia glanced down. "Oh shove off! Be lucky it wasnt addressed to you." She grabbed the small green girls basket, pushed it into her hands and gave her a little shove down the street. Only then did she turn her attention back to the letter. Only one person had this barely legible lunatic scrawl. Her Mother.
She looked around to make sure noone was watching, then used the sharp end on one tusk to tear a corner of the paper. Then carefully removed the single handwritten sheet.
The little orc child would have been slightly scarred for several weeks to hear the curses that came from the cute little teenage troll on the corner.
"That Rotten Harpy!! SHE saved money for my trip!! And Inka That lying wretch!! How would she know what ive been doing, She spends all her time blindfolded getting high in the valleys of spirits!!" Karnia stamped around in a circle. "How dare she! How DARE she! GGGRRRR! And contacting my sister, she would never! She's terrified of her, the whole damn village is terrified of her! I can't believe this!"
And with a violent tug of her backpack, Karnia headed north. She had a zepplin to catch.
A Sister's Duty. - The story of Karnya Shadowscar
-
Keeper Of Lore
- Lost
- Posts: 1749
Re: A Sister's Duty. - The story of Karnya Shadowscar
The zeppelin sailed across the Great Sea. It sailed northeast from Durotar, far enough to give the dark uncharted waters near the maelstrom a wide berth. Tonight the air was clear, and the ocean seemed calm.
Karnia sat in a chair on the back balcony and stared out at the water passing far below. Her mood had not improved over the course of the day. She was so upset about the letter, about how her mother made her seem so ungrateful, so horrible. Like her mother had fought so hard for her to stay and she had left anyway. It wasn’t like that!
Garla had even been pushing her to leave, had talked about the area becoming to dangerous. The Elders had spoken nightly in the main tents. There were mercenaries flying in daily to head deeper into Desolace. She had heard whispers, of some sort of portals being seen in the hills, and demons.
She was not ashamed to admit she had been afraid. When her mother suggested she go to Durotar and try to improve her minor healing skills into something more substantial, she had jumped at the chance. But she had thought her mother understood that her main purpose in leaving had not to become a famous shaman, but more to leave the monotony of their small fishing village. And her mother HAD given her some money. But the old women had been in the village for too long. She made her money dancing for the travelers around the nightly fire. She lived on tips alone. She had no idea what a room in an Inn near the city would cost. But Karnia did. She had done her research.
She had talked to the Horde soldiers and mercenaries. She had found out the price of certain things. Weapon Trainers, Armor, food and supplies. Karnia was amazed, she could never even dream of having the amounts of gold these wanderers threw around every day. And she would definitely not make it with the few silver pieces her mother had managed to scrape together.
So for weeks Karnia worked. She fished all morning and in the afternoon she would come back and sell sandwiches to the Horde warriors coming back from various quests. She would also hear horrible stories from them. They all seemed to confirm the rumors of the Demons, and spoke of even more terrible things deep inside one of the local Centaur temples. It only firmed her resolve that she needed to far away from here. The bigger cities would surely be better protected. Demons would never come to an area with so many Trolls and Orcs around.
Karnia shook her head and stood up. She needed to stretch her legs. She took one last look back over the water and tuned for the stairs. The upper deck was mostly empty. The only other passengers were a few Undead huddled together near the front. One of them glanced over her shoulder at the young Troll and hissed. Karnia shrugged, she wasn’t really in the mood for talking anyway. She walked over to the opposite railing. Seeing them had reminded her of the first time she had taken this voyage two weeks ago. She had just completed the first phase of her training at The Valley of Trials. One of the others in her class had told her that if she wanted some weapon training, go to The Undercity and see the Master there. She had taken down the directions from him and made the long walk the next day…
She remembered how gloomy the country had seemed. The very air smelled thick with decay. The landing platform of the Zeppelin tower was rickety. Karnia had to watch her step to avoid broken boards or rusty nails. The pads of her feet were very thick, but she didn’t want to take any chances. She walked down and around the long wooden spiral staircase and through the door at the bottom.
A low fog seemed to hang over everything. She was just stepping out onto the path when a scream cut through the air. “AAAaaaiii! Die! Die! Die!” Karnia screamed and jumped back into the doorway as an armor clad Undead man went running past the Zeppelin tower and threw himself on a small Bluish dog that had been wandering by. The dog turned to defend itself but was hardly able to do more than growl a warning before the side of its neck was opened cleanly by the madman’s axe. Karnia watched with stunned horror as the Undead shoved his hands inside the wound and began tearing the creature apart. Blood was flying everywhere and soon the ground was covered in a slick red carpet.
“Don’t look so afraid, he does this all the time.”
Karnia turned to see an Undead woman leaning against the side of the building with her arms crossed. She had on a brown dress and her dark hair was wild and unkempt.
“You-you…you’re a Forsaken?” Karnia stuttered
“Whatever would give you that idea?” The woman asked. “The grayish skin tone? How about the exposed spinal column?”
Karnia blushed, her cheeks turning an even deeper shade of blue.
“I’m sorry; I’m not from around here. I didn’t mean to offend you. My names Karnia, I’m training in Durotar to become a Shaman.”
“Don’t worry, if ignorance is the worst thing that happens to me today, I’ll count myself lucky. I’m Mortai. I used to be a…I mean…I’m still a priestess I suppose. The guy over there molesting the wildlife is Kurt.” Mortai motioned down the hillside.
“Is he dangerous?” Karnia asked.
“That would depend on your definition of the word.” Mortai unfolded her arms. Loud cracks and pops of joints accompanied her movements. “He’s helped me out a lot these past few days, what with all the risers coming up from around Brill. Not everyone’s got their act all there if you know what I mean. Some of them are mindless, and very violent. They need to be put down. Kurt saved my ass more than a few times.”
“Risers?” Karnia asked.
“Um, yeah, the Living Dead? Hello?” She wiggled her bony fingers for emphasis. “Not everyone’s coming up as fresh as myself and Kurt here.” She jerked her head backwards to indicate the man who now seemed to have his entire head stuffed into the chest cavity of the dead dog. “The Lich Kings hold is very strong, those with weak minds or bodies can’t break away and continue to be re-animated in his service.”
“You mean like Zombies?!”
Mortai gave her a look that was not entirely friendly. “Yes, like zombies.” She held her hands out in front of her and took several shuffling steps forward. “Braaaiiins…..uuuunngg……Brains.”
Karnia gave a little yelp and took a few quick steps backwards. She tripped over a stone, and fell down, landing on her butt. Mortai threw back her head and cackled loudly.
“How do you not know this stuff? Have you been living in a cave? What are you doing here anyway?” She advanced on the blue haired girl.
“I was heading to The Undercity. A friend of mine told me they have a weapon trainer.” She felt the back of her throat start to tighten, and took a few deep breathes. She really didn’t want to cry. Karnia sat up and looked at the woman. “I know you’re probably busy…but could you take me inside? I don’t know where to go.” Shamed, she stared at the ground and waited for a reply.
Silently Mortai smoothed the front of her dress and thought it over, she smiled. “Yeah, sure. Go and round up Kurt if you can.”
“Okay.” Karnia said. Glad to have someone to help her, even if that someone was a little creepy and didn’t seem to like her, made Karnia feel more secure. She made her way over to the male Forsaken carefully. She didn’t want to startle him; he still had a rather sharp looking axe clutched in one hand.
“Sir? Umm, hello?” She nudged him with her toe. At her touch the Undead jumped up. He still had the dead Darkhound on his head and it flopped around wildly sending blood and bits of flesh flinging in all directions. “AAAAaaiii! Die! Who Dares Touch Kurt Russul!?” He spun around in a circle a few times, thoroughly covering Karnia and himself in ichor before realizing he couldn’t see. He lifted the corpse up over his eyes slightly and peered at his attacker. Karnia was standing about two feet away. Blood and thicker chunks of things were in her hair and on her vest. She lifted one hand and wiped the blood from her face, trying not to retch. “Hi Kurt, I’m Karnia. Mortai wanted me to come and get you, she’s right over there.” Karnia pointed back the way she had come. “She said we-“
“Where?” Asked Kurt.
She looked back over her shoulder. Mortai was gone. Karnia started to turn back when Kurt took off running down the hill.
“Aaaaaaiiii! Die! Fear Kurt Russul! AAAAaaaiiii!” He screamed as he ran towards another darkhound. His previous kill flopping on his head as he ran.
Karnia broke, she ran after him down the hill. “Wait! Please wait!” She yelled. He stopped mid-charge and turned to look at her. She caught up with him and clutched her stomach to catch her breath. “Please wait. I don’t know where to go.” The tears were welling up in her eyes and she fought to control them. She looked at Kurt. Only then did she notice his eyes. They were blue! A blue like the waters from home, Cerulean blue. She didn’t know eyes came in that color. They were the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.
Kurt had heard the panic in the young Trolls voice. That was why he had stopped. Now he could see by the slack jawed way she was staring at him that she had lost her mind. Kurt Russul could understand. He had seen a lot of people fall victim to that lately. He decided he should take her to town and try to get some food into her. He took her by the arm and started to walk down the hill to The Undercity. He patted her gently on the shoulder and asked. “Do you like my hat?”
Karnia giggled and pushed away from the railing. Those days following their meeting were the most fun she could ever remember. Running all around The Undercity. Running wild in the hills behind Brill. They had even hid behind trees and watched Alliance troops going in and out of The Scarlet Monastery. How dare her mother try and judge them. To judge her.
Karnia rummaged around in her pack till she found the letter and a small bottle of ink. She turned it over and began to write on the other side.
Dear Mother,
Mind your own business. I am in love with Kurt Russul. I plan to move to The Undercity and have lots of undead troll zombie babies out of wedlock. I’m going to quit school and get a job stripping on top of the mailbox. I don’t need or want your advice. Go ahead and try to find my sister, I don’t think you have the guts.
You’re Daughter,
Karnia
P.S. He beats me.
Satisfied, Karnia sealed the letter inside a piece of leather and wrote the address on the other side. She would throw it in the mailbox as soon as she got to The Undercity.
Karnia sat in a chair on the back balcony and stared out at the water passing far below. Her mood had not improved over the course of the day. She was so upset about the letter, about how her mother made her seem so ungrateful, so horrible. Like her mother had fought so hard for her to stay and she had left anyway. It wasn’t like that!
Garla had even been pushing her to leave, had talked about the area becoming to dangerous. The Elders had spoken nightly in the main tents. There were mercenaries flying in daily to head deeper into Desolace. She had heard whispers, of some sort of portals being seen in the hills, and demons.
She was not ashamed to admit she had been afraid. When her mother suggested she go to Durotar and try to improve her minor healing skills into something more substantial, she had jumped at the chance. But she had thought her mother understood that her main purpose in leaving had not to become a famous shaman, but more to leave the monotony of their small fishing village. And her mother HAD given her some money. But the old women had been in the village for too long. She made her money dancing for the travelers around the nightly fire. She lived on tips alone. She had no idea what a room in an Inn near the city would cost. But Karnia did. She had done her research.
She had talked to the Horde soldiers and mercenaries. She had found out the price of certain things. Weapon Trainers, Armor, food and supplies. Karnia was amazed, she could never even dream of having the amounts of gold these wanderers threw around every day. And she would definitely not make it with the few silver pieces her mother had managed to scrape together.
So for weeks Karnia worked. She fished all morning and in the afternoon she would come back and sell sandwiches to the Horde warriors coming back from various quests. She would also hear horrible stories from them. They all seemed to confirm the rumors of the Demons, and spoke of even more terrible things deep inside one of the local Centaur temples. It only firmed her resolve that she needed to far away from here. The bigger cities would surely be better protected. Demons would never come to an area with so many Trolls and Orcs around.
Karnia shook her head and stood up. She needed to stretch her legs. She took one last look back over the water and tuned for the stairs. The upper deck was mostly empty. The only other passengers were a few Undead huddled together near the front. One of them glanced over her shoulder at the young Troll and hissed. Karnia shrugged, she wasn’t really in the mood for talking anyway. She walked over to the opposite railing. Seeing them had reminded her of the first time she had taken this voyage two weeks ago. She had just completed the first phase of her training at The Valley of Trials. One of the others in her class had told her that if she wanted some weapon training, go to The Undercity and see the Master there. She had taken down the directions from him and made the long walk the next day…
She remembered how gloomy the country had seemed. The very air smelled thick with decay. The landing platform of the Zeppelin tower was rickety. Karnia had to watch her step to avoid broken boards or rusty nails. The pads of her feet were very thick, but she didn’t want to take any chances. She walked down and around the long wooden spiral staircase and through the door at the bottom.
A low fog seemed to hang over everything. She was just stepping out onto the path when a scream cut through the air. “AAAaaaiii! Die! Die! Die!” Karnia screamed and jumped back into the doorway as an armor clad Undead man went running past the Zeppelin tower and threw himself on a small Bluish dog that had been wandering by. The dog turned to defend itself but was hardly able to do more than growl a warning before the side of its neck was opened cleanly by the madman’s axe. Karnia watched with stunned horror as the Undead shoved his hands inside the wound and began tearing the creature apart. Blood was flying everywhere and soon the ground was covered in a slick red carpet.
“Don’t look so afraid, he does this all the time.”
Karnia turned to see an Undead woman leaning against the side of the building with her arms crossed. She had on a brown dress and her dark hair was wild and unkempt.
“You-you…you’re a Forsaken?” Karnia stuttered
“Whatever would give you that idea?” The woman asked. “The grayish skin tone? How about the exposed spinal column?”
Karnia blushed, her cheeks turning an even deeper shade of blue.
“I’m sorry; I’m not from around here. I didn’t mean to offend you. My names Karnia, I’m training in Durotar to become a Shaman.”
“Don’t worry, if ignorance is the worst thing that happens to me today, I’ll count myself lucky. I’m Mortai. I used to be a…I mean…I’m still a priestess I suppose. The guy over there molesting the wildlife is Kurt.” Mortai motioned down the hillside.
“Is he dangerous?” Karnia asked.
“That would depend on your definition of the word.” Mortai unfolded her arms. Loud cracks and pops of joints accompanied her movements. “He’s helped me out a lot these past few days, what with all the risers coming up from around Brill. Not everyone’s got their act all there if you know what I mean. Some of them are mindless, and very violent. They need to be put down. Kurt saved my ass more than a few times.”
“Risers?” Karnia asked.
“Um, yeah, the Living Dead? Hello?” She wiggled her bony fingers for emphasis. “Not everyone’s coming up as fresh as myself and Kurt here.” She jerked her head backwards to indicate the man who now seemed to have his entire head stuffed into the chest cavity of the dead dog. “The Lich Kings hold is very strong, those with weak minds or bodies can’t break away and continue to be re-animated in his service.”
“You mean like Zombies?!”
Mortai gave her a look that was not entirely friendly. “Yes, like zombies.” She held her hands out in front of her and took several shuffling steps forward. “Braaaiiins…..uuuunngg……Brains.”
Karnia gave a little yelp and took a few quick steps backwards. She tripped over a stone, and fell down, landing on her butt. Mortai threw back her head and cackled loudly.
“How do you not know this stuff? Have you been living in a cave? What are you doing here anyway?” She advanced on the blue haired girl.
“I was heading to The Undercity. A friend of mine told me they have a weapon trainer.” She felt the back of her throat start to tighten, and took a few deep breathes. She really didn’t want to cry. Karnia sat up and looked at the woman. “I know you’re probably busy…but could you take me inside? I don’t know where to go.” Shamed, she stared at the ground and waited for a reply.
Silently Mortai smoothed the front of her dress and thought it over, she smiled. “Yeah, sure. Go and round up Kurt if you can.”
“Okay.” Karnia said. Glad to have someone to help her, even if that someone was a little creepy and didn’t seem to like her, made Karnia feel more secure. She made her way over to the male Forsaken carefully. She didn’t want to startle him; he still had a rather sharp looking axe clutched in one hand.
“Sir? Umm, hello?” She nudged him with her toe. At her touch the Undead jumped up. He still had the dead Darkhound on his head and it flopped around wildly sending blood and bits of flesh flinging in all directions. “AAAAaaiii! Die! Who Dares Touch Kurt Russul!?” He spun around in a circle a few times, thoroughly covering Karnia and himself in ichor before realizing he couldn’t see. He lifted the corpse up over his eyes slightly and peered at his attacker. Karnia was standing about two feet away. Blood and thicker chunks of things were in her hair and on her vest. She lifted one hand and wiped the blood from her face, trying not to retch. “Hi Kurt, I’m Karnia. Mortai wanted me to come and get you, she’s right over there.” Karnia pointed back the way she had come. “She said we-“
“Where?” Asked Kurt.
She looked back over her shoulder. Mortai was gone. Karnia started to turn back when Kurt took off running down the hill.
“Aaaaaaiiii! Die! Fear Kurt Russul! AAAAaaaiiii!” He screamed as he ran towards another darkhound. His previous kill flopping on his head as he ran.
Karnia broke, she ran after him down the hill. “Wait! Please wait!” She yelled. He stopped mid-charge and turned to look at her. She caught up with him and clutched her stomach to catch her breath. “Please wait. I don’t know where to go.” The tears were welling up in her eyes and she fought to control them. She looked at Kurt. Only then did she notice his eyes. They were blue! A blue like the waters from home, Cerulean blue. She didn’t know eyes came in that color. They were the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.
Kurt had heard the panic in the young Trolls voice. That was why he had stopped. Now he could see by the slack jawed way she was staring at him that she had lost her mind. Kurt Russul could understand. He had seen a lot of people fall victim to that lately. He decided he should take her to town and try to get some food into her. He took her by the arm and started to walk down the hill to The Undercity. He patted her gently on the shoulder and asked. “Do you like my hat?”
Karnia giggled and pushed away from the railing. Those days following their meeting were the most fun she could ever remember. Running all around The Undercity. Running wild in the hills behind Brill. They had even hid behind trees and watched Alliance troops going in and out of The Scarlet Monastery. How dare her mother try and judge them. To judge her.
Karnia rummaged around in her pack till she found the letter and a small bottle of ink. She turned it over and began to write on the other side.
Dear Mother,
Mind your own business. I am in love with Kurt Russul. I plan to move to The Undercity and have lots of undead troll zombie babies out of wedlock. I’m going to quit school and get a job stripping on top of the mailbox. I don’t need or want your advice. Go ahead and try to find my sister, I don’t think you have the guts.
You’re Daughter,
Karnia
P.S. He beats me.
Satisfied, Karnia sealed the letter inside a piece of leather and wrote the address on the other side. She would throw it in the mailbox as soon as she got to The Undercity.
-
Keeper Of Lore
- Lost
- Posts: 1749
Re: A Sister's Duty. - The story of Karnya Shadowscar
It was a typical lazy morning in the seaside town of Shadowprey Village. The sun had risen bright and clear, it turned the waves lapping at the beach a brilliant cobalt blue.
Shadowprey was mainly a fishing village, but more travelers came through these days thanks in part to the decision by the Elders to bring in a Windrider station. But it was still business as usual for the lifelong residents. Already plenty of activity could be seen. There were nets to be mended and Lobster traps to be reeled in. The smell of roasting fish and imported Stranglethorn coffee wafted on the early morning breeze. A few small blue haired Troll children were playing in the ashes of last nights fire.
A lanky young Troll with a giant green mohawk walked out from one of the huts closest to the beach. He ambled along the beach and up one of the trails to the village proper. The main area of the village was set on top of a small rise and surrounded on two sides by sharply rising hills. The majority of dwellings lined these, hills and was the common multi-story wooden spiral homes favored by The Darkspear Tribe. They were of an airy design with an open lower story with the top being enclosed by bamboo walls and a thatched roof.
The main kitchen hut was off to the left; The Troll walked inside and grabbed a wooden tray from a stack by the door. He loaded it with smoked fish, some toasted bread, and a mug of coffee. He bowed to the cook and carefully made his way back across the camp, around the central fire pit, and up the front steps of a brightly painted hut. He disappeared inside.
Garla’jin Shadowscar sat cross-legged with her back to the door in the small room at the top of her hut. Her once bright hair had faded to a steel grey. She was adjusting one of her many small braid in a small mirror when she saw the youngling coming in behind her.
“Kovar! Ya lazy bum! I bin up fer an hour now.” She said, setting her last braid.
“Ima Sorry Garla’jin, I had ta wait in da line.”
Garla turned around with a growl. “Ya did not, I could see ya from da winda dere! Ya liar! Now git out of ma sight before I decide ta drink ma coffee from ya skull!” She turned around, dismissing him.
Kovar bowed, set down the tray, and backed out of the room. He shut the door and walked back down the spiral staircase grumbling to himself.
Garla’jin waited till she could no longer hear the fool’s mutterings on her stairwell before she turned to her breakfast. She picked up a piece of toast and arranged a few pieces of the smoked fish and some onions on the top, took a big bite and closed her eyes. Delicious. She washed it down with a few sips of coffee. But she found herself growing annoyed. The only reason they could enjoy breakfast peacefully inside their own homes was because of the sacrifices of her family! She did not appreciate the attitudes among the Younglings lately. They led a carefree existence; they didn’t remember well enough the terror of their youths, the constant threat of attack. She made a mental not to bring this up to Zharg at the next council fire. None of them should ever be allowed to forget. She would remind them.
Garla’jin finished the rest of her toast and stood up. She brushed what little crumbs remained off her skirt and taking her coffee mug, headed outside. There was the usual motley crew of Horde fighters sleeping in the sand around the embers of last night’s fire. She frowned. What would they have done had there been an attack? Nothing, except die uselessly, giving the tribe new armor taken from their corpses. Garla’jin balled her hands into fists, her small claws digging into her hands. She knew better than to think like that. There had been no attacks for years, other than the occasional Alliance hero trying to make a name for themselves. The Centaur did not come here. The truce still held. Her eldest daughter had seen to that, and with it, insuring the safety of the Village. She forced herself to relax, to uncurl her fingers. She took a few deep breaths and another sip of her coffee. There was no need to think of these things now.
Some commotion down the hill drew Garla’s attention. A few members of the tribe were hurriedly grabbing coin purses and running towards the village entrance. This usually meant one thing, the Goblin merchants had stopped by. Garla’jin walked back inside the hut, grabbed her change purse from the hook by the door and went to join the others. She was hoping they would have some bells or trinkets to add to one of her dancing costumes. Before she got more than a few yards down the road though, an Orc woman walking back handed something to her. “Here Miss Garla, something come in da mail for you.” She looked down to see a crudely wrapped leather package.
A few minutes later Garla’jin was storming through the center of town. Her thoughts of shopping forgotten. She marched right towards the largest dwelling. The home of their Clan Chief Zharg. Two guards in light leather armor holding bone spears stood guarding the front door. They exchanged nervous glances as she approached. After a brief scuffle, the one on the left was shoved forward.
“Garla’jin…please sista..” He began nervously. “”We need to announce ya.” He held out his hands beseechingly. The other guard ran inside.
Garla’jin paced outside the door. She could feel the muscles in the back of her neck and along her temples tightening. The urge to scream was growing. She wanted to take these two arrogant whelplings who had never seen a war, and bang their heads together.
After some minutes passed, the guard returned and motioned Garla’jin to follow him. He led her through the entrance hall she had seen many times before and into the large central meeting room. The Chieftain of Shadowprey Village sat in a large wooden chair against the far wall. He was an old Troll and his hair had also gone to grey. It hung in two large braids down his back. His large tusks were pitted and worn. He wore a plain tunic and a baggy pair of silk pants. The scars of his many battles marched up and down his arms to disappear under the clothes. He barely looked up when Garla’jin entered the room. Instead his attention was focused on a cage that set upon a metal stand next to his chair. Inside the cage was a pink haired Gnome girl in a dirty yellow dress. She would hold her pudgy hands out to Zharg, and he in turn would hand her a tiny piece of cooked meat from a bowl by his feet. He acknowledged Garla’jin’s presence with a slight incline of his head.
“Good morning sista. I take it ya did not come ere in such a tempa ta tell me about the wares the goblins carry?” He asked.
Garla’jin made a slight bow, the most her mood would allow.
“No, I come ta request soldiers.” She said.
He glanced at her. The little gnome pawed at his arm and he nonchalantly slapped her hand away.
“And what would ya be needin these soldiers for ma dear?”
Her patience had worn thin; she marched up to Zharg’s chair and threw the letter in his lap.
“I don need yer questions. I need dem to bring ma baby home ta me.” She looked away.
He picked up the letter shook it out. Only because of his age was he able to bite back the grunts of laughter that welled up inside. The youngest Shadowprey was finally coming into her own. She had gotten a taste of freedom and it had gone to her head. Zharg did not blame her. But he could tell with a look at Garla’jin from the corner of his eye, she did not share this opinion.
He raised his head back up. “Garla, while I do see dis is very disrespectful. I don tink we need ta send anyone ta drag her home.”
Garla’jin gaped at him. “Wat! Are ya mad! She is a prisoner! Ma daughter would nevah talk ta me dis way!.”
Zharg sighed. He did not want to be a part of this conversation
“Garla, dear, ya know she would not ta yer face. She has come of age, she needs time ta herself. She-“
“How dare ya! Jus stop, I don want ta ere any more! Ya don want ta help me. I’ll find someone who will. I’ll take da little brat up on dat dare.”
Zharg narrowed his eyes. “What are ya going on about?”
Garla’jin stood up straight; she looked Zharg in the eye. “I will call on ma own family. I’ma sure dere are some who don want ta see dere baby sista taken by da undead.”
Zharg stood up. “Be careful wit what you say, I don like jokes.”
“I’m not joking, I will not be ignored. I will not have another daughter corrupted. I want her back in da Village. Wat was done in da past was done for us all. You shou-“
“I know full well wat was done!” He interrupted. They were both shouting now. The gnome prisoner cowered in her cage. “Ya remind us every day. But at wat cost? She is tainted Garla’jin!” This was an old argument, one that neither side could ever win.
“Dere is no proof, don you dare speak ill of her! She saved us! You don know fer sure!”
“The Demons nevah come here Garla’jin! Why is dat!?” Zharg screamed. “I have da reports, dey attack every other settlement, nevah here. Wat other proof do yo…” He stopped. Garla’s wide eyes and trembling jaw told him he had gone too far. He took a few steps towards her. “Garla’jin…ya know dat da name Shadowscar will always be an honored name in dis village. But I cannot allow da risk. Your eldest cannot come back ere, I will not welcome her to da fire.” He turned away, dismissing her.
Garla’jin took a deep breath and let it out. She bowed, then turned and left the hut.
After she had gone Zharg sat staring at the place where she had stood. He felt drained and a little melancholy, as he always did when he was confronted by Garla’jin about the past. She would never let things lay, never move forward. She refused to believe in things which were largely accepted as fact by everyone else.
A small whimper brought his attention back around. The pink haired girl was huddled in the corner of her cage, dried tears stained her face. Zharg picked up the bowl of food. He opened the cage and placed it inside. He didn’t even feel like playing with the small pink creature anymore. The fall harvest festival was weeks away, he had plenty of time to amuse himself before she was to be roasted. He would come back after he had done some fishing, which always helped his nerves.
Shadowprey was mainly a fishing village, but more travelers came through these days thanks in part to the decision by the Elders to bring in a Windrider station. But it was still business as usual for the lifelong residents. Already plenty of activity could be seen. There were nets to be mended and Lobster traps to be reeled in. The smell of roasting fish and imported Stranglethorn coffee wafted on the early morning breeze. A few small blue haired Troll children were playing in the ashes of last nights fire.
A lanky young Troll with a giant green mohawk walked out from one of the huts closest to the beach. He ambled along the beach and up one of the trails to the village proper. The main area of the village was set on top of a small rise and surrounded on two sides by sharply rising hills. The majority of dwellings lined these, hills and was the common multi-story wooden spiral homes favored by The Darkspear Tribe. They were of an airy design with an open lower story with the top being enclosed by bamboo walls and a thatched roof.
The main kitchen hut was off to the left; The Troll walked inside and grabbed a wooden tray from a stack by the door. He loaded it with smoked fish, some toasted bread, and a mug of coffee. He bowed to the cook and carefully made his way back across the camp, around the central fire pit, and up the front steps of a brightly painted hut. He disappeared inside.
Garla’jin Shadowscar sat cross-legged with her back to the door in the small room at the top of her hut. Her once bright hair had faded to a steel grey. She was adjusting one of her many small braid in a small mirror when she saw the youngling coming in behind her.
“Kovar! Ya lazy bum! I bin up fer an hour now.” She said, setting her last braid.
“Ima Sorry Garla’jin, I had ta wait in da line.”
Garla turned around with a growl. “Ya did not, I could see ya from da winda dere! Ya liar! Now git out of ma sight before I decide ta drink ma coffee from ya skull!” She turned around, dismissing him.
Kovar bowed, set down the tray, and backed out of the room. He shut the door and walked back down the spiral staircase grumbling to himself.
Garla’jin waited till she could no longer hear the fool’s mutterings on her stairwell before she turned to her breakfast. She picked up a piece of toast and arranged a few pieces of the smoked fish and some onions on the top, took a big bite and closed her eyes. Delicious. She washed it down with a few sips of coffee. But she found herself growing annoyed. The only reason they could enjoy breakfast peacefully inside their own homes was because of the sacrifices of her family! She did not appreciate the attitudes among the Younglings lately. They led a carefree existence; they didn’t remember well enough the terror of their youths, the constant threat of attack. She made a mental not to bring this up to Zharg at the next council fire. None of them should ever be allowed to forget. She would remind them.
Garla’jin finished the rest of her toast and stood up. She brushed what little crumbs remained off her skirt and taking her coffee mug, headed outside. There was the usual motley crew of Horde fighters sleeping in the sand around the embers of last night’s fire. She frowned. What would they have done had there been an attack? Nothing, except die uselessly, giving the tribe new armor taken from their corpses. Garla’jin balled her hands into fists, her small claws digging into her hands. She knew better than to think like that. There had been no attacks for years, other than the occasional Alliance hero trying to make a name for themselves. The Centaur did not come here. The truce still held. Her eldest daughter had seen to that, and with it, insuring the safety of the Village. She forced herself to relax, to uncurl her fingers. She took a few deep breaths and another sip of her coffee. There was no need to think of these things now.
Some commotion down the hill drew Garla’s attention. A few members of the tribe were hurriedly grabbing coin purses and running towards the village entrance. This usually meant one thing, the Goblin merchants had stopped by. Garla’jin walked back inside the hut, grabbed her change purse from the hook by the door and went to join the others. She was hoping they would have some bells or trinkets to add to one of her dancing costumes. Before she got more than a few yards down the road though, an Orc woman walking back handed something to her. “Here Miss Garla, something come in da mail for you.” She looked down to see a crudely wrapped leather package.
A few minutes later Garla’jin was storming through the center of town. Her thoughts of shopping forgotten. She marched right towards the largest dwelling. The home of their Clan Chief Zharg. Two guards in light leather armor holding bone spears stood guarding the front door. They exchanged nervous glances as she approached. After a brief scuffle, the one on the left was shoved forward.
“Garla’jin…please sista..” He began nervously. “”We need to announce ya.” He held out his hands beseechingly. The other guard ran inside.
Garla’jin paced outside the door. She could feel the muscles in the back of her neck and along her temples tightening. The urge to scream was growing. She wanted to take these two arrogant whelplings who had never seen a war, and bang their heads together.
After some minutes passed, the guard returned and motioned Garla’jin to follow him. He led her through the entrance hall she had seen many times before and into the large central meeting room. The Chieftain of Shadowprey Village sat in a large wooden chair against the far wall. He was an old Troll and his hair had also gone to grey. It hung in two large braids down his back. His large tusks were pitted and worn. He wore a plain tunic and a baggy pair of silk pants. The scars of his many battles marched up and down his arms to disappear under the clothes. He barely looked up when Garla’jin entered the room. Instead his attention was focused on a cage that set upon a metal stand next to his chair. Inside the cage was a pink haired Gnome girl in a dirty yellow dress. She would hold her pudgy hands out to Zharg, and he in turn would hand her a tiny piece of cooked meat from a bowl by his feet. He acknowledged Garla’jin’s presence with a slight incline of his head.
“Good morning sista. I take it ya did not come ere in such a tempa ta tell me about the wares the goblins carry?” He asked.
Garla’jin made a slight bow, the most her mood would allow.
“No, I come ta request soldiers.” She said.
He glanced at her. The little gnome pawed at his arm and he nonchalantly slapped her hand away.
“And what would ya be needin these soldiers for ma dear?”
Her patience had worn thin; she marched up to Zharg’s chair and threw the letter in his lap.
“I don need yer questions. I need dem to bring ma baby home ta me.” She looked away.
He picked up the letter shook it out. Only because of his age was he able to bite back the grunts of laughter that welled up inside. The youngest Shadowprey was finally coming into her own. She had gotten a taste of freedom and it had gone to her head. Zharg did not blame her. But he could tell with a look at Garla’jin from the corner of his eye, she did not share this opinion.
He raised his head back up. “Garla, while I do see dis is very disrespectful. I don tink we need ta send anyone ta drag her home.”
Garla’jin gaped at him. “Wat! Are ya mad! She is a prisoner! Ma daughter would nevah talk ta me dis way!.”
Zharg sighed. He did not want to be a part of this conversation
“Garla, dear, ya know she would not ta yer face. She has come of age, she needs time ta herself. She-“
“How dare ya! Jus stop, I don want ta ere any more! Ya don want ta help me. I’ll find someone who will. I’ll take da little brat up on dat dare.”
Zharg narrowed his eyes. “What are ya going on about?”
Garla’jin stood up straight; she looked Zharg in the eye. “I will call on ma own family. I’ma sure dere are some who don want ta see dere baby sista taken by da undead.”
Zharg stood up. “Be careful wit what you say, I don like jokes.”
“I’m not joking, I will not be ignored. I will not have another daughter corrupted. I want her back in da Village. Wat was done in da past was done for us all. You shou-“
“I know full well wat was done!” He interrupted. They were both shouting now. The gnome prisoner cowered in her cage. “Ya remind us every day. But at wat cost? She is tainted Garla’jin!” This was an old argument, one that neither side could ever win.
“Dere is no proof, don you dare speak ill of her! She saved us! You don know fer sure!”
“The Demons nevah come here Garla’jin! Why is dat!?” Zharg screamed. “I have da reports, dey attack every other settlement, nevah here. Wat other proof do yo…” He stopped. Garla’s wide eyes and trembling jaw told him he had gone too far. He took a few steps towards her. “Garla’jin…ya know dat da name Shadowscar will always be an honored name in dis village. But I cannot allow da risk. Your eldest cannot come back ere, I will not welcome her to da fire.” He turned away, dismissing her.
Garla’jin took a deep breath and let it out. She bowed, then turned and left the hut.
After she had gone Zharg sat staring at the place where she had stood. He felt drained and a little melancholy, as he always did when he was confronted by Garla’jin about the past. She would never let things lay, never move forward. She refused to believe in things which were largely accepted as fact by everyone else.
A small whimper brought his attention back around. The pink haired girl was huddled in the corner of her cage, dried tears stained her face. Zharg picked up the bowl of food. He opened the cage and placed it inside. He didn’t even feel like playing with the small pink creature anymore. The fall harvest festival was weeks away, he had plenty of time to amuse himself before she was to be roasted. He would come back after he had done some fishing, which always helped his nerves.
-
Keeper Of Lore
- Lost
- Posts: 1749
Re: A Sister's Duty. - The story of Karnya Shadowscar
Meanwhile…
Far away from all these things an ancient drama was about to be played out. In the center of a bleak dry field in southern Silithus a raptor was prowling for food. The only sounds were the constant buzzing of the insect hives. Head bobbing; it walked along scenting the air for any of the sweet smells that would signal the presence of a rotting carcass. It appeared to be an older female, about 8 feet tall. She had obviously been here in the wastes for quite awhile. Her reddish scales had a dull sand-blasted look, and her head darted back and forth ever vigilant for the large flying insects of the region.
The raptor made her way along the edges of the field. So far there had been nothing that looked like easy prey. There was a small ridge ahead. The lizard altered her course towards it, there could usually be a groundhog or other small animal to be found hiding among the rocks.
But there was also something else hunting among the rocks. Two glowing green eyes had been tracking the raptors movements for several minutes now. A massive Frostsaber lay crouched behind a boulder, its tail twitching back and forth in anticipation. It watched the lizard draw closer and closer. The feline drew down, tensing back legs, digging its razor-sharp claws into the rocky dirt, preparing to strike.
With a snarl it launched itself over the rock and onto the unsuspecting raptor. With a stunned grunt the great lizard was knocked to the ground. The sounds of vicious growling and high pitched screeches echoed across the plain.
The raptor tried desperately to regain its footing with the 400 pound cat latched to its side. It clawed it the feline’s underbelly hoping to shift its position. The saber easily dodged the smaller front arms. The raptor heaved itself backwards frantically. Hoping to outweigh its aggressor, it used its powerful tail for leverage and rolled the pair over, pinning the smaller saber under her large back claws. The cat yowled and scratched at the toes of the raptor, opening a gash along one instep. The raptor screeched in anger and with a glowering look at the large cat, began bouncing up and down upon its body. This caused the cat to grunt in pain as the air was forced from its lungs. The saber wiggled and twisted around crazily to get free as the lizard started to bob its head down, snapping its jaws around the cats face, trying to find a good angle to get the cats head into its mouth.
She was striking and getting nothing but mouthfuls of thick fur, she arched her neck sideways, trying to get a better shot at the sabers neck. The large cat tried to push with its back legs and rear up but the raptor gave it a swift downward headbut. The cat gave a stunned yelp and lashed out with one immense paw across the top of the Raptors head.
A thunderous gunshot ripped through the air above their heads. The two animals froze. They turned their heads to see a Troll woman standing on the rocks above them. The sun was behind her, causing her red hair to light up as if halo of fire was around her head. She held an oversize shotgun, its barrel pointed now at the sky. Karnya Shadowscar did not look amused.
“Ya keep playing like dat, someone’s gonna lose an eye.”
The two large animals untangled themselves and looked around sheepishly.
“Luxa, ya know bettah. Molli come 'ere.”
The Raptor came walking slowly up the path between the rocks, limping slightly. When she reached the top she inclined her head into Karnya’s outstretched hands. She gave the big lizard a few gentle smacks before pulling its head closer to inspect the damaged scales around her face. She pulled out some of the ruined ones around Molli’s eyes. Karnya reached into her pack and pulled out a small bottle of oil and two pieces of rag. She used one to wipe blood from the scratches, then poured oil on the other and used it to seal the wounds. The raptor gave little deep throated chirps. Rubdowns always made Molli happy.
Karnya put the bottles away and attached Molli’s saddle leads. She walked back down the ridge to where Luxa was shading herself under a rock overhang. She was trying really hard not to be noticed.
“She’s limpin now, an we need ta go ta town. So...ya get ta carry da rucksacks.”
The massive cat looked up, incredulous. But one glance at Karnya’s raised eyebrow put a stop to any argument. The trio made their way over the rocks and across another field; soon they came to their hidden encampment for these many past months. After Karnya had loaded everything to her satisfaction they started their journey north. Karnya leading her mount by its leash.
The Hunter tried to make as few trips to Cenarion Hold as possible, she didn’t like the possibility they could be followed back. Other than her monthly trips to the front lines to help on the Battlefields, she spent most of her time here researching the giant gate that had been opened and trying to keep the spread of bugs in check.
They were a few miles into their journey when Karnya noticed black smoke coming from a nearby hive mound. She set Molli’s lead on the ground. Making a small signal to Luxa the pair inched forward. As they got closer she could smell the acrid smoke and hear a slight whimpering sound. When they get to the mound they stand with their backs pressed against it and Karnya peers around…and lets out a mighty laugh.
On the ground not far away lays a broken mechastrider, smoke billowing from its ruined engine compartment. Trapped underneath the mechostrider lies a gnome, bleeding into the sand. It seems one of the sandworms must have charged him and knocked the small machine over. He notices Karnya and cries out pitifully.
Karnya lets out a whistle, getting the attention of the nearby raptor.
“Well girls, looks like breakfast is from da gods dis mornin, make it fast…”
Far away from all these things an ancient drama was about to be played out. In the center of a bleak dry field in southern Silithus a raptor was prowling for food. The only sounds were the constant buzzing of the insect hives. Head bobbing; it walked along scenting the air for any of the sweet smells that would signal the presence of a rotting carcass. It appeared to be an older female, about 8 feet tall. She had obviously been here in the wastes for quite awhile. Her reddish scales had a dull sand-blasted look, and her head darted back and forth ever vigilant for the large flying insects of the region.
The raptor made her way along the edges of the field. So far there had been nothing that looked like easy prey. There was a small ridge ahead. The lizard altered her course towards it, there could usually be a groundhog or other small animal to be found hiding among the rocks.
But there was also something else hunting among the rocks. Two glowing green eyes had been tracking the raptors movements for several minutes now. A massive Frostsaber lay crouched behind a boulder, its tail twitching back and forth in anticipation. It watched the lizard draw closer and closer. The feline drew down, tensing back legs, digging its razor-sharp claws into the rocky dirt, preparing to strike.
With a snarl it launched itself over the rock and onto the unsuspecting raptor. With a stunned grunt the great lizard was knocked to the ground. The sounds of vicious growling and high pitched screeches echoed across the plain.
The raptor tried desperately to regain its footing with the 400 pound cat latched to its side. It clawed it the feline’s underbelly hoping to shift its position. The saber easily dodged the smaller front arms. The raptor heaved itself backwards frantically. Hoping to outweigh its aggressor, it used its powerful tail for leverage and rolled the pair over, pinning the smaller saber under her large back claws. The cat yowled and scratched at the toes of the raptor, opening a gash along one instep. The raptor screeched in anger and with a glowering look at the large cat, began bouncing up and down upon its body. This caused the cat to grunt in pain as the air was forced from its lungs. The saber wiggled and twisted around crazily to get free as the lizard started to bob its head down, snapping its jaws around the cats face, trying to find a good angle to get the cats head into its mouth.
She was striking and getting nothing but mouthfuls of thick fur, she arched her neck sideways, trying to get a better shot at the sabers neck. The large cat tried to push with its back legs and rear up but the raptor gave it a swift downward headbut. The cat gave a stunned yelp and lashed out with one immense paw across the top of the Raptors head.
A thunderous gunshot ripped through the air above their heads. The two animals froze. They turned their heads to see a Troll woman standing on the rocks above them. The sun was behind her, causing her red hair to light up as if halo of fire was around her head. She held an oversize shotgun, its barrel pointed now at the sky. Karnya Shadowscar did not look amused.
“Ya keep playing like dat, someone’s gonna lose an eye.”
The two large animals untangled themselves and looked around sheepishly.
“Luxa, ya know bettah. Molli come 'ere.”
The Raptor came walking slowly up the path between the rocks, limping slightly. When she reached the top she inclined her head into Karnya’s outstretched hands. She gave the big lizard a few gentle smacks before pulling its head closer to inspect the damaged scales around her face. She pulled out some of the ruined ones around Molli’s eyes. Karnya reached into her pack and pulled out a small bottle of oil and two pieces of rag. She used one to wipe blood from the scratches, then poured oil on the other and used it to seal the wounds. The raptor gave little deep throated chirps. Rubdowns always made Molli happy.
Karnya put the bottles away and attached Molli’s saddle leads. She walked back down the ridge to where Luxa was shading herself under a rock overhang. She was trying really hard not to be noticed.
“She’s limpin now, an we need ta go ta town. So...ya get ta carry da rucksacks.”
The massive cat looked up, incredulous. But one glance at Karnya’s raised eyebrow put a stop to any argument. The trio made their way over the rocks and across another field; soon they came to their hidden encampment for these many past months. After Karnya had loaded everything to her satisfaction they started their journey north. Karnya leading her mount by its leash.
The Hunter tried to make as few trips to Cenarion Hold as possible, she didn’t like the possibility they could be followed back. Other than her monthly trips to the front lines to help on the Battlefields, she spent most of her time here researching the giant gate that had been opened and trying to keep the spread of bugs in check.
They were a few miles into their journey when Karnya noticed black smoke coming from a nearby hive mound. She set Molli’s lead on the ground. Making a small signal to Luxa the pair inched forward. As they got closer she could smell the acrid smoke and hear a slight whimpering sound. When they get to the mound they stand with their backs pressed against it and Karnya peers around…and lets out a mighty laugh.
On the ground not far away lays a broken mechastrider, smoke billowing from its ruined engine compartment. Trapped underneath the mechostrider lies a gnome, bleeding into the sand. It seems one of the sandworms must have charged him and knocked the small machine over. He notices Karnya and cries out pitifully.
Karnya lets out a whistle, getting the attention of the nearby raptor.
“Well girls, looks like breakfast is from da gods dis mornin, make it fast…”
-
Keeper Of Lore
- Lost
- Posts: 1749
Re: A Sister's Duty. - The story of Karnya Shadowscar
She had been asleep; a loud whump had woken her up. She heard voices downstairs, the elder male’s voices, and her mother’s voice, sounding indignant as usual. Questions were being asked, demands given, the men sounded urgent, her mother sounded worried. Karnia lay in her small bed listening to the sounds of adults. But there were other noises to, coming from outside. It sounded like running, and some like crying. She could pick out some of the other smaller voices of her friends. The ones that she sat around in a circle with and learned her shape lessons. And she could hear other mothers outside, they sounded upset. Karnia licked at her tusks, she had a habit of doing this lately when she was nervous, and this was making her nervous. After awhile she could smell something too, it was like the nightly fire, but different. She couldn’t tell why. But the voices downstairs had risen to shouts and her mother was coming upstairs.
The smell of smoke was overwhelming. She was being picked up, her mother’s hands wrapping a blanket around her. She was picked up, carried down the steps and outside. It was chaos. The entire village was outside. What was going on? She clutched tighter to her mothers shoulder, burying her little head in the crook of her arm. The chief’s guards ran by, towards the gate. Gone were the ceremonial daily leathers they wore to guard the doors, instead they had on dirty and thick looking hides, hides that had been stitched and readied for battle. Her mother was shouting also, demanding answers, demanding that she be acknowledged. But the men just kept running.
Karnia could hear sounds from that direction now, angry sounds, clashing of metal and the sounds of pain. She was becoming afraid. She tried to squirm around so she could see her mothers face, to try and judge the situation, but her mother firmly kept her attached in her swaddle. Karnia could not shift her position. She could hear the shouts of the guards, the screams of the women, the crying of the other younglings. The very air was filling with smoke and fire. Centaurs! They were everywhere. They had spears! The heavy bass thump of hooves, covering her village. Storming through the broken defenses, coming up the hill. She looked up, over the shoulder of her mother; she could see volleys of flaming arrows being shot into the thatch of the roofs. Onto their roof! Little red comets flew overhead. The roof of their hut was on fire! Her mother turned and ran from the approaching horse-men as her home burned. She became aware over all the other sounds that her mother was crying. It was then her fear became real. Her mother had never, in her small scope of remembering cried over anything. Her chest was heavy and tight. She held on and tried not to scream.
They were running, the normally gentle swaying of a ride on her mother’s hip had been replaced by a rough bounce as her mother ran full out towards the back of the village, away from the fighting. Karnia closed her eyes tight; she clamped her tiny hands over her ears. All the noise! She could hear the fires, they grew louder and louder, it sounded as if an inferno was consuming everything. The clang of metal on metal, they were hurting us! The guttural yelling of the horse men, spouting orders in their foul unfamiliar tongue, was terrifying to her. She clutched tight to her mothers shoulder. It sounded like the end of the world.
They reached the start of the cliffs at the rear of the village; her mother began pawing around at the rock wall. She pulled a few rocks aside, there was a small alcove lined with wine bottles, a perfect place to stay cool out of the sun. Her mother began ripping them out, throwing them to the ground, where they shattered. She cleared a small space in the cubby, and then she swung Karnia off her hip and began unwrapping her.
“Git in dere, go ahead, it’s alright” Her mother sobbed.
Karnia whimpered and began crawling towards the hole. Her mother scooped up the blanket and was using it to sweep away the glass when the centaur came out. He must have been hiding behind the boulders. Karnia could make no noise; she could only drop her mouth in horror as he raised his giant spear and brought it down towards her mothers back.
And then his head exploded.
Her mother screamed and spun around as she was showered with warm blood. Through the smoke charged a bright red Raptor atop which was her older sister, fully armored, shotgun in hand. She was dismounting even before the beast had stopped running.
“Get on, give me da baby, an get on now!” Karnya ordered.
“Wat is happinen Karnya!? Why are dey ere!?” Garla’jin asked, as she desperately tried to find the reins.
Karnya grabbed the back of her mothers dress and threw her over the saddle of the raptor. Molli pranced from side to side, head thrashing, eager to be off. Her mother struggled to right herself and glare at her daughter. Her sister then reached down and lifted her up.
“Wat in da world chile…Dey are everwhere…” Her mother was babbling. “ How we gonna get out?” She held her arms out for me.
“Molli will get ya out, I’m stayin 'ere.” She passed the Toddler up to her mother. “I’ll clear a path, just hold on as tight as ya can.” Karnya reached into her side pocket and pulled out a bag of ammo. The light from the fires was getting brighter and the clash of spears was getting louder. They would have to move very soon. She put one cartridge in and was digging for another when she let out a shriek and doubled over, clutching her head.
“Karnya!! Wats wrong!?” Her mother screamed.
Karnya dropped to her knees, she screamed, and then as soon as she could draw breath she screamed again.
Garla tried urgently to get down from the raptor, but Molli bucked and dodged and would not let her down. A few arrows came zinging through the air very near them. Garla’jin was afraid the raptor would not let her save her eldest daughter.
After a few seconds, the screaming stopped, Karnya stayed on her knees panting. She looked up at her mother. Karnia’s breath caught in her throat. Her sisters beautiful Cinnamon eyes were now bleeding green fire. Karnya stood up.
Mother stared at daughter in horror. "My darlin..wat ave ya done?!" She sobbed.
"I did what had ta be done. I did it only for Da Tribe." Karnya said. Her voice dropping lower with every word.
"But beb-"
“Da time is now. Ya must go.” Karnya interupted. She reached out and grabbed her shotgun, stood, and began heading back towards the village. Molli and her passengers trailing directly behind her.
The devastation was total. Karnia tried to bury her face. She could see the bloodied spear tips of the horse-men as one by one they noticed the group emerging from the shadows. She could still hear her mother weeping.
“May da Old Gods forgive me.” Karnya said. She turned and gave Molli a mighty smack to the rump. “Ya run wit' dem! you run unless ya are dead! NOW GO!!” Tendrils of the green fire were running down her face like tears.
The huge raptor exploded from the shadows. Primal roars of warning bursting from its throat across the village. It charged full speed around the group of Centaurs as Karnya Shadowscar ran towards them.
She had looked back…there was green fire engulfing everything…fire and blood and smoke…and her eyes…her sisters eyes….green…and red….and fire…and pain…and running….fire…smoke…green…blue..
BLUE….
Blue like the waters off the coast. Cerulean blue. Staring at her with concern.
Karnia blinked, Kurt was shaking her.
“You okay? Having a bad dream?” He asked.
She sat up and looked around. They were in their room, at the inn at Ratchet. Was she having a bad dream? She couldn’t remember. Something about when she was a yearling….but getting more fuzzy by the minute.
“No, I think I’m okay, I don’t know what it was.”
“You scream when noone touches you…maybe you’re crazy, we could have you committed.”
She glanced at him; he wiggled his eyebrows at her.
“I still have a charge left on this wand; I’ll turn you into a pirate hooker again.” He threatened.
She growled and dived across the bed at him. Downstairs the goblins rolled their eyes at the noise from the young couple’s room and got the tables ready for breakfast.
The smell of smoke was overwhelming. She was being picked up, her mother’s hands wrapping a blanket around her. She was picked up, carried down the steps and outside. It was chaos. The entire village was outside. What was going on? She clutched tighter to her mothers shoulder, burying her little head in the crook of her arm. The chief’s guards ran by, towards the gate. Gone were the ceremonial daily leathers they wore to guard the doors, instead they had on dirty and thick looking hides, hides that had been stitched and readied for battle. Her mother was shouting also, demanding answers, demanding that she be acknowledged. But the men just kept running.
Karnia could hear sounds from that direction now, angry sounds, clashing of metal and the sounds of pain. She was becoming afraid. She tried to squirm around so she could see her mothers face, to try and judge the situation, but her mother firmly kept her attached in her swaddle. Karnia could not shift her position. She could hear the shouts of the guards, the screams of the women, the crying of the other younglings. The very air was filling with smoke and fire. Centaurs! They were everywhere. They had spears! The heavy bass thump of hooves, covering her village. Storming through the broken defenses, coming up the hill. She looked up, over the shoulder of her mother; she could see volleys of flaming arrows being shot into the thatch of the roofs. Onto their roof! Little red comets flew overhead. The roof of their hut was on fire! Her mother turned and ran from the approaching horse-men as her home burned. She became aware over all the other sounds that her mother was crying. It was then her fear became real. Her mother had never, in her small scope of remembering cried over anything. Her chest was heavy and tight. She held on and tried not to scream.
They were running, the normally gentle swaying of a ride on her mother’s hip had been replaced by a rough bounce as her mother ran full out towards the back of the village, away from the fighting. Karnia closed her eyes tight; she clamped her tiny hands over her ears. All the noise! She could hear the fires, they grew louder and louder, it sounded as if an inferno was consuming everything. The clang of metal on metal, they were hurting us! The guttural yelling of the horse men, spouting orders in their foul unfamiliar tongue, was terrifying to her. She clutched tight to her mothers shoulder. It sounded like the end of the world.
They reached the start of the cliffs at the rear of the village; her mother began pawing around at the rock wall. She pulled a few rocks aside, there was a small alcove lined with wine bottles, a perfect place to stay cool out of the sun. Her mother began ripping them out, throwing them to the ground, where they shattered. She cleared a small space in the cubby, and then she swung Karnia off her hip and began unwrapping her.
“Git in dere, go ahead, it’s alright” Her mother sobbed.
Karnia whimpered and began crawling towards the hole. Her mother scooped up the blanket and was using it to sweep away the glass when the centaur came out. He must have been hiding behind the boulders. Karnia could make no noise; she could only drop her mouth in horror as he raised his giant spear and brought it down towards her mothers back.
And then his head exploded.
Her mother screamed and spun around as she was showered with warm blood. Through the smoke charged a bright red Raptor atop which was her older sister, fully armored, shotgun in hand. She was dismounting even before the beast had stopped running.
“Get on, give me da baby, an get on now!” Karnya ordered.
“Wat is happinen Karnya!? Why are dey ere!?” Garla’jin asked, as she desperately tried to find the reins.
Karnya grabbed the back of her mothers dress and threw her over the saddle of the raptor. Molli pranced from side to side, head thrashing, eager to be off. Her mother struggled to right herself and glare at her daughter. Her sister then reached down and lifted her up.
“Wat in da world chile…Dey are everwhere…” Her mother was babbling. “ How we gonna get out?” She held her arms out for me.
“Molli will get ya out, I’m stayin 'ere.” She passed the Toddler up to her mother. “I’ll clear a path, just hold on as tight as ya can.” Karnya reached into her side pocket and pulled out a bag of ammo. The light from the fires was getting brighter and the clash of spears was getting louder. They would have to move very soon. She put one cartridge in and was digging for another when she let out a shriek and doubled over, clutching her head.
“Karnya!! Wats wrong!?” Her mother screamed.
Karnya dropped to her knees, she screamed, and then as soon as she could draw breath she screamed again.
Garla tried urgently to get down from the raptor, but Molli bucked and dodged and would not let her down. A few arrows came zinging through the air very near them. Garla’jin was afraid the raptor would not let her save her eldest daughter.
After a few seconds, the screaming stopped, Karnya stayed on her knees panting. She looked up at her mother. Karnia’s breath caught in her throat. Her sisters beautiful Cinnamon eyes were now bleeding green fire. Karnya stood up.
Mother stared at daughter in horror. "My darlin..wat ave ya done?!" She sobbed.
"I did what had ta be done. I did it only for Da Tribe." Karnya said. Her voice dropping lower with every word.
"But beb-"
“Da time is now. Ya must go.” Karnya interupted. She reached out and grabbed her shotgun, stood, and began heading back towards the village. Molli and her passengers trailing directly behind her.
The devastation was total. Karnia tried to bury her face. She could see the bloodied spear tips of the horse-men as one by one they noticed the group emerging from the shadows. She could still hear her mother weeping.
“May da Old Gods forgive me.” Karnya said. She turned and gave Molli a mighty smack to the rump. “Ya run wit' dem! you run unless ya are dead! NOW GO!!” Tendrils of the green fire were running down her face like tears.
The huge raptor exploded from the shadows. Primal roars of warning bursting from its throat across the village. It charged full speed around the group of Centaurs as Karnya Shadowscar ran towards them.
She had looked back…there was green fire engulfing everything…fire and blood and smoke…and her eyes…her sisters eyes….green…and red….and fire…and pain…and running….fire…smoke…green…blue..
BLUE….
Blue like the waters off the coast. Cerulean blue. Staring at her with concern.
Karnia blinked, Kurt was shaking her.
“You okay? Having a bad dream?” He asked.
She sat up and looked around. They were in their room, at the inn at Ratchet. Was she having a bad dream? She couldn’t remember. Something about when she was a yearling….but getting more fuzzy by the minute.
“No, I think I’m okay, I don’t know what it was.”
“You scream when noone touches you…maybe you’re crazy, we could have you committed.”
She glanced at him; he wiggled his eyebrows at her.
“I still have a charge left on this wand; I’ll turn you into a pirate hooker again.” He threatened.
She growled and dived across the bed at him. Downstairs the goblins rolled their eyes at the noise from the young couple’s room and got the tables ready for breakfast.
-
Keeper Of Lore
- Lost
- Posts: 1749
Re: A Sister's Duty. - The story of Karnya Shadowscar
Cenarion Hold is a forbidding place. It sits high upon a hill, its flat spaces hurriedly cut from the rock to make way for the war wagons. Its views were terrifying. Giant hives crawling with bugs were visible in every direction. Bugs that seemed to pour forth without end from the cracked and broken earth. Nowhere within its boundaries could you pretend to not be surrounded by war. Lookouts were posted on towers above the path, and patrols constantly monitored the perimeter. And as they watched the bugs, they themselves were watched. Huge winged wasps circled the base, staying out of range but always looking for weaknesses.
It was just after dusk when the Hunter and her beasts climbed the steep hill to the gate of Cenarion Hold. The guards saluted her and stood aside as she passed. Karnya went straight to the inn. A large Tauren Druid ran up and she handed Molli’s reins to him.
“Her foot is cut; see what ya can do please.” Karnya said.
The Druid nodded and began walking away, tugging on the large raptors reins. The raptor gave a saddened look and chirped her displeasure at being separated from her mistress, then allowed herself to be led away.
Karnya made her rounds at the various traders, swapping parchment and bits of armor for bullets. She sold a few rumors that she had overheard during her travels in the wastes. Luxa, her giant frostsaber, paced back and forth behind her. The Hold made the big cat very unsettled; there were too many Alliance around. Even now, she could see two more of them coming down the hill from their windrider. Luxa turned to fix them with an icy stare, a low growl rumbling in her chest.
Karnya glanced over her shoulder at the noise. She was perusing a book that a vendor was offering her. She laid a reassuring hand on Luxa’s back. Rarely did Alliance try to start trouble within the Hold itself. If they did, they were swiftly dealt with by the guards. Karnya would not need to waste bullets on their stupidity. It still did happen occasionally though and she kept a close eye on the few Humans doing business across the camp.
A male Night Elf rode by, clad in blue robes. His mount was a massive black nightsaber. Karnya chuckled and looked down at Luxa.
“See dat? Ya get about a foot taller; I'll put a saddle on ya an have Molli do da fightin.”
She laughed all the harder at the angry glare the big cat was now giving her. The Human nearest to her glanced up at the noise. Karnya dropped her smile and snarled at him, he hurriedly went back to his shopping. Karnya hefted her sacks unto her back and made her way back to the main buildings. She walked up the front steps of the inn, Luxa following behind her.
The innkeeper was a willowy fragile looking Night Elf. She walked over to greet them as they entered the building. The Hunter saw her at least every other month, but never saw the point in attempting to learn her name. Her uses were few and she hid under her tables at the slightest sign of trouble. She didn’t even bother to wear armor.
“I need ta rent a room for a few hours, an a basin of water brought up.” Karnya said, handing the Elf a few gold pieces.
“Is the water for bathing?” The Night Elf asked, taking in the Troll Woman’s filthy appearance. Her armor was stained with mud and dried blood from top to bottom, and her face and hair was so caked with dust it was hard to distinguish their colors. Only the Trolls eyes shown through, narrowing now in annoyance. Cinamon eyes, with tiny flecks of green.
“Why?” She growled. It was hard enough to understand the speech of these Elves without them asking unnecessary questions.
The Night Elf lowered her eyes. “I’m sorry, I meant no offense. I need to know which well the water is to be drawn from; one of them is not suitable for drinking.”
“We won’t be drinking it.” Karnya turned for the stairs.
“Please, excuse me.” The elf reached out a hand. “You are Karnya Shadowscar? The Stone Guard, yes?”
Karnya stopped, one foot on the stairs. She couldn’t stop staring at the elf’s outstretched hand. She had an image of snapping a finger off, licking the blood that would spatter to the floor, hearing the scream. She answered with a tight voice, her patience wearing thin. She needed a drink.
“Why?”
“A letter has come here, addressed to you. I’ve kept it here; I wanted to deliver it safely.” The Elf reached into the pocket of her dress and pulled out an envelope on rough linen paper. She bowed deeply. Karnya reached out and took the envelope; she tucked it into her sack and continued up the stairs without looking back.
The top of the inn was set up for the communal sleeping of soldiers, it afforded little privacy. It was a large square area with individual cots and tables. Small candles were set on stands near the wall. Rough woolen rugs covered the floor. At the moment, the room appeared deserted.
Karnya walked to the farthest corner and set her packs down on a cot. She began to unpack various tools and rags. Luxa took this as a sign to relax; she walked back towards the stairs and lay down next to a large dresser. Karnya continued to unpack her supplies. She unstrapped her shotgun from its place on her back and laid it on the cot. She looked up and surveyed the room to make sure it was empty, then began to disassemble the gun.
She had just finished laying out the pieces when a small grunting noise brought her head around. An armored Gnome was dragging a copper pot of water up the steps. Luxa lifted her head from her paws and fixed him with an intense stare, a purring growl came from low in her throat.
“Knock it off, he is not for eating.” Karnya called over.
The big cat put her head back down with a grumble. The Gnome pulled the pot the rest of the way up the stairs and across the room. Karnya watched him, she leaned back against the wall, arms folded, amused. She never stopped wondering what worth the Alliance saw in these creatures. Where she was from they were considered a delicacy, a delicious meat to be served on special occasions. Now here they were, hauling water and fighting in wars. Karnya made a harrumphing noise. The Gnome man looked up. Karnya flashed him a toothy grin, he narrowed his eyes and backed towards the staircase. Some Horde soldiers had told her they could be intelligent, friendly even. Karnya thought that was Ridiculous, she would sooner speak to one than she would attempt a conversation with her sandwich. She turned back towards her work.
Karnya took the rags she had laid out and dropped them into the pot of water. She sat down on the edge of the cot and stretched her legs out. She reached into the water, took a rag, and began wiping down pieces of her gun, re-wetting as necessary. She wiped down all the pieces, oiled them carefully, and put them back together again.
She reached in and took another wet cloth; she lifted it up and ran it over her face. Dirt and grime ran down with the water in dirty rivulets. She brought it back to the pot, dipped it, swirled it around. This time she put the rag to the back of her neck and squeezed it, letting the cold water run down the back of her neck and underneath her armor.
She reached towards her pack, intending to take a look at the books she had purchased, when she remembered the letter. She rooted in her bag around until she located it. The paper was not familiar, but Karnya let out a small sound at the handwriting. The Hunter stared off at the far wall; she turned the letter over and over. It had been at least 10 years since she had heard from the village. Since she had been outcast. Coldness was stealing over her. She flexed her fingers as it coursed down her arms. Across the room Luxa stirred and awoke, she turned towards her mistress.
She thought of throwing the letter away, why should she bother reading it? Nothing they could say would possibly be of any interest to her. But a morbid curiosity was stealing over her, maybe the Chieftain had died, maybe the plague had overtaken the area…she would never find out unless she opened the envelope. Almost without realizing it she had torn the it open and pulled out the single sheet of linen paper.
General Delivery – Cenarion Hold – Silithus
Stone Guard Karnya Shadowscar
Karnya, dis is yer mother. I know it has been many years but I hope dis lettah finds yah and finds ya in good health. Dis is very difficult for me. I beg ya not ta take offense. I luv ya very much and am still proud of ya. I write dis letter ta beg for ya help. Ya baby sista has been kidnapped by da undead. She went to Duratar for training ta become a shaman and fight for da horde, but was waylaid and brainwashed! Who knows wat foul tings dey be doin ta her! I beg ya ta find her and save her.
Respectfully,
Garla’jin Shadowscar
Karnya read the letter several times, then she stood and walked to one of the candles set on a stand near the walkway. She set the note on fire and walked back towards the cot, Luxa’s huge white head following her every move. The flames glowed brightly as they consumed the flimsy parchment. When she felt the letter had been sufficiently destroyed she dropped the smoldering remains into the pot of water where they hissed and dispersed.
Karnya slowly began to pack her rucksacks. She didn’t know how much of her mothers story to believe. This was not her concern. It had been a long time since she had made her way to the Hordes main cities. There had been so many other battles to be fought.
Karnya sighed. She could not ignore a cry for help from one of her kin. If someone had taken her sister, they would pay for it in blood. She made a small motion with her hand and Luxa stood, flexing her claws.
“We leave at dawn.”
It was just after dusk when the Hunter and her beasts climbed the steep hill to the gate of Cenarion Hold. The guards saluted her and stood aside as she passed. Karnya went straight to the inn. A large Tauren Druid ran up and she handed Molli’s reins to him.
“Her foot is cut; see what ya can do please.” Karnya said.
The Druid nodded and began walking away, tugging on the large raptors reins. The raptor gave a saddened look and chirped her displeasure at being separated from her mistress, then allowed herself to be led away.
Karnya made her rounds at the various traders, swapping parchment and bits of armor for bullets. She sold a few rumors that she had overheard during her travels in the wastes. Luxa, her giant frostsaber, paced back and forth behind her. The Hold made the big cat very unsettled; there were too many Alliance around. Even now, she could see two more of them coming down the hill from their windrider. Luxa turned to fix them with an icy stare, a low growl rumbling in her chest.
Karnya glanced over her shoulder at the noise. She was perusing a book that a vendor was offering her. She laid a reassuring hand on Luxa’s back. Rarely did Alliance try to start trouble within the Hold itself. If they did, they were swiftly dealt with by the guards. Karnya would not need to waste bullets on their stupidity. It still did happen occasionally though and she kept a close eye on the few Humans doing business across the camp.
A male Night Elf rode by, clad in blue robes. His mount was a massive black nightsaber. Karnya chuckled and looked down at Luxa.
“See dat? Ya get about a foot taller; I'll put a saddle on ya an have Molli do da fightin.”
She laughed all the harder at the angry glare the big cat was now giving her. The Human nearest to her glanced up at the noise. Karnya dropped her smile and snarled at him, he hurriedly went back to his shopping. Karnya hefted her sacks unto her back and made her way back to the main buildings. She walked up the front steps of the inn, Luxa following behind her.
The innkeeper was a willowy fragile looking Night Elf. She walked over to greet them as they entered the building. The Hunter saw her at least every other month, but never saw the point in attempting to learn her name. Her uses were few and she hid under her tables at the slightest sign of trouble. She didn’t even bother to wear armor.
“I need ta rent a room for a few hours, an a basin of water brought up.” Karnya said, handing the Elf a few gold pieces.
“Is the water for bathing?” The Night Elf asked, taking in the Troll Woman’s filthy appearance. Her armor was stained with mud and dried blood from top to bottom, and her face and hair was so caked with dust it was hard to distinguish their colors. Only the Trolls eyes shown through, narrowing now in annoyance. Cinamon eyes, with tiny flecks of green.
“Why?” She growled. It was hard enough to understand the speech of these Elves without them asking unnecessary questions.
The Night Elf lowered her eyes. “I’m sorry, I meant no offense. I need to know which well the water is to be drawn from; one of them is not suitable for drinking.”
“We won’t be drinking it.” Karnya turned for the stairs.
“Please, excuse me.” The elf reached out a hand. “You are Karnya Shadowscar? The Stone Guard, yes?”
Karnya stopped, one foot on the stairs. She couldn’t stop staring at the elf’s outstretched hand. She had an image of snapping a finger off, licking the blood that would spatter to the floor, hearing the scream. She answered with a tight voice, her patience wearing thin. She needed a drink.
“Why?”
“A letter has come here, addressed to you. I’ve kept it here; I wanted to deliver it safely.” The Elf reached into the pocket of her dress and pulled out an envelope on rough linen paper. She bowed deeply. Karnya reached out and took the envelope; she tucked it into her sack and continued up the stairs without looking back.
The top of the inn was set up for the communal sleeping of soldiers, it afforded little privacy. It was a large square area with individual cots and tables. Small candles were set on stands near the wall. Rough woolen rugs covered the floor. At the moment, the room appeared deserted.
Karnya walked to the farthest corner and set her packs down on a cot. She began to unpack various tools and rags. Luxa took this as a sign to relax; she walked back towards the stairs and lay down next to a large dresser. Karnya continued to unpack her supplies. She unstrapped her shotgun from its place on her back and laid it on the cot. She looked up and surveyed the room to make sure it was empty, then began to disassemble the gun.
She had just finished laying out the pieces when a small grunting noise brought her head around. An armored Gnome was dragging a copper pot of water up the steps. Luxa lifted her head from her paws and fixed him with an intense stare, a purring growl came from low in her throat.
“Knock it off, he is not for eating.” Karnya called over.
The big cat put her head back down with a grumble. The Gnome pulled the pot the rest of the way up the stairs and across the room. Karnya watched him, she leaned back against the wall, arms folded, amused. She never stopped wondering what worth the Alliance saw in these creatures. Where she was from they were considered a delicacy, a delicious meat to be served on special occasions. Now here they were, hauling water and fighting in wars. Karnya made a harrumphing noise. The Gnome man looked up. Karnya flashed him a toothy grin, he narrowed his eyes and backed towards the staircase. Some Horde soldiers had told her they could be intelligent, friendly even. Karnya thought that was Ridiculous, she would sooner speak to one than she would attempt a conversation with her sandwich. She turned back towards her work.
Karnya took the rags she had laid out and dropped them into the pot of water. She sat down on the edge of the cot and stretched her legs out. She reached into the water, took a rag, and began wiping down pieces of her gun, re-wetting as necessary. She wiped down all the pieces, oiled them carefully, and put them back together again.
She reached in and took another wet cloth; she lifted it up and ran it over her face. Dirt and grime ran down with the water in dirty rivulets. She brought it back to the pot, dipped it, swirled it around. This time she put the rag to the back of her neck and squeezed it, letting the cold water run down the back of her neck and underneath her armor.
She reached towards her pack, intending to take a look at the books she had purchased, when she remembered the letter. She rooted in her bag around until she located it. The paper was not familiar, but Karnya let out a small sound at the handwriting. The Hunter stared off at the far wall; she turned the letter over and over. It had been at least 10 years since she had heard from the village. Since she had been outcast. Coldness was stealing over her. She flexed her fingers as it coursed down her arms. Across the room Luxa stirred and awoke, she turned towards her mistress.
She thought of throwing the letter away, why should she bother reading it? Nothing they could say would possibly be of any interest to her. But a morbid curiosity was stealing over her, maybe the Chieftain had died, maybe the plague had overtaken the area…she would never find out unless she opened the envelope. Almost without realizing it she had torn the it open and pulled out the single sheet of linen paper.
General Delivery – Cenarion Hold – Silithus
Stone Guard Karnya Shadowscar
Karnya, dis is yer mother. I know it has been many years but I hope dis lettah finds yah and finds ya in good health. Dis is very difficult for me. I beg ya not ta take offense. I luv ya very much and am still proud of ya. I write dis letter ta beg for ya help. Ya baby sista has been kidnapped by da undead. She went to Duratar for training ta become a shaman and fight for da horde, but was waylaid and brainwashed! Who knows wat foul tings dey be doin ta her! I beg ya ta find her and save her.
Respectfully,
Garla’jin Shadowscar
Karnya read the letter several times, then she stood and walked to one of the candles set on a stand near the walkway. She set the note on fire and walked back towards the cot, Luxa’s huge white head following her every move. The flames glowed brightly as they consumed the flimsy parchment. When she felt the letter had been sufficiently destroyed she dropped the smoldering remains into the pot of water where they hissed and dispersed.
Karnya slowly began to pack her rucksacks. She didn’t know how much of her mothers story to believe. This was not her concern. It had been a long time since she had made her way to the Hordes main cities. There had been so many other battles to be fought.
Karnya sighed. She could not ignore a cry for help from one of her kin. If someone had taken her sister, they would pay for it in blood. She made a small motion with her hand and Luxa stood, flexing her claws.
“We leave at dawn.”
-
Keeper Of Lore
- Lost
- Posts: 1749
Re: A Sister's Duty. - The story of Karnya Shadowscar
In a room above the salvage shop in the drag quarter of Orgrimmar sat a Troll woman. Her feet were placed up on a table; in her hand she held a mug of beer. A large cat lay snoring loudly in the corner. The sounds of the city came through the open balcony and floated past her ears. Karnya tried to relax as she replayed the results of her weeklong search.
She had traveled first to southern Durotar, down into the valley of trials, the first training ground for any young troll or orc who showed an interest or proficiency in something other than breeding. She rode in around noon, the hot sun beating down on the back of her armor. Looking around the small valley she took in the activity, it seemed so long since she had been here. The red rocks shimmered in the heat and the air smelled of warm sand. She saw several new recruits, most of which had turned to watch her approach with curiosity. She saw one orc hesitantly trying to summon shadow into his hands, and another troll, a young ice by the look of her, try to sneak up on a boar, trip over a rock, and almost lose her balance. She noticed Karnya watching her and blushed furiously.
This is the place you would come to hone your skill and be judged by the trainers. It would have been where her sister came first; she would have had to sign up for lodging. Most that came here were given cots within the safety of the long cave system. It was an honest fact that some had nowhere else to stay; they had left their isolated villages to come and aid the Horde. Some like the young ice troll had obviously traversed great distances to even be here, and they came with little but the shirts on their backs and crude handmade weapons.
Karnya rode to the small kitchen tent and dismounted. She gave Molli a little shove towards the field and she happily ran off, she gave Luxa a small hand motion to follow. The wildlife here looked practically helpless and they were starving. The echoes of squealing pigs could be heard coming from their direction even over the sizzling of the grill. Karnya asked around until she located the shaman trainer reclining on a chair under a shade tent. She was a troll woman in her elder years with green hair and small curved tusks. She noted Karnya’s battleworn armor and stood at the younger trolls approach. When Karnya entered the shade fly the shaman offered her a small bow which she returned.
“News of battle? Is anyting wrong?” The shaman asked.
“No mother, dis valley is not in danger.” Karnya replied.
“Good!” The shaman visibly relaxed. “We don get yer season ridin down ‘ere unless somtin be wrong. If ya ‘ave good news den ya are welcome ‘ere. ‘Ave a seat an drink wit me.” She turned and motioned for Karnya to sit, and then settled back down in her chair.
Out of respect Karnya removed her polearm, set it on the ground and sat down. She also took the cup the old woman offered her.
“Dats cactus apple juice, made it maself dis morning.” The older woman said, staring at Karnya until she took a sip. When she had, and nodded her approval, the woman continued.
“So…wat does bring ya down ‘ere?”
“I’m lookin for information on a Shaman dat passed her training 'ere not long ago. She is mah sistah, I need ta find her. Her name is Karnia.” Karnya replied.
The old woman brought her hand to her chin, she thought for a minute.
“I need some more den dat. I see lots a young ones come tru ‘ere, I don recal dat name.”
Karnya shifted around in her seat. She hadn’t seen her younger sister since she was a very small child; she really had no idea what she looked like now.
“She would be about 16, she 'as blue hair an light blue skin.”
The old woman cocked her head to the side and peered at Karnya, and at her fiery red hair.
“She is ya blood sistah?” She asked.
Karnya narrowed her eyes, she was not about to explain to a total stranger about her mothers loose moral practices. She set her cup down on the ground.
“Yes, she was from Shadowprey Village. 'Ave ya seen her?”
The old troll clapped her hands in exitment. “Ah yes, I tink I do! Shadowprey Village and Karnia, da little ball ‘a sunshine! Yes, such a nice young ting, and a great grasp a da elements, she was such a fast study. I tink she was just ‘ere for a week before she passed all da tests. I gave her ma blessin!”
“Good, do ya know where she went?” Karnya replied.
“No chile, I’m ‘fraid not, ardly any of ma students come back once dey go. Dere is to much dat needs doing.” She shrugged. “I’m sorry, but she-“
Her sentence was cut off suddenly in shock. Karnya had lashed out with her foot at her polearm, causing it to bounce up off the ground. She grabbed it with her hand and with a fluid motion sent the but end backwards towards the tent wall. There was a whooshing noise, a grunt, and the little ice troll fell on the ground at Karnya’s feet, clutching her stomach and rolling back and forth.
The Shaman leaped up from her chair. “Freazi! Shame ta ya! How long ya bin back dere!?” She shook her finger.
Karnya replied for her. “Not long” She reached out her leg and nudged the girl with her foot. There were equal parts annoyance and amusement in her voice. “Ya need a lot more training before sneaking up on me whelp. Now get up, don' lie there, or ya will feel worse blows den dat.”
The girl crawled up onto her knees. She wiped her eyes quickly then bowed low before Karnya, rubbing her face in the dirt next to the hunter’s feet.
“Forgive me, I ‘eard ya talkin bout Karnia, I tried ta get clossa! I mean no ‘isrespect!” Her words came out in a halting jerky fashion, as if speech itself was foreign to her. She began to paw at Karnya’s leg.
“Ya know her?” Karnya asked.
“No, I don’ no her, but she ‘elped me when I get off ma boat. Karnia gave me map ta get ‘ere to da valley and some silver ta buy food. She brushed ma ‘air. She very nice ta me.” The pale ice replied. Her fingers were still fidgeting along the edge of the Hunters feet.
Karnya kicked the young rogues hand away. The older shaman, realizing Karnya had no plans to seriously injure the impudent youngling, sat back down in her chair.
“Where was dis?” Karnya asked.
“Da town dat ‘as da boat.” She squinted her eyes shut and thought hard. They popped open. “Ratchet, da place wit da liddle green tings!” She answered, obviously very pleased with herself. She looked up at Karnya as if expecting a pat on the head.
Karnya had other questions, but it didn’t appear this girl would have the mental capacity to understand them. She stood up and reached down to grab her polearm, causing the rogue to scurry backwards out of its way. She swung it behind her and began to fasten it to her armor.
“Thank ya both for ya help, I must go. Take this mother, ta help da recruits. And you rogue, for ya assistance.” She flipped a gold coin to each of them and with a quick bow to the shaman she left the shade tent. She nodded acknowledgment at the small crowd of recruits that had gathered small distance away; they jumped and ran back to their lessons.
She brought her fingers to her mouth and let loose a short shrill whistle. It was answered by a shrieking call coming from further down in the valley. A minute later Molli and Luxa came bounding up. Karnya grabbed her tethers and had mounted up before the pair had barely stopped moving.
Karnya had met with much the same result in Ratchet. She had found out from the innkeeper’s assistant there that Karnia had indeed been staying there, but had since moved on, he didn’t know where. But at least she had found out some more about the undead. He was a warrior, his name was Kurt, and he was seen traveling with her sister. The assistant seemed to think they had been staying together in one room. Karnya also didn’t like the lecherous little look on his face either. That would definitely be something to ponder later. She bough a room and stayed the night. The next day she questioned the guards at the crossroads and also at Razor Hill. She seemed to hit a dead end, no one knew their current location.
Together everyone’s story seemed to combine and paint a picture of her sister. Everyone seemed to think of her as a nice peaceful troll, whose main hobbies included making potions and giving them out, fishing, cooking, and then giving the food away. But in Karnya’s mind a few things seemed wrong with this peaceful picture. First, nobody seemed to think she was a victim of undead kidnapping. But they had seen her with a forsaken warrior. And no one had seen her fight. Was her little sister devoid of honor? Was she bringing shame to the Shadowscar name?
Karnya mulled these thoughts over as she sipped her beer. She had to admit a part of her was happy to be out of the wastes and back to the bustling main city. Her people and the Horde in general seemed to be doing well here. She even went out with a raiding party to the jungles of Stranglethorn to battle the worshippers of Hakar. There were many strong and worthy soldiers here, and much knowledge to be gained. Tomorrow she would take the zeppelin to the Undercity, perhaps she could track them from that direction.
She had traveled first to southern Durotar, down into the valley of trials, the first training ground for any young troll or orc who showed an interest or proficiency in something other than breeding. She rode in around noon, the hot sun beating down on the back of her armor. Looking around the small valley she took in the activity, it seemed so long since she had been here. The red rocks shimmered in the heat and the air smelled of warm sand. She saw several new recruits, most of which had turned to watch her approach with curiosity. She saw one orc hesitantly trying to summon shadow into his hands, and another troll, a young ice by the look of her, try to sneak up on a boar, trip over a rock, and almost lose her balance. She noticed Karnya watching her and blushed furiously.
This is the place you would come to hone your skill and be judged by the trainers. It would have been where her sister came first; she would have had to sign up for lodging. Most that came here were given cots within the safety of the long cave system. It was an honest fact that some had nowhere else to stay; they had left their isolated villages to come and aid the Horde. Some like the young ice troll had obviously traversed great distances to even be here, and they came with little but the shirts on their backs and crude handmade weapons.
Karnya rode to the small kitchen tent and dismounted. She gave Molli a little shove towards the field and she happily ran off, she gave Luxa a small hand motion to follow. The wildlife here looked practically helpless and they were starving. The echoes of squealing pigs could be heard coming from their direction even over the sizzling of the grill. Karnya asked around until she located the shaman trainer reclining on a chair under a shade tent. She was a troll woman in her elder years with green hair and small curved tusks. She noted Karnya’s battleworn armor and stood at the younger trolls approach. When Karnya entered the shade fly the shaman offered her a small bow which she returned.
“News of battle? Is anyting wrong?” The shaman asked.
“No mother, dis valley is not in danger.” Karnya replied.
“Good!” The shaman visibly relaxed. “We don get yer season ridin down ‘ere unless somtin be wrong. If ya ‘ave good news den ya are welcome ‘ere. ‘Ave a seat an drink wit me.” She turned and motioned for Karnya to sit, and then settled back down in her chair.
Out of respect Karnya removed her polearm, set it on the ground and sat down. She also took the cup the old woman offered her.
“Dats cactus apple juice, made it maself dis morning.” The older woman said, staring at Karnya until she took a sip. When she had, and nodded her approval, the woman continued.
“So…wat does bring ya down ‘ere?”
“I’m lookin for information on a Shaman dat passed her training 'ere not long ago. She is mah sistah, I need ta find her. Her name is Karnia.” Karnya replied.
The old woman brought her hand to her chin, she thought for a minute.
“I need some more den dat. I see lots a young ones come tru ‘ere, I don recal dat name.”
Karnya shifted around in her seat. She hadn’t seen her younger sister since she was a very small child; she really had no idea what she looked like now.
“She would be about 16, she 'as blue hair an light blue skin.”
The old woman cocked her head to the side and peered at Karnya, and at her fiery red hair.
“She is ya blood sistah?” She asked.
Karnya narrowed her eyes, she was not about to explain to a total stranger about her mothers loose moral practices. She set her cup down on the ground.
“Yes, she was from Shadowprey Village. 'Ave ya seen her?”
The old troll clapped her hands in exitment. “Ah yes, I tink I do! Shadowprey Village and Karnia, da little ball ‘a sunshine! Yes, such a nice young ting, and a great grasp a da elements, she was such a fast study. I tink she was just ‘ere for a week before she passed all da tests. I gave her ma blessin!”
“Good, do ya know where she went?” Karnya replied.
“No chile, I’m ‘fraid not, ardly any of ma students come back once dey go. Dere is to much dat needs doing.” She shrugged. “I’m sorry, but she-“
Her sentence was cut off suddenly in shock. Karnya had lashed out with her foot at her polearm, causing it to bounce up off the ground. She grabbed it with her hand and with a fluid motion sent the but end backwards towards the tent wall. There was a whooshing noise, a grunt, and the little ice troll fell on the ground at Karnya’s feet, clutching her stomach and rolling back and forth.
The Shaman leaped up from her chair. “Freazi! Shame ta ya! How long ya bin back dere!?” She shook her finger.
Karnya replied for her. “Not long” She reached out her leg and nudged the girl with her foot. There were equal parts annoyance and amusement in her voice. “Ya need a lot more training before sneaking up on me whelp. Now get up, don' lie there, or ya will feel worse blows den dat.”
The girl crawled up onto her knees. She wiped her eyes quickly then bowed low before Karnya, rubbing her face in the dirt next to the hunter’s feet.
“Forgive me, I ‘eard ya talkin bout Karnia, I tried ta get clossa! I mean no ‘isrespect!” Her words came out in a halting jerky fashion, as if speech itself was foreign to her. She began to paw at Karnya’s leg.
“Ya know her?” Karnya asked.
“No, I don’ no her, but she ‘elped me when I get off ma boat. Karnia gave me map ta get ‘ere to da valley and some silver ta buy food. She brushed ma ‘air. She very nice ta me.” The pale ice replied. Her fingers were still fidgeting along the edge of the Hunters feet.
Karnya kicked the young rogues hand away. The older shaman, realizing Karnya had no plans to seriously injure the impudent youngling, sat back down in her chair.
“Where was dis?” Karnya asked.
“Da town dat ‘as da boat.” She squinted her eyes shut and thought hard. They popped open. “Ratchet, da place wit da liddle green tings!” She answered, obviously very pleased with herself. She looked up at Karnya as if expecting a pat on the head.
Karnya had other questions, but it didn’t appear this girl would have the mental capacity to understand them. She stood up and reached down to grab her polearm, causing the rogue to scurry backwards out of its way. She swung it behind her and began to fasten it to her armor.
“Thank ya both for ya help, I must go. Take this mother, ta help da recruits. And you rogue, for ya assistance.” She flipped a gold coin to each of them and with a quick bow to the shaman she left the shade tent. She nodded acknowledgment at the small crowd of recruits that had gathered small distance away; they jumped and ran back to their lessons.
She brought her fingers to her mouth and let loose a short shrill whistle. It was answered by a shrieking call coming from further down in the valley. A minute later Molli and Luxa came bounding up. Karnya grabbed her tethers and had mounted up before the pair had barely stopped moving.
Karnya had met with much the same result in Ratchet. She had found out from the innkeeper’s assistant there that Karnia had indeed been staying there, but had since moved on, he didn’t know where. But at least she had found out some more about the undead. He was a warrior, his name was Kurt, and he was seen traveling with her sister. The assistant seemed to think they had been staying together in one room. Karnya also didn’t like the lecherous little look on his face either. That would definitely be something to ponder later. She bough a room and stayed the night. The next day she questioned the guards at the crossroads and also at Razor Hill. She seemed to hit a dead end, no one knew their current location.
Together everyone’s story seemed to combine and paint a picture of her sister. Everyone seemed to think of her as a nice peaceful troll, whose main hobbies included making potions and giving them out, fishing, cooking, and then giving the food away. But in Karnya’s mind a few things seemed wrong with this peaceful picture. First, nobody seemed to think she was a victim of undead kidnapping. But they had seen her with a forsaken warrior. And no one had seen her fight. Was her little sister devoid of honor? Was she bringing shame to the Shadowscar name?
Karnya mulled these thoughts over as she sipped her beer. She had to admit a part of her was happy to be out of the wastes and back to the bustling main city. Her people and the Horde in general seemed to be doing well here. She even went out with a raiding party to the jungles of Stranglethorn to battle the worshippers of Hakar. There were many strong and worthy soldiers here, and much knowledge to be gained. Tomorrow she would take the zeppelin to the Undercity, perhaps she could track them from that direction.
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Re: A Sister's Duty. - The story of Karnya Shadowscar
Luxa prowled the streets of Orgrimaar. The frostsaber had been stalking a large city rat for almost an hour now. The muscles of her back quivering with pent up energy as A literal game of cat and mouse to occupy her mind while the mistress was in the valley conducting business. Luxa understood it was necessary for them to be here, but she didn’t have to like it. They had gone to the giant bug city. Her mistress was an excellent guide, and this was their job. Now they had to come to the city to trade the things they had gotten into things they needed. Like those roasted chickens.
Luxa licked her chops, thinking of things like that made her hungry. Luckily the rat took that moment to try and make a dash for the rock wall, hoping probably to disappear into one of the many nooks and crags. Luxa leapt, and with a minor swipe of her massive paw, flipped it up into the air. It spun several times, squeaking wildly. Luxa hopped slightly and caught it in her mouth. It disappeared with a screech and a crunch. She turned and began padding back towards the auction house.
Her mistress had been in the small building since the sun was at its peak, the shadows were lengthening now. She should be finished soon. Luxa sniffed the air as she walked. Orgrimaar was a great place for smells. The scent of cooking meat drifted down from the shops, chemicals from the tannery, the sweat and blood smell of the passing warriors, and the warm musky fur scent of the saddled animals.
Luxa’s feline nose was not made specifically for tracking, but it was good enough to be bothered by the smell of so many creatures in the city. She kept her head down as she walked and tried not to breathe too deeply. She had almost reached the open end of the small valley when a swift breeze blew by; it ruffled the fur around her face. Luxa lifted her head, her ears picked up. A small growl trickled from her lips and she looked around in confusion. This breeze had brought a strange sensation. One that left her more perplexed than the day a lone troll girl showed up outside her cave in Winterspring, the troll she would come to know as her friend. In fact…this was the disturbing part; this did smell like her troll…only it was coming from the wrong direction.
Luxa knew she had left her in the little building, the one with the people and the bells. But this scent was coming from the other direction, back the way she had come. And it smelled slightly different, cleaner somehow. She leaned her head back and drew the air in deeply. She let the smells roll over her tongue and slide down the back of her throat. She could smell the packed dirt of the road, the sharp scent of droppings scattered along the way, and at the very end…there it was. It was faint, but it couldn’t be denied. It smelled like her mitress, her mother, her friend. This could not be. A soft growl came unbidden from Luxa’s mouth, the hair on her back stood up straighter.
This could be a trick from one of the pink skins. They could be dangerous. But Luxa knew from experience that they could also be delicious. With a snarl the large white cat ran back the way she came.
Luxa licked her chops, thinking of things like that made her hungry. Luckily the rat took that moment to try and make a dash for the rock wall, hoping probably to disappear into one of the many nooks and crags. Luxa leapt, and with a minor swipe of her massive paw, flipped it up into the air. It spun several times, squeaking wildly. Luxa hopped slightly and caught it in her mouth. It disappeared with a screech and a crunch. She turned and began padding back towards the auction house.
Her mistress had been in the small building since the sun was at its peak, the shadows were lengthening now. She should be finished soon. Luxa sniffed the air as she walked. Orgrimaar was a great place for smells. The scent of cooking meat drifted down from the shops, chemicals from the tannery, the sweat and blood smell of the passing warriors, and the warm musky fur scent of the saddled animals.
Luxa’s feline nose was not made specifically for tracking, but it was good enough to be bothered by the smell of so many creatures in the city. She kept her head down as she walked and tried not to breathe too deeply. She had almost reached the open end of the small valley when a swift breeze blew by; it ruffled the fur around her face. Luxa lifted her head, her ears picked up. A small growl trickled from her lips and she looked around in confusion. This breeze had brought a strange sensation. One that left her more perplexed than the day a lone troll girl showed up outside her cave in Winterspring, the troll she would come to know as her friend. In fact…this was the disturbing part; this did smell like her troll…only it was coming from the wrong direction.
Luxa knew she had left her in the little building, the one with the people and the bells. But this scent was coming from the other direction, back the way she had come. And it smelled slightly different, cleaner somehow. She leaned her head back and drew the air in deeply. She let the smells roll over her tongue and slide down the back of her throat. She could smell the packed dirt of the road, the sharp scent of droppings scattered along the way, and at the very end…there it was. It was faint, but it couldn’t be denied. It smelled like her mitress, her mother, her friend. This could not be. A soft growl came unbidden from Luxa’s mouth, the hair on her back stood up straighter.
This could be a trick from one of the pink skins. They could be dangerous. But Luxa knew from experience that they could also be delicious. With a snarl the large white cat ran back the way she came.
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Re: A Sister's Duty. - The story of Karnya Shadowscar
Karnia came out of the small fishing shop with a towel wrapped around herself. She was a little embarrassed to be swimming here in the pool near the waterfall. This was a fairly busy section of town. Directly across the street was the building that housed the Warmasters, and all of the soldiers passing through Orgrimaar who wanted to sign up for front line duty had to go in there. Already today several of them had stopped their mounts in the road and whistled at her. She had finally gotten sick of it and decided to get out for awhile and have a snack.
She stood now again on the small dock that overlooked the shallow pond. She could see Kurt swimming in little circles. She smiled, her mind wandered. She was so glad he had accepted her idea of taking a small break from his guard duty. It wasn’t possible to have a relaxing swim in the pond outside of Tarren Mill. So much fighting, it was never safe, though she could admit the area did have its nice points. There was excellent fishing and plenty of herbs, and the river area wasn’t too bad to prevent them from finding time to be alone. But the town itself was a pretty dreary place. It was run by the forsaken, which wasn’t bad in itself, but they didn’t seem to put any effort into fixing the place up at all.
A splash of water on her foot brought her attention downwards. Kurt was floating just below the docks. He splashed her again, and then began swimming away. She sighed and removed her towel. She folded it, bent down and placed it next to Kurt’s shield and sword. She stood up and looked around; no one seemed to be watching. She adjusted the straps of her two piece leather swimsuit quickly, then sat down and slid off the end of the dock into the water.
She followed Kurt around the pond. They did a few laps together and she had fun trying to hold her breath longer than him. He was dead, he always won. She did a few lazy laps around alone, floating along on her back and enjoying the feel of the suns rays on her bare stomach and legs. She floated towards the back of the pond where the water came from a waterfall falling from a sheer cliff face. One of many that made up the actual walls of the city, and helped to keep it safe. She gave a few kicks with her legs until she could feel the mist of the falls covering her body. With a graceful flip she submerged and went underwater, she swam until she knew she had passed under the falls and came up behind them. She broke the surface and took in a breath, which stuck in her throat along with a scream. There was a tiger under the waterfall.
It sat crouched on a rock overhang slightly above the water level, and it was staring directly at her. It was a whitish purple color and had black stripes, and it was the biggest cat Karnia had ever seen. Its mouth was open slightly and a constant purring growl seemed to emanate from its still form. Karnia froze, her body still half submerged. She didn’t want to startle it; its front teeth looked bigger than her head. She chanced moving her head to the side slightly, she wanted desperately to see Kurt behind her, but he wasn’t, he was probably still back by the docks. The big cat’s ears flicked, she moved her head back to the front. It crawled closer to her. Karnia closed her eyes and tried not to whimper. It crawled until it had almost pressed its huge white nose against the side of her hair. Then it seemed to take a giant sniff. She could smell the creature’s breath as it exhaled, the sweet smell of rotting meat. Karnia couldn’t take it; she reached up, and pushed at the cat’s huge muzzle, trying to move its head away.
To her surprise, it didn’t bite her hand off. Instead it seemed to make what could only be described as a disdainful snort, and allowed its head to be moved. Karnia wiped her face where the creatures breath had made her face wet. She looked up at the beast that was still sniffing her, if only from further away now. It seemed to have no brand or collar to mark it as a guard animal. She studied the face, striped markings, those impossibly huge teeth, green colored eyes. Eyes that seemed to stare at her as if she should confess some secret.
Karnia blinked. Something wasn’t right. Something that went beyond meeting a strange tiger behind a waterfall in the middle of the afternoon. The cat continued to stare at her; it began to lean forward again. Probably to stick its giant nose back in her hair. Karnia stared at its eyes as it drew closer. They were definitely green, but that wasn’t all. There was something…something. The cat drew itself closer, its massive paws practically dangling in the water. Karnia stayed still this time. When its breath was once again tickling her ear she looked again, this time the cats face was only several inches from her own. She stared into its eyes. And was shocked to see a piece of her childhood nightmares brought to life. Behind the cats normal iris, almost as if it was a silhouette, was the soft flickering of a green flame.
Karnia yelped. She lashed out, smacking the Saber in the face with her bare hands. She pummeled it and tried to push it away. The Cat, caught off guard and not expecting a blow, snarled and lashed out, catching Karnia with one massive claw. It tore down her arm, opening a large furrow. Blood flew in a small arc and splashed against the back of the cave. Karnia screamed in pain, she backpedaled in the water, trying to get through the waterfall, screaming for Kurt. The Saber, eyes wide with shock, sprung from the ledge and disappeared.
She stood now again on the small dock that overlooked the shallow pond. She could see Kurt swimming in little circles. She smiled, her mind wandered. She was so glad he had accepted her idea of taking a small break from his guard duty. It wasn’t possible to have a relaxing swim in the pond outside of Tarren Mill. So much fighting, it was never safe, though she could admit the area did have its nice points. There was excellent fishing and plenty of herbs, and the river area wasn’t too bad to prevent them from finding time to be alone. But the town itself was a pretty dreary place. It was run by the forsaken, which wasn’t bad in itself, but they didn’t seem to put any effort into fixing the place up at all.
A splash of water on her foot brought her attention downwards. Kurt was floating just below the docks. He splashed her again, and then began swimming away. She sighed and removed her towel. She folded it, bent down and placed it next to Kurt’s shield and sword. She stood up and looked around; no one seemed to be watching. She adjusted the straps of her two piece leather swimsuit quickly, then sat down and slid off the end of the dock into the water.
She followed Kurt around the pond. They did a few laps together and she had fun trying to hold her breath longer than him. He was dead, he always won. She did a few lazy laps around alone, floating along on her back and enjoying the feel of the suns rays on her bare stomach and legs. She floated towards the back of the pond where the water came from a waterfall falling from a sheer cliff face. One of many that made up the actual walls of the city, and helped to keep it safe. She gave a few kicks with her legs until she could feel the mist of the falls covering her body. With a graceful flip she submerged and went underwater, she swam until she knew she had passed under the falls and came up behind them. She broke the surface and took in a breath, which stuck in her throat along with a scream. There was a tiger under the waterfall.
It sat crouched on a rock overhang slightly above the water level, and it was staring directly at her. It was a whitish purple color and had black stripes, and it was the biggest cat Karnia had ever seen. Its mouth was open slightly and a constant purring growl seemed to emanate from its still form. Karnia froze, her body still half submerged. She didn’t want to startle it; its front teeth looked bigger than her head. She chanced moving her head to the side slightly, she wanted desperately to see Kurt behind her, but he wasn’t, he was probably still back by the docks. The big cat’s ears flicked, she moved her head back to the front. It crawled closer to her. Karnia closed her eyes and tried not to whimper. It crawled until it had almost pressed its huge white nose against the side of her hair. Then it seemed to take a giant sniff. She could smell the creature’s breath as it exhaled, the sweet smell of rotting meat. Karnia couldn’t take it; she reached up, and pushed at the cat’s huge muzzle, trying to move its head away.
To her surprise, it didn’t bite her hand off. Instead it seemed to make what could only be described as a disdainful snort, and allowed its head to be moved. Karnia wiped her face where the creatures breath had made her face wet. She looked up at the beast that was still sniffing her, if only from further away now. It seemed to have no brand or collar to mark it as a guard animal. She studied the face, striped markings, those impossibly huge teeth, green colored eyes. Eyes that seemed to stare at her as if she should confess some secret.
Karnia blinked. Something wasn’t right. Something that went beyond meeting a strange tiger behind a waterfall in the middle of the afternoon. The cat continued to stare at her; it began to lean forward again. Probably to stick its giant nose back in her hair. Karnia stared at its eyes as it drew closer. They were definitely green, but that wasn’t all. There was something…something. The cat drew itself closer, its massive paws practically dangling in the water. Karnia stayed still this time. When its breath was once again tickling her ear she looked again, this time the cats face was only several inches from her own. She stared into its eyes. And was shocked to see a piece of her childhood nightmares brought to life. Behind the cats normal iris, almost as if it was a silhouette, was the soft flickering of a green flame.
Karnia yelped. She lashed out, smacking the Saber in the face with her bare hands. She pummeled it and tried to push it away. The Cat, caught off guard and not expecting a blow, snarled and lashed out, catching Karnia with one massive claw. It tore down her arm, opening a large furrow. Blood flew in a small arc and splashed against the back of the cave. Karnia screamed in pain, she backpedaled in the water, trying to get through the waterfall, screaming for Kurt. The Saber, eyes wide with shock, sprung from the ledge and disappeared.
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Re: A Sister's Duty. - The story of Karnya Shadowscar
She had been dedicated, honorable, and steadfast. She had used resources and spoken civilly to others on more than one occasion. But so far the search for her sister had been met with mostly dead ends. She had tracked the pair all the way to Tarren Mill only to be told by the innkeeper that the couple had decided to take a few weeks vacation. A vacation from what exactly Karnya couldn’t be sure of, they were barely out of basic training, but she couldn’t do more than perhaps make it a point to check back in a month. Besides, it had been to long since she had checked with her contacts in Orgrimaar.
She took the Zeppelin back to Durotar, arriving in the late afternoon. She approached the front gate of the city. As always she was flushed with pride at what her people had accomplished. With the city they had created from the bare dirt of this rocky place. The beauty they had made from nothing, which sheltered and protected their Tribes. She saluted the guards at the large front gate as she rode through.
She rode into the town proper and dismounted in front of the inn. She gave her saber Luxa a small motion with her hand and the cat bounded off. She made a few rounds, stocked up on her ammo, then climbed back on her mount and steered her deeper into the city. She rode through the drag and made a sharp left onto a small path that led deeper into the canyon. The sky grew dim as the light was blotted out by overhanging cliffs that seemed to close in from the top of the path. It was by definition the most secluded spot in the city, and was chosen by some as the location of most nefarious activity. It was in this area that her informant made his home.
She arrived outside his dwelling and dismounted. She gave Molli a quick pat and looked up at the entrance. A small path wound its way up to what was essentially a large cave carved by hand from the cavern wall. There were rough wooden stairs and a few small sticks with obligatory human heads fastened to them.
She climbed the stairs and knocked on the small wooden door.
“Cmon in.” Rumbled a voice.
She opened the door and stepped inside a large circular room. Thick candles flickered from the walls where they had been affixed to nooks and crannies. Against the far wall a Troll stood at a long wooden table. Its surface littered with vials, beakers, some of which bubbled and emitted various noxious vapors. The troll turned around, he held a mortar and pestle in his hands. His eyes widened, but his face lit up none the less when he saw the hunter.
“Karnya! I wasn’t expectin ya. How you doin?” He asked.
“Fine, thank ya Baxxter. I was passing through; I was hoping ya would 'ave some time ta exchange information.”
The shaman put his finger to his lips and tapped his tusk in thought. “I always love talkin to ya, but I was having a seers meeting this aftahnoon, I thought you were actually one ah my guests arrivin.” He motioned to the many cushions on the floor. “But stay, we can talk, you can even stay for da meetin.”
Karnya didn’t really have time to mull this over, he was correct about the time; a pair of orc women were coming through the door. One wore the ceremonial dress of a shaman, the other a pale grey dress. They waved to Baxxter and settled onto cushions giggling to themselves. Karnya made a nod of greeting and resigning herself to being social yet again, she picked the cushion farthest away and flopped onto it. Her armor making loud clanking and sliding noises. The orcs stopped their giggling and stared at her. She stared back and shrugged her shoulders. It’s not like she even owned a dress, and armor wasn’t meant for cushion sitting.
The room filled up rather quickly, after the orcs came a steady stream of trolls, tauren and a few undead. They all packed side by side on the cushions in a large circle around the room. Karnya hadn’t noticed before, but she did now and her eyes widened in surprise. There was some sort of huge tentacled contraption sitting in the center of the room. Everyone that sat down reached out and grabbed a tentacle and pulled it into their laps. Baxxter circulated among them, handing out drinks in small wooden cups. He completed the circuit and came to sit down next to Karnya.
“Welcome everyone. Please take a piece for the pipe.” Baxxter said. He reached out and grabbed two and handed one to Karnya.
“Are we about ta do what I think we are?” Karnya whispered.
“If by that you mean seeing spirits..then yes.” He whispered back.
A skinny undead in a flimsy blue dress stood up and walked to the center of the room. In her hands she held a large black stone bowl. A faint mist rose from the top to twine through the girls stringy hair. Karnya watched her tip it into the bucket on the top of the hookah. She caught a glimpse of the plants as they fell, purple and green and shades of yellow. When the girl had finished shaking the last bits from the bowl she knelt and set the stone bowl on the ground. She stood back up and looked around, her lidless eyes carefully surveying each person in turn, after assuring that each person had their pipes at the ready she held up a hand. Tiny buds of bright red flame sprouted from her fingers like rosebuds. She brought her hand up to the metal bucket and placed it inside. The crackle and hiss of burning plant matter filled the room. Everyone lifted their nozzles and placed them into their mouths.
Karnya placed the nozzle into her mouth. Why she was doing this she couldn’t understand. She should have just offered to come back later. She could have been cleaning her gun or finally getting around to taking some polish to Molli’s saddle. Instead she drew a great deep breath of the smoke into her lungs. She held it, and then released it. It tasted sweet, like some spice she tasted before. The fragrant smoke filled the cave, it became hazy inside. She could see tendrils trying to escape through the cracks in the front door. She breathed deep again through the tube. She looked over at Baxxter to see him fill his cheeks with smoke like a woodland creature and blow it out his nose. Karnya giggled. Baxxter stopped moving and stared at her. She realized what she had done and clapped a hand over her mouth. Baxxter threw back his head and howled with laughter.
“Big Bad Hunter Trolless got da giggles!!” He shouted.
There were some good natured chuckles from around the circle. Karnya glared at the shaman and took another drag from her nozzle. She looked around the room again, the other side of the room was barely visible through the smoke now. Some people appeared to have their eyes closed. Where they seeing visions? Was that crap really true? What the hell. She closed her eyes.
mmmmmmm….the fallen one…..yessssssss.
She opened her eyes. What the hell was that. She looked at Baxxter, his eyes were half lidded. Besides, it was a female voice. Karnya looked to her other side, there was an undead male with crazy patterns shaved into the sides of his head.
“Did ya hear dat?” She asked. He didn’t respond. She poked him with a gloved finger. He tipped over to the side slightly, a tendril of drool hanging from one corner of his mouth. Obviously not getting any help there. They looked like they were enjoying themselves. Karnya closed her eyes again slowly.
Huuuuunter…..yessss…..the exile…
It was a soft voice, a female, it slid like silk over Karnyas mind.
You wish to redeem yourself…..you must listen to me…..the time comes soon…
Karnya tried to speak. “I don' need ta redeem anything!” She replied angrily. “How do ya know dese things? Are ya a vision?” She couldn’t see anything except the back of her eyelids.
Yoouu can protect them….save them…..
“Save who!? From what!? What is thi-“
LISTEN!
The silk changed to broken glass, a small trickle of blood came from Karnya’s nose to run down over her lips.
THE DARK PORTAL OPENS SOON, A NEW SUNDERING WILL BEGIN.
Karnya growled with pain, her hands involuntarily coming up to cover her ears.
“OW! Ya Bitch…what are ya babbling about!? Da dark portal is not open. Dere is no sundering.”
There will be….and there will be death….much death. But not for you…….no not for you…..
There was the ghost of a chuckle. Karnya felt her blood growing cold, felt it seep along her veins.
“Explain yourself; I grow weary of ya games.”
Youuuuu have been touched…..the taint that will save you…fallen one…..with it you can save them….with it you can lead them……..save them…..
Karnya growled. Her hair stood on end. “Enough, I don' want ta hear dese lies, ya creature of da nether.” The last words came out in a snarl.
You muuust lead them…..lead the fallen….the portal will open….they will need you….
Karnya stood up. “I said enough!”
YOU ARE FALLEN…YOU MUST LEAD..A CHIEFTESS OF YOUR CLAN….
She opened her eyes. Everyone in the room was staring at her.
“…So all dat was all out loud den? Great.” She picked up her polearm and started trying to make her way to the door.
“Wait Karnya…what was dat?” It was Baxxter, he had stood up as well.
“I don' know, and I don' really care. I try not ta pay attention to da trickery of demons.”
“This weed does not attract demons, I grew it myself!” It was the tiny undead girl, she had also stood up. In fact everyone inside the cave had stood and they were all staring at her.
“We all saw your vision Karnya, I admit most of it doesn’t make sense, but we should look into it. Remember the prophet and Thrall. You must trust to da visions. It said you are a chieftess.”
Karnya laughed. “Oh really, and where is ma clan exactly?”
They all shuffled their feet and looked at each other, then looked back to her.
“Then it will be us” Baxxter said. “I need to find out more about this..” Baxxters sentence ended in a mumble as he retreated back to his workbench.
The others stood and stared at her as if expecting orders.
“I cant deal with dis right now, I have ta go.”
She rounded on her heel and went outside where she took a few deep breaths. She unhooked Molli’s lead and started walking down the path. She let forth a sharp whistle to call Luxa to her.
A few moments later the cat came bounding to her, looking very unhappy. She ran to Karnya and nudged hard against her leg.
“Now what in the name of Trall is ya problem! I don' have da patien….Is dat blood on ya face?”
She took the Zeppelin back to Durotar, arriving in the late afternoon. She approached the front gate of the city. As always she was flushed with pride at what her people had accomplished. With the city they had created from the bare dirt of this rocky place. The beauty they had made from nothing, which sheltered and protected their Tribes. She saluted the guards at the large front gate as she rode through.
She rode into the town proper and dismounted in front of the inn. She gave her saber Luxa a small motion with her hand and the cat bounded off. She made a few rounds, stocked up on her ammo, then climbed back on her mount and steered her deeper into the city. She rode through the drag and made a sharp left onto a small path that led deeper into the canyon. The sky grew dim as the light was blotted out by overhanging cliffs that seemed to close in from the top of the path. It was by definition the most secluded spot in the city, and was chosen by some as the location of most nefarious activity. It was in this area that her informant made his home.
She arrived outside his dwelling and dismounted. She gave Molli a quick pat and looked up at the entrance. A small path wound its way up to what was essentially a large cave carved by hand from the cavern wall. There were rough wooden stairs and a few small sticks with obligatory human heads fastened to them.
She climbed the stairs and knocked on the small wooden door.
“Cmon in.” Rumbled a voice.
She opened the door and stepped inside a large circular room. Thick candles flickered from the walls where they had been affixed to nooks and crannies. Against the far wall a Troll stood at a long wooden table. Its surface littered with vials, beakers, some of which bubbled and emitted various noxious vapors. The troll turned around, he held a mortar and pestle in his hands. His eyes widened, but his face lit up none the less when he saw the hunter.
“Karnya! I wasn’t expectin ya. How you doin?” He asked.
“Fine, thank ya Baxxter. I was passing through; I was hoping ya would 'ave some time ta exchange information.”
The shaman put his finger to his lips and tapped his tusk in thought. “I always love talkin to ya, but I was having a seers meeting this aftahnoon, I thought you were actually one ah my guests arrivin.” He motioned to the many cushions on the floor. “But stay, we can talk, you can even stay for da meetin.”
Karnya didn’t really have time to mull this over, he was correct about the time; a pair of orc women were coming through the door. One wore the ceremonial dress of a shaman, the other a pale grey dress. They waved to Baxxter and settled onto cushions giggling to themselves. Karnya made a nod of greeting and resigning herself to being social yet again, she picked the cushion farthest away and flopped onto it. Her armor making loud clanking and sliding noises. The orcs stopped their giggling and stared at her. She stared back and shrugged her shoulders. It’s not like she even owned a dress, and armor wasn’t meant for cushion sitting.
The room filled up rather quickly, after the orcs came a steady stream of trolls, tauren and a few undead. They all packed side by side on the cushions in a large circle around the room. Karnya hadn’t noticed before, but she did now and her eyes widened in surprise. There was some sort of huge tentacled contraption sitting in the center of the room. Everyone that sat down reached out and grabbed a tentacle and pulled it into their laps. Baxxter circulated among them, handing out drinks in small wooden cups. He completed the circuit and came to sit down next to Karnya.
“Welcome everyone. Please take a piece for the pipe.” Baxxter said. He reached out and grabbed two and handed one to Karnya.
“Are we about ta do what I think we are?” Karnya whispered.
“If by that you mean seeing spirits..then yes.” He whispered back.
A skinny undead in a flimsy blue dress stood up and walked to the center of the room. In her hands she held a large black stone bowl. A faint mist rose from the top to twine through the girls stringy hair. Karnya watched her tip it into the bucket on the top of the hookah. She caught a glimpse of the plants as they fell, purple and green and shades of yellow. When the girl had finished shaking the last bits from the bowl she knelt and set the stone bowl on the ground. She stood back up and looked around, her lidless eyes carefully surveying each person in turn, after assuring that each person had their pipes at the ready she held up a hand. Tiny buds of bright red flame sprouted from her fingers like rosebuds. She brought her hand up to the metal bucket and placed it inside. The crackle and hiss of burning plant matter filled the room. Everyone lifted their nozzles and placed them into their mouths.
Karnya placed the nozzle into her mouth. Why she was doing this she couldn’t understand. She should have just offered to come back later. She could have been cleaning her gun or finally getting around to taking some polish to Molli’s saddle. Instead she drew a great deep breath of the smoke into her lungs. She held it, and then released it. It tasted sweet, like some spice she tasted before. The fragrant smoke filled the cave, it became hazy inside. She could see tendrils trying to escape through the cracks in the front door. She breathed deep again through the tube. She looked over at Baxxter to see him fill his cheeks with smoke like a woodland creature and blow it out his nose. Karnya giggled. Baxxter stopped moving and stared at her. She realized what she had done and clapped a hand over her mouth. Baxxter threw back his head and howled with laughter.
“Big Bad Hunter Trolless got da giggles!!” He shouted.
There were some good natured chuckles from around the circle. Karnya glared at the shaman and took another drag from her nozzle. She looked around the room again, the other side of the room was barely visible through the smoke now. Some people appeared to have their eyes closed. Where they seeing visions? Was that crap really true? What the hell. She closed her eyes.
mmmmmmm….the fallen one…..yessssssss.
She opened her eyes. What the hell was that. She looked at Baxxter, his eyes were half lidded. Besides, it was a female voice. Karnya looked to her other side, there was an undead male with crazy patterns shaved into the sides of his head.
“Did ya hear dat?” She asked. He didn’t respond. She poked him with a gloved finger. He tipped over to the side slightly, a tendril of drool hanging from one corner of his mouth. Obviously not getting any help there. They looked like they were enjoying themselves. Karnya closed her eyes again slowly.
Huuuuunter…..yessss…..the exile…
It was a soft voice, a female, it slid like silk over Karnyas mind.
You wish to redeem yourself…..you must listen to me…..the time comes soon…
Karnya tried to speak. “I don' need ta redeem anything!” She replied angrily. “How do ya know dese things? Are ya a vision?” She couldn’t see anything except the back of her eyelids.
Yoouu can protect them….save them…..
“Save who!? From what!? What is thi-“
LISTEN!
The silk changed to broken glass, a small trickle of blood came from Karnya’s nose to run down over her lips.
THE DARK PORTAL OPENS SOON, A NEW SUNDERING WILL BEGIN.
Karnya growled with pain, her hands involuntarily coming up to cover her ears.
“OW! Ya Bitch…what are ya babbling about!? Da dark portal is not open. Dere is no sundering.”
There will be….and there will be death….much death. But not for you…….no not for you…..
There was the ghost of a chuckle. Karnya felt her blood growing cold, felt it seep along her veins.
“Explain yourself; I grow weary of ya games.”
Youuuuu have been touched…..the taint that will save you…fallen one…..with it you can save them….with it you can lead them……..save them…..
Karnya growled. Her hair stood on end. “Enough, I don' want ta hear dese lies, ya creature of da nether.” The last words came out in a snarl.
You muuust lead them…..lead the fallen….the portal will open….they will need you….
Karnya stood up. “I said enough!”
YOU ARE FALLEN…YOU MUST LEAD..A CHIEFTESS OF YOUR CLAN….
She opened her eyes. Everyone in the room was staring at her.
“…So all dat was all out loud den? Great.” She picked up her polearm and started trying to make her way to the door.
“Wait Karnya…what was dat?” It was Baxxter, he had stood up as well.
“I don' know, and I don' really care. I try not ta pay attention to da trickery of demons.”
“This weed does not attract demons, I grew it myself!” It was the tiny undead girl, she had also stood up. In fact everyone inside the cave had stood and they were all staring at her.
“We all saw your vision Karnya, I admit most of it doesn’t make sense, but we should look into it. Remember the prophet and Thrall. You must trust to da visions. It said you are a chieftess.”
Karnya laughed. “Oh really, and where is ma clan exactly?”
They all shuffled their feet and looked at each other, then looked back to her.
“Then it will be us” Baxxter said. “I need to find out more about this..” Baxxters sentence ended in a mumble as he retreated back to his workbench.
The others stood and stared at her as if expecting orders.
“I cant deal with dis right now, I have ta go.”
She rounded on her heel and went outside where she took a few deep breaths. She unhooked Molli’s lead and started walking down the path. She let forth a sharp whistle to call Luxa to her.
A few moments later the cat came bounding to her, looking very unhappy. She ran to Karnya and nudged hard against her leg.
“Now what in the name of Trall is ya problem! I don' have da patien….Is dat blood on ya face?”
-
Keeper Of Lore
- Lost
- Posts: 1749
Re: A Sister's Duty. - The story of Karnya Shadowscar
********************************************************************************************
So....that pretty much almost brings the story up to date, there are 2 more pieces. But I can't find them. If I do, i'll edit this out and replace it.
Basically after this, Karnya follows Luxa back to the pond. There is a dramatic and tense reunion scene. Karnia explains everything...blah blah blah, they embrace. Karnya allows them to stay in the house she is renting in Orgrimaar and they spend alot of time together. Karnia's free-spirited nature unwillingly rubs off to a small degree on the battle-hardened Karnya. She allows the young shaman to buy her a dress and agrees to wear it to something important. (Which some of you may have noticed was the last Grim meeting.)
Karnya realizes that she neither has the patience or desire to be a chieftess of ANY tribe and seeks to merge her small group with a more powerful group in the hopes that if her vision was true that they may all have a chance for survival and the ability to defend their lands. She petitions The Grim to absorb her small band of followers. They accept.
The vision comes true...The Dark Portal opens. Karnya instructs her little sister to remain in Orgrimaar where it is safe. Karnya takes all of her gear and rides to the portal where she engaged in heavy battle and as everyone knows we pushed through. She now resides in Thrallmar where she rides with The Grim at every opportunity to continue to destroy the demonic threat to her homeworld.
Which brings us to present day.
So....that pretty much almost brings the story up to date, there are 2 more pieces. But I can't find them. If I do, i'll edit this out and replace it.
Basically after this, Karnya follows Luxa back to the pond. There is a dramatic and tense reunion scene. Karnia explains everything...blah blah blah, they embrace. Karnya allows them to stay in the house she is renting in Orgrimaar and they spend alot of time together. Karnia's free-spirited nature unwillingly rubs off to a small degree on the battle-hardened Karnya. She allows the young shaman to buy her a dress and agrees to wear it to something important. (Which some of you may have noticed was the last Grim meeting.)
Karnya realizes that she neither has the patience or desire to be a chieftess of ANY tribe and seeks to merge her small group with a more powerful group in the hopes that if her vision was true that they may all have a chance for survival and the ability to defend their lands. She petitions The Grim to absorb her small band of followers. They accept.
The vision comes true...The Dark Portal opens. Karnya instructs her little sister to remain in Orgrimaar where it is safe. Karnya takes all of her gear and rides to the portal where she engaged in heavy battle and as everyone knows we pushed through. She now resides in Thrallmar where she rides with The Grim at every opportunity to continue to destroy the demonic threat to her homeworld.
Which brings us to present day.