Deception (a World of Warcraft Fanfic)

Leaving

(Saerah)

The sun sealed through the canvas walls of my quarters, announcing the coming of the morning. I clumsily stepped out into the camp, trying to stay out of the way of the training pandaren warriors.

Furry fists swung at me from all directions. I was fortunate not to get hit with my sluggish speed. My eyes had not yet fully adjusted to the sun, leaving me no choice but to cower and hope the others would move for me.

"...And that's what happens if you fall back asleep after wake up." Nazgrim teased as I stumbled around blindly in the sun.

"Oh gimme a break you old grump! You all can thank me when you're able to have seconds at your next meal!" I defended. it was Rivett and his passion for cooking that kept me up at such odd hours, and his cooking kept us all up an extra hour or so. Sometimes I don't know what to do with that goblin...

"You lack discipline, kid." He growled, picking up his axe. All for show, of corse.

"Ah, but that never slowed me down," with a thump, my arrow hit a training dummy dead on, "See?"

The trainees clapped in admiration. I cockily took a bow and reported to Nazgrim's side. He rolled his eyes and gave me a playful slap on the back, sending me forward.

I gave him a respectful nod, he returned the same. It was hard to say goodbye, but after much discussion, we decided I was most useful with Anduin at the temple, where I could gain more leverage on the alliance, and knowledge of how to turn these people to valuable allies of the Horde.

Besides, Nazgrim had all the extra help he needed. Eyeballing it, is estimate about a hundred showed up; Goraff has the head count.

There weren't any more severe threats to the village, thankfully, the actions of the factions had pushed the battlefront further back. I'm quite impressed, most all the bodies of the fallen had been given proper ceremonies. Still, the stench of war was too pungent to bear, so people tended to stay indoors.

I made my way to a large tent we designated to strategy, knowing I wouldn't so easily slip away without so much as waving to Kiryn. The rouge did not agree in my departure, but understood it was for the good of everyone.

My friend stood at the entrance of the russet tent, arms crossed, leaning against one of the large beams supporting the structure. She smiled upon seeing me, spreading her arms for a hug.

"I'll be back, just gotta check on Anduin, my efforts are in vain without him."

"I know, you kept your promise, I know you'll be back. Come on, there's something I want to show you." She grabbed my arm and pulled me across the tent. For someone missing a muscle here and there, she was strong. I noticed she walked on her tip toes, hopping a little with each exited step.

She yanked a cloak off a pile, revealing a set of glimmering silver. Each piece was custom, the metalwork so detailed it seemed like a cruel mirage. It was a bit small...

"Did you really think I'd let you romp around on your own in my patchwork outfit forever?" she asked, "Won't you try it on?"

I looked to her, a bit shocked. "Right now?"

She nodded, eyes bright. Yep, she was serious. I changed forms, carefully slipping on each piece.

"It-it's like it was fitted to my body. Oh Kiryn, it's beautiful!" I cried, testing to make sure it allowed me to move.

"For people of peace, the Pandaren know how metalworking." She praised."

After that there was little talk, just packing and saying goodbyes. While Kiryn and Rivett accepted me in both forms, Nazgirm, and Goraff were reluctant to say goodbye, I had to change forms for a goodbye hug.