Rotag

Before you read this I should warn you, this is one of my first stories and it's frikken HUGE! Also: If you are offended by furries, blah blah blah, basically if you are, I want to set you on fire. Anyway...here goes:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

The dilapidated bell began to toll, the attackers had passed the Forsaken who were patrolling the road that wound its way down from the Alterac Mountains.
It’s about time they noticed…
Rotag swung a heavy paw at another of the black clothed human, tearing the orange cloth from his opponents face.
“At least they won’t have too much work to do at this rate.”
Rotag looked over to his mate, Calayah stood in combat with another of the attackers, blocking a feeble attack with the shaft of her axe, she drove the base of the weapon into the belly of the opponent, gasping for breath he fell to his knees, a burst of ice exploded from her free hand, ending the suffering of the Human.

It was the perfect weather for the Humans to launch their surprise attack on Tarren Mill, the deep fog and light rain made it very difficult to see any reasonable distance, but even so, something had them spooked. The Syndicate followers seemed to be wary of their rear guard. Moving forward Rotag caught one of the attackers as he looked over his shoulder into the nothingness of the mist, blood stained his wet fur as the human turned in a desperate attempt to retaliate but it was met with razor sharp claws as Rotag shifted his huge weight with surprising ease and swung his left paw out, across the unfortunate attackers face. The Human crumpled in front of him, he wasn’t sure if the attacker was dead but it didn’t matter to him, he caught sight of a small shadow in the distance moving at great speed into the advancing human force, picking some of them off as it went…Rotag assumed they died faster than they could scream since there were no cries from those that fell, only a haunting silence as life left their bodies.

A yell caught his attention, Calayah charged past him into a pair of approaching attackers, she swung at the first, her long tail arcing behind her, the sickening sound of axe meeting flesh and then impacting bone filled the air for a brief moment, even as the body fell to the ground she followed through to point her hand at the second as a shrieking bolt of lightning leapt from her hand. Flesh seared, blood boiled, yet the human knew nothing of it, his mind overwhelmed and ceasing as the bolt impacted his chest.

Clattering of metal armour and weapons approached Rotag from behind, the Death-guards finally charging out into what remained of the small band of human attackers. In the distance a war horn sounded its guttural roar, the attackers had no choice but to retreat, some would no doubt be cut down as they ran by the vengeful Forsaken; killed by blade or burned alive by magic the Forsaken would ensure as many as possible would pay for attempting to attack their settlement.


Sneaking quietly through the door of the Inn Rotag carefully made his way past the Forsaken as they spoke to each other, he cared little for what was said, his prey was more important to him just now, he wanted to get his paws on it with as few of the Forsaken noticing as possible. Soft paw falls went unheard as he delved through the dark, shadowy building, the Undead not seeing any need for a fire or some sort of warmth despite the weather outside of the building.

The old floorboard creaked, Rotag froze on the spot, he wasn’t far from the stairs, he carefully looked around to see if any of the Forsaken had been alerted to his presence but he found to both his joy and his annoyance that the creaking had been caused by another of their number striding down the stairs. Silently he cursed to himself; he knew that his prey was up the very stairs that the Forsaken now travelled down. A second, more frightening thought occurred to him, the undead would walk into him if he didn’t move, blowing his cover or would no doubt spot the Druid as he stood precariously close.

Reacting quickly Rotag stepped back and pressed against the wall, despite his heart racing he held himself still, his tail curled up to his body, he stood frozen, hardly drawing breath. Still the Forsaken came closer, Rotag felt his heart beat quicken more as the undead came towards him. He closed his eyes, knowing he had failed but still he held for what felt like an eternity…and yet no sound came, no voice mocked him as he stood there, opening his eyes he peered around the tavern, somehow the Forsaken had not spotted him and was now proceeding out of the door into the mist, breathing a quiet sigh of relief he pressed on, his heart still raced as adrenalin rushed through his body, his paws tingled ready to push him at great speed should he be forced to bolt.

Climbing the old stairs, treading carefully so that the ancient wood did not make a noise as it carried his weight, elation gripped him knowing his prey would soon be within easy reach. Reaching the summit of the staircase Rotag found himself on an empty landing but still he stayed in the shadows, glancing around the room he spotted what he had come for, his prey sat there unawares on a small table.

Approaching it slowly he stopped just above it and took a last look around to make sure the area was safe.
Now you are mine little Lantern! He grabbed the small device in his maw, its metallic handle providing just enough for his razor sharp teeth to grip.

Heart racing he barrelled back down the stairs, adrenalin fuelling his paws, the Forsaken looked aghast as he came charging towards them, some jumped up out of his way as he dived at speed to the door. Dashing past them with a huge grin on his face and the lantern dangling precariously from his jaws he heard one of the Forsaken shout after him as he escaped into the mist. “Damn it Cat! That’s our Lantern!” Rotag heard guffaws of laughter from others around the village fade behind him as he continued to run, his prize now grasped more securely in his jaws.


Calayah had claimed one of the abandoned cottages on the outskirts of the little village, inside she found very little other than an old broken cabinet which surprisingly contained an old, somewhat musty sheet which she felt would suffice to at least place on the floor so that she and Rotag could sit, although she was in doubt in her mind that he would want to lie down instead.

Rotag walked to the door of the cottage, shocked to find it still intact despite the state of the rest of the village, dark brown fur grew all over his body as he shifted into his bear form, forcing the door open with a carefully placed paw, he stopped into the warmth of the tiny build, the lantern cluched in his jaw. “You had a good hunt then.” Calayah smiled at him as the cheeky grin returned to his face, she knelt down and took the lantern from him, quickly scratching him behind his ear before raising herself once more.

Rotag wandered over to the fireplace and flopped down, taking in the warmth, Calayah smiled, “typical Little Shadow” she thought to herself as she hung the lantern from the ceiling. Muttering a single word the lantern flashed into life bringing some more light to the room. She sat beside Rotag as he lay on the sheet, she leant against him, his soft fur comforted her.
What’s wrong Calayah? He stared into the fire as it crackled merrily in front of them, yet somehow he knew she was upset. Rotag shifted slightly, he had seen the sadness deep within Calayahs eyes when he had walked into the house but he knew he wouldn’t be able to get her to tell him until she settled with him. Her tone was sombre; “They took our necklace…” she absentmindedly played with a tuft of his fur.

Still he lay there, deep in thought, he remembered giving the somewhat crude necklace to her whilst they were still young, she had always called it “our” necklace, he didn’t know why, but he knew better than to question her about. Following an ember from the fire with his eyes as it rose in the air, he finally said Don’t worry Calayah; I’ll get it back for you.
She sat for a moment smiling, then the smile changed to a slight smirk. “Oh? You’ve always been such a lazy little bear.”
I’m not little anymore… The smirk widened, she moved her hand and patted his belly softly “Would you rather I called you a fat bear then?” Rotag grunted, keeping himself focused on the fire as Calayah stroked his fur, secretly enjoying the attention. Rotag pushed himself up onto his paws and turned to face her, a slight gleam in his eyes You know, I’ve always preferred Little Shadow.
He pressed his head against her body as she wrapped her arms around him, embracing him tightly; she whispered to him “I know Rotag, I know…” They stayed in contented silence for a few minutes more, the fire crackling away undisturbed.

I should go and get your necklace back before nightfall. Lifting himself away, he changed for a moment before tan coloured fur enveloped his body and his fangs lengthened, a thick mane grew at his haunches and the heavy bear was replaced by a relatively slender cat. Calayah sat with her arms wrapped around her knees, smiling to him even though she was concerned that he was taking a great risk, she felt she wouldn’t be able to stop him, despite his laziness, once his mind was set very few people would ever be able to stop him from doing it. I’ll see you in Thunder Bluff Calayah. She simply replied “Thunder Bluff” as he began to head out of the door, “I know you were enjoying the attention Little Shadow.” The cheeky grin once again lit up his face as he bounded out of the door.


The heavy mist had faded as Rotag ascended into the high Alterac Mountains and was now replaced by light snowfall, his sharp eyes easily able to pierce through the flakes of ice, he trotted along the road with a slight smile on his face even though he knew he would soon be fighting again, he admired the snow covered land as he went, the distinct silence that only ever seemed to exist when it snowed pleased him. Up ahead; however, lay Strahnbrad, the adopted home of the human Syndicate that had attacked Tarren Mill and the place Rotag thought he was most likely to find Calayahs necklace.

Cresting the yet another slope he finally saw the little town which lay nestled in it’s quiet corner of the mountains, in the snow it looked almost magical, Rotag felt it would be a shame to have to fight and spill blood in such a place but his promised made to Calayah, he would not turn away for something as simple as a pleasing scene. The first signs of activity caught his eye, a dark robed figure walked between the old broken down Blacksmith and another structure.

The Druid let himself fade into the shadows as he approached the outskirts of the town, coming upon a fenced area that he assumed was an orchard at one time, leafless trees rose to the sky like in somewhat macabre, snow-covered forms. He caught a whiff of something on the air, a smell of life and the more sinister smell of poison, stopping he watched the ground of the fenced area, his crystal blue eyes watching intensely for anything. There! Loose snow fluttered as it was disturbed by a footfall, a sentry lurked in the shadows, the smell of poison no doubt coming from his blades. Rotag carefully moved forward, placing his paws so that he made little impression in the snow. Finally he could pick out the faded form of the sentry; a somewhat burly human with a single sword, the stench of poison was strong. Moving around behind the human Rotag, reared up before launching himself at his adversary.

The sudden weight of the Druid careering into the humans back caused him to lose his balance, the two toppled to the ground, pinned the human squirmed, trying to force the heavy Druid off of him. It was too late, teeth sank in, pain exploded through the sentry’s body, trying to scream he found himself unable, darkness clouded his mind. Rotag released his grip of the humans neck, the limp body lay there, warm blood slowly trickled from the grievous wounds he had inflicted upon the sentry.

Composing himself for a moment Rotag listened carefully, thinking he heard light footsteps, again the sound came, he could not fathom the direction they were coming from. Rotag held his breath, desperate to work out where the sound had come from but now it had stopped, a tentative sniff of the air only revealed the smell of fresh blood mingling with poison. Then, from behind him came a sudden bestial roar, throwing himself to the ground Rotag rolled on his belly to turn and see another of the humans crouched on the ground, bleeding the human looked desperately for her assailant, her wide eyes full of fear and anger, a small feline form charged at the human and connected with her head, knocking her out.

What do business do you have here Night Elf? Rotag peered at the smaller Druid, even for an Elf this one seemed small, it had deep purple fur contrasting with a stark white underbelly, a long scruffy mane swayed as the light wind caught it. “Can’t I just be passing through?” She retorted, a certain fire in her voice that disconcerted Rotag. We are not under the eye of the Cenarion Circle and yet you don’t attack, why is that?
Anger flashed in the small Druids eyes, “Perhaps I should!” She charged at him, catching him in the chest, the two rolled over each other, in an instant Rotag forced his hind legs out into her belly but he continued to roll.

Landing flat on his back he flipped himself onto his own belly, desperately trying to spot this new attacker, he saw her standing some distance away, seemingly unphased by the forceful kick. Rotag stood up on his hind legs for a moment then was back on all fours, his bear forming releasing a deep roar of anger, in an instant the Night Elf changed to her own bear form, dwarfed by the heavy Tauren. It did not bother her, in an instant she was back upon him, despite her small stature and his extra weight; she smashed her paw into his body and sent him crashing to the ground.

Pushing himself to his feet Rotag realised the Night Elf was toying with him but would no doubt kill him when it pleased her, his heart raced as heady stood ready for her next onslaught, hoping he would be able to at least stop her for long enough for him to escape. Four words raced through his mind over and over.


Cadici watched the large Tauren Druid with some amusement; he stood ready probably expecting her to attack him again. She would, but he was probably expecting her to kill him, in her boredom she had travelled to Hillsbrad, for some reason, unbeknown even to herself, she found herself compelled to follow the younger Tauren druid before the idiotic syndicate had decided to try and attack Tarren Mill. She did not care for the politics of the Horde and the Alliance much nowadays to her it don’t not matter, she would fight and die for both given the chance but the arrogance of the leadership meant it was unlikely that she would see any significant change in attitudes for a long time to come. Something about this Druid reminded her of the one she loved, she missed the other Night Elf dearly but could rarely find him and when she did he often left suddenly, leaving her to console her beleaguered heart once again.

Her anger for him surfaced once again, roaring his name she charged at the Tauren once again, the overly heavy bear braced then to Cadicis amazement, moved swiftly out of her way, she slipped on the snow; her anger had gotten the better of her. Regaining her footing she turned only to find a heavy brown paw smashing into her side, recoiling in pain she tried to focus on the Tauren but he was no-where to be seen, in a haze she slipped out of her bear form and stood for a moment. The other Druid stood casting a spell, runic symbols glowing at his feet...and then in a split second, she saw him, the one she loved but all too soon he was gone, once more she whispered his name “Calien…”.

The human female was still groggy from the attacked that had be dealt to her, to her horror she found the Night Elf was still there, she stood still as the wind for a moment, a long elegant cloak billowing behind her. Cadici turned to see the human; her groans as she roused had told the Druid that she would soon be a somewhat meaningful threat to her again.

Cadici unsheathed a small dagger from its scabbard at her side; icy runes flowed from the hilt of the blade. Approaching the human she knelt down and took her by the throat, anger once again flashed in her eyes “This is what true stupidity brings upon you and the rest of your kind, Syndicate!” The dagger plunged into the humans’ heart; there was no scream, no death throes, nothing.

Cadici let the body slump to the ground, her rage subsiding, a necklace fell from the dead hand. The jewellery intrigued her, it didn’t look remotely Human, she had only seen similar such items in the possession of the Tauren Wardens within Moonglade and the Marshes in Outland. Grasping the jewellery she turned it over to find what would have passed as an inscription written in Taurahe, she couldn’t make out what it said but guessed it was somehow related to the Druid who had teleported himself away from her. She decided she should follow him, knowing the spell she had seen had taken the Tauren to the sanctuary of Moonglade. Cadici wandered out of sight of Strahnbrad thinking the wrecked little town looked pitiful, deservedly so in her mind.

The incantation took a small amount of time, an un-natural wind buffeted the Night Elf, her eyes closed she completed the spell and for an instant it felt as if her very soul was being torn from her body, breathless she found herself standing alone in the tranquil glade. Composing herself she walked into the Village of Nighthaven, flashing confident smiles to the few Wardens standing guard in the area. Despite being a head shorter than even the other females, she walked with defiant purpose, knowing who would be able to tell her where the Tauren had gone, she entered one of the larger buildings to counsel with him.


In a haze Rotag continued through the Barrow Dens looking for a remotely soft piece of ground, he had avoided the town and its guards and somehow his weak paws had carried him here, his tail hung low to the ground, exhaustion gripping his muscles. Finally giving up he flopped to the ground in a small alcove, breathing heavily he closed his eyes and rested his head on his legs. Rotag hoped to himself that the Night Elf Druid would not pursue him here.

A faint scent carried on the light drafts that traversed the Dens, Rotag felt his heart sink as the smell slowly became stronger, she was coming for him and he was in no condition to fight her off again. The sound of light footsteps approached from behind him, each one a sinister countdown to his demise, he had given up now, he lay there with his eyes closed awaiting her claws. Her footsteps crept closer still, in the silence they were like cracks of thunder to Rotag, she entered the room he had sought refuge in, he felt her breath as she knelt beside him, fur bristling he ready himself for her attack. “There you are little one; you should not hide from me.” Rotags heart raced, she was toying with him again, torturing him before giving him the mercy of death.

Cadici ran a slender hand across his mane and back, the softness of the long dark mane a stark contrast to the short coarse fur that covered the rest of his body. “I give you this mark Shu’halo.” Rotag opened his eyes with shock; he daren’t look around to see what the Elf was doing, her hand continuing to run across his fur. The sound of a blade leaving its sheath filled his ears, eyes shut tight he waited for the blade to strike.

Incredible pain shot through his body from his haunches as the tip of the blade pierced his skin, a quiet, haunting scream emanated from the weapon as it touched blood, he tried to roar as the pain grew intensely but he had no energy to, he felt his eyes water, the fur around them started to soak. Cadici carefully finished making the mark, a simple symbol near his haunches. Rotags breathing quickened, he felt her lay something upon his neck, pulse racing he turned to see a smile on her face, slender fingers still caressing his mane, darkness clouded his vision, finally he fell into unconsciousness, sleeping fitfully.