Trolling Around (Zul'Zae'Ju'Jin and Silence)

To be thanked by Xen'tu was surprising in itself and Aiden tilted his head to the side. Was there something wrong with the troll? No troll thanked a man that was in its right mind and perhaps the only reason that Aiden liked Zae'ju was the fact that the troll wasn't in his right mind at all. After a few seconds of collecting his thoughts again the man nodded. "You're welcome." Periodically he glanced over at the troll while it was busy eating the food. It must have been good or Xen'tu was feeling half starved for something besides the bugs that he'd eaten.

Finally the troll hunter came to his senses again and recovered from the shock. Carefully picking himself up off the ground he wandered to the stream with his empty bowl and rinsed it out. Each man would usually wash his own dish, but Aiden figured he could wash up to. Zae'ju had done that for a day or two while Aiden had forgotten who he was. Gathering the bowl from Zae'ju and rinsing that one Aiden then wandered back to Rose and the put the clean dishes in the saddle bag. The man waited patiently for Xen'tu to finish before he washed that bowl out in the stream and the kettle that he used to cook the food in. For whatever reason the trolls were unusually quiet and it was making Aiden a little nervous.

As the time drew near for them to mount up for the night Aiden didn't think much of the fact that Xen'tu wasn't a toad anymore. For now Zae'ju was going to doing the directing of the beast since the younger troll was not ready for such activity just yet. Aiden didn't think much of it and he frowned. Zae'ju had scooted too far forward for Aiden to be sitting in the front, but riding behind should be more comfortable. Hoping onto the Direhorn behind Zae'ju Aiden half anticipated the toad to crawl under his shirt so he un-tucked the edge of it only to feel himself being pressed into Zae'ju. Bracing his hands against Zae'ju the hunter pushed back and felt his head bump into Xen'tu's tusks. "Agh." The man leaned forward slightly and turned his head so he could peer over his shoulder at the other troll. "I'm not sitting in the middle. He's your brother."

No matter how the man argued it didn't seem that the trolls wanted to be sitting that close and Aiden couldn't squeeze himself out from between the two. Instead he was constantly shifting and swaying on the back of the beast. At least by now he had gotten used to riding and he wasn't quite as saddle sore as he had been the first several days of riding. The primary reason that Aiden preferred to walk rather than ride was quickly proved as he gradually slumped forward and ended up falling asleep.

There was nothing quite so disconcerting as waking with his face plastered to the hairy back of a troll and another one pressed tightly to his back. Momentarily alarmed he began shifting with great vigor to get loose and he hit his head on Xen'tu's tusks and then Aiden threw an elbow back into the ribs of the troll riding behind him. After a few more seconds his head cleared and he growled a little.
 
Xen'tu glanced up only briefly whilst he was stuffing his face with the food and he grinned maliciously around his tusk before he nodded. He was too concerned with the task of eating to speak. Being a troll again was something he could almost sing about but he was too proud for that. He could feel Zae'ju watching him as he ate and he shifted uncomfortably unsure what was going through his brother's head. He wasn't even sure what was going through his own mind to be eating human made food and for one in his life he was letting a pinkskin live. That caused him a bone of contention. Xen'tu was never known for such a thing. Yet here Aiden was, puttering about their camp cleaning their bowls of all thing and Xen'tu was keeping to his seat. Rose had his swords and his armour which he was missing. More than he thought he would.

A shadow passed and he glanced up as he finished his bowl. He pushed his bowl into the waiting hand. They would be moving soon. The sun was setting and the cool air began to cling to his skin. Zae'ju seemed to feel this too and he helped his brother to his feet. Xen'tu paused and then held his brother's face, eyes searching. Zae'ju couldn't hold the eye contact and Xen'tu frowned. Just what had his brother done or gone through where it had brought forth emotions even Xen'tu knew were strange for his brother felt unreal. He had never known Zae'ju to elicit such anger even when he was riled. The troll didn't know the meaning of holding grudges. His brother and this pinkskin shared something he was completely foreign too and it made him nervous.

Zae'ju regarded his brother for a moment doing little to shift the hand, he spoke in Zandali or this was completely between them, "You going to be okay dealing with the human?" He didn't want to have to be careful and sleep with one eye open all the time.
Xen'tu glanced at Aiden but shrugged, "I don't know what you two been through, brother but I can see he has a warrior heart. He knows you, feels you... I don't anymore. I won't kill him," he promised with a nod squeezing his brother arm before he tightened the kilt a little more. Xen'tu was a little uneasy, he had caught the human staring and the man had seen everything when he had transformed back to being a troll.
"Good. I'll direct Rose... you're still recovering,"
"But..."
"No buts,"

Xen'tu frowned as he watched Zae'ju mount up and take the reins. He noted how close his brother was to being in front and unsurprisingly Aiden took affront to being between them. He bared his teeth, "Ma mount, ma rules, mon," he intoned as he got comfortable upon Rose's back peering at the man between them. He loved his brother but he had no fancy on being that close and besides, the thought of the troll hunter riding between them was amusing to say the least. Zae'ju waited for Aiden to get situated and chuckled softly as Xen'tu glared at Aiden when the man had caught his tusks. Xen'tu shifted barely giving the human a little more room but there wasn't exactly much space to be had on Rose's back. Zae'ju flicked the reins and got them underway with a grunt from the direhorn beneath them. She seemed to manage all their combined weight very well and was marginally slower in her usual nimble walk.

Zae'ju blinked when he felt a weight press into his back and glanced behind him noting his friend had fallen asleep. He smiled before he spoke, "Make sure he don't fall off."

"Tempted," Xen'tu grinned but shifted so Aiden had no choice but to be sandwiched in place. They had gotten a fair distance before xen;tu grunted when the human fidgeted about, "Easeh mon, only got two," Xen'tu growled and his growl deepened when he receivedthe sharp elbow to his ribcage. "Min' where ya jab me, human. Ai nut forgettin' my prize when ya die," he intoned irritably.

"How much longer?" Xen'tu spoke in Zandali after he nonchalantly shifted Aiden's arm out of the way. Zae'ju shrugged, "Two more days till we hit the borders. Few more till Astranaar... We may be picked up by then,"
"Picked up? I hate sentinels!"
"Well, deal. We got no choice."
 
The man turned in the saddle and raised an eyebrow. "With any luck you'll die before I do." He was already starting to feel uneasy again. There was nothing like being mashed between two trolls and he didn't like it. It felt like forever more as the group traveled till it started to get hot. Aiden dismounted and plucked any of the troll hair that had managed to be shed on his clothes. "Disgusting." Wrinkling his nose he brushed impatiently at his shirt. "I'll take second watch." Having only recently woke up Aiden was pretty sure he could get a semi good nights rest.

During his sleep he rolled to his side to get away from whatever happened to be crowding his space and then he felt it creeping up on him again. Grumbling in his sleep he finally settled down and then he felt the arm flop over his side. Bringing a leg back he kicked hard and turned toward whoever the perpetrator was. The hunter woke to find himself face to face with Xen'tu and he pushed away. "You miserable troll!" Tossing the creature's arm back toward it Aiden snarled and collected himself so he could go sleep someplace further away. Taking up a small place just a mere 8 feet away he grumbled and laid down in the sand. He hated how it seemed to work its way into everything that he wore.

By the time his watch came up Aiden stripped his shirt off and shook it out. The other two could sleep and while they were sleeping and he was watching the hunter intended to shake all his clothing out. Once he had his shirt cleared from the sand he slipped it back on and started to strip his boots and pants off to shake them out. There wasn't much to see in the dead of heat in the Barrens. It was just a sea of sand and it was playing more tricks on the mind than he liked to admit. They were all suffering in different ways. Men sometimes went mad with the heat and they did crazy things. So far they had experienced a good deal of trouble and Aiden wondered how much of it was related to teh Barrens or the task that they were about to undertake.
 
Xen'tu shrugged in reply with a grin plastered to his maw. It was a little unpleasant a ride, he was not used to sharing Rose much less having to forgo being in the driving seat and having to ensure teh human did not fall off in his sleep. He could think of better things to be doing with his time. He regarded the human for a moment and wrinkled his nose. He supposed even that would be affected now. It was not until the sun was beginning to grow hot on their backs when Zae'ju found a spot for them to sleep through the hottest part of the Barrens' sun. Rose rumbles and stood beneath a tree as the trio dismounted one after the other.

Zae'ju grinned and clapped Aiden's back, watching as few moulted hairs flew into the air, carried off by a breeze, "An' dere was me t'inking ma back was all comfeh," he snickered as Aiden grumbled further and the troll began setting up camp. Xen'tu busied himself with making sure Rose was as fit as a fiddle. Zae'ju nodded at the offer, "Ai take first den," he agreed and Xen yawned knowing he would be for the third watch if they needed to. Zae'ju watched as Xen'tu and Aiden went to sleep for a moment before he took a small walk around their camp, bow in hand ready to use if a situation arose.

Halfway through Xen'tu had rolled from where he had lain which hadn't been that far from Aiden in the first place. ZAe'ju had found that amusing but he figured the reason. His brother had been but a toad earlier in the night and the habits gained from such a lifestyle could easily carry back over upon a return to humanoid state. He doubted Xen'tu even realised what he had done til the human woke and yelled at him. Xen'tu flinched as something disturbed his slumber and he turned his head only to hear and see the human quite close up and yelling at him. He snarled and scooted back to his mat, sand flying slightly in the process as he growled out his disgust. A quite snicker signified that Zae'ju had born witness to the whole thing. Xen'tu grumbled irritable and turned his back on them both mumbling, "M'not miserable." His snores soon sprung to indicate he had fallen back into slumber.

Zae'ju checked the hour and returned to the camp, nudging Aiden awake for his shift before he turned in. He lay flat on his back thinking for the longest moment before he curled up on his side and fell asleep. He wasn't particularly worried about anything jumping them. It was the hottest part of the day and anything seldom was active enough to try anything. He was soon sharing snores with his younger sibling.

There was very little to be seen other than sand, grasses and trees stabbing out of the ground. Occasionally a roar of a lion sounded or a herd of zhevra went past in search of a watering hole but nothing warranted a note of danger.
 
There was still no trusting Xen'tu and Aiden wasn't about to give him a chance to be the only one awake. Who knew if the troll would take his chance while Aiden was sleeping. Orders or not, the last place had proven to be dangerous anyway. Every once in a while Aiden would glance back at the two trolls sleeping on the ground. Only a short time ago he would have gladly killed both of them. Zae'ju had changed that and Aiden had to admit to himself that he was still struggling with the concept of living and working among trolls.

The sun started to set and the edges of the hills turned a blazing gold that faded into shadows. It was almost time for them to leave again. Aiden knew a few things about taking care of Rose. At first he thought to take the Direhorn to the stream for one last drink before they left. Then he glanced at Xen'tu and he knew that the troll would rather be the one to water and care for his lumbering steed. For as proud as the troll's were he couldn't help feeling a little miffed that he was supposed to feel flattered that he was even allowed to ride on Rose despite the fact that he was squished between two trolls. Aiden took a deep breath and wandered over to where Xen'tu was. Nudging the troll's shoulder he gazed down at his face. "I imagine you'd rather take care of Rose instead of me eh?"

In a way it was amusing to see how the troll reacted even though there was very little to do for a Direhorn first thing in the morning. "I'll keep my filthy human hands off the Direhorn for a little while longer then." Aiden couldn't help chuckling a little. No matter that the troll was likely agreeing with the statement, it was always fun to tease the troll kind about their massive pride and great prejudices.

Finally, it was about time to eat and Aiden wandered over to wake Zae'ju. "Alright your turn to cook." The man didn't relish the idea of making another meal. He doubted that it would go over so well with Xen'tu this time. One could only push so far and he didn't feel like pushing his luck too far. While the other two took care of their morning duties, Aiden wandered around the camp and picked up the bed rolls and blankets. Tying them all together with a leather strap the man then took himself to the stream to wash his face and hands then get a drink. Occasionally the troll hunter would peer over at Xen'tu and then he stood. "If you still have a problem with me then we might as well have it out here. No weapons and not to kill, we can't really do that by orders of our leaders. For your information I still don't trust you. You haven't even come close to earning my trust and it's probably the same for you."
 
Xen'tu came to with a start and frowned when he realised who it was that had woken him. His eyes remained fixed, clearly the troll had thought the man might have cut his throat during his sleep but hadn't for unknown reasons. He grunted and snarled, "Ta right," he agreed vehemently before he stretched and rose to his feet. A glance told him Zae'ju was still asleep. It would be easy to knock the man out and dump him in a ditch but given the mission was by the Warchief's hand and he was obligated, it made things irritatingly difficult.

He looked at Aiden then and grinned, baring his teeth broadly, "Human nut dumb aftah all," he said before he moved off to get Rose watered and fed shaking the sleep from his shoulders as he went. No dount the human would have read the threat of his threat amidst the insult in his words. No doubt Zae'ju would like it much but this time his brother didn't have his mate with him to curse him back to toadhood. Whilst he might be a little more accepting of not killing Aiden outright and had agreed to mete out the objectives of their mission, it didn't mean he couldn't be as annoying as he could.

Blinking, Zae'ju peered sleepily up at Aiden before he yawn with a broad gape and then nodded. He was sluggish in moving about but once he had splashed water into his face, he felt a little better and a little more responsive. He looked through their supplies before he set up a small fire, which burned well as most of the wood they had was baked dry in the hot sun. It was nothing grand, merely a hodgpodge of varies bits of dried meat and herbs blended in some sort of gravy or sauce.

Xen'tu checked Rose over completely before he allowed her to drink and the giant lapped up the liquid with greedy sips. She grunted and lifted her head briefly before returning to her task. Xen'tu glanced down the stream's edge and frowned at Aiden. "Trust be a fine t'ing," he replied blandly to the man's words whilst he was weighing up his favour. In the end, he snorted and barked out a laugh, "Ai beat ya up pretteh good last time wit' ma swords. Ya so eagah for 'notha beatin' wit' ma fists, eh?" he clarified. the fact Aiden nearly killed him was neither here nor there in the troll's mind. He faced Aiden and rolled a shoulder before he took a stance.

"Den by all means little pinkskin"

Trouble with bringing mounts into the Barrens was keeping them defended. Rose to some was something of a meal that would last a pride a very long time. Thus, their light treads surrounded the pair and their target. If the pride could not get the giant then the human and troll would equally keep their cubs fed. The lead female lead the ambush with experienced and practised ease. She walked in a crouch sounding as if she was merely floating rather than her large paws meeting the ground. They remained downwind in their approach lest the Direhorn give their ambush away
 
Chuckling at the troll's high estimation of itself the man met his gaze. "Aye, and I remember you were near death to. I could hear your groans and cries all the first day." It seemed that they were going to have a brawl and that pleased the hunter. Aiden had been aching to hit that miserable troll since he set eyes on him for the second time. Nothing could make it more satisfying than bruising it or at least making the troll sore for a day or so. Before they could begin the fight he threw in one last little phrase that he knew would drive Xen'tu to the point of rage and help lessen his brain capacity. "You know what I like best about fighting trolls?" Momentarily he grinned. "Because they are like bringing down a mountain. Pride so high that just a pebble of doubt can collapse their structure."

With that the hunter flew at the troll with a good sharp undercut to Xen'tu's jaw. When the troll shifted his head Aiden took hold of one tusk. A troll never went far without his tusks and that was the fun in fighting a male troll. Aiden felt a sharp hit to his side and he grunted, but he managed to hoist himself up using the troll as a ladder. Aiden had no problem running up a troll and planting himself on its back. "I'll have you in this fight or the next." Wrapping one arm firmly around the troll's neck he tried to lean back to set Xen'tu off balance.

Suddenly it all came to an end as Aiden heard the pained cries from the Direhorn. Rolling away from Xen'tu and racing for his swords near the fire Aiden swiped the ogre blade off the ground that he had taken in his last fight. Charging toward the sounds of Rose he saw the pack begin to close in around Rose as she was being attacked by the front runners.

Yelling loudly Aiden briefly drew the attention of the pack away from the Rose. Her red body had a small trickle of a deeper red that had begun to trickle from her back. They weren't likely to be riding her for a few days while she healed. The first creature lunged for Aiden and he brought his sword out in front of himself and caught it on the blade. Jerking it free from the limp body he slashed across the ribs of the next one that had tried to come around the back at him. If he and Xen'tu hadn't been so busy picking fights this might not have happened and then again it was possible it would have because they would have been occupied with breaking camp and eating.

A third beast attacked and this one's claw ripped into his arm. Aiden growled loudly threw himself at the beast. The two of them scrambled on the ground while the animal kicked wildly in the air as it was forced onto its back. Pulling out a dagger from his boot the hunter thrust the blade into the beast several times until it quit moving. When the creature gave its last few ragged breaths he looked up to see that the rest of the pack had been slaughtered or they had run. Rose didn't appear to be mortally wounded, but Xen'tu was still fussing over her. Aiden didn't particularly feel bad for Xen'tu, but he did feel bad for the Direhorn. Wandering to the edge of the stream Aiden got a little water to rinse her wound.

Shoving in next to the troll that tried to comfort his beast the hunter thrust the bowl of water toward him. "Rinse the wound and I'll collect a few herbs to pack into the wound. It should prevent her from getting infections started." In the hot weather it wouldn't be surprising if the Direhorn suffered from some kind of illness if they didn't immediately begin to treat her. "I'll pack the wound. My fingers aren't as fat as yours." Aiden didn't want to cause Rose anymore pain than she had already suffered and he hoped that Xen'tu could see the reason in that.
 
"Aye," Xen'tu knew he had been very close to losing his life no thanks to the hands of the man and in some ways he bore a newfound respect but in others it galled him to think the human had so nearly succeeded in sending his soul to Bwonsamdi. He wrinkled his nose and sneered, leering over the other not through actual movement of rising in his figure but just that he was so much larger. He was bigger than his older brother. "Ya still failed pinkskin an' ya cheated," he was oblivious to the real reason why he had been saved, or rather who he had been saved by. Tibbie had remained anonymous to him for clear reasons. Moment Xen'tu realised just how many human friends his brother had, it was believed the brother would disown the hunter and that was not fruitful.

He scowled at the insult wondering what the human was trying to prove. Humans were just the same! He snarled as he charged only to note what Aiden was up to. He shifted his head in time and grunted with distinct irritation when he felt the tug of his right tusk. He rose in height and lifted the human off his feet entirely as he sent a fist into the man's side. He didn't hold back. Aiden had done all the provoking and in his mind, he was purely just defending himself.

The man was like an ant. An ant he could not squash into oblivion. He snarled and shook himself, baring his teeth as he was placed into a headlock, "Ya be sniffin' shit, pinkie," he muttered back, taking a step back to counter-balance to off balance. He was almost about to drop suddenly to the ground when he heard the roar and he froze, forgetting the fight and forgetting the human riding his shoulders. With a huff, he shoved Aiden away from himself and charged towards his beloved mount with a furious roar that was loud enough to make one of the Lionness' flinch.

Xen'tu thrust himself at one of the Pridemane females, the pair rolling in thick muscle of blue and beige. He was mauled several times before he tore out its throat with nothing more than the small dagger he freed from his belt. He stood drenched in the cat's blood eyes hungry for the next target as he retrieved his swords. Rose was bellowing as she too defended herself. Her frill was no longer an asset to her. The cat's had surrounded them all so she swung her spiky club-like tail at any of the cat's that go too close. One was not so lucky in getting away in time and with a pained yowl, landed on the ground and didn't move.

With all the ruckus going on it was only evident that the arrows would soon fly. One embedded into the neck of one that had been about to pounce Aiden from behind, the body slumping to one side of the man. Zae'ju remained unseen but one by one the arrows marked his presence. Xen'tu was something else as he charged cat after cat until teh Pridemanes decided the Direhorn was not worth the energy expenditure and loss of life. The few that were left turned tail and ran. Xen'tu roared after them in his challenge before he looked towards Rose.

He was with her in three strides as Zae'ju appeared silently and the hunter sighed before he went around putting the lionness that were still alive but too injured to move out of their misery.

Xen'tu flinched as Aiden approached with the water but he caught the intention. He slowly took it with a nod not fully understanding why a human would want to help a troll's beast. Zae'ju watched his brother warily as Aiden spoke buthis brother seemed to calm with the issue of his mount being hurt. The Troll warrior nodded slowly, "Do so." The reluctance was there but understanding also, the scratches were nominal but this was a bite wound and lion teeth were smaller in diameter to a his calloused digits.

Xen'tu watched Aiden work after he washed out the wound, soothing Rose in Zandali to which Rose responded immediately to. It was clear the pair had a deep bond that went beyond simple necessities. Xen'tu shifted and scowled as he caught his brother's expression and made a face but it seemed Zae'ju stood adamant, the hunter's arm folding with finality.

"Ma t'anks..." it was reluctant but it was meant. Xen'tu had realised that their bickering had gone some way into providing a distraction allowing the Pridemanes to get so close to attack. Otherwise they could have saved themselves some time. He judged where the wound was and knew Rose would not be supporting their weight for a while. Something zae'ju had worked out long before Xen had.

Zae'ju stepped forwards and grunted as he collected the last of his arrows returning them to his quiver, "Ai've 'ad enough of dis squabble, ya two figure et out before we get ta Astranaar or ai gonna 'ave 'Qaska turn ya bot' inta somet'ing worse den a toad."

" 'e-"
"Ai dun care who started whut. Ya must 'ave learned some respect fo' 'im fo' 'Qaska's hex to lift, she not wit'out 'er tools, brudda. Dun make me drop you again, na,"
"Yes brudda," Xen'tu sighed

"Least we won't be goin' hungreh," Zae'ju breathed leaving the spat between the two alone for now. He heard what seemed to be the latter half of their conversation and he had not been enamoured. He wasn't asking Aiden to like his brother not vice versa but they had a mission and that required talking terms. He regarded Rose for a long moment. It seemed the beats had been the one thing to bring them together at least in defending the Direhorn.

Rolling a shoulder, he retrieved his skinning knife and sat next to one corpse and began removing the hide which he carefully rolled up before he retrieved another knife and used that to butcher the animal. All the parts were carefully wrapped before he repeated the process for the others. The hides would fetch a good price, he was fairly certain they'd pass one more settlement where he could sell them.

Xen'tu watched his brother with a blank look as his hands stroked Rose's face. He didn't understand how laid back his brother could prove to be and yet still know when to lash out the threats to him. He glanced at Aiden for a long moment. He couldn't see what would be worse than a toad and having a human taking care of you but he knew now there was a side to the human that did speak to his honour. It left him conflicted and irritable because of that confusion. He fussed over Rose a moment longer before he went to wash the blood from his front.
 
It was a surprise that Xen'tu would even allow Aiden to help the beast. He'd half expected that the troll would be too proud for anyone to help Rose except himself. For a moment Aiden stared at Xen'tu and listlessly allowed for the troll to take the water bowl from his hand. Half dazed the troll hunter wandered off to find the herbs and he rinsed them in the water before bruising some of the herbs so that the oils would permeate the flesh that had been exposed to the lion's teeth. Returning to the beast's side Aiden carefully wrapped up the herbs in a thin cloth. They couldn't really have the herbs get stuck in the wound. So he tied the top of the cloth shut and let some room for the herbs inside to move around and take the form of the wound. It would help soak up blood so they wouldn't attract many more visitors with the scent and it would serve as a cleanse for the wound as the oils from the herbs seeped from the sack.

Carefully placing the tip of the little sack at the entrance of the wound Aiden pushed it carefully inside with his pinkie finger. Though he could have used his index finger it was better to ease the packing inside rather than alert the beast immediately to the situation. Thankfully Rose was a well behaved Direhorn and she seemed to be quite calm, far more calm than Aiden had anticipated. Xen'tu comforted his beast and it was likely needed toward the end when Aiden had to press a little harder to get the packing into the wound.

For the time Aiden wasn't sure what to say. If there was anything to say at all he couldn't begin to guess. Zae'ju almost seemed to be giving both of them an air of disapproval. The older troll had in some ways sounded like a parent when he spoke and that was ridiculous. None of them needed a parent to hang around and tell them what to do. This little skirmish had in ways taught them a lesson. They knew better than to leave Rose unattended while here.

There was an uncomfortable silence that had fallen over the group. Making his way over to Zae'ju, Aiden started "I don't really care if you think fighting is a bad idea. This is probably the last place we can do this to bring things to an understanding before we get into more dangerous territory." The land they were in was already dangerous enough, but at least there wasn't any Horde or Alliance members to take sides and end up killing anyone that was part of the mission. "Besides I feel better if I fight your brother. We don't like each other and nothing is more satisfying than seeing a miserable bastard run around limping on a giant busted troll toe. I know it heals in a day or so and your brother would have probably felt better for seeing me limp around too."

Getting a little closer to the troll his eyes flashed a tiny bit. "We're agreed to finish this mission without killing each other. This is our business and if we have to schedule a fight to work around important events then we will." Aiden was feeling highly frustrated with the situation and his companions at the moment and it was going to come out one way or another. "Next time leave us alone!"

Bringing his voice back to a normal range he sighed. "I started the fight....maybe? Offered for him to fight anyway and we both agreed. There is nothing wrong with that."
 
Xen'tu delighted in the stare. It seemed his hatred of the man was enough to be unable to accept the help for Rose but as Zae'ju knew, if there was anything you could calm and gain attention of Xen'tu for, it was Rose. He cared about her safety and health more than for his own. Even though he was still reluctant to accept the man's help for Rose, he was still open to it. If it had been for himself, he would have downright refused no matter what his brother's opinion was. He was doubtful the human would have offered it to him anyway and the distrust was clear.

He watched with distrust yet fascination as he kept Rose calm. The Direhorn shifted uneasily but calmed to the troll's comfort as he stood by her large frilled head. He was not afraid of her meter long horns that jutted out from just above her eyes. Pain was laced within the dark orbs but she did seem to understand the human was helping her. Zae'ju knew the beast was also lucky she was a reptile, which dealt better to wounds that would be fatal for a mammal. It was a common trait that enabled good relationships between reptiles and their Troll masters.

Rose rumbled when Aiden had to increase the pressure but Xen's presence meant she wasn't likely to turn on the man in her pains. He murmured in his native tongue and Rose calmed considerably further. Once they were done, she grunted and drank from the stream again walking one or two strides to reach the water's surface. Xen'tu hopped to one side and chuckled before he fussed over her, taking a brush from her saddle bags to brush away the parasites that were surely attacking her skin in the heat. The rumbles were appreciative and for the moment Xen'tu was oblivious to where Aiden had gone.

Zae'ju was on the last of the carcasses and his movements had increased with a furtive need to be done before the smell of blood brought other predators and scavengers to the scene. He felt a shadow loom over him and he glanced upon his human friend before he frowned. Zae'ju's ears twitched, his hands stilling as the task went forgotten as he read the man's body language and tone. This was not likely to bode well.

He rose as he listened, if he didn't know any better this had turned on a head and he was getting the dressing down. He could not find the words to make return argument, such was his mood and he hadn't factored for this. This was the longest he had spent with his brother in company in many years, the two could never agree long enough to make the effort worth their time. As soon Aiden stepped into his personal space, Zae'ju extended his spine. He wasn't bothered with the man being so close but he was reacting more to Aiden's tone. Something he was not used to anymore, least from the Human.

Xen'tu paused as he came on the sight of Aiden and his brother and scratched his neck before he growled with the intention at first to pull the pinkskin away but he heard the words and that put a stop to his stp. It was weird seeing his brother getting dressed down as if he were the younger of the two. Rose walked to his side and the sea-green haired troll leaned against her side with a familiar ease as he watched the human with his brother.

Zae'ju frowned but he had to concede. His brother was always as ever eager to rustle feathers and was big enough and ugly to defend himself. Zae'ju knew the Barrens was making him irritable, he did not like the odds of them getting through the wasteland alive and already a local pride had chanced a kill. Air deflated, he sighed heavily and his head slightly dipped in acknowledgement. Whether Aiden was quick enough to read that nod to the dressing down remained to be seen but it had not gone unnoticed by his younger brother who wondered at just how close the two were for Zae'ju to back down so readily.

The Troll warrior eased off his beloved mount and joined them as Aiden came to a finish and he shrugged, "Da pinkskin be right, brudda. We nut be ya sons ta boss 'bout, ya 'is friend, ma brudda. 'e be no pet neither.' That statement alone caught his brother's attention with a mark of surprise. "Dun know whut ya be seein' in da pinkskin but 'e got balls, na?" he grinned toothily before he grabbed his brother in a headlock. Zae'ju cried out in surprise as his vivid mane of white hair was ruffled, the mohawk ruined completely as Xen'tu laughed.

A carrion bird flew overhead before it circled down, ignoring the brothers and humans as it landed on one of the carcasses and began picking at the bones pulling scraps of meat from where Zae'ju had not been able to remove. Rose rumbled and stamped before she walked up the group and nudged Aiden. It was clear the beast wanted to leave this killing ground.

Zae'ju was smaller than his brother by one third and his strength did not lie in brute strength as Xen's did. As hard as he might, he could not force himself out of the headlock, "Ai know dat," he muttered thumping a hand against Xen'tu's side in a signal the two clearly held between themselves. It seemed this was not the first headlock Zae'ju was victim to. Xen'tu laughed and released his brother before helping to collect the hides and meat parcels, packing them into Rose's saddlebags.
 
Aiden was more than prepared for Zae'ju to raise a protest of sorts to the correction. Instead the troll became quiet and he only nodded. The troll hunter blinked a few times. He was slightly dumbfounded and the intervention from Xen'tu only left Aiden further confused. Lifting one eyebrow he watched the two trolls wrestle. Xen'tu was obviously holding the upper hand and Aiden wasn't about to jump into this mix.

Slowly backing away from the two brothers he watched from a short distance. There were so many things that happened this trip so far. In many ways it was proving to be far more difficult than the last. Physical hardship was one thing and Aiden thought that he personally handled those sort of things better. It was when the hardship included some emotion, and other capacities that were only operated with precision by the brain that he didn't know what to do. Perhaps this was a sort of test and he wasn't sure how to handle it. For several moments he watched the troll brothers continue in their wrestling much the same as a human pair of brothers might. So much of it was odd and feeling.

Mostly the situation was uncomfortable to watch. Aiden knew that trolls like humans had family, but seeing it was different. Even the nasty ones like Xen'tu were harder to kill without a second thought if you knew that they had others. Still it wouldn't stop him on a battle field. Nor would it change the hunting. There were too many trolls that never heeded the families of those that they slaughtered or the villages and they would still kill all the women and children that they could get their hands on. Aiden's mind returned to some of what Xen'tu had said. The troll had in a way given a slight indication of respect with his comment that Aiden was no pet.

Maybe there was something to work with here. Then again it was also disturbing to hear that Xen'tu had agreed with him. While the man's mind was stuck on the thoughts in regards to the recent events there was a shifting behind him and he turned slightly. Just as he turned his head he was met with a nudge from Rose and Aiden jolted half out of surprise. The man still wasn't that terribly fond of having such a large creature so close. She hadn't proven to be vicious which was another surprise give who her owner was. Grumbling under his breath Aiden carefully pushed Rose's nose away from his face. "C'mon." For the most part the Direhorn understood little commands like that. While the Direhorn stayed planted somewhere between Aiden and Xen'tu the troll hunter began to pack up a few things and divide the load so that they could put less on Rose. She wouldn't be able to carry as much as she did before if they wanted her to heal well.

The Direhorn was seemingly torn on whether she should be with the one that was busy preparing to leave or stay with her master when she wanted so badly to go. Glancing back at the brothers both Rose and Aiden watched for a moment and then Aiden returned to packing up. When he looked up next Zae'ju was finally loose though he wasn't really accomplishing anything and neither was the brother.

"Catch." Aiden threw a pack at Xen'tu first just to see if there would be enough reaction time for the troll or if he would hit him along side the head. Smirking he grabbed the next bag and threw it toward Zae'ju. "You two done cuddling?" He knew that wasn't what they were doing, but it made a good story and he liked to see the looks on their faces when he said it. Swinging a pack over his own back Aiden carefully grabbed Rose's reins and walked with her over to Xen'tu. Handing the reins over to the troll he grinned. "

Almost as soon as they started out travelling a wind came across the Barrens and the sand drowned out what little daylight was left and ushered in a cold start to the evening. After a good while of walking Aiden turned slightly toward Zae'ju. "Sorry about that whole forgetting who I was thing. Said a few things that uh..." Aiden shrugged. "More than you needed to know." The fact was that it was a lot more than what he thought the other needed to know and he didn't like having Zae'ju possibly know more than he should. Even if he was a friend, there were very few friends of Aiden's that knew the entire story of what happened.

While they were walking Aiden glanced over his shoulder several times. There was a sense that something was lurking behind them. All he could see behind himself was the darkness soaking into the crevices of the Barrens and sand shielding his view of whatever could be preparing an attack. Placing one hand on the hilt of his blade the man prepared for a fight. Aiden could knew there was something out there and this time he feared it was far worse than a pack of lions.
 
Xen'tu felt the human was nonplussed by the reactions but it was normal for him. His brother might be older, easy going and a lot more calculative but he was also soft and sensitive in many ways that Xen'tu knew he would never be. Zae'ju had hope in others which was a rare thing to have even if it was directed at both Horde and Alliance alike. Perhaps his just wanted them to get along so much that he forgot that they were their own selves capable of their own decisions and mistakes. He felt Zae'ju finally relent in his hold and he smiled knowing this was rarely going to happen again. His brother's ever eternal hopefulness and willingness to work with the enemy was often what made him keep his distance from his brother. He glanced at Aiden who still look utterly confused by the situation. ZAe'ju had opened his eyes a little.

Zae'ju stood properly once he was free of the headlock and rubbed his neck a little as Xen'tu grinned. He was unused to a lot of things and as he rested his gaze on the human watching them, he realised he never had fully understood the man's fears for his family till now. Having Ay'din had changed things. He sighed and rubbed his face, his respect for the man had grown deeper in a heartbeat and it was clear now that Xen'tu was not without his own wiles and perhaps had grown to respect the man a little by now too. He watched as Xen'tu turned at Aiden's call and blue arms reached out, grabbing the pack with quick reflexes honed by years of training. Zae'ju did the same. He removed his bow and se the bag to his back before loosely hanging the bow off his shoulder.

"Cuddlin'?" Xen'tu snorted, "Ai nut ma brudda!" he corrected adamantly earning a slow grin from his old sibling but he accepted the reins and patted Rose's side. It was not long before they continued their journey again and both trolls drew cloths from their belt pouches to cover their heads when the sandstorm struck, leaving a slit through which they could still see. Zae'ju offered another to Aiden as they felt the sand chafe against the skin in the wind. Had to be a little worse for the human, Zae'ju mused what with having no fur for protection.

Zae'ju glanced at Aiden and shook his head, "Na, dun worreh 'bout et. You weren't righ' in da 'ead, can't hate ya for false words. After t'day, mebbe ai do deserve some o' dat," he said. He felt ashamed for what he had pressed on Aiden and his brother. His brother understood it but Zae'ju wasn't sure Aiden had. "Ai sorreh too... Ai t'ink ai understand ya more now. Wit Ay'din around, ai be seein' not'ing but t'reats. Was...Was et da same wit' chu?" he asked, peering at Aiden deeply wanting to know, perhaps even looking for advice for he did not know if he did the right things. With Percy and two stillborns, he knew Aiden had the greater experience on parenthood.

"Ef ya an' Xen wanna do more jousts, ai nut gonna stop or chide ya," he said, his tone remaining quiet and apologetic.

"Ai gonna wan' more," Xen'tu piped in as he walked alongside the huge Direhorn.

Silence overtook the travellers and even Xen'tu was growing nervous. The sandstorms in the Barrens were very rare, much more so than they were in places like Tanaris and Uldum where sandstorms were a constant problem, and this seemed very planned to him. One glance with narrowed eyes told him the human was feeling it too. He looked to his brother and sure enough Zae'ju was glancing every which way, listening with twitching ears. The hunter had not touched his bow knowing his aim was shot in this storm. Zae'ju could hear nothing and that's what concerned him. The crickets usually sung well into the hours they were currently in and he could hear no lion calls, no song from the nocturnal birds. Just nothing. As they went deeper the sandstorm seemed to intensify even rendering the scarves useless. Xen'tu growled and Rose bellowed nervously as they moved, the troll had to speak in soft Zandali several times when she stopped and started again on his encouragement. Their pace slowed considerably and Zae'ju was not liking this at all.

Without a sound or any other sort of warning, two light coloured balls of energy no bigger than the size of walnut shells slammed into both Trolls causing them to cry out and grow rigid. Zae'ju spasmed next to Aiden before he collapsed and found himself unable to move, not even his jaw could move. Only his eyes and a chest breathing hard against the sudden paralyses. This was for the same with Xen'tu causing the Direhorn to stop next to him and bellow furiously and nervously. The sandstorm slowly relented as figures emerged. It was a group that consisted of members purely from the Alliance. Humans, Dwarves and Night Elves and Zae'ju groaned not just out of pain. Night Elves were not fond of Trolls believing them dirty and foul, lesser than themselves despite the knowledge that Elves were very likely to have descended from Trolls millennia ago.

Several trained their weapons, a mixture of bow and gun, on the paralysed trolls but the others were trained on Aiden. They said nothing for a moment before a female Night Elf stepped towards them, "Travelling with trolls? They'll kill you first chance they got you realise? State your business!" she demanded.

Zae'ju watched helpless before his eyes picked out the mage of the group. A human that seemed to wear a constant sneer. They had to hope this group responded to King's Orders though what they were doing this far into the Barrens so far south from the Mor'shan Gate was beyond him. The Gate typically was always poorly defended.
 
Zae'ju was usually trusting and it concerned Aiden to a degree. His friend was so eager to dismiss everything and the man grew silent in part with shame and because Zae'ju was still talking. All of it ended with a question and Aiden took a deep breath. "I wasn't lying. Tried to be neutral once and it got my first wife and our children killed. My wife was a good widow woman of my cousin's. Her husband had died in the wars and Percy was their baby. Married her a few years later because she needed a man and I wanted a family." Glancing at Zae'ju he tried to read if there was anything at all in his friend's face. "So yes, I see threat in everything. That's why the story they tell about me is only about the first wife. I made sure very few knew of my second wife and the boy."

In many ways Aiden still felt cautious about naming the boy in case Xen'tu had gotten a mean bone and decided to try and find the lad at some point. Part of Aiden had been open to neutral standings, but there was still a great deal of hatred for trolls. Every time he worked with Zae'ju there was a challenge, but the troll had proven himself. Now it was just becoming far more challenging because of his brother that could not be trusted. Regardless of what the troll code stated about Zae'ju having to kill Aiden it was still tempting to kill Xen'tu at the end of all this and then disappear. Zae'ju wasn't likely to catch up with Aiden if he didn't want him to and that was all that mattered. He wouldn't have to kill a friend and they would simply have to part ways. When it moved on to a more quiet moment Aiden let it all be. Then Zae'ju mumbled something about the jousts and Xen'tu piped in immediately. Rolling his eyes Aiden sighed. "Aye, so I thought."

Xen'tu was in part an obnoxious troll and that was mildly comforting. If he defied too much of what Aiden knew about trolls he would find himself in an increasingly difficult situation. The acceptance of Zae'ju was difficult enough and he understood the little lad discovering his family gone. That was something that Aiden had been able to understand the feelings on.

As they progressed the sand storm grew worse and Aiden accepted the cloth from Zae'ju. The man's cheeks had begun to burn with the constant grinding of the sand into his skin. Even with the cloth it didn't help much. Squinting his eyes he lowered his head slightly. Oddly enough the thick black hair on his scalp provided better protection as the hair simply gathered the sand instead of allowing it to pelt his skin. A flash of light got his attention and he glanced to the left and then to the right when Zae'ju hit the ground.

Pulling out his blade Aiden warily watched for any other sign of this trouble. Gradually the storm began to diminish and he understood it was the work of a wizard. The troll hunter hated how they used and abused their powers. Mages were always proud and they loved to show off. It was something that had been a pet peeve of the hunter for quite some time. Still he held onto his sword as the Alliance members made themselves known.

For the time no one made a move and Aiden waited patiently. Patience was the one thing in fighting that kept a man alive. Then the female Night Elf stepped forward and began making her demands. Aiden gave her a cheeky smirk. "I know that. My business is my own and I didn't think you liked my kind enough to get concerned."

The woman tilted her head and lifted a tapered brow, "We're on the same side here. Didn't you know?" she smiled. "You haven't taken them in as pets now have you?" The disgust to such a notion was clear on her features.

"Those orders being?"

Aiden hated having to show papers, but this was likely going to be the best way to get out of this situation. Digging into the pouch at his side Aiden pulled out the papers. "Both Alliance and Horde have sealed the orders. Now will you let me be on my way and have your mage take his stupid spell on those two or whatever it was he did. Otherwise I'd feel inclined to make trouble."

The Night Elf regarded him at length for a moment before she reviewed the papers and again the brow lifted, "Sentinels know your faces? Friends in high places it seems,"

"It's legit? Could just be forged, Tora,"

The night elf glanced to the human who had spokjen before she shook her head, "They would need very quick spies to have forged Anduin's mark. Kathos, check these,"

The mage stepped forth and weaved an intricate spell. The papers hummed and he shugged, "No tampering or forgery... The King and their Warchief did put their seal to these," he muttered clearly not happy with the result.

"Release them, " The elf sighed before she handed the papers back, "Still, should the Horde find you, your pets may not be enough to defend you. We shall provide escort to the Mor'shan Gate,"

Aiden took the papers back from the elf and he narrowed his eyes. "Do I get a choice in this escort? I'm not all that interested in having your company, Elf."

"Fame?" The woman laughed, "If we wanted fame, we're in the wrong profession. No, just making sure you were all right. Trolls are not to be trusted and I would watch your back, if I were you. All I can say is there is more activity at the Gate than usual. Something has the orcs in a mood," The woman waved a hand and the weapons that had been trained on the human lowered. Some of her men were already disappearing back into shadow, revleaing them as Rogue's.

With a snort he flashed his weapon at her. "I know the orcs are upset. I took this one from one of them." He wasn't all that comfortable as he saw some of her companions disappearing. Rogues weren't good to have around. It was just as likely that they would have their throats slit in the middle of the night if they took them on as travelling companions. "Before I give you an absolute answer I'm going to consult with my two dangerous friends over here." Aiden turned toward the two trolls mostly so he could watch behind them to be sure that they weren't being surrounded. "How do you two feel about the Elf's proposal?"

The man thought he saw shadows forming behind the two trolls and he remained quiet for the time. Zae'ju would have his back if the elf decided to do anything stupid. Aiden was more concerned at this point that Xen'tu would do something rash and start a fight that wasn't there yet.
 
Zae'ju looked at him and his eyes searched before he closed them briefly as they walked. Humans, he never could quite understand their short lives and how brutal and fast they lived but Aiden's words went to show how very dark and sad it could be too. He said nothing at first, worry for his own marking his features before he nodded, "Ai be undahstandin' ya better now... Et gets ta me, da fear one o' ya kind or even ma own migh' bring harm ta ma mate an' da whelp." He snorted, " 'Qaska wanted ta show 'im off ta ever'mon and ai didn't so much,"

He smiled slightly, Aiden was rubbing off on him in ways he didn't think a human could. Not even Theoden or Tibbie achieved that much. Theoden was just a friend and he was just Tibbie's contact. Xen'tu grunted, listening to the pair. He smiled, knowing the man had family was perhaps a tool for him but since he had made his decision he would not go after any part of the man's blood unless they were on the battlefield as had been agreed.

Zae'ju nodded glad they talked even in front of his brother. He knew his brother had no one else apart from him and Rose. Xen'tu always seemed to gloss over the fact he was now an uncle and Zae'ju wondered if hsi brother was perhaps afraid to start his own. Their own past had left its mark on them both.

The sandstorm was worse than he had ever seen it in the Barrens and he had known this was not natural. How could it be? It was only proven when he fell hard to the dusty ground and found he couldn't move. Eyes swivelled and knew Xen'tu was in the same position as he was. He could not even frown as figures emerged and he saw the Night Elf.

He could only watch and listen as Aiden spoke with the leader of this little outfit, whoever they were and he knew Xen'tu had to be seething. He could only hope his brother wasn't going to do something stupid if or when they were freed from this bind they were both in. Rogue's, that was never a good thing and something he would be mentioning to Tibbie. Surely SI:7 were informed?

His eyes rested on the one she had called Kathos who in turn peered at the two and waved his hands, releasing the spell. Zae'ju could move again but it was sluggishly slow as he sat up. No doubt this was deliberate but Zae'ju took it. Xen'tu growled but since he was also unable to move quickly, he did nothing to provoke.

Zae'ju glanced up at Aiden, "Da papers stand, da orcs at da gate will have no choice but ta let ya t'rough. If me or 'im wanted ya dead, we wouldn't be in dis mess," he replied and massaged his thighs to regain some feeling. He hated mage spells.

Xen'tu nodded, "Ef dey stay, ai nut gonna make promises," and used Rose's head to ease himself to his feet. The Direhorn seemed entirely used to this even lowering her head and raising him up. She rumbled, stamping.

"Sides, moment we enter Ashenvale, Sentinels gonna be escortin' us anehway. No reason ta worreh elfling," Zae'ju reminded her and she tilted her head.

"Be sure that they do, troll,"

The elf looked between them and nodded before she held out a whistle to Aiden, "Just in case you change your mind." She then looked to her group and signalled them all to move on, disappearing into shadows as they went. Even the mage sparkled out of view.

Zae'ju sniffed the air before he rubbed his legs again, "Damn paralysation spells... Ai can't feel ma toes,"
"Nut da onleh one... Can't feel ma butt eithe- 'ey dat nut funneh"

"Sure et is," Zae'ju snickered in reply
 
Seemed that the Elf left without too much trouble and that was a good thing. Didn't mean they wouldn't have trouble later. Aiden listened to the two troll's grumble about their paralyzing experience. "Good it means I can stomp on your ugly troll toes and you wont feel it till later." A semi wicked grin came to his face and he started to chuckle. It was sometimes impossible not to take every chance he got to pick at Xen'tu. Unfortunately Zae'ju knew him well enough by now to know that wasn't usually the sort of thing that Aiden would do unless you were an enemy.

A little grumbling from Xen'tu was enough to bring an even wider grin to Aiden's face. "Don't think I haven't figured out what your weak point is. I wouldn't have to threaten your head. Just your pet's. Besides I could have let them have at you and just forgot your sketch was in the papers." Aiden noticed that Xen'tu was looking a little less proud of himself and perhaps a bit more on the defensive. "Like I said, I don't trust you. I trust your brother and you'll just have to learn to trust me to."

Sometimes troll's like Xen'tu thought that humans were always on the defensive. That was probably the reason that Xen'tu had acted like he always had the upper hand. Aiden figured that in many ways the troll hadn't considered his own vulnerabilities. Aiden was not completely oblivious to the fact that Xen'tu had now confirmation that he did have a family. Before this Zae'ju had been close to giving it away a few times and while it irritated Aiden he knew in the end Xen'tu would have found out one way or another. "Remember this troll." Adjusting his pack on his back Aiden glared at Xen'tu. "You share my secret and I'll kill your precious Rose. She's a big easy target and I can hunt her easily enough. If you do something stupid her blood is on your hands. Only reason I wouldn't kill you first is because of your brother. If you go further than that I'll cut your tongue out and then slaughter your miserable gnat bitten hide."

Cutting a tongue out and then killing a troll was the most shaming kind of death for one such as Xen'tu. Dead troll's didn't regrow parts and a dead troll with a missing tongue was usually an indication that the troll had been a traitor. Wagging tongues couldn't speak anymore and Aiden was more than happy to make that threat considering the fact that Xen'tu was still in his mind an enemy. By now he was sure that Xen'tu had begun to doubt his absolute ability to do away with the human and that there could be a chance that the troll would lose the fight.

Since they were now on terms of greater understanding Aiden figured it was a good time to be sure that both trolls would be steady enough to continue moving along. "Got enough feeling to keep moving?" Nodding he started the pace out a bit slower so that the troll brothers would have chance to get back to their usual speed and that meant that Aiden would be moving at his usual jogging pace.

That was perhaps the only disappointing factor to being a human. If you were going to be formidable you had to learn to travel without a beast that would make you easier to track and you had to run on foot for most of your days to keep a decent pace. Only time he lost pace was when he hunted the trolls that rode such beasts as Rose. However, it had brought too much ease to some and they trusted that he would wear out earlier because he would have to run to keep up. Aiden kept long hours and slept very little if he was on the hunt. It was enough to catch up and if you were smart you always killed the pet first.

Falling in rank next to Zae'ju the man nodded toward the little pendant around the troll's neck. "You'd best send that home to Qaska when we have chance. Your little one will be needing it if this mission fails. Alliance and Horde will be killing everything in their way." There wasn't much of a chance that they would succeed and the last mission had been dangerous enough. Though it should have been flattering that the wizard Khaadgar wanted them for this task it was more upsetting. This wasn't the kind of work that Aiden liked to do and neither did he think that he was that good at it. He was just a troll hunter that happened to be very good at his work and that was the only reason that some had heard of him.
 
Both Zae'ju and Xen'tu peered at Aiden with shrewd expressions before Zae'ju broke it with a snort and resumed his task of working feeling back into stunned limbs. Xen'tu remained looking at Aiden with a new wish to throttle the man but also a regret that he hadn't spoken in Zandali.

"Still know ya dun et," he grumbled irritable as he copied his brother though one handed as the other used Rose for support. He paused as Aiden spoke again and scowled as he glanced at Rose and then back at the man. He tried to stand straighter but his spine refused and he growled deeply with frustration. He had to shifted when Rose moved her head slightly, picking up on her master's discomfort and mirrored it.

"Trust you? Dat'll be da day," he muttered defensively and a little too quickly. The idea of trusting the human seemed hilarious even at the best of times and at the worst. He missed the look on Zae'ju's face as he glared back at Aiden as the man rambled on again. The man liked to talk. Xen'tu was amused his ears hadn't curled up dry by now. He read the tone and tilted his head though it was a little painful to do so.

Even Zae'ju had paused to listen as Aiden spoke his threats and Xen'tu glanced at him warily. Zae'ju spoke in Zandali and anger flashed on Xen's face before his hold on Rose grew tighter. The idea did not settle well and the fact Aiden was saying this now whilst he was slow and clumsy was not a coincidence. It couldn't be.

"Ya dare," he was fuming, how was the human planning on making him trust him any sooner with that sort of threat. He had just lost all right to any sort of trust Xen'tu was willing to give which hadn't been much but all the same. He took an involuntary step forwards but stumbled and would have fallen if not for Rose's horns. "Ya touch one scale o' Rose, pinkskin, an' ya'll know whut et feel like ta be skinned slow an' steadeh," he said in a low voice. Zae'ju tilted his head at his brother's tone and frowned knowing that was seldom a good tone.

Zae'ju listened with a concerned edge as he slowly managed to get to his feet albeit rather unsteadily. He did not have Rose to lean on and thus was a little more cautious as he gathered the things that had fallen from his person. He would have to watch Xen'tu. His brother unpredictable and did not respond well to threats, even those he knew he deserved.

"Aye," he replied and began walking though his stride wasn't full and he was hating the pace he could just about manage. The spell was wearing off for bother of them but it was gradual and it was a while before both were making Aiden work to keep up with their naturally longer stride. Zae'ju was half tempted to tell Xen'tu to walk quicker just to make Aiden jog faster in ordeer to cheer his brother up but it would not be fair on his friend.

He blinked as Aiden spoke and tilted his head, "Ya sound like ya dun expect ta make it back," he breathed softly, his hand going to the pendent that adorned his tusk. "Nut sure when dat chance'll be, but ai'll do dat, dun worreh," he agreed knowing that if they didn't make it and someone else stopped whatever threat this new or old enemy was then his son would need keepsakes.

He smiled and nudged Aiden, "Chin up, na? Defeatist t'inkin' gonna 'elp no mon, yea," he grinned and looked back at Xen'tu who was opting for the rear, "Dat go fo' ya too"

"Pfft, bring et brudda,"
 
Aiden couldn't help thinking that perhaps he had done the wrong thing reminding Xen'tu that he was just as vulnerable as anyone else. Then there was constant need from Zae'ju to try and make everything ok. The hunter looked at the troll and he shook his head. "I'm already older than I thought I would get." Nudging the troll he watched it stumble a little. He had momentarily forgot that they were still recovering from the spell. A gradual smirk came to his face and he decided to crack a joke. "This might be a good time to engage in a little troll tipping." Maybe trolls didn't know the joke about cow tipping, but Aiden found it hilarious and he laughed hoarsely. All the sand in his throat had left his voice a bit rougher than usual.

Despite the humor of his joke being slightly dry the man couldn't help laughing until he was wheezing. The look on Xen'tu's face was worth it all. That troll was so easy to get riled and Aiden loved it. "Besides..." Chuckling a little more he continued, "It is so much more enjoyable now that you're not a toad." There was a chance that this could be considered goading the other on into mischief, but Aiden still felt a little ornery and this was a good time to get the rest of it out. After a short time he quit laughing and then resumed his usual serious tone and demeanor.

If there was one thing that Aiden was still going to be adamant about it was the fact that knowledge of his family must remain a secret. For all the threatening and nastiness of Xen'tu he couldn't trust the troll not to say anything. Joking immediately following the serious conversation wasn't so great either, but it was the only way that Aiden knew how to get away from all the potential trouble.

Zae'ju was not like most trolls and it made him easier to travel with. There was just a different tone about things when Aiden was around Xen'tu. Having the troll present put Aiden on edge and he wanted very badly to kill it. He already knew the troll felt the same. Digging into the satchel on his side the man started to feel around for a blanket or something to wrap up in while he walked. The night was getting colder. Shivering a little he felt his hand hit something. It was the hilt of a little dagger that he'd stolen off one of the troll bodies. They were the trolls that had been hunting him. Aiden didn't know if Xen'tu was with the group or if he even knew about them. For a moment it made Aiden a little nervous. If it had been a friend or an aquaintance of Xen'tu's the troll would likely start a fight if he saw it.

Stuffing the dagger deeper into the satchel he glanced at the sky. In a few hours the sun would start to rise and then it would be hot again. Maybe they would be to the gates by then. "When we get there you two need me to take charge again?" A grin came to Aiden's face. He was going to enjoy watching Xen'tu in an uncomfortable and dangerous environment.
 
Zae'ju was finding the experience of restraining Xen'tu's natural need to kill the human and equally of the other more tiring than he had planned for but he knew once Aiden had given his word, he would stick to it no matter how much he would come to regret the choice. His brother on the other hand was often one to try and find a loophole. Whilst his erstwhile brother could not kill his human friend for the duration of the mission, there was nothing about harming or causing unconsciousness and Zae'ju feared Xen'tu would fall for such. Zae'ju glanced at Aiden and smiled before his friend nudged him and his legs struggled to keep him upright let alone walking. Aiden spoke and found something amusing. Neither Zae'ju or Xen'tu understood teh joke though Zae'ju had heard something similar from Theoden but whilst Xen'tu regarded the man's laughter with suspicion, he was glad to hear his friend find amusement.

Xen'tu's expression only darkened the more the man laughed and Zae'ju held a stupendous smirk around his tusks though he grew concerned when Aiden laughed so much he began to sound like punctured bellows. The comment drew a sentence of heated Zandali and Zae'ju rolled his eyes. He nudged Aiden this time, hard enough to make the man stumble a little and Zae'ju grinned broadly at him, winking. Moments later the reserved Aiden returned and the silence came with it as they walked. Zae'ju and Xen'tu rolled their shoulders as it grew colder. Their fur allowed them some use against the chill but any colder they would need more blankets. Neither troll entertained this notion however. It was far too easy to get ambushed during the night and a blanket would only hamper them both in reaction even with the paralyses spell slowly working its way off them.

They covered a decent amount of ground before he glanced up, the sky was growing lighter indicating sun up was but a couple of hours. Zae'ju sniffed, if they could reach Ashenvale by then, then that would be super but he doubted they'd have enough time. They also had to be sure none of the harpies in the local area nearby took interest in them. Harpies were a royal pain in the backside for anyone who had the misfortune of encountering them. Many an inexperienced or ill-prepared traveller had fallen for their whims and ended up as meat.

"Hm?" He glanced sideways and then shook his head, "Na, our papers will see us t'rough da Mor'shan Gate. Past dat, den ya become more useful den me or me brudda will be." The Gate was run by the Horde though not usually terribly well. Even if they weren't allowed through, they could always double back and enter through another passage that was not so well defended. Only trouble with doubling back meant they would not be able to bring Rose along further for the path was tricky and would not allowing a lumbering quadruped of her stature to get through.

They walked for more miles before the sun rose and eventually grew too hot to bear. They sought shade in the trees that marked the last leg of their journey in the Barrens and Zae'ju was not sad to see the last of it for a while. He spoke in Zandali and his brother argued ostensibly before spitting on the ground and readying the next meal, setting up a small fire over which to cook it. Zae'ju sniffed before he patted Aiden on the shoulder, "Get some rest, na? One more day in dis shit 'ole an' den we be in Elfling country" he explained with a smirk before he saw to Rose. He checked over the wound and nodded, it was healing nicely.
 
By the time they stopped Aiden was feeling sick. He could only take so much heat before he was nauseous. The Barrens was miserable. For hours he would freeze half to death and then over the next several hours it felt like he would burst into flames. Though he was already tanned the man had begun to form a bit of a sunburn and he felt tender throughout his body.

Aiden couldn't help noticing that Zae'ju had managed to anger Xen'tu. Somehow it didn't seem surprising. The troll was easy enough to get angry and Aiden didn't particularly worry himself about that little detail. Chances were Xen'tu would be angry about almost everything for the duration of the trip and then perhaps he would be angry about the future and then angry because Aiden wasn't going to be fighting anymore battles if he survived this. Though he wasn't old for a human yet, he was starting to feel aches and pains from old injuries. Things that meant he would start training younger men and look at retiring from the business.

His hair and even begun to show small stripes of white as if indicating that he was starting to age. The troll hunter looked over at Zae'ju and he shook his head. "Your brother is trouble." Aiden had half a mind to lose the papers for Xen'tu and just turn him over to the elves. They would take pleasure in seeing the troll disposed of. Still he couldn't do that. It would break Zae'ju's heart even if his brother was a miserable monster of a being. Rolling a blanket out on the ground he sat down on it and debated sleeping or not. "He needs to get over his stupid tantrums. We have a job to do. I have a family and I know he won't be bound by honor or his word. Worthless piece of trash." Being Zae'ju's brother, however, did not exempt the troll from any criticism. "He would go after my family if he wasn't afraid for his Direhorn."

Taking a deep breath he laid back on the blanket. "We should leave him at the gate." Even if Xen'tu was required to be there Aiden didn't want him. "We give him a choice eh? Then he gives his word one way or another. This time he'll keep his word." Aiden figured it was about time that Xen'tu either learned to keep his word or he would suffer the consequences and Aiden was going to leave it up to Xen'tu's own leader. If he was so problematic that he could not be tolerated on the mission then he would surely gain some kind of punishment from troll kind and that would perhaps be a greater disgrace than anything else.
 
Zae'ju was feeling a little nervous about entering Alliance territory again and especially that of the Elves where they were decent with their aim as much as he was. It would be dark in Ashenvale even during the daytime. The trees towered in one big canvas across the Elven land with a thick upper canopy with varying middle and lower canopies filtering the rest of available light. The Sentinels would know their presenc elong before they made their own presence known

Xen'tu was even less happy about it and Zae'ju was not sympathetic nor surprised. His brother had pissed off a lot of people and he was clueless as to why he had been summoned along with them. There had to be a reason but he didn't understand it. His brother was a volatile component in this party right now. He rolled his shoulders as he set up camp and peered at Aiden for a moment. The man was pinker than usual and Zae'ju wrinkled his nose with a grin. seemed the man had caught.

He moved off and sat down as he watched Xen'tu sort out their meal. His brother was of a mood and he knew it was more to do with the Night Elves than with Aiden for once. Zae'ju shook his head before he began an inspection of his quiver of arrows and his bow. He inspected every single one of his arrowheads be it metal or bone. He glanced up at Aiden and shrugged, "You knew dat before ya be keeping 'im as a toad."

Aiden continued and Zae'ju paused over a viciously barbed metal arrowhead that was like a star in its design clearly for the intention of maximising damage. He let Aiden speak his mind. It would let some of the tension go and he knew Xen'tu was in earshot but the troll did not show any outward reaction as he hummed to himself minding their meal. Xen'tu was a better cook than Zae'ju was.

"A troll's honour nut be bound ta ya kind, 'e be knowin' dat but 'e swore ta me, i's brudda an' famileh be mos' important to us. Et be important fo' cha no doubt, na?" Zae'ju carried one with his arrowhead inspection. "Ai dunno why 'e wus summoned, Aiden. Mebbe Khadgar be havin' separate mission fo' 'ims, who knows?"

Zae'ju paused again before looking at his brother and spoke in Zandali. Xen'tu scowled clearly not happy with what Zae'ju had said but he looked at Aiden and nodded, "Ai be swearin'," with that he turned back to the pot.

"Told him to swear to never go near ya famileh or ai'd take dat which he treasures besides food or Rose," he gave a nasty grin at that but soon sobered. "Brudda be giving ya 'is word or be forevah stained. Now, git some rest. Dem Elves won't be lettin' none of get et till we reach Astranaar an' dey'll be nicer on ya den us two." He smiled, he wasn't going to entertain any notion of leaving his brother at the gate, the summons had been clear.
 
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