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

Aiden watched as Zae'ju spoke to his brother. It finally made sense and he understood a bit better now. There were always little intricacies to the Troll world that he was discovering and this was one of them. Now that he knew any oath made to a human wasn't any good he would have to keep in mind that if he wanted Xen'tu to do anything or keep his word that it would have to be a vow made to Zae'ju.

Finally satisfied that his family would be safe Aiden laid down. Perhaps he had been a little pushy on the subject, or even annoying, but it didn't matter to him. As long as his family was safe he was going to accept any outcome. Preparing for the gate wasn't going to be too hard. Aiden had been through enough of them to know that he and the Troll's wouldn't be having too much fun. It was a hassle to get through any gate and he imagined that nobody would like letting him through with two Trolls. Not to mention there was always that part of society, mainly the elves that were determined to think of everyone as more lowly than themselves.

By the time the next morning rolled around Aiden was feeling a little more charitable toward his friends and better rested. Usually having a decent amount of rest would improve his outlook on life and others. Quickly rolling his blanket and then shaking what dust he could from it he strapped it back onto his pack. He had a few small dried rations that would make for a decent breakfast while they were on the road. "C'mon." Setting a hand on Zae'ju's shoulder he shook him gently. "We need to hurry to the gate. Should get this over with." They both wanted to get back to their families and now that the only 2 who knew of his family had sworn to leave them alone Aiden was prepared. Anxious if anything to see the job done.

As soon as his friend rose from his place on the ground Aiden thrust a small dried piece of meat into his hands. "Eat." Stepping over one spot he shook Xen'tu's shoulder and thrust a piece of meat into his hand. "We move now and we don't stop till we're past the gate and into the first town. I know an innkeeper and you'll want to stay close to me." If they didn't it would surely be trouble for the Trolls.
 
Zae'ju watched Aiden for a moment before he returned to his inspection. The man was letting his worries get to him far too quickly as Zae'ju smiled to himself, idly listening to the hum his brother was contenting himself with. It wasn't long before Zae'ju was humming along to the same tune they both knew from childhood. One he had every intention of teaching his own son. He could remember his own father humming it to him as did their step-father. It was a common tune. the meal itself was a simple enough affair, nothing heavy on the stomach either which was how he liked it.

The brothers spoke a while before they retired with one remaining awake before the sentry duty being taken over by the other brother. Xen'tu shifted on the small jutting piece of rock he had found and peered around them watching for dangers. Nothing moved or presented itself as he slowly slid to one side of the rock and dozed off against it. If danger did come, Rose would alert them soon enough.

Zae'ju mumbled before he stirred and startled awake in a flash of a moment before he relaxed, realising it was not anything trying to kill or eat him. He nodded, getting a move on was preferable to them all. He knew the sooner they were no longer needed in Elf lands, the better it would be for all of them. His brother particularly. Zae'ju was nervous. He knew his brother didn't think he knew or was even aware but Xen'tu had made a name for himself in Ashenvale and Zae'ju doubted any of the elves would have forgotten him.If Xen'tu was necessary for the mission ahead, would they let those indiscretions slide? He didn't know and the worry ate at him. He rose and accepted the food, "Aite." He got his things togetehr and cleaned up their camp, pausing only to watch as the man woke his brother.

The reaction was much of the same but Xen'tu was a lot more hesitant to let the slight go. Sighing heavily, he glowered at the other before taking the food given to him. He peered at it a moment before he glanced up and frowned. "Trouble be all troll's problem," he stated with a bark of laughter causing ZAe'ju to snicker and say something in return in their native tongue. The comment had Xen'tu in giggles as he shifted and tended to Rose. They would still be walking but it would be easier now for Rose to remain a battle hardy pack animal than a war mount. Ashenvale was not made for lumbering giants.

"Dere, all clean. Readeh?" Zae'ju grinned around a mouthful of rations before they headed off towards the Moru'shan Gate. It was not long before activity rose and Orcish buildings jutted out from clefts in the massive rocky outcroppings that marked a natural border between the Barrens and Ashenvale. The gate was comprised of animal hide and tusks with guards along its length and at the gate. The guards looked bored and semed to perk up with interest when two trolls, one human and a direhorn walked towards them.

A burly orc in a light jerkin with tan breeches raised his hand, "Halt! I hope you realise returning prisoners is a mark of treason, troll,"

Xen'tu bared his teeth in challenge before Zae'ju quieted his brother with a growl and then reached for their papers, "Da human be no prisonah but commissioned wit' da permissions of da Dark Ladeh."
"Oh real-"
Zae'ju cut him off seeing where the argument was going, "Ai cud take 'im back to 'er but den ai would hate ta explain to da Warchief why a guard ignored dis one's free o' rein under escort by 'er royal decree. An' dun be askin' me whut da mission be, et be classified" Zae'ju sniffed.

The orc looked through their papers before he sighed and nodded, handing them back with a grudging gesture. He looked back to the others at the gate, "They have a pass, let them through!" He looked back to them. "I hope you realise you're walking to your deaths. The Elves have increased their activity around here of late. Unusually so."

"Dun cha be worrehing about just two trolls mon," Xen'tu purred before he stalked ahead, Rose following behind him like a faithful dog. Zae'ju shrugged and grinned before he gently pushed Aiden along with a subtle gesture. Once they were through the gate he shook his head, "Orcs."

"Fat headed idiots," Xen'tu agreed with a yawn

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Map of Ashenvale beneath - Anything with a Blue Boot with Wings is an Alliance outpost/settlement.
Horde ones are Splintertree Post, Hellscream's Watch and Zoram'gor Outpost.

Guessing the first stop with innkeeper, as you mentioned, would be Forest Song which is set amongst old Night Elven Ruins.

https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBjCjgU7...0-h630-p-k-no-nu/Ashenvale+Rare+Spawn+Map.jpg
 
Orcs and gates seemed to be a repeated scene of trouble and Aiden smiled at the thought of what he did to the last Orc that got in his way. It had not been a particularly lovely sight, but he still found some humor in it. Orcs were large and nasty, but they weren't too smart. The troll hunter flashed a quick grin at Zae'ju. "I nut worreh about these tings." He still enjoyed putting on his fake troll accent to annoy his friend. There was an occasion when he was close enough to the slur and cadence of the accent that it almost seemed to disturb his friend.

The three of them continued for a while and Aiden sighed. "I think we'll go to Forest Song." Sounded like a good place to start into their route and journey. It wasn't a favorite location of his and doubtless it wouldn't be a favorite of either troll. Night Elves and increased activity sounded like bad news for the trolls and that meant it would be bad news for Aiden too.

As the group drew near the Night Elves ruins Aiden was sure that he had seen a few elves wandering the forest. They were distinctly different from men as they were taller and often times he had less trouble spotting men. For the most part men weren't quite as stealthy as they thought and he was probably included in that number when it came to being noticed by other races. When they were near the tavern Aiden stopped in his tracks. "We need to stop right here." He had a bad feeling about going any further and he couldn't afford to lose the trolls this early on. They were both required for the mission and it was likely they would listen because no troll wanted to fall into the hands of an elf.

It only took a few minutes before some elves appeared from the surrounding forest. Their bright eyes carefully examining the group. Aiden grabbed the papers. "We have safe passage granted."

One of the elves looked at him and smirked. "Oh, that would make you the great troll hunter." A few of the others in the party snickered. They fully enjoyed mocking mankind because they were usually far quicker to anger and the elves still didn't see why men considered themselves equal to the other races. Men were not an ancient race and they were short lived with shorter tempers.

Aiden could feel himself brisling despite the fact that he knew that was what the Night Elves wanted. "Have you examined the documents to your satisfaction?" Growling impatiently he shifted his weight from one leg to the next.

The Night Elf lifted his head and gave a sneer. "And you must be the three to stop the old gods of chaos." He almost laughed when he looked at the three of them. "If I didn't know better I'd say that Khaadgar is going to make the three of you a sacrifice to keep them at bay." Thrusting the papers back to Aiden he chuckled almost wickedly. "Better keep an eye on yourself. Those trolls will kill you first chance they get when you leave our territory."

"So I've been told." Folding the papers up Aiden snapped back at the elf. Once he had the papers shoved into the satchel he looked to the other two. "Well, we can move now." They had made it past one elf and there were likely more to come with plenty of mockery.
 
It was the first time that Xen'tu had heard the use of their native accent by a human and it was enough to make him pause his stride, peering at the human with inscrutable expression. One that Zae'ju read for the hate that lay behind it and he shrugged it off. it disturbed and irritated him too but he was too open-minded for it to bother him further. Sometimes, it was just plain funny when Aiden used it to effect and he found himself grinning back broadly, displaying his naturally pointed teeth. He chuckled softly, a deep throaty yet husky sound of bemusement.

"One day ya will wake a troll, an' ai will watch dat cute grin fall flat," he laughed in his merriment leaving the orcs to have overheard the commentary to stare after them with disdain. Xen'tu caught them up and spoke in their mother tongue drawing another chuckle from the white-haired brother.

"Xen, ya an' ai bot' know leopards dun be changin' dere spots ovahnigh'. Isn't dat true, ol' friend?" he nudged Aiden with a smirk before both Trolls peers upwards at the vast canopies of Ashenvale. The trees made them feel like midges, too small to understand their own presence here despite their summons. Not even Stranglethorn's oldest trees could match such a scale through which the party walked. He glanced downwards, the leaf litter was gentle underfoot and he giggled as some of the leaves tickled the more sensitive parts of his feet. Once glance at his erstwhile brother told him that Xen'tu was experiencing the same trouble but was without vocal expression.

It still did nothing to hide both Troll's unease. Zae'ju held a healthy respect for the forest's night born inhabitants. They're equal in skill in their hunting through their home much in the same way Trolls were in theirs. Even now, both Trolls hardly made any sound to give away their position. Whilst ZAe'ju viewed Ashenvale with a look of respect, Xen'tu held nothing but contempt. The warrior had been through these parts before but not in the manner they were now. There was nothing to stop Sentinels finding them and making light pickings of them both.

For the first time in Xen'tu's life, he realised for once how much everything was riding on the papers they carried and on the human himself. He regarded the suggestion of Forest Song with a look of disgust and grumbled in Zandali. Zae'ju felt no need to translate for he knew Aiden could guess well enough for himself what the words held in their meaning. The urge to carry his bow in hand was strong but he resisted knowing the moment any of them put a hand to their weapons, they'd be dead. He was certain they were being watched as they headed towards Forest Song.

Both brothers instantly stopped at the suggestion as the tavern drew into sight amongst the ruins that surrounded the place. Zae'ju glanced round in awe and record, ruins held a fascination for him. Some were more revered than others, some were marks of a bygone age never to return and others held hope. Movement caught his eye and clearly Xen'tu had noticed it too from his change of stance. Zae'ju frowned slightly before he spoke quietly in Zandali.

"Calm brother, they can read you," he breathed, the words eloquent even in their hushed whisper. Xen'tu looked at him before he eased up. Zae'ju watched as Elves emerged, their skins went from a ducky white to deep lavenders and pinks with varying colours of hair. Almost as wild as the forest in which they lived. Both felt the suspicion and urge to put the trolls in their place and Zae'ju did nothing to feed that urge. Seemed Xen'tu was quite in agreement for once.

As usual, the air of superiority hung heavily in the air around them and Zae'ju tilted his head at one of them he caught staring at him with disdain. He grinned toothily at her drawing a sigh of disgust. Sometimes, he couldn't help himself. Whilst Xen'tu pushed the Alliance's buttons through violence and brutality, he did it through other means.

Xen'tu and Zae'ju turned their heads in unison when the Elf spoke of Khadgar and sacrifice and just as parroted, they both lifted the same eyebrow in time. Sacrifice, Zae'ju mused, who was the elf kidding? Khadgar has as much aim to sacrifice them as Elune favouring the Legion. Khadgar undeniably worked in strange and nonlinear ways but he would never sanction such rituals. Not that Zae'ju knew of the man. He twitched his nose. He brother just snorted and rolled his shoulders as both let Aiden take point in the situation.

Zae'ju smirked as the papers were returned and the talk of betrayal. Nothing neither troll was new to and was very likely of Xen'tu in the future once their mission was fulfilled. Zae'ju hoped Xen'tu's view of Aiden would change enough for him to let the human go back to his family in peace but there was still the chance Xen'tu would one day have the man's head for his collection.

"Lead on den, mon," Xen'tu grumbled, not wanting to be on Elven territory even though he had a right to be here under escort for a change. Zae'ju was on equal footing but he was taking in the sights around him like a wide-eyed toddler even to the point where Xen'tu had to drag him along behind Aiden. Zae'ju looked at him and grinned unashamedly in return.

"Relax mon, we got papers an' Aiden, na?"
"Ejit," Xen'tu replied and shook his head before looking at Aiden, "Got one thing ta say fo' cha, pinkskin... Ya put up betta wit' dis' shit den ai do,"
"Too bad 'Qaska nut 'ere," Zae'ju clearly found something funny about what he said as he peered at Xen'tu's ear and cackled, hugging his chest against the pains the fit caused.

They neared the tavern, Rose lumbering behind them completely oblivious to the looks she gained or to the threat so neatly posed to the trolls. They had to leave her hitched outside when they went to freshen up their supplies but she seemed not to mind in the slightest as she lowered her head and munched happily on low spreading ferns making grunts of contentment.

Numerous sets of eyes lifted and movement stirred as soon as the troll's stooped to enter the space. It was mostly filled with more Kal'dorei but there were Draenei and a few humans in the space the tavern had provided for weary travellers.

"What in the name of the King?" one human muttered as they walked past and found a table for themselves. Zae'ju and Xen'tu both had a fun time trying to sit on the tiny stools that passed for seating. One elf peered towards them and began to move directly to them. She paused and then smile kindly at them before she lowered her cowl revealing a sculpted face with short turquoise hair.

"Elune-Adore, gentlemen. It's not often Forest Song is treated to the presence of Trolls much less one of your reputation, Xen'tu. You must then be Zae'ju, which leaves Aiden Silver, yes?" she queried between them with softly questioning glowing eyes. Zae'ju and Xen'tu glanced between each other before Zae'ju sniffed.

"Ladeh elf getting da 'eadstart,"
"Perhaps but then I have been waiting for your arrival. I had hoped it would have been a little earlier but beggars cannot then be choosers," she nodded with a tilt of her head, hands cupping together before she smiled.

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"Elune-Adore" (Elune be with you) a greeting in Darnassian, language of the Kal'dorei
 
It was nothing short of absolute glee when Aiden saw the reaction that he got out of the troll behind himself. Xen'tu was more than pleasing to annoy. Especially when the troll looked at him like that. From the expression Aiden figured it was a feeling that was short of murder. In time Xen'tu would either learn to accept the humor, or he would simply stop reacting.

As they drew near the inn Zae'ju did as he usually would when he came to an area he wouldn't likely get to see again. The troll had his head turned toward the tops of the buildings and he stumbled about like a ridiculous child. If he had learned one thing about his friend over the years it was simply that he was half child. In a way Aiden felt partially responsible for Zae'ju considering the fact that he had to go fight on behalf of Zae'ju as a child in some sort of strange dream. There were still times when Aiden almost felt like that same thing was trying to take his friend back. Perhaps it was a fear, but he was feeling there was something terribly wrong this time. All of this sense of fear and doom did little for the fact that this particular mission was far more difficult than the last.

The man smirked when Xen'tu seemingly complained of his brother. "Aye, yah get used to it." He didn't mind much if Zae'ju looked about. They would be united in battle against the old gods soon enough. As they entered the tavern there was a strange aura about the place. Cautiously the troll hunter began to peer about the room. Finally Aiden chalked it all up to his feeling odd walking around with troll companions. There were humans that obviously hadn't taken to the sight of Aiden Silver walking around with trolls that were neither in chains nor in bad condition. Both trolls seemed to be in perfectly good health and he knew that those who recognized him would have a few words to say about the site that they created. However, all the serious thought was put aside as he sat down and watched the trolls make their attempts. Xen'tu's rear end was far too large for the stool that almost looked like a cork in comparison to his body.

Watching troll's sit on cork sized stools was enough to bring a smile to any troll hunter's face. Aiden waited patiently for his friends to perch themselves uncomfortably on the tiny stools and then the figure began to approach. It was an elf woman and oddly enough she wasn't trying to be quite as superior as he had expected she might being found in this tavern.

With the woman first addressing the trolls it made Aiden especially uncomfortable. She wasn't an elf to be trusted if she appeared to look on this temporary alliance with kindness. The human watched for a moment and only raised a single brow when she addressed him last. Elves, always so contrary. She also pretended to know about them and what they were here for. As far as Aiden knew she could have been a witch and used her magic to forsee their coming or perhaps the message itself from Khadgar. Getting up from his seat he glowered at the woman. "I don't know what you think you're going to get out of this, but I'm not taking anymore travelers with me." The man had had enough of Xen'tu. In general Zae'ju was difficult enough and Aiden typically travelled alone. Adding a pompous elf to the mix wasn't to his liking at all.
 
The stool was tiny even for Zae'ju not that either of them expected seats their size. Trolls weren't something readily found within the ruins of Forest Song. Any that were either prisoners or carcasses. Both peered around before the woman spoke. Zae'ju caught Aiden's smile and snickered in return, "Ya butts be tineh, mon! 'ow ya manage?" he replied before he finally got his perch.

Xen'tu gave a low growl spoken to a note of approval in terms of his reputation but was wise enough to not say as much in the spoken word. Even in Zandali. Zae'ju on the other hand seemed to bounce upon the stool dangerously enough to give the appearance he might fall from it as he grinned at her. Elves to him were a funny sort. Some lived on their high horses believing they were superior and the true race. Others were in one with nature, and some with Elune,a natural force of Light and strength. Zae'ju found them so fascinating because for all their differences, the Kal'dorei held more in common with their cousins, the Sin'dorei and still refused to accept such claims.

It was not long till his attention wavered and he stared adjacently towards the interior of the tavern. Xen'tu's remained fixed and pointing even as his brother's turned unusually vacant in thought.

The woman looked at Aiden and tilted her head, "You mistake my intent." Her manner of speech was practised, every word intended. "I do not mean to go with you but serve merely to convey unto Khadgar confirmation you're en route to Astranaar. You know he is a busy man, Mr. Silver and now you are here, my task is set to start. Had we not met, he might not have been there when you arrived," She inclined her head before she glanced behind her and then peered towards the Trolls. She paused as she noted Zae'ju's expression and tilted her head before she looked back to Aiden.

"Besides, Thistlebeak would not allow you upon his back, I fear. Elune be with you Aiden Silver, brothers Zae'ju and Xen'tu. I would not tarry here for long... You and the papers you carry are all that keep them alive. Do not lose either of them, Mr. Silver. Azeroth depends on it, so I'm lead to believe," with a bow, she lifted her cowl and turned in the same motion of energy before she left the tavern.

Xen'tu frowned, "Why elves gotta be all creepeh like dat, Zae?... Zae?... Zae'ju!" it took the warrior almost four to five times of nudging his brother before he gave up and punched his brother's shoulder in frustration of being ignored. Zae'ju looked at him with such a start that he fell off of the perch he had so hard won. He grunted as his back slapped against the leaf littered floor to the backdrop of the whole room laughing at his misfortune whilst some patrons shook their heads at the behaviour of trolls.

"Whut wus dat for?" he frowned blinking
"Ya wouldn't reply, dimwit!"
"Ya didn't 'ave ta punch so 'ard,"
"Ha! Apparentleh ai did," Xen'tu growled before helping Zae'ju back to his feet, "Where in Azeroth were ya anyway?" the words were spoken accusingly.
Zae'ju rubbed his temple, "Ai wus t'inking! Ya shud try et some time!"

Xen'tu shook his head and then looked at the patrons that still were laughing. He growled and rolled his shoulders with a sudden jerk that made a few that were closest to him flinch. He might not get on well with his brother but the instinct to protect Zae'ju was still settled in the relationship he shared.
 
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Of course the elf was going to say she wasn't coming with. He'd momentarily forgotten that they were often too proud to be seen in his company. For as much as men admired him there was also a certain level of disgust for his career choice. One that they admired for the skill and scorned for the work that he did. Aiden had learned not to care as much for what others thought. However, the woman had completely side stepped that entire issue and the man frowned deeply at her when she began to make her way out of the room and disappeared.

Turning slightly he noticed the elder troll was busy staring off into the distance like usual. Aiden wasn't entirely sure what had happened since they started out. He remembered getting hit in the head and portions of not remembering who he was, but nothing more. Had it really taken them so long. A serious expression washed over his face as he stared blankly at the two trolls. Spent his life hunting their kind, saved one that was truly honorable and now he had to risk his life for the other. Xen'tu was not the kind of troll that Aiden wanted to risk his life for. Typically that was the kind of troll that he relished killing. The sudden crash of a troll hitting the leaf littered floor sent vibrations through the boards.

The troll hunter looked over at Zae'ju who was pulling himself up off the floor. With a sigh the man rubbed the side of his cheek. He could feel a little stubble had started to grow. "Finish your drinks. We need to be going." Where they would go he wasn't sure. It was always great to get these sort of missions and have very little direction. Seemed as though Khadgar depended on the fact that they would find trouble for themselves.

Digging into the pouch that he carried on his side the man sifted through the various items inside. That was till he came to an odd ribbon that the papers had been tied with. A flicker from the candle sitting on the table revealed something odd. There was a slightly different color of thread that he hadn't noticed before. Quickly unwrapping the papers he held the thread up to the light and frowned. "We got a damn map here. At least a guide." He was shocked to discover he had the directions all this time and hadn't even known it. Unrolling the papers he held them up to the light and there was nothing. "Damn it." Grumbling a little he rolled his eyes. There was very little point to having a thread with directions acting as a sort of guide if he didn't have a map to apply it to. "Either of you two get anything special?"

Having papers wasn't much besides protection. Grabbing his own mug and sucking it down as fast as he could the man then returned it to the table and nodded toward the trolls. "We need to move now. There isn't time to lollygag around like this." Not that the trolls were wasting time. Aiden had stopped here to see if he could get his head on right.

Though it seemed that all was in order he couldn't help feeling that it wasn't. Deep down inside there was something wrong and he could sense it. This was the same feeling that he got when there was a troll that was hot on his trail. Aiden trusted his guts and they told him that the three of them were in danger and they couldn't move fast enough. Ever since that elf left he had an uneasy sense about himself. Glancing at the other two it was easy to gather that they likely felt the same way and that was never a good sign.
 
Xen'tu and Zae'ju glanced towards Aiden at the order and the white-haired troll could see his brother curl his lip around his upward-turned tusks. Zae'ju was a little concerned, this was neither the time or place to take umbrage at receiving orders from what Xen'tu considered an inferior being. It seemed he had little to fear as Xen'tu nodded slowly and lifted his mug, the utensil small in his hands but then it had hardly been made with a Troll's hand in mind.

Zae'ju smiled slightly as he centred himself and finished his own beverage that was not as bad as it smelt. He could agree to the need to leave this place. Any longer and more than one person in the room would catch something contagious of a vicious nature. He glanced towards Aiden and saw that the man was fiddling with his papers. He tilted his head wondering what it meant and he drew closer, ignoring the protest as he moved past his younger brother.

Pursing his lips, he retrieved his and Xen'tu Horde papers and carefully free them from the ribbons that held them rolled up. He held up the first and sure enough there was a map. "Mebbe..."

It was Xen'tu who noticed it first and he snatched both from Zae'ju and Aiden with a growl of excitement before he seemed to overlay half of his brother's ribbon over that of Aiden's. Zae'ju caught on and added the ribbon from Xen'tu's lot of papers and together, the trio made the full map with the directions that had been inscribed on the blue cloth of the Alliance. Zae'ju marvelled at the genius behind it. It was known that the Horde would already have its own maps of Alliance owned lands. It was not the first time Horde had been through many parts of Alliance owned land but the Alliance directions meant they would save a lot of time.

"Ya mage be a clevah pinkskin," Xen'tu commented, clear that he had also been impressed causing Zae'ju to look at his sibling with surprise before smiling. If a human could impress his brother, than it was better than nothing.

"We bot' be readeh, pinkskin," Xen'tu nodded and Zae'ju snorted.
"Da mon got a name, ya know. Wash ya mout' out,"
"Na,"

Zae'ju giggled, some things would never change.

Both troll's followed in Aiden's stead though in their different ways. Xen'tu was straightforward and ZAe'ju still keen to take in his surroundings, going as far as to wave farewell to wide-eyed patrons. In some ways, Zae'ju enjoyed it in perverse measures, the looks he received were as gold. It was not long before they followed the directions given by their ribbons.

Xen'tu glanced towards the forest that surrounded them on every side. Even Zae'ju had gone from his childlike state to something of a more serious note as both Troll felt something shift in the air. Zae'ju glanced round, unable to put a pin to the uneasy feeling he got. Xen'tu fared a little better but then he feared little and he caught the human's look towards them.

It was ZAe'ju who broke the silence, "Surprise none o' dem sentinels have picked us up yet," he mused, wanting to break the din of nothing that threatened to swallow him up whole. His life was a life of noise, to hear this little was unnerving.
 
Naturally the troll was going to compliment the mage and forget that Aiden was the one to pose the original question. Aiden shook his head and grinned. "Yah got a lousy troll brain. Wouldn't have noticed if I hadn't said anything. Maybe I'm a little clevah mehself?" It was fun to just throw in a little slur to imitate the trolls. Most of the fun was in fact because he knew it annoyed them and right now Xen'tu had plenty of incentive to keep him alive. While they were dependent on him Aiden was going to have his fun. He was going to try and be moderate about it, but he still loved to get reactions out of the trolls.

It seemed that the further they traveled the strange silence would grow. There was nothing about this that would indicate they were safe or even close to being in a good place. The sense of unease had grown so great that Aiden nearly jumped out of his skin when Zae'ju spoke. "Did you have to say that?" Hissing at the other in a hushed tone he shook his head. "Something is wrong here."

No sooner had Aiden finished saying the words and he felt a sharp sting across his cheek. Whipping around he slammed blindly into a monstrous creature. Pulling his sword out he cursed loudly. "Damn you. I'll have yah head on a pike!" Thrusting the blade into the leg of the monster he felt a heavy hand skim across his back. It was a narrow miss, well a partial hit. Either way it still hurt. More than likely he would be bruised from it. There were times when he was disappointed to be human. He envied the healing ability of trolls and he wished he could heal as quickly and as easily as they. Considering he hunted them and was usually successful Aiden thought that he would have made a wonderful troll. One that could have easily defeated Xen'tu.

Rolling away Aiden re-positioned himself and shot back toward the creature. Thrusting the blade deep into the things chest he twisted the blade and pulled it out. At first it didn't appear to do any damage. Gradually the creature turned its head toward Aiden and then it began to speak. The troll hunter narrowed his eyes. He knew better than to answer the thing. Lunging forward again he slashed with every opportunity between the many swinging limbs. It was not something that he'd ever encountered or could say that he recognized. Sweat began to pour down Aiden's face as he darted from one side to another. He hadn't faced an opponent like this in a long time and he felt like he was getting too old for this.

A long vine reached out from the ground and caught him around the foot. A great big hand reached around his body and he was forced to look at the creature that held him in his grasp. Aiden closed his eyes and again did his best to ignore what it said. These things...you never wanted to listen. They poisoned your mind and they made men crazy.
 
True to his nature, Xen'tu bared his teeth with a growl emanating from his throat, "Maybe ya be clevah as a harpeh," he returned sourly and drew a look from his brother. Xen'tu shrugged, he still found the human irritating and could not wait till this stupid mission was over. There was still much ambiguity over why his presence had been required. This was very much Zae'ju's thing, going off and helping people. Some were contracts, some not but it took his brother far an wide where he was far more content sticking to the jungles of his native homelands.

Zae'ju rolled his shoulders and glanced round before he pulled a mask from his pouch. Shoving his hair down, he pulled the mask on. It was his favoured Saurok mask and Xen'tu grinned approving before he unhitched his own and placed it on. Zae'ju glanced at Aiden and shrugged warily. He was nervous. More so than he had been in recent days and could not disagree that something was very much wrong here.

It all happened so fast.

The trolls paused as something attacked their human companion and he frowned not quite sure what the creature was. Xen'tu growled and shook his head speaking in Zandali, "Leave da mon to et," he shrugged warily but his hands had gone to the hilt of his sword.

Zae'ju glared at his brother, "Oh sure, then et turns on us. Smart move," he smacked Xen'tu harshly on the arm before pushing him into action before he drew his bow. He scrabbled up a tree for a better advantage point. Getting his balance sorted his drew his bow and brought the arrow to bear. It was then he recognised the creature and the relevance of it being in Ashenvale. "Oh no... nut dem t'ings," he shuddered, it was from the Nightmare. An amalgamation of root and flesh that only had one master; Xavius. He bellowed in Zandali, "Distract et!"

Xen'tu glanced up and muttered to himself before coming to the human's aid. The troll's war cry was enough to bring the creature's attention to him not that the creature had much of a face. It turned back to the human and to Zae'ju's horror grabbed him. It spoke, an insidious string of words that gripped the mind. He shook his head and grimaced. It was painful to his ears. On Xen'tu however it seemed to have little effect as the Darkspear rogue leaped at the creature and drove his sword across the vine-like arm that held the human.

The creature wailed as the appendage was severed but Xen'tu gave it no time to consider what just happened as he spun and cut a line through roots, leaves, flesh and moss. It was a disgusting creature and even Xen'tu recognised the danger of its presence in Ashenvale. His face, hidden by his wooden mask, was grim. Why was his brother not shooting?! He growled as the creature struck out towards him catching him on the shoulder. He rolled to the ground and had to shift quickly before the Nightmare's child stabbed the ground in a violent jab where his stomach would have been.

After a moment, the familiar twang of arrows hit home. The range was good and meant Zae'ju had no chance of missing a shot as he unloaded. Black, ichorous sap oozed out from the wounds the creature had endured. Xen'tu looked at Aiden and growled.

"Get off ya butt an' help me!" He was cut short when the creature bellowed at him and strove to make for another stabbing strike. Only, Xen'tu was not was it stabbed having slid right underneath the creature and came out the other side, rising to his feet quickly and stabbed it again.

Another arrow slammed into the creature's core and it seemed to take notice now of the second troll hidden away in the trees. It gave a gurgling roared and slammed into the tree ignoring the two warriors behind it. Zae'ju was not prepared as the tree shook and he grabbed the branch to stop himself from falling. He grunted and opened his eyes peering down at the creature. It seemed to cough and sputter before it suddenly fired a projectile. Zae'ju yelled in fresh pain as a barb embedded itself into his forearm of his bow arm. It was a strange kind of pain and as Zae'ju looked at the barb, he could see it twisting in further and changing its shape. His heart was gripped in a natural fear knowing exactly what was happening to him.

The creature was not allowed to trouble the hunter further as Xen'tu roared with anger and rage. No one was allowed to hurt his older brother and it was clear to anyone that despite their difference he would stop at nothing to protect him. He leaped up the creature driving his sword into the creature's back and where a head should have been. The creature was slowing down and not quite as reactive as before.

Xen'tu glared towards Aiden, "Togedda!" he nodded and waited for the human to acknowledge before swords were brought to bear on the creature.

Once the creature was downed and it seemed to collapse into its separate components of root, leaf, moss and flesh which now gave off a vile stink of decay, Xen'tu stood, chest heaving before he looked towards his brother.

"Zae Zae," he breathed, unhabitually using the name had used for his brother as a child and moved to the older troll. It was perhaps a good thing Xen'tu did as Zae'ju slid from his hold on the branch. The troll's mouth was drawn back into a vicious grimace, a hand gripping his injured forearm.

"Et... Et burnin'... Brudda... you know whut you need to-," he trailed off as the barb in his seemed to twist by its own volition and Zae'ju could only growl and weep at the pain it caused whilst trying to come to terms with what he knew had to be done if he was to be saved. That creature almost had Aiden if not for the swift action of Xen'tu's sword.

Xen'tu grimaced and sat Zae'ju down against the tree. He looked at Aiden, "Ya need to hold 'is arm out. Dun touch da wound or dat t'ing. Dun j'st stare at et, help me!" he growled, a plea was caught in his voice and it was clear Xen'tu understood what the creature had done and if they didn't hurry, Zae'ju would just be another victim of the Nightmare.

Zae'ju shuddered and tried to control his breathing as he felt his arm being stretched out away from himself and he gritted his teeth, lips baring around his tusks. Xen'tu quickly cleaned his sword from the gunk it gained from the Nightmarish creature. Without asking if his brother was ready he swung and Zae'ju cried out as his arm was severed at the joint of his elbow. He shuffled away and held his limb before glancing to the severed limb that had been hastily dropped to the ground.

Fingers writhed and the whole forearm seemed to shift and turned as if possessed. This stayed like this for a good few minutes before it stilled completely. Xen'tu shook his head before he moved to Rose and fetched his matches. It was one of few Goblin contraptions he readily took to. He handed them to Aiden, "Burn et," he said flatly before he knelt before Zae'ju and with some encouragement, inspected the wound.

"You got luckeh," he said and wrapped the stump loosely in linen bandages, "Ya'll be shooting arrows in no time, brudda," he smiled. Zae'ju looked at him suddenly very tired and only nodded before he looked at Aiden, ,making sure his friend was okay too.

___

A friend drew this a while back, thought you should seee hah. Was for someone else, but she changed it to Zae'ju
 
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Aiden struggled against the grasp of the creature. He was doing his best to get out, but every twist caused the creature to only hold on tighter. Grunting he tried to shove his one free arm down into the grasp to see if he could make the creature loosen the grasp. Already his ribs were beginning to ache and his lungs burned with ever breath. "Gah..." The troll hunter kicked his feet helplessly while he dangled in the creatures grip. Strain growing in his chest began to force the air out and he struggled for even the slightest breath. Gradually as the hand tightened Aiden could feel his ribs begin to give way and he gasped only he couldn't get any air at all.

The man's struggle became weaker and he pushed at the beast's hand weakly. It was hard to tell if he was floating, drifting out of consciousness, or dead. Aiden didn't know how to describe the feeling and he was only half aware of himself until he hit the ground. A sharp pain ran through his ribs and side. With splotchy vision and shaking hands he started to grope about looking for his sword. Wincing a little he grasped for the sword only half aware of the reason that he had been suddenly freed from the beasts grip. He barely collected himself and Xen'tu was yelling as if he took his precious time. Momentarily rage grew in his bones and he half threw himself into the fray again. Ducking underneath the creature Aiden rolled and then came up the other side to slash at the beast.

Each time Aiden's sword made contact a sickening ting would sound as more sinewy flesh and root would give way. Black, sludgy sap rolled down the blade and began to gather at the hilt. Finally he rounded his way back to where Xen'tu was at and he nodded with a grim expression in agreement. They would have to attack together to bring the creature down the rest of the way.

Both of them flew at the beast. Aiden hadn't the breath to make any sort of battle cry. He let the troll do that part and he silently did his own work. It took all the strength of his lungs to keep air enough in his body to see the job done. Wildly hacking at every sinew left moving the man finally set his sword aside after the last of it had fallen to the ground in a heap. Not even a quiver mounted from the heap of sap, root, and flesh. Aiden was near covered in the sap of the creature and he thrust his sword into the ground. Holding tightly to the hilt he took a few breaths and tried to get the dizzy spell to pass. It was like an extended dizziness since he hit the ground. The human barely heard as he was called to help. Aiden still wasn't sure if he was here or in the after life. Perhaps doomed to fight along side trolls since he had fallen prey to the whims of a wizards dream. It was all so mangled in his mind.

Almost numbly he left his sword and grabbed Zae'ju's arm. Holding tightly to the hand stared at the troll for a long moment. Suddenly it gave way and he was left holding the writhing limb. Aiden tossed the limb aside and he reached for the tool that Xen'tu gave him. Carefully Aiden touched the torch to the troll's nub of an arm. The smell of burning flesh and congealing blood almost made him sick. Aiden always hated that smell ever since he was a boy.

As soon as it was done Aiden blandly stared at the ground. He was almost sick feeling. Lazily he lifted his head and he nodded to the troll. "Aye, we should git going." Pulling his sword from the ground Aiden scrubbed the blade from as much sap as he could. Pushing the sword back into its scabbard he winced. It hurt to move his arms that much. Everything seemed to be connected to his ribs. The troll hunter's mouth pulled into a straight line and he nodded. "We need to keep moving." He had purposefully ignored the question posed by Zae'ju. Right now Aiden was more concerned about getting through this area. This time was far worse than the last round. Khadgar couldn't have requested them to do something easy. "I think if he wants to call on me again I'll tell him to give me something easy to do. Maybe get him a cake from a toad. All I need is someone to turn Xen'tu into a toad and have him make a cake. Made with all the venom of a troll toad." Snickering a little at his own idea the human pushed forward into the forested land.

Gradually it began to darken and he couldn't help the sense of dread that was beginning to run deeper in his veins. How could they survive a night in the forest? "We keep walking. No sleep till we're out." If another one of those things attacked Aiden wasn't so sure he would make it.
 
It was strange to see the lack of his hand and he could still feel it despite the fact his hand was now burning to a charred pulp on the ground. He could 'feel' himself bending his fingers and thumb, clenching the muscle of his forearm. It was such a strange and ghostly feeling it almost unnerved him further. He wanted to go and find a place of safety. He didn't care where it was but so long as it was safe, that was all that was important to him. If this was the first creature of the Nightmare they had encountered, Zae'ju knew there could be more. The Night Elf's assurances all but evaporated.

He watched absently as Xen'tu collected his bow and his quiver that had snapped away from his thigh in the midst of falling from the tree and the younger brother attached them to Rose's tack with an uncharacteristic patience. Xen'tu was not known for it and yet he had taken charge over his brother's new condition as if it were a way to deal with his own shock. The younger troll patted the red quadruped in comfort before returning to his brother and helped him to his feet. Zae'ju was very shaky at first and could not hold his weight without the support; shock was hitting him but he knew it was too problematic to ride Rose through a dense forest, even on trails. He nodded to indicate when he was ready, "I dun wanna stay 'ere," his voice quiet and childlike. His expression matched his voice as he peered at the creature that belonged to the Nightmare. Zae'ju did not like where this was leading them.

Xen'tu looked at him with worry unused to his brother being so quiet and demure. He nodded and took Rose's lead rein and he made sure Zae'ju wasn't far from his side. Zae'ju walked but was concerned with his friend, "Ya okay?" he frowned when the question was ignored and he rubbed his face. The forest seemed to stand tall and yet close in around them. It was nothing like the jungles of home. He didn't see what the Elves saw in the place and they were welcome to it. He glanced back to Aiden when he heard the man snickering and he shared a confused look with Xen'tu, of whom shrugged. "Ef ya wifey turn me inta toad again, ai gonna find someone ta turn him inta sheep."

The mention of his mate made him long to forgo duty and turn around, go back to her arms but he knew he would do so in shame. He missed her even now and he knew it would be a long time before he was used to being away from her for long lengths of time. He missed his son too. The boy laughed more than his namesake and it made life worth living.

The trail lead further into the forest and both trolls found themselves disturbed by the lack of birdsong. No one disputed the order for no sleep despite Zae'ju being so very ready for it. He feared he would not wake again if he did. He found himself wondering just what it was that Khadgar wanted of them and hoped his arm would regrow quickly. He was not going to be much use without his bow and for the moment was restricted to the use of his daggers. It would take some time before his forearm was back to how it was and there was no telling yet if Xen'tu had been quick enough about the amputation.

It was a long time and quite through the night before the trail curled downwards towards a large lake with a central island connected by white ornate bridges. It had felt like they were being watched the entire way and not by friendly eyes. When the light had lifted and soft owl calls emanated through the air, Zae'ju felt the pressure lift and he paused his stride, almost stumbling in teh process and drawing Xen'tu to support his back as he spoke, "Dat be Astranaar."

"Oh goody," Xen'tu remarked, his voice dripping in sarscasm. Astranaar was not a place he had been looking forward to. He hadn't exactly made good on relations but he supposed there was a strong chance that Khadgar might have persuaded the Elves there to look past his indiscretions for the sake of why the mage needed him. What that was Xen'tu didn't know but it had to be something important. Zae'ju paused and wavered. A lack of sleep and a certain amount of blood loss coupled with constant walking was not settling well and Xen'tu wordlessly supported his brother's side, bring his good arm around his shoulder trusting Rose to follow obediently without a hand to her reins.

"Come on, mon," he nodded at Aiden, "Let's get this done an' find out why we've bin dragged all dis way," He adjusted his grip on his brother.
 
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The warrior watched as Zae'ju began to walk slower and slower. They would need a little rest for him, but not in this place. It was not the time nor was it the location in which the troll could rest. Aiden quietly moved to the front as Xen'tu took his place at his brother's side. At least he was a little more able than Aiden to actually support the troll. Once Xen'tu was helping his brother it started to go a little faster.

Astranaar came into view and for Aiden it was a welcome site, even if he didn't like elves all that well. For the other two it wasn't so much. Peering back at the other two he searched their faces for some kind of indication of how they felt. With only the urge to move forward he began the trek through the foliage. They would likely make it by nightfall. Aiden found it easy enough to make his way through the underbrush, but he looked back to see the other two were struggling a little more. Normally it would not have been so difficult except for the fact that Zae'ju was almost dragging by now. Exhaustion would take its toll and Xen'tu was struggling just to get them through the underbrush.

A pang of pity lapped at the troll hunter's mind and he pulled out a smaller sword from his belt. There was only one way to deal with something like this. Instead of pressing through the brush he began to cut a trail out. It was slower moving for himself, but it was only right. Eventually when the other two made it to the section that he had cleared out they moved a little faster. Aiden would have been tempted to push Rose out in front of them and have the two brothers trail exactly behind her, but it was better that she held up the rears. If she was in front and all the men behind she would be at risk and the creature shouldn't be put in that position. At least in the back she was semi safe and it worked as a sort of protection to ensure that they were not attacked from behind. Aiden knew better than to take the front and have the other two trail after Rose. If they were separated as a group there was no telling what could happen to Zae'ju and his brother.

Aiden pushed on and slashed at the brush till he heard a strange hiss. He knew that sound and it wasn't a good thing. A half man, half serpent began to slither its way through the brush. The warrior paused and he looked up to see that Astranaar was still a good distance with their slow trail blazing. Zae'ju wasn't in condition to fight, but Aiden was and he was going to be doing a lot of it in just a minute. Some of these things didn't like to hunt alone and the hissing sound began to steadily grow. "Xen get your brother on Rose. Last they needed was for Zae'ju to get into the fight. He wasn't quite himself yet.

The clearing provided some space to fight and it was just as well that he had cleared it. While there was yet time he pulled Rose out of the brush and into the clearing with them. Taking his hands and making a stirrup he gave Zae'ju a boost to mount the creature. "Stay up there or I'll rip your tusks out." Mumbling under his breath he turned to face the incoming enemy. Already 3 of the half serpent men had begun to close in.

Charging into the group of oncoming enemy he slashed the first one right down the middle and it curled on itself with hissing screams. The second he ran right into it and thrust the blade through the serpent man's chest. Pulling his blade free he started for the third, but Xen'tu had already taken care of it. "We're gonna take sides and fight our way to the base of the mountain. If they could get to the base of the mountain and start up the trail to Astranaar then they would be safer. Elves guarded the trail from the evils of the forest. Aiden took the left side and closer to the front. He had to be ready for the the elves to attack. They hated trolls just as much as he did and maybe more.

Another swing of the sword brought the already bloodied blade into yet another serpent. Aiden's arms were getting tired, but he couldn't stop swinging. If he stopped they were going to die. In a way it was like going into battle all over again. Except he was fighting along side Horde members. That was a fact that he recognized with no small level of bitterness.

They must have come to the base of the mountain after hours of fighting. The forest cleared and a winding pass up the mountain appeared in front of them. Aiden was more than glad. His arms were covered in blood from the man serpents that he had fought back. Looking to the troll's he could see that Zae'ju was still safely perched on top of Rose and Xen'tu was standing at the other side still. Grudgingly Aiden held a hand out to the troll. "You fight well enough." Whatever Khaadgar's reason for bringing this troublesome troll along Aiden didn't know and he was keen to find out. If they needed a troll's head he would be more than willing to take it. "I'll take care of the Elven guard. You just take care of Zae'ju." Sheathing his sword Aiden wiped his bloodied hands off on his pants. It wasn't much better since the entire front of him was soaking in the carnage of the battle to get this far.

Aiden lifted the overlapping chunk of leather on his satchel and pulled the letters from it. Now he had to deal with some proud elves that wouldn't take kindly to his bringing trolls here. Marching ahead of the other two and Rose he finally reached the elves and thrust the papers into their hands. "We're here to see Khaadgar as he requested."

One of the elves gave him a skepitcal look. Another one of them sneered as it flipped through the pages. They seemed unwilling to accept that the paperwork was from Khaadgar. "Hurry. Sooner we get there the sooner we leave." Shifting impatiently on his feet he watched while the guard reluctantly and very slowly folded the papers again. Aiden took the papers and shoved them into the sack while he had a chance. It was surprising that thus far they hadn't said anything. Maybe it was because they knew why he was here.

The bliss of having passed without conversation from the elves was shattered. "I thought you were a troll hunter, Silver. Now you charm trolls?"

Turning around with a fury in his eyes the hunter glowered at them. "I am a troll hunter and I am a faithful soldier of the Alliance. When you've done work worthy of Khaadgar's attention then you'll have room to criticize. For better or worse these two trolls have garnered his attention and its my duty to take them to him."
 
Zae'ju glanced at the stump of his bow arm with a look of worry. He knew it would eventually grow back but it would take far long than other injuries did to heal. The dressing his brother had crudely made was already dark with his blood. He felt his brother's grip tighten as they walked, a task usually so normal for Zae'ju was now proving a considerable effort. He knew and realised that Xen'tu's effort to stop the Nightmarish beast's poison may have proved in vain. All this moving was not helping him but equally he had no choice. Xen'tu would not allow him to be left behind.

" 'old on, bruddah, we nearleh be dere now," his brother breathed next to him with encouragement in his inflections. Zae'ju, so unused to anything but bluntness and rashness blinked towards his sibling at the soft tone the troll had used. Perhaps there was some hope his brother could change for the better after all?

Zae'ju nodded and focused on staying awake and putting one foot in front of the other only making a sound when his injured arm was jostled or struck by their surroundings. Rose grunted, lumbering behind the trio in a steady pace, her spiked tail wavering in the rear. He lifted his head and saw the Kal'dorei buildings that was Astranaar. It was a small village, no more than a few buildings set on an isle joined by two bridges. he knew Xen'tu would be just as wary as he was about it. It was a rare thing for even on Troll to be allowed to set foot on Elven territory without being a prisoner, let alone two trolls.

The underbrush thickened and Xen'tu was hampered with his effort to keep Zae'ju at his side. He persisted, he might not have the same faith in the human his brother had but as time wore on, he conceded there was something to this little warrior. He could fight and Xen'tu didn't have to worry about his well being as he did for Zae'ju right now.

There was a low hiss that he picked up upon even before the human did and the Troll growled deeply in return. This was not the time! Course, fate seldom allowed such luxuries. Xen'tu did not need to see the creature to know what it belonged to. Trolls and Naga had a violent history and it was something all Darkspears were happy to cull. The scales and elongated fins of the Naga, a male considering the lizard-like head and it was not long before Xen'tu felt his urge to let his blades sing their song of battle.

"More will come, an' soon. Ai 'ear dem, hooman," Xen'tu informed, ears listening for each tell-tale hiss that each Naga made. Things were about to get gruesome and bloody. He was only sorry Zae'ju was unable to join in with them, nodding at Aiden's instruction. Zae'ju gave a grunt of protest, this was not dignified but he knew he was useless. He was not the warrior his brother or Aiden were. He had daggers but that would do little to the numerous Naga honing in on them.

Rose bellowed feeling the tension rise into the air and only partially refused being lead further out into the open. A grunt from Xen'tu was all it took for her to be more compliant and she pawed the ground. Zae'ju did not relish the idea of sitting out the coming battle t survive but they had to get to Astranaar. They had gotten this far to fall now. With the help of the other two, he soon found himself clinging awkward to the saddle. He whimpered in pain when his mind forgot his amputation, his stump knocking into part of the saddle-horn. He looked at Aiden at the threat and he hunkered down trying to make himself less of an easy target. He didn't doubt Rose would let them get too close to her but he didn't trust that the Naga were all Myrmidons.

Xen'tu slid his mask into place before taking up his arms, issuing a cry of rage at the Naga. Finally,something else to vent his anger and frustration upon that neither Aiden or his brother could grumble at. He grinned toothily as he saw Aiden already getting stuck in and he rushed the third, his blade severing the head from its shoulders with a clean blow.

He looked to Aiden and nodded before he spoke in Zandali. It did not seem to be directed at Zae'ju as Rose responded to his commands. The beast walked on, using her horned head and spiked tail to keep any Naga that got too close for comfort at bay as the pair of warriors dealt with the Naga en route. Xen'tu was tired but the adrenaline this produced was enough to keep him going. And he did, never stopping as his blades sung their song, slicing through limbs, flesh and keeping the Naga on their collective tails.

Zae'ju did not know long the fight continued on for as he clung to the saddle, slumped and trying to not touch anything with his stump. It brought a new stab of pain everything time he did. He glanced right and then left, both were covered in Naga blood. He sighed heavily fighting his need to sleep. Eventually the Naga stopped coming and a stillness entered the air. He scowled, Naga usually didn't come this far inland. The sea was their domain. Whatever it was they wanted to kill them all for, it must have been dire to their sea witches to send them so far from the Zoram Strand. In the end he could hold his exhaustion back no longer and closed his eyes.

Xen'tu swung his last attack as he found less Naga to kill and soon there was nothing left. He stood, breathing in and out deeply but rhythmically with his frame covered in the Naga's life-force. It was long few hours of worming their way to the base of the mountain and Astranaar was in clear view now. He could see Elves going about their daily business perhaps unaware of the Naga or the trolls in the vicinity. He looked at Aiden and his hand before he stabbed one sword into the ground.

He grinned ferociously around his tusks and nodded, clasping Aiden's forearm as was the norm for most Horde cultures and shook the limb once before he released, "Ya as well, for a skinny pinkskin." The tone was begrudging but genuine in its meaning, perhaps indicating Xen'tu was re-evaluating his opinion of Aiden and his worth.

Xen'tu looked towards his brother ands scowled when he saw no movement. He nodded, "Ya do dat... we be trustin' ya," that cost him more than he cared to admit but he knew it would only be the word of the pinkskins that had summoned and escorted the two Trolls that stopped them from be taken captive and executed. He sheathed his weapons and went to his brother, feeling for a pulse. Zae'ju's heart was still beating and that comforted Xen'tu. He knew they didn't get along that well but he was still his older brother and didn't want him going to Bwonsamdi before his time.

He took Rose's reins and followed behind Aiden. It didn't take them long to reach the bridge where Sentinels were waiting. Some stood, a couple of others sat on the backs of their Sabre mounts. Xen'tu eyed the giant cats with a keen interest. They were powerful felines and he did nothing to provoke them. He could feel eyes bore into him but he ignored them as Aiden spoke with the Elves.

The silence was eating at him. Usually the pointy-ears would have said something to put him down. Whilst he found their comments irritating and a waste of their breath, the lack of it was more unnerving that he had initially realised. Seemed he had nothing to fear as one finally broke into speech. He bared his teeth when she talked of charming him and Zae'ju.

The elf regarded the Trolls for a moment, eyes resting on Zae'ju's slumped form a moment longer before she slowly nodded. "Then we shall take you, Archmage Khadgar has recently arrived and waiting. You might not have charmed them, Silver but they remain under your responsibility. I trust you will make sure they keep that in mind," she said before the Sentinels moved aside to permit the three men and beast to cross the bridge. Two of the sentinels remained with them as Xen'tu lead Rose on following his brother's friend.

"My brudda, 'e gonna need a healah," Xen'tu spoke in common and one of the Sentinels looked from him to the other troll riding the unfamiliar beast.

"I beleive you've already met her, Troll. No doubt she will be of help. This way," the Sentinel lead the way to a building that was basic in design.
 
When they finally passed the elves Aiden growled under his breath. "Damn ancient races." They were always full of themselves and had an air of superiority. He didn't care how old their blood line was. Aiden was a warrior and they had to recognize it whether it was grudging or not. Even the trolls had more respect for him than Elves and sometimes that was frustrating. If they were allies they should be considered easier to deal with. At least that was a logical assumption and the elves consistently defied that logic.

They were not long apart and a sentinel started to lead the way to a healer. Aiden ignored the stares of the people in the town. Some had begun to whisper about him. Most were nasty little comments about the rumors of him travelling with trolls and now seeing it for themselves. A very few held the same kind of awe that they used to. A troll hunter could have respect so long as he hunted trolls. There was a great deal that he had learned since meeting Zae'ju and accomplished the first task for Khaadgar. Maybe he was being forced into a time ahead of his own. The Alliance and Horde should not concern themselves with working together and yet it seemed that Aiden was consistently being pushed into that position.

Finally, the sentinal stopped at a small hut and Aiden walked to the side of Rose. It looked like Zae'ju would need help getting down even if he didn't want it. Xen'tu was on one side of the beast and he couldn't very well just pull Zae'ju off of Rose without hurting him. Aiden crawled up the side of Rose and he helped the troll to sit upright. Lifting the stump slightly he held it out away from the animal while he moved the troll's legs to the side. "Be ready to catch him." With his arms wrapped underneath Zae'ju's and body sprawled out over the breadth of Rose's back. Even though Aiden had done his best to maintain balance he found himself gradually sliding down the saddle with Zae'ju. It took till Xen'tu grasped his brother for Aiden to try and catch himself.

Being almost completely upside down on the Direhorn he knew there wasn't going to be a graceful way to dismount. He was already going down head first. Tucking his chin and curling his back he prepared to hit the ground. As he made contact with the side of the street he made a thud and a puff of dust went around his body. Momentarily the wind was knocked out of him and he felt the dust settle over his bloodied clothing. Aiden pushed up on his elbows and started to get to his feet. Slowly making his way into the building behind the trolls he listened as the healer began mumbling and preparing a tea and salve. The salve she rubbed over the stub and Aiden winced. He knew those salves hurt and stung at first, but they were soothing after the initial pain would subside.

The time at the healer's seemed to take far longer than he wanted. Khaadgar didn't like to be kept waiting for long, he was a busy man. These were circumstances that Aiden couldn't help. However, Khaadgar seemed to understand these things most of the time. Not everyone was a mage that could just transport from one spot to another. After Zae'ju got himself taken care of and had a little rest Aiden waited outside to help the troll mount Rose again. They didn't have far to go, but the less Zae'ju moved around the better. He needed his Loa to do something and heal that arm. In the meantime there was going to be quite a bit of resting for his friend.

When they reached Khaadgar's little hut in the town Aiden once more helped Zae'ju dismount and Xen'tu caught him. Aiden cautiously led the way into the hut and nodded to the trolls to sit. It looked like the wizard was busy and he would get to them in time. All they had to do was wait now and see what his instructions would be.
 
Xen'tu heard the muttered scorn about ancient races and he giggled in response. It was a genuine giggle of amusement as he shook his head. "We be hoot, na?" he grinned at the man and scratched his jaw as he lead Rose behind him. "Dey be younger den Trolls... Rumah be dats where dey come from... or so Zae'ju says. Ai t'ink et all be a load of ol' rot," he he said thoughtfully as he peered around him gaining stares of his own. Even for Troll standards, he was a fine specimen, larger than his hunter brother and there was little about him that didn't state his calling in life.

He grinned at whoever gave him a look of disgust and hatred not caring that it got him nowhere. He was here by demand and there was nothing they could do about it. They could try and kill him from a distance but where would that get them, he mused. They'd know who did it and since he was here in a peaceful capacity for once, they would be the ones in trouble, not him.

The elf gave no warning as she came to a hut and he almost stood on her heels. He sniffed and sneered before he turned, resting the reins over Rose's frill. She would not move. She was aware of who and why he was on her back instead of walking as he had been hours before. Xen'tu had been about to climb up himself but the skinny pinkskin beat him to it. Part of him resented it but he knew Zae'ju considered the man a friend. He stood ready as the other shifted his brother's limb s if he were nothing more than a life-size doll and nodded, "Ai readeh," he agreed and caught his brother before he could meet the ground. He put his brother over a shoulder, lifting a brow when he heard something hit the dirt.

He smiled to himself before the Sentinel, her expression bland and unmoving, gestured for him to enter the hut and instead of quarreling as he would ordinarily have done, he obeyed without complaint. A familiar face greeted them inside as he reached the healer. It was the woman from before when they had left Forest Song.

"Ya need ta 'elp ma bruddah," he said and she gestured to a cot. He pulled a face, it was cushioned but he did as he was bid. Kira'el smiled and rested a hand on Zae'ju chest, closing her eyes for a long moment as Aiden joined them. Xen'tu glanced at the man before peering anxiously back at his brother. Her hand began to give a golden glow before teh energy seeped into Zae'ju's skin. "You fought one of the Nightmare?"

"Et looked like et... all strange... et shot 'ims. Took 'is arm off before et cud spread furtha, ai dunno ef ai did enough," he replied, shifting his weight. It felt odd for him to converse with a Night Elf so but if she had wanted Zae'ju's life, there was no sense in doing what she had just done. Xen'tu might be a hothead but he was certainly not foolish.

"You acted wisely, Xen'tu," she nodded, "He is lucky, it has spread no further. What is there seems to be serving only to slow his natural healing process." She explained this with a natural calmness as she pulled tea and dressings closer to her. She removed xen'tu's bandaging before pausing, "You may wish to hold his shoulder. This will hurt, he may wake." Her silver eyes watched as Xen'tu knelt, placing a hand on blue skin. She nodded before applying the salve.

Zae'ju came to with a keening groan of pain and tried to escape it as instinct took hold. Something wasn't letting him and he blinked wearily, eyes slowly cleared and recognised his brother as his arm stung like hot coals. He turned his head to peer at the elf, his brow knit with pain and confusion as he breathed unevenly.

"Ya..." and he frowned when she put a finger to his lips.
"No Zae'ju of the Darkspear, save your strength. You will need everything ounce in Khadgar's task. Your brother, your friend, both are here, both can help you," she breathed, her voice like a song. "Here, drink this. It will soothe the pain," she explained and glanced meaningfully at Xen'tu. Often under the same stare from his brother's mate, Xen'tu helped Zae'ju to sit up automatically grimacing as he watched his brother. It was scary how the other could be brought so low so quickly by something so small. Yet that barb had been deadly and probably fatal had he not severed the arm. He didn't like how weak and vulnerable Zae'ju was.

Kira'el looked at Aiden and Xen'tu, "I will give you more of the tea, salve, and bandages. He will still need them for a time... I've done what I can. The rest is up to him and his loa I believe," she said, "Give him a few minutes but you can move him." She made to leave but was stopped when Zae'ju tugged her robe. SHe looked down at him and saw his expression. She smiled, "You are most welcome, Zae'ju. I shall pray to Elune to watch over you three," she gave a nod before she moved away.

Zae'ju soon found he did not really want to have to move but he also knew why they had come. He wasn't about to let Naga and a beast of the Nightmare to beat him. So he endured the supported walk back to Rose and the effort in getting into the saddle. The smallest things seemed to take the most energy out of him. The ride to the next building wasn't far and he found the way back down rather jarring. He supposed he hadn't helped when he had tried to slide off Rose himself. He still had to rely on Aiden's help. Xen'tu was sympathetic knowing how much more independent Zae'ju was.

He was certainly glad when he was afforded a seat again even if Xen'tu and Aiden were sat either side of him. He sat with his legs loosely crossed as they waited. He hoped Khadgar wouldn't too long, he wasn't sure how long he could stay awake. Xen'tu eased his shoulder-guards to the ground. Zae'ju had dozed off, the side of his head resting against his brother's shoulder when Khadgar entered the room and stood opposite.

"Don't get up, we have much to talk about," he said without preamble as he sat in front of them instead upon a little wooden stool. "You have risked much in coming here champions but I have more to ask of you all."

Zae'ju felt Xen'tu's shoulder shift and blinked up wearily before spotting Khadgar. Did the man look older than he remembered last? He couldn't tell, Khadgar was barely out of his late Twenties and he already was the age of one his sixties.
 
Aiden looked up the the wizard. In some ways it seemed he had aged, but he always looked that way. There was something about knowledge. It only seemed to come with age and if it came before old age it managed to bring old age to the young. At times Aiden felt like he was getting old far before his time, only he didn't show it quite like Khadgar did. Pulling his knees up Aiden let his elbows rest on his knees. They were likely to be here for a while by the looks of it. The wizard was going to be assigning them to a task himself and that wasn't a common practice. Whatever it was had to have been pretty serious.

The wizard took a seat on the mat in front of them and he closed his eyes while murmuring. While he was busy with whatever the incantation was Aiden kept his own eyes wide open. He never did trust the wizards even if it was one as renown as Khadgar. A fine creamy dust started to sift into the room and the man looked around. He shifted a bit and sat up a little straighter. Gradually the dust got thicker and thicker until Aiden couldn't see and he could barely breath. Bringing his arm up to his face he buried his mouth into the shirt sleeve and winced. His thick black hair and eyebrows began to gather the fine creamy dust.

When the mini storm finally cleared he saw that the entire room looked like a desert. Actually they were no longer in the room at all and he looked around. The two trolls were still sitting, though they were perched in the sand and so was he. They were transported without a portal to walk through? Maybe this was through their minds like the time that he fought for Zae'ju.

Though he was afraid to ask the man decided that this was as good a time as any. "Where are we?" Wobbling a little he slowly got to his feet and swayed there for a few seconds. He was dizzy enough for this to have been a real teleportation.

Khadgar lifted his head and he stared at the man and then at both the trolls before he started to speak. This is a distant desert. One of centuries past. Inside the heart of it is a rune. An ancient rune that will bring the old gods of chaos back into this world. Already some of those wishing for them have begun to build a dune gate that will open to the other world. The signs tell me that only three unlikely would be able to complete the task. There is none less likely to travel together than a troll hunter and two trolls. One who cares for the world of men and one who despises it. Before you depart to retrieve this rune I will warn you. It is far more dangerous than the last mission." Stopping there he lowered his head again before speaking any further. "I cannot ease the journey. There are already powers that prevent me from taking you to the desert now. May the gods hasten your steps."

An unearthly string of incantations seemed to flow from the wizards mouth and Aiden squinted his eyes and lowered his head. He could feel the sand stinging his face and the fine particles settled into his eyelashes. Each blink nearly burned as the sand would fall from his eyelashes. When they were at last in the little hut again he looked at his clothing to find that there was no sand on them, but he could have sworn there would be. Gradually he turned toward the Trolls. There was something about this particular mission that he did not feel at ease with.

All the same they had been given a task and the man got up from his place in the hut. "Then with all haste let us be off." Bowing slightly to the trolls he motioned to the door with his hands though he hid a mischievous smirk just underneath the surface.
 
Xen'tu watched the human mage with wary suspicion. He was always sceptical of magi and their intentions. They always had something on the agenda and weren't afraid to achieve their ends without thought to the means. He had met a few in his time, some he could claim the lives to. Others had escaped. He thought back to the one in the Barrens and scowled. There had been nothing more disconcerting than to be unable to move any part of himself and be able to only watch and listen to the word around him. However, even he was not so far removed from society to know how famous and important Khadgar was to Azeroth. It was perhaps one of few humans Xen'tu would not have touched even with his meeting of Aiden. He glanced down and his lips drew to a thin concerned line. Zae'ju was barely holding himself up and Xen'tu shifted, supporting his brother so that the white-haired troll could lean into him without fear of falling over.

Zae'ju flinched and shifted but stayed close to his brother as the world suddenly changed around them. There was so much sand. Fine granules of beaten stone ground down to little more than pixie dust. He held his stump closer into himself feeling Xen'tu's arm tighten protectively. The feeling was both reassuring and unfamiliar. The brother had never been close due their differing views of the world around them. Zae'ju wanted to change that and it seemed their blood connection tightened the net. He squinted trying to recognise the place but he was just too tired to keep up with what was going on. He glanced as Aiden rose next to them, swaying with the wind that hurled sand into every orifice.

He turned his head back wearily to focus Khadgar before resting its side on Xen'tu chest. Xen'tu glanced down briefly before focusing on Khadgar knowing he would need to keep his ears open as the mage explained why they were and why they of all people in Azeroth had been brought together in the first place. Well, it certainly made sense. He had no real love for humanity nor for what it had done to his family. Yet here he was allowing two to live and not raising a ruckus in the Night Elven village. It was mind boggling just for him alone. He knew his older brother had no problems being here. He was so open with others, so forgiving and full of heart that it made it difficult for anyone to hate the troll. Whilst he solved disputes with decapitation, Zae'ju often solved them with hugs. Xen'tu reached up to shake the sand from his hair and did the same for Zae'ju who hardly murmured a word now.

Zae'ju frowned as he sat with his brother. Distant desert? That could only be Uldum, Silithus or Tanaris where sandstorms were frequent yet only two of the three had any associations with the Old Gods. He hid his face again when the world began to change as abruptly as it had before feeling the arms tighten once again. It was a relief. Without their cloths, the sand had been choking his throat. It had felt so real and he didn't doubt that Khadgar was copying the desert to the each and every grain of sand as he had felt the sand chafe at his skin and catch in his fur, armour and other nooks and crannies. He grunted as Xen'tu shifted sharply behind him.

Khadgar nodded with agreement before he spoke again, "I have asked the Kal'dorei here to ensure you leave with fresh supplies, your Direhorn's tack will have been seen to and adjusted and you'll find armour with her should you have need to wear it. I feel that will be a likely case." The mage rose before pausing and then looked at Zae'ju huddled into his brother's arms. "I cannot restore your arm but perhaps this will help you until your limb regenerates..."

Zae'ju glanced up at the talk of of his amputation and frowned unsure what the mage was up to but the man spoke his incantations, weaving his hands with delicate movements. Slowly but surely something formed from within the spell within the space of the man's hands. It took the shape of a forearm and hand and Xen'tu realised what the man was intended. He brought Zae'ju to his feet wordlessly knowing his brother was still in need of much rest before he could hope to be more useful in days to come. The item seemed to be a prosthetic, it looked realistic as Khadgar held it in one hand and closed the gap between them. Zae'ju blinked, staring at it for a long moment before he nodded realisin too now what it was far but had no idea how it would work. Xen'tu extended his brother's arm pout to the mage, allowing Zae'ju to lean completely into him. Khadgar smiled before he strapped it gently to the troll's bicep.

"It will take you a while to get used to it and even connect with it. After then, it will act in your missing limb's stead till your own returns," he smiled as Zae'ju peered at the strange object attached to himself. It was giving him a funny feeling and he felt woozy glad for his brother's support. "I wish you luck." With that Khadgar turned and was gone after a moment's incantation.

Xen'tu turned with his brother helping him walk only to find Aiden bowing at them. Xen'tu raised a brow in return finding the gesture alien. All the same, he followed the man out of the hut as they made to go back to a waiting Rose. The Direhorn was indeed sporting tack that had seen new repairs and the beast stood with a sheen to her hide. "ZaeZae... did ya know the desert?"

"Cud be one o' t'ree... We hafta to go t'rough Tanaris anehway," he returned tiredly absently peering at his new prosthetic limb. it was troll-like in everyway, right down to the same skin tone but for the moment he still felt quite disconnected with it.
 
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