Tasera's place

[Theotaz]

Theotaz waved goodby to Asarelah and Aitana and executed a slight bow to Tasera as they made their way out of Shatterspear village. His next two days would be busy. Usung the hearthstone he had ordered building material for Tasera's new home. It would be a bit bigger then she maybe expected but he was unworried about the expense. It was going to be very hard to convince Tasera that he was worthy of her, though of course he had no doubt. But he knew that it had to be more then just gifting her with a house. Theo knew he would have to follow with deeds of valor .... This could get sticky.. Ideally happening in front of her eyes. "yep" he thought to himself "this be not an easy ting to do". That was all for another day though. He needed to to concentrate on the here and now. As the ladies of Nyx dissapeared down the trail out of the village Theo turned to the village elder.

"So Tasera you hope'n ta be interested in ya eh?" Theotaz turned to reply "Ya mon, she just da nicest look'n troll huntress I eva did see mon. And.. well, I really do like her". The elder just shook his head and laughed. " I wish ya luck mon. I remember before she went into de world seek'n what eva she still be seek'n. Der was dis boy she grew up wid. He courted her, dey even had made plans. Den one day it was all over. She shouldered her bow and the little bit of gear she had and walked out of de village. Next we heard she had joined de horde. De boy he be heartbroken. By de next season he also had left de village. We aint heard no word of him eva." Theo looked at the elder "Tesera she know he dissapear?" The elder shook his head in the negative. "It just neva came up mon. And she neva asked. Life of de troll can be harsh brutal and short sometimes."

Theo considered that he might have a rival for Tasera's affections then shook his head fiercly. No good things could come of such consideration. If the fellow were still around he would deal with that as it came. If Tasera had any feeling for her childhood friend and they had promised each other then his cause was hopeless. He could easily accept that. He knew what he was and what he wasn't. More important to him was Tasera's well being. He cared deeply for the ladies of his house but they were not trolls. The Elder had provided information was very old school troll yet looking about the village it was obvious to him that the shatterspear had ceased to practice of cannabalisim and blood sacrifice. He had a short time to learn about the shatterspear and thier unique customs. And time was wasting. Looking up from his thoughts he spoke "Elder, der be much I must learn of the Shatterspear. And I gotsa short time to do it. Train me in de ways as ya would a child", he grinned " O'course a very attentive child!"

The Elder looked at Theotaz now out of his armor and wearing comfortable silks, though he still had his goggles on. "Are ye ashamed of ya eyes mon? Take dem off." Theo started. "My eyes elder, dey have an unholy glow. Ah do not desire to startle or scare..." The Elder leaned forward "Theotaz. You be a Death Knight. We have heard the tales and the Shatterspear be old.. very very old. De Shatterspear walked the ruling councils of the Gurabashi empire, and troll empires even older. You will not scare us, or startle us. And from us you may not hide any of yourself." Theo lifted his goggles and tossed them over with the rest of his gear. His eyes glowed thier unholy blue with the iris and pupil seeming to float alone without and orb of an eye behind them. The elder looked at him. "If ya eva uncome a death knight ya will be blind mon. De eyes be entirely gone. Only de will of vision allows ya to see." Theo sharply pulled his head down to hide the strong emotion he felt. "To have real life, to feel the breath of true life in myself I would give up vision. This life I have had of adventure and danger would be over, and only the mundane terrors of day to day life would replace it." Theo looked up. "I would have no regrets I tink."

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Theo stayed in the village for two days full and part of a third. He went to the cave of memories and saw the great tablets. He read them each day commiting the writings to memory.
He discovered that indeed the shatterspear were decendent of an old old troll line. Though he saw that on the tablets the original name of the tribe had been different. The elder gave him the story of when the change happened, and why. It was an awakening for Theo. So few troll tribes had shown a willingness to turn away from thie bloody past. His people the Darkspear, had done so. Other tribes had changed out of nessesity, but only the Darkspear, and the Shatterspear had chosen to do so because it was the right thing, a good thing to do. Mostly though Theo learned of Tasera's people, and learned a bit more about Tesera (though the villagers and the elder especially were very carefull to not speak of Tasera and her family. Theo had no idea who her parent were and no one would tell him anything other then it was not time to know that yet.

His time in the village ended when the Elder told him he had been told all the village was ready to tell him about. He had gotten word that a terrible battle had been fought and the artifact destroyed. Though strange as it was he could tell that the artifact had been destroyed. He had felt a wave of calmness and peace come over him late the previous day. It was with a profound feeling of ease that he passed his last few hours in the village. Crypt Digger had quite obviously had a great time with the village children. When he finally responded to the summons to return Theo found him with a light leather vest and trus (newly made) and a small bone knife on a sheath at his belt. Flowers were garlanded into his remanents of hair and several flower leis around his neck including some of fragrant herbs mixed with the flowers. The children came to ask when the ghoul could visit again. Theo promised it would be soon. At least he hoped it would be soon.

The time to go had come. Dulucre had contacted him through his hearthstone that the plot for Tasera's house had been surveyed and the site was ready for construction. Theo (and Crypt Digger) made thier farewells. Summoning his deathgate he ported to Ebon Hold and flew to Silvermoon, and from there to Sunstrider Island where he took a portal to Shattrath city and thence to Orgrimaar. Arriving in Orgrimaar he made for Asarelah's place. Arriving at mid day he found Dulucre and a band of about 20 orc peons, and a cargo zepplin (Swindlethrifts Air Drayage service) dropping off a last load of materials. Dulucre had all ready sited and had built a small foundry along with supplies. Theo had he had sent plans and drawings back and forth by stone several times and the final plans looked good. Dulucre got the peons to work on the foundation for the main house while Theo went to work on the tools that Tesera would need for house and the work hut. Several sheds were allready up for storage though as yet they held nothing.

Around nightfall Svalina and Kheliosrham along with Serim came out to the site bringing food and sleeping skins for the crew. The foundation for the main house had been finished and a platform 30 yards by 20 yards had been layed onto the foundation piers. The main house was sighted next to a meander of the river boarding Lah's garden. A dry creek cut between the site and Lahs main house. Tree's followed the line of the creek, some willows overhanging the dry creek, and even Theo could see numerous game trails in the area. He had some of the Peons plant succulent fruit trees, berry bushes, and various herbs throught the plot. No particular order to it. He wanted Tesera to have the joy of discovery. Svalina went and hearthstoned back to Orgrimaar after the peons had been fed and given sleeping skins for the night. Serim and Kheliosrham found thier way to watch spots to provide security through the evening. All of the ladies knew that nothing had been decided yat. When/If Tasera was ready, she would let him know.

The second day of construction had the main hut up. Centered on the platform with a 3 yard walkway around the long sides and 6 yards open at each end. The hut its self was a simple a-frame. Once the main frames were up and the roof planked the rolls of tarred felt were nailed down with lath strips over them to hold the palmate fronds of a traditional roof. The palm leaves would need to be replaced each year but even with out them the roof would be water and wind proof in any normal storm. The sleeping platform and tables, stools, lamps, torch holders, and other accutrements of well civilized life were set in place. While Theo and a hand full of peons finished the inside of the new hut, Dulucre set the other peons to levering the great stones in place for Bane's den to be. Once the artificial stone cave had been created the peons begane to pile dirt and back fill over the structure creating a small fake hill. Bane would be quite comfortable in his new den. Several other enclosures for Tasera's other companions were set in place. Last to go up was 2 huts for any servents that Tasera might choose to have on the property while she was away.

By the end of the day all the construction work was done on the site. Theo directed Dulucre to take the peons and rebult the bridge of the dry creek so it would be higher and stronger, and able to handle mounted traffic 2 abreast. Once that was done he was to pay off the Peons and head to Orgrimaar. Once the Peons had gone Theotaz pulled the two planks he had been carving on, on and off the last two days and set them in place at the front of the hut Vykril style. On the two boards were carving of many of the fantastic beasts of both Azeroth and Draynor, or Outland as it was now called. The carvings were done Vykril style, very symbolized. The creatures intertwined and a great pattern turning back and forth apon its self. He left the board fresh cut and unpainted. If Tasera wanted them painted later it would be her choice but Theo chose not to. The boards were a gift. The other gift was a pile of Winter Sabre pelts of the very highest quality. He tried to arrange them as artfully as he could. The work done, he could delay no longer. It was time to contact Warburn.

"Warburn brudda," Theo said contacting Warburn through the hearthstone. "If de spirits be will'n I gotsa ting be needn done." Warburn replied, "Youse work'n on Taseras new place?" he asked. "Ya mon, and it be have'n dis dry creek bed dat be need'n a creek if the elements be will'n." Silence ruled for a fe moments while Warburn obviously considered the request. "Well mon, I gonsa hafta come out der and see. If de elements so ok, den it be so, if dey say no, den no it be." Theo asked, can ya be here today maybe and ask dem? I know ya be busy mon but dis be for Tasera mon. Sooner be betta!". A chuckle came through with Warburns reply "OK mon, I be on de way, be der soonest. I will consult de elements when I gets der. We see what day say." The message glow of the Hearthstone faded. Theo quickly set about making shrines to the elements. Not just the prime ones, but all of them. Within a few hours he had them made and placed. Now it just awaited Warburns arrival.

It was nearly dusk by the time warburn arrived. Looking about the site he gave a low whistle. "Theo mon, ok, I know you be sweet on day gal but don't ya be tink'n dis may be a bit of over kill?". Theo replied, "Mon when it come to dat gal, aint noth'n to good for her from me. "Course I kinda hope that not what she tink." Warburn laughed a deep appreciative laugh before composing himself. "I will talk to de spirits now" Theo held up a hand in pause. "Warburn, come ova here, I made a place dat I hope be pleas'n to de spirits to be putt'n der bless'ns apon dis place." Warburn arced an eyebrow in surprise but motioned Theotaz to lead on none the less. "The spirits don't be tak'n no bribes mon, dey not be like de old gods" He said firmly. "I know Warburn, dis shrines I make for dem, cuz I be honoring dem. De shrines will be maintained out of me own pocket even if de water don rise in de creek. De spirits have touched me to many times for me not to be re'spect'n dem."

A few steps later led them to the clearing with the shrines. Warburn looked around. "De spirits dey be pleased. I can feel dem here. Allready dey talk wid each udda." The earth beneath them began to shake and shudder slightly. The sound of cracking rock and free running water could be heard. "De spirits dey agree dis be a good ting. Dey have opened a spring of clear water to feed de creek. Dey be some nice swimm'n der soon, and even some crawdad holes. Dey open a vent of fire under de den you make for Bane. De spirit of de forest bless dat which you planted. Look and see!" Theotaz looked about and could see the many fruit and nut trees, bush, and herb plantings growing at a ferocious rate. Within moments decades growth had been added to the new planting. There would be good food here, and good fodder for wild game in the woods about.

"De spirits be very pleased Theotaz, you have done good mon. Now I gotsa get back to Orgrimaar, Stuff needs be do'n mon." Theotaz looked puzzled for a moment. "Warburn, weren't you kidnaped by de alliance a couple day ago? I been kinda busy And I heard about it, but, you don't be look'n very captive to me?" Warburn just gave a great grin. "But Brudda, ya needed me did ya not?" He asked. Theo frowned "Ya Mon, I did need ya.". Warburn chuckled "Den my help ya got and dats dat." Now, I gotsa go. And he was gone. Theo stood still in surprise. Not the normal heathstoning away with tis invocation. One moment Warburn was there and the next moment, he was gone. Theo shook his head fiercely and looked about. Water ran in the once dry creek, and old fruit and nuts trees and mature herb plantings surronded him. He would ask Warburn about all this later as right now it was very confusing.

Serim checked in shortly after sundown. "Housemaster" she greeted him. The Nyx men at arms have arrived and set up at the new watch tower down at the river crossing. Khelio allready headed home. Were you going to stay the night again" she asked. Theo told her he would be heading into town as soon as he stopped at Lah's. Serim saluted and her and her white lion hearthed away. Theo called up his deathcharger, gathered up Crypt Digger and rode to Asarelah's house. In but moments he was there. The small travel hut that had been erected for Tasera while the new construction was finished stood just beyond the low rock wall behind Asarelahs place. Flickering candle light filtered around the edges of the skins covering the enterance. Bane lolled out side sleeping fitfully. Theo rode past quietly. He did not want to disturb Tasera. She would see the site in the morning for the first time. Theo would be gone all ready.He had put to many things off while this particular self quest wrote its self out.

Asarelah meet him at the gate as she rode up. "Theo. Dulucre came by earlier and said you were done. You should have come over then. Tasera would have liked it." Theo dismounted with obvious fatigue. "Der was a few tings needed be do'n first 'for I could do dat. Youse gotsa new spring and creek on de land. You take Tasera down der tomorrow, I gotsa get home. "he replied slowly. He thew a hand up on the saddle bow nearly falling over. Asarelah looked at Theo "Theo, dear, you are utterly beat. When is the last time you ate?" He muttered something about morning. Asarelah just looked at him and shook her head. "You, My Good Death Knight are going no where but to my kitchen table for a decent meal and then to a guest room to sleep. Svalina would have fits if I let you go home in your condition and rightly so!" She pointed imperiously to the door of the house "Inside. Now!! Just tie the mount up here."

Asarelah made for an out building, after Theo had gone inside, where she still had some rations tucked away. When she returned it was to see the Death Knight still in his armor and gear with his head down on crossed arms at her kitchen table, asleep and snoring softly. Lah quietly set the dry rations on a platter in arms reach on the table along with a pitcher of wine. She'd seen Theo this tired before. She contacted Svalina by hearthstone and let her know that Theo was at her place for the night, and then headed to bed herself. Tomorrow was for tomorrow.

[Theotaz]

TAG! Your it!

(Tasera or Asarelah next to post)

[Asarelah]

Asarelah didn't resist temptation long, on her path to bed, and did an about face. Quietly, she headed out the door, and through the garden toward where she knew Tasera's new digs were being prepared. In spite of her silent footsteps, Bane sensed her presense and came bounding in a joyful leap to plant two wet muddy paw prints on her favorite day gown.

"Down, boy. Good Boooyyy!!" Lah whispered, grabbing two huge paws in her hands before Bane could knock her flat. Forcing him to heel at her side, puzzled at the wet sloppy mud on his feet, Lah moved on toward what she expected to be a modest hut, along the creek bed that had only run wet in the torential spring rains.

As she cleared the garden walk, and parted the willow branches that hid the private glade which she had deeded to Tasera, Lah stood in slack jawed wonder at the sight she beheld.........

[Warburn]

Deep under Stormwind, the human capital city.

The days had turned to weeks. Where were his so-called friends. Had his only master, Lady Nyx forsaken him? If so he accepted that fate, as a soldier of the horde and her loyal servant, he knew any day could be his last.

He felt cold, sick... miserable. The poison dart that had knocked him out must have been contaminated with something else. For gangrene started to set in a couple of days ago. His right buttocks was swollen, and his naturally purple skin was turning black in that area. He couldn't sit anymore. And lying on his side was extremely uncomfortable on the un-even filthy stone floor.

His only comfort was the company of his beloved Tasera's hound - Despera. At first the captive shaman feared for the demon hounds life. Had he barked at all, or even growled at the wrong moment the guards would no doubt have discovered it and have Despara destroyed... and he would not have been able to do a thing to stop them. The hound was well trained, by a veteran troll huntress whom Warburn had to respect even more then he would admit. He had already forgiven her for rejecting his advances with her stubborn mask of troll fury the week before his capture.

If he could but protect Despara for his (secretly) adored huntress long enough for the demon hound to be re-united with it's master... he might be able to see her hazel eyes again, and smiling tusky snarl. That was his only wish at the moment.

He cared not that she was being courted by several of the Nyxian tribe's troll heros. One of whom, Death Knight Theotaz, surprised the captive shaman with being able to feel emotion, let alone love and the wish for marriage. Theotaz had already done more for Tasera then he knew anyone, living, had ever done in a courtship.

Who ever Tasera chose as a partner would be blessed, and that blessing Warburn knew would strengthen the Tribe Warburn had worked so hard to lead in the name of their shadowy matron.

... The sound of footsteps snapped him out of his thoughts. Despara rose silently and moved to the corner at Warburn's nudging, and waited. A metal clang hit the floor and a plate of worm ridden potatoes and some moldy bread slid under the door...

The shaman shifted painfully to slide the plate for his only companion to eat.

Warburn Smoketusk was miserable for the first time in 100 years.

(( but proud to have helped with bringing the elemental spirits to make the new home so nice to live in! ))