[[OOC Warning, there's foul language used. Also, the whole her being "trained" by a Shadow Hunter was approved by Loxxy, and this is a direct continuation of this thread.]]
The thing that awoke Shivala from her slumber on the back of the gryphon was the branches slapping her face. Her eyes opened just as the gryphon slammed into the ground, and catapulted her from its back. Her body slid on the gnarling roots that compromised much of the ground, and she groaned, rolling over onto her back.
Her eyes slowly opened, and the first thing she realized was that the sun was setting. She stared at the spectacle for a few seconds, before her mind snapped into play.
f**k. The predators come out at night.
She rolled over onto her stomach, slowly pushing herself up to her knees, and eventually to her feet. She stood okay for a few seconds, before the excruciating pain hit.
f**k! She immediately fell to a knee, her bad foot still implanted on the ground, her hands rubbing the joints of it. A rustling began in front of her, and her eyes flew from her ankle to it, eyebrows furrowing.
'ellooooooo.
Shivala's eyes widened, and she struggled to a standing position. A tall, lengthy troll swung a torch, burning away a small wall of shrubbery that blocked the sight between them. He was dressed in some loose, calico pants, holding the torch in one hand and a simple bow in the other. His eyes flittered over Shivala, in her worn and torn shorts, cut and bloodsoaked bandage, which covered her torso.
Wha' da fel happen tah ju?
Just go. Her injured leg shook, her breathing coming out quickly, quietly.
Okeh, okeh, ah weh'. His eyes fell on the gryphon, his eyes widening. The beast's chest was rising and falling rapidly, each breath leaving a small gasp resonating in the air, half of it's right wing laying a few feet. Shivala followed the Trolls eyes, quickly turning away as her eyes fell on the gryphon.
Leave. I'll take care of it.
When?! The Troll stared at her in disbelief, How ja gonnuh take cah of da'? Da poh' ting beh nearleh dead bah now! Wha' ja gonna do bou' eet? The Troll's voice slowly got high with hysteria.
I told you, I'll take care of it! Her own voice rose, drowning out both his and the gryphons ragged gasps, Now, go!
Naht 'teel ja keel da gwyppon!
I'm not letting one of you pigs get behind my back!
Den move ou-- 'ey, no nehd ta call meh a peeg!
I'm calling you what you are, tusks.
Do ju wanna dah, pinkeh?
In all honesty, yes, I do.
The Trolls lower lip folded down, and he seemed to pout. He stepped to the side of Shivala, her eyes watching him warily, as he pulled an arrow out of the ornate quiver on his back and fired it, the Gryphon letting out a final, desperate gasp for oxygen, before shuddering violently and stopping it's breathing.
The Troll turned to stare at her, Wha ju wunnuh keel jaselv?
I never said that.
Den whah ju wunnuh dah?
I never said that, either. Shivala scowled at the Troll.
Ju said one o' de odda. Nah, tell meh. Or ja join da gwyppon.
Make me join him, I dare you.
The two reached a standoff, Shivala's scowl now dominating her features. The Troll wore a determined frown, and the two stared at eachother, Shivala's fingers flexing.
Ju comin' wit meh, elf.
Before Shivala could protest, the Troll dipped the an arrow into a bag at his side, shooting it into her leg. The poison overwhelmed her, and she slumped forward, where he picked her up, hoisting her over his shoulder and carrying her away.
-------
What... the fel... Shivala groaned, her eyes opening and rubbing her head. There was a fire, and various leathers hanging from trees. The Troll handed her a wooden cup, his features sharply illuminated in the firelight, Drink da', elfeh.
Shivala glared up at the Troll, No. He sighed, muttering a few words and waving his hand.
Tank ju. Nah, tell meh wha ju wanna keel jaselv.
Don't tell him. Regardless of her minds pleas, Shivala began talking. I'm weak, ugly and pathetic.
'oo tell ju da'?
A tusks, like you, who temporarily enslaved me.
Did 'e do anytin' elze?
Stole my virginity.
The Troll blinked, seemingly taking a few seconds to remember what that was. Awwigh', ah tell ja wha'. Tell meh ja stoweh, 'n' ah beh decidin' wha' ta do wich ju.
Shivala nodded, still under his spell, and recounted her story, from the beginning. At the end, the Troll nodded, Awwigh', I keep ja here 'til ah feel ja readeh ta go. 'til den, elfeh, ah teech ja ta do wha' chu peeple in da cities call ah Deader Shoe. He waved his hand, Shivala's body slumping.
Why are you doing this? Shivala's voice broke the intense silence that had gripped their little camp, and the Troll looked up from an arrow he'd been whittling.
Doin' wha?
Keeping me here, what the f**k do you think?
Ju kin lihve aneh tahm ja wan'.
Shivala offered no response, crossing her arms and continuing to glare at the Troll.
Lissen, ja say ja wehk. So, ah offa ta tehch ja 'ow naht ta beh wehk, and ja steh. If ju wunnuh kehp been' wehk, den guh. Da roa' beh ova deh. He pointed behind Shivala, returning to his whittling.
The silence returned, and he sighed, Awwigh', ah tell ja wha'. If ja kehp bein' such a b***h, ah tahk ja back ta Boo'eh beh, 'n' ja kin kehp bein' wehk, seh 'ow ah keh. She remained silent to this, and he continued, Nah, if ja wuntuh steh, copeh dehs.
He tossed a long wooden stick at her, and as she caught it, threw the knife and arrow. She caught the first, the knife narrowly grazing her hand. The arrow embedded itself in the wood next to herself, and she blinked, yanking it out. It was long, rivets in the wood directing the air and making the arrow spin faster. She glared at it, but nonetheless picked up the other piece of wood, meticulously trying to copy the arrow.
After an hour on the one arrow, it broke in her hand. She growled, throwing the splinters to the ground and thrusting the knife into the soil. Ja mahd dah ruhns ta dehp. He tossed another of his sticks at her and she ground her teeth, beginning again. She lasted a mere minute, before dropping the knife and chucking the stick at the Troll.
He knocked it down, glaring at her, Wha ja suh mehn ta meh? Ah onleh trahn' tah help ju! Do ja naht knuh hah ta respek?
It hit here like a cannonball, and her eyes widened.
Respect from the Respected...
But he's a Troll...
He's still respecting me, though.
She bit her lower lip, Fine. Give me the arrow back. The Troll continued to glare at her, but nonetheless obeyed. It quickly broke in her hand, and before she could blink, another was in her hand. She then realized the Troll had built a pile of arrows for her to practice with while she was trying on one, and she blinked.
Thank you. He just grinned, returning to the other side of the fire. She returned to her arrows, clenching her teeth in frustration as another one broke. She looked up, noticing the Troll asleep, and frowned, continuing her work. She worked through the night, before finally, just as the sun's first fingers crept over the horizon, an arrow had been finished.
The Troll nodded at her, grinning again, Deh. Nah, ja go'a lehn ta mahk da bow.
She groaned, Later. I stayed up all night. He nodded at her, and she laid her head back.
Are you going to teach me how to make someone say the truth, and such?
Nah. Ja elfehs can't juse da' tahp o' shaddeh.
She nodded, closing her eyes and falling to sleep as she heard footsteps ruffle, knowing he was going hunting.
A long, uninterrupted silence gripped their small camp, the Troll working on a suit of leather armor, and Shivala working on a bow as the rain pounded them. The smoldering fire finally died, and Shivala's hand slipped on the waterlogged wood, cutting a slash going much to deep.
Elune damnit! She chucked the wood over the edge of a nearby cliff, reaching for another piece of wood and moving closer to the tree, hoping for the leaves to stop the water. They did so, yet, again, she messed up on her whittling, Holy fucking shit! Another piece of wood toppled over the cliff, and a small laugh reached her ears.
What the fel are you laughing about? The Troll just grinned in response, tossing the leather set at her, Guh chinge. Ah wuk on dis fuh ja. She nodded, hiding behind the tree and quickly changing. It was purple with red underneath, and a pale gray undershirt. The pants, gloves, boot and belt followed the same general concept, occasional cat claws decorating the attire, and it clung to her skin, feeling amazingly comfortable.
She returned to their camp, a light blush among her cheeks, Thank you.
The Troll nodded, So, come 'eh. Ah 'elp ja wih dis. She obeyed, sitting a few feet away from him, breathing out of her mouth, due to the Troll's smell. He handed her the bow, watching her work intently. Her hand, once again, slipped, and she let out string of Darnassian curses, preparing to throw the bow over the cliff edge.
She felt hands grab hers, feeling the Troll crouch behind her. Her muscles tensed, every inch of her screaming Push him away! Run!.
Sagi, this better be fucking worth it. Her fingers flexed as he whispered into her ear, showing her slowly how to cut correctly, to finish the bow. She moved her torso back, slowly pushing him away. He only persisted, still moving in and holding her up. Finally, she turned around and pushed him back, the finished bow falling into her lap.
He stood up hastily, staring at her with sorrow in his eyes, Ah.. gunnuh go 'unt. He turned away, sprinting off, and she frowned after him.
---
Shivala sat, whittling her own bow in the fashion of the one he'd made her, her attention more focused on the giant statue on the misty horizon, thoughts racing. A Draenei approached her in her peripheral vision, and she blinked, dropping the bow at her side and glancing at the female, Hello.
Greetings... I am sorry, I mistook you for someone else. What are you doing here?
I'm working on things... What are you doing here?
Searching for someone.
Well, you won't find them here.
Why do you say that?
Because, they're not here.
How do you know?
Shivala's gaze returned to the far-off statue, Because, I'm here, they're not.
They could be here, too.
I would know if they were here.
Did you know that I was here?
Shivala growled, Yes.
Okay.
Congratulations. Shivala picked up her half finished bow, continuing to cut at it. Go the fel away!
Congratulations at what?
Being here, of course.
Is that something to congratulate? How long have you been here?
Shivala merely shrugged as the Draenei walked over, sitting under a nearby plant.
Why are you out here now?
Why not?
You could be in town or at the arena. Or somewhere a bit more civilized.
I'm doing things here. Why are you out here?
Like I said before, I'm searching for someone. I caught your silhouette while walking by and you looked like that someone. Since you have never seen me before, I can only assume you're not her.
Go keep looking, then.
Are you that quick to be rid of me? I have seen no others besides Jungle Trolls in this jungle.
Well, you're being annoying.
The Draenei frowned, How was I being annoying? I will rectify that.
You're insisting on staying here.
So, in order to not annoy you while staying here I must, in fact, not stay here?
Pretty much.
That seems unfair.
Do I look like I care if the world is fair or not?
I do not think you could gain that information with a single glance. Shouldn't you care.
Shivala stood up, glaring at the Draenei, her knife slipping and notching itself into the wood, No, I don't care if you're happy.
Ah, not if I am happy, but if the world is fair. Should you not try to make the world fair?
Why should I try?
Because, if it is unfair, then what chance do you or anyone have at happiness?
You can be happy without being fair.
Only if things are unfair in your favor.
Listen, I don't want to hear your preaching.
Preaching?
Yes, just go, or I'll leave.
I see.... You dislike my presence that much?
What the fel do you think? Are you blind or something?
The Draenei clumsily stood up, slipping in the mud and grunting. Using her sword as a walking stick, she spoke, Aren't we all? Well, I will continue my search then. Good luck to you, and whatever your quest out here may be.
Goodbye. The Draenei sighed, turning around and using her sword as a walking stick. Shivala watched the glow from her pauldrons through the mist, until she was gone. Then, she sat down, whittling furiously to vent her anger.
The rest of the day passed away, and she finished her bow. As the sun set, she knew only one thing; the Troll wasn't back yet.
Heh, ah got chuh sometin' tuh practiz owh. He grabbed her roughly by the arm and hoisted her up.
Could you not do that? Shivala gripped her head, closing her eyes to block from the sudden rush of color that flooded her senses. She slowly opened her eyes, to notice a dummy made of various pieces of washed-up wood and too-thin scraps of leather.
Practich on da'. She nodded, sliding the bow off her shoulder and reaching for an arrow, which rested in a neat little pile with it's comrades. The bow slid into it's notch, and she fired, the bow lodging itself in the left arm of the wood-fur humanoid.
So, ah talk ta somebodeh 'oo beh goo' wit wha cha behn'. Another arrow slammed into the dummy, sending it on a 360 as she loaded another, What about it?
'eh sehs ja en't done 'til ja not uz ja ehmuhchins. A third arrow forced it's way into the wood's cranium, and it tilted back some. Shivala grinned, feeling amazingly powerful, Emotions? I have to get rid of my emotions?
He nodded at her, and she narrowed her eyes at the lanky Troll. The surge of power she felt made her grin, and she raised her eyebrow, Why? Another arrow left it's hold, barely finding a hold on the edge of it's right, still untouched, arm. She narrowed her eyes, notching and firing another arrow, which sailed by the head. The fel?
Another arrow missed it's mark, and she grit her teeth, preparing another. Ja tehnken tah mach.
Hm? Her voice was undoubtedly angry, and she glared at him, What did you say?
Stop tehnken.
What?
Stop. Tehnken. He took a moment, before continuing, Stop behn mad.
She bit her lower lip, closing her eyes and using an imaginary bucket of water to clear her mind of everything. She then deleted the bucket of water, and continued, firing another shot. The arrow whizzed through the air, embedding itself where the heart would be.
She let a grin break out on her face, taking another shot and firing. It whizzed off of the cliff, and she grit her teeth, once again clearing her mind. Another arrow flew, and another arrow lodged itself into the cranium. Another grin broke out on her face, this one quickly being erased.
She continued, the Troll working on a quiver for her arrows. Eventually, she had to begin ripping the arrows out of the dummy, which had somehow retained their perfect quality.
The day passed, and she became nearly giddy by the end of her practice.
I'm going home tomorrow.
The Troll blinked at her, and flashed a grin, although it was impossible to hide that he was sad at this, Guh. Ah tehnk ja wedeh ta guh, tah.
She nodded, her spirits slightly downed from his, Mm, my brother will be happy. She began ranting off who she would go visit, and the Troll just sat, his glee slightly decreasing with every word spoken.
Finally, she went to bed, still in quite a good mood.
Shivala plopped down on the small bed, clutching her head in her hands.
Fucking Troll.
Shivala's rage still burnt within her at Jabtok's comments, Trophies my ass. A low growl left her clenched jaw, and she glanced over her shoulder, nodding approvingly. If Fala'thorei thinks that, I swear to Elune I will murder him. She shook her head, No, no, I can't think that. We're mates now and I can't think that. It's un-matey. She then leaned back, letting out a small oof as she hit the bed.
Mate to a Demon Hunter.. What would Grandfather think? Is he even still alive? She shook her head, Doesn't matter. But what does Fala'thorei think? Was he... disappointed at me for how I handled the Troll? Once again, she shook her head, I need to hold my emotions in better... I'm still weak.
Does Fala'thorei see me as weak? Is he ashamed of me, and is that why I can't tell anybody? She shook her head, slowly dragging herself up the bed which she laid on. No, no, that's not it. He loves me and he doesn't want to get me further involved in his fight. He just cares for me, is all.
But a fighting man needs a fighting mate. If people find out we're mates, then I'll be ready for them to kidnap. I don't even have any weapons. She groaned, the voices of the inn downstairs occupying much of the noise in her room.
She closed her eyes, trying to single out the voices and listen to what Fala'thorei was saying. It didn't work, and another little growl left her mouth, Damn it. Is it so hard to listen to the one that I want to listen to? She shook her head, frowning. The general clamor had been too much, and she growled as a Tauren's voice rose above the rest.
Fucking Tauren. Is he deaf or something? Leave means leave and if he doesn't understand that, he needs to clean out his ears. She lightly laid her head on the pillow, sighing contently. She stayed silent, nearly drifting to sleep, before widening her eyes, angry at herself. No no no! Stop with the hate! Stop with the emotions! With emotions, I'm ugly! I can't seem ugly around Fala! She sat up, clutching her head, partially from the quick blood flow, and partially in her own anger.
Then, she closed her eyes, hands dropping to her side as her body fell back, asleep before she hit the pillow.
~~
Black plains, dead grass swirling in the light breeze. A slight depression was in the middle of the landscape, and, as Shiv neared, she saw a Night Elf and Fala'thorei. Fala'thorei was rigid as a board, one hand on his stomach and the other lightly stroking the female hair. His face was tilted to her, his breath shallow and face serene. The female, in return, was curled at his side, one arm trailing across his body, the other lieing between them. Her legs were also curled up, and her face was sunk into the nape of his neck, the rest of her face covered by her long, green hair.
Then, the Demons came.
They spilled from nowhere, quickly rushing towards the two sleeping lovers. Then, Fala'thorei woke up, barely holding the hordes of demons back as the female slumbered peacefully.
The female woke up and Shivala gasped. It wasn't her. It was another Night Elf. Fala'thorei had left her and gone to this one.
It hit Shivala like a siege tank. Fala'thorei... Fala... Fala doesn't love me. He's just saying it so I don't get hurt. Shivala's body jolted, and she gasped for air. She would of started crying, if she wasn't already, and as she discovered she already was, she swung her head back into the pillow, turning over.
Fala... Fala... Fala... Fala... She used his name as a lullaby, except by the time that she went to sleep, the name had changed to Mala.
Damn it! Shivala fished in her pocket, pulling out the small notebook that she'd been keeping. Furiously, she tore the book open to a random page. Then, she retrieved the ink and quill she'd been keeping in the same pocket, and scribbled away.
Disgrace to the Shadowedges. More words scribbled themselves out on the page, and Shivala found that she was crying. Nareian hates me after I save him, Grandfather hates me, Fala's lieing to me, my brother hates me, Sagi doesn't want to talk to me. The speed of her hand increased, and, despite the aching of her hand, she continued to scribble the words down.
Stay calm... She reminded herself, breathing deeply. They'll all see me as weak if I continue to act this way. She nodded to herself, wiping away the tears on her page and continuing her scribbling. Act strong and they'll respect you. They'll care for you. They'll love you and they'll listen to what you have to say. She shook her head, They will all respect me.
She leaned back, letting the book lay limp and unused in her lap, But I can't do that acting like an emotional wreck. I can't sit back and let them... walk all over me. Once again, she shook her head, Those who refuse to respect me... will die, family or not.
Spoiler:
Pathetic little bastards. Respect is something they deserve for what they've done, for the gift that they've received. They don't deserve my respect for their past deeds if they're too weak to use their gift in a good way.
Oh, oh, I'm was sleeping for half my life, kiss my feet!
Oh, I have horns, all of my brethren hate me! Oh, Shivala, I love you until I meet that next girl to mercilessly drag along! Sorry!
Bullshit. Fucking bullshit. They keep dragging me on with them, expecting me to sweep up their tracks and make everything fine for them. They expect me to pledge my life to them for what, a hug? A kiss? A nice job? A congratulations? I don't need their congratulations, nor do I want them. Only weak people want other people's flattery. Only weak people need other people sucking up to them to feel good about themselves.
And yet what do I gain from talking to you, little journal? Do I gain wisdom from you? Do I become smarter, stronger, faster? Do I get someone to hug when I'm sad, or yell at when I'm mad? No, I get little fucking pieces of paper that I get to waste time writing on. Yay, my life's all better now! Thanks, journal! I love you!
I love you too, Fala. Let's go heroically run off into the fucking sunset and cuddle with Orcs! Yay!
Respect for those who respect me. Destruction for those who don't. The verdict is simple and the jury is here. And if you can't get respect for saving someone from literally the depths of despair, how do you get respect?
Fear.
If they want to see me dead after keeping them sane, keeping them alive, then why should I even be here? The world needs a wake-up call if they treat someone like this, and guess what, little piece of paper and leather?
I'm the Owl that wakes it up.
~~
The block of wood sat in front of Shivala, and the Night Elf closed her eyes, imagining the bow that she would create from it. The Night Elf stayed this way, her mind churning with possible designs. Finally, she chose one, reaching and grabbing the wood and knife.
eh sehs ja en't done 'til ja not uz ja ehmuhchins.
So, if I'm going to supposedly be kidnapped, I may as well be able to fight.
The new leather armor Shivala had on made her shoulders feel naked, and the thought of someone seeing her scar and brand frightened her, despite the fact that she had leather covering each shoulder. For the umpteenth time that day, she readjusted the cloak she had bought with the leathers. Her hood rustled in response. She let a sigh, the first sound that had left her lips for a few minutes.
The combination actually kept her warm, despite the steaming jungles of Stranglethorn being on the doorstep of Booty Bay. She disliked the jungles, and she disliked Booty Bay more. Once she could find Fala'thorei, she was going to tell him where she was going and head back to his domain in Raven Hill. She nodded at herself, the hood once again jostling. Now, I just have to find him.
Water, please. The emotionless voice rang above the clatter in the tavern, and Shivala's ears perked up. Emotionless. It's a Dead Shot. She looked up as the Human passed, and quickly shook her head.
He uses guns... I can't learn from him. Her memories flashed back to her meeting with impostor Malathor, No, I do.. My emotions aren't hidden yet. But a Human won't be able to help me. He needs a gun to be strong, even. She shook her head, disagreeing with herself yet again, Some help is better then none.
I'm not seeming weak to a pinky. Nor am I seeming weak to those who would seek to fray my emotions. I can handle it by myself, but a little help has never hurt anyone. But he could be an enemy. Everything could be an enemy, and so that's why I can't trust anyone. She scowled beneath her hood, f**k it. I'll kill him afterwards.
With a swish of her cloak, she got up, trudging up the stairs after the Human. Her bow clanged lightly against her leg, her quiver swishing against the opposite side. She got to the top of the stairs, glancing around. The Human sat in the corner, holding a small drink of ale between his hands. She walked over to him, her cloak swishing around her shoes.
The Human looked up at her with bored, seemingly dead eyes. To all others, he would seem scary, weak. To Shivala, he was the paragon of power, and despite the fact that she'd never heard of this Human, a gut feeling informed him that she would not be able to kill him.
She mentally sighed, sitting down. His dead eyes followed her, and she felt naked. Instinctively, she adjusted her cloak to fit around her, and mentally nodded. She brought her eyes to meet his. Yes? The emotionless tone of his voice sent shivers down her spine.
Uh... hello. She felt her palms get sweating, and rubbed them on her pants, I'm just going to be blunt... Are you a Dead Shot?
The Human raised an eyebrow at her. Shivala knew that it was just an act, and she was impressed. What does it matter to you, Kal'dorei? Shivala swallowed, taking a deep breath and calming herself, I was just wondering how you... how you keep your emotions... so... hidden. I wish to do the same with my own. She mentally nodded at her own self, although disappointed by how she stuttered. One mustn't seem weak among one they wish to impress.
The Human ripped her eyes from her, and she sagged, unknowing that she'd ever tightened up. And why should I tell you? There are certain secrets to everything, and being a Dead Shot is one. She once again tightened up, this time consciously, Because I will not murder civilians...?
The Human merely shook his head, looking over at her with his eyes, which were a shocking gray. How much do you already know?
For that, she had no answer. She tilted her head to the side, being quiet for a few seconds before speaking, Well, all I need to fix is my emotions.. I don't control them now, they aren't gone as yours are.
Kal'dorei, you don't simply lose your emotions... Once their gone, you never get them back. You're emotionless for ever.
This, for Shivala, was a revelation. She had always understood that it was like a switch; on and off, and you can change if you were emotionless or not. Shivala weighed the pros and the cons... Respect for Emotions. She closed her eyes, I'm okay with that.
What makes you want to lose your emotions, Kal'dorei? She opened her eyes, I want respect.
The Human regarded her blankly, before returning his stare at the opposite wall, Go think over your reason. It won't do. With that, he leaned back and closed his eyes and, although Shivala could tell he wasn't asleep, she knew it was time for her to leave. She nodded, getting up and going down the stairs. Leaving the inn followed, and, as she stepped up, she was instantly reminded why she hated Booty Bay.
The smell of pollution marred the air, and she began breathing out of her nose. At the same time, she saw new logs being carried somewhere, along with a slave panther being pulled on a leash. A pang of anger and disgust instantly found their way into her heart, and her hand flew to her bow. She shook her head, taking a few deep breaths and walking back inside.
As she approached the Dead Shot, he opened his eyes, looking at her. Back so soon? What's your reason.
My reason is that so that I will always judge clearly.
Booty Bay is so small. Shivala giggled from her perch, a bottle of "Ventus' Happytime Nightmare" clutched in her hand. She'd found the bottle in her bank account in Booty Bay, and, in all fairness, it surprised her. The moment she'd found it, she'd remembered how giddy it made her feel, and she'd taken a swig. The swig had brought silly ideas to her head, and, of all of them, she'd decided to go to the cliffs overlooking Booty Bay. This took her about 15 minutes, and, when she got to the top, she sat down on top of a rock, which dangled precariously over Booty Bay itself. She took off her cape and hood, drank some more from her bottle and sat down, a wide grin on her face.
Which brings us to now.
Shivala giggled like a little schoolgirl, repeating herself. Booty Bay is so sma-all! She hiccuped, grinning widely.
Booty Bay is so smaaaall.
I hope I don't fall.
I would fall for a while.
As far as a mile.
That would hurt.
And I would...
Shivala tilted her head to the side, trying to find a word that rhymed with hurt. Burp, Furt, lurt, hurt, mirt, dirt! Dirt!
I would hit dirt.
And then hit water.
Once again, Shivala stalled. Water, hotter, cotter, fotter, botter, cutter! A leaf rustled behind Shivala, and she snapped her head around, instantly sobering. The Human from yesterday was just standing there, watching her intently. Idiot's probably trying to hide in the mist.
She got up, slinging her cloak over the shoulder and buckling it to her leather. The hood followed, blocking the pitter patter of the rain from soaking her hood. She sighed greatfully, turning around and facing the human. He spoke first, Hello, Kal'dorei.
She nodded back, Ishnu. A slight wind shuffled her cloak and she folded her arms beneath her cloak, What are we doing today? From beneath her cowl, she supervised the Human who'd been watching her. Simple gray clothes, floppy white hat underlined by a fringe of curly hair. His skin was dark and his face sharp, which was further sharpened from a groomed goatee. The gun hanging from his waist was simple, from what she could see of it. Handcrafted, as her own bow was.
Today, we begin your purge of emotions. I made a list, choose which pair you would like to go first. He walked forward, hiding a small piece of paper out towards her. The rain made small dots on the paper until she covered the paper with her hood.
Spoiler:
HATE-LOVE / JOY-SORROW / PRIDE-JEALOUSY
The answer was easy. Shivala thrust her head up, looking at the Human, who's bored eyes were hidden by the floppy hat. Hate and Love.
He nodded, moving a hand in a gesture to follow, and a shiver moved through Shivala's spine. She handed the paper back to him. He drew a line through it, folding it and putting it into a pocket. He started walking away. Shivala's cloak swished as she walked after him. No turning back now.
~
The Human stepped into a clearing, the Kal'dorei following soon after. After the Kal'dorei situated herself with her back to a large tree, the Human turned on a heel, facing her. Hate and Love was a typical choice. Everyone I have taught has chosen that as their first. Yet, it makes sense. Hate and Love make you weak when you need to not be. Yet, by getting rid of them, you lose what you become. I ask you again, Kal'dorei, are you sure you wish to do this?
Shivala merely nodded. The Human's nod matched her own, and he sat down, motioning for her to do the same, which she did. Out of a pocket, he pulled a small vial, throwing it at her. She caught it nimbly, holding it up in front of her. Drink it. She nodded, pulling out the cork and draining the bottle of it's contents.
Spoiler:
It began right away. First was a Troll. Not any specific known Troll, just a Troll. Shivala would of glared, had she had the ability, but she found herself rooted. The Troll walked up to her, spat a few words at her, all of which in Zandali and spit on her. Then, with a few more words, the Troll left. Fucker. I will kill him.
Then, from all around her, a voice assaulted her ears. Shivala, just stay back. I got this handled, I don't need your help. I can handle this alone. A guttural growl left Shivala's throat, Oh, of course. I'm just a little fucking useless woman, aren't I? An image of her brother materialized, and, blind with anger, she struck out with him. Her arm burned, and she yanked it back, growling again. Then, a Human Female materialized, Annabelle, and her and her brother kissed.
Shivala roared, Fucking whore!, blind with anger as she lashed out at him continuously. Eventually, her energy became spent, and she roared again, pulling her arms back. She held them in front of her, growling at the singe marks. She pulled her arms apart, the couple disappearing. I swear to Elune, if I ever see him with a Human, I will tear his eyes out! She nodded to herself, closing her eyes and waiting for the potion's effects to wear out.
The effects continued, and, when Shivala opened her eyes, there was her grandfather. Shivala, you're coming home with me. Shivala shook her head, Young lady, don't fight it. Last person to fight my command... Shivala narrowed her eyes, I know this, Grandfather! I spent my childhood listening to your stories, and training for my father! Well, guess what? I'm losing my emotions for you two. Just stop treating me like a child, okay?! The visage nodded and drifted backwards, breaking apart like a million grains of sand.
Shivala woke up, finding herself in a cave. The Human had his hat off, across from a fire that roared in the center of the cave. He nodded at her, Recover soon. Love is next.
Love... it's quite an interesting thing. We all hate it, yet we all love it... Well, most of us. The humor was humorless, and Shivala gave him no satisfaction from the joke. The Human nodded briskly, turning around and searching in his pack. He pulled out another vial, this one filled with a pink liquid.
That color fits The Human shook the vial, before holding it out to her, Ready? A short nod prompted a toss of the vial, and Shivala caught it, cradling the tube in her hands. Whenever you're ready, drink it. She nodded, pulling the cork.
Memories of the past experience with the Human's vials shot into her mind, but she pushed them aside with a mental reassurance, That was hate, this is love. They're completely different. With another mental push, she thrust the vial into her mouth, careful to keep her grip on the end. She yanked the vial away, collapsing on the ground not a second later, her mouth shut.
Spoiler:
Shivala.... Shivala....
Shivala swung her head wildly, searching for the bland voice that endlessly called her.
Shivala.... Shivala....
Then, she was surrounded.Fala'thorei, Urelle, Safksha and Seleza forming a circle around her.
The fel?
They pounced at her. 9 body masses flying at one. She yelped, diving for freedom, and achieving it, before looking back at the group. They'd molded into one being, which roared at her, Shivala, you loved us too much. You shouldn't have been so easy. A mass jumped out at her, and she recognized it as her brother as he tackled her to the ground. He pinned her arms to the ground, nearly spitting with rage as he spoke, Love is weak, even for fam--.
She growled, sending a knee to an unforgivable place. He fell off of her, crying in pain. Then, she got up, grabbing her bow. Of course, the bow splintered in her hand, and she growled once again, throwing the two halves of her bow at the oncoming monster. Then, she turned and ran.
The first thing Shivala saw was the Human above her, and the first thing she did was frown, snorting through her nose. What next?
You rest.
YESTERDAY MORNING
The Human shook Shivala awake, and the Kaldorei sat up, groggy eyed. Yes? The Human stood up, his gun jingling. Shivala eyed the thing with disgust, Time to get rid of your first emotions. He offered a hand, but Shivala shook her head, pushing herself up. She eyed the Human, Where to?
The Human beckoned a hand, Follow me. He turned, picking his gun off his belt and holding it in front of him as he troopered out the cave.
~
The Human stopped his tromping, turning to face Shivala. Close your eyes, Kaldorei. Sit down, and tell me all that you dreamt about.
Shivala nodded, tucking her legs behind her and sitting down, her eyes closed as her knees touched the ground. The remembering part was easy to do; she hadn't forgotten a detail. There was a Troll. He said some words, then spit on me... Then, my brother said he didn't need me and... he kissed a Human. Then, my grandfather tried to take me home.
The Human nodded, This was Hate? She nodded back at him. Okay, now tell me about Love.
Once again, Shivala nodded, squeezing her eyes shut. My grandfather, grandmother, brother and... friend showed up. Then they attacked me. They said some things about loving too easily, then my brother jumped on me. He said some more things, but then I got away and ran. She went over the part about her brother kissing a Human on purpose.
The Human nodded. A slight rustling came to Shivala's ears, and she cocked her head to the side. Open your eyes, Kaldorei. And follow me. She nodded, obeying.
~ Eight hours later ~
The Human walked in, motioning for Shivala. She looked up from a haunch of meet, Come.
She snatched up her bow from beside her, holding the haunch in one hand and the bow in the other as she went to look with the Human. Below, there were two target dummies set out. Shivala squinted at the objects, and frowned. There was one for hate, and one for love, each basically a hodgepodge of her fears and things that angered her, with a straw bag for a head.
This is stupid.
The Human ignored her, Kaldorei, all you have to do is kill them both with one shot and drink this. He held up a frothing green drink. She eyed the drink with suspicion, before nodding stoutly. In a fluid motion, she pulled an arrow from her quiver, notching it into the bow and aiming the bow at the Anger dummy.
The Human laid his hand on her shoulder, Kaldorei, one shot for each. She nodded, aiming her shot, before the Human spoke again. Here, I have something. He walked back into the cave, before pulling a piece of parchment from his bag. He unfolded it, walking back and handing it to her.
It was a simple enough parchment. Nothing special. A picture of a human, a few red, hastily drawn circles on certain places. She eyed the places, nodding and notching her arrow, turning back to her position. The rain made it hard for her to see the wooden figures, and she frowned. Can I do this tomorrow? When it's not raining? The Human shook his head, and she frowned again, turning her attention back to the task at hand. Oh you fucker. I'd like to see you do this, Human.
Nonetheless, she squinted at the objects. She muttered under her breath, This. Is. Bullshit. Then, she let the first arrow loose, and nodded confidently as she moved to the next. As she squinted at this one, and she could of sworn that this one was moving. Nonetheless, she shrugged it off and shot. The moving stopped, and she tilted her head to the side.
The Human kneeled beside her, pushing the vial into her hands. Drink. She did, and the world went black.
Now, which emotion would you like to lose next, Kaldorei?
The Kaldorei impassively twisted her head around, surprised slightly at the fact that the Human was less then a foot from her back. She twisted her body to follow her head, and nodded, surveying the top of the Human's hat. Give me the paper.
The Human nodded, reaching inside a pocket and pulling it out. He held it out, and she snatched it from his grasp, looking at the writing.
Spoiler:
HATE-LOVE / JOY-SORROW / PRIDE-JEALOUSY
She thought, tilting her head to the side as she did. It took her a minute before she straightened her head, Pride and Jealousy. The Human nodded, taking his paper back and motioning for her to follow. She slid her bow into it's sheath, situated on her hip, grabbing her cloak off a nearby tree and buckling it, before hurrying after.
~
The Human turned on his heel, eying Shivala up and down in her gray cloak and hood. First Pride, then Jealousy. She nodded at him, What do I need to do?
The Human narrowed his eyes, reaching into the pack at his side and pulling out a vial with a sickly brown in it. Kaldorei, tell me your name. I just realized that I don't know it.
Shivala tilted her head to the side, Shivala. The Human nodded, processing this as she held out her hand, ready to receive the vial. The Human was phased out, his eyes staring at her, yet his mind elsewhere. Hello? His head snapped to her and shook it, Sorry, I was just thinking.
Without another word, he dropped the vial into her hand, and she held the drink in front of her eyes. She bit a nail into the cork and yanked, the cork flying away into the forest. Then, she drained the bottle. This time, she stood, rigid as a board as her mind churned.
Spoiler:
She was in Ashenvale. Wait, no, Darkshore. Her house was in front of her. Then, she saw the smoke. It crept like tendrils from the surrounding woods, and Shivala's eyes widened.
Fire.
The fire quickly overtook her old home, the thing that she'd helped keep clean, and the thing she'd taken care of for her childhood gone in a minute.
Then, she saw her bow among the wreckage. And her quiver. Along with Shadowedge, the polearm of which her last name was based on. Then, she saw her brother's corpse, laying on the ground, burnt nearly to ashes. The scene before her went black, then exploded in color as she noticed her parent's graves as the trees above them caught fire.
With each shot, a loud thwack broke the silence as her arrow collided with it's target.
Thwack.
As she loaded another arrow, a branch snapped behind her. Her head also snapped to look at the voice, and she nodded at the Human.
Ready?
Shivala hastily got to her feet, nodding. She bent down, picking up her cape and surveying the mud on the other side, before clipping it around herself and turning to face the Human, Where to?
We're going over to the Barrens, now. Not as much Light-forsaken rain. He eyed her up and down, After Jealousy, of course. He tossed a purple vial, which Shivala had failed to see, at her, and she caught it, Hold off on it until we get on the boat.
She nodded, tucking the vial into a pocket as the two left.
~
Booty Bay. Pollution clamming half the air, disgusting breath claiming the other half. The Kaldorei shook her head, voice barely audible even to herself, Disgusting.
A bell tolled above the noise of machinery, and Shivala quickened her foot pace, eyes kept focused on the Human fighting through the crowds. Slowly, the crowds dispersed and Shivala stepped onto a plank connecting the wooden dock to the boat.
A goblin blocked her way, Oy, ma'am, ye have ta pay! She tilted her head to the side, I'm with the Human.
He only paid fo' one. She narrowed the silver orbs that were her eyes, nonetheless dropping the fee into the goblin's greedy hands.
Her walk across the plank was otherwise uninterrupted. She pushed open the doors, unclipping her cloak and dropping it behind a hammock. The Human walked over to her, and she sat down on the hammock, Did you pay for two? He nodded, and she frowned, Greedy Goblins.
The Human, who's name she still did not know, sat on the hammock beside her. Where's the vial? Shivala cursed. He reached behind her and searched inside the cloak, before handing her the intact vial, Go ahead. Bottoms went up.
Spoiler:
A thick red mist circled Shivala, and she swung her head around. Nothing was with her.
Then, there was a figure. The mist parted, and Shivala saw Tyrande. Her jaw dropped, and she forced herself to a knee, before noticing that Tyrande wasn't moving. At all. Not even her chest, in the regular tempo of breathing. Slowly, Shivala got up from her position, poking her leader. The statue didn't respond. Then, Shivala noticed that the statue didn't have any fingers. At all.
Shivala pondered why this would be there, eventually finding her reason; you couldn't use a bow when you couldn't pull the string back. Once again, she reached out to poke her leader.
Darnassus was on fire. It wasn't hard to notice Tyrande, shooting into the crowd of Kaldorei. Then, the crowd surged up at the lone Huntress, Malfurion leading the charge against his mate. Shivala watched as he tore off her fingers. The people who once knelt before their leader kicked her, and Shivala was absolutely horrified at the spectacle. Everything she had admired about her leader had been compromised. Her skill with the bow, her respect and her mate.
[[Revised the last few, may want to read them to keep current.]]
THREE DAYS AGO
Shivala, ready to rid yourself? The Night Elf nodded, opening her eyes from her side of the campfire, although there was not much of a need for one in the scorching Barrens heat. Luckily, though, Shivala had taken a few sticks and propped up her cloak above it, relishing in the shade. She'd propped up her camp on the edge of the hill where they were, and had spent most of her time sniping the trees of the oasis below for practice.
Then get up. You'll draw the attention of the Centaur if you continue. Once again, the Night Elf nodded, getting up and dusting herself off. She turned on her heel, facing the Human. It's on the other side of the hill.
Alright. Thanks. She reached down, grabbing her bow and walking to the other side of the hill. There were, once again, two dummies, one a likeness of Tyrande, the other a giant polearm with a straw head. Remembering the process from last time, Shivala took out two arrows, bracing one against her bow. Aiming it to the Polearm dummy, she fired, grinning with joy as it pierced through the neck. The same went for the second, and Shivala returned to camp. The Human promptly tossed her a vial. Once again, she drank the vial, collapsing onto the earth.
TODAY
Now, today we begin the end. We have Joy and Sorrow left, in that order. He held out a vial, Then, we shall finish our little fiasco by hunting the Centaur down-hill and stealing the gold that they've pillaged from the Horde and the Goblins.
Shivala nodded, snatching the vial from his hand. A quick pull took out the cork, which cascaded down the side of the hill as the Kaldorei put the vial's contents in her.
Spoiler:
The first thing was a pile of Orcish bodies. This made Shivala giggle as the bodies piled on top of eachother in an inanimate, messy heap. Then, the Trolls joined them, doubling the size of the heap. Next, the Blood Elves finished the pile, cascading off the sides like a bloody waterfall of peach, lumpy water. And, lastly, the Blood Elves, filling in the gaps like peach cream. By this point, Shivala was rolling on the ground, giggling madly at it all. Then, a Necromancer came along and resurrected -all- the corpses. And they chased after Shivala.
Shivala got up, running. After a bit, the corpses stopped chasing her, and, when she looked over her shoulder, she saw Fala'thorei. He grabbed her, wrapping her up in a hug. Shivala sighed, letting her body sag in his arms... before he threw her away and charged after her. Once again, she got up and ran.
Her eyes opened, searching for the Human. One more.
I wonder where they are. Shivala took one more glance around their camp, searching for Raptors straying too close, or Centaurs patrolling too far away from their camp down hill. The Human was sitting across from her, eyes closed and feet on top of his knees. She grabbed the stick next to her, humming innocently and spindling the embers left in their fireplace, before tossing the stick behind her. She heard it clatter down the hill, frowning before it fell silent on the lower tier.
I'll go get that. Slowly, she struggled to her feet, knees popping. Then, she turned around and heard the Human copying her movements, Shivala, wait. We'll take care of the last emotion now. He took a moment, digging the vial out of his bag and holding it outwards, Sorrow.
The Night Elf closed her eyes, One second. I'm going for a walk. Without another word, she slid down the rocks, picking up the stick as she continued her descent. Tossing it between her hands, she perched on the cliff overlooking Booty Bay, watching the small figures below. Where are they? Fala'thorei's answer was easier, Duskwood or Azshara Crater. However, it was here brother and her grandparents that worried her. Ashenvale, she could only hope that they would be in the towns, and safe from the Orcs that now roamed the forest as much as her own people. The farther into Night Elf lands, the better. Of course, they could still be in Stranglethorn, but Shivala doubted Urelle would let Safksha stay there so long. Azshara Crater was another possibility, but the Orcs nearly ruined that. And probably not in any non-Kaldorei lands, like Elwynn, or Eversong. Maybe they would even be in Moonglade, although the Taurens probably pissed Urelle off. That made Shivala giggle.
Eventually, she narrowed her eyes at the figures, trying to identify one or the other. Of course, they were too far away to be distinguishable. She got back up, twirling the stick in a hand, an arrow stationary in the other. I'll scout Ashenvale once I'm done. Sneak behind the Orcs, or something.
Then she shook her head, holding both things stationary as she began to run up the slant going to the top of the hill. No, they can take care of themselves... I'll mail Grandmother. She'll inform them. She reached the crown of the hill, nodding at the Human. He walked to her, holding the vial out. She snatched it from his grip.
You know, I would have thought that this would be more then drinking some potions and killing some dummies. She pulled out the cork, eying the foaming potion. Is this all I need to do? Really? The Human nodded, and she eyed the potion again. Without another word, she downed it.
Spoiler:
Night Elf bodies, this time. Piles and piles and piles. Everyone she cared about was in the heap, and even some people she didn't care about. Despite this, she managed not to cry, just being sobered by this. Then, those that she cared about came out, horribly disfigured. Half a foot, no ears, burned nearly beyond recognition. Then, she started to cry. The one that she thought was her Mate came closer, and she threw her arms around him, only to have him disintegrate in her arm, the ashes sticking themselves to her clothes.
The now distressed Kaldorei fell to her knees, searching at what ash had fallen on the ground for him. Alas, he did not rise from the ashes, and she bent over, sobbing. From her closed eyes, another image burst. The Troll playing with her. This only made her cry more, and she forced the image from her mind. Along with it went the potion's effect.
The Human stood over her, offering a hand to help her up. Almost done.
The crunch of the dead grass underfoot was slightly comforting to Shivala, despite the fact that she was raised in the exact opposite type of land. Nonetheless, where only distant, large spires of land were your only companions, it was nice to hear something other then your own shallow breaths. Of course, Shivala had to do more then breath, so she'd began to hum. The spire to which she was walking was looming in the distance, and she tilted her head to the side, regarding the monolith and it's brothers, each of which dotted the Barrens landscape in it's own area. They were unique, the only of their type in the world.
Why Shivala had walked to Ashenvale, only to remember that she was banned from all Night Elven lands and have to walk back, annoyed her. Yet the Human to which she had escaped from annoyed her more. In fact, all humans annoyed her. How her brother could put up with taking orders from one of them boggled her. Luckily, though, their grandfather had swooped in and saved him from going too far into the void of which they called "equality". The Kaldorei shook her head, Thank Elune. I was beginning to get worried about him. I actually still am. Shivala then went over a list of potential mates for her brother.
Sylvandre... No, too mean. Aliana... No, taken. Franziska... No, she's dead. Ylvandre... he might like her. Izshandriel... perfect. I trust her, she's also pure and she listens well. I'll have to set them up some day. With this, she nodded to herself, increasing her pace. The road leading to Ratchet intercepted her path, and she followed it, still humming the old tune as she crept into the loud town. Buying an envelope and stuffing her letter in it, she dropped the letter into the mailbox and walked away, back up to her and the Human's little camp.
~
She didn't even have to walk the full way up. On the first tier, she saw the dummies. Easily enough, she shot them both down, finishing her quiet walk up. The Human was kneeling down, messing with something she could not see.
With a triumphant grin, Shivala silently notched an arrow, aiming it at his heart. Slowly, the Human got to his feet. In a split second movement, he twirled around, aiming his gun at her own heart.
Slowly, both of their eyes narrowed, and, in sync, they lowered their weapons.
Did you kill the two below?
Yes.
Where were you?
Ashenvale.
The Human nodded, Good.
That night, neither slept, both fondling their weapons and watching each other closely.
Turns out, Shivala just killing the dummies from close up hadn't worked. The fact that she'd been too untrusting to drink the potion didn't help either. So, she'd persuaded him into giving her the vial, and she'd walked off, going to her own place to take them down. This was due to the reason that she didn't trust the Human enough to give him a clear shot at her back, and the love was returned right back at her.
Thus, she'd left, two arrows and her bow in her hand, and the quiver jostling merrily at her hip. She'd shed the undershirt to the heat, wearing just now the brown chest piece. Thus, she'd been quite happier and cooler, which worked out quite well.
She'd checked the mailbox, unsurprisingly having no return letter from her grandmother. She estimated a week, at least, and that would give her time to check Duskwood. Naturally, with the Felsworn still up and running, she knew he wouldn't leave until the Demon's head was delivered on a silver platter. If he wasn't a Demon Hunter, she'd think that her Grandmother would like Fala'thorei quite well.
Fel, when she'd first heard of Demon Hunters, she'd thought her Grandmother was one. Naturally, with her Grandfathers hate, that had not been received well. That month, she'd been taught of Demon Hunters, and then she'd understood. A Demon Hunter was probably the last thing her Grandfather would be mated to. Yet, she was young. Who could blame her? Tyrande was E'lune, Tauren were mythical and Ursol was the bear in the cave that would later attack her.
Life was so easy back then. No losing emotions, no family drama, her parents were living, no dieing. Sometimes, she wished that she could go back there, but then she remembered how boring it was. Breakfast, training, lunch, training, dinner, training, bed, repeat. At least, here, she was having fun. And doing what she was trained to do, even if there was a bit of overkill involved.
She zipped back into reality, kneeling at the cliff over Ratchet and aiming at the dummies. Zip... Thwack. One was down, and she reloaded her bow, Zip... Thwack.
Getting up and turning around, she walked and slid down the hill, quickly walking her way to the inn. There, she paid for a bed, taking a nap with a little help from her potion.
Today
Shivala had reapplied her undershirt, now hanging out under her cape again. She was still hot, however, and was staring at the Human, who was returning the stare.
I heard we were going Centaur hunting today. She tilted her head at him, and the Human narrowed his eyes. He fumbled with his belt, pulling off a dagger, I'm going to go to Ratchet for supplies. You may go hunting if you want.
Without another word, he picked up his gun and backed away from her, careful to not give her an opportunity to kill him. When he was gone from sight, she picked up the dagger and bow, sliding down the opposite way. She slipped into the trees of the oasis, tucking the dagger into her belt and arming her bow, ready to shoot it at anything.
Nothing greeted her during her walk, and she frowned. Searching for 15 minutes, and finding nothing, she decided to return the small camp. Reaching the edge, she found she was on the wrong edge of the oasis. f**k. A war yell reached her ears, and her head flicked behind her. Nothing. Her next instinct was to follow where the noise went, and that she did.
There was a small group of Centaur searching for something, presumably her. As they patrolled, Shivala eyed them and their weapons, setting up an attack plan.
Kill the bow, the Shaman, the un-prepared bow, the strong one and then the weak one. Taking the arrow, and holding another one ready, she shot into the bushes across from the lake. The centaurs charged the bush, and Shivala shot the first one, it piercing the bowman's neck.
The rest rounded on her, charging. Luckily, she had a lake between them, so she was able to take down the large one as he charged. Eyes flickered to the rest, and she dove from a ball of Lightning, taking an arrow from her quiver and having it pierce the Shaman's neck. An arrow caught her shoulder, the plate stopping the majority of it, so it only hurt as much as a kitten's bite. She grabbed an arrow, aiming as the last warrior charged, roaring at her. Another dive followed, and Shivala raised her eyebrow as a centaur made arrow pierced his back. She rose, aiming at the last bowman.
Zip. Thwack.
Bah, that's boring. Unluckily, the arrow had hurt her brand, and it hurt like a female dog. Wincing as she applied a hand to the semi bleeding wound, she slung a bow over her shoulder, taking off back to the hill.
Then she remembered, the Human. He would probably try to kill her. Fel, he knew she would, so why wouldn't he? The edge of the oasis just ahead, Shivala stopped, hands preparing to shoot.
As a test, she shot a bush 30 feet away. A large gunshot echoed around her, and she narrowed her eyes, preparing another arrow and stepping out. The Human was searching about, and she aimed for him. Too far. She sprinted for the edge of the hill, losing her line of sight with the Human as she approached the edge. Tucking the arrow over her shoulder, she grabbed various places in the rock, climbing up and continuing. Here was much better. The Human was still searching the edge of the oasis, and Shivala took aim.
Zip. Thwack.
The Human's body fell forward, down to the lowest bluff. Once again, Shivala's bow went over her shoulder, and, slower this time, she walked up the edge of the hill. Walking all the way up, she went into the Human's stuff, taking a few gold that she would most likely need for the future. Then, she took her own stuff and wrapped them into a bag, using his bag. Then she slid down the hill, placing her cloak on top of the Human, RIP.
She climbed back up until the city of Ratchet sat below, and Shivala sighed, To Duskwood, I go.
![[Image: OmtDPPC.png]](http://i.imgur.com/OmtDPPC.png)