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| Details |
| Author: | Disknight |
| Summary: | Crim and Rozalin do their best to continue going about their lives after the fall of Northwatch Hold. |
| Rating: | M for Mature 17+ |
Chain: Northwatch
Crim and Uahe sat gazing across the savannah of the Barrens. They shared a pipe while waiting for the blood to drain from the kodo beast they had brought down together.
“It has been too long since I’ve had a proper hunt.” Uahe puffed, “Between the Cataclysm and the war against the Alliance, the game all across these lands have struggled.” He glanced at Crim and passed the pipe over, “We were lucky to find a bull fit to bring down.”
Crim took the pipe and grunted, “The spirits must be smiling on us today.” He placed the mouthpiece to his lips and took a long drag, “This land is strong. It will recover in time.”
Uahe chuckled humorlessly, “I wish I could share your optimism. The land will survive, yes, but there are already several species that are struggling to maintain their numbers.” The grey-furred tauren snorted and shook his head, “The land that we pass on to our descendants will not be the same one that our ancestors remember…”
Crim clapped Uahe on the shoulder and gave him a sympathetic look.
“I suppose now I understand the melancholy that your people feel for your own home.” Uahe smiled weakly at the gesture.
“Azeroth is my home.” Crim stated, “But I appreciate your sympathy, friend. I know for many of my elders, adjusting to this world has not been easy.”
Uahe nodded as Crim handed him back his pipe, “Some have taken to it better than others. The Earth Mother does not look kindly upon those who would trample it carelessly.” He let out one last puff of smoke and then tapped the spent up cinders onto the dirt.
Crim grunted. It was clear who Uahe was talking about, but he dared not say anything more for their safety, “I heard about your part in the battle at Northwatch Hold. It was quite the victory, I’m told.” Crim flashed the tauren a knowing look.
“Mmm…” Uahe closed his eyes and took a deep breath, “One could say as much, yes. I played my role. When it was clear the battle was won, the High Chieftain called us away. I will not shy away from facing the Alliance, but there are some boundaries that the Shu’halo cannot violate.”
Crim nodded, “Garrosh has found new allies now that the Earthen Ring has turned its back on him. I’m sure he will manage. You fulfilled your duty well.” They both chose their words carefully. They wouldn’t be the first people in the Horde to disappear because they spoke too freely.
“I was surprised that you didn’t join the attack yourself.” Uahe lied, “You may be a member of the Earthen Ring, but you are also a champion of the Horde. The Slayer of Nefarian, Hero of the Mag’har, and many more.” He lathered on Crim’s titles with a grin and raised an eyebrow and waited for Crim’s answer.
Crim grinned at the jab, “I stood with the Earthen Ring in keeping out of this battle, but my loyalty to the Horde remains unchanged. Garrosh had the Alliance hopelessly outfoxed. It was a strategy that I would have liked nothing more than to use in my youth fighting for survival in the Eastern Kingdoms.”
“You have told me of your hot tempered past, but what of the here and now? What does this Crim Ragefang bring to the Horde?” Uahe asked.
Crim glanced at Uahe with a glint in his eye, “I wouldn’t be so fast to write off my hot temper as being in the past. I have some fire left in me yet.” Crim closed his fist and the patch of ground where the smoldering embers from the pipe was extinguished and coated in a thin layer of frost, “But for now I have been spending more time with my woman. Our child is going to be born any week now. I’m sure no one would object to Azeroth having a strong new warrior.”
“And one with both orcish and human blood at that.” Uahe smiled fondly, “I hope their loyalties will not be torn.”
“Rozalin has no love for the Alliance. As for myself, I know precisely where my loyalties lie.” Crim said severely.
Uahe locked eyes with Crim, “As do I, old friend.”
The two stared at one another without blinking for several minutes. The tense moment was only broken when Uahe’s stony glare cracked into a snicker. As soon as he broke, Crim erupted into a deep belly laugh which Uahe promptly joined.
“So then where will the great Uahe Stonemane, Scourge of the Kolkar and Horned Coyote serve the Horde next?” Crim asked with a smile.
Uahe shook his head at Crim’s theatrics and responded, “I’ll be returning to aid my tribe in the south past the Great Divide. The Alliance may have been beaten back for now, but we have many struggles ahead of us in the wake of Camp Taurajo’s destruction.”
“No doubt.” Crim grunted, “What about Trungo? Where is he serving?”
Uahe smiled weakly, “He remains with Garrosh’s forces. Unfortunately we cannot all remain in the rear. Our vanguard could use a cunning mind such as his.”
“Spirits willing his counsel will not go overlooked…” Crim said soberly.
“Spirits willing…” Uahe echoed.
The two sat in silence for another moment longer.
“And to think.” Crim spoke up, “Now that Deathwing has been defeated that means that both the Alliance and Horde will have more resources to bring to bear against one another.”
Uahe stroked his beard, “You fear this is only the beginning?”
“It’s more than a fear. You saw firsthand what happened at Northwatch. We are about to witness a type of war that this world has not seen in some time.” Crim gripped his totem-axe tightly and gave Uahe a grave look.
Uahe recalled the sight of the raging fire giants, “You fear the Alliance will respond in kind?” He deflected.
“Something like that.” Crim sighed, “With their heroes in Cobalt Company no longer distracted, things are going to become much harder for us. Some old friends in my clan have started telling ghost stories about Auralind Mistwalker again.”
Uahe narrowed his eyes, “What are you implying?”
“That Garrosh needs to stay on his toes. He has more enemies that he is aware of. Who’s to say when they might take advantage of a hasty decision.” Crim said evenly.
Uahe calmly nodded along, “Ancestors willing, it will not come to that.”
Crim grunted. He and Uahe had an understanding. They needed to remain close if they wanted a chance to change anything, and with Trungo still on the inside as well as Crim’s new connections in the Crimson Coterie they might just pull it off one day.
Finally, Uahe got back up on his feet, “But before any of that, let’s finish carving up this kodo.”
“Dabu.” Crim stood as well and they both drew their knives and got to work dividing up their kill between them. Uahe took the hide, bones, and most of the meat to bring back to his tribe. Crim simply took enough to keep himself and Rozalin fed for a week or so. Goblin commerce being what it was, Crim didn’t have to worry too much about not being able to find food in Ratchet.
“It’s been good to do battle side by side with you again under more fortunate circumstances.” Crim said as he finished bundling up the last of the kodo meat onto Uahe’s sled.
Uahe snorted in amusement, “I’m not sure I will ever quite get used to the way the orcs liken the hunt to war, but yes, it has been good to stand together again like old times.”
Crim chuckled, “I still have some to learn from you then it seems. You have been patient in teaching me the customs of your people. I have learned much about how to walk the land and track prey.” Crim smiled proudly, “Ever since I first set foot in the Barrens you have been more than gracious. You have my thanks.” Crim reached out a hand.
Uahe snorted in assent and clasped it tightly, “You and your people as well. With your aid we have been freed from the oppression of our enemies. I will not soon forget how you stood alone to defend my grandfather during that centaur raid.”
Crim nodded, “The Horde’s strength is its unity. Any true child of the Horde would lay down their life for another without hesitation, be they from a different clan or even a different people.”
“Hmph.” Uahe shook his head. That wasn’t the kind of sentiment he’d heard much since Garrosh came to power, “Wise words as usual, Ragefang.” He let go of Crim’s hand and pulled the drag-sled up onto his back.
“Ancestors watch over you, old friend.” Crim thumped a fist on his chest.
Uahe nodded, “And you as well. But before we part ways there is something I need to give to you.” Uahe held out a small pack to Crim.
“Oh? What is this?” Crim said as he took the pack and started to open it.
“My tribe has not forgotten the generosity that your mate Rozalin showed to us in sending a portion of her harvest to feed us after being displaced from Taurajo.” Uahe inclined his head, “It isn’t much, but we hope that she will appreciate it.”
Crim unwrapped the pack to reveal a traditional tauren style dress small enough to fit a human, “I have no doubt that she will. Thank you.” Crim smiled gratefully.
“Good. My tribe will call on the Earth Mother to bless you and Rozalin with a healthy child.” Uahe told him, “Perhaps the next time we meet you will be a father.”
Crim beamed at the prospect, “That would be something, wouldn’t it?” He chuckled, “We’ll see if they aren’t big enough to play with your boys in a few years.”
“I think I would like that.” Uahe chuckled back and raised a hand in farewell.
Crim saluted the tauren as he made his way off back home and then packed up his share of the kill to take back to Rozalin. His mouth was watering just thinking about what she’d make it all into for them. He smiled and shook his head. She really was a remarkable woman. Her belly had grown so big he was amazed that she didn’t just topple over in a stiff breeze. And she insisted that she keep herself busy through it all too. Crim only recently convinced her to slow down with her sewing and get more rest, although the back and leg massages he started giving her probably helped there.
“I’ll be home soon.” Crim said as he turned to the east and made his way toward the road to Ratchet.
-----—
Rozalin kept her wits about her while she shopped for groceries in the market. The battle at Northwatch Hold was only a couple days ago, but she still remembered the sounds. It was loud. The crashing, booming, and shouting. Rozalin was no stranger to violence, but full on war wasn’t a thing she had much experience with, and she was more than happy to keep it that way. She couldn’t stop shaking the next day, and she barely slept that night either. Crim had stayed up with her to hold her and keep her company. He even postponed the hunting trip he had planned with his friend to stay with her a couple more days. It honestly helped a lot, Rozalin thought. She was lucky to have someone who was so understanding.
But she couldn’t stay holed up at home forever. Rozalin needed to go out and get some shopping done, and she’d lose her mind if she didn’t get out of the house soon. She already spent more time sitting around than she preferred with having to haul around her big belly all day long.
She looked over the fruits and vegetables to check if they were good before putting them into her bag. Once it was filled she cracked a few jokes with the shopkeepers before she paid for everything and made her way back home. While she walked, however, she noticed a tall orc man eyeing her. He stood in front of the local weapon shop and tracked her as she made her way down the street, “What are you lookin at?” She said to herself. Rozalin took an unnecessary turn to get out of his sight, but he left his place in the line to follow her.
Rozalin picked up her pace, but in the end she could only waddle away so fast. Rozalin huffed and sputtered, “Who the fuck is that?” She kept glancing behind her to see if the orc was still there. After a little while it seemed like she’d lost him until she suddenly felt herself bump into a large figure in front of her.
“Watch your step, she-human. If you walk so carelessly you’ll trip.” The orc from the weapon shop was standing in front of her. He’d reached out a hand to grab her shoulder and stop her before her belly knocked into him.
Rozalin jumped at the shock and had to stifle a squeak. She put on her best mean mug and stood her ground in Orcish as best she could, “You watch where walking! You follow and get in my way!“
The orc blinked hearing Rozalin respond in Orcish, “Lower your tone. I’m not here to pick a fight with a human wachook.“
“Then why stop?“ Rozalin scowled and shrugged off the orc’s hand. He was a bit smaller than Crim. Taller, but not so heavily built, and he was wearing an impressive suit of black plate armor.
The orc snorted and rested his hands on his thick belt, “You really do have spirit, don’t you?“ There was a certain familiarity in his tone and Rozalin couldn’t place, “I was just curious when I saw a human walking around here. After all, we thrashed your people so soundly at Northwatch.“ The orc let out a sardonic chuckle, “I didn’t know there were any stragglers that made it out alive.//“
Rozalin’s stomach turned remembering the sounds that echoed across the bay that night. All the cannonfire, the crumbling walls, the screaming, and at the end the jeering and chanting of countless orc voices. She hadn’t been able to make out what they were saying at the time, but given how Crim was clenching his jaw and wearing that calm-yet-intense expression that he always did when he was holding in his anger, she figured it was probably for the best she never learned…
“I am no friend of Alliance!“ Rozalin spat. Her knees started to shake, and her trembling hands tightened their grip on her bag so she wouldn’t drop it, “I live here. I have right! And I have friends in cartel.“ Rozalin raised an eyebrow. That was just about the only warning she could give as she was now. She could barely even reach the knife on her belt these days.
The orc let out a low chuckle at that, “My my. Well I certainly can’t get angry with a she-human who knows when to leave the losing side. I’m sorry for startling you. I was just a bit curious.” The orc stuck out a hand towards Rozalin.
Rozalin peered into the orc’s blood red eyes for a moment. What was this about? She thought. Rozalin had enough sense to know that this meeting wasn’t just a coincidence, but beyond that she was lost. She took his hand and gave it a weak shake. She had to focus to keep her hand from trembling.
“You said that you live here, though?” The orc gripped her hand firmly. Rozalin winced a little at his tight grip, “I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a human living in this city.”
Warning signs kept springing up in Rozalin’s head, but she didn’t know what to do with them. Crim had said that they shouldn’t tell eachother too much about their business when it came to interactions between the Alliance and Horde. Rozalin didn’t even know where Crim went off to fight back when he was still helping the Horde army, and Rozalin kept her Cobalt Company newsletters back in Westfall. She hadn’t even had the chance to read any of them for over a month now because she hadn’t been home. Did this count? Crim might be able to help her figure out what was going on here and how to get out of it… Rozalin clenched her jaw. Or it could end up blowing up in his face. His relationship with Rozalin was probably too public to be a secret from anyone, but the idea of someone digging into it didn’t sit well with her.
“Well?” The orc waited for her response, “You really live here in Kalimdor?”
Shit! Rozlain didn’t have any more time to think, “I… Yes. I live in Ratchet…” There was no use lying about that.
“Good. Well in that case perhaps we’ll be seeing more of one another.” The orc put on a big, toothy grin.
Rozalin shivered, “Maybe…” She chuckled nervously. She didn’t say anything else. This all felt way too close for comfort. Even if she told Crim there wasn’t even a guarantee that he could do anything about it, and then he would just get dragged into whatever this was too. Rozalin realized that the orc was still gripping her hand and she yanked it free, “I go now. Chores need do at home.”
The orc grunted and didn’t fight back to keep her there, “Very well.”
Rozalin nodded and tried to scurry around him. She needed to get away and pray she didn’t encounter him again in the future. However, her escape was cut short when the orc grabbed her arm as she passed around him. Rozalin fought her natural reflex to glare back at him. She tried to tug her arm free, but the orc had a firm grip on her.
“One more thing, she-human.” The orc asked, “What is your name?”
“Rozalin.” After she answered, the orc loosened his grip enough for Rozalin to break free.
The orc grinned and nodded, “A fine name.”
“Who are you?” Rozalin furrowed her brow.
The orc chuckled and flashed a wily smile, “My name is Oremm Thunderfist.” He thumped a fist on his chest, “Remember it.”