The trees began to yellow and the leaves fell to cover the cobbled streets, as autumn descended in earnest over the Eastern Kingdoms. Fires were kindled in stone hearths throughout the city, as the first traces of frost tinged the air. Sasha used this time to work with Frostfyre every day, and as she did so, her connection to the half-grown pup became ever stronger. At times she was sure she was inside her companion’s head and could order her to obey simple commands.
Her father watched on, and even he could see that the bond was far deeper than just a girl’s love, for an unfortunate rescue. The beastmaster in him sensed that perhaps, one day his daughter may indeed fully mind-meld with her unlikely companion. He didn’t know what would happen then, but he was glad his daughter had found resilience, and solace after her ordeal. He had seen many an orc captive, return to their family, a shell of the person they had been prior. Every day he was thankful, that his daughter seemed to possess an unusual strength, and of that, he was in awe and most proud.
Graham Trias often visited, but as yet there was still no marriage date. Aunt Evelyn was very bothered by this and told her niece repeatedly she liked it not. Sasha was glad, she didn’t really wish to be roped into this marriage, and she was going to enjoy her freedom of sorts while it lasted. Though regrettably, there were no frequent sorties into Elwynn as she had been allowed in the past. The young woman tried to tell herself it was for the best, and she must get used to the idea of staying within the city walls and complying with more domestic pursuits.
Sasha and her cousin frequently corresponded, by now Erin had learned of Sasha’s medal of bravery, and the circumstances that surrounded it. Apparently, the academy had discovered that Erin’s true calling was portal magic. She was already enrolled in the advanced courses, and she was often told by her teachers that none had seen her like. According to Erin, there were very few who possessed this talent, though her abilities with other schools of magic were not so accomplished. However, her instructors told her that with time she should achieve passing proficiency in all of the arcane arts.
The execution date for the orc leaders had been set for next, moon dark. Perhaps even the most benevolent Elune did not wish to smile down on those thus doomed, Sasha mused. The executions had been slated for shortly after sunset. Sasha really didn’t wish to attend, even if most of the city would turn out to observe their enemies' final moments. She wrestled with going for many days leading up to the event, however, at the last moment she had attended, she simply had to know if her beloved would meet his demise at the executioner’s blade.
She hadn't remained long. She would not stay to sight blood running across the flagstones. Only long enough to be assured that Gorthan was not among them, and he was not, of that she was secretly glad. He would then be imprisoned in the stockades, and eventually at the King's discretion shipped off to some awful internment camp. A place devoid of all-purpose and hope, at least that is what she had read in her studies. She hoped against hope, that, that was not true.
She had to see him, she must give Gorthan hope. How to do this though left her mind in great turmoil. It was difficult to eat, sleep, or even think of anything else. On the days when Graham would visit, and they would stroll hand in hand in the park, her mind was only on her love imprisoned so close, yet so far from her.
Her father had noticed her distraction, and her fractiousness in recent days. His senses were very finely attuned after all. One dark autumn evening, when the wind was whipping the last of the leaves from the trees with gusto, and rattling the window panes, he appeared around the corner of her bedroom doorway. Frostfyre was blocking his entry, she had made it a firm habit to lie in the doorway inspecting anyone thoroughly who wished to cross into her mistress's threshold. Begrudgingly, with much toe pushing, Frostfyre relinquished her place, and Devin sat on the bed beside his daughter.
Sasha smiled up at her Papa, she was in the process of combing her chocolate brown hair with the orcish bone comb, dreaming of her love, and places far away. Reliving that happy and heady time. Her father often visited her just as he was doing this moment. He was always welcome in her world.
“What’s up, Papa?” Sasha did her best to sound cheerful. Devin cleared his throat. Sasha could tell he was about to make some kind of announcement.
“Well my lass, I’m going on deployment shortly, only as far as Redridge this time and not for very long. But I really came to ask you what’s wrong, you just haven't been yourself of late.”
Sasha looked longingly at the bone comb, rubbing her fingers over the interlocking tribal design. Where she knew his fingers would have rested as if by touching where he had, he could return to her. There was silence for a time, only interspersed with the rattle of the window panes and the scraping, lashing, branches outside.
“It’s almost winter Papa.”
Devin Wrynn nodded in affirmation, his expression bleak. Winter promised to be hard this year, on the heels of a recent war, and crop failures.
Sasha turned to look into her Father’s kindly face, knowing she was deeply loved. She knew she had to tell him the whole truth, what was in her heart. Even if he didn’t wish to hear it. She hated the barrier that it had created between them.
“I know you don’t really understand Father...and you say orcs and humans are sworn enemies, but...I want you to know he wasn't like that to me Papa. He was good, gentle, and kind. He protected me. He’s the reason I sit here today. It wasn't like people say it was, not at all...”
Devin was a wise man, he knew his dearest daughter had been through much in recent months and he was never one to press. So he simply nodded, and let her talk. It was good for her to unburden.
“I cared for him Father, deeply. I chose to give myself to him, in gratefulness, not out of fear. There must be a way for him to be freed, pardoned, or for me to at least see him before they take him away.”
Devin made a troubled sound and covered it with a cough. He hated to admit that his daughter was no longer a child, and she had ideas of her own.
Sasha set the comb down on her coverlet and turned to look at him. She knew he was displeased.
“It cannot be baby, girl.” He was shaking his head, and he looked very troubled. “The orcs show us no quarter, and though I never wish to limit you, my dear girl, I must in this. You cannot see him, and I cannot arrange it.”
“But Father!”
“No Sasha, and that is final.”
A difficult silence once again descended on the room, the candle in its holder almost guttered and went out, the tiniest sliver of a flame held on to life, and it flickered back to brightness again. Devin rose from his place, putting his hand on the crown of his daughter’s head.
“I’m sorry my girl, but it can never be. You would be best to put it out of your mind.”
Sasha could not bring herself to look up at him, her teary eyes fixated on her hands, holding the bone comb before her. She would not, could not, file him away to just a memory. She would see justice done.
*****
Late fall was dark and dreary, promising a hard winter. Sasha walked when she could even in the chill weather, she found the activity and the exercise helped clear her head. Gorthan though was never far from her mind. She knew that the Stockades had recently been emptied of the orc prisoners. She wondered where he was now, and how he fared? He was strong, she knew that, but he was a proud creature of the wild, one not made to endure four walls, to be stripped of his vibrant life. She and Frostfyre would find him if it was the last thing they did. Yet she had no idea how she would even begin.
She ran through the deep leaves that carpeted the park, Frostfyre by her side. Running hard helped her rein in her anger and her helplessness.
'Go ahead and sit,' Sasha commanded, wordless entering the mind-meld state.
Frostfyre cavorted through the leaves, came to a sudden halt about twenty feet distant, turned about, and sat to face her approaching mistress.
Sasha smiled and felt great joy at her achievement.
'Good girl, now lay down.'
The white worg stretched her legs before her and lay in the leaves still as stone, eyes never leaving Sasha, awaiting the next non-verbal cue.
'Good girl, now come to me!'
Frostfyre bounded from her position to sit before her mistress.
“I really wish you didn’t have to wear that muzzle, but it would not do for you to be seen.”
Sasha got down on her knees and hugged her shaggy friend. She could feel the contentment and love emanating from the creature’s mind. She had every confidence her mind meld was complete, though she wondered, how far would such a bond extend, and whether it could even be used to communicate ever more complex instructions? Perhaps one day she would see.
*****
Sasha never told anyone of her ability to communicate with her worg. She had gone from feeling so carefree and loving about all of her family to being closely guarded. She didn’t enjoy the situation, but it was what she had been left with. To speak her mind, she had learned, only made everyone uncomfortable.
With the approaching bad weather and the feast of Winterveil only a few days away, Sasha was often indoors more than she liked to be. Aunt Evelyn, and Uncle Benjamin, were making preparations for the festival. Her Aunt loved to decorate and bake, and her Uncle, well he was making his famous ham. Her Father was preparing for his deployment to Redridge, he would leave soon after the holiday, and Sasha found she was dreading the prospect of winter without him.
Sasha usually loved this holiday, however, this year her heart was not in it. She wandered the markets browsing for gifts for her friends and family, and she would as she shopped constantly overhear the cruel words whispered. Perfect strangers would talk about how terrible her captivity must have been, and how they felt sorry for her, and then go on to mention that no one wants to marry a woman sullied by orcs, and it was fortunate she didn’t have a half-breed in her belly. The gossip was terrible to hear.
When she was accompanied by her Father he would look at her with much sadness, and they would turn for home. Sasha was becoming privately incensed that she was unable to persuade anyone to understand that she had been willing. They all thought she was ill and made mentally unstable by her captivity. To begin with, she felt hurt, but after a while, she realized they would never comprehend. She would just have to continue on and develop a thicker skin.
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One dark afternoon, she heard a rather loud knock at the door, as she sat trying her best to compose a letter to Erin. She had a gift she had wrapped and was just putting the last touches to the missive, so that it may reach her cousin on time. She pulled her quilt about her shoulders, the room was rather cold. She could have lit a fire, but today she was feeling too lazy.
She could hear her Father welcoming a guest in the parlor, she assumed perhaps he had a military buddy over for some drinks he often did. Her Father was kind to veterans and often invited men who had little semblance of a family, over to their home, so that, they may enjoy the festive season.
She didn’t think much more about the visitation but decided that she was thirsty and needed to warm up. Deciding a spot of peacebloom tea might do the trick. There was always the cast iron kettle bubbling on the range. So she headed toward the kitchen, Frostfyre following behind her. Tense voices came to her before she reached the doorway.
“I know she’s been through a lot Devin, and I don’t want to make this worse, but...My Graham is besotted... but I cannot sanction this marriage. People are talking all over Stormwind, I am sure you understand.”
Sasha stopped abruptly once she realized that she was the context of the conversation, the visitor was none other than Elling Trias. She didn’t want to hear what was said about her, and yet she could not bear to leave. She dared not even inhale, as she hung on every word.
“And that’s no ordinary wolf she walks with, it’s the size of your lion there! Right or not Devin, people are scared. Some are demanding she be ordered from the city.”
“By the LIGHT, Elling! That’s ridiculous! She’s an eighteen-year-old girl!” Devin retorted angrily.
“I am just telling you what I have overheard Devin.”
“Yes I see that,” her Father sighed heavily. “I will let her know.”
“I’m sorry Devin, and I can see myself out.”
Sasha darted away from the door, hiding in the next room, her heart pounding. She could see Elling Trias skirting about Frostfyre warily in the parlor. Sensing her mistress's distress, the worg turned to face him, ears back emitting a low growl baring her menacing fangs. Elling backed away, trying to put as much distance between the snow white worg and himself as was possible.
'Stop Frostfyre!' Sasha ordered silently.
Reluctantly Frostfyre stood down, and Elling left the house, slamming the heavy wooden door behind him with a loud thud.
*****
Winterveil came and went. The weather was atrocious, a blizzard dumped ten feet of snow in a single evening over the rooftops of Stormwind. The city shivered in record early cold. Sasha could tell her usually relaxed and jovial Father was bothered, he had clearly not been himself since his heated conversation with Elling Trias a few days prior. Sasha though was glad the marriage proposal had been rescinded and was only too happy to send that Azerothian diamond back to whence it came. She did feel bad for Graham though, she was sure that he would be hurting, it was never nice to be told who you must give your heart to.
The weather was so inclement Devin’s deployment had been postponed. However, he still seemed to have a lot of business that forced him to go out into the frigid weather. Sasha spent the majority of the time in her bedroom, which overlooked the snow-bound street below. There were very few out and about. A small but cheerful fire burned in her tiny, cast-iron, bedroom fireplace. She often sat close to it, watching the reflections of the flames dance on the walls, and pondering her future. She had been freed from the yoke of impending marriage, and it was quite plain that no other good families would be sending any suitors her way. Good, she thought, but she really had no idea of what she would now do?
Suddenly there came an anguished cry to interrupt her thoughts. It was her Aunt, she sounded as though she was in distress. Sasha immediately rose and vaulted down the stairs, Frostfyre never one to be left behind in hot pursuit.
“Don't let the animals out here,” Uncle Benjamin cautioned.
He went into the snow-covered courtyard, it was bitterly cold coming from the overly warm kitchen. Sasha closed the door in Frostfyre’s face and followed him slowly across the yard. The snow was deep, up to her uncle's knees, and almost to Sasha’s upper thigh. There was something crimson laying on the bed of bright whiteness, and lumps of something cream scattered about it. Suddenly it came to Sasha’s mind, that what she was looking at were her Aunt’s chickens, and furthermore, they were all dead.
“They were poisoned,” Uncle Ben said with much stoicism. He was picking up the piece of baited flesh carefully, in his gloved hands. Sasha at once knew just who that poisoned bait had been destined for.
Then followed the mysterious notes, left by their front door, or thrown wrapped about stones into their rear yard, threats, and none of them pleasant to read. Devin Wrynn studied them silently, and he looked most thoughtful. Aunt Evelyn had become a nervous wreck.
One evening as he usually did, Devin ventured up to Sasha’s room to tuck her in and bid her goodnight.
“Evening Papa,” she said, as he looked about the half-open door after knocking lightly. Sasha hadn't been doing much this winter eve, except huddling in her quilt and watching the sticks crackle in the hearth.
“Am I interrupting anything?”
“No Papa,” Sasha smiled up at him.
Her Father smiled back, a look of deep love for his only child. He sat next to her cross-legged on the floor and put his arm about her slender shoulders. How could someone so fragile be so mighty? He wondered.
“I have made a decision my Dear.”
“Oh?” Sasha’s pretty heart-shaped face gazed up at him questioning.
“We are going to move.”
“Move in winter, where to Papa?”
Sasha didn’t need to be told why, she knew her father feared for both her and Frostfyre’s continued safety. Once the severe weather broke he would be deployed, and he felt he could not leave his family here. Also the strain on his Brother, and his poor wife, in his mind was untenable.
“I have a friend in Goldshire, her name is Donni Anthania she has a cottage for rent. We will be moving there just as soon as the worst of the weather abates. You and Frostfyre should be safer there, I’m warning you it’s not very big, it’s a very modest cottage, but it was the best I could do given the circumstances.”
“It will be just lovely,” Sasha reassured him, giving him a big hug, and kissing him on the cheek. She could hardly believe they would be moving to Elwynn forest. She could further train Frostfyre, and she could already imagine making the tiny little cottage into a loving home.
Devin Wrynn smiled, his intrepid daughter was always up for an adventure. Just like he was.
*****
As soon as the weather broke, Sasha and her Father prepared to leave. They had very few possessions, and those that were large would be moved by cart at the earliest possible convenience, once the snow had melted. Until then they would have to do without.
Devin didn’t feel completely comfortable with the relocation, it had been hastily contrived. However, with his imminent posting to Redridge, he could see of no better option. Of course, Benjamin and Evelyn insisted they stay, but Devin stood firm, he had put his poor brother and sister-in-law under enough stress as it was.
Donni Anthania’s little stone, and blue shingled cottage, stood blanketed in pristine, deep snowfall. Sasha’s breath plumed, as she blew into her mittened hands, as her Father struggled with the recalcitrant door lock. Thane along with Frostfyre, who was rapidly becoming equal in size to the mature lion, gamboled and wrestled in the soft snow, their playful growls the only sound present in the still and cold afternoon.
Sasha was overjoyed her Father had elected to leave the city life behind. The last few months had been miserable. The circumstances of their exodus were regrettable, but this was the environment where both of them thrived.
The thick planked wooden door opened, to reveal a very modest, yet homely cottage. It was only a single, large room, this home was considered to be something a peasant would possibly occupy. There was a stone hearth toward one side of the room, and nearby squatted a small wooden table with two chairs. There were two cots on the other side.
“Let me get the fire lit, it’s awfully cold in here,” her Father suggested.
There was a convenient stack of dry wood, and some kindling set by the fireplace. Sasha took the heavy iron cauldron that was suspended above the fire and went out to get some snow, so that they may melt it for water. A hot drink would be most welcome.
Thane and Frostfyre were running in tight circles about the cottage, seemingly impervious to the cold. They almost bowled Sasha over. She wasn't angry though, she loved to see them romp and play, and they couldn’t do that in the confines of the city.
It was good to be free of the constraints of society, a tonic for the soul. The young woman looked about her at the forest, and she smiled, and for the first time in many months, it was one of genuine happiness.
*****
Her Father had left when the weather broke, he had implored Sasha to be wary and to keep safe. He told her that Marshal Dughan would be by daily to check on her, as the cottage was rather secluded, and the Defias threat was ever present. He had cut a very large pile of firewood, and stacked it by the side of the house, enough to last her the remaining winter. As she bid him goodbye she could see the worry in his expression.
“I will be fine Father, really.” She assured him.
He just held her tightly. “Be careful baby girl,” was all he said.
Sasha didn’t mind living on the edge of Goldshire quietly alone, in the dead of winter there was no one about, except for the occasional visitation of a Stormwind patrol, or the dutiful daily visits of Marshal Dughan. They would often share a hot tea, and sit awhile by the fireside. It was a pleasant interlude.
Frostfyre grew and filled out, she was now so large that Sasha could sit easily astride her back. She didn’t have a riding harness, so she initially just gripped the white fur and held her seat with her knees. It was difficult to maintain her seat, and she often slipped off ingloriously into the soft snow. So she set to work on constructing a leather riding harness. Once she employed this new improvement, she rode Frostfyre for hours, it was amazing how much ground she could now cover on worg-back.
When the days were calm the pair hunted. Best of all the aspiring hunter realized she could command Frostfyre to hunt for her. They never went hungry, not once all winter even when game was scarce.
Sasha also used this time to further improve her aim and her marksmanship skills. Every time she held her bow, or looked at the beautiful quiver, she thought of her love. She hoped he was safe and well, but in her heart, she knew his existence as a prisoner would be bleak. She often pondered how she would locate him. Who she may have to speak to or bribe?
Her nineteenth birthday came and went, in the deep dark month of February. Perhaps many may have been lonely here, but Sasha found it invigorating. During this hard month of winter, she spent most of her time near the cottage, but she wanted for nothing thanks to her canine friend. Her father would be home again early, spring, and she was looking forward to the lovely summer they would share in such an idyllic place. Meanwhile, she stayed busy making this tiny cottage home. She had unpacked all their belongings, and sewed curtains for the windows. For the first time in many a year, she was truly happy.
She had been placing her treasured books into the rough-hewn bookshelf when she thought she heard a noise outside. She paused as she stilled herself to listen. Suddenly the door burst open with a flurry of frigid wind and snow, she was about to admonish Frostfyre for her intrusion when she recoiled in fright, two burly men stood in her doorway trademark red bandannas over their faces, Defias!
Sasha turned toward them, they were both young, strong men, even at her fiercest she would be no match for them. They stood blocking the only exit. She knew the Defias were dangerous men, they robbed, raped, and murdered at will. Though she hadn't expected them to be about in the dead of winter. Yet here they were, larger than life.
“Ello Lass,” one of them spoke through his mask.
Sasha didn’t like the tone of his voice at all. The hair on the nape of her neck prickled.
“What’s a pretty little bird doing out here all helpless and alone.” His voice held a lascivious tone.
Sasha pulled herself up and faced the men, her heart thundering in her chest, already her mind was reaching out to her companion, calling her, telling her she was in danger. Part of her though was deathly afraid this was a complex command, and Frostfyre could be anywhere, even miles from the cottage. Would she come to her aid?
The man who had spoken with the lank black hair had now pulled his blade signaling his intent, and he began to stride toward her. His blond companion also made his move.
“It’s cold out there luv, how about showin a couple of blokes some hospitality with a little bit of that.” He stared invitingly at her cleavage. “And perhaps a little bit of hot tea? Waddya say?”
Sasha’s mind screamed for her friend’s help, as she edged away from the invaders, who stood now with impunity just feet away.
“Let me taste some of that sweetness…”
He touched her then, all Sasha could remember was his grimy fingernails pulling at her arm, and the sudden flash of white, accompanied by the coppery smell of spraying blood. The man behind him went down with a sudden surprised yelp, as Snowfyre landed heavily, all her paws on his back, pinning him to the floor, her huge tusks raking his shoulder.
She was on the second man in just moments. The bandit turned directly into the bi-eyed gaze of the huge worg. Sasha perilously close, could hear his frightened intake of breath, as the animal went for his offending arm. He screamed, and the dagger fell from his torn appendage.
Sasha had to pull herself from her stupor, her own mind was clouded by the excitement and frenzy of the kill, she knew, that if she did not wrest control of her friend, murder would happen here this day. She fought with Frostfyre’s mind, soothing her, telling her to desist, her display of force had been enough.
The huge worg tilted her head, and looked to Sasha, as the bleeding and terrified bandits ran from the cottage out into the cold.
For a time Sasha just stood in the open doorway, looking out into the winter white, and the bloodied tracks of her now-vanished assailants. Frostfyre sat by her side.
“You came,” she said softly in a grateful voice.
From that day forward, Sasha knew that their mind meld was indeed complete.