"But, MOMMA!"
Them speaking in unison was way more annoying than adding to each other's sentences. "There's no discussion. I'll only be gone a few days. I have to prove to some numbskulls that I really am their warrior goddess. A leader sucks at his job if he refuses to stand with his followers."
"But you've never been gone before." Bradly had tears in his eyes.
"If you cry on me, I'm not going to give you hugs before I leave." She packed her board and her bags.
"But the town won't be safe without you." Darguni pouted.
"Oh, dear Gods, your dads aren't pansies. Hell, Renwa himself is a battle hardened Admiral. There are hundreds of men and women here who are willing to protect you. If you're SO scared, hang out at the training yard all day. Maybe you'll learn you something."
"But..."
"There are times when you have to do things, even if you don't like it. I'll try to bring you back a demon horn. Those are always cool. Maybe I'll yank an entire skull. We'll just see."
"I still don't see why you have to go."
"Because I'm the biggest badass there ever was, and I have to teach some silly little Orcs how the fuck to fight." She slung her pack over her back. "I'll be gone a few days." She kissed both of their heads. "If you can't live without me for a few days, how will you ever survive to adulthood?" She shook her head.
Opening the front door, her legs were wrapped around. She looked down and sighed. "Lydia, not you too..."
"Bring me back a souvenir?"
"Sure thing, sweetie." She stepped out and waved a hand at Savage. "Not today, love muffin. You stay, protect the boys. Make sure Yoona behaves." He started yowling. "Elune save me." She slapped her forehead.
"Take the cat." Grogek shook his head. "He might come in handy. Yoona's been doing well; I'd say she's ready to try a hand at protecting the boys."
"Oh fine, come on you big baby." She sighed as Savage stopped his yowling and fell in step with her once again. "I'll never hear the end of that one."
Stepping outside the barrier, she was pleased with Charnak's organization. She climbed up on the platform beside him.
He tugged her forward and kissed her, running his hands on her hips. "My Goddess, I hope our preparations are to your liking."
"It's looking good." She eyed Savage, who had somehow climbed up on to the platform. He flopped down beside her and gave a purring acknowledgement. She rolled her eyes. She watched the scene with interest as Charnak gave orders and organized his troops.
When they were ready, he smiled to her. "I hoped we could share a mount?"
"Nope. Got my own." She hopped on Savage's back and he leapt nimbly off the platform. He roared in pleasure and she rubbed his side. "This is what you've been waiting for, isn't it?"
Charnak climbed down and got on his wolf. He marveled at her. "You ride without a saddle or reins?"
"You betcha."
A day into their ride out, Charnak stepped out of the small tent to take a leak. He was stopped by one of his officers.
"Sir, I'd like to speak with you."
"Follow." Charnak pulled himself out and let go with a sigh.
"Sir, it's just... the others are a little concerned about our... guest."
"How so?" He stuffed himself back in his pants.
"Well, sir, the fact of the matter is, we all know she's unstoppable in the ring, but the ring isn't battle. This is far more dangerous. The others are worried that..." He sighed and rubbed a hand over his head. "There's rumor that she's pulled out your teeth, and that you'll spend the whole battle concerned for her safety. We just don't have the man power to keep her safe, or prevent her death."
Charnak grabbed the man's shoulder. "The Goddess of War demands battle. She will prove to all of you that she is worthy of the title. And if she dies? Well, then she wasn't really a goddess, now WAS she?"
"Y-yes sir!" He turned and ran.
Elunara slipped her hands over his shoulders and leaned against his back. "If you had answered any differently, then I would have slit your throat. A worried lover is no use to me. Come, I think you deserve a reward for that."
She stood atop the hill, frowning at the death and destruction the demons had wrought. She slipped off of Savage. "Give me a line."
Charnak barked his orders and the crowd of warriors shifted to allow a path. "Well, my goddess? I give you right to call battle."
She held up a hand to him and closed her eyes. Her fingers crushed through Savage's fur. She focused all her rage, anger and hurt. She filled herself up with pain, the rage filling her limbs. In order to make the best impression, she knew what she had to do, and prayed that she would stop before she tapped herself out. She flexed her hand and held her sacred dagger.
She opened her eyes and her nostrils flared. As far as she was concerned, the demons had taken her beloved Grogek, her precious Jordan and her sweet Tulani. The demons had taken her family and they were after her boys. Releasing Savage, she took off running. Savage bounded in beside her, refusing to leave her side. She took the first flying leap at a demon.
