"Alright, Sugarbear, there's some low rank orc bitches we're going to have to pass before we head up into Loch Modan. I'll handle them. I kicked their asses years ago, and they never got any better. Through Loch Modan we'll be pretty well protected. There are some kobolds, but they tend to be scared by a fart. We'll head from there to the gates that lead to Searing Gorge. I have the key, I earned it ages ago. Once we pass the gates, it gets hairy. I'd recommend your gear. Mostly spiders, then rogue Dark Irons, we'll run through there, and pass through Blackrock Mountain. After that, we head into Burning Steppes. Once we're in the steppes, we'll want to put Susan in the center, and have her hang on to the kids, because this will be the nastiest part of our journey. Once we make it through, we'll hit Redridge. Easy stuff, the occasional orc or gnoll, then we'll smack through Elwynn, and we're basically home free."
"You lead, I'll fight when necessary."
Elunara nodded. "This is why I had to come. I doubt much can get past the pair of us. SaTa and Argy are flying along with us. They're looking forward to the spiders."
"You control the beasts." Grogek snorted.
"This seems rather dangerous." Susan swallowed nervously.
"No choice but. It's the most direct route. I think, for the sake of you and the children, I'll be rapid pumping the horses through Burning Steppes. Too much shit to worry about."
"I don't know what that means."
"It means I'll be filling them with energy over and over again. It's risky, but it'll keep them running and reduce the time we have to spend."
Susan stopped and stared. "That's him..."
Grogek frowned. "That's him who?"
"The Dark Iron that took my husband."
Grogek pulled the horses to a stop. "Where?"
She pointed. "Through there. At that camp..." She put a hand to her mouth. "I know it was him. I recognize the scar on his face... my husband put it there."
Grogek tossed the reins to Elunara. "I'll be back."
"But...!"
Elunara put a hand on Susan's shoulder. "He'll be fine."
Grogek flexed his hand and called his axe.
"What is he doing?"
"Defending his mate." Elunara shrugged. "It's what orcs do best."
"M-mate?"
Grogek came back, and climbed into the cart. "There, now that entire encampment can't bother anyone again." He snapped the reins and the horses started to run again.
"I don't know what to say." Susan rubbed her face. "I'm so grateful. Not only did you get revenge for my husband, you saved my friends from the same fate." She leaned against his arm.
He wrapped his arm around her. "You are mine now."
"I guess I am." She whispered.
"Love, I see orcs." Grogek cautioned.
"I'll handle them." Elunara went stealth and jumped out of the wagon, using her increased speed to reach the orcs; she brought down five of them, checked them for valuables, and grabbed the cart as it passed. She jumped up. "Spiders!" She called up to the Rylaks.
"Efficient." Grogek nodded, as the creatures took down the spiders on the pathway.
"Oh, they LOVE spiders." Elunara laughed. "Once we get up in the passes, I know a good place to stop for the night."
"Mommy?" Tina rubbed her eye. "I need to pee."
"Stop, I know a safe place before we head up." Elunara gestured.
Grogek stopped the cart. "Are you certain?"
"The globs look nasty, but, they're harmless. It's the ones with skulls you have to worry about. Just step around them. That set of trees should be safe."
They continued on, both women holding their children. Grogek chuckled to himself.
"What's so funny, Sugarbear?"
"Just enjoying myself." He grinned at her. "My two wives and children on either side of me. Just feels so damned domestic, you know?"
"Boy do I." Elunara snorted.
"Wives?" Susan squeaked.
"Around here, we accept declarations." Elunara winked. "Unless you want the whole ceremony and all that. I can totally arrange it."
Susan went scarlet. "I don't think I could survive another ceremony..."
"Well, it's up to you to accept the declaration." Elunara shrugged. "Pull over here. It's getting too dark to continue, and this is the safest spot up this mountain."
"Yes, love."
Susan was still sputtering. "But... I... I just..."
Grogek jumped down and scooped Susan off of the wagon. "Give it some thought. You don't have to, if you ultimately don't want to." He sat her down.
She blinked up at him. "But, I don't even know if you love me."
"Have I not said it before?" He blinked down at her.
"She doesn't know your language, Sugarbear." Elunara sat to the side, just drawing.
"Oh." He sighed. "I tend to forget."
"That's how you know he's gone sentimental and romantic, when you can't understand a word he is saying. Don't worry, Sweetie, we'll teach you."
"Oh! Oh, I guess if that's true... you've said it a lot."
Grogek said something in orcish.
"You light up my world, cherished angel." Elunara translated.
He spoke again.
"Like a gentle breeze, you've swept into my life." Elunara closed her board and climbed down.
Grogek took Susan's hand and spoke again.
