The Keep

Readjusting wasn't easy.

Gromth cracked his knuckles, the thick fingers of his hands flexing. All those months in Winterspring had led to his losing the edge. A year ago he was at the top of his game, never more powerful, on the fast track through the militaries ranks.

Now he stood peering out over the desolate fields of Shadowmoon Valley, his right eyelid quivering over his bloodshot eye as he replaces his monocle over it. This place had a lot of meaning to it, much of it beyond his time and grasp.

"Dabu," nodding to nobody in particular he turned, passing, then pausing and returning, his gaze to the felguard beside him. His eyes traveled up the hulking form beside him in disgust, then he croaked out in his usual deep voice, "Disgusting abomination. You've served your purpose and now you'll submit or be abolished for all time."

He gestured with his fist for the demon to follow; it'd been a crutch for too long in getting him back to his old self. Time to reshape it or break it and throw it away.

That was just part of it however. Tromping along he knew his decision. He'd throw in his lot with the band of guerilla fighters, the Burning Tusk Tribe, so dedicated to preserving the past and their identities. They'd accept the offer to lend their skills and talents, and to help in training and war for the Tribe.

It was then he spied the lovely warrior Draeka. Her curvy orcish form covered in inches of thick plate, she pulled her sword from the stone body of the infernal she slew and gave him an odd look through the visor of her helm, quirking en eyebrow. "What've you got on your mind now? And don't tell me you've decided we'll go do somethin'. I'm not jumpin' at orders anymore."

He grinned at her happily despite himself, "Nope. You were right. Now, if you'll join me Sergeant, got some work to do." It was an embarrassment to him for so long that he was shut out of a rank higher than Senior Sergeant. Since returning however he'd grown bitter towards that and wore it proudly, they'd see what this lowly Sergeant could do.

Pausing momentarily, Draeka sheathed her sword and started clanking along beside him. The two orcs walked silently, nothing more had to be said then. Draeka was back, and Gromth was not far behind, their new selves would be true to their namesakes.