Shupashupa
Imagine my surprise walking into one of the banks in Orgrimmar to see Buyaga’s 8 foot frame! I had received a letter from him earlier today telling me he had been assigned to the effort in Northrend under Saurfang’s command. Almost by reflex I wrapped myself in shadows and then moving up behind him shouted ‘BOO!’ I have no idea why I behave in such foolish ways with him.
I told him I was surprised to see him after his letter, I suppose my pleasure was obvious to him. “I had to return briefly to receive special flying training for the harsh cold of Northrend.”
“The winds at high altitude are very bitter,” I agreed, “and if you do not have your saddle properly mounted it can cause your mount all manner of trouble if sweat is allowed to turn to ice under the girth”
“How have you been since we last met?” he asked, his eyes never leaving my face.
I told him my plans to visit Hellscream’s monument in a day or two, and also about my discussions with Arbiter Gorezug on the idea of setting up some informal dueling circles on the isle near the Keep. “I have never really believed in duels, but I realize with my time training with Insein that it may be useful. I have learned much about how mages engage in combat so that hopefully I can compliment our allies and counter our enemies.”
Buyaga seemed to like the idea. He was especially pleased as I described how the terrain varied in the places I had selected. No flat open spaces, each had water, trees and sometimes hills to navigate or block vision.
He fixed me with a look, “Are you available now, Shupa? I have some free time if you wish to spend it with me.”
I thought about it. I had no duties that required my immediate attention, so I agreed. “Perhaps a little time back by the river.” I offered.
Buyaga smiled down at me, “Let me go get this new saddle and I will meet you there, ok?”
And so we headed off, him to talk to the flight trainer and I to the innkeeper before flying to the spot along the Southfury River he had shown me. Apparently I misjudged my time, by the time I had flown out, Buyaga was already on the ground thinking I was hiding.
I brought my drake down over the river, dropping off as it hit the sand, “There you are, my love.” He called. I think my heart skipped a beat.
“Sorry, I stopped by the innkeeper,” I told him setting out a cask of ale and a giant feast of broiled dragon.
“Throm'ka!” he exclaimed, drawing a mug and taking a long pull, “You know just how to make an orc happy, Shupa.”
I sat down next to him, cutting off a piece of lightly cooked dragon and leaning on his shoulder, “I spent so much time as a youngling without food...it seems a good thing to do for someone.”
We spent a good bit of time, enjoying the food and the closeness, “I’m glad you showed me this spot,” I told him.
“It is enjoyable. Peaceful, tranquil, but it also reminds us of what we strive to fix.” His attention drawn to the battling elementals a distance behind us.
I spread my hands upon the ground and closed my eyes, trying to sense here, what I had felt at the Throne of Elements. After a time, I gave up, "It is much harder here than on Draenor. But nothing was ever easy. I will keep trying, my Great heart."
“Aye, but it is there. Our people are still young to this land, Shupa. Not many of our ancestors reside here.” Again, there was that quiet wisdom from him.
I looked at him in all seriousness, “But we will make it our land.”
“Dabu.” He grunted in agreement.
Looking out at the river, I asked him, “Are you warmed? Good food and a bit of ale should take the Northrend chill from you.”
“I am indeed, my Hidden love.” He replied.
Smiling at him impishly, I stood and began shedding armor onto the ground. Laughing as I ran for the waters edge, diving beneath.
“Time for swimming, I see.” And Buyaga followed suit as I watched from the water.
As soon as he entered, I vanished, swimming under water behind him and surfacing to splash him. I was nearly sunk when he used his great arms to make a huge splash, almost a wave. We played that way for several minutes, swimming and splashing.
I looked around, “It is a good spot! No crocolisks.”
“And if there were, I would rip them in half with my bare hands, love.” Came his mock serious reply. “No one will hurt you so long as I have a chance to stop it.”
I swam close to him, trying to wrap my arms around his broad chest. His massive arms encircling me while his face filled with a large smile. “Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are, Shupa?”
I stiffened and grew still, my eyes going wide, "No…never.” I found myself again moving closer to him, not sure if it was my own action or his, and then we kissed.
In time, he broke the kiss, telling me, “I love you, Shupa.”
I could feel the mixture of emotions running across my face...happiness, fear, joy, surprise...I reached a hand out of the water to Buyaga's face, “I...love you as well, Buyaga”
Like the words before Hellscream’s monument, these came unbidden from some place inside I did not know. I needed to break the mood, to get some time to think, “But you still need to best me!” I heaved myself out of the water, trying to force Buyaga beneath the surface. Down he went, though I suspect it was more that he allowed it.
Suddenly there was a fierce tug on my leg and I was dragged down with him. I spun around pushing stiffened fingers into his solar plexus, shoving him away…playfully
As he drifted back, I could feel his eyes upon me. I could sense his interest…and yet he took no action. "When you look at me, Buyaga, I am not ashamed of my burns"
“When I am with you, I feel no shame at all.” Was his simple reply.
Giving him one more good splash I began swimming for shore. Climbing out onto the sand, I took a few minutes to stand on the shore, letting the sun dry me; turning sideways to wring the water out of my queue.
“Our bodies tell stories. Our burns and scars, our lessons.”
“I have tried to think on your words, that the shame of these burns in not mine to bear”
He approached again and placed his hand on one of the burn marks. I watched him with a guarded look. “This is not shame for you, but a testament to your endurance and strength. Wear it with pride, Shupa.”
Our discussion was broken by my guildstone. Clan duty was calling, Malarak had need of me. Buyaga looked to the sun, low in the sky; it was time for him to return to Northrend. Our brief moment was up
We pulled on our armor hurriedly, each taking to our mounts; barely enough time to exchange farewells before the winds took us our separate directions…
