Tern Darkhorn

[Terndarkhorn]

This is the tale of Tern Darkhorn and how he came to be known to the people of Mulgore.                                                                                  

Tern Darkhorn

     The full moon shines bright upon the plains of Mulgore and all its majesty.  The sound of evening birds and insects permeates the air.  The only source of light which challenges the moon is a large bonfire in the middle of Bloodhoof Village.  From the distance figures can be seen dancing around the flames.  Beating drums begin to compete with the sounds of nature, but rather than abate, nature answers with verve.  
     The winds sweep across the plains, rustling leaves and tent flaps alike.  The flames of the bonfire and the winds seem to dance to the beat of the drums as well as the gathered revelers. The dancing figures are large by any standards and they carry various accessories; a staff on one, spears on few, sword and shield, and even musical instruments.  If one had never seen a Tauren before, they would believe that the dancers were dressed in garb which disguised them as animals, bulls to be accurate.  Their horns glistening in the moonlight sway to the sound of the dance.  They chant and sing and laugh.  Younglings also join in the fun, only to be quickly picked up by their doting mothers lest they be trampled under hoof.  
     “We rejoice in the bounty that The Earthmother has provided,” the strong deep voice of the apparent leader echoed over the beating of the drums and singing.  “We give thanks to the spirits of our brother Kodo who gave his life so that our village may have life.”  He waves his hands over a feast of cooked meat and tubers as other Tauren take plates to the gathered tribe.  
     As the food made its way around to all the tribe, the leader noticed the shift in the air and with it the addition of a new scent.  It was not known to him, yet not entirely foreign either.  He closed his eyes and sighed out, “Come into the light young one.  I know that you are there watching hungrily.  All who bring peace are welcome at the fires of Baine Bloodhoof.” He turned to the shadow of a nearby hut and watched with piercing eyes as the shadows moved and congealed into a creature which resembled a savannah prowler, yet with horns.  The cat’s dark horns rutted the ground in front of it as if to say that he was unafraid.
     “There is no need to fear young one.  I can sense that you have traveled far yet you have yet to find what you truly seek.”  Baine made another welcoming gesture towards the horned feline and pointed at a haunch of meat which was waiting at an empty spot near the fire.
     “How did you know I was there? I have snuck past demons and other unspeakable horrors without them knowing of my presence let alone knowing that I have traveled far.” Anyone other than a Tauren or a Night Elf would have been taken aback by a talking animal, but Baine seemed unaffected by the oddity.
     Holding back a laugh at the comment by the young cat Baine simply responded, “You have much to learn still young druid.  However I am not the one you seek...,” Baine squinted and looked closer at his new guest.  He took special note of the dark horns, so dark they almost seemed to disappear in the darkness of the shadows cast by the tents from the full moon.
     “I seek…..I seek others.  I cannot be the last.  I have seen much yes…but I have lost more.  I seek…”
     “The Darkhorns.” Baine cut off the young druid who as comical as it looked stood jaw agape.  Baine motioned again for the young druid to sit at the fire and eat.  The horned lion still in shock at the mention of his people’s name looked wide eyed at the Village Elder.  He then looked at the food and involuntarily licked his lips.
     “I am a bit hungry…and you know of the Darkhorns….I am Tern. Tern Darkhorn.  I give thanks and honor you Baine Bloodhoof.”  And with that the young druid started for the fire.  And as if by magic, which if called that would be rebuked by any Tauren for they did not favor magic but nature, the lion transformed into a striking Tauren of jet black fur and horns of midnight.  He stood nearly as tall as Baine but despite his size seemed to retain the cat like fluidity of movement even in his natural form.  He bowed to the Village Elder as he passed and sat at the fire and began to eat the meal which had been provided.
     Tern was so enjoying his first warm meal in weeks that he didn’t notice that Baine had taken a seat next to him.  “So young Darkhorn….tell me of your travels.  And I will tell you where you can find your tribe.” Baine smiled as he drank some mead and other Tauren began to gather eager for a tale from the stranger.
     “My tale….,” began Tern who noticing the growing crowd around him became a little nervous but continued nonetheless, “my tale.  Ha ha…where to begin.” He seemed lost for a second and continued to smile then calmly looked at Baine and spoke loud enough for all to hear, “let me tell you a tale about a dragon.”