The Lasher

It has taken me a while to get back in some decent condition enough to be trusted far from Splintertree. Since things are still sketchy I'm only allowed to do quests around the area. So looking through the list of contracts I've collected I found that one of the Tauren wants me to find a vial that the dryads known as the Laughing Sisters carry. I wince thinking about that one, unfortunately looking through my contracts shows this is the last quest in this area.

I say I wince and I do, I don't like killing Dryads. I don't know why but they are the one Cenarion creature I can look at and find beauty in. Maybe its because they look more natural than the Sons of Cenarious. Who knows.

So muttering all the way I goto the outpost and take my time doing the dirty work I had been appointed. Every death cry from the creatures stings me and, though it isn't custom, in fact it is quite forbidden, I whisper a prayer after every death that they find their way home.

After killing far more than I hoped I finally find one of the vials. After thanking whatever deity is looking over me I take it, say my prayer and turn to leave. I make it almost all the way out when I see a lone Sister has moved standing in the path blocking my exit. This one was smart too, she knew someone was not supposed to be here and had littered a wide area with dry twigs. I couldn't walk around them and one step on them would blow my cover.

I sigh knowing this is yet another I will have to send to Elune and as I start to sneak up I freeze.

~Sap her~.

I stop looking around but can't see anyone. The movements of the Sister though return my attention and I move to ambush her again when I feel a cramp in a very unfortunate place. I freeze trying not to scream or double over. ~I SAID SAP HER BITCH~

Growling to myself I manage to sneak close enough to jump on her back. She has time to get out a confused yelp as I drive the hilt of my dagger into the back of her head, dropping her instantly.

~Take her into the log~

I look and see a large dead tree lying on the side of the road. It was a large proud tree and was half again as thick as I was tall. Ducking under her I put the sister on my shoulders and quickly dumped her unconcious body on the ground.

~Watch~

Four posts came from out of the ground with four twine circles. The circles slid over the hooves of the sister tightening up so they won't come loose and then moving apart from each other a little. A large mound formed under the Sisters belly lifting her up and as I followed I gulped seeing the one object that would make me cringe...a Lashers whip.

The whip, as it had done to me, fashioned itself into a noose and slid over the Sisters head tightening up and as I looked I had no doubts who the voice was.

~Take out your knife. I want you to drive the hilt into her, just under her tail.~

I winced. This...demon was starting to act like my Mistress and that I would have no part in, or so I thought. As I think this the sister starts to come around.

~No one can see or hear either of you. Now will you wake her properly or do I get to add a second noose?~

I tremble and shake my head lifting the creatures tail and without thinking take the hilt of my dagger and shoving it into the tight area. The dryad screams as it is violently woken up. It tries to turn to see me but the noose gives her no mobility and all she can do is cry as the dagger finishes sinking into her behind.

I step back so she can see me. A look of pain and fear is on her face and if it were ANY other night elf creature I would be reveling it. I Put my hand on her cheek and kiss her "I'm sorrEEEEE.."

I double over in pain as I feel blood trickle down my leg through the clothing. The demon bitch has opened up one of my old wounds and the pain makes me cringe. The poor dryad is no help as she tries to scream wondering what is wrong.

I soon am able to stand though a look of spite is on my face now I walk back with purpose and grab the edge of the hilt. "The only thing you need to know is you have been chosen." I then start twisting the dagger as I thrust it in and out. The poor girl struggles though she is more trying to use her hands to undo the whip. This is quickly stopped as the noose tightens and the mound under her sinks a bit. I notice though as the mound sinks the stakes her legs are attached to also move off in their respective directions.

After some minutes the dryad starts coughing. Her body has sank almost down to the floor and her breath is coming in severe gasps and gulps when she can.

~Now...Take her NOW~

With a fluid motion I grab the dagger yanking it out of her in one thrust and spin the dagger driving it blade first deep into her maidenhood. The screech she tries to make is cut off when the mound disappears and only a choking can be heard. The blade drinks the virgin blood of the Sister and glows until it is done.

~take it out and leave~

I withdraw the blade and look at it. Its dry and clean. You would never think it had been used. I put my hand on her cooling cheek and as I start to pray I find myself kicked from the tree. I look up and the whip is gone, the Dryad coming too with weak coughs. Then I see a problem.

The tree apparently wasn't naturally hollow. The wood starts to reform and slowly absorbs the Dryad. It absorbs her legs without much response and even her doe form is gone before she catches on.

The rest...I won't forget soon. Finally realizing what is happening she begs me, Elune, Cenarious...anyone to free her. All I can do as it rises to her chest is mouth to her "I'm sorry." She doesn't get a chance to answer as her chest is absorbed instantly killing her, the cold eyes staring at me in a moment of pure pain and fear. The Laughing Sister would now forever be trapped in the tree and suffer the fate of it.

I walk off hoping that someone will find it and burn it. It would be painful but she would be free then. What scares me is the fact she could be used in a structure...and be trapped for ages.

Just then something explodes. Looking behind me the old tree is blazing and somewhere in my mind the tortured shriek of the Laughing Sister can be heard. I walk away hoping this will be a one time thing. That the Lasher was just teasing me, but in my heart I start to feel cold. This is one of many and I will see this, and worse before I'm done.