I have decided to try something new. As my friends and family know, I am a WoW fan. Now, i have written an original story based in this universe. I hope you all like it. Oh, the first chapter might be a little fast paced.

Auija Cloudhorn sat in the darkness of her cell. She was an old Tauren Druid. She had a son, a grown warrior and father of her grandchildren whom she believed she would never see again due to the nature of her captures. She had been in this dark place for almost two years now and all hope of escape was gone. All she had were her dreams.

Yes, her dreams. For a year now she had the same one over and over again. In the dream, there was a small bear cub in a cage. She feed this cub everyday and soon the cub became a large and fierce bear. It broke out of its cage and ran off with a wolf. She watched as the two took down many enemies that attacked them and then saw where they were heading. North! And the dream ended as the bear faced a white tiger that seemed to be standing without the gift of life. But the outcome was never revealed to her.

Shortly after they started, Auija realized that they were visions from the Earthmother. However, what they meant was a mystery to her. And as time passed, she began to wonder if she would ever find out.

-x-

One day, when she had almost lost all of her faith and hope, the Druids of the Fang tossed a small human child into her cell. From what she understood of humans and their offspring, he could not have been more than nine summers old. He was dressed in a shirt and overalls, showing that he was the son of a farmer. He also had brown hair and brown eyes. Nothing special about him at first glance, but she sensed something more to him.

The boy did as any other would in his situation. He scrambled to his feet and then moved to a corner of the cell. Not one close to the opening and not close to her either. This the old one could understand. They were enemies, part of different factions. But here, the boy would have to set that aside if he wanted to life. No one could make it on their own in this place.

"What is your name young one?" she asked in common, and not her native tongue. The boy sniffed and curled into a ball, not answering. "My eyes maybe old, but I can still see that you are scared. That is understandable. You have just been taken from everything that you knew and are now stuck here for the rest of your life. But you most…"

"I am not stuck here," snapped the boy quickly. "Father will leave Rachet and head for Theramore Isle once he finds out what has happened."

"What did happen?" asked Auija. The seemed afraid at first as he mentally recalled what happened. He then took a deep breath and then began his tale.

"I was traveling with my father and some of my friends. He's a farmer from Westfall, my father. He was doing business with the goblins along with the lord and a few other farmers. My friends and I went out to play. We were supposed to stay in Rachet, but we didn't. We were playing Hide and Seek and I was It. Then the horse people came; it happened so fast and I…"

"You were captured," said the old one. The boy nodded. "Do you know where you are?" The boy shook his head. "You are in the Wailing Caverns. The creatures that captured you have sold you to the Druids of the Fang. Just as they did me."

"You're wrong," stated the boy. "Once my friends reach Rachet, they will tell everyone what happened and they will find me."

"I hope you are right young…," she paused there and waited.

"It's Darwin," said the boy. "Darwin Fairfield."

-x-

Back in Rachet Lexise Westron, son of Lord Westron, walk over to his friends. Well, the only ones he could have in such a small village. His father had earned his title during the war and was a man of the people and thus insisted that his son be as well. However, Lexise felt very little for them. They were useful at times and that was all.

"Did you tell them what happened?" asked Marcus, Darwin's best friend. Lexise shook his head.

"I told them that Darwin wandered off on his own," he said. "I told them that we were playing near the edge of Rachet and that he must have gotten lost."

"But that's…"

"I lie. I know," answered Lexise. "But this way we won't get in trouble." The other children looked at each other and some began to nod.

"But when they find him then they'll know you lied," pointed out Marcus.

"If he is ever found," said Lexise. "You saw the creatures that took him. He's most likely dead by now and us getting into trouble will solve nothing."

"I have to…"

"Do nothing," said Lexise. "Darwin is dead. And if you tell them the truth, you might not be able to become a Paladin like you have always dreamed of." Marcus paused at that and Lexise knew he had won. Marcus had always dreamed of one day serving as a Paladin like his mother had. It was his greatest dream as well as his greatest weakness.

-x-

"I did it," cried Darwin in his cell. Auija nodded as she looked at the small plant that had sprouted in the dirt and rock of their cell. She had been right about the boy; there was something special about him. Days after they had first meet; she began to see his hidden potential. He had all the makings of a Druid. Perhaps it was because he was the son of a farmer or his patience. It had taken awhile for him to trust her, a bit longer for him to start his training.

"You did well," she said. "Just remember that there is a balance in nature. A small change will make a nice summers day turn into a raging storm. You must be careful young one."

"I understand," said Darwin. "Is that you have not tried to escape?"

"No young one," said Auija. "I am a healer by nature. Despite what they do to me, I will not harm them. For every action there is a reaction. I do not know what the reaction will be if I force my way out of here. Therefore I shall stay and do my best to comfort the others that are down here."

Three years passed since that lesson and they were both still in the Wailing Carvers. Each day was like a horrible repeat of the last. A small bowl of gruel in the morning and then they were sent to the lowest levels of the Caverns to dig tunnels. They were never told the reason why, all they knew was they worked for what seemed like forever before they were brought back to their cell and given another small bowl of gruel. Some tried to escape, but the Druids were on them quickly. All those who died were fed to the creatures that lived in the caves and their clothing passed on to the survivors. Sometimes hero's came, but they never went low enough to find them. And some hero's became captives as well.

Darwin had learned much in these three years. He could feel the souls of the plants, rock, and animals around him. He had learned how to enter the Emerald Dream. He could use the power of the earth to strengthen himself for fire small blasts of energy. Now he could speak the Tauren language and knew of their history. These lessons were spent at night while they were locked in their cell. However, something would happen that would soon end them.

"I cannot go on," moaned Auija. The old Tauren had hurt her leg badly a few days ago and she no longer had the strength to heal it herself and Darwin wasn't very good at healing.

"You must," whispered Darwin. "If you don't work they will kill you. Help will be here soon I know it!" Auija chuckled.

"You still believe that after all this time?" she asked.

"I believe in my friends," he answered.

"I see," she said. "Then I have a favor to ask of you. When you're friends come and you escape, find my son Trum." She then took off a bracelet she wore and handed it to her cell mate and student. "Tell him I'm sorry I didn't come home."

"But you…" began Darwin, but he was cut off as a whip struck his back.

"Why aren't you working?!" roared a Druid of the Fang. He then looked at Auija and grinned wickedly. "Seems like the old cow has lost her usefulness." He jerked his head and several other members of the Fang appeared. They grabbed her by her arms and legs and took her out of the tunnel. "Back to work!" he roared as he cracked the whip again. With no other choice, Darwin went back to work feeling powerless.

Later that night, Darwin lay awake in his cell just staring at the entrance. It was as if he was waiting for his mentor and friend to return. But he knew she wouldn't. He should have done something! He knew he should have! But he wasn't strong enough. That's when it hit him; he was just trying to keep his own ass safe.

It is not the end, a voice whispered in his ear. Darwin looked around, scared.

"Who's there?" he asked in a scared tone.

I go by many names child. But to you, I am the Earthmother. Darwin's eyes nearly popped out of his skull when he heard that. The death of the Tauren was unfortunate, but you must live. You still have a destiny to fulfill. And I am here to guide you on this path until you reach the starting point of your journey. At that, Darwin laughed.

"Look at me," he cried. "I'm a slave who will be mining for the rest of his life. You have the wrong person."

DO NOT TAKE THAT TONE WITH ME, roared the voice so loudly that Darwin thought that his head would explode. I HAVE WAITED FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS FOR YOU! DO YOU THINK THAT I WOULD ERROR?! I WILL NOT STAND FOR THIS SELF PITY! Now Darwin was curled up into a ball on the floor, crying. The Earthmother spoke again, but softer this time. You have been through so much, I know. But soon this suffering will end and will have a journey to take. Soon, I promise, you will understand in time that what has happened to you was for a reason.

"I-I think I understand," replied Darwin.

-x-

Sever years passed since that day and he was still in these mines. He had a runner's boy, lean and ripped with muscles. His clothing came from those who had fallen and did not match. Day after day he waited not for his friends to save him, but for this path to be opened to him like the Earthmother had said. Yes, he had given up on his friends and family to save him. Now, he lived only for himself. It was all he had in this hell hole.

At night, the Earthmother spoke to him. She told him ways to use his powers that few Druids knew of. She told him of the various shape shifting and spells he could use. And one by one, Darwin learned them.

As he began to strike the stone in front of him with his pick, a large chuck of rock fell off and revealed something amazing. It was a hammer. It was made of a brownish metal for the most part and seemed to be made for two handed use. At one end of the hammer looked like a dragons head with its mouth open, bearing its open fangs. Also, inside of its mouth was a green glow.

Titans Fist, whispered the Earthmother. This is what the Druids of the Fang have been looking for. But it was never meant for them, but to you. Take it, it is yours. Darwin hesitated. He began to hear the Night Elves yelling and coming closer.

"There it is," shouted one of them.

"Don't touch it slave," said another. That was when Darwin dropped his pick and grabbed the hammer. Instantly he felt a surge of power like nothing he had ever felt before. He looked at them with hate and anger in his eyes.

"No more will I be your slave," said Darwin. The members of the Fang wasted no time in starting their spells, but Darwin was quicker. The earth began to shake and from the walls came roots that grabbed the members of the Fang. Before they knew what had happened, they were tied against the wall of the cave. Slowly, Darwin walked over to the first one, lifted the Titans Fist, and struck the first in the midsection with all his might. The sound of bones breaking and organs being flattened filled the air.

"You can't do this!" shouted another Night Elf. "We are your masters! We own you!"

"You once did," said Darwin as he moved over to the Night Elf. "But now I'm taking back my life!" With that he lifted the hammer again and struck the Druid dead. One by one he killed every Night Elf that got in his path. The other slaves saw this and began to rebel as well. Within a matter of minutes all of them were running out of the mouth of the cave. Many were weeping tears of joy. Others laughed and made jokes. And Darwin, he just stood there gazing at the sky for the first time in nine years.

Then, with a deep breath, he transformed himself into a raven and flew off.

-x-

It was a lazy day in Bloodhoof Village. The young played freely without worry and the adults trained themselves. War was upon them, the only question was by whom. The Alliance of the Scourge, that was the question. The Tauren got along well with the Night Elves; however their new allies across the sea had a problem with anything that they didn't like. And now with the problems with facing the Lich King, the Alliance was blaming it the entire Horde.

Suddenly, a raven landed on the ground in the middle of the village. Moments later it transformed into a human who wielded a large hammer. Guards were called and those that could fight rushed to the scene. Soon the human was surrounded by a sea of Taurens.

"I mean you no harm," he said in their language. "I seek Trum Cloudhorn, that is all."

"I am here," said a voice in the back. A path was created and a Tauren Warrior with a massive blade on his back walked into the opening. "Now, what is it you seek of me?" The human said nothing, but reached into a pocket and pulled something out. He held it tightly in his hand and walked over to the Tauren and the held it out in front of him. Trum then held out his own hand and the item was dropped into it. Trum looked at it and gasped. "This was my mother's! Where did you get this?!"

"She gave it to me before she died," answered the human as he dropped him weapon and got on all fours. It took a moment before the Tauren's realized that he was bowing to them. "I was captured and she was my cellmate. Before they took her off to be killed she gave me this and to give you a message."

"What?!" demanded Trum.

"She was sorry that she couldn't come home," answered the human. Trum looked at the bracelet and then back at the human as tears fell from his eyes. "I was there," continued the human. "I should have tried to help her. I should have died trying to save her or at least die with her. But I didn't. All I can do now to make up for my sin is to place my life in your hands. Kill me, beat me, or do whatever."

"Who," began Trum in a trembling voice. "Who took her?"

"The Druids of the Fang in the Wailing Caverns."

"How long?"

"She has been dead these past seven years."

Trum said nothing and Darwin braced himself. For seven years he had lived in guilt and now he could finally receive the punishment he knew he deserved. Then, Darwin felt a hand on his shoulder. He looked up and his eyes meet the eyes of the son who had long ago lost his mother. Now he knew what had happened to his mother and that she didn't died alone. She had someone who cared for her till her end.

"Thank you my brother," said Trum.

-x-

Two months later, Darwin was in Westfall once again. Trum had given him a good meal, a place to rest for the night, and even some clothing that he had lying around. It was just an oversized shirt and pants, but it was better than what he had been wearing. While he would have loved to stay with Trum, he had his own family to get back to. This was something Trum understood and wished his new brother the best of luck.

Nothing had changed in Westfall as far as Darwin was concerned. It was like walking back in time for nothing had changed. His town was a small one, so small it wasn't on the map. The only two other building that weren't farm houses were the tavern and the small keep. As he walked down the streets, some people stopped to stare at him, perhaps because of the weapon on his back. But none of that mattered, because he was home.

However, what he saw shocked him. His home had been burned down and the fields were full of tall grass and nothing else. Darwin fell to his knees and in his sorrow caused it to rain.

-x-

Rebecca sighed as she looked out the window. Today had been a beautiful day and then all of a sudden it had started to rain. It was simply odd and unfair. Now she was stuck in the tavern for the rest of the evening. He father was the bartender and she was the waitress. She was seventeen and that meant that the men would come in to stare at her lustfully.

She then noticed a man of eighteen walking in the rain towards the tavern. That was odd considering the weather, but not unheard of. Soon, the man entered the tavern and she held back a gasp. While was thin, but that did not stop her from thinking that he was handsome. The man went right for her father and sat down in front of him.

"What can I do you for?" asked her father.

"Information," said the stranger in a deep voice. Before her father could say anything, the stranger put a ruby on the counter.

"Ah, well what do you need?" asked her father again as she sat next to the stranger.

"I'm looking for the Fairfield farm," he said.

"Sorry, but there is no Fairfield farm. Hasn't been one in years since old man Fairfield lost his son to those Orcs." This got the strangers attention and not in a good way.

"What did you say?"

"Aye, his boy done got lost in the Barrens and then those greenskins came and killed him. Least that's what everyone figured. His father, my the Light rest his soul, did the right thing. Camped out there and started to kill every one of those filthy creatures until they caught him. I say he got them back good, he did." The stranger's eyes narrowed and thunder nearly shook the tavern.

"I see," he said. "And who told him he was simply lost?"

"His friends of course," was the answer. "Good bunch of them. Adros is now with the Scarlet Crusade. Dewey, smart lad, is now working as an engineer in Ironforge. Cayton I heard started training as a Rogue and Millian be a Mage. Oh and Berek be one of those Warlocks. Sadly, Fanden was killed in Northren. Did I forget anyone? Oh, now I remember! Marcus is a Paladin, Light save him. And then there's the new Lord Westron who is now working in the King's court. Trying to work his way up in the world. Ah, are you alright?" Lightning light the room and thunder shook the building once again.

"I'm fine," said the stranger quietly. With that, he got up once again and walked out of the tavern and into the raging storm once again.

-x-

Seven years passed and Darwin found himself surrounded by three of the Mag'har. They circled him once, their axes ready to attack. A moment later, the one on Darwin's right flung at him but Darwin blocked the blow and then sidestepped him as the Orc behind him lunged. Instead of striking a human, the Orc slammed into his fellow Orc. The last one then charge at Darwin, who simply grabbed his forearm and flipped him. The Orc fell to the ground and then felt the weight of Darwin's foot on this throat.

"Enough!" bellowed Trum. "This training is over. Darwin, let him go." With a smirk, Darwin lifted his foot and then offered the Mag'har a hand. The brown Orc accepted it and laughed.

"Not bad for a pink skin," he laughed. "I remember when you first came here and you could barely handle me with one arm tired behind my back!"

After Darwin had found out what had happened to his father and the role his 'friends' had played, Darwin went back to Trum and asked for help training him. He needed to become stronger and now just in the ways of the Druid. He needed to learn how to fight. Trum understood his human brother's needs, however he had been assigned to Garadar. This meant that Darwin had to go there as well if he wanted to be trained. Oddly, the Orc's had no problem with helping him train as long as they got to beat him.

Slowly, Darwin earned their respect and their friendship. It was a long and difficult road and now he was as strong as any of them. He wore a black shirt and long black leather coat with a hood. He also wore fingerless gloves, pants, and leather boots.

"You are all weak," said a new voice. Everyone turned to see a female Mag'har named Doosa walking towards them. She wore her purple hair long and braided down her back with a blade tied at the end. She had on leather chest guard, knee high boots, and a skirt. In both hands were axes. "I will show you how it is done."

"Fine by me," said Darwin as he dropped his training weapon and pulled out the Titans Fist. This was all Doosa needed and charged at him. She swung her axes with great strength and with fluid motions. Darwin shifted his weapon from side to side and he blocked her blows. He tried to sidestep her but she wouldn't allow it. She remained in front of him at all times. Soon a crowd had formed, many wishing to see the end result of this match.

Darwin then leapt back and raised a hand at her. Then a green ball of energy shot out at her and sent Doosa flying backwards. She landed on her back and Darwin ran to where she lay for the winning blow. Once he became in range of her feet she brought her legs to her chest and then kick him in the chest. Darwin stumbled back and Doosa leapt onto her feet. She then raised both of her axes for the killing blow and Darwin swung his hammer at them. The two axes flew out of the female rogues hands and landed in the ground.

"Cheater," she said.

"Please," said Darwin as he rolled his eyes. "There was Crippling Poison on those axes. You went all out and so did I. Besides, when did the mighty Doosa start whining like a newborn?" This got a laugh out of everyone who had shown up to watch. Doosa turned around, picked up her axes and walked away. Darwin was about to go after her when he felt a familiar hand on his shoulder.

"I say your training is done brother."

Later that night, Darwin crept over to a small hut by the water. As he got to the door a hand shot out, grabbed him, and pulled him in. The hand, which belonged to Doosa, then pressed him against the wall.

"A newborn am I?" she asked in a dangerous tone which made Darwin gulp. Doosa then took a step closer, placed a hand behind his head, and kissed him deeply. She then pulled away and smiled. "Looks like I'll have to prove otherwise."

It was dawn when Darwin awoke. Next to him was Doosa, still asleep for last night's events. With a sad look in his eyes, Darwin leaned over and kissed her cheek. He then got up and dressed silently being careful not to wake her. After strapping on him hammer, he walked to the door and looked at his lover one last time before he left.

At the edge of the village was Trum who was holding the reins of a Silver War Talbuk. Darwin had raised it for the last five years and was later given it as a gift.

"Are you sure you don't want help?" asked Trum. "Surely Doosa would be willing to help you."

"This is my business," said Darwin as he mounted his mount. "If I need help, I'll let you know. But I'm not putting her life in danger."

"I understand," said the Tauren. "But Darwin, you will not be able to do this all on your own."

"Thank you for your concern brother," said Darwin. "But my mind is made up. And it would be best if you stopped calling me Darwin. He died eighteen years ago when the people who he trusted betrayed him and left him for dead. I shall take a name that will strike fear into their hearts until my vengeance is finished."

"And what will you be called?"

"Lord Ravenwrath."