The Cracked Mesa Irregulars: part 5

Story by Brauner02 on SoFurry

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#2 of TCMI


Sorry about the paragraph structure for now, these uploads are old and dont have the new format i work with please bear with me!


Brauner grumbled and rubbed his eyes as the light shone in past the flap to his room, Groaning he regretfully got up, groggily putting his clothing on as he peeked outside his room. " It must be really early Brauner no ones awake yet, you gonna go to the lake and indulge yourself a bit?" Brauner snarled at rime and trotted downstairs and out towards the lake, his tail swaying from side to side contently as he reached the water, the dawn shining bright across the waters surface. It made the bull smile and start to sing aloud to himself. "I am certain at this rate, I will not lose anything at all. Even the meaning of living under the skies that you are not part of."

Elsewhere, a kodo bearing a Tauren rider rambled across the fields of Mulgore, a gray wolf running alongside. Kalanos surveyed the landscape as he drew closer to the forest near his clanhall. He drew in a contented breath, inhaling the scent of grass and pine. Brauner stood at the lip of the lake his eyes closed as he poured his soul into the song that rang out in the morning dew. " I'm still searching for the countless kindness and unforgotten words in the middle of a broken dream. Ah, hurting and being hurt, We loved and took if i could have protected those small wings which knew no light." Kal turned his head to the tree line. He thought he heard something over the sound of birds and insects. He led his kodo to the tree and dismounted. "Stay" The hunter said to the wolf, and the beast sat down beside the kodo.slowly he made his way to the lake shore. Brauner sighed softly as he reached the part which hurt him the most, reminding him of a past he didn't want to forget. "The distant memories lurk in my head, an Irreversible mistake has left us with scars that will never heal. If i had told you that one word i couldn't say, would we be living in a more loving future? Ah, the sun rises, the dawn light spreading through the sky, I'll go far away, not hesitating anymore. I pray I'll be able to love everything someday"

"Nice song," The hunter said as he drew near the white bull. "You sound like a Tauren whose seen a lot of sadness. You're also a bull I've never seen around here before. Where do you hail from stranger?" Brauner sighed softly looking up to the sky before turning to respond. " I didn't think anyone would hear me, I'm afraid i didn't want to wake Zig and the others because i felt like singing. I am Brauner Frosthoof, my life has been so jumbled recently i don't think i could tell you where I'm from." "Zig?" The hunter's ears perk up. "As in Zigzahal stormpeak?" "That would be correct, a string of events lead me to Mulgore where i befriended him and became the new "newbie" as Rohu likes to call me."

"And you've met the shaman too, I see" Kal smiled and shook his head. " I didn't know our little band opened up recruiting again. Zig said I'd be the last newbie for a while." He strode forward and offered a hand. "Welcome to the fold." Brauner shook the paw gently and smiled happily at the Tauren. "It's a pleasure to meet you Kalanos, I've heard about you from everyone else. It's silly to me still but maybe he made an exception for me because both he and my mother had a vision of me ending up here with everyone." "A vision eh?" Kal was impressed. " you must be a special one then. I'm just happy that I'm not longer the lowest bull on the totem pole anymore. Omega bull isn't the most glamorous position.

Brauner snorted at the comment tugging on his scarf a bit, the purple material shifting almost unnaturally. "I guess i could be considered that Kal, though i don't care about positions really, I just want to be of some use is all." Kal chuckled as he sat down on the bank. "Don't worry, i think they like me as the omega, apparently i make the best drinks."

Brauner's ears flick back and forth as he looks at the hunter. "Hmmmm....A drink sounds great now that you mention it, It's way to early but i think i may wander into to town for some stuff. and I...well i grew up in a different place and i know some things that may be new for you guys." Kal raised and eyebrow at the ivory bull. "Well now you have me all intrigued. and what kind of surprises do you have in store?" "Oh this and that i don't wanna ruin the surprise! you'll get drunk that much i can promise." Brauner giggled softly thinking about all the kinds of drinks he could make. He just hoped he could find some liquor and fruit was all. "I might need someone to come with me to town later I'm still not used to azeroth still.

Kal looked at the white bull full-on. "Not used to Azeroth? Where are you from? Outland?" Brauner mumbled softly and looked away, unable to look him in the eyes. "I....grew up in a different world in the nether. Neither Azeroth nor Outlands. Somewhere much different from this place. You wouldn't believe me if i told you about it." "you could try" The hunter said. "I have a vivid imagination." sitting down beside the hunter the snow white bull looking toward him. "Well, all the buildings are made of stone, and there's these things called roads, paved ground to make travel easier in things called "cars" basically metal carriages that don't need horses. It was....kinda suffocating. Just how busy life could get, busy....but so horribly tedious."

The hunter snorted. " That sounds crazy, but it also sounds like no place I'd want to go. Give the wilds anyday." "Yeah, the longer I'm here the more I'm enjoying the simplicity of life. It's so soothing out here." Brauner smiled a bit and nodded in agreement with Kalanos, shifting himself around a bit. " I'm glad to be here. I feel like i have people who care about me in this world" Kal grinned. "Let the alliance keep their soulless cities, All metal technology. not a single bit of life to be found among them. Even the night elves are losing their touch." nodding softley Brauner couldn't help but smile and let out a sigh of happiness." It's so exciting here, you're not bound by boring daily tasks. It's so refreshing i can't help but feel alive"

"You'd better feel alive" Kal snorted," Cause there's enough here that wants you dead. I did a stint in the horde army a while back, and it was no picnic." "Heh...you'd be surprised just how long i've felt that Kal, much longer then any child should feel." Brauner snorted a bit, standing up and stretching himself to get the sour taste of the conversation out of his mouth. "But I'm not going to think about it anymore there's no point after all." The hunter nodded. "You're right, it took me a long time to learn not to dwell on it. I'm lucky to have found a team like this." "Yeah, I think the feelings mutual there kalanos" Brauner smiled but then looked down at the hunter. "Should you get back to the clanhall? you must be tired from the trip back"

"Mmmmhmmm" Kalanos agreed. "Just needed a minute to work the kinks out of my legs." He stood up. " See you back at the clanhall?" "Yeah I'm gonna go back and grab my bag before going into town." Brauner stretched once more offering a paw to help pull the hunter from the ground. Kal took the offer and stood up. "Maybe i'll accompany you. Need a few things if I'm to finish Rohu and Arukan's jerkins today." "I think I'd enjoy that Kal i'll meet you in the common hall when you get back." Brauner smiled abit at the hunter before turning around and walking off toward their shared home. There was rustling in the undergrowth as Kal's kodo and wolf came over to him. "He's an interesting one alright" Kal said to the wolf, scratching his chin. sighing Kal mounted his kodo, riding it off to the clanhall.

Brauner couldn't help but wait till he was out of kalanos' sight to start skating over a path of ice being created beneath his hooves, making the trip back last not even a few minutes, the ice melting away once he reached the front door. Making sure not to cause much noise with his hooves he crept up to his room. Kal reached the hall a few minutes later, leading his animal companions to the stable and kennel, before heading inside. Knowing that at this early hour the rest of his brothers were still asleep, he crept up to his room, the door frame lined with kodo horns. He walked into his room and stretched out on the bed for a few moments. The white bull grumbled to himself as he walked out of his room, a messenger bag slung over his shoulders trotting down to the hall and flopping onto a chair yawning again. He was used to waking up early but for some reason he was still feeling groggy.

The hunter groaned and stood up, looking at the scraps of leather on his workbench. "No time like the present" He said as he went back downstairs. Brauner was mumbling to himself, or it seemed like he was at least. "Shut up Rime, it's early in the morning i don't feel like listening to you whine cause i got out of bed." "You say something?" Kal asked as he entered the common room. Blinking up at the hunter he waved a paw in a dismissive manor. "Just thinking out loud, nothing of importance Kal. Are you sure you want to go? I'm used to being up this early but you seem tired." "Na, I'm fine" He waved off his concerns. "Woke up earlier when i was patrolling. They'll be time for sleep later. Got to hit the merchants early or else the other hopeful heroes will buy up the best stock."

Brauner stood up smiling a bit before walking out the front door, "Great! as long as you're ok with this then lets go, i'm so excited i wondered if they' like what I'll make. you may need to tell me what not to use as far as fruits go." "i'll do my part" The hunter said as he went for the door. A short time later the pair were riding the lift up to the merchants' section of Thunder Bluff. Brauner couldn't help but appear foreign as his eyes wandered and danced around the market place looking at not only the vendors but the designs of the building and the people bussling around town.

Kal was looking about, seeking the stall he wanted. "I think the fruit vendors are over here" He nodded over at one batch of canvas stalls. Brauner blinked and looked back at Kal having zoned out a bit. "Hmmm? oh! right, you never did tell me if anyone was allergic to some fruits." Kal grinned." not that i'm aware of. Rohukarlo doesn't hold his liquor well in any case. Two drinks and he's out." Frowning a little Brauner bit his lip. "Oh....the stuff i make uses liquor rather then beer so it'll be stronger too. I guess it'll be ok though. It's my treat! I'll be over there if you need me!" Brauner grinned from ear to ear before trotting off to the vendor speaking with them momentarily as his eyes wandered the various fruits.

Kal sighed at his new companion's exuberance. He turned to the various suppliers' stalls, seeking the right thread for his work. He also needed to whip up new padding for Zig's armor, it had been chafing his torso lately. Brauner couldn't help but smile as he gathered up some fruit content with his haul, Some water melons, Frost berries and a few other sweet and tart treats before he made his way further into the market place, being directed toward a different vendor for Liquor. Kal picked up wares and turned to seek out Brauner. The bull's white fur made him stand out in the crowd.

The supplies had cost Brauner a bit more then he expected but he managed to find some liquor they sold back home on Ventus which made things easier on him. The bull was smiling from ear to ear while thanking the vendor, Slipping the bottles into his bag along with the fruit. "Hmm...I think that's everything I'd need for tonight....ok! this'll be great!" Brauner was musing to himself happily about it. Kal frowned thoughtful as he perused the merchant's goods. "Any stronger leather around here?" He asked. After a minute of haggling, Kalanos left the stall, arms laden with hide and thread.

Brauner was certainly pleased with himself. It'd be a real treat for everyone tonight to show how much he appreciated them all. The bull was about to turn back to Kal when something caught his eyes. It was a Tauren warrior riding upon some form of wonderful steed. To Brauner at least it looked like a large goat, he couldn't help but trot over and ask the warrior what it was. Kal was about to greet Brauner when the White bull ran off to a warrior mounted on a Talbuk. Kal ran up to catch him, his cargo bouncing with each step. "What's the matter?" He said he reached Brauner. "Never seen seen a Talbuk before?"

Brauner smiled a little bit and wagged his tail staring the creature. "n...no it's so adorable" The ivory bull was smiling happily at the creature, the warrior telling the pair he had to go. Brauner frowned a little bit but thanked the warrior all the same. "Wow....their amazing creatures" "They're not from around here." Kal explained as he watched the beast walk off. "You can find them in Outland, though i would advise against going to that ruined world." "Hmmm..." Brauner was flicking his nose ring thoughtfully to himself. It seemed he really wasn't listening to Kal but rather then let on about that, He decided to wait till much later to go after such a steed. "Ah...I guess i won't do anything to hasty then Kal, Are you all set to go?"

"I'm good" the hunter replied. "Want to follow me back to the hall?" nodding Brauner looked towards Kalanos, his appearance was rather distant. "Yeah...it's about dinner time isn't it?" Kal's stomach growled in response. "oh yeah, guess it is mealtime. We'd better hurry then, Arukan and Rohu can cook up a Kodo flank that'll knock you off your hooves." Brauner grimaced a little at the words. "Ko...do...? I...Isn't that those things you guys ride...?" Brauner bit his lower lip a bit. Seems like his appetite was starting to go south. Kal held back a laugh. "Kodo are at the heart of the Tauren culture. We've relied on them since we first began roaming the plains. They've provided us with everything we could ever need."

Brauner still couldn't help but fidget a bit from the information as they made their way back to the elevators. "Kind of like Indians and buffalo then" He mused to himself. Brauner wasn't really thinking Kal would understand, he was more or less just saying the phrase out loud to himself. "Indians and buffalo?" Kal raised an eyebrow. "Things from your world i assume?" Brauner nodded softly, his finger was flicking his nose ring again, it seems like he does it when he's lost in thought. "Yeah...they did the same things with Buffalo, using every last part of them." It was rather fascinating...but to think you would use something like that for transportation one day...and the next he's in your stomach..."

Kal grinned. "Well, we did that in the old days, before the war. Our people have kind of,us, learned to raise them for different roles. We don't eat our rides." "ehehe. Don't worry about me, I'm fine I just have an overactive imagination sometimes is all." Brauner blinked as the elevator landed at the ground level of the mesa, He trotted off off before he got stuck on it's return trip. "I guess it wouldn't be as bad as i thought after all." "Besides" Kal added, "You wouldn't believe how stringy riding Kodo meat can get. The ones raised for meat are so tender and juicy and...." He trailed off as began to salivate.

Brauner furrowed his brow at the drolling bull, rather then pay attention he reached into his bulging sack and pulled out a few paw fulls of cranberries, popping a few into his muzzle before audibly rumbling with pleasure. "mmmmmm~ I'll just take your word for it Kal." Kal looked back and grinned. "If nothing else, you'll find a lot of new dishes around here." Kal turned back and walked into the hall, holding the door open for Brauner. "Fank you Kal" Brauner mumbled between chews of his berries, making sure not to smack his bag into anything. "I think I'll just chill the stuff in my room till later, Hehe the living fridge that's me!" He stuck his tongue out showing off that gold stud that seemed to spend more time outside his muzzle then in.

"Where did you get that?" Kal asked as he followed Brauner inside. "I've been thinking about getting something pierced, y'know, like Zig." He looked away quickly. "I mean, nothing. I'd better put these supplies away before lunch. Arukan hates clutter around the common room." Brauner blinked a bit at Kalanos and snorted as the hunter acted embarrassed. "I got it from the other world. Body piercing parlors are considered jobs there, Look." Brauner lifted up his silk purple shirt to show off the golden nipple rings clashing against his snow white fur. "I have these to...was kinda sore for a bit after them. And i couldn't really eat solid food till my tongue stud healed."

Kal frowned slightly. "Oh, i see. I was just wondering since, well, orcs look so brutal when they do it. and trolls aren't much better. But I'd better set these things down. Rohu's fond of tripping anyone with a big load." Brauner nodded and put his shirt back down trotting up the stairs, halfway up he looked back down at the hunter. "I could probably pierce a few things for you if you'd like Kal....think about it." "I'll....keep that in mind" Kal said as he ducked into his room. Kalanos frowned a little, unsure if he wanted Brauner coming at him with a needle. He set the leather on his work bench, the image of a jerkin forming in his head, he looked away when the savory scent of roasting meat meat wafted up from the kitchen. A minute passed before Arukan's voice rang out, "Food's on!"

Brauner wasn't really sure he was all for trying new food just yet, however the aroma wafting into his room was enough to make his stomach growl. The ivory bull patted his stomach and took one last paw full of cranberries from his bag before slipping out from his room. Looking downstairs over the banister, he couldn't help feeling like he was intruding on everyone downstairs. Kal stepped into the dining room, a long room with table and benches. The other members of the team were already seating themselves. Zig sat at the head, with Rohu and Arukan sitting on either side. Kal sat himself before the slices of roasted Kodo, roots, and fruit. Several minutes passes. "He said dinner was ready! that means you too......BRAUNER!" The warrior boomed out again.

"I'm right here" He muttered from over the banister looking down at the warrior in the dining room. Brauner sighed a bit and made his way down to the others, his expression seemed to be a mixture of guilt and curiosity towards the food." Kal was seated next to Arukan, leaving an opening next to Rohu. "sit down already" The shaman growled. "Arukan won't let us eat until we're all here and I'm starving" Brauner snorted a bit, steam rising from his nostrils before he sat down beside the shaman. The white bull knew a little bit about Rohukarlo and his true feelings, but he still couldn't help feeling like he was unlucky having to sire beside him. Brauner's tail was curling nervously behind him. "yeah sorry, Just thinking."

"Think later, new guy." Rohu said curtly. "ok, He's here" The black bull said to the druid. "Can we dig in already?" "um, sure," Arukan answered before turning to Brauner. "new guy gets first choice" The druid gestured to the table, Rohu rolled his eyes. Brauner folded his ears back a bit before looking off to the side, He really hated being the center of attention. "Let Rohu go, i'm not in any rush to eat." He said softly. "Thanks" Rohu said quickly before piling fruit and meat onto his platter. He took a mouthful of Kodo flank steak and glanced at Brauner. "Here, try some he said between bites and slapped a piece of meat onto Brauner's plate.

"Thanks..." Brauner managed to say before taking a bite from the piece given to him, managing a weak smile after swallowing. "It's really good Arukan, very tender." "Thank you, Brauner" Arukan answered as he took a piece for himself. "Secrets in the spices." Brauner smiled a bit more taking a few bites from the meat, He wasn't really comfortable in this kind of environment. It seemed like he was once again thinking even though eating this time. "Is this what a family is like? It's so foreign.....I don't really feel right being like this. Maybe i'll get over it....hmm...why is this meat so good." The rest of the group began passing around the food and chatting amiably. Kal told Rohu he'd have the shaman's vest done by evening, Rohu just sniffed and rolled his eyes again. Zig and Arukan were talking about the recent wolf incursions in southern Mulgore.

Brauner was simply watching everyone talk and do their own thing. He'd done it his whole life after all, on the outside looking in. Just watching everything pass by. Brauner frowned a bit, Torrg....that was his name wasn't it. The orc shaman from Stonetalon, He had saved the bull from being eaten alive by that vicious worm thing. He wondered what Torrg was up to, partially kicking himself for not asking where in Mulgore he lived. ".....To have a look around Kalimdor?" Zig finished speaking. "Brauner?" Zig prodded. "Did you hear me?"

"Huh?" Brauner blinked a little bit, how long had Zig been trying to talk to him. " I'm sorry...I didn't catch any of that..." "I asked you if you'd be up for a short,uh, expedition around Kalimdor." the warrior repeated. "Y'know, see Wintergrasp, Feralas, defiantly Durotar. All the major sights." "I think I'd like a time out from exploring for now...I ended up in Stonetalon helping my mother...and well it shook me a bit..sorry." Brauner sighed flicking his nose ring as he though about it. It was true he was still abit upset from it. Maybe he was just afraid something else might try to eat him.

"oh, okay" Zig sounded dejected. "Maybe I should take a quick trip over to the Eastern Kingdoms." "NO!" Rohu slammed his fist on the table. " GIVE IT UP ZIG!" "Zig..." Brauner was going to say but flinched when the shaman slammed his paws on the table. Silently standing up, Brauner slipped into the common room without a word. "Ever the diplomat," Arukan sighed as he watched Brauner leave. zig stood up and grabbed one of the juicy red fruits from the table. "I'll go talk to him."

The warrior entered the common room and found Brauner sitting on one of the fur-covered benches near the hearth, sitting down beside Brauner. "I'm sorry you had to see that," he said and offered Brauner the fruit. "It's not just that Zig, I'm kind of....afraid to go exploring right now....I almost died in Stonetalon." Brauner folded his ears back and looked away from the warrior as he spoke the words. "I'm sorry, I didn't know" The warrior hung his head. "Looks like we have something else in common," He said evasively. "I already know about it Zig, you really shouldn't be so careless." Brauner looked up at the warrior, he seemed shaken up.

"Brauner" Said Zig suddenly, "I want to talk with you more...Maybe this evening, up in the city?" Brauner stood up and blinked looking down at the warrior. "sure...I guess so... I think I'm gonna head up there now and get a feel for the city though, so I'll see you tonight." Zig stood up and was about to speak up, telling Brauner he would join him, Brauner on the other hand saw where this was going and cut him off. "Zig. I'll be ok... Thunderbluff is a major city isn't it? i'll see you later ok?" Zig bit his lip and nodded in agreement against his better judgment as he let the snow white bull walk out the front door. Sighing he walked back toward the dinning room. Brauner let out a sigh of relief that Zig had decided not to come. he needed some alone time alone.

Time passed quickly for the warrior and he was just about to leave for Thunderbluff when he started to feel drowsy. Zig collapsed onto his bed and fell into a deep slumber. "Sorry Andar" Rohukarlo said from the shadow. "But i need to know more about this new guy. I won't see you get hurt again."