Eledris Falathren

Wyrmrest Accord Forum Post

∞ PROLOGUE ∞

Eledris’ shadowed eyes tracked Aja’s path through the bar as she skirted the tables, claws scraping along every surface she came into contact with. The establishment had emptied out long before they arrived, the patrons passed out in their respective barracks. A lone barkeep wiped down old mugs and paid little mind to Aja’s continuous rant. “It’ll never be the way we want it. It’ll never be our fight. It’ll always be some higher-up pushing buttons and claiming fame, extorting monumental problems to further their agenda,” Aja grumbled before continuing, “and not to mention sending hordes of nameless faces to die in their name. I think it’s common decency to know everyone’s name, right?” “I guess,” Eledris droned in response to her rhetorical question. “Well, I for one, am tired of it.” She pivoted on her heel and faced the rogue, arms laced across her chest. Eledris finished his drink before kicking back the leg of his chair and rising to his feet. “This stuff takes time to plan,” he reasoned. “I don’t have time.” “What’s your justification for all of this?” He gestured to her with a fluid sweep of his arm. “The end,” Aja divulged with a wicked grin that told of untapped greed and desire. Eledris shook his head at the monk and turned to pay the generous tender who had kept the bar open for their clandestine meeting.

∞ INFORMATION  ∞

Welcome to <End>’s official tumblr post! We’re a tight-knit Horde role-playing guild that was established in mid-June of 2017. Composed of dedicated writers, <End> hopes to promote quality role-play and awesome events on Wyrmrest Accord. Outside of RP, we want to dedicate some time to progressing through Tomb of Sargeras and organize semi-competitive PvP. RP: A nameless mercenary band of no repute. They are former militants, unnamed and faceless. A soldier no longer, these mercenaries have forsaken their oath in favor of pursuing personal claims and a rise to infamy. For better or worse, they will do anything to stake a name in greatness. Unchecked greed and viciousness shrouds the band like a blanket, deterring anyone too delicate to bite the hand that feeds. PvE: <End> is currently organizing a flexible team of semi-casual raiders who are interested in dipping their toes into the Tomb of Sargeras (and role-play).

Furysong’s Pleasure Palace bash! Eledris was an awesome co-host and it was great being able to let loose, get drunk, and see where it took us. Things got pretty wild pretty fast.

I can’t imagine the type of party we’d throw if this one was just for killing some owlbeasts.

We’re Aszuna bound!

I couldn’t sleep. So when I finally returned home, I didn’t even bother going inside. Instead I stripped down out of my armor, undid my hair and walked across the grounds with no particular destination in mind. My feet simply kept brushing against the grass as I lost myself in the sound of the evening forest. The fireflies were out again, twinkling every so often as if to accompany the music. I might have paced around in large sweeping circles for hours or maybe it had just been a few times, but regardless I didn’t grasp where I truly was until I sat down on one of the old benches that bordered the treeline.

My thoughts were everywhere and while I could focus on each of them in time, it didn’t stop the buzzing noise in the background. Half of me was dwelling on Velest and how I’d decided to call her a friend. I know any man would have laughed at such a stupid proclamation and interpreted such words as something less than what they should be. I think that’s the problem when it comes to what I think. I tell myself I don’t make friends. I don’t call people friends. I don’t look for friendship. That’s become my rule, one I rarely break.  Yet if I do, then in my heart, that is the pinnacle of my declarations.

People want more though. They always want more than that.

She continues to be a rarity. She simply accepted it and if anything, maybe some part of her understood the real meaning for me. She even made the promise I asked and I want to believe it. Do I though? … I’m not sure yet. All I know is that I’m tired of losing precious things. I don’t want to feel that numbing pain.  I just want to be left alone and yet… I don’t understand myself. Why? Friends or not, why am I letting myself care? Why can’t I stop?  

In mindset, I found myself wondering why I bothered to look after Eledris’ people at all. They should know what they’re getting into by working for him, although a part of me wonders if they actually do. Maybe they’re blinded by the gold or his insufferable quips. In all likelihood, they’re simply being fooled. I was that same fool once and despite it, I still tried to save him. It didn’t work and all that came of it was he dragged me through his mud.  

I guess I’m still trying to find a way to save him. Save them. Perhaps that makes me the biggest fool of them all.

As long as she’s there though, I don’t think I can just look away. There’s got to be a way around it though. I can toss extra coin towards Eledris and pick up more contracts, but I don’t know if I trust that for a long goal. She could figure it out. He could screw me over. I have to think of another way and most importantly, I need to leave. There has to be a way to do that, while still having their best interest kept high. Fel… again, why the fuck do I care? I don’t truly know many of them. They’re just brief glimpses and idle conversations. They’re not a family that I’m sworn to protect. I’m not under any contract. Is she really the glue or is it more to that? Is it him? Both?

All of those ideas and more were churning in my head, but as the hours waned on and dawn began to threaten the horizon, I realized there were no answers for me here. They weren’t the kind of questions that I could mull over and puzzle out, but rather I had to simply keep moving. Only time and action would grant me insight or a response and right now and I didn’t have the luxury.  

The most important thing for me to focus on was my upcoming job. The small attack on Lain reeked of fel magic and demons. It was eerily similar to the intel this new contract had given me. Something was definitely in motion and my instincts were screaming that it was them again. Even if there was just a small chance, I had to take it. Besides, if I didn’t snatch it up then there was a risk that it would be left to someone else and I couldn’t let that happen. There was no way I was letting anyone go- not after what I’d been through and there certainly wasn’t room for distractions.  

In a few days, I would be leaving. If all went well, the contract would only take about a week. If all went well, it would simply be a coincidence and I’d just have to put down some idiots dabbling into shit they didn’t understand. If all… well, I knew I shouldn’t push my luck.

Sitting in the darkness, I felt a faint twinge of knifing pain in my shoulders and below my hips. Often mistaken as tattoos, the marks were smooth like supple glass and had faded to a crimson color out of dormancy. Just phantom pains, I told myself, but the recollection of where I’d gained them made me uneasy. Uneasy, yet hopeful.

I really wanted to kill more of those bastards.

The Orc had been spotted a few times before. He was clad in dark leathers and cloth for traveling gear with a visible bow upon his back. Each time he had skirted just beyond the realms of the swamp and dry land, close enough to take note but far enough away not to be a direct threat. Still, upon the third time it began to gnaw at the hunter. Something was off or at least, he couldn’t help but feel as if he should make certain the man was not a threat. Leader had given permission for the spearman to track and investigate, which led the jumping Sin'dorei to delve into the familiar swamp and follow.

Lain did not know he was being hunted as well. His amethyst eyes were focused on the Orc as he crouched low, used to the silence of the swamp when foreigners graced the landscape with their presence. He was well hidden and had tread carefully, but the Orc was thought to be a hunter by his dress and careful navigation.

The spearman hadn’t realized it was a simple ruse and that stalk as he might, he could not hide the magic that permeated from his form.

A rustling of bushes was the only warning Lain received as the felhunter burst forth from the foliage. His body twisted to turn around in surprise, but a whip-like appendage from the demon greeted him first. The spindled end drove straight into the back of his shoulder in a spray of gore and cracked bone. Pain seared through his body and his grip on his spear weakened, only to be lost completely as in abrupt succession the second appendage ripped into Lain’s other shoulder. A gurgled yelp of pain spilled from his lips as his hands trembled in weakness before losing their ability to curl altogether, dropping his weapon to the ground.

A rasped yip escaped the demon in excitement at its find as it shoved Lain against the damp earth, spines still barbed into the spearman’s body. He writhed in protest, kicking backwards at an attempt to gain any kind of purchase against the felhunter’s form, but the beast’s strong tendrils kept him pinned and well away. Drool slathered down its jaws as it snapped at the air and pawed at the ground, agitated but frenzied at the delicious scent of its prey.

Magic.

Lain felt hot blood flowing from his wounds and over his form, burning and throbbing as the fel-tainted weapons squirmed inside his back. Yet none of that compared to the abrupt lurching sensation that stemmed not just from his gut, but from his entire body. A torrential wave of nausea and white hot fire screamed through his entirety as the felhunter fed off of the energy within him. He didn’t understand what was happening, all he knew was that demons of this type were his bane. They were attracted to him like flies to honey and finally, he had been caught. Agony blinded his vision and sent his body into spasms as it fed and fed and fed until…

“Ivik n'tosh gar!” The Orc that Lain had been following called out to his minion and at first, the felhunter resisted its master’s demands. The prey was too sweet to simply stop, but with a furrowed brow and an effort of will the Orc’s voice rose into a crescendo and the demon reluctantly was forced to stop.

Squished footsteps sounded the warlock’s approach. The bow he had been carrying was abandoned, a ruse for those who saw a traveler and soon the caster knelt down by Lain’s fallen form. The creature still kept him pinned to the ground, blood seeping from his back and the hunter’s cries had fallen ragged.  Yet it was a breath of respite from the hitched pain the demon had wrought upon his form.

“So I was followed, hm?” The Orc surveyed Lain, eyes narrowing in contemplation. “You are some kind of mage then? My demon is simply salivating to devour you… wait. No. That’s not it.”  He scowled and reached a hand out towards the spearman, thick fingers soon gripping at the back of Lain’s head to tug on his hair, forcing the hunter’s head up. Dark eyes bore into the Sin'dorei’s pained expression as the warlock concentrated, reaching out with his own senses to identify what about this curious creature was bothering him.

“Not a mage at all and yet…”   The lock muttered an incantation under his breath and with a free hand he opened a palm up towards the sky. Green fel flame sprang forth from his fingertips for a moment and then suddenly it roared in intensity, licking hungrily at the air and growing in size. The spell’s response surprised the Orc as his eyes widened and he stared back towards the face of his new captive.

“I have stumbled upon a delicious treasure. I will have to take a measure of care to test you out and yet keep you secret, mm?”  His lips curled into a wild smile as he slowly rose to stand, hand lingering as if hesitating to let go of his new precious find. His fingers balled into a fist and he made a commanding gesture towards the demon as he walked off.  The felhunter obliged the command, appendages lifting from the ground and bringing Lain up with the motion, eliciting a scream of protest as the Sin'dorei remained speared like a brutalized kabob.

“Oh Ruby…what a treasure you were to me….”

“A gift in every way. You see, there was no need to prolong this fate…”

“Because the contract only called for your death.”

“He gave me access to his room, his tools, his world…but I didn’t need any of them to reach the part of him that I knew we shared.”

“And as I held your head back and carved my art across your canvas, I let him watch the life fade from those eyes.”

“Euphoric is the word I will always relate to you, dear Ruby. For you left the room in a heavy air of copper as I painted you across his cheek.”

“You tasted like a dream, he said. I agree. Because you were the only beauty in this perfect nightmare that we both love to craft. Too bad you couldn’t stay to watch us savor your crimson life, though.”

“But all he had to do was watch you die. And oh, how he did…”

Today I went shopping with Elly. Do you know him? I don’t think you do, but he’s a friend of mine from when I was a little girl still escaping away from home. He and I have always led lives that were a little different, but I guess back then when you’re children it doesn’t matter, does it? I sometimes miss thinking of days like that when things were straight forward and simple.  Still, I couldn’t wipe the smile from my face when I headed out to meet him.  I thought it was another joke at first- asking me for help with furniture?  I couldn’t have thought of anything more… domestic for him to ask!

I keep finding that I get surprised when I know, deep down, I shouldn’t. I think perhaps it was a relief when he brought me to his usual place for acquiring items in Undercity. It was a bit of a… how do they say it- a culture shock? It was that at first, but then I guess seeing and hearing him talk about such terrible devices in a casual tone gave me the strength to question him.  All the rumors I’d heard and the hints laid out before me were bothering me. They’ve always bothered me. So I asked him for the truth and… well… the truth is exactly what I was given.

Arinian… what is a good paladin? Or better yet, what makes a good person? When I heard everything from his own mouth, without an ounce of remorse or compassion in his tone, my mind didn’t go blank. I would have expected it to, but instead I had all these images in my head. I was thinking of how to respond. What’s the right way to respond to something you hear that makes your stomach twist and your hands clammy? I imagined all these powerful, strong figures of good and compassion. They would have acted. They would have lectured or fought in some way. I knew it was all wrong and my heart felt heavy while it burned, but… I couldn’t bring myself to do anything against him. If not against him, I couldn’t even utter words of reprimand or muster the strength to try to change his mind.

I can’t abandon him, either. I can’t step away, even though I think in my own way I tried before. I want to say it’s for his sake, but maybe I’m too afraid of letting another person leave my life. Maybe I’m being selfish and letting fear sway me. If Elly left, then who would be around?  Although even as I say that, I still can close my eyes and picture him… alone.

What if he’s terribly alone? He doesn’t have an end in sight. I can’t help but watch or even imagine him surrounded by those women or the people he calls allies. I’m watching and staring, but the sight makes me sad. He’s surrounded by people with smiling faces and responds with a tease in his voice, but it doesn’t fill me with happiness. It just fills me with melancholy for him. How lonely, I think. People act and lash out for a reason, whether it’s to survive or simply to feel anything. He said he made a deal and I’m just left aching as I keep wondering… what deal? What was so important or what mistake did he make that it left him like this?

Then of course, I look at myself and everything comes to a circle. Am I a terrible paladin or person for that matter? Why didn’t I do anything to stop him? To try to convince him? Why can’t I save the people I want to save the most him?

Arinian, I learned a lot today but I also was left with more questions. Elly doesn’t have direction and I’m left to wonder… do I?  What do I want, in the end? I thought I knew awhile ago, but those dreams left me along with the people who led them. Maybe I’m just healing to feel useful and hiding in my garden so I don’t have to look at the ugliness that surrounds us. Maybe I’m straying from what I used to do, because I don’t fit there anymore. Although I don’t think this new path I’m going is fitting me either. I’m just stuck in between.

No… I know what you’d say. You wouldn’t approve of any of this. My contract. My helping of a few of these shadow keepers. I’m sure you would probably convince me to move on from this friendship as well.  You were always a very strong person with a solid sense of self. I think, now that I reflect back on it, I’m a bit envious of that. I keep thinking I’m back at that frozen lake, but if I fall through this time… would you save me again?

 That’s not fair to ask of you. I vowed to smile and stand on my own feet, right? I’m going to keep doing that. I can smile and while that might not be very impressive to most, it’s the only thing I think I’m decent at. If I can just try to keep it up and maybe, just maybe reach someone else…

…

I miss you, always.

 Zynaeri

It wasn’t the darkness that was suffocating, but the sense that there was nothing beyond. Only four solid walls surrounded him as a looming prison. There was no stretching out. There was no standing. There was only him, the dark and the walls.

“Say it.” “N-no!” “SAY IT.” “I can’t… that’s horrible… I don’t want t-” 

Time was a strange thing when there was no light and very little sound. It built a pressure in one’s mind too often, screaming for relief to simply know. Was it time to sleep? Was it time for breakfast? How many days had gone by? Had it only been minutes? Weeks? What was coming next?

“Say it with me. Then kill it.” “…” “Killing like that doesn’t count for anything. LISTEN. OBEY. It’s a simple concept, you ignorant fuck!”

There was relief whenever he heard the sound of the latch being opened. Hot tears always stung at his eyes when he saw the filtered light of the moon or the sun. It didn’t matter if they hurt or not. It was bliss. The air tasted crisp and the first drink of true water was a holy experience. Certainly, this time would be different. This time he would understand the answers to their questions and soon warmth, love and belonging would cushion him. Surround him. Unshackle him. His hope at first, had been freedom.

“Say it.” “…” “Good. Now with me…  -kill it.” “…” “How long were you going to make me wait?!”

Again and again, the relief returned each time he was freed from the walls. The tears filtered away, but the taste never changed and the water always drowned him in salvation. He continued to believe, no- he had known every time would be different and that he would change. He would understand. Yet his change eventually coiled out to constrict around his hope and slowly strangle it. Free him? Freedom? No. His hope had been to survive. Then it had shifted into a lust for approval. Then to succeed. And then…

“Say it.”

“Say it.”

“Say it.”

His hope… what was it again? 

Lain remembered everything. That was a benefit. If he remembers everything, then he can adapt. If he remembers everything, he can improve. If he remembers everything, then he can take responsibility. They had taught him all of that plus more and helped Lain gain a bit of understanding. Back then, he knew what his place was at home. He knew the reason for why he took each breath. He had been grounded then, so perhaps that was why he could think of the pieces easily. 

Only in the seclusion and solitude of his own home did Farwyn take off his shirt to enjoy the summer’s warmth and the pleasant evening. Despite their dormancy, the markings on his body always felt itchy and hot after awhile in armor. Thankfully the northern weather of the Eastern Kingdoms never felt too harsh for his liking, even with the Fire Festival in swing.

 The fireflies must have been celebrating as well, he mused. They were out in full force, glittering the landscape and around the pond like an earthly version of the stars. Elysia had shrieked in delight at their sight and a part of the warrior couldn’t help but find a little glimmer of hope at the sight of the creatures.  He hadn’t seen this many around his family’s land in years.

“I caught another one!”  Elysia proclaimed loudly, cooing over the little bug in her palms before she let it go and went to pursue another.  Farwyn shook his head at her enthusiasm, noting the crown of vibrant fire blossoms and ribbons upon her head. It had been a gift from Lady Emberlight, given during their meet up yesterday and his daughter had been utterly enraptured by it. He could still recall how both Velest and Elysia appeared delighted at the exchange, enough so that Elysia actually ventured to let the woman hold her hand for a time.

Velest could sing too. He hadn’t expected it, but she’d requested a familiar song and led Elysia out to the ribbon pole to dance with the music. Farwyn even had to utilize most of his willpower not to hum too loudly along, never one for singing in the open since his hunting days. Regardless, he doubted he’d ever forget the sight of their blonde hair swirling about in rhythm with the intertwining grace of red and orange ribbons.

Of course, it was purely for Elysia, he reminded himself.

Farwyn crouched near the small fire pit and prodded at the embers, keeping the flames going. A tray of marshmallows, chocolates and cookies were nearby although most of the supplies had long been emptied. It’d been a risky maneuver to attempt the “cooking” out in the yard and they’d both burnt their marshmallows more often than not, but it’d been fun regardless.  He was only waiting for the sugar rush to eventually die off or for Elysia to simply pass out in the grass. It took forever for her to lose energy these days and here he’d thought it’d level out sooner than later.

Yesterday had definitely set a good tone for today though, he knew that without a doubt. It felt like an escape to have a couple days relaxation and to see the contagious smile upon her face. I’ll have to thank Velest again, he reminded himself, purely because the meet up in Mulgore had done what he’d wanted it to do. Elysia needed more women in her life instead of being surrounded by oafs like himself and his blasted cousins. Despite that fact however, Farwyn was still being picky about who was introduced to her.  The last thing his daughter needed was yet another woman sweeping in and out of her life, only to hurt her.  Elysia had dealt with enough of that pain with her own mother and he’d sooner roll in his grave than let anyone inflict more turmoil.

“Dad!”  Elysia called out from a distant corner of the yard, drawing Farwyn’s gaze and pulling him away from his thoughts. He squinted as he attempted to make out her form in the moonlight, but the faint shadow of a wooden sword caught his attention.  He huffed a laugh and smirked, pushing off of the ground as he idly rotated his shoulders.

“You dare challenge me? You should know better than to turn on your own father!”

Elysia giggled madly before she charged forward with her practice sword in hand, form all wrong and jumbled in the excitement. The warrior held his ground and grinned, feigning a shocked pose as if she had caught him at an inopportune moment.  A loud THWACK sounded through the air as she nailed him in the shin and of course, he fell over from such a powerful strike with a cry of defeat.

He never did like the Fire Festival.

Eh. Maybe he’d change his mind.

Farwyn had idly lifted both hands up so that he could adjust his gloves, tugging them a little further down to ensure their snug fit. He knew he was in for a few questions, although thankfully his threatening glower had kept most from bothering him today. Good riddance. The last thing he needed was strangers pissing him off or worse, his cousins showing up to heckle him. Upon hearing Velest’s words however, the warrior blinked and his eyebrows lifted in obvious surprise. 

His chin tilted up and he leveled his gaze at her, the question odd but simple enough.“Dress up and dance in a field? Well, I guess…” His graveled voice trailed off as he thought in more detail. Well. It was supposed to be an easy question to answer, but instead of finding a solid response he only heard little whispers dancing about the most resonating impulse to ask why. 

“Right now? Absolutely not.” He pressed his lips thinly together and drew in a breath, holding his straight stature to stand firm in his reply. A beat later however, his gaze trailed off to survey the nearby road where so many often passed and he murmured under his breath. 

I didn’t get a lot of screen shots in and I missed one entire group of people that had come. Trying to be social with everyone while on my own is difficult!

Today I was invited to sit around a campfire with my allies in the Dusksworn after discussing a new contract. I was really excited, although I didn’t want to admit it. It would be embarrassing if they knew how much I really wanted to experience what it would be like.  Even if they all drank alcohol, I forced myself to stay too. 

I have always wanted to join the Farstrider groups or family parties where they would sit around, eat and play games but… I never had been allowed or able to do so. So this was a first! My very first campfire gathering! It was like being in one of those nice dreams! Even if they think I’m strange or they’re not all my friends or don’t consider me as one, I don’t mind.  It was something I don’t think I’ll ever forget.

I also have a birthday now! They seemed confused that I did not have one, but instead of making fun of me… Mistress Miss Lady Velest declared that the day was my new birthday.

I… they said happy birthday…

They all said it.

…

Happy Birthday to me.

The Dusksworn Crew Meme

@velestemberlight @vincintkendoranel @eledris @redoriantherogue @laekenalthiel @lainjumps

“It’s almost as if you like me or something.”