Malric Sunstrike [Archive]

It was a unanimous, unspoken decision.  We would begin at the source of corruption at the Pools of Eternity and press on from there, pitting ourselves against the monstrosities Garrosh had employed to protect his fortress under Orgrimmar.  There was, however, a fundamental flaw in our plan that had been overlooked by each of us.

There was no obvious way to actually get in to the pools.

We searched the rubble and ruin for a possible entrance to no avail.  Many of the others tried in vain to shift the stones, yet slowly but surely, the other priest and I found ourselves at the centre of attention. She and I exchanged a knowing glance. Why they only teach that damned levitation spell to priests, I will never know.  But thanks to us, we had a way in.

The group fell into a hushed, almost reverent silence as we left the sole slant of sunlight behind, making our way along the corridor towards the pools.  It wasn’t as dark as I had imagined it would be after my eyes adjusted, but the insidiousness of the place seemed to cling to me in the same way the water clung to the walls like a second skin.

The corridor opened up into a large chamber, and at the far end of it was our first of many challenges.  While the rest of the group clustered together to talk tactics, I broke away and approached the ledge facing the open pools and rested my fingers atop the wet stone; watching the monstrosity that seemed to wordlessly declare itself as ‘Immerseus’.

I watched the way it shaped and shifted, the way the corruption bent the water to its will and turned it into a living entity.  I watched as the Pandaren poolkeepers stared blankly into the water they had once sworn to protect; now forced to birth new Sha essences from it to empower Immerseus.  It was the most perverse sight I think I have ever seen; that of something so innately evil brought forth from such purity.

I expected myself to be reluctant when the call came to take arms, but when I drew away from the ledge I found that familiar thrill of adrenaline charging through me. The other priest had already blessed the group with her own prayer of Fortitude, but I made sure to touch the chest of each of my boys and bless them again with my own prayer.  I trusted her, but I’m not too proud to admit to my arrogance.  It was a ritual I would repeat before each fight in the future, much to her chagrin.

The Pandaren were clearly hypnotised and thusly ignorant to our presence, so we were able to slip by them and hopefully we spared them their lives by doing so.  The few foes we couldn’t avoid were quickly dispatched by claw, tooth, sword or spell; and the ten of us fanned out to gaze up at the unnatural embodiment of the Vale’s sorrow.  It had felt too easy, but the upcoming fight turned out to be anything but.

It began with the bellowing roar of the druid as he charged at Immerseus.  There was no way to be prepared for anything that came at us; we just had to depend on our own awareness and abilities.  The nimble rogue and his daggers were an excellent counter to the heavier falls of Malric’s Light-blessed sword and the warrior’s brutish axe; Nicandro’s keen eye and practiced hand releasing perfect shot after shot and always finding the opportune moments to cause a distraction and give the druid or warrior a chance to recover.  I, on the other hand, found myself at something of a disadvantage without a corporeal body to inflict pain upon, without a heart to set fear into or a mind to twist and warp.  Instead, I worked on drawing the corruption out of Immerseus; weakening its attacks and making Malric’s strikes more effective.

The corruption splattered liberally all over the platforms we stood on like blood as Immerseus swerved back and forth between the druid and the warrior; and the priest, shaman, Nic and I had to keep dodging and weaving to avoid being contaminated. Those who fought in melee range seemed to manage to avoid the brunt of it, but when Immerseus disappeared back into the water from which he had first emerged; all six of them were thrown back as a surge of water exploded from the depths, sending congealed globes of corrupted water out along with it.  Without even a second thought I performed a Leap of Faith on Malric, reaching out for the Champion’s very essence and tugging hard to change his trajectory away from the wall and towards myself.  He looked more than a little disoriented when he landed, but I figured it was better to be disoriented than concussed, and he was quick to join me in attacking the suspicious globules that were slithering back towards the main pool.

It went on and on like that for what felt like forever; with Immerseus returning and periodically disappearing again to send forth waves of those strange globes of water in its place.  There was barely anywhere left to stand on the platform that was free of corruption; and I couldn’t manage to sustain anyone other than myself and Nicandro in levitation.  I was rapidly fading from the effort of keeping us both aloft as well as trying to draw corruption out of Immerseus.  

Fortunately when the monster retreated into the water once more, no spray or globules followed.  The corruption slowly ebbed away from the stone of the platform; inert and innocuous as it seeped into the cracks and out of sight.  I was finally able to lower Nicandro and myself to the ground once more, but I guess it’d been a lot longer than I had initially remembered since I had practiced that much levitation.  I collapsed.  It was embarrassing, but it turned out that I wasn’t the only one who was so spent.  The other priest was almost entirely inert against the cobblestones being tended to by the shaman, and the druid was in mid-shift back to his Trollish form in hopes of cleansing the black taint of corruption from his fur.  Nicandro was, of course, by my side in half an instant; bow discarded haphazardly in concern as he reached for me, and Malric wasn’t more than a fraction of a second behind him.  But when I looked up at them, I couldn’t do anything but laugh and open my arms to both of them for a hug, sitting with them and watching the water slowly settle and regain its crystalline purity.

The victory bottle of Soju we shared that night was the best thing I have ever tasted.

She looked up at the stone structure, proud of the work she’d done refurbishing the building and planning the beds of herbs and medicinal flowers surrounding it.  It was a place to house their mounts and where some of the smaller animals could play, and without a doubt it had been a huge undertaking. 

The Mage smirked, remembering how some people spoke of her not being in her right mind.  All because she saw no problem in working in the middle of the night if the mood struck her prior to the ground freezing.  Having her own home and nobody to answer to meant she could do things when she wanted to. 

It was quite liberating.

Coming closer to the building, she slowed, something bothering her.  Rory looked around, a frown on her face, all pleasant thoughts vanished.  What was nagging at her?  She stood in the silence, startling when she figured it out.

Silence. 

Seven months.

It’s been seven months since Nicandro, Malric and I stood in the desecrated Vale, waiting to be inspected by scrupulous Goblins, waiting to be judged worthy to enter the depths of Orgrimmar.

I had, of course, planned to go alone, but the boys would have none of that. I had expected Nicandro to at least protest if not insist he come along, but not Malric. Not when Aurora could not join him.  But whatever his reasoning; be it the order, the Horde, or simply honour… I’ve been glad of his company more than once, both in and out of combat. 

The testosterone and anticipation was rife in the air as we waited; it was sickening.  Fights frequently broke out among the contenders, and there was a quick exchange of palmed gold between those nearest us when Nicandro and Malric suddenly drew their weapons in unison; when it was actually just their reaction to the Goblin who had had the audacity to throw my robes over his head with the pretence of inspecting the enchanted bindings around my thighs.  Somehow I think the Kezanite will think twice about lifting the robes of a Shadow Priest again.

To say I was relieved when we were deemed acceptable and were able to leave the throng of other ‘heroes’ is an understatement.  We were ushered off to an enclave to meet the rest of our party.  We were only three of ten who would delve into the underbelly of Pandaria and push on towards Orgrimmar.  A hulking Troll druid of the Claw and a hard-eyed Tauren warrior were to lead the charge and protect the other eight of us, and a Sin’dorei discipline priest and wiry Goblin shaman were responsible for keeping us alive.  Malric, Nic and I, another Sin’dorei (though a rogue this time) and, ironically enough, an Orcish warrior completed the team.  It will be healing for the Horde, I think, to know that an Orc other than Thrall was directly involved in bringing Garrosh to justice.  All the same, I couldn’t help but be a little amused that I was the only ‘spellslinger’ in the group, aside from the healers.

We were given only a day to prepare, to finalise our supplies, potions and rations, and make any last arrangements.  Of course, the moment word got out that I was an experienced tailor, I found myself with a long night of sewing ahead of me (much to Nicandro’s chagrin), repairing satchel straps and sundry items.  It certainly wasn’t the last time I had to stay up all night and sew.  Still.  It was comfortable enough just to recline in hammocks in the Shrine of Two Moons and talk while I sewed, sharing a bottle of Soju.  I don’t think any of us would’ve been able to sleep anyway.

While I wouldn’t wish war on anyone, and I would never wish to put anyone I care about in front of the dangers we faced in those long months… There is camaraderie between myself, Malric and Nicandro that’ll never be broken now, and I really cherish that.  I feel as though I’ve finally gotten to prove myself to Malric, and hopefully show him that I had the mettle to be Visionary all along. And as for Nicandro… Well.  Now he really has seen all of me.  He saw all that my Shadow is, and all that it can do, time and time again.  Hell, he nearly got a taste of it (though that’s a story for another time).  But he’s still here.  He still loves me.

With Ollie picking up Jasolei more often, I’ll be giving my red side characters some love. This morning I followed a ton of tumblrs from my old main red side, Malric Sunstrike. So if you’re wondering who that random elf is that just followed you but hasn’t posted anything substantial in the past 6 months… guilty as charged. ^^

Looking toward the bed, she smiled softly at the sight.  Mal had already wrapped himself around Rory’s pillow and Bandit had taken advantage of the vacated warmth to curl up between the pillow and Mal’s stomach.  She murred sleepily and Rory chuckled as she headed into their shared walk in closet to gather clothes for the day.

His tuxedo caught her eye and she stifled a giggle.  He’d tried to hang it up, but since most of Malric’s clothes either folded or simply rested on the floor, the jacket, shirt and pants were all a bit…skewed.  With a fond smile on her face, Aurora set about hanging his tux up properly.  As she smoothed her hands over the jacket, she felt something in the pocket.

Arching a brow, she wondered just what would have been lost in the wash this time.  When she pulled out the diamond ring, she blinked repeatedly, staring at it. 

She recognized the craftsmanship as the same jewler who’d made her necklace, and yet this style was…older.  Diamonds were always fashionable, but this setting was no longer being made.  She quickly guessed what it was - Ely’s engagement ring.

Her smile was sad, thinking about her beloved Paladin, holding onto the ring he’d never had the courage to give to his one time love.  She admitted it was absolutely beautiful, and for a split second, she thought about trying it on.

But no, she couldn’t.  This wasn’t her ring, though perhaps one day…

Shaking her head, her smile was fond and she went to Malric’s chest, looking through the drawers for a box or a small ring bag.  She found it on the third try and slipped the ring within, then tucked it back in place.  She never went through his things, despite his assurances he’d have no issue with it. 

"Mphf…Rory?" came the sleep rasped voice of her Paladin.  "Just getting some clothes for today my love," she called out softly. 

"Come back to bed for a bit?"

Somehow, the chat had turned to spiders.  Chris shrugged.  “I’m not fond of them, but arm me with a shoe and I’m their worst enemy.”

Rory shuddered.  “I can’t stand them, can’t handle them, would freeze solid if one were coming at me.  Malric knows his one main job in our lives is to kill all the spiders.  Preferably before I see them.  In return, he gets laid whenever he wants.”  She finished with a laugh.

Before Chris could censor herself, the words were out.  “You mean he actually has sex?”

Rory barked out a laugh and swatted Chris on the arm.  “Hey!” she said laughing.  Chris only grinned and shrugged.  “Sorry, it’s just…he’s….a Paladin.”

Rory’s brow arched and she smirked.  “Did I mention I’m also training in the ways of the Paladin?”

"Suddenly it all makes sense," Chris deadpanned. 

She so badly wanted to tell him to shut the fuck up and keep his reassurances to himself, but…he was only trying to be supportive.  She knew that, and she respected him for it, but she wasn’t the greatest at dealing with stress.  At least not this type of stress.

Chris turned to look at Malric and found him staring at Deyin, worry clear in his features.  Then, in the blink of an eye it was replaced by that same bland smile she’d seen before when they’ve both been at the shrine.

Bland and placating, and completely without any real passion.

She looked away, blinking when the healers turned to them.  Chris felt a bit smug when they addressed her rather than Malric.  She quickly squashed the emotion, because, really, in any other situation she’d probably find Malric to be quite kind and polite.

"He will recover, but it will take some time," the eldest Pandaren male said, laying a hand on her forearm.  "It is best that he recover at home, or someplace familiar and relaxing to him.  He will need bed for a few days, possibly up to a week.  Whatever you do, do not let him push himself too hard."

Chris bowed her head and thanked the healers, each one in turn.  As they walked away, she let out a breath, puffing out her cheeks.

"He can come to my home," Malric said, then paused.  He didn’t look uncertain, but she recognized the pause for what it was.  "Do I have time to gather our things?" Chris asked quietly.  Malric graced her with one of those smiles again and nodded.  "Of course Chriselda.  It will give me time to contact Aurora.  A portal might make things easier."

*_*_*_*

The bedroom was spacious, ludicrously comfortable and well lit, both by the moonlight streaming in through the windows and a fire opposite the bed.  Malric rose from placing several logs in a basket, smiling at Chris.

This smile was different than earlier.  He seemed more…comfortable.  No less worried, but more comfortable.  He’d changed ever so slightly when the mage had appeared.

Curious.

"This should be more than enough to get you through the night. If you have any issues at all, don’t hesitate to come get us.  Our bedroom’s across the hall all the way toward the back of the house."

Chris nodded, her arms wrapped tightly around herself.  She’d changed when they’d arrived, removing her blood soaked clothes.  Her pale skin had mocked her in the mirror of the bathroom, her hands still stained a pinkish color from poor attempts to wash them.  The blood had soaked through where she’d held Deyin up and guided him with a levitate spell, staining her left side and her underclothes.  She was clean now, and the clothes had been destroyed.

"Thank you Malric," she said quietly.  "We’ll be fine."

The Paladin cast another glance to the only family he had left as he lay on the bed, still pale from blood loss.  Chris had expected him to dispute her right to be by Deyin’s side, but he hadn’t.  He’d sat with Dey while Chris had washed and changed, and now seemed reluctant to leave.

"Yes, you both will be fine," he said, more to himself than to her.  Looking at her, he nodded one more time, then quietly backed out of the room.  Chris somehow resisted the temptation to lock the door behind him.

Instead, she went to the chair close by the bed and sat, leaning back and staring at the man on the bed, her eyes fixed on the steady rise and fall of his chest.  He was breathing.  Normally.  As if he were asleep.  The Pandaren healers had explained about the sedatives they’d used.  He’d be out for the night, allowing him to get some much needed rest.  “Don’t worry,” they’d said.  “He’ll be fine,” they’d said.

But would she?  "I think I love you Deyin…"

The words she’d said earlier ran through her head, mocking her.  What did she know about love?  How could she even suggest such a thing to herself, let alone say it out loud.  Of course it could be considered an ‘excited utterance’, but really, did that change anything?

"I think I love you Deyin…"

No, she had no clue what love was.

'Don't I?  Can I really tell myself I don't know what love is when I've seen it demonstrated in front of me?'

Malric’s love and respect for Aurora, which had been evident to anyone that saw the two of them together.  What was important to her was important to him, and vice versa.  She’d figured that out the moment Aurora had attempted to interrogate her about Deyin.

"I think I love you Deyin…"

Still, could she love?  Did she understand how to love?  Was it something that was ingrained into every living being save for those monsters like Hellscream, or was it nurtured?  If it was the latter, than she was surely screwed in a very bad way.  She’d seen nothing of love growing up, her father having taken her away from her mother at an early age.  To be certain, he’d never wanted Chriselda.  He’d simply not wanted her mother to have her.  So, if love was something that was taught…

She closed her eyes and pressed the fingers of her left hand to her temple, frowning and massaging gently.  Now was not the time to attempt any type of self analyzing.  Instead, she rose and pulled the covers up higher over Deyin, tucking them in around him.  The room was probably pleasantly warm, but to Chris it was freezing.  She’d noticed once the sun went down, if Deyin’s arms weren’t around her, she had trouble getting warm.

"I think I love you Deyin…"

"What kinda creature wanders off with a watermelon? I mean, a turnip I can understand, but a watermelon? Just how big ARE these virmen?" Deyin asked, turning his head to meet Chris’ gaze as they walked south from Thunderfoot Farm.

Kitten —

Chris took her time as she strolled through the open air market, contemplating what to have for dinner that night.  Deyin had left, so she could make whatever she felt like.

Well, to be honest, she’d done that while Deyin had been with her.  It hadn’t occurred to her to ask him what he’d like or what he might not, and he’d eaten everything with gusto and even complimented her on her cooking skills.

It’d been…nice.

She picked up some apples and set them in her bag.  Perhaps she’d have baked apples for dessert?  Or an apple pie for dinner? 

'I'm a responsible adult,' she reasoned with herself.  'If I want apple pie for dinner, then I'll have apple pie for dinner.'

As she selected a bunch of grapes, she couldn’t help but get the feeling that someone was watching her.  Brow arched, she raised her head.

And locked eyes on none other than Aurora Silverdawn.

Rory was down the way, purchasing some pears, and Chris had the irrational idea to quickly pay for her purchases and make do with what she had.  ‘Running like a dog with it’s tail between my legs?  What the fuck for?’ she mused.

Just then, Rory looked up.  She blinked once, then twice at Chris, then smiled and nodded a greeting.

'Always a chance she doesn't know who I am,' Chris thought as she returned the nod.  She then began looking over the pitiful selection of tomatoes, trying to lose herself in the crowd.

No such fucking luck.

"Chriselda, right?  Chriselda Silver?"

Chris bit back a sigh and looked up at the dark haired woman, forcing a smile.  “The one and only,” she said, mustering as much cheer as she could.  “And you would be?”

The older woman smiled, and Chris was irritated to see the expression made her look younger.  “Aurora Silverdawn.  My late husband and I used to take in the concerts quite regularly,” she said, extending her hand for a shake.

Smiling tightly, Chris returned her gesture, nodding.  “I’m sorry for your loss Mrs. Silverdawn -“

"Please, call me Rory.  Everyone does."

"Ah, then, Rory." 

"I do hope Deyin wasn’t any trouble when I dropped him off the other night?"  She phrased it as a question, and Chris had to bite the inside of her cheek to hide her smirk.  ‘Digging already Rory?’

"He wasn’t any trouble at all.  We were asleep within 20 minutes."

"Really?" The dark haired woman laughed.  "Good to know."  The women stood in an awkward silence for a moment or two before Rory smiled again.  "He’s never mentioned you before."

Chris resisted the urge to throw out a sarcastic remark along with an arched brow, instead smiling sweetly and shrugging one shoulder.  “Nothing to mention, really.  Just friends.”

"Friends?" Rory asked.

The Priest nodded.  “Mhmm.  Friends.”

"I have to admit, I’m surprised to find the two of you know each other."

"Well, Silvermoon is a relatively small town." 

"Still, I didn’t think Deyin traveled in the same social circles as you."

"You’d be surprised," Chris said, and at that point she did allow herself a smirk.

When Rory’s brow arched, Chris considered it a win.  And then the dark haired woman’s eyes narrowed.

"Mmm…perhaps I would.  But you’d be surprised how many people love Deyin and would make sure anyone who hurt him learned their lesson."

Chris resisted the urge to blink.  The woman had balls, she’d give her that.  “Is that so?” she asked with a smile.  “I’m certainly glad he has people looking out for him.”

'However, I really don't have the time, nor the patience for grand standing….'

"Pity nobody was around when his heart was broken.  Even more of a pity when people left him to his own devices after.  And let’s not get into the whole thing about him running off to Pandaria by himself while he was so upset.  But, I’m sure someone was keeping an eye out for him, right?”

Rory’s green eyes narrowed and Chris smirked, stepping closer.  “Do not threaten me Ms. Silverdawn,” she growled.  “I don’t appreciate it, and I certainly don’t enjoy being cast as the villain when it’s so painfully obvious that you haven’t a fucking clue as to what’s going on.  Now.  If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to pay for my purchases and head home to make dinner and grade some tests.  Why don’t you trot along and continue being a hand servant to your darling Paladin, hmm?”