#ahordeoftrouble

THIS WAS a very new thing to try! @ahordeoftrouble (who i also can’t tag what the heck tumbo) requested a bust done in the glassy design style of their Arakkoa character. All the stuff I’ve done before was very generic so it was fun figuring out how to use that design style on an actual distinct character.

After going through two great swords within one year, a fact Stahldrauf grumbled about while he was working on a third, the Worgen found himself working on a third weapon.  Out on the front, there were more… exotic materials to work with. Eyeing the blade as he worked, he had no sooner set it down for a rest than his ears picked up the oh-so-subtle suggestion from Rekkis. 

The kid ‘as a point.  The Worgen -hated- that, but the Arakkoa wasn’t wrong. Avoiding it forever wouldn’t do him any good, and having another figure to watch over Rekkis presented a myriad of benefits.  The jaunt to the Dreadscar had resulted in Stahldrauf being laid up with injuries for close to two weeks while Fendell stitched bone together.

…What would’ve happened if Rekkis needed help?

Stahldrauf hadn’t left the room after Rekkis’ nightmare, electing to remain on guard.  Truth be told, he had elected out of sleep since he’d gotten there; if -something- out there was targeting his son, he’d be damned if he’d be asleep while it happened.   Of course, while sleep became a much-enjoyed past time, it took a little to break out of its grasp; as he stood guard, he yawned broadly. Both of his ears perked as Rekkis posed the quest—quiet, unsure, and with enough pleading that his brows furrowed.

“Or a Draenei.” Adding it with a soft smile, his gaze shifted out the window, a soft sigh escaping him. “I’ve thought about it—honestly, I ‘ave. But… that’s a -lot- to ask someone ta get used too.  Death Knights were a terrible thing before we were liberated, an’ all of them will remember what they were.” The low, rumbling voice filled the room. “An’ to be clear, I haven’t been against it. But… lookin’ at ‘em just because they’re around feels… like a false relationship. I feel like I outta care more about the person than their life span.” He pauses, before giving a darkly amused chuckle.

The stables were quiet as he assembled the barding on hismount, working swiftly—and that was when he heard the voice again. He took adeep breath, stilling himself as he worked the straps into place.

“An’ yet, fer all mybarking, you’re the one talkin’ from the shadows gunning for a kid. I’m notscared of you.” He scowled disapprovingly, cinching one last strap into placebefore turning on his heel, heading out of the stables. “I ain’t good at a lotof stuff. But what  I am good at is makin’sure things like you stay down.”Leaning against the wall, luminous blue eyes turned towards the main district,keeping a sharp eye out for Fendell.

A deep, amused chuckle escaped his throat, one of his eye brows quirking as his gaze lifted.  He had been in the blacksmiths, hammering out the dings in his new-ish set of armor. “Another one? Yer askin’ if I’m gonna marry someone?” Picking up the vambrace, he lifted it up to the magically-enchanted light, blue eyes trailing along its surface.  

“Not anytime soon, sorry.  Bein’ dead, I can’t do that to someone.”  Allowing a moment for what he assumed would be a contrary squawk, he rumbled deeply. “It’s okay!  I’m at peace with it; I know I got folks who are okay with it, but long term?  I couldn’t ask them ta deal with that daily—especially with as often as we’re at war.”  Placing the vambrace back onto the workbench, he kept his eyes on Rekkis.

The Worgensimply sat in the small dwelling, eyes boring a hole into nothing inparticular.  His thoughts were a miasma,self-defeat, and loathing. All which were interrupted as Rekkis barged in,causing the Worgen to lean forward. Or attempt to, as a hundred pounds ofanguished Arakkoa thumped into him.  

On the plusside, those baleful thoughts were instantly pushed away. “Rekkis…. Easy, kiddo,easy.”  Pulling the Arakkoa in close, theWorgen’s chest gave off a soothing rumble, blue eyes watching the door warily. Ileft that out of the letter… “I ain’t making you go anywhere.  Yer doing good work with the Federation—I’dbe more upset if you quit that.”   Forthe moment, he allowed Rekkis the time he needed to get it all out, ensuringthe full, warm hug was kept.  Only oncethe nervous trembling eased up did he move back, his luminous blue eyescentering on Rekkis.

“I wouldnever give ya up, kid. They wouldn’t take you back as long as I’ve got movementleft in me. Especially back… there.” Shaking his head, his muzzle spread out. “No, yer here now.  Yer doin’ some fine work with theFederation—more than you were ever allowed to back there.  So, no, yer not goin’ back—especially withthem.”  The mutt was getting -better- athiding his anger, but for a brief moment, his lips curled upward.  Especially since….

Aw goodness, no it’s not derogatory at all, I’ve actually been looking at concept art for Disney/Pixar movies a lot lately which has given me a huge drive to draw and try things again since I love drawing characters.