#augustday42022

Rhys nervously stared at the sealed envelope sitting atop the dining table as he drummed his fingers around it. It had been nearly a year now since he last attempted to pass the final exam in order to finally graduate from secondary school. It had been too painful to try again too soon after, and he probably would have given up if not for the encouragement of his employer’s wife, Mrs. Padley – Eve, as she preferred.

She was always rooting for and encouraging him, she also often spoiled him with new clothes, treats, and the occasional massage. He had to admit that it felt really good to be doted upon, it was a feeling he had never really experienced before growing up in the orphanage. Her hand gently rested atop his shoulder, giving it a small squeeze, “It’s gonna be good news this time, hun, I just know it.” Her lips ghosted across his cheek before she sauntered back into the kitchen to continue making dessert. Her husband was out of town on business for a couple days, and she had invited Rhys to join her for nearly every meal in the main house. He wasn’t going to turn down free food and good company!

With a sigh, he ripped open the envelope and pulled out the letter, eyes slowly scanning back and forth. “...I passed…” He didn’t trust the words coming out of his mouth, so after reading the letter once more, it finally sank in. “I did it, I passed!”  He didn’t realize he had jumped up from his seat, bouncing on the balls of his feet in excitement. Sure, it may not have seemed like such a big accomplishment to most, but Rhys had always struggled with school. For once, he was actually impressed with himself!

“Ohhh, that is wonderful news, honey! I am SO proud of you!” Before he knew what happened, Eve had cupped his cheeks and planted a big kiss smack against his lips, leaving behind a bright red smudge. She gave him a wink before returning to her baking.

The bewilderment was evident in his expression. He wasn’t upset by her action, quite the contrary. Eve was a beautiful woman, sure she was old enough to be his mother but that didn’t always matter. …But she was also married, not that Mr. Padley seemed to really care when she flirted with him or with various other friends and acquaintances they had over. He cleared his throat awkwardly and briefly rubbed at his lips. Was it hot in here? It suddenly felt hot in here. “Heh..thanks Mrs — Eve.”

“We’ll open a bottle of wine and celebrate properly later, mmm?” 

“I uhhh…”  Wait, was she coming onto him?  No…there was no way.  Not him.  She was just being real nice. “That sounds great!”

@daily-writing-challenge

Deagra sighed, taking a deep breath and wiping away the sweat from her brow. Starting up the music again, she counted internally as she walked over to the dancing pole she had installed, on the downbeat she pulled herself up, her arms ached with the effort and she began her routine.

She didn't entirely have the body for this, inspired by one of Dice's routines, and feeling like she wanted to try for a more overall entertaining performance for the year's tarts showings, she committed. It helped that her work in Revendreth had her doing more general walking, currently she was likely the healthiest she'd ever been in her life, cloistered as it had been.

It wasn't just to jazz things up, not entirely. Dwarves like her didn't frequent this type of work, she'd found. Short and stocky usually didn't make the standards of "sexy" amongst the greater peoples of the world. Deagra did love a challenge.

That being said, she had a long way to go before she was ready for the acrobatics of her more... athletic colleagues, especially when her leg cramped while she was upside-down on the pole, and spinning. With a cry of pain she dropped and twirled in the air, and with a dull thud her vision went dark.

She awoke in a state of confusion, feeling dizzy and sore all over. Probably a concussion, she mused, as she struggled to get on her feet, her body not cooperating. Flopping back in defeat, reached over to get a hand through the loops of her bag, thankfully lying beside the sofa near her, pulling out her communication pad.

"Hey uhh... think I hurt myself a bit in the practice room... little help guys?"

August 24 - Day 4 Impress/Exhaustion

“I’m truly so glad we’re on the board together, I’ve read all your research and development papers on arcane construct enchantments — especially those in the wake of our ability to study in Suramar — and how you managed to layer multiple complex spells without any compression or loss of ability is so remarkable, I’m shocked the Magistry didn’t do more to try and keep—” 

Pyraelia just smiled. Smiled the whole time, all teeth and bright eyes. A pageant of what she imagined being flattered felt like. 

How did Fio do this, day after day? Trying to be charming to people who weren’t interested in the person as much as they were the station and accomplishments and what it might bring them was exhausting. She was so tired. She wanted a nap so badly. 

“—I’m sure your sister is as talented, you both come from impressive stock. Is she still single? I’d heard rumors that she’d secretly married someone, but wouldn’t that be a scandal. I imagine whoever could win over either of you would have to be mightily impressive indeed—” 

She had a sip of her wine and nodded, the trainwreck of wherever this conversation at her was going almost too hard to step away from. 

“—But you know my great grandmother was a fine Lady herself, one of the Queen’s handmaidens, and she herself was quite talented, we should get dinner sometime away from these Board meetings to—” 

She held up a comm that hadn’t made any noise and offered the loquatious gentleman a sympathetic expression, “Sorry, something’s come up, I really need to take this.” 

It was easy enough to turn away while scrolling through the images she’d saved, there was a perfect one that encapsulated precisely how she felt at these receptions and it was one she could text directly to Aerden without any preamble and not seem too entirely out of line.

Words: Impress / Exhaustion

Date: 8/24/22

Day: 4

CW: Sexual Themes

Nearly an hour of flirting and teasing got them to where they were. His wit had caught her attention but something south of his brain held it. He seemed impressive. But impressions didn't always ring true. This one however.. seemed promising.

Their hands were all over one another. "You better impress me.." She whispered. "I plan to exhaust you." He quipped back, laughing as he clawed roughly at her warm flesh. "We'll see who exhausts who, pet.." Their bodies were akin to a storm, every touch like a lightning strike, and every moan deep like thunder.

They destroyed everything in their path. Blankets strewn about, their clothes painted the floors, and anything on any hard surface had been pushed to the floor. Not caring if it broke or got lost. If it wasn't of use to their current passions, it was in the way.

It wasn't until the early morning that they finally stopped, having explored every inch of one anothers body. Having reached the highest peaks, and rocked through the lowest woahs. Myrrha sat on the floor, her white and crimson hair thoroughly tousled, naked and smoking a cigarette. A bottle of wine resting between her thighs. It was the only proper way to rehydrate. At least in her mind.

They both seemed impressed by the others song and dance. Perhaps it was because their melodies were in perfect harmony and their steps were like a passionate tango, back and forth, give and take, setting the stage for the entire passion fueled night.

Exhaustion eventually overpowered them. Their bodies surrendering the battle and finding peace within each other's arms for a time. It was a rare treat, especially for Myrrha who usually wanted nothing to do with the men she shared a bed with by the next morning. But tonight she'd indulge herself. It was well earned after all.

Taric had spent the majority of his life hiding himself away from thunderstorms. It was unfortunate given he was quite drawn to them and often dreamed of being able to sit on his porch while sipping tea; enjoying the low rumbles, loud cracks, and the soothing sound of rain spattering against his roof. Instead, there was always the constant fear of being struck by lightning. It had already happened at least seven times now, maybe eight. He was beginning to lose count. While he had survived every instance, the handful of days following were spent in bed, nearly unable to move thanks to sore muscles and dislocated joints.

Enough was enough.

All too often he had to turn down invitations to outings due to a chance of unfavorable weather, and had become something of a homebody. He enjoyed being home and had more than plenty to do there, but living one’s life in constant fear of something completely out of your control is…bullshit. 

He was well aware that his innate elemental abilities were a part of the reason why he had become a lightning rod. If he could control the abilities within himself, why couldn’t he harness those same elements used against him? It all made sense in theory, in practice would prove to be much more difficult - and jumping in head first seemed like a terrible idea.

He started with small electrical currents one could create around a household (just short of sticking a fork in the outlet), eventually using homemade tesla coils in varying sizes. As expected, not all tests were successful. Willingly electrocuting himself had become something of a pastime, and on occasion he would knock himself unconscious. There was a quote for this he had found fitting in the early stages: ‘Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.’ 

Eventually, the results did begin to change, and in the process he had learned so much about himself and his own power. At least he wasn’t completely insane. It had taken years to finally get to a point where he felt as if he could maybe, possibly attempt to step outside during a storm and see what happened. Yet anytime a storm rolled in, he remained hidden in his nook. Putting himself in harm’s way was not at all ideal.

When it did finally happen, it was completely unexpected. The forecast had been for sun and wind all day, which would make for excellent surfing. Living in Stranglethorn Vale for most of his life, Taric knew all the best beaches and where the biggest waves could be found. After spending all morning and early afternoon out in the sun, exhaustion finally settled in…as did the dark clouds overhead. By the time he had packed up all of his belongings, the curtain of rain had arrived along with the first rumble of thunder.

TO BE CONTINUED…

The envelope has a sprig of Starlight Rose affixed in the sealing wax.

Hello Meryn, It has been too long since we’ve written! I will come to Silvermoon soon and you can meet me there--we should have lunch and snacks and gossip about our husbands. (Tell Dr. Deh’lori hello for me, please.) I have returned to Azeroth mostly-permanently now, Luminash and I have been working on our home in Suramar. It is interesting to see more and more Sin’dorei arriving--and staying--in the city. All those cultural exchanges going on. The house is lovely, if small, but if you want to come see it, I would enjoy hosting you! We have a very nice rooftop garden you might especially like. Luminash has been fighting with the middle-magistry about our findings. I think he was hoping it would impress them more than it did--but they have small, exhausted minds when faced with his enthusiasm. Truly, mid-level bureaucracy is tedious to deal with. Our findings could change a lot of things, but that can be frightening. How are things with you? How is your business faring? Still working on the alchemy and natural magic? You looked so well when we lasted talk, I hope it is still fulfilling you. See you soon, Jaskian @daily-writing-challenge

Emveah had been preparing for the next fight all week, her challenger was undefeated, like herself, and this meant a much more difficult fight. Arriving at Valanthriell's apartment to get some rest, having yet to find a place of her own, although she knew her friend didn't mind the extended stay.

Her bed was far too comfortable, the second her head hit the pillow she was ready for sleep until the door burst open and Valathriell walked in the door, clearly rushed.

"Oi! The fucks got you in such a hurry?" Emi asked as she sat up and looked out her open bedroom door to see Valanthriell gathering items.

"We got intel on Fealia, and we're heading to Draenor to confront her." Valanthriell responded matter-of-factly.

"Shit, okay." Emi replied, quickly getting dressed and walking into the kitchen to grab a snack for the road.

"Don't you have a fight tomorrow?" Valanthriell asked, unsure of what her friend was doing.

"Yeah, I did, but this is your kid we're talking about. And if you think I'm sitting out the chance to see you deal with Fealia, you're fucking cracked. I'm going, they'll survive without me."

Emveah's response cause Valanthriell to stop in her tracks, throwing her arms around Emi in a tight embrace. "Thank you..."

"Nah, no need for all that, and I want to meet my Godkid, ya know?" Emveah laughed, doing her best to lighten the mood. "Now let's get going, yeah?"

"Yes." Valanthriell could not express her gratitude for her friend, not just being her rock but for dropping everything in times like these.

{Mentioned @ethereal-and-vaguely-threatening}

((Set during the covenants' assault on the Maw.))

Kiela all but collapsed on the sofa in her chambers to catch her breath, still in her messy fighting gear. Someone will certainly have a fit to clean up the mess, she wasn't sure if the furniture could be salvaged, nor did really care at the moment. She wouldn't have to stay long now, with her promise of aid to the venthyr noble Argo N'aar as good as fulfilled.