#dranka

Draggka - Ardenweald

Self-explanatory really - Draggka’s very connected to nature, I really dig the look of the Ardenweald already, and I heard rumours of Loa maybe hanging out there, so yeah! No contest. She’s a little bit ‘eh’ on the Fauns though. They look too cute...

Dranka - Ardenweald

Again, self-explanatory. He’s a druid. Of course he’s gonna go to the night forest which may or may not have Loa spirits in it. Also if there are unicorns there, he’s going to be in heaven.

Zal’ria - Bastion

The good girl goes to the noble place, which is also really pretty (and my 2nd choice of Covenants). She also, like the rest of us, find the Stewards adorable. In all seriousness, she identifies better with Bastion than the other Covenants, in contrast with her mother.

Khara - Maldraxxus

Now this was a tough one, and even now I’m not exactly sure if it fits her - she ended up here more through a process of elimination! I think she more identifies with the Necrolords simply because she seeks glory through battle. She’s too rough and tumble for Bastion, and she doesn’t jive with Revendreth. I could see her going to the Ardenweald, but still...it doesn’t seem to fit her. So bones and spiders it is.

Ximarra - Ardenweald

What a surprise, a druid going to the Ardenweald. What clinches it that Drust magic seems to originate here (or it’s been suggested it does), and Ximarra’s curiosity about it draws her here. That and if Gorak Tul is here, she thinks he should be cast into the Maw where he bloody well belongs.

Vandorn - Revendreth

If I’m gonna be honest, it’s for the aesthetic of having a werewolf in a gothic realm with vampires in it. Like, you gotta - it’d be rude not to. As for an in-character reason...it reminds him of Gilneas? I dunno. I might switch him to Ardenweald, but Revendreth feels better for him.

Harnaka - Bastion/Ardenweald

First one I really, really cannot decide between. Although she’s got a lot of ‘orcish honour’ going on, it doesn’t underpin her life enough for her to go to Maldraxxus, and she certainly doesn’t jive with Revendreth. So either Bastion because she genuinely wants to do good, or the Ardenweald because she’s a shaman and kinda sorta maybe connected to nature? Kinda leaning Bastion, but we’d have to see further.

Aiyaona - Bastion

No contest, really. The Sunwalker always trying to do her best goes to the noble dudes. Though knowing Aiya, she probably went ‘I’m a terrible person, perhaps I belong in Revendreth :(’, to which everyone went ‘no you idiot you’re the purest one here!’ and chucked her into Bastion. She’s doing Her Best.

Elizabone - Maldraxxus

Whilst kinda cool for her to go to Revendreth, I think Maldraxxus with their bones and undead shit is much more up Liz’s alley. That, and she does find some curiosity in the origins of the force that raised her into undeath. If she can bend it to her will too, then so much the better.

Cayeli - Revendreth

Probably the closest that aligns to her, as she’s turned off by Overly Good Bastion. That and hearing words that Kael’thas is in Revendreth has intrigued her. She still wonders why her Prince did as he did, and would like some answers, if possible. That said I’m thinking maybe the Ardenweald too? Dunno, need more data.

Tinkerspring - Revendreth

She’s 90% convinced she’s going to end up here when she dies anyway, so she might as well get started. That said, she also can’t stand how ‘good’ Bastion are, Maldraxxus doesn’t look to be any fun, and she’s not a fan of the Ardenweald. “Hey, the vampires look like they know how to party!”

Tamorn - Bastion

A Good Boi who is doing his best, he belongs with Bastion, and I can definitely see him being best buddies with the Stewards. Also I keep imagining him with angel wings and it’s kinda perfect. Orc monk with angel wings. A purer sight never seen.

Jeipuh - Bastion

Jeipuh is totally just following where her girlfriend Aiya is- I’M JOKING I’M JOKING she’s going there totally because she identifies with nobility a lot. And also her girlfriend’s going there too.

Lasai - Revendreth

Going there as an atonement for her sins during Elisande’s rule, even if she supported the rebellion. That and she does prefer darker places - still not used to the normal day/night cycles without being under the shield. Could possibly go to Bastion if things change though.

Jala’wi - Bastion/Ardenweald

Another I got stuck when deciding. I’m thinking Jala is going to Bastion because she’s a paladin and her values do match pretty well with them, but at the same time...I can see here going to the Ardenweald. Again, I’d need to wait for more info. If Rezan’s there, she’s going to the Ardenweald, no holds barred.

Ichtaca - Revendreth

Demon hunter’s going to the vampires because she hates all the others. Especially Maldraxxus because fuck undead aesthetics. Ardenweald just makes her sad about Teldrassil, so she hasn’t the heart to go there.

Chiuza - Bastion

She’s a draenei, Bastion fits her the best. Yeah, I know, but she’s not really a fleshed out character.

Fenrissa - Revendreth

She might be a druid, but Fenrissa’s a rebellious little shit, and she wanted to go where all the cool kids are going. She’s a worgen so I guess it fits? Wouldn’t rule out the Ardenweald though.

Zyesimi - Revendreth

What is it with my elves all going to the Goth place? Then again Zye is a void elf, so peak aesthetic, I guess? She’s also a warlock, so I suppose it fits.

Razla - Maldraxxus

Wow, someone’s actually going to Maldraxxus because they genuinely identify with them! Egads. That and Draka’s here - might not be her version of Draka, but she definitely respects her, and would like to meet her.

Zuzana - Ardenweald

Draggka: *sigh* I hope Saurfang’s death not be in vain. Tings look better, but dere still be wounds on both sides. And Sylvanas still be out dere. Tink it be better to lie low ‘til da baby be born.

Dranka: Argh, we lost Saurfang. Be good dat Sylvanas is no longer Warchief, though I worry ‘bout her still lurking around somewhere. Don’t know if dis ceasefire is gonna last though...

Harnaka: Saurfang finally got his honourable death, though the Horde is without a Warchief, again. Now what do we do?

Elizabone: ...Sylvanas just...abandoned us. Did she even care for us at all? Or were we just a useful army between her and her Final Death? ...Maybe it’s time the Forsaken forged a new path without her. Perhaps we should reconvene a new Desolate Council again...

Aiyaona: At least only Saurfang died to dethrone Sylvanas. But we are left without a Warchief, and I doubt the kal’dorei and Gilneans will be satisified with Sylvanas still being at large...

Cayeli: How far Sylvanas has fallen. Not only forsaking the Horde, but her own people as well? Either time hasn’t been kind to her, or that evil dagger is doing things to her. Whichever it is, she’s still left us with a wealth of problems to sort. Wars don’t end all wrapped up in a nice bow...

Tinkerspring: Wow. So Sylvanas doesn’t give a shit about anyone, not even her own people? I’m surprised, but also kinda not. She seemed that kinda woman. But I guess the war’s over, yeah? Even though she’s definitely still out there ready to do Evil Dead stuff? Yeah.

Jeipuh: We can’t let Sylvanas get away. Even though she’s lost the power of Warchief, she’s clearly strong enough to kill an orc in one blow, and who knows what she could do unfettered! We must stop her, if only to hand her over to the night elves for her punishment.

Lasai: *drinking copious amounts of arcwine* Let me know when we’re going to deal with the sword stuck in the planet, or the being of unfathomable evil that’s been released from the planet’s core.

Ximarra: Well...that happened.

Jala’wi: Sylvanas may have been dishonourable, but de Alliance still invaded our lands and killed my people and King. We have bigger threats ahead of us, but dere will be justice. Eventually.

Vandorn: I don’t give a shit about the Horde. Teldrassil is still dead and my people have lost two homes. All that matters is finding and killing Sylvanas. I will kill any Horde in my way.

(A quick little thing I wrote off the cuff, set in BFA, just before the Uldir raid. Tagging the people who are interested otherwise tumblr will never let them know: @elfgirl931, @galleywinter, @fer8girl, @sigurdjarlson, @highpriestessbriyanna)

The rain was coming down heavily again as Draggka and Spike made their way through  the streets of Dazar’alor to the local inn, Spirits Be With You. She paid for a drink at the bar and weaved her way past the tables to one on the threshold, letting her watch the rain and others hurrying through the streets.

Spike curled up on her feet, more interested in watching the other patrons in the inn than the ones outside. Though many glanced Draggka’s way, they soon turned back to their own drinks or food - the Horde had been in Zandalar long enough for the Zandalari to become used to their presence. Of course, a few remained that looked down their nose at the Horde (Draggka had heard the whispered comments from the other troll tribes on the Speaker’s Terrace), but their efforts to assist had quietened many of the disgruntled, and many had begrudgingly admitted that at least the Horde’s Speaker was a troll, not like their undead Warchief. (She could sympathize.)

It wasn’t long until the hunter spotted him through the rain storm; the familiar lope of a tiger, crimson mane and blue fur heavy with moisture, brown eyes brightening when he caught sight of her.

“Drank!” Draggka smiled as the feline rose onto its back feet, morphing elegantly back into a lanky troll. “It’s good to see you.”

“You too, Drak.” Dranka grinned, shaking out his robes before taking a seat next to his sister. “Hey Spike,” he said, patting the raptor laying at Draggka’s feet, and earning a polite rumble in reply.

“You know, Ximo won’t appreciate you getting his floor wet.” Draggka commented, a smile playing on her lips.

“Pfft. I bet he’s used to it. They’d have to be, with all the rain they get.” Dranka replied, raising a hand to a server that looked their way. “Anyway, so long as I’m paying, I’m sure he won’t mind too much.”

“I suppose.”

A brief silence settled between the two siblings as the server brought the druid his drink, Dranka murmuring his thanks.

“So, you’re going to take on G’huun soon.” Draggka said, watching her brother take a sip of beer, her own drink that of sunfruit juice.

“Yeah. If it’s dark enough to corrupt Loa and give Vol’jin pause, we need to destroy it.” Dranka spoke. “And whatever else is lurking in that Titan vault.”

“Sounds like an Old God, if it was protected by those seals.” The hunter nodded. A pause. “I still think I should be with you to take it down.”

“No. We’ve been over this, Drak.” Dranka sighed. “One, it’s an Old God, and shouldn’t be messed with unless absolutely necessary. Two, it’s an Old God that has power over blood.  That’s bad in itself, but what if it gets into the little one? I know you’d survive it, but will they? Could you tell Khadgar you lost your child? Could you live with yourself?”

“I know, I know.” Draggka winced at his hard words, cupping her drink closer. “But I feel bad that I’m not finishing the job for Talanji and her people. And Vol’jin. It doesn’t feel honourable.”

“Well, good thing Talanji doesn’t feel that way.” The druid replied. “You’re the Speaker for the Horde, and she and everyone else knows what you’ve done for the Zandalari. Bowing out of killing G’huun is understandable if you’re ill or injured. And though she knows the truth, she knows that you can’t take a little one into such a place safely.” He raised a hand as Draggka opened her mouth to protest. “Vol’jin would agree. He didn’t raise arms against Garrosh until he was sure he was sure we were safe. He knew we had to flee the Broken Shore, or all be killed.”

He reached out, laying a hand on her arm. “And anyone who says otherwise can go fuck themselves.”

Draggka managed a chuckle at his sharp tongue, patting his hand.

“Maybe don’t say that in the earshot of the Zandalari, Drank,” she said, glancing at the inn patrons. None of them seemed to be listening, or if they were, they didn’t care.

“The ones criticizing you are the same ones that already hate our tribe, so no loss.” Dranka said matter-of-factly, lifting a shoulder. “‘Sides, gives you more time to chill and take some time with Khadgar.”

“Maybe. Knowing my luck, the Consort will be on my ass demanding I do things for the Horde.”

“No. Same rules for Nathanos as with G’huun. If you can’t go fighting an Old God, you can’t go helping and his Queen out.” The druid said firmly, taking a drink. “Let some other Horde champion have the spot-light for a while. I’m sure some of the Mag’har would love to show off for Sylvanas.”

“Mmm, I guess so.” Draggka hummed, speaking quietly. “How long before they turn on her, I wonder. Hopefully they won’t turn on the rest of us too...”

Another silence settled upon them, drinking and watching the rain lash down outside, only drunk patrons and fishermon braving the downpour. As Draggka sat and let her mind drift, she felt something peculiar happen. It was an odd fluttering sensation, as if she’d swallowed some butterflies and they were doing their damnest to get out of her stomach. Gonk’s teeth, I haven’t got time to be ill.

“You alright, Drak?” Dranka asked, his brows creased into a frown.

“I...think so...” Draggka replied quietly, self-consciously touching her belly. “I’ve just be getting these weird feelings in my stomach every now and again. This is about the third time today.”

“What does it feel like?”

“Like...It’s a bit hard to describe. Like...Like I’ve got the jitters, but I’m not worried at all. or like...butterflies. That’s the phrase, right? ‘Butterflies in your stomach’?”

“Yeah, that’s right.” Dranka leant back on his bench, looking thoughtful. “So it feels like something is moving in your belly. Something inside you.”

“Yes.” A pause whilst the words slowly sunk in. Draggka’s eyes widened, and she blinked owlishly. “Wait. Is, is it-”

“Do you want me to check?” Her brother asked, his brown eyes holding a kindly yet mischievous look to them, as if he was finding glee in her slow realization. She resisted the urge to punch him.

“Yeah, sure.” Draggka shifted closer to him, loosening some of the catches off her cuirass so she could lift her tunic up enough for Dranka to lay a hand on her stomach. She still wasn’t showing yet, but Draggka was sure it wouldn’t be long before she would have to get creative with her armour, and find some armourers who could keep secrets. As well as consider retiring from combat...

Dranka’s eyes glowed a light blue as he tapped into his powers, and Draggka felt the strange ghostly feeling as his druidic energies flowed into her, searching. Almost in response, the fluttering began again, and a grin spread across her brother’s face.

“Ah, yeah, that’s your baby alright.” He pulled back, the glow fading from his eyes. “Those feelings? That’s the little one moving.”

“Really?” Draggka looked down at her belly then back to him with wide eyes, the thought having trouble really settling in her head. She’d been feeling her baby - her and Khadgar’s baby - moving inside her. The small, precious, fragile life within her. “I need to tell Khadgar.”

“He won’t be able to feel it just yet.” Dranka said quickly. “You can feel the movements because the baby’s in you. But it’s too little for anyone on the outside to feel yet. Probably why you didn’t really notice until now.”

“I guess. But I’m going to tell him anyway.”

“He’ll be thrilled to hear, I bet.” Dranka smiled, his eyes bright like hazel gemstones. “Though I doubt he’s ever going to stop touching your stomach afterwards.”

“You say that like it’s a bad thing!” Draggka giggled, more so when the druid rolled his eyes. “How’s the young one doing, anyway?”

“Perfectly fine, Drak. Nothing to concern yourself with.” He spoke, waving a hand. “Let’s keep it that way, yeah?”

“Of course.” Draggka nodded, lifting her drink in a toast. “For my child.”

Dranka finally got hold of a horse!

Look, I’m Horde, we don’t have many horses to ride - especially not HD ones like this beauty.

(This is a continuation of the TrollGust prompt Land of Eternal Winter, which you can read here. It’s still not really canon. Paging @walkingdisasterofamage as they were interested in a sequel to the other thing.)

Warmth. That was the first thing Draggka noticed as she slowly rose from the mire of unconsciousness. She was warm. Safe. Alive.

With those basics ascertained, her mind began to slowly unravel, taking in more information as her senses reawakened. The warmth surrounding her, thick and soft and furry, mingling with her own fur. She could hear a deep, strong heartbeat under her ear, comforting and soothing, along with  breathing in and out. It lived, and it was big, to have encircled almost all of her body. It smelled familiar...like leaves and moss and that scent of slightly damp animal, with something else Draggka couldn’t easily describe, but it put her at ease.

Awareness was beginning to percolate further into her mind, and she began to recall what had happened to her. Frostfire Ridge, news of a new outpost to the north, a storm...Cold, unbearably cold, unable to find the way, whirling white all around, Spike falling in the snow. Holding him tight, the sounds of rescue? Spike.

Spike!

Wakefulness came back to her full force as Draggka remembered her pack-brother freezing to death in the snowy wilds, and she began to move, opening her eyes to darkness.

“Drak. Drak, it’s okay, you’re safe.” The deep voice above her rumbled, and Draggka stopped.

“Dranka?”

The hunter looked up into the eyes of a bear - no ordinary bear, however, with light blue fur, patterned with paint, a red mane and a pair of large tusks jutting from his mouth. His brown eyes were immediately familiar, always carried over when the druid transformed.

“Dranka, where’s Spike? He-”

“He’s safe, sis.” He rumbled. “He’s here, Harnaka’s busy taking care of him.” His jowls moved in what appeared to be a smile. “Sorry. There’s not enough room to hold the both of you.”

“I need to see.” Draggka finally freed herself from her brother’s grip and out from under the fur blanket covering them, looking up over him.

They were in a room of the garrison keep, converted into a large bedroom, with the fireplace blazing brightly. On the floor by it was Spike, covered in thick fur blankets and warmed by the totems placed beside him, as well by the orc shaman sitting beside him, gently rubbing his sides. She turned around at the sound of movement, her orange eyes widening.

“Draggka! You’re alive!” Harnaka spoke.

“Spike! Is he-”

At the sound of his pack-sister calling his name, one of the raptor’s blue eyes opened. He took a moment to take stock of his new surroundings, before he uttered a wheezy noise, trying to climb to his feet.

“Oh no no, not yet! You stay there.” Harnaka said, holding him down. “You’re still weak. The both of you. If we hadn’t have gotten to you when we did...” She trailed off, shaking her head. “Spirits Draggka, we were worried you wouldn’t make it through the night.”

A wave of relief washed over Draggka first, and she let her brother pull her back down into his arms and under the blanket again. She was a live and so was Spike. But they’d had a narrow escape; they could have easily been on the Other Side long by now. The sudden upwelling of emotion had her wrapping her arms tightly around Dranka’s thick neck, returned by his own bear hug.

“Gonk’s teeth, Drak, I thought I’d lost you.” Dranka said, his voice heavy and wavering. “Please don’t do that to me again.”

“I’m sorry, Drank.” She replied, tears burning hot against her eyes. “I’m sorry.”

They stayed like this for a couple of minutes, until Draggka pulled back, a thought occurring to her.

“How...how did you find me?” She asked, wiping her eyes and looking between her brother and her friend.

“Khadgar.” Harnaka replied. “We didn’t realize you were caught up in the storm until he arrived. He said he’d had a premonition that you were in danger in the middle of it all.”

“We thought he be joking at first, but it be clear dat he not be playing around when he be askin’ fer items to scry for ya.” Dranka said. “We be lucky de armourer still be having ya old cuirass, and he be using dat to locate ya.” he bowed his head. “If not for his warning, we wouldn’t have found ya in time.”

Draggka laid back, letting all this information sink in. She knew that magi did have some ability to divine the future, but she’d never expected that ability would save her life.

“Is he still here?” She asked.

“It was difficult to get him to leave you after the search team found you.” Harnaka smirked, before she chuckled. “I had to remind him that we’d need to strip you out of your wet clothes to warm you up again to get to back off and let us work.”

“I don’t mind.” Dranka said, beginning to transform back to his troll form. “He be dere for you when I weren’t. And he be calmer when he saw me. He were pacing a groove in da rock when I be last seeing him, though.” He set a paw-hand on his sister’s shoulder as she sat up. “But he don’t need to be seeing ya right now. Unless ya be wanting him to see ya in jus’ ya pants and bra.”

That was the moment Draggka belatedly realized her state of undress; necessary before, but now it was just an embarrassment waiting to happen. She blushed, pulling the blanket self-consciously around her.

“A-Ah, yeah. Harn, ya got a clean shirt or anyting?” She asked.

“Of course. And some trousers too.” The orc threw the items of clothing onto the bed. “We’ll get you your proper stuff in a while, when the both of you have recovered some more.”

“I feel better now.” Draggka said, pulling them on.

“You might be a troll, but need I remind you that you almost died.” Harnaka commented, giving the hunter a stern look.

“I be wit her.” Dranka agreed, slipping out of the bed now he was fully troll. “Afta dat scare, ya gonna be confined to barracks for a little bit. And I bet Khadgar would agree with us.”

Draggka snorted.

“Okay, fine. But I’m gonna be bored sick.”

“Consider that a lesson in ‘don’t go out in blizzard season without people knowing where you are, or without a Frostwolf escort’.” The shaman replied, glancing over to the druid, who nodded, before slipping out the door.

“Yeah. Sorry, Harn, I thought dat I were gonna be somewhere safe in time.” Draggka sighed. “Ya right, dose plains be needing an escort.”

The door opened again, and a familiar human archmage stepped through, closing it behind him. There were dark rings around his eyes as if he hadn’t slept, his grey hair ruffled by constant abuse from his hands. But his blue eyes brightened as he took sight of her sitting up in the bed.

“Draggka! You’re alive!” He breathed, hurrying over to her.

“Yeah. Don’t tink I woulda been if not fer you and ya...vision,” she said, embarrassment prickling at the back of her neck.

Khadgar glanced away, an uncomfortable expression on his face.

“I...I couldn’t let you suffer. Or anyone, for that matter. No-one deserves to freeze like that,” he said softly. “I’m only grateful they managed to reach you in time.”

“Me too.” Draggka nodded. “How did ya know? Was it-”

“I was busy trying to divine Gul’dan next move.” Khadgar said suddenly, interrupting her. “But I-I got the sight of you in trouble instead, and I knew I had to aid you. Divination is a fickle thing, and it is rare it gives anything for free. I had to respond to it.”

“I be glad dat it be so generous to warn ya.” The troll replied.

“Yes. Me too.” Khadgar nodded, turning to Harnaka. “Shaman, how long do you give our Commander before she is up and about again?”

“Being that she’s a troll and also Draggka, she’ll be itched to go tomorrow.” Harnaka said, folding her muscled arms. “But I think a day’s rest will required. Especially for Spike here.” She gestured to the raptor. “Just to make sure they’re fully recovered from their ordeal.”

“A wise course of action.” The mage nodded. “Sorry, your name escapes me. You are?”

“Harnaka Fireforge.” The orc grinned. “I know you well enough, Archmage.”

“Yes. My reputation precedes me.” He replied, smiling back. He looked back to Draggka, his gaze lingering on her before he said: “Right, okay. I should let you get on. I’ve been under your feet long enough.”

“Ya saved my sista.” Dranka said suddenly from the doorway. “Ya be welcome here any time.”

“And my closest friend.” Harnaka added. “I can’t speak to Draggka or the others, but you’re welcome in Frostwall any time.”

“Thank you. I’m honoured.” Khadgar bowed. “I hope to see you on your feet soon, Draggka. Along with your companion,” he said, nodding to Spike.

“See ya soon, Archmage.” Draggka replied. “Good hunting.”

“You too.” The young old man nodded, before he gestured, teleporting away in a flash of arcane magic.

“Hopefully he be getting some sleep.” Dranka said, loping casually over to his sister. “Looks like he were up all night worrying.”

“And you weren’t?” The shaman shot back.

“Fair. But, Draggka be my sista. And I don’t be havin’ anyone else,” he said. “Khadgar just be...someone we know.”

“He cares for da people he be working wit.” Draggka said as her brother sat beside her. “I appreciate dat.”

“Yeah, so do I. We be lucky he likes us.” The druid seemed to consider whether to say something more before he dismissed it, wrapping his arms around the hunter. “Glad you’re still with us, Drak.”

Dranka: Of course, soon-to-be-bond-brudder. How can I help?

Khadgar: I...I don’t really know what to wear for my wedding with Draggka.

Dranka: Hmm. *considers a moment* Ah, I know. Go naked.