(( DWC may 2026, Day 1, Gloom/Allure, @daily-writing-challenge CW: none ))
Dolraan smiled as he closed the infirmary door behind him, leaving a recovering Alynore in the care of her husband. Wes had been beside himself with worry, but with the destruction of the dark naaru and purification of the sunwell, she and the others who had suffered in the wake of Xal'atath's assault were healing well. As he exited, he spotted Janosis, Spiru, and Lorellai, his team, waiting for him.
"Janosis has a question!" Lorellai blurted out as he greeted them, causing the human to groan.
"I thought we agreed -we- had a question, Lorellai," Janosis sighed.
Spiru's gaze bored into Dolraan's. "We have had to face paladins and priests overcome with zealousness and rage. You have remained sane, but there has been a strain on you that in hindsight has seemed abnormal."
"We just want to be able to help you!" Lorellai chimed in, all three of them looking at him with various levels of concern.
Dolraan couldn't help but smile. "Well, isn't it good that I was just coming to talk to you three about it then? Let's grab a bench out in the grounds so we're not taking up the hallway.
A short time later, the four sat on a bench in a lovely park. The sky was clear for the first time in weeks, much to the delight of the locals. Dolraan cleared his throat. "Alright. So, you know that I, and my fellow paladins draw our power from the Holy Light. What's harder to explain is how the light feels to us. It's a bit different from person to person."
Dolraan looked up, letting the sunlight caress his face. "For me, it's always been like a lantern. Warm, welcoming, guiding. It has helped me find my way to where I need to be, and reminded me of what I need to do. Ever since we were summoned though.... it was more like fire. Powerful. Purposeful. Dangerous. And I wanted to feel it."
Spiru blinked. "That is concerning."
Dolraan nodded. "The allure of it was one of purpose, of Knowing with a capital K. 'There is the enemy' it felt like, 'you need but destroy them to save the world.' And it only got stronger as we pushed further into the Voidspire. It offered answers to all the questions and doubts in my heart. But.... what happened with the army of light? I felt the pull when they turned on us. The Light was burning in my soul. To stop Alleria. I think I know now what Lothraxion went through before we had to kill him."
"That's scary... how did you resist?" Lorellai asked.
"My oath. Most paladins swear one when we are knighted, and it becomes our purpose, and in Stormwind we were encouraged to write our own." Dolraan stood up, and when he spoke next, his voice resonated.
"I swear to devote my life to protecting the innocent from the cruel; the weak from the strong, and the righteous from the wicked. I shall show Respect in diplomacy, Tenacity in battle, and Compassion in victory. If I fall, it will be only when I have done all I could do."
Dolraan blinked then smiled at his friends. "And if I'd listened to what the Light was roaring in my ear then, I wouldn't have upheld that oath. It helped ground me, much like I think Turalyon's love for his family grounded him, kept him from losing himself up there, for all the good it did us."
"So, is the Light not the benevolent force we believed, then?" Janosis mused.
"The fire and rage is gone, all the survivors have felt it just as I did. It's like it was before all this happened. I think... I think we saw the harsh side of the Light, like we did back during the Legion War when X'era overstepped herself and tried to forcibly lightforge Illidan Stormrage. As we have seen over the last few years, none of the great powers are simply understood. I'd not expect the Light to be any different."
"Thank you for your explanation, and I hope the Light does not attempt to subvert you again. I would hate to have to attempt to subdue you, both because of our friendship, and because I suspect it would take many of us to do so," Spiru said, cracking a smile. "You have a remarkably hard head."
Dolraan barked out laughing. "It's served me well so far. Don't worry, I'm just a year out from getting my 'Ten years without being mind controlled' badge, and I'm not going to let that slip through my fingers!"
Lorellai blinked. "You were mind controlled nine years ago?"
Dolraan grinned. "Let's hit up one of Silvermoon's pubs and I'll tell you all about it. I was on a mission with Henii and Rastila investigating a demonic incursion...."
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A plain envelope, addressed to Janosis of the Tirisgarde, arrives.
Master Janosis,
I am writing you at the suggestion of Master Dolraan. I met him during a gathering called an Inkwell recently. I had made mention of a magical item that I am currently researching, an item that purportedly has something to do with portals. Master Dolraan said that I should contact you, that you might have some insight to share. I would greatly appreciate any assistance that you might be willing to share.
(( DWC February 2026, Day 3, Pompous/Blur, @daily-writing-challenge CW: none ))
Janosis realized three things, in a specific order. First, that he was cold. Second, that his vision was blurry. Third, he was lying on his back. Then he realized a fourth thing as a teal blur appeared in his vision, and Spiru's voice echoed asking if he was alright, and that was that he'd been struck squarely in the head.
The pain, and dizziness, faded as Spiru directed her healing mist to his injuries. "Did you get the guy?" he asked, rubbing his temple.
"The guy, as you call him, is incapacitated. His companions fled when he fell, I suspect they were not as invested in this find as he was, giving their unwillingness to continue the fight when their leader lost conciousness." Spiru capped the jug and returned it to her belt, then turned her attention back to the unconcious Kul Tiran man who'd struck her companion. "Based on his attire, I gather he is a former employee of the Ashvane corporation."
Janosis nodded. "That makes sense, there's a lot of former Ashvane officers who throw their weight around as mercenaries or treasure hunters. Sounds like he followed the corporate handbook on treating his employees. Thanks for taking him down."
"You were a very effective distraction, crying out like that and then trying to wrestle the relic away from him."
"Not my finest moment, I'll admit. However, even when out of mana, I couldn't just let him break the idol."
Spiru nodded. "His thuggish mannerisms were likely to do just that. Are you well enough to travel? We should vacate the premises in case his underlings recover their courage and return; you are not the only one who has exhausted much of their stamina today.
Janosis nodded and stood, clutching the idol close. A knock to the head was a small price to pay for the chance to study it before it would be turned over to the Explorer's league for cataloguing. Another successful delve for the books, he supposed.
(( DWC August 2025, Day 2, Layer/Wither, @daily-writing-challenge CW: none ))
"And despite the specimen appearing healthy, if it is exposed to the energies outside the dome," Om'nittar concluded, passing the flower in her hand through the energy field of the eco-dome, "it withers in an instant, consumed by the eddies and currents of the uncontrolled energies."
Janosis rubbed his beard thoughtfully. "It really shows the effectiveness of the eco-dome's shields that it can protect them from the outside. What are your thoughts for expanding the project? Do you intend to try and strengthen and acclimate the life to the energies outside, or to expand the domes across the remnants?"
Om'nittar shrugged. "Both are being considered, both pose considerable challenges. I am told by Ve'nari that you azerothians may be able to provide unique insights and perspectives on the matter."
"Hm, well I do know a thing or two about manipulating netheric energies. Could I have a look at the devices you use to power and form the domes?"
"Of course. I will introduce you to Om'vek, one of our engineers. I suspect he will appreciate the chance to discuss his work, and be distracted from our... other company." Om'nittar said, turning her mask over to where the Harbinger floated near the rest of the group and Ve'nari. They looked to be deep in discussion, and no one but Xal'atath seemed pleased by the topics.
"Ah, yes, I gather your people have an even worse history with her than we do."
"Indeed, I am glad that handling such things is outside the terms of my contract, but suffice it to say that no one is pleased to know the Harbinger is back among us. Please, come this way."
Janosis fell in behind the broker, looking over his shoulder back at the group. Xal'atath's gaze was lingering on Lorellai again, he noticed, before it turned and met his own. For a moment, Janosis felt the familiar feeling of being perceived by a powerful predator. It took every ounce of his self control not to react in that moment, but he tamped down the fear, turning his attention ahead to the brokers. This was where he could help best. He'd trust the others to handle the devil they were dealing with.
(( DWC August 2025, Day 1, Ethereal/Calculate, @daily-writing-challenge CW: none ))
The bright flash of the dimensional gate faded from Lorellai's eyes as she and her team entered the city of Taza'vesh, close on Alleria and Locus Walker's trail. She stopped to gape at the wondrous city she'd heard of in Dolraan's stories about their adventures in the Shadowlands. The brokers and ethereals and their incredible technology surrounded her, drawing her attention every which way.
The same was true for her companions. Spiru eyed the nearby brokers with interest, Ghorren was taking a moment to orient himself, and Janosis was so distracted by everything that he stumbled into a large, four-legged Broker, having to awkwardly apologize to the expressionless mask of the enigmatic being.
"Oh I hope we get time to properly explore this place, it's incredible!" Lorellai said with stars in her eyes.
"Easy enough, just destroy the void god threatening the cosmos with destruction quickly enough and I'm sure they'll give you a whole week pass," Ghorren quipped. "On more serious matters, has anyone else noticed that Alleria has reached an entirely new level of On Edge?"
Spiru nodded, doing her best to keep up with Ghorren's stride. "She is indeed on high alert. She has likely calculated, as we have, that the Harbinger will be involved with this situation somehow."
"And she almost certainly will be, we're not lucky enough to only have to worry about Dimensius and the Shadowguard." Janosis sighed, rubbing his face where he'd smacked into the Broker's leg as the quartet caught up with Alleria and Locus Walker at the check-in station.
It was not long before they were drawn into conflict as the Shadowguard raided the city, each of them feeling eyes on them the entire time.
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(( DWC November 2025, Day 2, Lucky/Heartache, @daily-writing-challenge CW: none ))
The sound of boots crunching across the sandy wastes outside the Eco-Dome caught Spiru's attention as she stood gazing out into the great dark beyond. Rhythm of a human just over six feet in height, not particularly heavy, gently favoring the left leg. Janosis. Her mental calculations were confirmed as Janosis walked up beside her, before gently lowering himself to sit on the ground, and join her vigil. "Copper for your thoughts?" he asked, removing his glasses to clean them.
"I am pondering my existence. I felt the vista would welcome such contemplation."
"Well, it certainly does that. There's just a whole lot of nothing out there, with the occasional point of light signifying something. Makes me feel very small," he replied, putting his glasses back on.
Spiru smirked. "Imagine its effect on me."
"I- I didn't mean- I'm sorr-" he stammered as Spiru let out a chuckle.
"Apologies, but the opportunity was quite tempting," she smiled as he stopped abruptly, turning his gaze back to the grand night before them. "It is a strange feeling, still. To know I am the sole survivor of an entire timeline. It makes it hard to feel connected to things here."
Janosis exhaled slowly. "Yeah, that's an impressive weight to carry. I'm honestly surprised you aren't holding a grudge against the bronzes over it."
"I considered it. Then Chromie showed me the overview of my timeline. One of many where Azeroth lost. My people, my world, were all doomed regardless. Pruning the timeline meant keeping this one safe, according to their explanation of how the timelines rub up against one another, and affect each other. Between that, and just how much was expended to pull me out from it, I am willing to accept the sad truth. Still though. I feel disconnected. I realized the other day I know next to nothing about gnomish culture."
"Oh? Was is that different where you come from?"
"It's just that, I do not know. Rokishan 'booped' my nose in jest and camaraderie the other day, not realizing that among my culture such an act is a declaration of romantic intent. When I explained this to him, he was surprised, and now I realize I do not know what is different about the gnomes of this timeline and the life I knew."
"Oh! Well I suppose you were kind of thrown in to the thick of things when you arrived."
"Indeed. I have my oath to Lorellai to consider, but I hope I will be able to get to know more about this version of the world. For better or worse, your Azeroth is mine as well now."
"Well, if you ever need a friend with extensive knowledge of portals, I'm happy to be available. We're teammates now, and if we're being honest, I suspect that traveling around with you for a bit will be better than doing my solo research. If nothing else, the inevitable monster encounters are better with a friend nearby."
"Do you really encounter monsters that often when doing research?"
Janosis looked at her, and sighed. "Drogar once told me that I was the luckiest person he'd ever met. I asked him what he meant, and he continued to mention that 'bad' was a legitimate form of luck."
Spiru chortled. "Fascinating. Well, I suspect I am close to exhausting the resources here on Karesh regarding my oath to Lorellai, so perhaps I can take you up on that offer, at least until the Harbinger shows her very punch-able face again."
"Deal. Can we stop staring into the void now? I am starting to feel like it's staring back," Janosis said, climbing to his feet and wrenching his gaze away from the infinite darkness. Spiru shrugged, and turned away as well. Always another path to walk.
(( DWC November 2025, Day 7, Premonition/Drop, @daily-writing-challenge CW: none ))
The Void was hungry. It loomed over the tiny world, alone in the great dark beyond. Many tiny points of light dotted it. The void had consumed some of them. But one shone brighter than all.
The Void was hungry. The Harbinger reached out her hand towards that brightest of lights, and the void answered, slithering towards it, to snuff it out forever. The Harbinger's servants, her trusted and faithful, flowed with it. And at their head, the impossible girl, broken and made to serve, would ring the death knell for the-
"Hey! Spiru!" Janosis' voice rang out as he slapped Spiru across the face, bringing her back to her senses. She blinked, and looked around. They had made camp in the woods, their fire still cracking merrily, lighting their cooking tools and tents. She looked down, and realised she was standing on Janosis' chest, pinning him to the dirt. She hopped down, then caressed her smarting cheek.
"I'm sorry… what happened?" she asked, turning back to him as he sat up.
"Well, I was telling you about the rubbings we took from that tablet, you were looking into the fire, and then suddenly you knocked me down and were staring down at me all creepy. So… I hit you, just in case. Sorry."
"Do not apologise, it was the right thing to do, and your strike lacked sufficient force to injure me," she answered, eyeing her hands. "I believe I am still suffering the after effects of embodying Xal'atath's magics on K'aresh. I had hoped such moments had passed, but it seems the influence lingers still."
"Maybe our next stop should be a city where I can buy some components so I can take another look at you, or track down Vasily. He's an expert when it comes to helping people exposed to dangerous energies that mess with their heads." Janosis pulled himself back onto the seat he'd made on a fallen log, and dusted off his coat. "You sure you're okay now?"
"I seem to be in control. If it happens again, feel free to use your magic to subdue me, I would rather not injure you."
Janosis shrugged. "That's alright, this kind of thing happens to meddlers more often than people realize, I know what to do."
"That is a very troubling thing to become accustomed to."
"We're adventurers who insist on poking our noses into every nook and cranny where we're not wanted, I think it comes with the territory. I've accepted it as a part of my life."
Spiru sat herself back down. "Tell me more stories of your adventures. They still beggar belief."
Janosis smiled. "I was there for most of them and I still don't believe all of them. But how about the time a deadly assassin who wanted our founder's head decided to just show up and order a drink at the bar we liked to hang out at during the evenings?"
(( DWC August 2025, Day 6, Celebrate/Reactionary, @daily-writing-challenge CW: none))
They had taken the dock that led into Manaforge Omega successfully, but the celebration was muted indeed. The surprise return of King Salhadaar had broken their alliance with the Oracles, and weakened their numbers substantially.
Still, any moment to rest and reload was a welcome one in battle, and the next step would likely be much more difficult; there was no doubt the Shadowguard kept their most capable within the manaforge itself. Lorellai checked her stores of explosives and ammunition, then when satisfied turned her attention to sharpening the blade of her spear. Her brow furrowed as she drew the whetstone across the blade, considering the situation. Not far away, Spiru was standing with her arms outstretched as Janosis performed an arcane ritual on her, reading her energies. They were very concerned about Xal'atath's "gift".
Spiru approached Lorellai after Janosis was done, and leaned against a crate a few feet away. "No sign of residual void energies, either it was fully expended, or fully withdrawn."
"All's well that ends well then." Lorellai said flatly, feeling out of sorts. "No conspiracy or secret corruption."
Spiru regarded the dwarf carefully. "Not for me. I was not the intended recipient. Lorellai, may I speak plainly?"
"I wish you would because I'm feeling very confused and a little hurt that you didn't trust me."
"I -do- trust you, Lorellai. I trust you to see the best in everyone, and to let your kind heart guide you. And more often than not, that is incredibly valuable. But not here. Not when she has taken such a specific interest in you; only Alleria and Locus-Walker have been able to tear her gaze from you. And she's not the only one."
Lorellai rolled her eyes. "Come on, I'm not that special."
"I fear that you -are-, Lorellai, and I'm not the only one. Janosis, Morrigan, even Dagran have taken note; when otherworldly beings encounter you, they linger on you. There's a hunger there. You have something they want, something we can't see or understand. And Xal'atath is among them. I don't believe it is out of line to seek to deny the Harbinger what she wants, especially if it means putting you in the way of unnecessary harm."
Lorellai blinked, perplexed. "That can't be right, I'm just me. I'm only starting my career as a hero, why would she want me over you, or Janosis, or-"
"Lorellai. There is something unique about you. Perhaps it is linked to your parents adventures. Perhaps it is something to do with your experiences in the dragon isles. It could even be blind, foolish luck. But it is there, and every demon, void being, and otherworldly creature we meet takes note of it. And that is why I have a difficult request." Spiru took a deep breath, and locked her gaze with Lorellai's. "I would like you to return to Dornagal. Assist with Dagran's work. Help keep Khaz Algar safe, far away from Xal'atath's influence."
Lorellai stood up, suddenly. "What? Just run away because something -might- happen? Not a chance, Spiru. Not for you, not for anyone!" Her outburst drew attention, and several eyes fell on the pair. Stroganoff eyed both of them uncomfortably, shuffling and letting one eye fall on each.
"Hey, you two alright?" Ghorren asked as he walked up, Janosis in his wake.
"Spiru wants me to run back to Khaz Algar and abandon the cause!"
"I -want- to ensure that whatever Xal'atath is planning doesn't compromise you!" Spiru hissed back.
Lorellai bristled, but then settled a bit as a big, calming, three-fingered hand settled on her shoulder. "Hey now, we're all friends here. Let's talk this out, hm?"
Lorellai crossed her arms and huffed as Spiru explained her observations and concerns to Ghorren, backed up by occasional nods from Janosis. She hated everything that was being said. She was special, and needed to be hidden away because of it? What sense was there in that?
"I see where you are coming from, Spiru," Ghorren said, rubbing his chin. "But I think you are coming at this in the wrong direction. Here, we have you, me, the rest of the Meddlers, and Alleria Windrunner. We'd all rather die than let Xal'atath have her way with any of us, least of all Lorellai. She's safest with us, even going into the maw of Dimensius."
"I'm not sure I trust your calculations, Ghorren," Spiru replied, flatly.
"I'm not doing math. I'm speaking from faith. We're an odd little family here, and family is strongest together. We do this, then we see if we can't figure out what it is about her that makes all the spooky monsters lick their lips when they see her. Together."
"Um... if I may? I think Ghorren is right," Janosis chimed in. "Xal'atath's co-operation will likely only last until the moment Dimensius is neutralized. If we were to send Lorellai away, well, the Harbinger is much more adept at moving through time and space than we are. She could go after Lorellai in Khaz Algar with such speed that we wouldn't be able to back her up."
Spiru blinked. "I... admit, I had not considered that."
Ghorren smiled. "Then it's decided. We all want to keep Lorellai safe. And to do that, we'll keep her close, where she can bring all her skills to bear, and if that nasty void woman tries something, we'll make her regret it. Deal?"
Lorellai wiped away some moisture that had somehow appeared on her eyes. "Thank you, Ghorren."
Spiru nodded. "Acceptable. Lorellai, I am sorry for upsetting you. I overreacted."
Lorellai simply nodded. They'd need to talk about it later. But for right now, they had a job to do. Together.
