If Azalora's life were featured as a novel, what would it be called?
Azalora's Enchanted Odyssey: The Azerite Dragon's Tale
Above: Book Cover | Upon the back of the book the summary reads as follows:
In the mystical realm of Azeroth, where magic and wonder intertwine, Azalora, a majestic dragon infused with the potent energy of Azerite, embarks on a journey that will define her destiny.
Formerly the corpse of a dead bronze dragon, her bones became imbued with a shard of the dragon soul during the defeat of Deathwing. Some years after her body underwent a drastic transformation, reinvigorating her with the essence of life through the power of azerite. This comes about when azerite begins to bleed upon the dragon's corpse enabling Azalora to be reborn.
Now with life granted once more, Azalora moves through enchanted lands filled with mythical creatures and forgotten magic. She seeks to understand her new abilities and the true purpose for her existence. Along the way, she befriends a diverse group of allies, from a cunning rogue with a heart of gold to a death knight who is still blessed with the light. Together, they uncover ancient secrets that hint at a greater battle looming on the horizon.
However, their journey is shadowed by the relentless pursuit of the Void, an entity of darkness and chaos that seeks to consume all light in the universe. The Void, personified as a sinister force known as the Shadow Weaver, grows stronger with each realm it corrupts. Its minions, twisted by darkness, chase Azalora, drawn by the pure, radiant energy of Azerite flowing within her. The Shadow Weaver aims to harness this energy to unleash a void storm that would plunge Azeroth into eternal night.
Azalora must harness her newfound powers, forge alliances, and face her fears to thwart the Void's malevolent plan. Her odyssey becomes not just a quest for personal understanding but a battle for the soul of Azeroth itself. In a tale woven with courage, friendship, and the magic of Disney-like storytelling, Azalora learns that even the darkest shadows can be dispelled by the light within one's heart.
@safrona-shadowsun - thanks for the ask! This was actually really fun to answer, LOL! I hope I did it justice LMAO
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“Can’t. How could I in good faith leave you here to terrorize the nursing staff? Who’s going to look after your treatment?”
“I’ll be fine, Sori. This isn’t my first time in a recovery bed you know.”
“Yeah? So you’re not going to run off any of the nice people here helping you recover? No more shitty pranks like lowering your heart rate? Or harassing people to get you pudding that you then refuse to eat?”
Kirollis shifted his eyes to the side with the clear cut look of guilt written on his features. “...that was just the one time.”
“We both know that was not just once, Kirollis.” Soriya chastised in a lighthearted tone. “You’re a handful, don’t try and deny it. I know what you’re like when you get bored.”
“Yeah, yeah, just don’t pinch me again.”
“No promises.”
Silence filled the space between them.
Covered in bandages and wraps, Kirollis struggled to sit up despite the nagging injury. Most of his body had been healed, it was the internals that needed a second look and more rest time. But it didn’t stop the soreness from seeping through from within, causing him to clutch at his abdomen as he slowly slid his legs to hang off the cot.
“Seriously though…”
“I was being serious; You’re a pain in the ass.” said Soriya with a smirk that went unseen with her back turned to him. Busying herself with tending to the plants that flanked her room at the temple.
“I spoke to Zheng.”
“I know.”
“If he wants to help you get stronger… I don’t understand why you wouldn’t go for it. It’s not like i’m going to rot here. I’ll be fine without you for a week or however long it takes.”
Soriya stopped, placing the watering pot down on the dresser in front of her. Turning her head to look over her shoulder, a peeved face came once she noticed Kirollis’ new sitting position. “Dad, I literally know how to make you a limp noodle. If you’re not going to listen to the healers I will pressure point you.” She warned.
With both hands up and palms facing out Kirollis quickly conceded, “I’m not trying to cause trouble just give me like five minutes, alright? I think my bedsores are getting bedsores.”
An airy chuckle escaped her as she softly nodded her head. “Fine. Five minutes.”
Silence came to fill the air once more.
“You know it’s like my whole job as an agent to know when people are deflecting. Also, kind of my job as a dad to know when my daughter’s leaving something out.”
Soriya didn’t reply right away, instead tucking her chin toward her chest as she contemplated it further.
“...and if this thing wants you dead, and I can’t kill it on my own, why wouldn’t you want a sword that might help you tip the tides.” His turn of phrase intentional.
“Because it’s…” A pause filled their conversation, but Kirollis patiently waited.
“It’s not what I signed up for.”
Furrowing his brow in confusion Kirollis asked, “Beating by evil at the gates? Pretty sure you ran right toward it this time.”
“I… did. I am. But a sword? I’m not a killer.” The admission came in a huff, though the actual answer was ever elusive.
“So… you don’t want a tool that will help you fight back against the evil out there? You told me once that it feels like you can’t do enough. Maybe this will fix that. Sori if there’s one person I’m not worried about having a weapon? It’s you. You’ll use it for the right reasons- I believe that.”
“Dad, don’t you think this is dangerously close to the one thing you swore would never happen? I thought you wanted a kid who stayed out of it all.”
Kirollis blinked a few times in surprise as his jaw hung open a slight. The obvious answer right in front of him the entire time only shifted that expression to hurt. “Sori…” He spoke in a softer tone before reaching out to grasp at her wrist and finally pull her attention to him.
Even so she still looked away.
“When you talk about mom you always say how you wanted to get me away from this life. That that’s why you wanted to run away… I…” She hesitated.
“Soriya…” Kirollis’ concerned only deepend in tone.
“I don’t want to make mom's death for nothing….” She finally admitted with a hint of shame.
The rogue was at a loss for words. Silently he sat with an ever contemplative face that seemed to shift to the full-range of emotions he felt. Anger at himself. Grief over their loss, and how it affected Soriya in ways she never spoke of.
Pulling her closer he firmly planted both hands on her shoulders, “Soriya, look at me.”
While she refused at first, those seafoam colored eyes eventually shifted to meet her fathers.
“What happened to your mother is not your fault.” Kirollis stated with little room for debate. “It wasn’t something that should have happened to anyone. Least of all not her. Least of all not you.” Gripping tighter on her shoulders he continued, “What we wanted was to give you a life that wasn’t… that wasn’t so difficult. So lined with death and despair. We wanted you to have a childhood, we wanted you to be able to be a kid.”
“Soriya… I was afraid you would turn out to be like me. I think I realized too late that it was never an ideal that your mother and I shared.” With a heartfelt smile he added, “I don’t think she was scared of you becoming like me. I think she knew you would be better if we could just give you the chance to be. And part of me thinks that your mom knew the risks and did it anyways so you could have that chance.”
Tears welled at the bottom crease of her eyelid. Though the monk remained silent through the speech and after.
“You’re one of the best people I have ever met in my entire life, and I can say without a shadow of a doubt that one of the most important people in my life -is- proud of you. That it wasn’t for nothing… because if the tragedy we endured led to you having the life you do now…? I don’t think I would change it for the world. The world desperately needs people like you.”
“You wont end up like I did. You’re already better than I am. I only ever wanted you to be able to choose the life you wanted.” He continued.
There were no words to express that would sum up how she felt in that moment. The worry that lifted from her shoulders as one thing that always sat on her mind was finally relieved. That she had Kirollis’ blessing to pursue heroism and not be reminded of her mothers sacrifice anytime it got too hard. There was nothing that she could say to him, then and there, that would express it. Simply she leaned forward to wrap her arms around his chest as her face cradled against his neck and shoulder.
Soft whimpers escaped her, and he could feel the warm moisture of freshly squeezed tears. But Kirollis said nothing. Only reciprocating the hug tightly.
“And when you do get your sword… I’ll show you how to use it properly.” He finally spoke after the weight of their conversation settled.
“But you said..-”
“I changed my mind.” interrupted Kirollis, pulling back only to offer up a gentle smile.
“There is one more favor you could do for me if I’m planning on going for this.” Soriya added with some hesitation
“Name it.”
“Elementium and ghost iron ore.”
Kirollis’ brow perked in curiosity before a silent ‘Ah’ pushed passed his lips in understanding. “I think I can manage that.”
Turn offs: Diminutive, no sense of humor, freckles
Love Language: Caring, nurturing, private, faux teasing
Relationship Tendencies: Slow and steady, commitment issues, revealing layers
Traits ––– -
* Bold your character’s answer.
Extroverted / In Between / Introverted
Disorganized / In Between / Organized
Close Minded / In Between / Open Minded
Calm / In Between / Anxious
Disagreeable / In Between / Agreeable
Cautious / In Between / Reckless
Patient / In Between / Impatient
Outspoken / In Between / Reserved
Leader / In Between / Follower
Empathetic / In Between / Apathetic
Optimistic / In Between / Pessimistic
Traditional / In Between / Modern
Hard-working / In Between / Lazy
Cultured / In Between / Uncultured
Loyal / In Between / Disloyal
Faithful / In Between / Unfaithful
Additional information ––– –
Smoking Habit: Some herbs on occasion
Drugs: Thistle frequently
Alcohol: A social drinker most of the time
RP Hooks ––– –
Rogue: Assassin/Criminal/Spy Background: That’s right, he's a triple threat. Whether it be his past as an assassin for high class clientele coming back to haunt him. Finding his way as a criminal in the aftermath of the Scourge when gang crime was prominent and the less than savory cast of characters he dealt with, as well as enemies made. Becoming a renowned smuggler on the Eastern Kingdoms, moving all sorts of cargo, even from surprising sources, that he still dabbles in. Or the more current military background he possesses as a spy for Quel’thalas? He has a wide berth and several angles to come at as far as his extensive background in some of the more roguelike corners of the fantasy world and it’s pretty open as far as his contacts in it.
Mentor/Rival: As stated above, Kirollis has been in the game for quite some time. Amassing quite a network of talented folks, resources, and methodology in his storied history. It’s not uncommon for him to give tips to others like him who are just starting out. However he can be pretty fickle when it comes to try hards.There have been quite a few times friction and his particular prickly personality can lead to more of a rivalry, as younger generations in the game look to make their bones on a fairly juicy target.
Trouble: Sometimes trouble just follows him around. Whether he caused it or not is an entirely different question. By nature he’s a bit of a trickster, and enjoys taking people for a ride whether that be verbally or physically. This, of course, leads to a lot of situations that can be less than ideal. Though every now and again his shenanigans can run indirectly, for example; bar fights have happened quite a bit. To be fair, though, he doesn’t always cause it. Sometimes he’s just as much a victim of shitty situations as the next person, whether that be a zeppelin hijacking or an Old God infestation, trouble (Ranging from serious to silly) tends to follow him.
When I talk to my close friends about positivity in the RP community your Tumblr has been brought up on more than one occasion. So consider this a thank you for keeping positive.
The best thing you can do, the only thing you can do, is find the source of corruption and destroy it. The words he spoke to his daughter earlier in the morning hung heavily on his mind.
Night had descended upon the Vale. War torn and ravaged from the endless assault of the Black Empire. Even in the hours reserved for sleep and unsavory deeds the song of steel clashing against steel echoed through the not-so-sleepy fields. Proving that even in the dead of night there was no solace to be had.
It was near impossible to find a quiet clearing, untouched by the K'thir, or the creatures they had corrupted, much like themselves, to become servants to a grandiose scheme. But Kirollis was no stranger to how it went. He had fought the same chaos many times, and many times prevailed against the encroaching darkness. N'zoth, perhaps the biggest and baddest of all the Old Ones combined, was no different.
Rather, it wasn't himself he worried for. Soriya was in danger, a fierce motivation for the over-protective father. An impossible situation in which, try as he might, she was unable to untangle from the current pandemic. He had to do something, anything, to ease the burden for her. He couldn’t stand to sit idly by, watching, as the nightmares and visions ate away until she was but a shell of the woman he had come to be so proud of.
Looking up toward the starry night sky, Kirollis muttered out with a certain fondness reserved for only one person, “I hope you’re watching. I’m sure you would have had a much simpler solution to all this, you know.” He spoke softly to the thought of his long passed wife.
Stupidity was something he was known for, whether professionally or recreationally, but every now and again he had an idea so boldly idiotic that even he questioned whether his sanity was intact. Often spurned by the idea of a loved one hurt, heroic action, or a chance to play at savior, as he often did, and that was exactly what brought him to the outcropping. Exactly what drove him to the brink of madness without even a whisper of malcontent from invasive voices or prophetic nightmare.
"You out there?" He called out in the empty field, his eyes calmly shut, letting the walls of mental wards and barriers drop with a concerted effort of will. An action he quickly regretted as the hairs at the back of his neck began to stand. "This is me calling. Your favorite pain in the ass."
It went against every fiber of his being, every instinct, every logical thought that he had. Calling out to the very thing that had sewn nothing but destruction, chaos, and dismay. The very thing that had almost killed him a few years ago, that threatened to destroy his city, that he fought tirelessly to defeat- while leaving the sanity of everyone else intact. Memories were thick in his mind like an overgrown forest, reminiscing about the past. All the horror of a few short years ago rapidly returning.
But his daughter was in trouble... and he needed answers. The single thought that cut against every other like a heated blade against butter.
"I know you're loving the state of the world right now. Must feel awfully empowering, huh? I'm a little put-off, I'm not going to lie, all this Black Empire jazz and you didn't even come to say hi?" He called out once more, hoping the Faceless would grace him with an answer.
The wind that brushed against his neck was cold, a chill clinging to it that was unnatural and eerie, like something long dead was standing near enough to breathe across his skin. There was no answer at first, as if whatever it was he called to took great effort to come around, to focus on where and when Kirollis was. But slowly the focus shifted, Their eyes turning to the war ravaged planet.
The rogue bit at the innards of his cheek as the familiar feeling of dread caressed the nape of his neck. His calls answered far quicker than anticipated… but then again, they had always come when he called.
<You believe We are somehow to blame for the mess that has been made here? You believe We enjoy watching what is Ours being plagued by what is not of Our making? Have you truly thought so little of Us in Our time away?>
"Not at all." He countered in that smooth and charismatic tone that had been perfected over the years. "If I've done my reading correctly, and I often do, there was even a hate club for good ol' Million Mile Stare."
Something Unseen came to sit beside him, more a feeling of a presence than an actual body of any kind. It was smoke, at best, an outline of what could have been a person but certainly was not in any way human.
<You have not written, you have not called. We had begun to believe you no longer wished to remain Our friend, Kirollis.> The voice mimic’d the rogues' own words from long ago.
Kirollis’ emerald gaze snapped open, drawn to the figure at his side as he found the spiritual medium successful. Unbothered by the ethereal presence, in spite of the shiver that ran up the length of his spine at the utterance of Friends. A common title the creature loved to call him. Even if they were anything but.
"Well, we didn't leave off on the best terms. You know, you tried to kill me, I killed your champion. It tends to put a rift in any relationship. But cheer up champ- I come offering an olive branch."
If They could smile, They would. <You believe Our Champions do not remain? We find this thought to be...entertaining to Us.> Which was spooky enough in of itself, but They went no further into explanation, content to sit near the rogue in silence.
At the mention of an olive branch, however, the form rippled and shifted - as if They were turning to look directly at him.
<We do not require peace, Kirollis. What is that you need? For certainly you would not have called on Us for any other reason than dire need.>
A low, deflated rumble emanated from his throat at the mere suggestion of a third round against the Faceless entity. It scared him, unlike most things did, but despite fear he remained stoic like a stone. Unwilling to give any ground, or weakness, that the creature would undoubtedly seize upon.
Sidestepping the irrelevant commentary and pleasantries Kirollis jumped right into the heart of the matter, struggling to admit his obvious weakness to an enemy, he persisted, "My daughter..." He cleared his throat before continuing, "One of yo--... Something is messing with her and I need to know who or what."
<Ah,> was Their response, the wind stirring around the curious exhale. Silence fell around them, the air itself seeming to pull closer, to tighten as if pressure was building. They remained quiet and unfocused as They searched the Many for a name.
"Just give me a name. I know you're well connected. Just give me a name and you'll have earned a favor from yours truly. Your favorite pain in the ass." He repeated the self-proclaimed title.
The air tightened to the point where it might be difficult to draw in a full breath, but before suffocation could occur, it released, the noises in the distance slowly bleeding back in.
<We desire all that you love to remain safe, Kirollis. Understand Us you may not, but We understand the need to protect One's own Child.> They paused before the form shifted and for a moment, it looked...well, human. Two arms, two legs, with glorious horns crowning the top of Their head.
The entire experience was unsettling, as he stood, next to an enemy by nature, asking for a favor. Standing still, with his eyes ahead, he dared not look at the Faceless entity beside him. He waited on baited breath in that lingering silence the entity had left him with. As the air became thin around them, and the worst of his thoughts began to race through his head. Finding nothing but sweet release as he gasped in a full breath.
<You look for Qi'vik the Dream Eater. One of the mantid queen’s younger paragon. It who seeks favor with The Beast Below The Waters. It seeks to taint the descendants of the Spirit of the Winds. We do not know why it comes after your child as well.>
Qi'vik, Kirollis quickly committed the name to memory as he tried his best to work through the rest of the cryptic statement. It endlessly infuriated him how a cypher was needed every time he spoke to a creature of the dark. But, even still, this was one of the most concise answers he had ever received. It was nothing short of disarming how quickly and easily the Faceless had granted his request. Uncharacteristic of their conniving nature.
He questioned it with a sharp look cast toward the shifting shadow. "That's it? No brands? No marks? No requests of fealty?... just like that?"
The form shifted to look at him once more, what was clearly a face without eyes or any other distinguishing marks flickering in the midst of that curious mist. No mouth, no nose, no ears - a mockery of what a face should be. <What point would it serve to have you swear Us featly when you will seek to break it as quickly as you can? What good are you to your daughter with Us in your heart of hearts? There is no place for Us there, Kirollis. She already occupies it, We can see.>
A heavy lump was swallowed by the Sin'dorei as the piercing speech chilled him to the bone. How aptly it understood what he tried to hide. What he never wanted it to know. What he went through great lengths to safeguard. The only thing that would shake him from his perch and back into the pits of insanity and stupidity: Love.
The air was chilly around the space They stood in, but it was not so cold that it hurt. Yet. <We do not like it when Others try and claim what is Ours, as this star is and as it will be. Perhaps not in your lifetime, perhaps not in your child's. Perhaps We do this out of love for you.> If They understood what love was, that very well could have been the twisted truth.
Kirollis stood frozen under the weight of such a statement. How this fascination of him continued to grow over the years. The last creature in the cosmos that he would ever want to catch the attention of was right beside him. Studying him. Trying to gain his favor, his understanding. But the reason why eluded him to maddening degrees all on its own.
Without further delay he pushed those thoughts free from the recesses of his mind. He had what he came for, the name of the offending creature. There was no time to dally on the why or the price that would inevitably come from the short exchange.
"I'm not as ignorant to think that there's no price... but I'm not going to linger long enough to let you change your mind." He muttered with a relenting voice. "That was all I needed, 'friend'."
The mist seemed to go static at that declaration of friendship, thin though it may be. There seemed to be a great deal left to unravel about the extraplanar entity, and yet no real time in which to do so. <We ask not, We want not. We desire only to see that which you love protected. If We can assist further, know that We await your call.> Without further ado, the mist disappeared, warmth returning to the air surrounding the rogue. Yet there was a final and gentle brush of coolness against his cheek before They faded back to wherever They'd come from.
"Sure..." The elf lied as the unsettling weight pressing against his stomach subsided as the mist receded away into nothingness.
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“Dad?” A small, timid, and squeaky- yet familiar- voice reverberated from the foot of his bed.
Kirollis tipped his book down slightly to peak his emerald eyes over the pages. Only to spy a child no older than five, with chestnut brown hair that reached down to her shoulders, standing just tall enough to poke her head up past the mattress. Wrapped up in a nightgown as she clutched a small stuffed bear close to her chest. With a stern look of concern she diligently waited for her fathers answer.
“Aren’t you supposed to be in bed little lady?” Kirollis spoke in a tone that held parental twinge in a mixture of love and reprimand in the same breathe.
“I was but…” Soriya replied sheepishly as her chin tucked into her chest before confessing, “I heard something in my closet and I'm scared.”
There was little he could do to help the smile that curled at the corners of his lips. Of course there weren’t monsters in their home. It was one of the safest places to be. But she had never been scared before, even when they decided that a night light wasn’t needed. The request, while trivial, warmed his heart in ways he didn’t know existed. The earnest ask of protection, and the one thing he wanted to prove that he could provide, and here that opportunity was without even having to search for it.
Two fingers came to grasp the corner of his current page, folding a crease into it and earmarking his page before he put the book down entirely. A soft and slow chuckle escaped him as she sat up and shifted down the length of the mattress only to have his legs flank his much smaller daughter.
“Well…. Lucky for you I happen to be a professional monster slayer.” The rogue stated with that confident swagger he loved to exude. Leaning forward just a tad more he would plant a quick peck right to Soriyas forehead before offering a hand out as if asking her to lead him.
Soriyas little face scrunched together at the display of affection before a wide grin came in response to her father's triumphant words. It was exactly what she needed to hear and the youthful indifference of a toddler displayed that fact with a sense of pride. Quickly snatching that offered hand and tugging her father right along to her room down the hall.
After they had broached the threshold to Soriyas slice of their apartment, a hand came to paw at the wall beside the entrance. Fumbling in the dark for a moment before finally the switch was flipped at the room illuminated to show off the light blue paint that Soriya had loved so much. Looking every bit a childs room, toys strewn about half put away and half left, a pile of stuffed animals lay on her bed as if she shared her sleeping space with her collection. Everything was miniature, from the bed to the dresser, even the mirror seemed fit to the young Sin’doreis small stature.
But Soriya had wasted little time in tugging her father toward the closed door closet.
With a quirked brow, Kirollis used his free hand to point to the closet in question. Waiting for confirmation that this was the source of her fear. “Well here’s your problem. The doors closed.” The rogue remarked in that know-it-all tone of his. “You’ll never see them coming if you give them places to hide.” Though the rogue spoke of monsters of an entirely different breed.
“I dont wanna leave it open.” Soriya protested. “If I leave it open then they can just come get me.”
“Do you want me to put a lock on it?”
The young Sin’doreis face lit up at the prospect, “You can do that?!”
Kirollis couldn’t help but chuckle as he reached for the door knob. Opening the fatefully haunted closet only to find nothing but the childs wardrobe and storage. Certainly no monsters. “I mean I could. But if you lose the key then you won’t be able to get any of your stuff.”
“I’ve seen you open locks without a key before.” Soriya once more proved that while young, she was no less sharp for it. A revelation that never failed to leave Kirollis speechless every time he was bested by a toddler. Even if a sense of pride outweighed that fact tenfold.
Muttering something beneath his breath Kirollis did his best to change the topic, “I don’t see any monsters in here.” He spoke in a calm and sure tone. Even moving away some of the winter clothes on the rack and checking behind them. “Nope. Well…” Picking up a well worn and run down stuffed rabbit and presenting it to the child he added, “Unless you count this. I thought you were getting rid of this one, Kiddo?”
With swift hands Soriya snatched her prized possession from her fathers grasp, “Not Sir Hops! Aunt Rei gave it to me I can’t get rid of him!” Clinging to the toy as if she would rather fight him then give it up.
Kirollis merely chuckled and shook his head. “Right. Well at the very least you should show him some love then. Maybe you know, wash him up a bit. Sew a new button in his eye.” Mulling over that prospect for a moment he finally offered, “We can do it together if you want.”
Soriyas head bobbed up and down excitedly, “Okay!” Though that excitement wore off a moment later. Hesitantly the young lady looked over to her bed, letting those green eyes linger there for a moment.
“Everything okay?”
“...can you check under the bed, too?”
Of course, without a second thought, Kirollis closed the closet door and made his way over to her pint-sized bed. Dropping down to his knees, and then his hands, before lifting the comforter where it hung and glancing beneath the crevice between the bed and floor.
With Soriya right beside him the thoughts of pranking her crossed his mind. All it would take was an errant hand grabbing at her ankle to send the five year old shrieking. One of the rare joys of parenthood. If you couldn’t scare you own kids, which kids could you scare? Though rationality got the better of him in the end. After all, it would run completely counter to getting her to sleep.
“Nothing here, either.” Kirollis confirmed before sliding back to sit atop his shins. “Come on kiddo, you’re all clear.” Letting his hands drift to her sides, he would hoist her up like a sack of potatoes. Setting her down gently on her bed.
“What if they come get me when you’re sleeping?” Soriya asked in a bid to keep her father in the room just a little bit longer.
“Are you old enough for a knife?” The rogue joked. “I can slip one under your pillow just in case.”
“Dad!” Soriya protested.
With a mirthful snicker he once more shook his head, “I’m just down the hall, sunshine. If you can’t make it just yell real loud, okay?” He said with every ounce of truth he could muster. She was too young to understand that it didn't matter what she needed him for. If she ever did, he would be there. With a paw to the top of her head, the rogue would give his daughters auburn hair a ruffle. “I promise I’ll always be there.”
A bright smile overtook the child's expressions, seemingly content with his answer. “Okay. I believe you. I love you, dad.”
“I love you too sweetie.”
While he played it cool exiting her room and flipping off the light with a “Night.” Kirollis could do little to contain the swell of happiness that grew in his stomach. To have that moment. To be a father and do silly things that your kid needed from you. To show them- her- that it didn’t matter how small or large the request. That he would always be there to check the closet or under the bed for monsters, and vanquish them if they dared to threaten her. It was symbolic, it was visceral, it was…. A feeling he never got to experience in earnest.
With a long breath exhaled through his mouth until it was the start of a sigh, Kirollis pushed his door closed. Only leaving it slightly ajar incase Sori did end up screaming tonight. It was a fifty fifty shot that she would eventually find her way to his own bed on nights like this one. Curling up on top of his comforter the Rogue rested his head back against his pillow.
“There’s only one monster in this house.” Several voices echoed around the small room in disorienting fashion. Both haunting and threatening in their sweet symphony of malice. “Didn’t they teach you that you don’t deserve this. The Apple Pie life isn’t for you, sweetheart. What are you going to do when she finds out what you are? -Who- you are. What happens when she finds out she’s been living with a monster all this time.”
A monsterous hand, as black as night, reached out in the void of darkness. It mixed with the lack of light in the room to the point where it was questionable if it was there or not. Right up until it curled its clawed digits against the front of his skull.
He tried to scream. He tried to call out for help. But he couldn’t move, frozen and paralyzed beneath the weight of whatever demon invaded his space. Leaving him with but one final line; “We tried to teach you that everything can be taken away. Why didn’t you listen?”
It was over in a flash as Kiriollis sprung forward from beneath his sheets with a shriek that likely woke up the entire floor of his apartment building. His hands sprung backward to keep himself propped up. His breathing heavy as he gasped for air, the hastened and visible rise and fall of his chest sporadic but rhythmic. Sweat rolled down his exposed skin in rivets. Frantic eyes roved around the room as if searching for an entity to associate the horrors from a moment ago.
“Hey! Are you okay?” A familiar voice rang from the doorway to his room, where an adult Soriya now stood. Obvious concern in her voice as she flipped on the light to find the mess of her father sprawled out on his bed.
Reaching a hand up to his face, Kirollis tried to rub the fear from his expressions as he continued to try and calm down. “I uhm…” He said, though cut short as he continued to process what had just happened. Finally offering up, “Just a bad dream I guess.”
“...I’m still up. If you can’t get back to sleep we can go listen to the radio or something.”
“I think I’ll be alright.”
“If you say so. Try not to wake up the neighbors next time, okay?” She teased.
“Hey… Sori?”
“Hmm?”
“This is going to sound really dumb… but can you check my closet?”
“What am I looking for?”
“Monsters.” Kirollis replied in an oddly serious tone.
No less then five separate footfalls crunched leaves under the weight of heavy boots as they trampled their way through the forest only illuminated by the moon above. Pulled from their posts in the dead of night as the alarm bells rang that there was an intruder. Racing through the trees and brush of the withering forest of Silverpine. They made no effort to hide their presence as they tracked a half step behind the Shadow they pursued, though, unlucky for them... darkness was the Shadows playground, not the group of Forsaken guards.
“He went this way!” Kingston called out to his squad. Spotting a broken branch that eluded to which direction their quarry went. And just like that, the squadron of Death Dealers shambled on in that direction. Practiced and precise in the way they fell in and moved on, nothing but trust in their fellow guard.
“He can’t be far now...” Madison grumbled.
“There! There I saw him!” Anders yelled with a bony finger pointed toward where he saw a darkened shadow flee further into the woods until they too blended with the enveloping blackness of the night.
“Can it, all of you!” Their commander barked. “All you’re doing is giving our location away.” Clearly peeved at his groupings lack of discipline. He sought to assert it in an authoritative tone. And of course they all listened.
Their movements slowed as they came up to a fallen log that had taken residence in a small clearing. Tentatively the group approached, foot after foot more careful then the next as they crept up on their prey. While all seemed to have a sword brandished at their hip and a long rifle on their back, not a single one grabbed steal, instead opting to draw the rifle from their backs. Taking careful aim at the log.
It wasn’t until a pair of long ears and brown hair peeped up to check that the rapturous sound of “FIRE!” Before the death squad did just that. Letting slug after slug shoot from their long barreled weapons. Each shot hitting against the rotted log, sending chips of splintered wood fly in every which direction and leaving a plethora of bullet holes in the assaults wake.
“Hold!” Rotjaw barked out once more. Taking his hand from the barrel of his gun to hold up a clenched and bony fist.
“There’s no way he survived that. That things got no cover.” Anders said in a low tone. Not wishing to invoke the commanders ire once more.
The group of four closed in on the bullet-ridden log that looked as if it was on the brink of collapse. Two soldiers flanking either side with cautious steps toward their target, notably leaving one squad member behind to watch as the others closed their pincer maneuver.
Though the group collectively grunted when little was left behind the log itself. Certainly no warm blooded body they could return to their posts with. Madison was the first to move in to investigate. Finding no more then a pile of wood chips. There was one thing that caught her attention though.
“Guys, I think I got something....” She said before a leather clad hand reached down into the debris to pull a small piece of paper with scribbles on it from the pile.
...CLICK!
While they never fully got to express their dismay? The look of fear was clear on each and everyone of their faces before the blast from an explosion separated what remained of the undead. Sending limbs and bits of armor sprawled over the area. The booby trap going off without a hitch.
Anders watched on in dismay as he saw his squad forcibly dismembered by the explosive surprise left by their late night visitor. Frozen in fear as the slow realization that he was alone out here... and he was no longer the hunter. The thought came slow at first, but came all the same; Perhaps he was never the hunter to begin with.
Before the soldier could make sense of what just happened he felt a force slam against the shoulder rest of his rifle. Looking down with a puzzled expression as the weapon he held a second ago appeared on the floor before him. But it all made sense eventually as that pointed blade found its way to his neck.
“Well, either you’re incredibly lucky or pretty smart. Way to hang back on that trap. You looking for work? Cause I’m putting together this team. I mean not really like a team. But not-not a team. You know?” The Sin’dorei’s voice was whimsical as ever.
Only continuing as the dagger he held acted as a speaking stick. “Anyways, as nice a night this is for a stroll... I gotta go back to raiding your base there. Time is money and all that.” Kirollis quipped right up until he found a bony elbow in his side. A grunt escaped him followed by a chuckle, though it only made the rogue tighten his grip and adopt a grasp on the Forsakens arm, prevent that errant elbow from striking him again
“Well that was rude. You know I was just sort of talking before about not having a lot of time. You wanna piss me off I have no problem devoting an hour to finding out exactly how you guys die besides you know... explosions.”
“What do you want?” The captured Forsaken finally rasped out.
“Oh I just want to know why there’s a whole bunch of Forsaken in my neck of the woods. Call it a hunch but based on current events...?”
“I’m not telling you anything.”
“Well, then you’re useless to me. Aint’cha? They really don’t teach you guys how to stay alive- Sorry, sorry, phrasing. Stay Undead out in the field, huh?” With an unceremonious push to the Forsakens back, Kirollis released his grasp. Reaching down to find the fallen soldiers weapon and reliquish it for his own needs.
“Left or right.” The rogue offered.
“Fuck you!” Anders spat back.
“Suit yourself.” Kirollis replied in a carefree manner before aiming the rifle at his foes knee and pulling the trigger. “The names Lor’themar. Tell your friends about me.” The rogue lied straight through his teeth. Before long leaving the crippled soldier in nothing but the dark clearing illuminated by moonlight.
A workshop was a mans kingdom. It was where they went to create, to innovate, to defy convention. It was a place of both wondrous successes and heartbreaking failures. Where things were tuned and maintained to keep them running smoothly. But sometimes, every so often, it was simply a space where one could hide from their problems.
White walls occupied the spacious garage, though it was hard to see them with the bevy of tools that lined them. Metal benches scattered the floorspace, moved and pivoted to act as a working table to specific projects. Strewn with half completed components and disassembled machinery. Wrenches, mallets, soldering irons, screwdrivers, buffers, there was little one couldn’t find to fit what they were working on. Not in this place.
Taking up a fair majority of the center of the workshop, two suspension lifts took the spotlight. While one was empty, the other hosted and lifted a mechano-hog. Though this one was different then the standards. Modified and lovingly cared for over the years, it had some distinct personality despite its status as a possession. The handlebars were completely recast and replaced from the standard issue, as well as the exhaust pipe. The oft exposed engine sported a solid casing around it, only open for a series of vents- however the bottom end of the casing was removed and off to the side. Even the seat had been replaced with plush leather padding. It was a nice piece of equipment by most motorist standards. But to him? It was art.
“You know, I never really figured you for a grease monkey.” A familiar female voice made her presence known.
Much to Kirollis’ displeasure as his body shifted under the bike, producing a clunk followed by a pained “Fuck!”
The woman chuckled as she found a stool close to the working rogue. “Sorry to stop by unannounced. Been hearing some weird rumors about you and you know me…. I do love fact checking gossip.”
With hands grasped tightly along the frame of the hoist, Kirollis would wheel himself back out from under the bike. His forehead red and face contorted into a scowl as he looked over the woman. “Rel...It’s been years and you just… show up to check out some rumors? Yikes, I don’t buy it but I’ll bite.” He replied before sitting up on his roller.
It had been years since the pair had last spoken. Even longer since they had worked together. An old contact from a former life, Rel was one of the finest information gatherers he knew. At least back when the playing field was a little less savory. He knew full well that whatever rumors she may have heard had likely been confirmed five times over.
“Do you really need to hear it?” She crooned in an unimpressed tone.
“I do.”
“I missed you.”
Snapping his fingers he would let out a loud, “Hah! I fuckin’ knew it you big softy.”
The blonde rolled her eyes toward Kirollis’ comments. Opting to instead cross her arms over her chest in defiance. “You know this is exactly why you don’t get invited to the reunions. Don’t flatter yourself. It’s just the quickest way to continue the conversation.” Though the tiny smirk she wore gave away what her words did not.
“Suuuuuuure. That’s what we’ll say when others are around. I got’cha.” Kirollis retorted with a wink. Though he added soon after, “Wait you guys have reunions?”
“Are you done?”
Kirollis tipped his head skyward as he mulled it over, “Let’s keep going and see how I feel.”
The faux signs of frustration flashed on Rels face as she slowly shook her head. “I haven’t seen you in six years and within five minutes I already want to run.”
“Okay, okay enough foreplay. What rumors had you coming to this neck of the woods? I mean…”
“That you went straight-edged. Retired to a quiet family life. When I heard I had to double check the name. Certainly that wasn’t the Kirollis I knew.” With a laugh, she added, “I knew that you had joined the military. But retirement? You know full well that people like us aren’t meant to get fat off our past accomplishments.”
“Technically I’m on leave.”
“Technically I know you better than that. What happened?”
Kirollis squirmed nervously at the question. It was always easier to lie to people who didn’t know any better. But Rel? They had been in the shit together more times then he could count on his hands.
“I’m just tired, Rel…” He oversimplified the root of the issue. “I got a kid, I got a life, I don’t need to go fightin’ anybodies wars. And I sure as shit don’t have to take orders I don’t agree with. Or give orders that get people killed.”
A moment of thought was given as Rel formulated a response. Squatting down so she was eye level with her equal, the leather clad Sin’dorei placed a hand on Kirollis’ shoulder, “Didn’t you tell me once you were more than a pretty face? What’s the use of having a brain if you never use it, Ace.” She said affectionately. “You know what happens when good people do nothing?” Her question coming off much more as a statement then anything else. “The world loses.” That hand on his shoulder soon shifted to give his grease covered cheek two small pats.
Dumbfounded, Kirollis could only sit there with squinted eyes. “Didn’t really take you for the type for lofty sentiments.”
“People change.” Gesturing vaguely at him Rel tacked on, “You did.”
“Yeah… but I’d be lyin’ if I didn’t say I sorta miss the old day. Things were simpler back then.”
Rel laughed lightly, “Things aren’t simpler, you just grew up a little. Now come on, go get washed up. I want to meet this spawn of yours. Is she as much of a handful as you are?”
Kirollis smiled before chuckling out, “Nah… kind of the opposite.”
