(( Co-written with @lordbeyron / @thefugitivemango / @kynlea , @nepenthea, @cebinaruavin and @brent-sunbornâ for character mention.))
~*~*~
The portal closed instantly behind Kaiâeka, leaving her in a small room. No windows, no doors. There was a perforation in the lower part of the wall, which looked like it was meant to pass trays of food, but it looked to be sealed shut. The room was shaped like a cube; as wide as it was tall, tall as it was longâ just enough to fit the cot, which was the only furniture in the small cell. The ceiling was high enough that Kaiâekaâs ears didnât quite touch it, but only barely. Light seemed to emanate from the bottom edges of the room, causing a low, eerie glow. A bucket sat in the corner away from the cot.Â
Otherwise, the room was empty.
Kai'eka's ears flickered, unable to hide her frustration at the situation. As an
Ebon Blade, she didnât require heat, food, water or sleep, but the enclosed space wasn't something she enjoyed. Of course, she wasn't in a situation to be picky.
Idly, she tested the ropes that bound her wrist. Something she could easily snap off on a regular day, but she was still feeling the heavy toll the battle and rune trap had taken on her. Having been sapped of her strength on top of losing her bladesâŚ. the situation wasn't ideal.
With a huff, she leaned back against the wall, her mind finally starting to catch up on everything that had just happened.
In hindsight, going through the Thalassian Pass hadnât been the best option. But even then, the truce between Alliance and Horde had stretched out for years, and while she was an enemy of Quel'Thalas, no one had seen her since her physical transformation through the Void and Undeath. She'd assumed there wouldnât be an issue as long as she stayed clear of the Eversong Woods.
Clearly, she assumed wrong.
She couldnât shake the Magisterâs words, however. He knew she was there to meet someone, and while she didn't think highly of the Phoenix Guard, having two of their members on top of a Magister seemed excessive force to guard the pass. And the way that rune trap had immediately locked in and drained her source of powerâŚ
â...heh, fuckers knew I was coming.â
Her words were met with silence. But she wasnât left in silence for long, however. Light flooded the cell as a portal opened in the ceiling. It revealed metal bars crossed in a hexagonal lattice pattern. Beyond them, the Magister could be seen sitting at a desk in an elegant Quelâdorei decorated office. The alignment of the portals were clearly skewed; while the portal had opened above Kaiâekaâs cell, the Magister sat in a chair looking straight ahead into the cell from his side.
âYou sound surprised.â he stated, clearly having heard her commentary. âWe have eyes everywhere, you know. We go to great lengths to track the whereabouts of enemies of our Kingdom, Kaiâeka. And youâve proven to be one time and time again.â
Beyâron glanced up from the desk, then back down. He scribbled notes on parchment, organizing each into meticulous stacks. It was too far away to tell whether or not the paperwork concerned Kaiâeka, or if he was simply multitasking his interrogation with something else.
âNot bothering to change your name when you were reborn was a foolish choice. Stomping through the Thalassian Pass, even more so.â he scoffed. âDid you really expect to be greeted cordially?â
She couldnât help but roll her eyes, already exasperated by the conversation.
âTrying to make It sound like security's always been tight. You have any idea how fucking easy it was to infiltrate the Phoenix Guard?â
âMm, must have been quite easy, if you somehow managed to do it.â Beyâron quipped back. âIt wasnât always so tight, no. But weâve learned from the mistakes of the past. Itâs easier to see threats coming when we know what to look for.â
Another parchment meticulously signed and sorted amongst the piles of papers on his desk. He set his quill down, looking at Kaiâeka directly as he clasped his hands. He smirked.
âCase in point; here you are.â
He stood from the desk, and circled around in front of it. As he did, an Imp appeared through a portal and dropped into his now-empty chair, taking over the paperwork while Beyâron focused fully on his new detainee.
âNow, as we discussed before, youâll answer some questions for me, and Iâll consider doing the same if I like what I hear.â he restated his offer from before. âLetâs start with an easy one, shall we? One even a brute like you should knowâ what is your leader, Xalâatath, planning?â
Of all the questions she had been expecting, that hadnât even crossed her mind. She hadnât touched anything in regards to the cult since Ny'alotha. Confusion was evident on her features.
âWhat the fuck does that crazy bitch have to do with anything?â She replied, âHaven't touched void shit since I died.â
The Imp scribbled down some notes as she spoke, and stopped once she did. It was apparent the little demon was transcribing her answers. Beyâron leaned against the desk, and crossed his arms.Â
âWhere are the rest of your traitorous cohorts? Nepenâthea Dusksinger, Brent Sunborn, Cebina Ruavin?â
The Ebon Knight looked up at the Magister, eyebrow raised. For someone who claimed to have eyes everywhere, he certainly didn't seem to know anything.
âThea is dead. Backstabbed back when we were working in Nazjatar. Alt was killed not long after that. Brent left the cult around the same time as me. He managed to put that shit behind him and is settling down now. Cebina is still out there. Approached me a while back and asked me to be part of some dumb plan. Told her to get lost. Haven't seen her since. No idea where Karas ended up. Haven't seen him since the Fourth War.â
âAh yes, Alteris⌠your brother. I had nearly forgotten about him.â Beyâron nodded slowly. âBut Cebina did approach you, yes? Why did you decline her invitation?â
Again, the Imp scribbled down more notes, recording everything Kaiâeka said. Aside from the scritching of his quill against the parchment and the gentle humming of the portal, everything else was quiet. The Magister looked to the Death Knight, expectantly.
âDo you expect me to believe you left behind everything to which you had devoted your entire mortal life? Aside from your friend Sunbornâ allegedlyâ youâd be the only one to ever do so. Quite⌠anomalous.â
âBecause it was all a fucking lie!â
Kaiâeka's eyes flared in anger, her face twisted in a scowl. Hands balled into fists, straining the rope.
âI gave EVERYTHING to the Old Gods! Devoted my whole damn life! Sacrificed everything I had to ensure the cult would survive! Fuck, I even died for them! And guess what I got for it? Not a damned thing! Everything I was promised, everything I worked for⌠everything I was taught from the moment I knew how to walk? All lies!â
She growled.
âSo no! Not interested. Told her to fuck off and get out of my sight!â
The Magister couldnât help but grin at her outburst. Her frustration and anger, the first and only true emotion sheâd exhibited besides the baseline irritation of being captured. He chuckled, laughing deeply at her predicament. At her comeuppance. It felt harsher against the background of silence. Even the Impâs writing had concluded, the demon standing by waiting while his master enjoyed Kaiâekaâs admission.
âBy the Sunwell itself, so you did learn your lesson! It only took dying for your hollow cause, but you finally caught on!â he laughed raucously. âI do so love seeing traitors get what they deserve!â
Kai'eka sneered at him, wanting nothing more than to punch that dumb grin off of his face and shove those fancy quills up his ass.Â
âWhatever. We both know where this is going. Just get the fucking execution over with. I'm done talking.â
âMm, just as well. Iâve had enough listening to your lies, in turn. Weâll set to executing you tomorrow, perhaps. You⌠and your son.â
He pushed himself from the desk nonchalantly, and began walking around to the other side. The Imp quickly scurried out from the chair, and took his place off to the side on the desk. Beyâron examined the stack of parchments, appraisingly.Â
âHeâs clearly in league with you, as well. My agents observed him interacting with your messenger. And we apprehended him at Dawnstar Spire awaiting your meeting, just before we apprehended you.â he explained, sorting the logs his Imp had taken. âTwo traitors, publicly executed on the same day. Mother and son, too! Certainly should draw a big crowd, donât you think?â
That certainly got her attention. Sheâd set to staring at the wall in front of her, having simply accepted her fate. When he mentioned her son, however⌠Her eyes widened and dread overtook her features and ears pinned back as he spoke.
âHe isnât part of this! Never has been! Let him go!â
âTch, more lies? Come, now. I know all about the shadow mark you left on him. Youâve come back to reclaim him, and bring him into your Void-worshipping fold. Iâm not a fool, Kaiâeka.â Beyâron scoffed, shaking his head dismissively. âYour traitorous lineage will end with him. If youâd like, we can have your guillotine facing his gallows so you can watch him hang before we behead you.â
He finished stacking the parchments, and looked back up at Kaiâeka with a grin. He waved his hand, and the portal slowly began to close.
âTomorrow, most likely. Iâm tired this evening, and still have to finish interrogating Kynlea before I can retire. Enjoy your last night, Miss Sunwhisper.â
âNo no NO! I'm telling you the truth! The only reason he has that mark is because I made a stupid decision when I was younger! I left him so that no one could trace him back to me! Because I didn't want the cult to find him! I didn't want that life for him!âÂ
She pushed herself off the wall, panic set in her features as she called out at the closing portal, âWhen I found out Astaloren was dead, I wanted to make sure he was safe! I swear! I just want him to be safe!â
She struggled with the bonds now, desperate to get free somehow. She felt tears sting her eyes. Alteris had been right. She should have stayed away.
âThis is MY fault! It was my mistake! Kynlea shouldn't pay for it!â Her voice broke in her distress, âMagister, PLEASE!â
The portal held open slightly at the last second, the rift only about a foot across. Slowly, it crept open once more to reveal the Magister again, arms crossed as he peered at Kaiâeka. His smirk was gone, brow deeply furrowed, ears perked high. His felfire eyes were piercing, narrowed on the Death Knightâs tear-touched face.
âThat almost sounded sincere, Miss Sunwhisper.â he spoke, tone dripping with accusation. âDo you know how Astaloren managed to spare you son a terrible fate of being consumed by the Void thanks to your carelessness?â
He gave no time to answer, only to contemplate the question, before his gloved hand pointed to himself.Â
âYour son lives because I deem it so. He sleeps peacefully because I allow it. He breathes another breath because of my mercy.â he spelled out in no uncertain terms. âSuppose I believe you. That youâve shed your Cultist past, and your reasons for returning to my kingdom are truly to reunite with the son you abandonedâ regardless, youâd still have much for which you must atone. If youâve truly learned that harsh lesson, and finally see the empty promises the Shadows offer⌠atonement would be something I would expect youâd seek, given the atrocities you committed in the name of your false and abhorrent Gods.â
He clasped his hands behind his back.
âDo you? Do you seek atonement?â he asked, plainly. âBecause such a penance is the only way Iâd ever let a monster like you see your son again.â
It was strange. Even though she didn't need to breathe, Kaiâekaâs chest still rose and fell in her distress as she listened to every word. Her answer was immediate.Â
âI⌠I just want him safe from the void. Safe from the shadows. If you can guarantee that, then⌠I'll atone⌠whatever it takes. You can get someone to dig through my head if you don't believe me.â
âHmph. You know as well as I do that there's no guaranteed way to protect yourself from the shadows.â the Magister scoffed. âHowever⌠I'm exceptionally capable. The fact Kynlea is still free of the Void's influence should be evidence enough of that.â
He sighed, and shook his head. He shifted his hands from clasped behind him to folded in front of him. His stern expression softened, if only a bit.
âThat won't be necessary. You have, against all odds, convinced me of the authenticity of your intentions.â Bey'ron stated. âAnd with that, not only do I feel merciful enough not to execute you, but furthermore to arrange for you to meet the son you abandoned over two hundred years ago.â
A smirk returned to his face.
âBut make no mistake, Kaiâeka Sunwhisper, you will atone. In exchange for keeping Kynlea alive, both thus far and from here on out⌠you work for me, now. Is that absolutely clear?â
Her ears remained lowered, flickering as she listened attentively. She'd managed to calm herself somewhat. It was a conflicting clash of emotions. Despite the hate she'd built up against this man in front of her in such a short period of time, he was also the only reason Kynlea was alive.
To say she was surprised he was sparing her life was an understatement. He was going to let her live AND grant her request to see Kynlea? It certainly felt too good to be true. What was in it for him, other than yet another hired muscle?Â
She nodded, agreeing to the terms. She could figure it out later. Right now, she was in no position to argue.Â
âUnderstood,â she replied.
âGood. Weâll start by hunting down your former comrade, Miss Ruavin. You clearly hold no stock in her ambitions, so instead youâll help me break them.â Beyâron instructed, straightening his robes. âBut first⌠I told you Iâd consider answering some of your questions if I liked what I heard. And since weâve come to this agreement, suffice it to say that I do. So, do you have anything youâd like to ask me?â
âWhy do you care that I atone?â She asked plainly, âMagisters aren't known for their mercy.â
Kaiâeka wasn't always the sharpest, but she'd lived and worked in Quel'Thalas a very long time before her exile. Beyâron would certainly get high praise and influence for capturing and executing a traitor. She couldnât imagine anyone being happy with his decision to let her live. From what she experienced at the Pass, he wasnât short on muscle, either.
âMm, no⌠I suppose we aren't, are we?â Beyâron chuckled, amused at how enduring the Magistry's reputation for ruthlessness was. âIf you don't atone, the alternative is death. I think that would be a waste, don't you? You're rather strong, and well experienced. Not too bright, but so long as you're obedient, that's hardly an issue. And seeing as you literally died for your devotion, misplaced as it may have been, that shows you possess loyalty. In short⌠you'd make a much better asset than a corpse.â
He shrugged, crossing his arms.
âBesides, if you don't atone, I'd have to kill your son, too. That would also be a waste, I think.â the Magister sighed. âYou two possess a lot of the same qualities that make you such promising assets.â
Her ears flickered in annoyance.Â
âNoted,â she replied, âWhat about the mark? Are you able to remove it? Kynlea goes free now, yeah?â
âUnfortunately, no. It is dormant, however. Isolated from detection by the Void Lords or their agents.â the Magister explained. âBut otherwise, yes. Iâll have him released from custody, and bring him here in an hour or two for the heartfelt reunion youâve been seeking with him.â
He stepped back, and once again bid the portal to close. It shrank down quickly, the connection between the cell and wherever the Magister was fading quickly. His voice echoed before the portal vanished;
âWelcome back to QuelâThalas, Kaiâeka Sunwhisper.â
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
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âDahlyah is a trip ân a half. One hell of a woman, ân Iâm lucky to know her. Ridley is pretty great too, ainât gonna lie. But Dahl is one of the best drinkinâ buddies a guy could ask for.â
âNever thought Iâd agree with somethinâ Brent felt, but here we are. Grateful for him, though, âcause heâs givinâ Raetos and I work. Even if it is payinâ us to leave him ân his apprentice alone... Heh. Gotta ask him about that sometime...â
âFor funsies weâll go with three people I ainât kissed, yeah? More fun that way, ân a shorter list probably... That lady Bella from the poetry slam thing was gorgeous, so her. Brent, âcause despite his attitude heâs actually pretty cute ân looks like he needs it. Guess the third would be a tie between Miss Silverfield or Mason. Theyâre both pretty great ân cute too.â
(Mentions: @belillinafireseeker , @brent-sunborn , @snowynsilverfield , @masonkohler )
Raetos prefers using his tail to stroke himself off, not so much his hands. He finds it more challenging and fun when he has the time. It also gives his hands freedom to wander over his body. His tail has become very dexterous as a result.
[B] Body Part (their favorite of theirs & their partner)
Raetos is particularly attracted to breasts. He appreciates them in all sizes, and always pays extra attention to them during intercourse; feeling kissing and playing with them every chance he gets. As for himself, heâs very fond and proud of his tail for the reasons stated above.
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â Live Streamingâ Interactive Chatâ Private Showsâ HD Quality
Anya is LIVE right now
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In one word: Brutal. Kai doesnât play around in battle. Her goal is to end her opponent in the most aggressive and bloody way possible. Her heavy, hooked blades and muscular tone serve her well in that purpose.
((Story takes place shortly before the events of The Eternal Palace raid. Co-written with Khanarosâ player, @thefugitivemangoâ . @avehi-the-adamantâ / @argonasâ for character mention ))
~*~*~
Mierneâs head was flooded with nightmares. Her mind was finally free, but still reeling from being under zoatroid control. She remained unconscious for weeks after being returned to the Exodar; the combination of Shamanism and soothing Light treatments kept her spirit intact and guided her gently to the waking world.Â
She couldnât recall how sheâd ended up becoming a prisoner of the naga, nor much of anything soon before that. There was no way of telling where her memories ended and where the mind scrambling began. The shadow tendrils on her mind ran deep, and would take months to heal.Â
The Shaman stirred in her sleep, rolling over to her side and reaching a hand out. She found another there to take hold of and squeeze. Her features relaxed. The hand felt familiar, and she opened her eyes to look upon a sight she didnât expect. A Lightforged Draenei sat at her bedside. He was unfamiliar at first glance, but, as her sleepy eyes came into focus, theface became one she knew. The Lightforging has changed the Vindicatorâs appearance; he looked younger, his eyes were gold and his beard was longer, but there was no mistaking her oldest and closest friend.
âKh-Khana...ros?â She starred, clearly confused.
The Lightforgedâs eyes shot open in an instant. He sat up, seeming to have begun to doze off in the chair at Mierneâs bedside. His hand squeezed, a smile gracing his lips for what felt like the first time in weeks.
â--Mierne, thank the Light!â Khanaros exclaimed. âEasy, now. You have been sleeping for a while.â
His other hand reached for a large vessel, almost resembling a vase. He brought it gently to Mierne, bidding her to take it for herself.
âDrink this.â he implored her, tone neither demanding nor pressing. âIt will soothe your throat, and rehydrate you.â
The liquid within the vessel was water⌠and something else. A dissolved powder, perhaps? It had a fruity smell to it, appealing in its own right despite the odd coloration. There was no hesitation on Mierneâs behalf. Her movements were slow, but she reached for the concoction, lifting her head just enough to bring it to her lips and drink it in little sips. It was surprisingly sweet, but not so much as to be sickening. Her eyes closed briefly as she felt its rejuvenating effects. She had to force herself not to gulp it all down too fast. The Shaman hadnât realized just how thirsty she was until that moment.
She paced herself, keeping silent as she slowly but surely took in all of the vesselâs contents. She couldnât help but side eye Khanaros as she did, however; the change in him was drastic. How long had she been sleeping? When had he Lightforged?! It suited him, certainly, but what a sudden change!
She cleared her throat, finally finding her voice again to ask one of the many questions running through her head.
âWhat⌠what happened?â
âNaga took you.â he replied, plainly and honestly. âJust before the seas opened up, and swallowed the Alliance and Horde fleets. Vindicator Argonas and Vindicator Avehi were sent down, and rescued you.â
Khanaros reached to take the vessel from Mierne when she had finished it, instead replacing it with a nutrient loaf - a small brown bread-like substance, unwrapped and ready for Mierne to eat at her own pace. It smelled⌠bland. Far less appealing than the liquid, but every bit as fortifying.Â
âYou are safe now⌠recovering well, physically,â he reported, smile clearly forced. âBut⌠there can be no telling yet the extent of the psychological damage done to you. The Naga used some void creature known as a zoatroid to wrack your mind and alter your thoughts and behaviors. They⌠enslaved you, Mierne.â
The words almost seemed to hurt him as he spoke them, a hand reaching out to rest atop Mierneâs leg. Worry crossed his wrinkled face; worry and fear. He was eternally grateful Mierne was safe⌠but he knew this was only the beginning of her recovery.
Mierne nibbled on the bread given to her as she listened intently to Khanarosâ words. She frowned as she came to realize that not everything sheâd dreamed about had been fabrication. She swallowed down a bite.
âI⌠vaguely remember some of itâŚâ she admitted, âI thought it was a nightmare.â
She sighed, shoulders slumping. The thought of things sheâd might have done under zoatroid control made her lose her appetite. She put the rest of the loaf down on the side table, before bringing a hand to her head. Trying to recollect things gave her a migraine.Â
âLet us⌠let us speak of other things,â she requested, her eyes meeting his golden gaze once more, âI wasnât aware that you had Lightforged. When did this happen?â
â--Hm? Ah⌠it was after our discussion at the Darkshore,â he replied, tone hiding well his concerns now - for her sake, he felt it best. âYou donât recall? It is fine if you do not⌠after all you have endured, it is easily excusable.â
Khanaros smiled, and gave Mierneâs leg another supportive, comforting squeeze. There was no question this was difficult for him. To see his beloved Mierne so scattered? To hear that she didnât remember things? But for a hard as it was for him, he couldnât begin to comprehend how hard it mustâve been for her. He did his best to keep that in mind.
âWhat do you recall? From before Nazjatar?â he asked. âWe can start there, and I will do my best to fill in the rest. And separate truth from fiction. Alright?â
âHonestly? I am uncertain. I remember coming to visit you, as usual, after the Legion was defeated. I remember Argonas moving to the isle⌠Avehi coming to visit me⌠I -do- remember being in Darkshore, but as for whyâŚâ
She shook her head, âNaga and murloc populations increased on the isle⌠Are we at War again? Or was that a nightmare? And Teldrassil burning?â
She shrugged, but then could help but chuckle, âFairly certain you and I getting engaged did not actually happen.â She laughed, âI mean⌠can you imagine?! That would be crazy!â
âSadly, the war-related memories are all true. We--â
It struck him like a blade, as the words crossed Mierneâs lips. The laugh didnât help, either. He suspected a while back she wasnât fully on board with the engagement, but those concerns were softened when they made plans further to move in together. But⌠that, too, was probably not something she was interested in. Something else âcrazyâ, like getting engaged. His shoulders sank, though his smile remained - forced, of course.
âHeh, quite crazy!â he nodded along. âWe havenât made such plans, no.â
The lie tasted bitter in Khanarosâ mouth, however. Would it be better to tell her the truth? No, it was better for her to get her bearings, and recall her life as she wished it to be. Normal for Mierne didnât include forecasting their nuptials, it seemed.
Mierne was visibly relieved. It wasnât that she didnât have feelings towards her dearest and oldest friend. But marriage? Their lives were much too incompatible for things to go any further than their usual casual intimate encounters.
â--The war, though⌠it rages. Teldrassil did, in fact, burn by the Warchiefâs order.â he frowned, now that the topic changed appropriately to do so. âThis is why we went to Darkshore.â
It began to make sense to Mierne; why she had been in Darkshore. The enemy had been too close for comfort. She had to do what she could to protect the Exodar and the Isles!
âThat explains the Lightforging, then,â she brought a hand up, fingers brushing his beard as she admired his changed features. âYou look good. Really good,â she couldnât help but smile, âThis path suits you.â
The affections, of course, made Khanaros happy. But undertones behind it did little to stave off the great sense of loss he was feeling. This was more than just a setback in her memory⌠it was a setback in their relationship, as well. It hurt him deeply, in a way he couldnât express.
He couldnât let that show, of course. Instead, he plastered on a smiling expression, and nodded.Â
âIâm pleased you still think so. We discussed it, before I underwent the trials. I worried you would not find me nearly as pleasing to the eye, so grossly incandescent.â
He let out a chuckle - a convincing one, considering.Â
âBut⌠yes, with the war continuing on as it has been, I felt Lightforging would be an appropriate means of coming out of retirement.â
âIndeed!â She chuckled, finally removing her hand to reach for the food she hadnât yet finished.Â
She was already looking stronger; her eyes more luminous and colour returning to her cheeks. Markings were left along the side of her face where the zoatroid had clung and been ripped off. The wounds would most likely leave scars, but, for now, Mierne seemed oblivious to them. Just as well. It was doubtful she would care. The hermit had never been one to fuss over her appearance.Â
âAnd here I am keeping you from your duties⌠I hope I didnât take too much of your time off the field.â
"Not at all. I am mostly a strategist these days, helping direct forces rather than fight on the front, directly."Â
He shook his head, giving Mierne's leg one final squeeze before pulling his hand back. He stood.
"I would not burden you with details." He left it at that, planting a light kiss on her scarred cheek. "For now, rest. Recover. I will come by again later to see how you are feeling, yes?"
It grew too much for him - not just seeing her like this, but learning how much of her memory she had lost. Khanaros worried deeply for Mierne, of course. But he also worried about what this manner of regression could mean for their relationship. Suddenly, they werenât engaged anymore. Suddenly, they werenât living together anymore!
âRecover well, Mierne.â was all he could muster to say.
Honesty Hour: Is there anyone you would willingly give your life to protect?
Cebina raised an eyebrow at the question, before giving an amused chuckle.
âOh please, Sweetie! Do you really believe me to be that pathetically sentimental towards anyone?â She gave her head a shake, âNo, Darling. I canât think of anyone Iâd permanently give my life for. Iâve got to look out for number one.â