Araethius Dawnforge

IC Blog for Araethius Dawnforge on Wrymrest Accord

[araethius]

Home? Part II

Sunrise.

It had been only a day or so since he had resettled into his new living arrangements. He sat down coolly in comfortable reclining chair looking out the small wooden window that had been magically sealed for his own protection. No punch, outside or inside was going to break that glass, but it provided such a magnificent view of the outskirts of Stormwind City. Araethius swears he could see the hustle and bustle of the city, and hear its denizens run their errands to and fro.

But.. nagging thoughts constantly ate at the paladin’s frail mind.

Did she place me here?

Am I not good enough for her anymore?

Is this what I deserve?

All of these negative thoughts ate at him throughout the day. He was quite sad, but still active enough to enjoy his time with the other patients at the asylum. He watched the sun continue its inevitable march up the orange sky, thinking back upon his life, his regrets, but eventually he smiled.

The Light has led me here.

The Light has led me -here-

I have been stripped of everything, my wedding ring, my clothes, my comfortable bed, my wife, my children and I have been placed here, far from them.

But here, I am safe.

I know they are safe.

I know she is safe.

With those words of comfort swirling around in his head he slowly rose from the bed. He thought back upon the first time he had arrived here in duress. They had stripped him down and took his wedding ring from him, including an assortment of other things; He felt betrayed, angry. He would not leave his room for hours, but he would eat. Alone, in between sobs. But now?

He turned around and looked towards the door of his room. All of the hard edges of the room had been covered in a soft plastic. The carpet inside of his room had been designed as if he had fallen, it would not hurt. It was spongy in nature. He walked up towards the door and opened it, only to be met with a flash of a bright white smile of a nurse who accompanied Araethius out into the dining room, in which he shared with every other member of his dormitory in the asylum. There was only maybe perhaps fifty people all up in the dormitory, all with a range of mental illnesses. Some sttuter, other see and hear things. Some are just terribly sad, and there are even some hysterical women. He had been thrown here, is lot now with the freaks and outcasts of human society.

An hour passed, his meal done he was now placed back in his room. Almost like clockwork, a nurse or a doctor would drop by a set intervals to check on how Araethius was coping. He would be taken into offices and assessed and sometimes even forced to undergo a physical and mental evaluation, all on the first day.

He remembered how the doctors calmly told him that there was no way he could contact his wife, at least not today or any time this week. He recalled the conversation almost vividly.

“You cannot talk to your wife until you settle in; there i--”

“Please, you must. I must speak with Kensly. I want her to know I am okay.”

“There are protocols that need to be followed, Araethius. In due time, you will be able to speak with your wife, but please be patient. We are only doing what is best for the both of you. Trust us. Come by me next week, and if all is well, you may talk to your wife.”

“Okay, next week.” He repated to himself,

Now, a day later, he finds himself staring over at the horizon, sunrise.

A dawn of a new day.

A good day.

Araethius smiled. “Maybe this is for the best, Kensly. Although at first, I did not understand why you did this, but now.. I am starting to see clearly. I am starting to understand my place, and for the moment, it is here. I hope you can forgive me what I’ve done; but here, I can get better.. I know I can.”

Araethius closed his eyes and almost begun to doze off in the chair, the warm morning light coaxing him back to sleep.

I miss you, but I know this is for the best.

@kenslydawnforge

[araethius]

Crossroads: Part II

If it wasn’t for nightmares, Araethius wouldn’t have dreamt anything at all. He didn’t realize anything at all.

That he had been slowly deteriorating. Blind to it, he believed nothing was wrong.

It didn’t matter that Araethius wouldn’t eat or sleep for days at a time. His mind adrift on a sea of turmoil.  Often times, he would wander out into the garden in the middle of the night with no warning and sit in the moonlight, saying nothing, doing nothing. He would look straight, seeing things that were not there, sometimes hearing things that were not real. He wouldn’t make a note of these voices, occasionally he would whisper things under his breath he thought no one could hear. He would repeat words he had just said under his breath as reassurance.

Kensly had gone out. She was meeting with some physician, she said. Araethius, far more lucid throughout the day than when he was during the evening, was slowly eating a banana when he heard a knock at the door.

That’s strange. Who could it be?

A salesman?

Araethius slowly meandered his way towards the door, clad in nothing but a pair of shorts and a tank top. He peered through the seeing hole of the door where he caught sight of three men. Two being considerably larger than the one in the middle.

Araethius opened the door of the manor to the three men. Before he could speak, the shorter, lankier man in the middle spoke. He had a face that Araethius barely recognized. Sometimes, he would see her with Kensly, but had now since forgotten the physician’s name.

“We need you to come with us, Araethius.” He stressed his words implying that there was no other alternative, a rich syrup of assertive and downright threatening. “I trust you don’t have an issue with this, yes?”

Araethius said nothing, closing the door on the physician and his two rather intimidating friends. He had no reason to leave with them, why do they need to take him anywhere? Is this some kind of cruel trick?

Before he could close the door, one of physicians ‘friends’ stuck his broad foot in the door way and pulled it wide open away from Araethius’s grasp.

“Please don’t make this harder than it has to be, Araethius. You will be coming with us, after all, this is what Kensly wanted.”

“Kensly wanted this?” Araethius paused for a moment, brows knitting in confusion. There is no way she would ever condone three random men coercing him to go along to wherever they were going. “You lie.” He growled out from under his voice, fist clenching.

The physicians friends however, inched closer to Araethius staring him back down, shaking their head at him.

“I wouldn’t suggest doing what you think you’re about to do, bub. Bad idea. Come along with the doctor, nice and easy.” The taller of the two goons said slowly.

Humphrey looked wide-eyed at Araethius, dumbfounded at Araethius’s lack of critical reasoning skills. “Lie?. Why do you think your kids are not here? Why do you think -she’s- not here? She wanted you to come with us, and these fine gentlemen here are going to make sure that you come with me.”

Araethius was confused. Why did he need to go with these men? Did Kensly really have a hand in all of this? He wasn’t quite sure. He would have remembered if she told anything about this? He racked his brains trying to remember, but.. maybe there was nothing to remember. He looked at three men before closing his eyes and hanging his head.

It seems the paladin was beat. There was no way he’d be able to overpower three men with nothing but his fists and sheer willpower. For a moment, he looked scared for a moment, looking back inside the manor before back to Humphrey.

This is it.

Araethius had one chance, like a cornered animal, he took off into a wild sprint towards the three men, but not in an attempt to attack them, but rather to push past them back into the gardens and run. Where to? He didn’t quite know, but he knew he couldn’t come back home, not now. He put all of his momentum into his shoulder and barged past Humphrey, sending the older physican crashing into the ground with a hard thud, his medical kit flying out of his hand and skidding across the marble work.

Unfortunately for Araethius, he didn’t get far with knocking Humphrey over. His bodyguards weren’t idle during this exchange. The taller of the two bodyguards delivered a swift uppercut straight into Araethius’s liver. Araethius fell, unable to run, excruciating pain overwhelmed him, unable to see clearly but bleary colours and yelling and cussing. The two bodyguards picked up the limp Araethius effortlessly, dragging him off roughly from his own property.

Humphrey silently thanked the bodyguards as he was left to pick up the medical kit. He quickly picked up the pace and followed the two bodyguards carrying their limp prize.

“Should of just listened to me in the first place..” Humphrey shook his head. “I don’t get paid enough for this shit.”

Meanwhile, Araethius, in his final moment of lucidity turned back to the manor he had lived in for so many years. It felt so familiar.. yet so.. foreign. He closed his eyes, the pain now too unbearable to even see, to even cry. All he could do was focus on the pain.

Araethius wanted to scream out for someone to save him. For Kensly to bail him out, for someone to come along and stop them, but the further and further they walked the further and further the possibility of someone saving him grew slimmer and slimmer.

All Araethius knew was that he had a long road ahead of him.

@kenslydawnforge

[araethius]

A Long Night

I scream, and no one hears me. Am I being punished finally for the sins of the past?

Is this is it for me?

What about them? What about me? It would be the same sequence of events all over again. All of the strange stuff that I did before Argus, everything that I did after. The ignorance, the stupidity, the pain, the suffering, the looks they all gave me, the disappointment in her eyes.

I wasn’t the confident man she married all those years ago.

I’ve degenerated into this... husk of a man.

I don’t even think I can call myself a man.

Why did I turn out this way?

Where did it all go so wrong?

Araethius stared wide-awake at the wooden ceiling of the master bedroom. His attention drifted over to the chandlier above him. Sometimes he wished it would just drop on him and end the nightmares, the disappointment all of the feelings inside of him. It was only sometimes, and the mere fact he thought like that disgusted him to very core. He turned his head over to the familiar feminine shape beside him, looking at the black miasma of hair that swept its away across her pillow into theirs. Some nights she’d face him when he goes to sleep, other nights she wouldn’t.

We’ve grown so distant.

She’s become her own person now.

She moved on because she was tired of waiting on me to do anything.

I’ve remained stagnant and she’s moved forward.

And I don’t know how to keep my head above water.

Araethius reached a hand out to touch her but before he could, a crippling sensation of dread and anxiety hit him like a kick from a bucking horse. He clenched his fist, his arm stiff as board before it fell limp and lifeless on the bed. He hung his head, bringing his other hand to rub at his left eye. I’m afraid.

Why... why am I afraid?

Why.. can’t I hold her anymore?

Why won’t anyone tell me things will be okay?

He turned his attention back up to the ceiling, the chandlier’s candles flickering and casting its silhouette on the ceiling and walls around it. She deserves a better man than me.

But I think she feels like she’s just.. stuck with me.

That I’m her husband and she should just tolerate this.

He looked over to her again, his head moving to face her.  She was so close, but so far away at the same time.

I can’t live like this anymore.

I can’t live like I’m disappointment to everyone around me, to even my own children.

No.

No.

NO!

He reached his hand out in search for her own and laced his fingers slowly with hers, giving it a small squeeze, but not enough to wake her. Just enough to keep him grounded, to keep him calm. The touch of her hand made him realize just what he was doing. Why he was going through this whole mental breakdown in the middle of the night. Deep down, Araethius knew that this was beyond him and he needed help that perhaps not even his wife could provide, but those conversations will have to come by morning. I promise you I’ll get the help I need.

But till then, just wait for me.

Araethius rolled over and faced away from her a while, looking at her still hurt him. He didn’t know why, but it just did. He felt guilty for the things that had happened in the past. He felt guilty because there was nothing that could be done. Everything is clear in hindsight, he should of stopped while he was ahead, he shouldn’t have done any of it.

He knew sleep would not come to him this night. He slowly slid up and out of the bed as quietly as he could. His bare feet touched the cold hardwood. Spring was coming soon, but the nights were bitter and cold. He stood up to his full height and crept slowly towards the bathroom, lighting a small candle there as he looked at his disheveled self in the mirror. In the dim light of the bathroom he saw the faint shadow of the man he was.  From the mirror, he could still see the faint contours of his wife’s body sleeping soundly in the room beyond. He looked back at himself.

“What have you done?” he whispered silently to himself. “I knew it right from the beginning that  I didn’t deserve someone like her.”

“But she still loved me despite everything.”

 Araethius turned on the faucet and brought his hands under the tap and splashed water on his face, dabbing it dry with a warm towel.

“I can’t begin to describe how much I’ve wronged her, nor could I ever explain why I did it.”

Araethius thought back on his own father, and just how much he ended up exactly like him. The man he had resented for so long, he turned into him. A proud soldier once, turned failure, a failure to his country, to his family, and for what? Nothing at all. To Araethius, he had pissed it all away for a cheap laugh and a bar story.

He looked at himself in the mirror, and for a split second saw the splitting image of his father. Ashen-grey hair, the same icy blue eyes as himself, a beard longer than his own. The mirror image laughed silently.

You’ve become just like me.

The mirror image mouthed those words over and over again silently, and Araethius didn’t have the courage to look away from it until it finally faded away and Araethius was staring back at his own frightened reflection.

Of the boy who hid from his father, who ran away from home, who joined the military for a real chance at life and pissed it all away.

Araethius looked away from the mirror, his face a picture of despair, empty and hollow. He shuffled his feet back towards his bed and looked over his wife. He smiled.

A real, genuine smile. She was the only real hope he had left. The last bit of light left

And often, that light is the brightest of them all.

He slid back into bed and curled his arms around her waist, pulling her close to him and pressing his face up against the top of her own, kissing her crown. He didn’t care if she awoke, he just wanted to hold her.

And to never let go.

MENTIONS:

@kenslydawnforge

[thadwyl-archive]

The Assault.

Soldiers were lined up in an orderly fashion, dressed in the colors of red and gold, that of the Ludlow banner while many held the standards of the house colors as well. At the front of the large group, Thadwyl stood beside the command tent with papers in hand, giving them another look over before moving over to stand with those he knew well in the ranks. as well as his friend and comrade, Aldreus Reinhold. They stood before the spire of the tower that they had pinpointed to where the enemy was- led by an Inquisitor by the name of Zera’tesh.

“It is time, brothah… Time to take out th’ enemy that has been watching us and posing threats. And soon, we will be home… Is everyone ready?” He looked to the others of their group, as well as the soldiers lining the front, pacing back and forth as he addressed them all for a speech. “Soldiers of th’ Alliance! Soldiers of Ludlow! T’day is the day that we are t’ take the fight to th’ enemy and end this Crusade that they wish t’ push upon our home! We shall fight t’ win, and ensure that they will not see another day, an’ off into th’ nether they will go! Gather up! We fight!” His blade was drawn as he looked to his comrades that helped lead the forces, glowing blue eyes showing fury and pride all in one for his fellow soldiers and friends, ready to finish this fight. “CHARGE!” And soon, he was leading the fight into the fray, already being taken head on by what seemed like an onslaught of Eredar demons protecting the fortress, shouting out commands in their language full of malice.

(( @aldreusreinhold @earthspeaker-twins @araethius @odessii-dragonblade ))

[aldreusreinhold-blog]

For the first time in what felt like months, Aldreus Reinhold felt a grin tug on his lips. Without a moments hesitation, Aldreus cracked his neck; it was time to hunt. His back arched and his spine seemed to bend as though it did not belong to him. Pointed claws pierced through the tips of his fingers as he gave himself fully to the affliction. Pale white hair began to rise across his body, while his bones almost seemed to break and snap. When he stood up, gone was the man of House Reinhold and House Ludlow; replaced by a frothing monster of a worgen. He had no use for steeds or mounts here, instead, Aldreus leaped onto all fours and charged into the fray; sinking his teeth into the first Eredar that he saw. The demon screamed in fear for possibly the first, and the last time in its life. 

All of the demons thought that they were the apex predator, that they were the ones who determined who lived or died on this world. However, this was further from the truth than any demonic lie that fell from their lips. They were the predators here; wolves of black and white here to see to their demise. The worgen looked to the soldiers fighting all around them, his voice almost terrifying at this point, “ARCHERS! CONCENTRATE FIRE ON THE SPELLBINDERS AND SUMMONERS! FIGHT FOR LADY ELIZEBELLA! FIGHT FOR THE ALLIANCE! FIGHT FOR OUR WORLD!” He cried as he took a hold of another eredar, ripping  its head from its shoulders in one swift movement. Aldreus looked to Thadwyl, looking almost drunk at this moment, “I am with you, brother!” He cried again as he ran to his best friends side, looking towards the fortress and their foe.

@longclawofgilneas @earthspeaker-twins @odessii-dragonblade @araethius

[earthspeaker-twins-blog]

Keep reading

[araethius]

Trust in the Light, boy.

Let it be your armor when your steel fails.

Let it be the weapon that drives your enemies before you.

Keep reading

[adisor-dragonblade]

Here he was, once again - a land scarred by Fel, hordes of the demons ahead of him, with soldiers at his back, and at his side. The last time Adisor was in this position, he was lost onto the Broken Isles - and presumed dead by those that knew him. Some of whom he stood alongside now - with his good eye, he glanced at Thadwyl, smiling as he listened to the man rally Ludlow’s soldiers. There was the definite spark of leadership that Adisor had once seen in himself, and perhaps he still had… But he no longer felt he deserved.

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[thadwyl-archive]

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[aldreusreinhold-blog]

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[earthspeaker-twins-blog]

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[araethius]

In the shadow of death, you will know no fear.

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[adisor-dragonblade]

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[thadwyl-archive]

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[aldreusreinhold-blog]

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[earthspeaker-twins-blog]

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[araethius]

You will only taste victory in the Light, in death and in life.

Nothing seems right.

I gaze forward, my eyes blinded by a haze of smoke and burning embers. The flames had parted around me, my blade found the heart of my enemies but I feel no joy.

I hear the resounding cries of victory of my allies and all I feel is dread, in this place, where my boots sink into the ashen ground, where the fumes of sulphur and fel energies bombard every sense.

Perhaps I am tired, my mind frayed to its ends trying to stay alive on this world, being constantly on edge for so long.

I should be taking pride in this victory, but I do not.

I do not know why.

I should be celebrating my contribution to this victory, but why do I not? What is this dread? It feels like a hollow victory.

Perhaps tending to the wounded will help dispell these doubts; I find that more time I spend up here, the more valuable life seems to me.

The more valuable she seems to me.

(( @longclawofgilneas @aldreusreinhold @adisor-dragonblade @araethius @odessii-dragonblade ))

[kenslygarlunde]

It Is Time! - Part I

((NSFW - Not for the squeamish/Natural birth of twins/You have been warned. Very long read.))

The daily chaos in Summerwinds Manor commences in full force as Kensly awakes just before dawn with a sharp pain in her lower back and hissed out, “Oh Light.” The mother-to-be struggled to sit up in bed, only to be forced to fall back in failure. Another pain struck at the base of her spine and the woman sucked in a breath through gritted teeth. Once the pain subsided she called out as loudly as she could manage, “Sarah! It is time! You remember what I said about when it was time?!” As the matron’s voice shrilled out from down the hall, Sarah was startled and stopped everything she was doing to listen.

Immediately, Sarah responded with a loud, steady voice, “It is time! It is time! I will send for the doctor!” The inventor could be heard stumbling around as she stopped what she was doing and stumbled down the hall. Kensly’s daughters sat secure in their cribs, staring at each other in confusion once their caretaker was out of sight. Kayla sat in a diaper and Hazel sat with her dress barely looped over her head. Not a tear was shed by the little ones as Sarah’s voice kept repeating those three words. Her voice was loud and clear as she quickly made her way to inform the help to fetch the doctor.

Keep reading

[thadwyl-archive]

The Assault.

Soldiers were lined up in an orderly fashion, dressed in the colors of red and gold, that of the Ludlow banner while many held the standards of the house colors as well. At the front of the large group, Thadwyl stood beside the command tent with papers in hand, giving them another look over before moving over to stand with those he knew well in the ranks. as well as his friend and comrade, Aldreus Reinhold. They stood before the spire of the tower that they had pinpointed to where the enemy was- led by an Inquisitor by the name of Zera’tesh.

“It is time, brothah… Time to take out th’ enemy that has been watching us and posing threats. And soon, we will be home… Is everyone ready?” He looked to the others of their group, as well as the soldiers lining the front, pacing back and forth as he addressed them all for a speech. “Soldiers of th’ Alliance! Soldiers of Ludlow! T’day is the day that we are t’ take the fight to th’ enemy and end this Crusade that they wish t’ push upon our home! We shall fight t’ win, and ensure that they will not see another day, an’ off into th’ nether they will go! Gather up! We fight!” His blade was drawn as he looked to his comrades that helped lead the forces, glowing blue eyes showing fury and pride all in one for his fellow soldiers and friends, ready to finish this fight. “CHARGE!” And soon, he was leading the fight into the fray, already being taken head on by what seemed like an onslaught of Eredar demons protecting the fortress, shouting out commands in their language full of malice.

(( @aldreusreinhold @earthspeaker-twins @araethius @odessii-dragonblade ))

[aldreusreinhold-blog]

For the first time in what felt like months, Aldreus Reinhold felt a grin tug on his lips. Without a moments hesitation, Aldreus cracked his neck; it was time to hunt. His back arched and his spine seemed to bend as though it did not belong to him. Pointed claws pierced through the tips of his fingers as he gave himself fully to the affliction. Pale white hair began to rise across his body, while his bones almost seemed to break and snap. When he stood up, gone was the man of House Reinhold and House Ludlow; replaced by a frothing monster of a worgen. He had no use for steeds or mounts here, instead, Aldreus leaped onto all fours and charged into the fray; sinking his teeth into the first Eredar that he saw. The demon screamed in fear for possibly the first, and the last time in its life. 

All of the demons thought that they were the apex predator, that they were the ones who determined who lived or died on this world. However, this was further from the truth than any demonic lie that fell from their lips. They were the predators here; wolves of black and white here to see to their demise. The worgen looked to the soldiers fighting all around them, his voice almost terrifying at this point, “ARCHERS! CONCENTRATE FIRE ON THE SPELLBINDERS AND SUMMONERS! FIGHT FOR LADY ELIZEBELLA! FIGHT FOR THE ALLIANCE! FIGHT FOR OUR WORLD!” He cried as he took a hold of another eredar, ripping  its head from its shoulders in one swift movement. Aldreus looked to Thadwyl, looking almost drunk at this moment, “I am with you, brother!” He cried again as he ran to his best friends side, looking towards the fortress and their foe.

@longclawofgilneas @earthspeaker-twins @odessii-dragonblade @araethius

[earthspeaker-twins-blog]

Keep reading

[araethius]

Trust in the Light, boy.

Let it be your armor when your steel fails.

Let it be the weapon that drives your enemies before you.

Keep reading

[adisor-dragonblade]

Here he was, once again - a land scarred by Fel, hordes of the demons ahead of him, with soldiers at his back, and at his side. The last time Adisor was in this position, he was lost onto the Broken Isles - and presumed dead by those that knew him. Some of whom he stood alongside now - with his good eye, he glanced at Thadwyl, smiling as he listened to the man rally Ludlow’s soldiers. There was the definite spark of leadership that Adisor had once seen in himself, and perhaps he still had… But he no longer felt he deserved.

Keep reading

[thadwyl-archive]

Keep reading

[aldreusreinhold-blog]

Keep reading

[earthspeaker-twins-blog]

Keep reading

[araethius]

The battle seemed so surreal.  It was as if time was moving slowly for Araethius. The only constant for Araethius was the muffled throb of terror that seemed to seize control of his body for him. His feet spurned forward, his sword clenched readily at his side as he moved forward with the rest of the line, cutting a blood path through the Inquisitor’s main forces.

At some point, Araethius and some of the few ranks of the the Ludlow’s main forces became scattered due to the fierce fighting that erupted near the Inquisitor’s spire as the Inquisitor strongest forces were called to the front.

Whatever was to happen now,  it was up to fate to determine who the victor’s of this battle would be now.

Over the clamor of battle, the striking of steel upon steel and the great crackling of lightning, thunder and a myriad of other sounds that made up the cacophony of battle, Araethius truly understood the lesson his mentor taught him all those years ago.

Fear spurns the soul to overcome, that is what it means to know no fear, it means to stand your ground.

The paladin surged forward, emboldened by his own fear, by his own doubts and insecurities. He thrust them all upon his faith, upon the fact that the Light will never abandon its champions. His swordplay was graceful, beautiful even. He danced around upon the blackened rock beneath a dark, foreboding sky, his blade sung through the air as it found the hearts of the demons, felling them with brutal efficiency, moving from opponent to opponent fluidly, without ever losing his momentum he cut a swathe to an eredar mage, his imposing form, covered in a crimson, fel-pocked skin began the incantations in an decipherable language to Araethius, the eredar lifted a hand and what seemed to be unending flames poured forth from the magi’s hand. Araethius hunkered down behind his shield, the flames parting around the shield, he dug the heels of his boots down into the blackened ground as the flames slowly pushed him back. His shield did not feel the effects of the flame, it became superheated, but the shield did not melt. His armor was incredibly hot, but he felt no pain. The Light had touched its protector. It had only given him enough to endure the flames, to endure being burnt to death behind his shield. He would have burns, but for now.. he would not feel them. It took all of his concentration, all of his strength to focus on keeping his shield up in front of him. Archers knocked their arrows behind the paladin and shot the eredar mage, the arrow sinking into the eredar’s right shoulder, a harrowing cry of agony was heard as the eredar stopped his spell-work, allowing Araethius to retreat back to the safety of the main line and continue cutting a bloody path as a cohesive unit straight towards the Inquisitor himself.

TAGS: @longclawofgilneas @aldreusreinhold  @odessii-dragonblade @adisor-dragonblade

[thadwyl-archive]

The Assault.

Soldiers were lined up in an orderly fashion, dressed in the colors of red and gold, that of the Ludlow banner while many held the standards of the house colors as well. At the front of the large group, Thadwyl stood beside the command tent with papers in hand, giving them another look over before moving over to stand with those he knew well in the ranks. as well as his friend and comrade, Aldreus Reinhold. They stood before the spire of the tower that they had pinpointed to where the enemy was- led by an Inquisitor by the name of Zera’tesh.

“It is time, brothah… Time to take out th’ enemy that has been watching us and posing threats. And soon, we will be home… Is everyone ready?” He looked to the others of their group, as well as the soldiers lining the front, pacing back and forth as he addressed them all for a speech. “Soldiers of th’ Alliance! Soldiers of Ludlow! T’day is the day that we are t’ take the fight to th’ enemy and end this Crusade that they wish t’ push upon our home! We shall fight t’ win, and ensure that they will not see another day, an’ off into th’ nether they will go! Gather up! We fight!” His blade was drawn as he looked to his comrades that helped lead the forces, glowing blue eyes showing fury and pride all in one for his fellow soldiers and friends, ready to finish this fight. “CHARGE!” And soon, he was leading the fight into the fray, already being taken head on by what seemed like an onslaught of Eredar demons protecting the fortress, shouting out commands in their language full of malice.

(( @aldreusreinhold @earthspeaker-twins @araethius @odessii-dragonblade ))

[aldreusreinhold-blog]

For the first time in what felt like months, Aldreus Reinhold felt a grin tug on his lips. Without a moments hesitation, Aldreus cracked his neck; it was time to hunt. His back arched and his spine seemed to bend as though it did not belong to him. Pointed claws pierced through the tips of his fingers as he gave himself fully to the affliction. Pale white hair began to rise across his body, while his bones almost seemed to break and snap. When he stood up, gone was the man of House Reinhold and House Ludlow; replaced by a frothing monster of a worgen. He had no use for steeds or mounts here, instead, Aldreus leaped onto all fours and charged into the fray; sinking his teeth into the first Eredar that he saw. The demon screamed in fear for possibly the first, and the last time in its life. 

All of the demons thought that they were the apex predator, that they were the ones who determined who lived or died on this world. However, this was further from the truth than any demonic lie that fell from their lips. They were the predators here; wolves of black and white here to see to their demise. The worgen looked to the soldiers fighting all around them, his voice almost terrifying at this point, “ARCHERS! CONCENTRATE FIRE ON THE SPELLBINDERS AND SUMMONERS! FIGHT FOR LADY ELIZEBELLA! FIGHT FOR THE ALLIANCE! FIGHT FOR OUR WORLD!” He cried as he took a hold of another eredar, ripping  its head from its shoulders in one swift movement. Aldreus looked to Thadwyl, looking almost drunk at this moment, “I am with you, brother!” He cried again as he ran to his best friends side, looking towards the fortress and their foe.

@longclawofgilneas @earthspeaker-twins @odessii-dragonblade @araethius

[earthspeaker-twins-blog]

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[araethius]

Trust in the Light, boy.

Let it be your armor when your steel fails.

Let it be the weapon that drives your enemies before you.

The words of Araethius’s mentor echoed through his mind as he steeled himself for the inevitable battle ahead. Dirt clung stubbornly to his face, his beard was now extremely long and unkempt, his hair equally so.

Everything that he had done, everything that House Ludlow worked for has pushed to this final moment.

This final battle.

Araethius, having mastered the use of the shield in the short few months on Argus had opted to be placed right in the front of the formation; historically the most dangerous position in any formation. Anyone placed had to rely on the man behind and beside him to fill his position if he faltered.

He brought his shield up to his chest as soon as Thadwyl started to speak, his words brought some comfort to the paladin. They had reminded him why he was here; why they were all here.

To drive them back to the Nether.

To kill them all.

Upon that realization Araethius closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath as Thadwyl continued with his speech; his words being lost to Araethius as he attuned himself to his own conviction, as he felt a presence fall upon him. It was soothing, it brought clarity to the troubled paladin as he brought up his shield in front of him as the men behind him began to stir. He could hear Aldreus ready himself for combat. The breaking of bone and the mending of flesh as he became a terrifying beast of legend.

Faith was to be the paladin’s shield. His conviction, his weapon. As Thadwyl ordered the charge, Araethius felt a shield press into his back urging him forward as they charged in formation towards the imposing spire where the Inquisitor exercised his terrifying power.

As soon as the main forces started to encroach to fortress. He could see arrows, choke out the blue light of Azeroth about to rain down upon them.

“Shields!” the soldier behind bellowed, his rung through Araethius’s ears as he brought his shield close to the front and ducked down, allowing for the soldier behind him to cover both of their heads. The arrows rained down upon the steel shields, but they were unable to harm the soldiers beneath.

Araethius peaked from the top of his shield, only see advancing felguards ready to meet them out on the field. The felguards crashed into their shields, their swings wild and full of rage as there near endless numbers broke upon their shields over and over.

He could hear Aldreus call out, his beast-like voice distinctive above the clamor of battles. One by one the felguards fell to arrow. The soldier behind him plunging his spear into each felguard’s chest that came close enough. Araethius held onto the battered shield. He advanced forward with his company, the soldier behind him placing the spear over Araethius’s right shoulder, plunging the spear through each felguard as the main forces pushed them back to the fortress.

We paladins are the shield of all human nations, Araethius.

Upon our backs we carry the hopes of our children, of the next generation.

Hold your shield high, boy. The Light will never abandon its champions, not even at the very gates of hell.

“We will -never- yield, we will -never- surrender. Light, hear my solemn prayer, give us the strength to endure this trial!”

[aldreusreinhold-blog]

Moonless Night... ((NSFW - Blood, Gore, Mature Language))

A wolf needs his moon. I love our love. Your heart, my love. I stay. I will wait. Those were the last words that he read…those were the letters and characters that danced in his mind without end for several minutes. She’s okay…She’s okay…. He constantly thought to himself. For the past few days, Aldreus had spent so many moments running to the couriers, to anyone that had any information about his Sarah. He saw the smiles on Thadwyl’s face when he received his from Lumen, he saw how Araethius’ spirit increased tenfold by the scrawl of Kensly’s writing. However, Aldreus could not feel the same happiness from the letter he received from his moon. Soon, the few phrases that remained in his mind were replaced by a single name, Zachary…Zachary…Zachary…Zachary. Just the taste of the name on his tongue made him feel hungry, a primal desire rising within him, draping its claws against the iron bars that the Gilnean had fought so desperately to keep him behind. For Aldreus was not jealous, he knew she would never betray him, that she was his and his alone, and that he would never leave her. However, the Gilnean did not have the most rational mind; even before his affliction. And this mind was now set on portraying images that had no business in the mans mind. He saw his love, smiling with another man at their tree, he saw Zachary tuck a stray lock of ravens hair from her face, he saw the smile on Sarah’s face grow wider as this pretender leaned it, placing a kiss on the lips that he missed more than anything. His heart broke as his mind saw Sarah open her mouth as Zachary moved a hand behind her head, pulling her in closer to the betrayal that played before his mind like a twisted opera. Aldreus collapsed to his knees in the tent, his hand reaching for the ground as what sounded like a sickening drum rhythm began to play in his ear, Stop it! Stop it! He pleaded with himself, searching frantically for the moonwell water, and his Elunic enchanted engagement ring.

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[araethius]

(( boosting for my dude, great read! ))

[araethius]

News from Her

“A letter for you, sir. It has your house seal.” the sullen eyed courier boy remarked, physically tired and mentally exhausted. “They all seem to come in batches; keeps the morale high across the board when everyone receives their letter from aboard at the same time, at least that’s what the higher ups tell me..” The courier’s words faded away as Araethius’s attention became fixed on the fine letter. He knew it had to have come directly from..

“Kensly.” Araethius muttered longingly under his breath. The courier went wide-eyed, his lips parted for a question, but found his answer much like Araethius. He nodded his head knowingly and departed silently, his footsteps now only but a distant memory as Araethius turned his attention back down to the letter. He immediately made his way inside of his tent, his heavy plate armor clinking and jingling with each thoughtful movement.

He did not want to be interrupted.

The fancy envelope containing the precious letter remained unopened for quite some time. Araethius gazed at the letter. He had not seen in her face, or heard her speak, or held her in his arms. It felt like a lifetime ago and every day that passed on this wretched planet he clung more and more onto those memories.

He reached for his letter opener and tucked the blade underneath the elaborate house seal until it became loose. He unhooked his gauntlets, allowing them to slide free from his bare hands. He placed the gauntlets off to the side.

He removed the letter from inside of the envelope and began to read, his eyes moving steadily over the word, not wanting to miss a single one. He swallowed as he began to read the first sentence.

He could never truly forget Kensly’s handwriting. Her cursive was nearly impeccable, well, at least compared to him. His writing was functional at best, but she really knew how to write and write very well. Every letter and every word seemed to flow easy. He could recognize her distinctive handwriting style at a distance.

“Thirty three weeks..” he mumbled, his bottom lip quivering for a moment as his reading pace picked up. She was close to twenty-six weeks when he left. Time moved so quickly, things happen so fast. His mind was so focused on Argus that he never had the chance to stop and think, to recover.

He moved on, taking in every sentence. Everyone was safe on the homefront. His children were doing fine and the people left behind at the Ludlow Vineyards had taken it upon themselves to look out for one another.  Tears that welled in his eyes had been suppressed by the good news.

They are safe.

They are happy.

But still, the thought of missing the birth of his sons tugged endlessly at him. It felt like a crime to leave her behind at such a critical moment, but they both understood the sacrifices, and the potential consequences.

To him, it would perhaps be a greater crime not to go then to stay behind when he knew he could do something about Argus, even if it was the littlest thing.

His attention was drawn back to the letter, to the people who helped Kensly and his family left behind.

“You’re not up here with me, big guy. But I wish you were. I remember when we first recruited you out in the Stormwind Harbour. I admit, I had my doubts about you, but you quickly dispelled them. You made yourself an irreplaceable member of the Guard and I couldn’t be more happy to have someone like you back at home, keeping the peace and being strong. Thank you, for all that you’ve done and all that you continue to do”

His words were only whispers, but he meant them. He meant every last one.

“Manny. I still remember clear as day when you, I and the rest of the guard went down into Gnomeregan to find Miss Skyfall. I remember just how brave you were, how determined you were to bring Miss Skyfall back home and how you trusted Sprankles, and you trusted her judgement, even when things went terribly wrong, you were a resolute person, a true testament to what true courage and strength means.”

He breathed steadily out through his nose and rested his head down on the desk, right on top of Kensly’s note. He was truly tired, both mentally and physically. He closed his eyes, his thoughts drifiting to the battles ahead and the friends and family left behind.

(( MENTIONS:

@kenslydawnforge

@jungnaysoftmaw

@ludlowvineyards

@sarahskyfall

@sparkling-adventurer

@longclawofgilneas ))

[sarahskyfall]

The Lake

There was nowhere for the inventor to go, despite how far she ran. Her beautiful dress that he bought for her was snagged along the way on every obstacle she ran through. Night was upon her, shrouding her wet face in darkness. Sarah was unable to return home, wanting to be near Aldreus in any way she could. Glittery stars cast onto the lake by the bright light of the moon, shimmering as the breeze swept over the surface. Through tear-blurred vision, the refracting moonlight guided her to their tree. Without her blanket, without food, without water, she leaned against the enormous tree that was adorned with not only their carved initials, but Sarah’s parents. Before Aldreus came into her life, this was her refuge when she felt lost and alone whilst adjusting to her father and mother leaving her behind. Her exhausted body slid to the ground and curled up against the tree. Her head resting atop of her hand that was sandwiched between her and the hard, dry dirt in which she laid. The memory of  the night they spent under this tree together was enough to rest her weary mind and sleep found her. 

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[araethius]

((BOOST))

[stormofthehighlands]

‘The Storm of the Highlands’

Name: Thaldrin ‘Gravel’ Gravelheart

Age: Adult (Equivalent to 38 years in human age.)

Eye color: Emerald

Height: 4′6″

Weight: 190-ish pounds.

Race: Wildhammer Dwarf

Class: Shaman

Residence: Nomadic (Stormwind)

Birthplace: Twilight Highlands

Relationship Status: Single/Unattached

Sexual Orientation: Heterosexual/Straight

—————————————————————-

RP Preference: Story driven/Progressive/Adventure/Battle

Style: Multi-para, Mirror, Literate, 18+, Lore Abiding, Mature

Themes: I will RP just about anything. I am very flexible when it comes to that and enjoy all types including adventures, stories, or even just doing stuff around the cities. My character can be confrontational when pushed to that point, but, it’s mostly out of good humor. While my character is a bit of a pervert… which I mean, he’s a Dwarf, ERP is not my main focus in any RP, and typically have it to the side.

Platforms to RP with me on: Mostly in game on World of Warcraft, will very happily accept asks, submissions and starters on here!

Boundaries: First and foremost, IC and OOC do not mix, and they should not mix. 

Most Importantly: RP shouldn’t be made to come off as stressful, I’m always wanting to have fun of all types! I love meeting new people and enjoy writing so not only I can have fun, but everyone can! Have fun! That’s what matters the most! 

[shadowdaggerooc]

Shameless boosting for my dorf!

[tyldanforesetter-blog]

((BOOOOOOOST!))

[elizebella]

((BOOOOSTING))

[jungnaysoftmaw-blog]

((BOOOSTER!))

[araethius]

BOOOOOOOOOST

[kenslygarlunde]

A Letter to Him

Crying could be heard filling the Summerwind Manor early this morning. Most would suspect it to be from one or both of her two daughters that are less than two years of age. However, today it was their mother who was gripping a letter from her husband. They said goodbye only a few weeks prior and the sting was still great, knowing he would not be home by the time their sons are to be born. Kensly heard Kayla laughing and squealing while only fussing came from Hazel as they were being kept by Sprankles & Manny to help out. The two would not be able to hear Kensly’s sobs over the loud laughs and squeals that her oldest daughter was producing, “I cannot even take care of my own daughters for the sake of caring for my unborn sons.” She sniffled and spoke aloud once more, “I feel so alone, Araethius. I am so frightened and I feel so very alone.” 

Her tears splattered the letter written in her husband’s hand. 

Despite her endless tears Kensly did her best to avoid them spilling out on the parchment she placed in front of her. A shaking hand lifted the lid of the inkwell and then lifted the quill, dipping it in the black ink and dragging it across the ledge to rid it of excess. Though her heart was aching and she was terrified as to what may happen to her husband, to their lives, to herself when it came time for her sons to be born, she wrote with a cheerful tone. She did not want her husband to feel anymore guilty than he already did for leaving; even when he had no choice. A few light scratches of the quill against the paper blended with soft sniffling filled the room as she wrote in her fancy hand.

My darling husband, Araethius, 

I will be nearly thirty-three weeks along by the time you receive this letter. I have been told that many twins are born as early as thirty-two weeks. I pray to the Light that I do not go into labor before thirty-six weeks so that they will be stronger and healthier. We did not get the chance to come up with names for our sons before your departure. It seemed like this time passed almost too quickly and I know it felt like we had all the time in the world. If they are born before I hear from you, I will have no choice but to choose names on my own. I would rather not, as it is tradition in my family for the father to name their children. 

Kayla Rose and Hazel Jane are doing well and so far I am still doing well enough. I am unable to do much, but I have so much wonderful help that I do not have to worry about a single thing. I’m certain they miss you as Kayla often calls for you and Hazel appears to feel displaced. However, I tell them that daddy is off saving the world and he will be back soon. I know they do not understand, but this is what I tell them. 

I had Jungnay Softmaw over for sandwiches last night and Sprankles Whizspicket and Manny Drazleblast helped me keep and eye on our daughters. My cousin, Sarah Skyfall has not come to stay with us yet and I am getting a bit worried. She was suppose to arrive last week. We all had a wonderful time and though you were not here with us in person, you are always with us in our hearts. Also, I told Jungnay that I would ask if it would be okay for him to show me how to shoot a gun, eventually. Not until I am capable, of course. 

I pray endlessly that the Light keeps you and everyone safe and that you will all return just as you left here. I hope this letter finds you well and puts a smile on your handsome face. I love you and miss you greatly.

Forever yours,

Kensly

The matron places her letter in a fancy envelope, complete with their seal. She kissed the letter and sent it out with the courier that very morning. 

@araethius @sparkling-adventurer @jungnaysoftmaw @shadowdagger-family @sarahskyfall  for mentions!

[araethius]

@kenslydawnforge I really love your writing as always!  I’m catching the feels train already ))

[araethius]

Homefront

Araethius gaze was firmly fixed upwards at the lone blue orb in the sea of thick, noxious emerald clouds. His hair was matted with sweat, his mind clear of doubt and worry. He could see the swirling clouds around the Maelstrom, the storms that battered Kalimdor and the sunny weather over the Eastern Kingdoms. In that moment, he seemed so small, so insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

Every time I look up in the sky and I see Azeroth I am reminded of the things I left behind and the things I have left to look forward too. I know she looks up at this emerald star and wonders if I am looking back at her. Seperated by thousands of miles by a sea of nothing I still feel as if she is here, right by my side, as she always was.

His voice was but a quiet whisper, introspective of all the things that have happened. He turned his attention to his side. The faint silhouette of his wife’s figure came into being. Was he hallucinating? Kensly’s silhouette stared unerringly at Araethius, as if she was looking right through him. His eyes glazed over for a moment, possessed by a need to caress her face. His gauntleted hand reached out to cradle the apparition’s face before it faded away, The apparition mumbled something to him, her lips moving, but no words would come out, tears fell from her face but he could not console them. He asked what was wrong, but she would not listen as she fell away into nothingness, just how she had appeared. 

Araethius awoke, shooting up out of his makeshift bed and almost fell on the floor in a panic. He clutched his head, sweat dripping down from his forehead after he had woke from his nightmare. It would not be long before he had to wake for certain. Everyone had been asleep before a voice called out to him.

“You said her name again. You mumbled it in your asleep again and again before you finally stopped.”

Araethius immediately got up at the sound of the voice, he was a bit too shaken up to be embarassed by his sleep murmurings. He looked around, looking for the source of the voice in the dark.

“I need to write her a letter.” Araethius mumbled to himself before stumbling out towards a desk to sit down. The voice had fallen silent, presumably its owner having fallen back to bed.  Araethius had lit the wick of the candle sitting at his desk, fetching parchment and a fresh inkwell he began to write.

My beloved Kensly,

You’ll be 28 weeks, maybe 29 weeks along when this letter finally gets to you. You haven’t left my mind since I left the estate grounds. None of you have.

I wish I could tell you all the things I have seen, all the things that have happened, but I can’t, I just want you to know--

Araethius paused, his pen still in his hand, trembling slightly as he remembered more of his nightmare, he begun to write once again.

--that every time I look up in the sky and I see Azeroth I am reminded of the things I left behind and the things I have left to look forward too. I know you look up at this emerald star and wonder if I am looking back at you. Even though I am seperated by thousands of miles of nothingness I still feel as if you are right, by my side, as you always are.

In this bleak place, my love for you and for our children  will always shine the brightest. It gives me the conviction to do what I must to ensure that we make it home.

You gave me the strength to do things that I was never able to do on my own, and I will forever be thankful for the opportunities you gave me, as a father, as a husband and as a man.

Tell Kayla and Hazel that Daddy misses them so very much and he can’t wait to play all the games he’s missed out on. I miss their smiles and their laugher more than anything in the world. Wait for me.

Yours eternally,

Araethius.

Araethius placed the pen down, before dipping his finger in the inkwell and pressing his fingerprint down past his name.  He fetched a clean envelope and sealed the letter with wax seal ‘D’ to make sure that she knew it was coming directly from him.

With the sealed letter in hand, Araethius hounded after one of the bustling couriers and handed the letter as soon as he left the tent he was sleeping in.

“To Azeroth.”

The courier simply nodded his head and placed the letter his the bag around his waist and took off, his legs carrying him as fast as they would take him.

@kenslydawnforge

@ludlowvineyards

@elizebella

((This was a joy to write up. I hope you guys enjoy it!))

[sarahskyfall]

Farewells

(Long Read)

He finally finished adjusting the last straps to his black mail armor. His great sword lay in it’s scabbard on his back along side his long bow. The day that he had been dreading had finally arrived; he could not linger for a moment longer and he knew this. For the past two days after reading the letter to her, he had spent every waking moment by her side. He did not want to forget a single thing about her and nor would he. Slowly, Aldreus stood back up, and offered a weak smile to her, “I-I…I am ready to…to leave now, my moon.” He said softly to her. For once, there were no tears in his eyes, seemingly dried out at least in this moment. A mailed hand reached out to her to take a hold of her pale fingers, “You look…you look as beautiful as the first day we met. When I-I…I come back, you might not fit your dress anymore and we will have to buy you a new one.” A small chuckle tried to climb into his throat, but to no avail. It would not be difficult for Sarah to see how pained he looked in this moment.

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[araethius]

(( This was beautifully tragic, espeically right at the end. You guys write so well!! <3 Can’t wait to read more of them! ))

[captzexx]

👻 - Someone They Don’t See Often

((Sorry it’s late, but here ya go!))

“Erlain Candell, as I live and breathe by the Light it is good to see you!”  Cried Reese Langston as he limped his way out from behind the bar, a rare smile coming to his aged face as he made his way toward the robed figure walking into his bar.  An even older man offered the same smile in return as he moved down the short set of steps into the common room of the Pig and Whistle, his hand already lifting to intercept the others.  Grips were firm and warm as the younger beamed to the older who looked on like that of a wayward uncle or proud father.

“I’m sorry I haven’t come by often, these days my duties feel more numerous than ever before,” Erlain Candell, was a perfect of example of the old adage of ‘age is only a number’.  His broad square shoulders never seemed to sag or hunch from the years of his service.  Abound his toned frame were the simple robes of a brother of the Cathedral of Light, everything about him looking to be no more than a friendly priest to those in need.  The long blade at his side  told of a life much more in tune with how he held himself and how some knew him.  Calloused aged hands would break as Erlain would slowly make his way further into the bar.

“So how have you been sir?  I had heard you took up the cloth and were wandering around the Cathedral grounds, ” Reese casually spoke to the older knight, Erlain having slowed his gait to not put the barkeep at unease over his handicap.  Sharp blue eyes would wander the old bar, glad that he had come early as not to get bogged down among the many clientele, noting the scores on the wood paneling and those who never strayed far from their dreamless home. 

“I have been well, though I could say easily the same for yourself and your family.  I’m always hearing from some of the younger acolytes sneaking off for a flagon of your seasonal brown,” Erlain spoke with a half smile as they reached the bar, he staying on the customer side and Langston hobbling along to get back behind the bar.  His aged hands came to rest gently on the clean aged bar-top as he ran his tips along the wood nodding softly, “I still remember when Old Doyle ran this place.  You, Jaine, and Eld would be running amok like some kind of tribe of murlocs terrorizing about.”

Reese chuckled as he shook his head and fetched down a fine pewter mug the handle forged in the shape of a standing lion, a crown nestled into its chest while it’s tale was turned up for the handle.  "Oh aye, tis a good thing my father and you could run up a tab that didn’t make him worry so much about others.“ 

Running a finger along the metal as he smiled at it, a shot of nostalgia wormed it’s way deep into the barkeep as he took the mug to tap and filled it from one of the coming autumn barrels.  Nodding softly to himself as he turned back to hobble before the aged warrior and set the mug before.  Pride beaming through him as he smiled widely at the look of astonishment coming to the soldier’s wrinkled and worn face as he lifted the mug up to stare.

“By the Light, one of the Compass Lions.  Where in the hell did you find?  I’d have thought them long gone, ” Erlain’s mouth was still agape as he held the mug and looked it over like an ancient relic lost within the sand of Uldum.

“Old Doyle was a wise and crafty bastard, I found them during the initial renovations when we came back,” He did his best not to emphasis on the ‘coming back’ part with his 'uncle’, Reese knowing full well the sacrifices the men of Stormwind made in those dark days of the First and Second Wars.  A slow ache drifted through his thigh to remind him of all their sacrifices.  "Bastard hid six of them among a bunch of loose stones down there, I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if the other six were hidden down there as well.  But I don’t worry about it much, maybe David will find em when I’m long gone too.“

Erlain nodded softly as he listened to Reese, his heart tugging deep in his chest at the sight of the old relic from his past.  He supposed he was just as much a relic as the mug was, but seeing something brought back the flood that he never seemed to find end to when he wandered the old streets of Stormwind.  For many years the Candells and Langstons had been neighbors in Old Town, granted it wasn’t called Old Town then as it was King’s Corner.  Streets of thin tri-level homes teeming with families as the population prospered under the rule of the Wrynns.  The King’s Architect had come up with the plan to build a housing district for the army and it’s officers to keep them comfortable and rewarded for their fealty to the  crown.  He could still remember watching Nora spin within the family room with a happy laugh when he first took his new bride to her home. Their home.  

Blinking quickly at the rush of emotions he couldn’t remember what Reese had been saying or was saying as he shook his bald head and looked from the foaming drink to the man across the bar.  An aged man who he could still see as the tearful boy who was so concerned for his friend Eld who was nursing a broken nose from a wild swing at play fighting.  "By the Light, you looked like you’d killed the queen that day Reese.”

“What’s that, sir?”  Langston tilted his head in confusion hearing the old man finally speak again, himself having gone quiet as the old man reminisced holding a piece of their history.

“Oh nothing boy, just remembering that time you clacked Eld with that broom handle and gave him that crook in his snout,” He had to laugh now, the melancholy of his old days gone seeing Reese’s cheeks grow bright red before joining in the laughter as the old friends remembered.  The roars of their humor echoing in the empty bar as they slowly came to the deep breaths and sighs of relaxing smiles and joyful moments.  But then the question would follow that always caused a cloud to form.  "Have you seen him?“

Reese wiped at his eyes and grew quiet now as he took in a deep breath and shook his head, "Not for awhile.  He was coming in once in awhile, trade a few things, grab a drink, ask about the kids, and then, ” Sighing softly as he thought for a moment, “Probably been on a month since last he came in.”

Erlain nodded softly again, already regretting asking about 'him’.  It wasn’t his fault, who could blame him with everything that happened?  Who else didn’t know that bitter road of loss?  The mug was lifted and a deep drink was followed, the beer going down easily and thickly as he brought it back down again with a enjoyable sigh.  "By the Light Langston, you got some kind of brew master down there.“

Reese shrugged softly as he fetched himself a mug and poured himself a bit from the seasonal, breathing in deeply of the brown’s rich aroma as it wafted up.  "David’s not a bad a hand at it, gotta say the boy does me proud.  Somebody’s gotta have an artist’s touch around here.”

“I dunno, lad, you were something else with that crossbow of yours.  You and Eld, world class to say the least.  As I recall just as good when the muskets came,” the military pride began to seep out of the older man as he took another drink from his beer and watched Reese stiffen a bit as mentioned the part of their past.

“Well when I got a horde of greenskins running at me, had to learn to be quick on my feet,” the words stung as he spoke them, the throb seeming to only in-testify as he said what was on his mind.  A shake of his head followed as he did his best to not be bitter, “Pa was a good teacher.”

“That he was, that he was.”  Eld spoke softly, knowing he needed to back off with mentions of those old time and how they both knew talking about them was not good for either of them at this point.  Lifting the mug again, he would finish off the beer with a sigh gently setting the pewter to wood with a soft thunk. "Damn good.“

"You want another?  Or something to eat?  Think Stephen’s got some stew on for a special tonight.  And I promise it will be better than Jaine’s 'summer stoop’,” the bitterness melted away from the barkeep as he already knew Erlain’s answer, the soft remorse of being a family of memories than blood.

A sad smile came to Candell’s face as he shook his head, “No, I need to be getting back to the Church I’m sure the brother have some work for me.  I just figured I’d stop in and say hello and how you’re doing.”  An unspoken other reason left that way as he ran a finger again along the pewter mugs handle before easing his touch away from the warm metal.

“Of course, don’t be a stranger sir.  You’re always welcome here.” Langston spoke tightly as he watched the old man nod and step back from the bar.  He knew he was only a few streets over but he also knew he was just like the younger version to come by once in a blue moon.  But he would always accept the Candells back when they came to his door, it’s what family is for.

“Light be with you, Reese.” Erlain spoke the prayer in his deep voice before smiling tightly to the barkeep and march back out the door he had only so recently come in from.

“And with you, Uncle Lain.”

@erlaincandell 

[araethius]

(( I always thoroughly enjoy your stories; the way you give life to seemingly innocuous NPCs inspires me to write more! Love ya work ))

[lucifurby]

i love you bitch

[phoraaboraa-deactivated20171219]

I ain’t never gon stop loving you

[wstcst-tre]

Bitch.

[shanny-tired]

@enigmatic-elegance

[shadowdaggerooc]

@lumenwolf @sable-longclaw @elizebella @aldreusreinhold @araethius @jungnaysoftmaw HAHAHAHAHA, THIS ^

[elizebella]

((ily2 bitch))

[sable-longclaw-blog]

((ILY2 BIIIIIIIIISH! ))

[aldreusreinhold-blog]

((HE’S MINEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE BACK OFFFFFF))

[jungnaysoftmaw-blog]

((You gots to share your bitches! <3))

[araethius]

((Sharing is caring!))

[sable-longclaw-blog]

To Those I Have Loved: Finale

[[NSFW for language. This is the finale. This is it kids. Of the series anyhow. I hope you have enjoyed it! Thank you @macelongclaw for writing this stuff with me. Your stories added to mine were just.. AMAZING. Still though, stay tuned. There is a part 2 to the finale to come around Sunday or Monday!]]

Keep reading

[araethius]

@sable-longclaw

This was good stuff! I enjoyed it!