The Greater Good?

OOC main blog of Waterboy Neptune, for assorted everything

[asliceofmadness]

As You Wish Pt. 2

The smell of those stables with a fine sprinkle of the collective hangover was not a combination I envied for those in competition today. Upon the behest of my father, I kept the ales and wines to a minimum the night before the biggest tournament in the kingdom.

This was the morning of the big dance after all. There were few things I could leave to chance for the outcome of today's tournament. Castle Ravenscroll towered over the so-called "battlefield" today. By battlefield, I really only mean a jousting arena that had recently begun an expansion into a pseudo-coliseum of makeshift bleachers and canvas. Someone failed to meet the deadline, tsk tsk. Nothing really to lose our heads over now though.

Back in focus. Dad. King. Princess. Horses. Combat. Doing the Damn Thing. Dad. That is right. Dad. Focus Sin, he said to meet at the stables. That is why you are currently smelling the freshest horse shit in all the kingdom.

"You're late," Blood said. "You're early," I replied. "If you're not early..." "I ponder if that technically would apply to stable meetings at sunrise in front of Sunrise. Isn't it always sunrise if we meet at Sunrise?" "You get that wit from your mother." "Couldn't get it from you, since she managed to knock it all out of you when she met you." "Incredibly clever, my son. Are you quite finished?" "Do you want my honest answer or do you want me to silence myself so we can get to the point?" "You are so perceptive! I am so very proud of you!" Blood retorted with a snark in his voice you would think him a lemon.

Cutting my smartassery, I lean against the stall wall and glance around. Now if by the name "Everdawn" you would have failed to guess that our house colors are crimson and gold, you would have made the same mistake I made at Sunrise. (See what I did there?) I had missed the golden lapel pin upon my father's coat. The moment that my brain is used to perceive, I notice things. What a novel concept.

"The King anointed you to the council last night," I blurt out, "And now we have extra pressure to succeed today because there's something more than meets the eye with this tourney isn't there?" "Firstly, lower your tone. Secondly, can I speak? I called this meeting, Son. I had my reasons. You will find out such if I actually get the chance to speak!" Blood replied coldly. Way to tell me this is Lord Everdawn and not dear old dad talking.

"As you so keenly figured out, yes, I am a council member. That was a product of the discussion we had last night. Your mother is effectively the regent until such time as my return or your return. Your return is what brings us here." "I thought we were both going home after this until about 5 seconds ago -" "YOUR return is contingent upon you winning today. As I was saying, We are meeting here," Blood places a hand on Sunrise to pet him as he speaks, "at Sunrise because if you win, you stay. You will be appointed the personal guard of the princess, Ellysandra. You'll become a sworn member of the Crown Keepers until either House Everdawn requires you home..." I lean forward with my hand outstretched begging for him to continue. "or you are released by a member of the Royal Family by decree."

"I was of the impression the Crown Keeper was more of a 'Until Death Do Us Part' job," I reply. "Until Death Do You Part it may be, as the king trusts you and you are unfortunately persuasive..." Blood levels his gaze to mine with a raised brow. The unsaid words finally make their presence known as my father and I share a nod together.

Hells below. I am betrothed? I did not have that on my MAGIC card.

“I guess I have some ass to kick today, don’t I, dad?”

“Must you be so crass? You have a heart to win over. Be tactful.”

Does he not know that is all a part of my charm?

[asliceofmadness]

Will I Ever Be Good Enough?

“Xandor? Darling?” Natalie stirred.

“Xandor, wake up,” they persisted as they rolled over in our bed and began to jostle me to consciousness. Little did my partner know that my night terror of the evening had already woken me up in a puddle of either the coldest sweats or the bravest tears.

“Xandor, my love, this is the third night in a row. What ails you? How can I help you?”

The embers from the fireplace cast a faint light across the room as I wiggled my way into a seated position. I filled my lungs with the crisp autumn air as I tried to steady myself.

“Where do you want me to begin?” I asked as I managed to fight back an extremely pained laugh.

“Wherever you would like,” my partner replied, “and whatever helps you in this moment.” They sat up and put an arm around my shoulder and pulled my head against theirs.

“What if I’m destined to be a failure? What if, just like my father, I’m supposed to die before I accomplish real change?,” I began as my voice begins to catch every piece of gravel of the road the words travel on, “What if I’m not good enough and fail to save the world and the country we live in?” The grains of sand under my castle began to cascade away as I felt Natalie’s embrace.

“You ask these questions as if the responsibility is solely on your shoulders. You ask this as if you are the only one to bear the responsibility of these tasks.”

“But I’m Leore’s champion…”

“The same Leore who sent you to be a sacrifice to Gwynth. That same sacrifice should have been taught you that you are able to do things for yourself and it can still benefit the greater will of the people. Would you be here without her as well? Would you have returned home as the prodigal son of a martyred politician if not for YOU?”

“Natalie, my love, it’s not that simple.”

“Neither is saving the fucking world, my dear. Neither is uprooting systemic oppression. Neither are the gods themselves. You of all people should know that last one, goofball!” Natalie replied with a smirk that cut to my soul. No matter how far gone I’ve made it, they always managed to pull me back in.

“You would think being the balance of two polar opposite gods, right?” I agreed with a soft, sharp exhale. “Baby, I just— I have made so many mistakes.”

“Even with those pointy ears and the horns, you’re still mortal. You’re allowed to”

“I’m supposed to be an example, baby. How am I gonna be—“

“Be a realistic example of someone doing their damned best against all odds stacked against them? Of still doing just good things as best as they can? Damn the consequences?”

“Will I ever be good enough?”

“You are good enough. You’re more than enough for me, Xandor Sunbreeze. And our following might be smaller than we’d hope, but you’re good enough for them too.”

I collapsed into the crook of their neck, letting them pull me on top of them. “Get some rest, tonight. We have politicians to murder. And you have friends to suck up and message.”

With a mix of another laugh and a sniffle into Natalie’s skin, I adjusted my head to meet their eyes. “We are gonna need some help, aren’t we?”

“We all need a little help sometimes, and that’s fine, darling,” Natalie planted a kiss upon my forehead as they brushed a strand of hair out of my face.

[asliceofmadness]

As You Wish

Being a young knight from a small noble vassal in the realm, there was no higher honor than to be called into service for the Royal Family. I had made quite the name for myself during the Annual Grand Tourney that the Capital hosts. Being freshly 21 years of age, my entry made quite the stir amongst the knights and nobles alike. My family, Everdawn, had been sworn to the royal family for as long as the records could tell us.

My father, nicknamed "Blood," entrusted me to represent House Everdawn. I think he had earned the nickname on behalf of the day he met my mother, who broke his nose and made him bleed profusely on the first day of full contact sparring at their Academy. Ancient history aside, House Everdawn had a reputation for some unconventional beliefs as compared to accepted views of the realm. Perhaps that is why our current King trusted our counsel so much. Perhaps that is why it was accepted that House Everdawn would send their youngest eligible knight.

For the sake of this story, however, we are going to attempt to skip most of the fluff. Who wants to read anything about the current geopolitical climate? Who wants to read anything about the caravan ride to the capital when we didn't so much as find a rogue bandit encampment. Let us skip to the meat of the story, shall we?

The Great Hall of Castle Ravenscroll had become ripe with the scents of any possible roast you could ever imagine. The King had led a mighty hunt that morning, so our feast to kick off the tournament would be absolutely legendary. The many great houses were represented by banners at the heads of each table. You could tell which house was which easily by the color coordination of their representatives. Most house lords sent their bannermen and their champion while keeping themselves and their heirs far away from the commotion of the festivities. Not the Everdawns. Both Blood and myself were front and center as we walked side by side to introduce me to the king.

Following all customs and courtesies of the realm, I knelt before our sovereign as my father lowered himself. The King stood up and prevented my father from getting too low, “Please this isn’t the time for formalities. Get some food old friend, and rise boy. Your father here hasn’t been able to shut up about you since you were born! I’m glad that you both could finally make the trip south.” My father subtly gestured to me to get off my fucking knee, now please take for granted that I might have paraphrased his direct intention there.

I rose to my feet, “I hope that it was all positive, your Majesty. I hope to prove myself in the tournament and put steel behind my father’s words.” I glance between my father and The King, not daring to meet their gazes. At that moment I felt a slap on my shoulder from my father, “And that he will.” I felt his hand pull away as he stepped closer to The King, “Now Your Majesty, I do hate to ruin the festivities but I do have a matter of import I would desire to discuss in private with you.” The King’s gaze washed over me for a second and the subtlest cocking of his eyebrow as I felt it turn to my father. “Is it of such great urgency to pull me away from the feast?” The King asked in a hushed tone, barely audible over the roaring conversations of boastful bannermen.

To this day I don’t believe I have ever seen my father nod in such a solemn way. The jovial grin across The King’s face soured to match the depth of the nod. “Young man, I look forward to your performance tomorrow. If you’re half the man your father was on the battlefield, I have no doubt you’ll be just fine.” The King turned to his guards and nodded, to be flanked by my father. The group snuck away from the head table to only what I could assume was a chamber for important meetings for their councils.

I had to follow through with my assignment from my father, and that was to gather as much intel as I could throughout this feast. Twas a crime I wouldn’t be able to indulge in the mead and ale as I wished. One night was a small price to pay for what my future could become as the victor of the Tournament. I had no enemies this night, but I had plenty of intel for the taking.

But who cares about casual espionage? Y’all came here to hear the meat of the story! Let’s get to the fight!

[asliceofmadness]

How Did We Get Here? (DK AU)

Sindurath Everdawn clutched his greatsword with a white-hot rage, as he rolled his neck. This excuse of an ambush could only have one of very few outcomes. Sin darted his gaze around the encroaching circle of brigands before managing to stifle his growing heartrate in his chest with a deep breath. "Now, gentlemen, is there any chance we could solve this diplomatically? Or do you desire to meet your death on this day?"

The circle of brigands stops roughly five to ten feet from Sin, about as staggered as a Goblin's dental work. Two of the beefier brutes directly in front of Sin step to the side and what could only be assumed as the de-facto leader emerges from between the pair. "We have you surrounded, Everdawn. I sincerely think that you are overestimating your abilities," states a voice much akin to shattered glass. The voice is leaving a man no more than five feet nothing. His size is diminutive next to the pair of 6"+ brick shit houses next to him.

"Just because you made it a fair fight for you, doesn't mean you'll win," Sin retorted through gritted teeth. His off-hand meets his sword as he spreads his leg to ready his stance. "Last chance, Short Stack."

"Short Stack" could not help but laugh, "Namecalling? from a monster is rich! I know everything about you, Sin. With one spell, I could get your precious little Ellysandra kidnapped and drug away far from Eversong! You're lucky my boss only wants you. You're lucky that he'll--"

Sin probably let his anger get the better of him here, but he had heard enough. Pure necrotic darkness enveloped "Short Stack's" throat as hands began to wrap around his neck and bring him off the ground. As he started levitating, Sindurath froze the earth beneath their feet. With another mutter of a phrase, three ancient rune blades appeared in the air around Sin.

The death knight wasted no time closing the distance between himself and the two biggest brutes who were still dazed by the flurry of events in front of them. By the time "Tweedle Dee" looked up from the frozen ground at his feet, his heart was run through by Sin's blade. He collapsed to the ground as Sin pulled his blade out of the now corpse. The Elf spun around and beheaded "Tweedle Dum" in a quick flash of steel.

Hearing the commotion of brigands fighting possessed ghost weapons ushered Sin to turn around. Summoning a tendril of necrotic energy, he pulled the remaining fighter's throat to his outstretched hand. His blade was waiting for his chest. Disposing of the final ambusher like a cheap piece of trash, his corpse slides off his blade as he returns his attention to "Short Stack." He released the energy holding him in place before picking him up and slamming him against the nearby tree.

"You have less than five seconds to start telling me who your boss is. If you do, you might manage to live past today, Tiny."

"Short Stack" was still coughing trying to get any semblance of air into his lungs. The empty gasps and the wheezing from his throat were music to Sin as he started laughing at his foe. "e"

"Four."

"Three."

"FINE!"

"Two."

"He goes by 'The Mask.' He's another monster, just like you. Except he's human or at least was at one point. Apparently, he has had a vendetta against your whole clan since Acherus? I don't know! I was just contracted out and you don't say no to the amount of gold he offered me."

"You have two options, then. You can die here in a puddle of your own boiling blood, or you can arrange a meeting with him and we can clean off this chess board together. In case you're as stupid as you've seemed up to this point, that second option involves you living for a few more days at the minimum. Now, if I were you, What sounds better?"

"Whatever you say, boss!" "Short Stack" responded emphatically, knowing how easy Sin could change his mind.

"Glad we can reach an agreement. Now if you'll excuse me, I have a prior commitment to attend to. I will reach out tonight. Murderer's Row around 11. Be alone, or, well, I guess you get the picture."

[asliceofmadness]

 Room For Growth

Sin had definitely fallen into a routine at this point after his rude awakenings. This morning was different, thankfully. Somehow he managed not to wake Elly this time. She was exhausted after she finally got relieved of taking care of the new Northrend crop, so it made sense. 

Sin slithered out of bed and made his way to the kitchen and started brewing a pot of coffee. As the coffee slowly started dripping, he pulled out a pan and fired up the stovetop. Sin started throing together a breakfast of an omlette, some toast, and some left over ham. Being the good partner he is, he made two plates and put them on the tray table. He poured a couple cups of coffee and brought the tray back to the bedroom. 

He sat the tray on his empty nightstand, before crawling back in bed. Sin gently nudged Elly, rubbing her back comfortingly in the process. "Good morning beautiful..." the elf sang as his partner slowly came back to consciousness. “I thought you needed a special surprise today, so I made breakfast.” Sin kissed Elly’s cheek as she sat up and realized what was going on, “Sin, you know you didn’t have to.” “That I did, but what better way to welcome you home?” Sin smiled.

“What’d you do?” “What do you mean?” “Sin, I love you. I’ve been when you long enough to know when you have a guilty conscience. You don’t hide it well.” Sin moved to sit on the bed and face Elly.

“It’s heavy, you sure you wanna go through this right now, love?” “We have nothing but time.” “And I already made breakfast,” Sin replied, moving the tray onto the bed between him and Elly.

“I feel like I’m falling apart at the seams. That’s the easiest way to dumb it down. All I knew for the past ten some odd years, was war. Death. Destruction. I’ve had to do so many unspeakable things. Slaughter anything that was in our way. That’s what the Lich King commanded. I’d be even more damned if I didn’t follow those orders. I can still hear or see...” “Sin, my love, I’ve told you before that what you did while under the Lich King’s control doesn’t define you. You were barely more than a puppet. What you did was what HE did. You didn’t have control,” Ellysandra interrupted. “So, you don’t think I’m a monster?” “No, I don’t.”

“Everyone else does, apparently! Ever since I came back, I keep getting the same looks. ‘Monster’ this, ‘Monster’ that. I keep trying to keep my anger in check.” “Sin, I don’t like where this is going. What happened?” “I woke up, like I always do. You weren’t here. I went to the market, and this group of 5 started to hassle me. Said I should’ve stayed dead. They were looking for a fight, probably still drunk from the night before. I went to leave the market, and then they stopped me. We went to a nearby clearing and I killed all of them. As soon as I broke the treeline they all pulled knives on me. Only two of them knew what they were doing, but even then. I’m tired of letting these people get to me. I should just walk away and let them be, but it’s just not that easy for me anymore.”

Ellysandra took a deep breath and looked her partner over, thinking over his recent pattern of behavior. “You just prove their idea that you’re a monster correct when you let them under your skin and react that way. You’re not gonna change the average idiot’s view point on you.” Sin sighed and took a sip out of his cup of coffee from the tray, “I know that. I’m trying, love. I just feel hopeless. That was the first fight or altercation in over a month, but just like that I threw away all the progress I made trying to heal.”

“Improvement isn’t always a straight path, sometimes you have to double back and take a detour. I’m going to be here for you, every step of the way. That’s what I signed up for. Just promise me that you’re working to be better?” “Of course, my love. Step by step, I’m trying. As difficult as it gets,” Sin replied, placing the coffee mug down and started laughing to himself. “You know, life was simpler when the only injuries I had you could heal with a simple prayer.”

[asliceofmadness]

To Hell and Back

That same fucking nightmare, over and over again. Ever since I broke free of the Lich King’s control, it’s been on repeat every single night. The only thing different was Elly wasn’t there. She got put on a special assignment to deal with the Farstriders coming back from Northrend. What the fel am I supposed to do?

I got up and made my way to the kitchen just to find it was empty. String of luck I’m catching this morning, aren’t I? I guess it’s time to catch the Farmer’s Market while it’s open. 

I’ll spare you the details of putting my clothes on and the walk through the woods and skip to the picking of “Farm Fresh Eggs!” 

I’m as incognito as I can be, with my glowing sapphire eyes sticking out like a sore thumb. I fill up my basket with some eggs, peppers, and a variety of fruits for later in the day. Everything’s going fine. These people need gold, and I have plenty to share. That is until I go to leave. I guess the crowd don’t like “my kind around here.”

“Excuse me, gentlemen, did you say something?”

“As a matter of fact we did, you monster. I said that we don’t appreciate baby killers in Silvermoon. I lost my family when we lost the Sunwell,” piped up from what I could only assume was the ring leader.

“Oh, did you now? Did it occur to you that I lost my life defending the damn thing? Did it occur to you that it wasn’t exactly my choice to become what I am today? I’d have been happy to stay dead if it meant not having met you.”

“Oh, so you think you’re funny! You should have done us all a favor and stayed dead,” Commented a rather portly elf off to the side.

“Gentlemen, I do believe you are ruining this place of business. If you desire to have a problem, Might I suggest we take it to the clearing over there?” I gestured over to the treeline away from the market, “We don’t need to ruin an honest living for these folks.”

“First smart thing you’ve said all day, monster.” 

“The name is Sin. If you call me monster again, I won’t be so cordial.”

“Whatever, Monster,” The ring leader said once more.

I let them walk through the treeline first. Rule #1, never let the enemy see your back. I shortly followed behind to see five elves still stuck in their backwards ways. “So, SIN, if that’s even your real name. You know this is your last day on Azeroth right?”

“Funny, I’ve heard that one before.”

That’s when the Fab Five decide to pull knives. 

“So that’s how we’re playing? Give me a moment.”

I summon a runic weapon from some fallen soldier long ago and grab the sword. Not wanting to waste time, I let tendrils of darkness envelop the Ringleader’s throat and elevate him off the ground. That’s when that portly fellow charges me with his knife. Improper form and all. Almost makes you sad to see how easy I redirect my blade and let him run himself through. I pull my blade out and see two of the backasswards elves change their grips!

“AH! I knew at least one of you were trained killers. That grip gives it away every time.” I turn my attention to the one that was so obviously a novice first. I hold my hand out and make his blood boil inside his own veins as I face the other two. “Which one of you two are going to strike first?”

The shorter of the two wastes no time losing his footing on the ice before his feet, falling on his own knife in the process. The taller one comes for me and lashes out, nearly nicking my cheek. I sidestepped at the right time. Reversing my grip, the sword goes through his heart. I stepped away from the now dead elf, pulling out the runeblade as I made my way to the fallen elf. Making sure he was dead, I cleave his head off. At this time, I finally let go of the ring leader, “Didn’t your mother ever tell you not to hunt monsters? Leave that to the Farstriders, or Blood Knights even. If they had a problem with me, I’d happily report to them. But as you can see...”

I bring my sword down and chop an arm off. “I’m here. Dealing with you.” With another swing I take the other arm off. 

“Now, Any regrets you want to attone for?”

The defiant bastard spit at my feet. “Go to hell!”

“Already been, Tell them Sin says hi if you don’t mind.” With one last swing, I bring my sword around and his head rolls on the ground.

I go back to the market to find my father and Wiz waiting for me. “Wiz, You know what to do.” My cousin sighs and hands me my basket before he walks to the trees.

“Sindurath...”

“Save it, dad. I’m done trying to hide my past. If these people are going to continue to demonize us, they should be able to accept the concequences.”

I take my basket back to Ellysandra’s, and whip up some omelettes. 

[asliceofmadness]

"Even though I have her, I feel like I'm this close to losing her."

"Why? I thought you were okay now."

"I'm a monster, that's why. I've been made for destruction."

"And she's always been there, to fix you. Y'all were supposed to get married before you died right?"

"Death already did us part-"

"Exactly. So fuck fate."

"It's not fate. It's not fair."

"She's there to put you back together. Who cares if you're broken, cuzzo?"

"I do. I wanna be this shining pillar of strength."

"You are. But even the greatest heroes had their flaws."

"What am I gonna do?"

"Go to her. Talk go her."

"Then what?"

"You've already won her back. Communicate you dense mothefucker."

[asliceofmadness]

"Why?"

"It was self defense!"

"It was stupid."

"They came at me."

"I saw."

"Then you know!"

"That doesn't justify your actions."

"It was five against one."

"You and I both kow you've been through worse."

"Oh? So since I've been through hell it automatically makes my reaction unjustified."

"All I'm saying is that you did a great job of proving their point."

"So my own dad thinks I'm a fucking monster too?"

"I never said that."

"You didn't have to."

[asliceofmadness]

As Time Passes

Blood finally got in bed for the night, still sitting up. Sleep wasn’t a common commodity since he got back to Silvermoon. What he had to do as a Death Knight still haunted him every night. He couldn’t let Titan or Sin or anyone see. He had to be that pillar of strength. That guiding light, that rock that they can always find when they’re lost. Especially for Titan.

Titan had just regained the memory that she killed their son. Granted, Sin was fine now. He’s back with his fiance Ellysnadra and out of the house tonight. Anyone who knew Titan for a significant period of time could tell that it was still eating at her. 

“Blood, do you think I’m a bad mother?” A soft voice asked from the other side of the bed.  “Excuse me? What?” Blood turned to Titan, an arm out as she rose to be sitting on the bed. She looked up to her husband with flushed cheeks. Blood took note of the still damp cheeks of his companion’s face. Did he really get to bed that late? Damnit, Blood.   Titan met Blood’s gaze with her own, “Am I a bad mother?” “Absolutely not,” Blood began, calming his inner frustration with the absurdity of the question. The snap of his reply came out a tad harsh, as he took a deep breath. “Titan, you are and were an amazing mother to Sin. And Ellysandra at points. If this is about earlier...” “This is about earlier, Blood. Why did I have to...” “First of all, that wasn’t you, my love. You were a passenger in your own light forsaken body at that point. There’s always a point where you have to accept what happened or what was bound to happen. Sin knew damn well what he was riding into. He took that risk himself. It’s not his fault that he was in charge of the evacuation. That’s my fault. It’s not your fault you died and came back to help sack the Sunwell. That’s that asshole Arthas’s. Whatever cruel hand of cards fate dealt us, we still won that game in my book. Besides, It’s obvious he’s forgiven you for whatever happened. He’s still your son and he still loves you.”

“He made that clear in the kitchen. But how can you look at me the same now that you know? Why are you still here? If you know your wife murdered your only son...”  “I know what I signed up for with you, and even death couldn’t do us part. I’m forever tied to you. Besides, that wasn’t YOU. YOU are right here in bed with me. YOU sneak cookie dough out of the kitchen when Sin starts baking.” Blood pulled Titan into an embrace, rubbing her back comfortingly as she rested her head against his chest. “The past sucks, my love. It’s gonna hurt. Mine sure as fel does. How we learn and grow from it is what matters. And the fact that you’re remorseful now speaks volumes.” He placed a kiss on top of Titan’s head. 

Titan silently agreed as she let out a soft chuckle in response to the cookie dough comment. “Speaking of cookie dough...” She let out a half-smile as she looked up to Blood again, “How about we have a midnight snack to go to bed on a lighter note?”

Blood adjusted his arms and positioned himself to princess carry his wife out of bed, “As you wish.”

[asliceofmadness]

Everything always felt so real in this damn nightmare. I was right back in the woods of Eversong frantically riding away from the city. We had just made it to the pass when we got caught by that death knight. Without hesitation we split up. I rode my way to buy them time, as my fellow knights fell. I slung magic left and right as she dismounted, leaving only me and her.

That's when we lock eyes for the first time. I see the pain, the anguish tucked deep away under layers of dark magics. The face of my mother masked a new evil I was about to face. At the end of the day, she was in there.

And I knew how to beat her. My old faithful is to get behind and attack her, which has never failed. Instinctively I muttered a spell and blinked behind her, which she saw coming from miles away and caught me with some dark force around my throat. As it closes around me, I saw Elly still standing there. Shit. Get out of here! Get to safety! Leave me!

The pressure released as I fell to the ground, gasping for air. I heard footsteps come closer, so I gathered my sword and blocked what should have been a final blow before getting to my feet. I look up to Ellysandra once more, before returning my eyes to meet my opponent's gaze. That moment was when I knew it wouldn't end well and silently accepted my fate. But I sure as fel wouldn't go down without a fight.

My shield was nowhere to be found. That would have helped a lot. Maybe I could block a couple blows. Too late now. I had my sword and the flames of hope. What little hope there was left for me. So I pressed the attack.

I pressed forward and fell right into the clutches of her trap. The more I attacked, the more she just parried away my blows. With my final strike, she disarmed me. We locked eyes for a moment before I looked back up to my fiance, one last time. Then with her blade she ran me through.

With that, I jolted awake clutching my chest. The scar from where I died had a deep stabbing pain, all over again. A steady river of tears poured down my face as I might have let out a loud curse through the house.

As I struggle to ground myself, I feel a gentle warmth from a familiar hand placed on my back. "Hey, hey, what's wrong?" asked Ellysandra.

I just turned to her and wrapped her in my arms. She placed a hand on my chest over the scar, feeling my heart thunder against it. "I don't want to lose you again," I replied as I buried my face in the nook between her shoulder and neck.

"You're not going to, my love. I'm right here. It'll be fine," she comforted me. No matter how broken I was, she was always gonna be there.

I finally piece myself back together after a long stretch of time. I sniffled one last time, before looking at Elly with a weak half smile. "I love you, Ellysandra."

"I love you too, Sin. Was it the same nightmare?"

"Yeah, it doesn't get any better."

"Let's go grab cookies. Then let's talk about it."

[asliceofmadness]

Fresh Scars

Sindurath appeared on the steps to Ellysandra’s apartment as she was walking up the street. Just in time. Sin knew that he had just fucked up royally, so at least he had some flowers and some chocolate in hand as Elly stormed up the street to see him waiting there. She passed by without a word, so he followed her up the stairs and into her apartment before she could close the door on him. He quickly sat the peace offering on her counter. She stopped in the middle of her living room, and Sin stopped to face her.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” “Because I thought that if I told you that ‘Hey! When you saw me get brutally murdered, the person who stabbed me through my heart was actually my own mother!’ it would probably sour your relationship with your mother in law.” “In law? Since when are we married?” “Elly, don’t. You know damn well...” “I know what? That if you didn’t die that we would’ve lived happily ever after in some shanty shack while Silvermoon was in ruins?” “No, not that. We could’ve figured something out and you know it. That is so besides the point.” “The point is that her sword went through your chest.” “An action which she didn’t even remember until this morning. Because believe it or not, we did some things regrettable things while under the Lich King’s control. Not all of them because we had the choice, or much less had control of ourselves.” “I do believe you,” Elly replied, stepping closer to Sin in the process. He met her in the middle and placed his arms on her shoulders.

“I’ve never seen my mom feel so remorseful and regret something that much. I could tell my dad hadn’t either. And she broke his nose like five times,” Sin chuckled as he pulled Elly into a calming hug. 

Elly looked up to her companion, “Do you forgive her?” Sin nodded solemnly, “Of course.” Elly let out a deep sigh and returned the hug, unintentionally resting her head against the center of Sin’s chest, “I will too then. You’re right about her, feeling bad. I saw that much before I left.” The taller elf brushed a stray hair out of his companion’s face, before placing a kiss on her head, “It’s gonna be okay, love. I promise you that.”

Ellysandra let go of the embrace ever so slightly to look up to Sin, before going back to listening to his heartbeat. The pounding against his chest gave away the emotion he was trying to conceal. Sindurath gulped down a deep breath before letting out a sad sigh. He sniffled back a tear, “I can’t lose you again, Elly. I should’ve told you sooner, I know. I just didn’t want to--” Sin was quickly shut up by Elly’s hands pulling him down to bring their lips together. After his heartbeat was brought back to normal levels, she let go of his lips. “You’re not going to lose me, you dum-dum.”

[asliceofmadness]

Old Wounds

Sindurath was steal healing his relationship with Ellysandra, so he stayed at his house the night prior. He woke up in his old room and neglected to put on a shirt out of old habits as he made his way to the kitchen to raid it for breakfast. He made his way downstairs and into the kitchen that hadn’t seen much use as of late. Sin was about to change that, however. Blood must have already gotten the eggs that morning, which made life easier for him as he hunted down a pan to use on the stove. After successfully procuring the proper equipment, Sin muttered a soft spell to start a small fire under the pan as he began to crack three eggs into a bowl and add a variety of seasoning. After properly beating the devil out of it, he introduced the concoction to the pan before sprinkling in some leftover chicken from the night before and a healthy slice of cheese. 

He left the omelette to cook for a moment before raiding the chest for a bottle of water. When Sin got up and turned around, there was the familiar face of his mother. And a familiar pain in his chest as her groggy eyes passed over him. “Good morning, Mom. Want some eggs?” 

Sin could’ve been talking to a wall at that point, feeling her gaze transfixed upon the discolored scar in the center of his chest. He folded and plated the omelette before walking around the counter, in front of Titan. Sindurath didn’t need to be able to read minds to see that she was remembering a rather unpleasant memory. “What did I...” A whisper broke the silence as Sin was immediately wrapped up in an embrace. Titan hugged her son close as he felt a warm tear fall against his chest. Sin returned the embrace, rubbing her back in a comforting manner as he took a deep breath. “Sin, I’m so sorry.” Titan managed to speak in a broken voice plagued with sobbing. 

“Titan, mom, it was ten years ago. And you weren’t you. I could tell that then. You’re you now. We all did things we regret under his control. I’m here now. That’s what matters. We don’t have to dwell on the sins of the past. What we do in spite of them to heal is what matters,” Sin suggested as he continued to hold Titan as she let out her emotion.

She continued to apologize as Blood walked into the room. It took him a few seconds to catch on before he placed a hand on Titan’s shoulder. “Hey, love. Everything's okay now. You’re here with us. Sin obviously still loves you.” 

“Nothing’s gonna change that Mom. Not even Death did. When I first got to Acherus, you were the first person I asked for,” Sindurath reassured her, “When I say I’m fine and going to be, you know I’m being truthful, mom. The only time I ever lied to you was when I was drunk. Even then you saw right through it”

That last line brought out a pained laugh from the much smaller elf. The traces of a faint smile pulled at her lips, as she sniffled the tears back. She loosened the hug enough to look up at Sin to see his comforting smile before turning to Blood who offered another pillar of support. She let go of Sin and then latched onto Blood who wrapped her in his arms. 

Sin grabbed his plate and sat on the counter and waited as they continued to discuss the past and to an understanding. As Titan continued to calm down and heal ever so much, Sin looked out the window and saw Ellysandra walking away from the house. Shit. That must’ve explained the eggs. 

Sin had, even more, explaining to do now.

[asliceofmadness]

Broken Hearts?

“Hey dad, can I steal you for a walk?” Sindurath asked while on the couch, as Bloodlight passed to the kitchen. 

“Uh, sure thing, what’s up Sin?” Blood walked over and met his son at the door. 

“I need to talk to you?” Sin replied as he opened the door and followed his father out. The pair started down the path in front of their home as a soft breeze swept up some leaves off the ground. 

“But that requires a walk?”  “It does. How’s Mom doing? Her memories back yet?” “Not all of them, but most of the important ones.” “I thought you might say that.”

The pair hung a left past a fork in the road, heading towards the Eastern Coastline. “As you can plainly see we both ended up in the service of Arthas. In fact, most of our family did. Which is really just our own damn faults, but that is neither here nor there.” “Yes, I am aware. I was the commanding officer of all of you degenerates but Titan. What’s this all about, Sin?” Sin looked up towards the pass through the hills then looked down the now cobblestone path towards a Sanctum. He led the pair to a spot near a scarred tree. “What’s the last thing Titan remembers from her time as a death knight versus before death?”

“She remembers how she died, and she remembers Acherus and being freed. How is that important now? Why did we walk all the way to where you were supposed to escort those refugees with Ellysandra?” “Because I did escort those refugees with her. And because this is where I died. I looked up the hill one last time to see the tears stream down Elly’s face as I was struck through the heart by a death knight.” “Who then brought you back. Yes, I know.”

Sin rolled his eyes and placed a hand on his father’s shoulder, muttering a spell in the process. A tip that Wiz learned from a couple Bronze Dragons helped fuel the energy behind the spell. That’s when the ghosts of the past formed in front of the pair. The line of Scourge. The 3 brave knights defending a fleeing mass of refugees. The lone elf standing at the edge of the pass. Two knights breaking the Scourge’s ranks just to be ran through with spears. The death knight dismounting her horse and halting her fellow undead. 

Blood took in the scene in every detail calmly until she took off her hood. “TITAN NO!” escaped the elder’s lips as his companion held out his arm to stop him from moving. After a moment, Sin clutched his chest, with a grunt he continued channeling the spell. The wave of flame brushed past them without incident. And then the vision of Sin fell, and the spell dissipated as the real Sin fell to his knees, hand still over his chest. Blood helped him back to his feet. 

“Sin, are you okay?” “Elly doesn’t know, she was too far away,” Sin coughed up a little bit of blood and he wiped his face.  “Sindurath Everdawn. Why didn’t you tell me?” “Because as you could see, That wasn’t Titan at the time. She may have been so many layers down, but she was just a passenger there. I don’t hold anything against her. I forgive her fully. But when and if she remembers this, you don’t need to do anything stupid to make it worse. Dad, I love you, but sometimes you’re a fucking idiot. That’s not allowed. You’re going to be a rock for her. Not just a rock, a god damn mountain.”

Bloodlight was on the edge of letting the waterfall, nodding in agreement. “You’re going to be there to help her too. I’m not able to help out all by myself here. Sin, you’re kinda the one that died.” “That’s the plan.” “Why haven’t you told Ellysandra?” “Would you?” Sinurath replied in a less than steady voice, but gulped down his emotion and glanced around the woods, “Let’s head back.”

[asliceofmadness]

One Final Effort

Sindurath cleared the last house of the road and regrouped with Ellysandra. “Okay, that’s everyone that we were in charge of. Let’s get out of the city and to the coast before the Scourge decided to start exploring.”  “Way ahead of you,” Elly replied as Sin pulled her up onto his horse to regroup with the rest of the refugees. 

They rode up in rapid succession, and Elly hopped off. Sin looked to the other escorts and nodded, “Alright, everyone listen up. We don’t really have time for second chances, so here’s what’s going to happen. My fellow knights and I are going to escort you through the Southeastern Gate to avoid the major battle happening in Western Silvermoon right about now. We’re taking a pass through the hills. The more you keep up and the quieter you are, the smoother this goes. We’re already going to lose enough people today, let’s not add you all to the list.”

Just then the scout that had been clearing the way to the gate returned, “Lieutenant? The first wave have attacked. We should get a move on before they start looking to flank.”

“Okay. Well! You heard the man, Let’s move!” Sin reigned his horse around and took the rear guard, letting the scout take point. Elly was walking amongst the refugees to make sure they were okay.

The pack weaved through the city streets with ease. It’s kinda like they lived there for the past hundreds of years. After they slip through the gate and start making their way up to the hills, that’s when Sin saw her. More importantly, she saw them. 

“Sarge, we’re about to have some company...” The scout yelled back as a female Death Knight began to rally a small detachment of Scourge and march in their direction. 

“I’m aware, Corporal. The pass is still clear. On my mark, you make like hell with our civilians. Rear Guards, You’re gonna be with me.” 

Elly turned around and looked Sin in the eyes, “You’re not going to...” 

“When I say break, you will run. You have about 100 yards before you get to the through the pass.” “Sindurath Everdawn!” Ellysandra called out, as they started to halt in preparation of the new commands.

She stormed up to Sin, halfway on his horse for a moment and pulled him down into a kiss, “I’ll see you on the other side of this pass. We’re still getting married next fall.” She hopped off and rejoined the rear of the refugees.

Sin couldn’t let his emotion show, but he turned to face the advancing undead. “Rearguards on me! On 3. 2. 1. BREAK!”

Sin took his two knights and charged the advancing lines of scourge as the mass of refugees sprinted to safety. Elly stopped at the entrance of the pass as Sin’s horse collapsed. The female Death Knight pulled down her hood and halted her minions. “So, you face me head-on? I have to admire your fire, but it’s for nothing. You’re going to die like the rest of the elves.”

“Have you looked in the mirror lately, Mother? Or did they take that part of you too?” Sin looked up to the shockingly familiar face on the skeletal horse in front of him. His heart shattered as it sank to rock bottom. Sin readied his shield, already seeing red.  “Awwww, Mother? How unfortunate for you, If only...” “Shut up. Get off that horse. Fight.” “Well, if you insist. I guess I’ll be awarded for finding The Lich King his new champion.”

Sin narrowed his eyes and glanced back to the pass just to see Elly. He didn’t even realize that there were tears rolling down his cheeks as he turned back to face his mother. Something he’d done thousands of times before. It’d be easy. All he had to do was blink behind her then slam her with his shield. He took a deep breath to steady himself.

He looked up and stared into the soul through the ice-blue windows of his opponent. Somewhere deep down, Titan, his mother was there. For right now, she was gone. Whatever corruption he did to her, overshadowed. Sindurath charged forth, before muttering a spell to appear behind her. He blinked behind her and slammed harder than ever before with his shield. He went for a follow-up thrust with his sword when the air around him became scarce. His throat was being squeezed by an invisible force. That made him freeze instantly, as his opponent made her way to her feet. “You really think I’d forget that? You know how disappointing you are when you’re that predictable, right?”

Sin fighting for air collapsed to the ground, sword and shield at his sides. As soon as the pressure was relieved a few seconds later, he picked up his sword again and muttered a spell to release a wave of fire to take care of the rest of the undead around them. Now it was one on one. He made his way back to his feet, looking up to the pass again. Ellysandra was still there, watching and waiting. 

His eyes very quickly went back to the fight, as he had to parry a sword coming at his face. He pressed back quickly with a flurry of strikes. He was on the offensive for a good moment, before one final stroke got caught. His opponent disarmed him with one final circular motion, before thrusting the blade through his heart. 

He looked his killer in her eyes, before looking back up to the pass, as Elly ran away in horror. At least she was safe.

[asliceofmadness]

"What do you mean she's dead? No. That can't be right!"

"Sindurath, Get your shit together. She's your mom, yeah. She's my wife. She's gone now. There's not much we can do but avenge her! So get your shit together because I need you 100% tomorrow!" Bloodlight replied with his voice close to breaking. It had been about a day since he had gotten the news.

Sin attempted to punch his father in the chest, before Ellysandra caught his arm and her face fell into his chest. He looked down and heard sobbing, instinctively hugging his fiance. "Elly? It'll be okay. You'll be safe, I promise."

Blood walked off, going to attend with other matters. Sin looked around, they were alone in his tent. He embraced Elly close as the tears slowly came to a stop. He slowly brought them over to his bed. "Tomorrow is gonna be fine, we've never lost Silvermoon."

"True," Elly sniffled her way through. Sin used his sleeve to wipe the tears off her face, and they laid together.

Then the sun rose and poked through the tent. It was the final day. If only they could just stay in this tent where the world didn't seem so chaotic. This tent was a little slice of heaven for the pair. A slice of heaven that was going to be destroyed by war in not even five minutes.

Bloodlight walked in, "Get your armor on you two. You're assigned to the evacuation. Ellysandra, your focus is with the healers. Sin, you're covering them and clearing houses. Escort them to the Eastern Coast."

Sin reluctantly sat up from their bed and sighed, "Yes, sir. Let me guess, You and Dark are on Frontline duty?"

"How'd you guess?" Bloodlight said sarcastically, rolling his eyes. "Just make sure we still have a wedding next fall you two."

Elly looked over, "Next fall? When did we decide that?" She smiled and jested as she planted a kiss on Sin's cheek as he got dressed.

Bloodlight left the tent as the pair made sure the other was good to go. Sin picked up his sword and shield and walked over to Elly. "I love you, and no matter how today ends up, that'll never change. I'll be with you one way or the other..."

"Sin. Stop that. You sound like you're worried that you're not gonna make it. Which you are. You're gonna be fine. I'll be right there just incase," Elly wrapped her arms around her partner, before he leaned down and placed a kiss upon her lips.

[asliceofmadness]

Family Business

Wiz was pounding on the door, barely supporting his cousin when Ellysandra opened the door and cleared the table. “Wiz, you idiot! She’s a part of the family, but she’s not A PART of the family yet! We’re only engaged.” “That’s irrelevant right now, dumbass. She’s the only nurse that’s not gonna rat us out and we both know she can patch you up.”

Elly looked to the pair, “First, Doctor. Second, it was a family business matter? Fuck guys, come on. Where’d he get shot?” She gestured for them to come in as she cleared the table and went to a bedroom for Sin’s patch up bag.

“I got shot in the left side. Love handle. No exit wound,” Sin called out to his fiance.

Wiz raided the liquor cabinet, “Need a drink cuz?” “What I need is not to get blasted by a fucking rat. That’s why the whole thing went sideways! I told you we couldn’t trust his ass.” “What? Flames? Yeah, well, you got him didn’t you?” “Clean up crew is gonna have a fun time.”

Just then Elly came back, “Thanks for leaving this here. You know this is gonna hurt right?” “Shock is one hell of a drug, ma’am. Let’s just get it over with.” “Wiz?” Elly looked over to the other cousin, “give him your belt. Then stay out the way.” “My Belt? Really?” Wiz looked to Elly which she very quickly shut down any protests with the daggers hidden in her gaze. “Fine, here cuz,” Wiz replied as he took off his belt and handed it to Sin. Sin folded it and put it in his mouth to bite down on.

Elly cutaway Sin’s shirt around the wound, and poured some alcohol on the site to clear some of the blood away. That coerced a groan from Sin. “Yeah yeah, next time don’t get shot and we won’t have any issues, babe.” The next step was a retraction, for which she pulled out a glorified pair of tweezers and looked into the wound. “Hey Wiz, do me a favor?” Wiz gulped and grabbed the light, adjusting it to where she could see better. “Okay, maybe your cousin isn’t as dumb as he acts,” Elly laughed as she fished out the bullet from Sin’s side. 

Wiz rolled his eyes, faking offense with an exacerbated sigh. “Wanna see a magic trick?” Elly looked over, “If you’re referencing the thing you do with fire, we do need to stop further bleeding. Luckily it missed anything important. Stopped just shy of some bone.” “That’s all I needed.”

Sin let out a deep breath and gusts of air that sounded like objections, but Wiz was already cauterizing the wound. He damn near bit through the belt. “And... Ta-Da! There we go,” Wiz clapped his hands while admiring of his handiwork.

Sin pulled the belt out and brandished it as a weapon like he was upset with his cousin. He made an attempt to swing on him, but Elly stopped him mid-swing and took the belt. “You’re gonna go ahead and calm down, and go easy. We can go to your dad later, love. Wiz, you should probably make it to Kat.”

“Good thinking, Thanks Ell, make sure that he doesn’t hurt himself any worse,” Wiz commented as he left. 

“So, there was a rat on your job? I can have my people look into it,” Elly offered.  Sin shook his head, “Not yet. I’ll have Dari look into it. Thanks for patching me up, baby.” “Yeah, yeah. Let’s minimize gunshots from now on, that sound good? I don’t need to perform a whole ass surgery on my dining room table.” “Understood. Is the shower open?” “Sin, if this is a ploy to get me to help you, it’s gonna work. Come on.” Elly positioned herself under Sin’s weak side, and they made their way down the hall.

[asliceofmadness]

Heartbreak?

I had a lot of pent up emotions since the other night. Elly and I didn't really talk, but she got home safe. Blood came back around, and I got scolded by my mom.

So things are basically back to normal? Except the the whole part where I'm not with the one person who kept me sane for the past few months.

We'll ignore that though. The sun is out and it's a lovely Eversong summer. "Hey Wiz, I know you're scrying the house. Come on, we're going to the beach."

That's when my favorite half dragon cousin stepped into the living room, "We? What if Kat and I had plans?"

"Obviously fuckin not, if you're spying on me," I retort, tossing a bag at him. He caught it and sighed deeply. "Oh yeah, we're running to the beach from here. Gonna do some training. I'd go ahead and change."

"Okay, Sin. I'll meet you on your porch in 10," and like that he disappeared again.

I went to my room and changed into a passable pair of shorts and threw some shoes on. I went to the bathroom and looked at the big ugly scar on my chest, when I heard a knock on the door. Figuring it was Wiz just a bit early I just went up and opened the door, "Come in, I'm still getting ready." I turned and began back down the hall.

"Hey, uh, Sin? It's me?" said a voice that was most definitely not Wiz.

I instantly turned around to see Elly, this time totally sober. I watch her eyes wash over me and go straight to the scar. "That's where I died. Obviously not in vain if you're here."

"Sin, I'm sorry. For treating you how I have and..."

"If you came over just to apologize, save your breath. You don't need to. None of this, " I gestured at myself, "is your fault. Your reaction was warranted. It hurt, but everything has hurt since I've gotten back. I died a hero and came back a monster. I can't even refute that. I did horrible things. Why should I be forgiven? I would hate me to."

That's when she slapped the shit out of me. Like legitimately. I've never been slapped so hard in my life or death. "Shut up! You can't change the past! Besides, I still love you, you light forsaken idiot!"

I've always been a big guy, but suddenly I was small. I'd only been looking introspectively. Did I make an effort to see it from her eyes? I thought I did. I'm trying to process this through my thick skull when I hear sobbing and tears falling. Out of instinct, I wrap Elly in my arms. "I love you too. I never stopped loving you."

I suddenly felt her hand on that big purple scar on my chest, as I heard some of my own tears fall. I froze, entirely. "Sin, it'll be okay, right?"

After a deep breath, "Yeah, Elly. It will. "