Odessii Dragonblade

Blog for Odessii Dragonblade || Lady of House Dragonblade || FC: Gal Gadot

[odessii-dragonblade]

A Spark of Hope

Even amidst the chaos, there was calm.

It was not the calm before, nor the lull at the eye of the storm. No, this was the sort of calm that Odessii found in the strangest of times. Those times when her next move seemed the most certain.

This was the calm she found in the midst of battle.

All around, Sin'Dorei guards and Champions of Azeroth clashed with the void. Small shadows that moved en masse to overwhelm, or larger than life Voidbeasts that seemed capable of crushing mortals underfoot.

The fighting continued on, but Quel'Danas, and the Sunwell at its center, still stood. That, at least, meant they hadn't failed - they hadn't lost yet.

A golden disc of Light shot between Voidwalkers, clanging like metal with each impact. The disc came back to Odessii as they swarmed her, meeting her actual shield on her arm as the Light washed over her, granting her some modicum of protection.

Sharp claws of blackest shadow raked against her shield, leaving jagged streaks in the metal as evidence of their passing. As the walkers reared back for another attack, Odessii gave a shout, swinging her shield out - charged with the Light, holy flames shot forth in the arc her shield followed.

As the Voidwalkers were forced back what would be a few paces for beings with feet to count them, bolts of arcane magics whizzed passed Odessii. Behind the Paladin, Melany weaved the magic with practiced motions, speaking incantations that spelled out arcane runes in the air before her.

Those missiles kept the Voidwalkers on the back foot, a barrage that destabilized their forms, threatening complete dissolution. The final blow, however, was more martial than magic.

A louder cry than Odessii's rang out, as Chloe circled her mother, arms crossed in front of her even as she charged forward. Twin axes were gripped tight, and even as Chloe swung the blades to cleave the first Voidwalker apart at its midsection, she spun nigh like a whirlwind.

The sharp edges of her axes found one Voidwalker in a strike between the eyes, while the other came down onto the jutted-out neck of the other. Killing blows, each, which sent the darkened beings convulsing before ultimately crumbling to neat piles of dust at their feet.

"Good! You're both doing great. Now, we need to keep moving - keep the Void at bay until-"

Odessii was cut off by a sudden, intense noise - accompanied by a shining Light above them. A pillar of Light, erupting from the Sunwell, crashing into the storm above. For a moment, she had to shield her eyes - then, she beheld it with renewed resolve.

The sounds of battle began to fade around them, as one after another, the beings of the Void were cast away, unable to sustain themselves in the presence of such potent holy magics.

Chloe and Melany, both similarly taking in the scene around them. Once they were sure the fighting was over, Melany looked to her mother. "So... What do we do now?"

Odessii smiled at the pillar of Light, but acknowledged that the Void storm still persisted overhead. "This isn't over. The Void is being kept at bay, but it hasn't been defeated just yet."

Turning her gaze to Melany, her smile became warm once again. There was a calm in the certainty of the next move, and here, the next move was obvious. "For now... We make for Silvermoon- and if they allow us in... We see where we can do the most good."

[odessii-dragonblade]

Midnight Falls

The fighting continued, but seemed nowhere near stopping. The forces of this so-called "Devouring Host" were as endless as the darkness of the night sky. Creatures both familiar to those who'd encountered the Void, and completely foreign, poured through portals and rifts, seeking to overtake the Isle of Quel'Danas.

Odessii had found herself separated from the bulk of the Vanguard, following some local guards to the docks off of Parhelion Plaza. There, they loaded civilians onto ships to see them safe across the water to Silvermoon.

How long Silvermoon would be safe, though, remained to be seen.

The fighting continued, but as Odessii stood further back from the first line of defense, her attention was drawn by a sudden screech. She turned, expecting to see more of the dragonhawks - only to find a pair of gryphons swooping down towards them.

Relief washed over her as she saw her girls, followed all too quickly with concern that they were there in the first place. As the fighting continued, Odessii moved, reaching her daughters just as they dismounted and sent the gryphons on their way.

Melany was first to acknowledge her - smiling despite the violence around her. "Mother!"

She ran up, throwing her arms quickly about Odessii's shoulders, who answered in kind, holding Mel close. The sudden separation had planted worry like a knife in both their hearts - but that stabbing fear, at last, abated.

Chloe was no less affectionate, but held herself in a way that told Odessii she had been sure they'd find each other, alive and well, all along.

When quick reunions were had, and situations explained, Chloe was quick to give her take on what they ought to do next. "We should regroup with the Vanguard - make sure we put this invasion down before they gain more ground."

A new pang of worry twisted in Ode's heart, and she shook her head, resting a hand on either twin's shoulder. "No - they were headed towards gates on the other side of the plaza. Besides, there are people here who need protection - you two go with the civilian ships, make sure they reach Silvermoon. I'll come find you once-"

"Come find us?" Melany peered at her mother, shifting her head to one side to get back in her eyeline as the elder woman glanced between them. "We just found you! We can't split up now! If you're staying to fight, then we all should, together."

Odessii opened her mouth to counter, but hesitated. She looked left, her eyes meeting Chloe's. Melany spoke from a place of logic, of what made sense. Chloe, conversely, didn't speak - simply fixed her mother with a resolute gaze, giving a short nod.

Part of Odessii burned with the desire to argue, to send them away, to safety. But, she knew them - knew they wouldn't leave her, the same way she wouldn't leave them. Stubborn... Light, how they never ceased reminding her they were her children.

The Paladin breathed a defeated sigh, fingers curling a bit tighter on their shoulders before she glanced between them again. "Fine - but we stick together. Stay close to me; I'll keep the Voidspawns' attention, you two pick them off. We'll fight with the guards to keep whatever civilians are left safe, and keep the enemy on Quel'Danas."

The twins nodded, just as bells rang from the final ship to pull away from the docks, heading out across the channel.

Taking a quick breath through her nose, Ode gave one last look between her daughters. They were so grown up, now - it almost felt like this was the first time she was really seeing it. She turned as the sound of boots setting off signaled the guards' movement.

Drawing her sword and her shield again, she steadied herself, before marching back towards the invading darkness - this time, with her daughters close behind.

[odessii-dragonblade]

Surrounding Dusk

All at once, the Light had enveloped her.

Warmth, radiance, the familiar feeling, though it hadn't been called upon. That was the strange thing... The part that hadn't happened to her.

The Light had called upon her instead.

It was an instinct, more than anything - to be called upon, to have the sense imbued into her that her aid was needed, as many others' was. Before any consideration for the circumstances could be made, she had the feeling that naturally came with such a call: she wanted to help.

So, the Light had whisked her away. For a moment, she was unsure of what would happen next, of where she would find herself - but then, the shock of the moment passed, and she remembered.

Quel'Danas.

When the Light had released her, she was surrounded by darkness. The storm they had seen now swirled directly overhead - it swallowed the sun, blotted it out almost completely. Drawing sword and shield, Odessii took a moment to get her bearings.

She found herself upon the ramparts of the Sunwell, and she was far from the only one. All around her, paladins and priests battled against creatures born from the Void, or twisted by it.

Just as she found her footing, this Vanguard was on the move - the Void forces had been pushed back from the Sunwell, but were still laying waste to the Isle itself. Whatever their end goal, their target was clear: the Void came for the Sunwell, and would take countless lives in its pursuit.

Odessii didn't know what else to do but follow - and as she did, it became ever clearer just how dire the situation was. Bodies littered the path, both of Void-corrupted creatures, and those that had stood against them. Void energies crashed against the walls of the Sunwell still, as the sky was flooded with all manner of shadow-tinged beast.

Gods, why had she let the Light take her from where she was? Her girls were flying towards this chaos, and she was separated from them. Worry gripped her heart, but she did her best to steel her resolve against that worry.

Both of them, Chloe and Melany, were more than capable of protecting themselves. Veora was with them, as well - the Light having taken Odessii, but left the Stormdrake behind. Veora was clever enough not to need Odessii on her back to know what to do - she would see her daughters to safety, wherever that was.

Surely, though, it was not here.

As Odessii rounded a corner on the ramparts, she followed the Vanguard to the top of a set of stairs overlooking an open plaza. The place in the light of day might have looked beautiful - but at the moment, it too was plunged into darkness, warriors of the Light and creatures of the Void battling everywhere she looked.

The battle raged, forces scattered across the area. Odessii still worried for her children, wished to seek them out, see them safe - but, as she saw civilians caught in the battles raging around her, she knew every ounce of strength would be needed right there.

The Light had called her there, had called all of them - whatever else she may have wanted in that moment, she knew one thing for certain: these people needed her.

A silent prayer was made to the Light to protect her girls while she fought in its name against the forces of darkness, Odessii's eyes shut as she let her faith grant her strength, resolve. When next they opened, they were focused keenly ahead - a bridge across the plaza's lower terrace, where fighting was as thick as anywhere.

Odessii set her jaw, gripped her sword tightly, and lifted her shield in a ready position in front of her. The goal became clear, her purpose set; with a rallying cry, sounding up after others around her, she charged ahead.

In the Light, they stood as one - the Sunwell would not fall.

Not while they drew breath.

[odessii-dragonblade]

[odessii-dragonblade]

Before the Sunset

Gryphon wings beat against an open sky, though the noise was nearly drowned out as larger wings did the same.

Odessii leaned forward upon Veora's back, as the crimson Stormdrake carried her Northward, from Arathi, over first the Hinterlands, then the Plaguelands. Quel'Thalas was in sight - along with the darkness looming above it.

How simply the day had started...

--------------------------------------------

Still in Stillwater from their visit during Love is in the Air, Melany and Chloe Dragonblade had many stories to share with their mother. Their travels had taken them to many places across the Eastern Kingdom. Acting as something between mercenaries and traveling adventurers, they had battled undead in Duskwood, Gurubashi in Stranglethorn, and had even lent their abilities to keeping the Cultists in the Highlands at bay.

Odessii worried, of course - these were still her children, speaking of all the danger they put themselves in. Neither was so powerful that they dealt with these threats without issue, risk, or even injury. Despite her worry, though, Odessii held back on fretting or worried comments. She trusted them both, and as much as she worried, she couldn't try to keep them in a bubble, nor would she want to.

Melany, for her part, seemed keen on how much their mother might worry with the details of each story. She took the time to explain how things hadn't actually been so dangerous, or how they had it well in hand the whole time.

Chloe, of course, wanted each tale to sound grand and heroic. Despite her sister's efforts, the budding Warrior would amplify details - a feral Worgen of average build in Melany's telling was actually twice as large, mouth full of fangs and foam, and appeared as a shadow when moving.

Regardless of her worries, her daughters both battling extremes to try and reassure or impress her, Odessii was glad to be in their company. The feeling of emptiness her home had when they'd first gone off on their own had passed, but it still felt fuller when they were there; even in the lodgings in Stillwater Grove, rather than the home she'd raised them in.

But, as so often happened, the good times were interrupted; a knock on the door frame announced the arrival of one of her scouts, sent with a missive. Reports of some type of Void Rift opening over the Isle of Quel'Danas.

The decision was made quickly - while Silvermoon and the Sin'Dorei were allied to the Horde, the Isle of Quel'Danas had a presence of a neutral faction, the Shattered Sun Offensive. Access to the city proper didn't seem feasible, but making for the Isle to offer aid did.

Of course, Odessii would not be alone - while she couldn't send a contingent of Alliance-loyal soldiers to Quel'Thalas, she could travel there herself... As could her daughters. The three of them, after some measure of debate, resolved to go together. Again, that worry settled in the pit of Odessii's stomach - the forces of the Void were not equal to a feral Worgen, or a group of Gurubashi, after all.

But, she knew her girls, and how they took after her. They saw a threat to innocents, and they would not be idle. There was no point trying to refuse them.

So, she made for her Stormdrake, Veora, while they secured a pair of gryphons from a recently-established roost in the village. Together, they flew North, towards the looming threat.

--------------------------------------------

Quel'Danas was within view now - the sky grew darker, as the Void Storm spread across it. The flapping of feathered wings became louder as her daughters came close, just behind Veora's own wingspan so they could all hear each other shout without knocking themselves off-course. Chloe, of course, shouted first, and shouted loudest. "Do we land at the Sunwell?! That looks like the center of the fighting!"

Odesii looked down, brows furrowing somewhat. The fighting was spread across an area, but the Sunwell certainly seemed a main target. Was the Void trying to corrupt it? She could only speculate, really. "Not yet - we should find forces on the edge, make contact! The Void has mortal allies, we don't want them to think-"

A radiant sound drowned out her words, as a bright light filled her vision. It crept in from the edges, and she could just see Chloe's shocked face as it overtook her. The warmth of it was familiar; the same Light she held so deeply in her heart, but she had not summoned it. She did not know where it came from.

Chloe and Melany watched as the Light surrounded their mother. Melany watched in both shock and fascination, while Chloe called out for their mother, to no answer. It lasted only a moment - the Light surrounded her, flared brighter still, and in a flash, Veora's back was empty of its rider.

Chloe and Melany shared a concerned glance; Odessii had vanished, the Light seeming to have taken her - and neither of them knew where.

[odessii-dragonblade]

Swords clashed. Battered against shields.

The back and forth, one combatant having the upper hand, only to mis-time a strike, or lose their footing, and be sent back on the defensive.

There was shouting, triumphant cries and shouts of pained deaths, and... Laughter.

A smile crept across Odessii's face as she watched a group of children in Stillwater playing at being soldiers, or knights, or whatever their imaginations fancied themselves. The sun shined overhead, and it was a good day to enjoy the outdoors - both for the children, and for herself.

The Paladin sat alone on a bench set against the town hall, facing the main square. Life went about as usual, her people quite used to her presence. The children played, merchants called out their wares, and visitors perused the carts or went on to their own business. Life was as it should be...

Soon enough, her solitude was interrupted - though not in any unwelcome way. "Enjoyin' the peace, my Lady?"

Odessii glanced up, smiling at Brent, who had been at her side for most of her time as Lady of House Dragonblade. A stalwart companion, and a loyal friend. "Aye, I am. It's a nice break from what I've seen back in Stormwind."

Brent gave a soft laugh, settling down beside Odessii. "That bad?"

The Paladin shrugged a shoulder, settling forward with her chin resting on one hand, propped up on a knee. "It's about what I remember... People talking in circles, without really listening to each other, except when they start arguing back and forth. All with people's best interests at heart, at least from what I saw - but... Well, I don't think I can go back to all that."

A hum escaped Brent, who - on the contrary to Odessii - settled back, arms crossed over his chest. "So, if not the politics... Then what?"

Odessii paused a moment, lips pursing in thought. She took in a breath, letting it out in a sigh. "I'm not sure. But, whatever the answer, I won't find it in Stormwind."

She sat up straight, folding her hands between her knees, eyes kept forward on the playing children. Another pause, and she spoke with certainty. "I'm going to Khaz Algar. No army, no strike force - just me. Raura is getting some hologems for me from the Exodar, so I can fulfill my duties while I'm away - but I need to remember what it's like to think as an individual, not the head of a House, a leader of troops..."

Brent peered at her, pausing a beat before asking: "You're sure?"

Odessii nodded, standing to her feet. "As sure as I ever am."

She looked back, and while he did not stand to follow her, he gave a nod, to which she returned a smile. The nod was returned, as well, and the Lady of House Dragonblade set off, to continue a walk of the grounds.

There was much to be done before she departed.

[chernobog13]

Alex Ross’ homage to George Perez’s cover for The New Teen Titans (vol. 1) #1.

[thefingerfuckingfemalefury]

This is neat :D

[fuckthisbloganditscurses]

Happiness Will Come To You.

[12goblins]

when tho

[fuckthisbloganditscurses]

When You Least Expect It. Probably Late March

[wizardshark]

reblog for happiness to come for you in late march!

[zigxortega]

[zac--efren]

I reblogged this last year and I hung out with blink-182 backstage on March 30. Reblogging again because it worked the first time.

[scientiablr]

honestly, last year one of the best days of my life happened in late March

[odessii-dragonblade]

Let’s see how the month goes.

[funnytwittertweets]

[pidoop]

me when I have a medium day: let’s spice it up with a little treat

[sensiblereblogifposts]

Reblog if you deserve a little treat

[r4cs0]

Thanks, staff.

[r4cs0]

What a great time to reblog this

[chumbie]

a lot of scantily clad women with numbers in ther urls are following me lately. they must be smitten with my devilish charm

[shamebats]

[odessii-dragonblade]

Sunset

Plated boots shifted dirt as the Lady of House Dragonblade walked down the road. It had been a long journey - both the journey to Stillwater, and all she had been through since setting out with her brother to Icecrown, so many months ago...

Months... Gods, how foolish she’d been. A harsh lesson learned, in the lands of the dead - a mistake, one she won’t ever make again. To abandon her people, to run off to face some crisis alone, just to escape the burden of leadership.

No wonder the Light hadn’t answered her in that place. Now, though... She glanced down - flexed her hand, and felt the warmth that sprung to it, a soft glow emanating from her palm. She smiled, and closed her fist again - she’d learned her lesson... And was doing what she knew to be right, once more. She could only hope her people forgave her... Or that she had enough time to make it right.

As she drew closer to familiar, stone walls and open gates, another familiar sight greeted her. She’d been fortunate to arrive while Brent was outside the town, tending to Veora. A joyed breath escaped her throat - almost like a laugh... She’d missed the Stormdrake dearly, as well as her close friend and advisor.

Her feet carried her closer, and soon she was noticed. Brent was surprised - of course he would be. That was the appropriate reaction when someone who’d left so suddenly, and hadn’t been heard from in so long suddenly returned. “Lady Dragonblade - thank the Gods you’re alive... Is... All is well, now, I assume?”

Odessii’s brows drew together - a softer expression, as she gave Brent a smile, and nodded. There was so much she could say... Should say - the man deserved apologies after apologies. But there he was, just glad she was in good health, and assuming her return meant good news. A good man... She was lucky to know him.

Brent glanced down the road, raising a brow before looking back at her. At the heavy blade, slung onto her back. “And... Lord Adisor? Where is he?”

A twinge - the smile didn’t fade from her face, but her brows knitted just a bit tighter. Her eyes creased. A bittersweet feeling, at the question’s immediate answer. “Resting, Brent... Finally resting.”

She could picture it now - Adisor, sat under the starry boughs of a tree in Ardenweald. At his side, the Elf who’d won his heart all those years ago... And had never lost it, even when death separated them. There was sorrow; sorrow for the brother she might never see again, or at least not for a very long time. But she was glad... He could finally be at peace - and Gods, how he deserved peace.

“There’s a lot to tell you, Brent... Some things you might not believe...” She smiled a bit wider, resting her hand on the pommel of her sword. Even sheathed, she felt the thrum of it - the Spiritblade, a weapon forged for her by her ancestor. Thaerina had stood over the forges in Bastion as she’d stood over forges in centuries past, forging Odessii a weapon as she’d forged one for her son.

Infused with anima from each of her predecessors, enchanted to grant her strength when her conviction was iron, and her heart was set. A final gift, something to help her be strong, and guide her back on the mortal plane. A way to keep her family with her, wherever she went... A part of them, anyway - she would, with luck, see them again when her own time came. When she found herself carried to Bastion, as well.

A sudden, deep breath through her nose, then out the mouth. Expelling air that might otherwise had turned to soft sobbing, containing tears she had no time for. Time, as she’d come to learn, was fleeting - one day there was nothing but time, and suddenly, one day, the time would run out. There was none to be spent sitting around. “But - there will be time for that, later... Come on, Brent.”

She stepped passed her somewhat bewildered officer, taking a moment to run a hand along Veora’s jaw as she passed. She gave the Stormdrake a scratch, thanked her for - presumably - being good while she was away. Then, she continued towards the village gates, Brent catching up to follow at her side. “And where are we going, exactly, my Lady?”

“To the next thing that needs doing. The work isn’t done... Not yet.” She stopped at the gate, just before crossing the threshold. The sounds of a bustling town, filled with people who looked to her for leadership, for protection. People who had become familiar, some who were friends... Merchants, farmers, and soldiers, all. She looked back at Brent, catching his gaze and smiling wider still. "Not ever.”

-----------------------------------------------------

OOC: At long last, I’ve gotten the inspiration I’ve been waiting for. I’ve been done with World of Warcraft for a little over a year, now, but I’ve never quite gotten to put a cap on my characters’ stories. And I’ve wanted to. Now, I have - not in some grand, irreversible finale... But in a way that feels appropriate, and leaves the door open, because who knows what the future holds.

But, now Ode and Adi can truly rest for a while in my head - writing them both has been one of my great joys, and proudest accomplishments. Having a great time over on @zhel-rathan, with my Viera’s adventures in Eorzea with @thegraveyardcompany.

As the saying goes - “It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later.”

[justmyownreality]

Me want to write. Me don't want to type. Me want scene in head implanted into word document.

[kuri-ejinn]

Whatever the company doctor had given her was finally beginning to make the cacophony of sights, sounds, and textures turn from jumbled static to a processable moment. The barracks were dark and the voices had stopped now, both from Bear and the doctors as well as the more distant ones in the corners of the room. Despite it not being her own bed, the soft blankets and pillow were comforting, so combined with the steady rhythm of Bear’s hand running over her back, she eventually fell asleep.

In the morning, she was alone. Muted sounds from the hallway and floor above told her that it was later than she expected. Kuri scooted herself to the edge of the bed and used the communal facilities to clean herself up and change into the fresh clothes that had been laid out for her. They were her own, but she wasn’t sure who had gone to her room to fetch them. She secured her damp hair into tight braids and promptly crawled back into the bed, gathering the blankets around her like a nest.

Hours passed in that state. Absorbed in her own thoughts, taking advantage of the rare moment of clarity, she reviewed the events of the previous night and winced at her actions. A mercenary shouldn’t flee the field, much less a medic, but they just kept finding exactly what she didn’t want to see. Kuri still believed what she had said in the woods - they were haunted.

In reality, she was not trained to be a mercenary or a medic or anything really. She was a young woman who had learned how to protect herself and survive after the tragic events in Othard and the Doman Sea. A firearm felt more comforting in her hands on the field than her cards did; they comforted her when she returned. At the thought, she reached for her holster and ammo belts, pulling them from the side table and into her lap. Kuri stared at the piece of machinery curiously. It was old and basic, a necessity she had acquired with the Iron Legion when she started to run into issues. That was in Ul’dah, but this was Ishgard. Wasn’t this city known for its machinists?

She squirreled that thought away and tumbled into others. While her time in the Iron Legion wasn’t something she thought back on fondly, it had been easier in some ways. Gil was her main motive, it was something she could control, something that gave her freedom to do with it as she liked. She became rather good at it too, knowing how to speak and who to push or not push to get closer to what she wanted. Tisha had been better at it than she was. Though it would be a slightly different application here, the principles were the same. If she could help create notoriety, it would bring in gil faster.

Kuri paused and glanced to the corner of the room. All was silent for a moment until the faint vibrations of footsteps in the hall ran across her horns. She glanced towards the door as it opened, but her view was obscured by the bed curtains.

“Kuri, are you still in here?”

[coffee-mouse-musings]

Watch "Dungeons & Dragons Trailer - Reaction" on YouTube

[lurker-no-more]

🤠🤠🤠🤠

(Link)

[your-url-is-problematic]

[your-url-is-problematic]

JEWPITER

[sulphurdotpng]

[risrielthron]

Help a family in need, organized by Rachel Johnson

Hello, My name is Rachel and I am an admin on a veterinary employee mental health page, No… Rachel Johnson needs your support for Help a family in need

I am one of those people who doesn’t like to ask for help but this is family and I can’t help them all alone. This gofundme is for my brother and his girlfriend. It was set up by one of her coworkers to help them both.

He’s not doing well. He’s now been in the hospital for two weeks. He is uninsured and because he was working he made just $500 too much to qualify for immediate state assistance.  I know that will change now but it will be months before he can get the financial help he needs, meanwhile they still have this coming at them plus all the things that you need to live day to day.

My brother will most likely need medication the rest of his life the way things are looking right now. It’s been a hard week and I suspect it will only get harder as the days go by.

If you can give anything, please do.

Thanks for reading, and thanks for any help.