#ahordeoftrouble

[illapa-greybane]

Have you ever really been far even as decided to use even go want to do look more like?

"Please don't have a stroke in my living room.”

[shithowdy]

THIS WAS a very new thing to try! @ahordeoftrouble (who i also can’t tag what the heck tumbo) requested a bust done in the glassy design style of their Arakkoa character. All the stuff I’ve done before was very generic so it was fun figuring out how to use that design style on an actual distinct character.

This is also my first Arakkoa commission? Wild.

[stahldrauf]

"Hey, Dad. -Dad-. I got someone I think you should meet. They're kind of watching over me a little. Like, y'know, a dad away from home? I guess not really. Oh, and they're also single, and also like other men, but that's just extra trivia I guess."

After going through two great swords within one year, a fact Stahldrauf grumbled about while he was working on a third, the Worgen found himself working on a third weapon.  Out on the front, there were more… exotic materials to work with. Eyeing the blade as he worked, he had no sooner set it down for a rest than his ears picked up the oh-so-subtle suggestion from Rekkis. 

The kid ‘as a point.  The Worgen -hated- that, but the Arakkoa wasn’t wrong. Avoiding it forever wouldn’t do him any good, and having another figure to watch over Rekkis presented a myriad of benefits.  The jaunt to the Dreadscar had resulted in Stahldrauf being laid up with injuries for close to two weeks while Fendell stitched bone together.

…What would’ve happened if Rekkis needed help?

Untying the heavy, leather apron, he hung it on a work peg. “Alrigh’.  Tell me about him.”  Striding towards the smaller Arakkoa, both of his fuzzy ears perked, he appeared to wholly listen to Rekkis. “What’s ‘is name?”

[stahldrauf]

"What if you married another long-lived person? Like a Night Elf or... or like, another Death Knight? Would I get another Dad then?"

Stahldrauf hadn’t left the room after Rekkis’ nightmare, electing to remain on guard.  Truth be told, he had elected out of sleep since he’d gotten there; if -something- out there was targeting his son, he’d be damned if he’d be asleep while it happened.   Of course, while sleep became a much-enjoyed past time, it took a little to break out of its grasp; as he stood guard, he yawned broadly. Both of his ears perked as Rekkis posed the quest—quiet, unsure, and with enough pleading that his brows furrowed.

“Or a Draenei.” Adding it with a soft smile, his gaze shifted out the window, a soft sigh escaping him. “I’ve thought about it—honestly, I ‘ave. But… that’s a -lot- to ask someone ta get used too.  Death Knights were a terrible thing before we were liberated, an’ all of them will remember what they were.” The low, rumbling voice filled the room. “An’ to be clear, I haven’t been against it. But… lookin’ at ‘em just because they’re around feels… like a false relationship. I feel like I outta care more about the person than their life span.” He pauses, before giving a darkly amused chuckle.

“And mos’ death knights watched me get thrown off Archerus, so I don’t think that’s a viable dating pool.”

[stahldrauf]

"You poor, deluded soul. Do you really think that you can stop us? Or, even, stop him? He will come to us. Of his own volition or not. Curiosity, after all, is such a dangerous thing. It killed the cat, will it kill the flightless bird too? Come, you pitiable wretch. Let's see if you've got the strength to back up the incessant barking."

The stables were quiet as he assembled the barding on hismount, working swiftly—and that was when he heard the voice again. He took adeep breath, stilling himself as he worked the straps into place.

“An’ yet, fer all mybarking, you’re the one talkin’ from the shadows gunning for a kid. I’m notscared of you.” He scowled disapprovingly, cinching one last strap into placebefore turning on his heel, heading out of the stables. “I ain’t good at a lotof stuff. But what  I am good at is makin’sure things like you stay down.”Leaning against the wall, luminous blue eyes turned towards the main district,keeping a sharp eye out for Fendell.

“I promise, I’ll put you in the ground an’ keep him safe.Even if it takes tooth an’ claw.”

[stahldrauf]

"Hey Dad... am I ever gonna get another Dad? Or mom, I guess, but I figure it'll be another Dad. Uh, wait, this is gonna get confusing. But anyway, we'll deal with that later."

A deep, amused chuckle escaped his throat, one of his eye brows quirking as his gaze lifted.  He had been in the blacksmiths, hammering out the dings in his new-ish set of armor. “Another one? Yer askin’ if I’m gonna marry someone?” Picking up the vambrace, he lifted it up to the magically-enchanted light, blue eyes trailing along its surface.  

“Not anytime soon, sorry.  Bein’ dead, I can’t do that to someone.”  Allowing a moment for what he assumed would be a contrary squawk, he rumbled deeply. “It’s okay!  I’m at peace with it; I know I got folks who are okay with it, but long term?  I couldn’t ask them ta deal with that daily—especially with as often as we’re at war.”  Placing the vambrace back onto the workbench, he kept his eyes on Rekkis.

“An’ I already see folks getting’ older without me. I… kind of don’t want to lose more than I have to.”

[stahldrauf]

"... Dad?" Rekkis peered in to the Worgen's room. Then he basically threw himself into a hug with the other. "... Please don't send me back. Please don't make me go back with them. I promise I'll stay out of trouble. I'll even stay home. I'll quit the Federation. I'll go to school. Whatever I just... don't let them take me. Please. They're not my parents anymore. I can't go back to that world. I can't. This one's so much better. This one's... please dad. Don't give me away."

The Worgensimply sat in the small dwelling, eyes boring a hole into nothing inparticular.  His thoughts were a miasma,self-defeat, and loathing. All which were interrupted as Rekkis barged in,causing the Worgen to lean forward. Or attempt to, as a hundred pounds ofanguished Arakkoa thumped into him.  

On the plusside, those baleful thoughts were instantly pushed away. “Rekkis…. Easy, kiddo,easy.”  Pulling the Arakkoa in close, theWorgen’s chest gave off a soothing rumble, blue eyes watching the door warily. Ileft that out of the letter… “I ain’t making you go anywhere.  Yer doing good work with the Federation—I’dbe more upset if you quit that.”   Forthe moment, he allowed Rekkis the time he needed to get it all out, ensuringthe full, warm hug was kept.  Only oncethe nervous trembling eased up did he move back, his luminous blue eyescentering on Rekkis.

“I wouldnever give ya up, kid. They wouldn’t take you back as long as I’ve got movementleft in me. Especially back… there.” Shaking his head, his muzzle spread out. “No, yer here now.  Yer doin’ some fine work with theFederation—more than you were ever allowed to back there.  So, no, yer not goin’ back—especially withthem.”  The mutt was getting -better- athiding his anger, but for a brief moment, his lips curled upward.  Especially since….

“Did theycontact you about it?”  His ears slowlyrose upright, the Worgen keenly listening in on every word.  If they contacted Rekkis without contactinghim first…. No. Ya gotta think straight. “I’ll need ta let the authorities know if theycontinue.”

[kai-2124]

I'm not sure if it was intended and I don't mean this in any derogatory way so I'm sorry if it comes off as such: but that recent picture of human Rho felt very 90s Disney animation and I love it for that!

Aw goodness, no it’s not derogatory at all, I’ve actually been looking at concept art for Disney/Pixar movies a lot lately which has given me a huge drive to draw and try things again since I love drawing characters.

So it’s actually kinda what I was going for so thankyou!