#cordana

[corvusalbus93]

Cordana and Narami, watching Khadgar (do anything really), during most of Warlords of Draenor.

Had this in a reblog (with some writing on it), so this is the plain version.

[spellbound037]

Cordana Felsong: STOP COMMITTING WAR CRIMES!

Khadgar: I won't :)

The entire Burning Legion: *confused screaming*

[bonusdragons]

April 12, 2022:

Grapefruit Primary, Obelisk, Opal.

Solythus of Cordana’s clan!

[josema99]

- Te extrañare - cuando me necesites, despiértame.

[juun-the-aira-mun]

"You have fallen."

The thundering voice was what pushed the warden from he rlast moments. Her eyes sprung open, her head slowly pulling to the side to look at whoever was approaching her. Step after step, echoes running through the hall she would find her eternal rest in. She could see the outlines of the figure who was stepping closer and closer, finally kneeling down in front of her, hand resting on one knee, the other reaching forward.

Cordana knew this person. She knew that face, knew these eyes, the markings that were scarred into her skin. She could feel the judgement in the others gaze, could feel the endless sorrow in these eyes she had seen so many times before. She was sure the others sister would be nearby as well, yet she did not care for such thoughts. In this very moment something else echoed in her mind, something deep and utterly saddening.

Sorry.

The thought echoed through her mind. It was a feeling of immense dread and a feeling of defeat she had never felt before. Not when her soul had succumbed to Gul'Dan and the elven fragments of her echoed in sadness, not when she had been defeated by the group of adventurers who had managed to invade this tomb, not even after she had been forced the leave her friends behind and journey to Draenor, knowing she would never meet them again. Now that she was face to face with one of them ... she felt defeated. Felt the weight of her betrayal suddenly crush onto her shoulders while the sight of her eyes started to get duller and duller as she slipped away from the here and now into the afterlife.

Cordana's eyes shot open. Pain was clutching to her body, a strange obscenely cold pain which numbed her limbs and torso, her eyes and head moving left and right in panic, before they suddenly stopped and looked ahead to the figure in front of her. Something was different. She couldn't feel the power anymore which had radiated from the twisting nether, which had made her submit and follow. Instead,she felt a pain, a pain from deep within the planet she still was on. And she noticed ... she was alive.

However, she doubted this to be the case for that much longer, as her eyes foxated the Warden in front of her. Of all people she had expected to deliver the judgement of betrayal she had never thought this one to be the executioner. Not in a million years. Maiev Shadowsong. The leader of the Warden and the most powerful of them all stood in front of her, her umbra crescent in one hand, the other hidden under her robe, as she stepped forward and closed the small distance between the two. She couldn't see the others eyes from under her helmet but she had no doubt that they were filled with hate and contempt.

"Cordana." The others raspy voice filled the room they stood in. The one spoken to narrowed her eyes. She had a bad feeling about all of this, as Maiev's arm reached upwards to the side, forming a parallel to the ground, the weapon in her fingers turning to point sideways. "You have been judged by the wardens. You have been saved even though you deserve death. For but a single purpose: To fulfill a destiny written for you aoens ago."

The blade pulled forward, quickly and in a swift movement. She had no doubt it would ravage her flesh and skin, would cut through her neck and end her right here and now. But it didn't. It halted mere inches in front of her face, far enough that the bindings which had kept her in place made it impossible for her to hurt herself, impossible to push forward and end her existance right here and now. No, she knew now, she was not destined to die by the others blade. At least not know.

"The powers you obtained have caused great pain to many. And took the life of more." Maiev's voice turned into a threatening whisper so sharp that the former Warden flinched and tried to pull herself away from the other yet found little avail in such attempt. The other Nightelf stepped closer, just a bit, as she leaned forward, a whisper so faint that even her enhanced senses could barely make out the words leaving the wardens lips under the helmet she wore. "If it were to me, you would see a death more painful than what you inflicted on others for it. But you are at luck. Azeroth herself has other plans. And I am forced to oblidge."

Then, she felt the others weapon push forward and against her chest.

Magical bindings surrounded her. Spells, woven to hold down massive powers tangled around her body like snakes which got ready to devour their prey. Chains ran around it and as they did, Cordana felt how the Fel-energies she had gathered seemed to return. Just to be twisted, to be turned and broken into pieces only to reform again and repeat the process. Screams echoed from her lips. She could feel her skin burning up, could see how small markings started to burn into the flesh, as metalic plates rose from the ground below her, pulling up and settling down into place. A pair of chains started to wrap around her legs, pulling up further and further, grinding into her flesh and fusing with it, as the pulled up and over her face. Her screams grew so high pitched that her voice gave out, horror filling her eyes which were soon covered by a familiar sight, a visor pulling between Maiev and herself, heavy plates starting to weight down on her as bit after bit her armor formed, fused from the metal she had worn for millenia and the fel magic she had learned and devoured. It felt as if years had passed as the pain seemed to subside just to echo and stay as a reminder of what had happened and who she had become, a constant companion she would forever have to call her own. In reality, mere seconds must have passed, moments in which Maiev had slowly pulled back her weapon and straightened her back, towering above the Fel infused nightelf who now fell to her knees, bindings disappearing, leaving the betrayer to her fate.

Slowly, Maiev turned around. Her footsteps seemed loud and hollow after the silence that remained from the others screams. She knew Cordana's fate would be worse than death itself, but it brought her no pleasure whatsoever. No relief. She had seen something like this happen before, had watched it for tenthousand years. She knew, this would be little different.

Finally, she stopped, her hand resting on the frame of the iron door she had stepped into, as she turned around to look down onto the covering elf half laying, half kneeling on the ground in the middle of the chamber. Her voice sounded grim yet iron as she spoke up one last time. "You have sought a power for selfish reasons. Now and forever ... it shall serve as your prison." Then, she turned and let the door shut close to leave the Blade of Azeroth to her misery.

[factoidfactory]

Random Fact #1,137

Your smart tv records everything you say. 

So does Siri. 

And Cordana. 

And Alexa. 

And Google Home.

It’s how they know to pay attention when you say their name – they’re always listening.

[corvusalbus93]

Frostfire Ridge, 31 main timeline/ -2 alternate timeline

Khadgar was robbed of his youth, Cordana was being too serious again and we were taking too long finishing our quest...shenanigans ensued.

[corvusalbus93]

Khadgar: Tea Time

During a stormy night in Zangarra, Cordana voices some of her concerns to Khadgar, troubled by the path the Archmage is going down and the powers he studies.

-

It was night in Zangarra, and the cove was lit only by the bioluminescent mushrooms growing in the cove. No star or moonlight was visible, instead heavy rain was pouring from the dark clouds above, cold and unrelenting.

Cordana took a deep breath, her night elven eyes able to pierce through the darkness. She was ever vigilant, searching for anything that didn’t belong here, but only saw sporebats looking for shelter, their multi-coloured wings shimmering like stained-glass windows.

From afar they reminded the Warden a little of faerie dragons, if not quite as pretty, and the thought made her think of home. She missed the forests of Ashenvale and coast of Azsuna. And at this particular moment she even missed the vault, nice and dry.

Cordana attention was drawn away from her memories, when she heard footsteps behind her, coming from within the tower, and judging by the sound, they were Khadgar’s.

“Cordana, the rain hitting your armour can be heard for miles around and I wager that cloak of yours is soaked by now,” the Archmage said softly, standing in the doorway, a kind smile on his lips. “Would you please just come inside, and spare us both the argument?”

The Warden hesitated, but she knew Khadgar would be insisting all through the eve, until she relented or he went to bed. This wasn’t their first dance. Admittedly, her cloak was quite heavy and would be slowing her down in a case of emergency, so he had a point. And she really wasn’t in the mood to argue with him again. Thunder rumbled in the distance, as if the weather itself had decided to chime in.

Cordana sighed beneath her helmet. “Very well.” From the corner of her eyes, she saw his smile turn into a triumphant grin, but Cordana went on to ignore it, checking the perimeter one last time before stepping inside.

Her eyes needed a moment to adjust to the light, and she headed straight for the fire bowl at the side of the room, while the door closed behind her. She removed her cloak and spread it out across a chair, close to the flames, though it would take hours to dry. A moment later Khadgar appeared beside the Warden, handing her a steaming mug. It almost seemed like a peace offering.

“Thought it might help you warm up.”                                    

“Thank you, Khadgar.”

“It’s a new type, by the way. Hope you like it; the SI:7 agent I got it from swore by it.”

Cordana didn’t try it immediately, instead putting the mug aside for a moment to remove her helmet. It was nice to feel a breeze against her skin after spending most of the day in uniform, and she wiped a few raindrops that had gotten through her visor from her forehead. She checked her hair, which she kept fixed against the back of her head with a hairclip, so it fit under the helmet. It was a little uncomfortable at times, and sometimes she could hear the helmet scrape against the clasp. Maybe she should have taken the other armour variant instead; it’s helmet was partially open in the back and would have allowed her to keep her hair in a ponytail. Lesson learned for the next assignment.

Meanwhile, the Archmage was also making himself comfortable, taking a seat by the fire, a mug of his own in hand and a book floating beside him, patiently waiting to be read.

Cordana glanced to the door and window, checking the room carefully. Most of the other Kirin Tor, who were living here in Zangarra, had already retired for the night, so the two were alone for the moment. Only after she had reassured herself that nothing was lying in ambush, did the Warden finally sit down and pick up her tea again.

Her gloves protected her fingers from the heat, but the steam was soon enveloping her, and she sniffed. Herbal tea? It certainly wasn’t one of the greens and whites they usually had.

She took a sip and found the tea to be quite pleasant, warmth spreading through her every fibre. Still, she couldn’t place it. “It’s an interesting flavour. Did the agent tell you what type it is?”

“Thistle tea. Do you like it?”

“It’s good. Actually somewhat invigorating,” Cordana admitted. After a long day in the rain, she frankly welcomed the beverage.

He gave her another smile. “I’m glad to hear it. I was never certain if you ever liked the other teas, or if you were drinking just to be polite.”

“Maybe both,” she replied, feeling a little sassy. Then her eyes landed on the pile of books near his seat. “Do you plan on reading all night again?”

“Well, right now we are talking and enjoying some tea.”

Cordana only just managed not to roll her eyes at that. “You’re evading my question, Khadgar.” He liked doing that.

“I still got time for some ‘light’ reading,” he told her, before looking at her with a frown. “And you? Do you plan on getting any sleep?”

She shrugged. “Eventually. Once you’re in the upper levels, you should be safe enough.”

Khadgar sighed, but didn’t protest. He knew by now she wouldn’t relent. For a while they just sat in silence and enjoyed their tea, before the Archmage let his book float closer and returned to his reading. Cordana continued to watch the flames, letting the warmth seep into her, happy to feel the tips of her long ears again. Of course she remained attentive, but with all doors and windows locked, relied on senses other than her sight. Though she was no mage, even she would be able to sense magic to a degree, a sensation she likened to the moments before a thunderstorm, when one could feel the electricity in the air.

When she had almost finished her tea, Cordana’s eyes wandered through the room, only to pause upon seeing what the Archmage was reading.

It was a tome she would have expected in the hands of a warlock or other practitioners of dark magic, and the sight made her skin crawl. “This is what you consider ‘light reading’?” Her tone was cold and by the looks of it caught Khadgar a little off guard.

“Does it trouble you that much I consult these books?”

It surprised her he even needed to ask. “Of course. They only hold corruptive knowledge and foul spells.” Every instinct told her to either lock them away or better yet destroy them, so their content could never influence anyone ever again.

For the first time this eve he was utterly serious and Khadgar closed the tome, placing a hand on the cover. “Knowledge is power, but the key is using it wisely. I intent on using what insights I gain against Gul’dan and his masters.”

Cordana put her mug aside. “Corruption can be subtle, it can take years, but it can take hold of anyone no matter how noble their initial intentions.” And she knew he meant well, she’d seen enough to know that, only his methods troubled her, his search for power to use against the warlock.

“I am well aware of the dangers, and I am not taking this lightly. But without such knowledge, we’re fighting them blindly or do the Watchers not believe in studying their enemy?”

“There are lines we do not cross. Like using the powers of our enemy.” His brows twitched at her last statement. She tried to remain objective, but couldn’t quite manage to hide the apprehension. She feared how his search for knowledge would affect him. “I know you believe you have everything under control, but each step, no matter how small or insignificant it seems at the time...in the end they sum up all same, they still lead down the road to damnation.” Cordana leaned forward in her chair, her tone softening. “Dire times have a tendency to drive people to the extremes, and I worry what they will bring out in you.”

For a moment he remained silent, holding her gaze. “I... appreciate you worrying about me,” Khadgar began, choosing his words carefully. “However, we came to this world, knowing there might be no return. And it’s not even the first time for me,” he reminded her and his eyes turned to the book in his hands. “If Gul’dan is allowed to pursue his plans and those of his master, there is no limit to the damage he could do. No telling how many would suffer. So, I fear not taking these risks more than I fear the danger they represent. And I know I put others into danger as well, but I don’t do so lightly, however it may seem. We are fighting a war, a war that will not only determine the fate of this world, but ours as well. This is not the time for half measures.”

He had a point.

As much as the Warden wanted to contest, he wasn’t wrong, not entirely. But this meant he would continue to study all manners of dark magic, perhaps even use it, if he deemed it necessary. Nothing she said, no warning would change that. No, arguing wouldn’t get her anywhere, never had; best she could do was stay close and intervene when possible. The Archmage was stubborn once he’d set his mind on something, not unlike some others Cordana had served under. Maiev Shadowsong came to mind, and the Warden shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

“Please, don’t lose yourself in this hunt. A mage of your power...”

“You fear I will succumb to the Legion’s influence, like so many before me.”

“Am I wrong to be concerned?”

The Archmage shook his head. “No. There is always that temptation, that chance at more power, enough to set things right, to save everyone.” Suddenly his eyes lit up with steely determination. “But I assure you, I am well aware of the pitfalls such shortcuts hold. I know their tricks and false promises. As long as I live and breathe, I will never be their puppet.”

“I hope you are right, for all our sakes.” And Cordana meant it. The Archmage feared the harm and destruction Gul’dan could cause, yet his own power in service of the Burning Legion would be at least as dangerous, if not more so, considering everything he knew. Yes, Khadgar could become the greater threat in the end. “And what if you do fall?”

“Then I must trust in people like you, to do what is right.” He gave her a smile, but the Warden saw no joy in it, only a note of sorrow. He knew what would be necessary; he’d done it himself.

As she went over the scenario in her head, it frightened Cordana that she wasn’t sure she would be able to do it, if it came to that. But she was a Warden, her duty was clear. It was one of the reasons she was here.  “I would,” she assured him after a second of hesitation. “Just promise me never to put me in that position.”

Khadgar’s smile became a little more genuine. “I promise,” he said and placed a hand on his heart. “On my life.”

Cordana prayed to Elune he would keep his word.

-

Second in a short series about Khadgar and Cordana on Draenor. We only had tiny bits and pieces in game, and I really wanted to expand on both them and her eventual corruption through the orb of dominion.

I also try to write it in a way that it works whether you ship them or not.

First part

Short about Khadgar, while we go into Vault of the Wardens in Legion

Entire series on AO3