(( DWC may 2026, Day 1, Gloom/Allure, @daily-writing-challenge CW: none ))
Dolraan smiled as he closed the infirmary door behind him, leaving a recovering Alynore in the care of her husband. Wes had been beside himself with worry, but with the destruction of the dark naaru and purification of the sunwell, she and the others who had suffered in the wake of Xal'atath's assault were healing well. As he exited, he spotted Janosis, Spiru, and Lorellai, his team, waiting for him.
"Janosis has a question!" Lorellai blurted out as he greeted them, causing the human to groan.
"I thought we agreed -we- had a question, Lorellai," Janosis sighed.
Spiru's gaze bored into Dolraan's. "We have had to face paladins and priests overcome with zealousness and rage. You have remained sane, but there has been a strain on you that in hindsight has seemed abnormal."
"We just want to be able to help you!" Lorellai chimed in, all three of them looking at him with various levels of concern.
Dolraan couldn't help but smile. "Well, isn't it good that I was just coming to talk to you three about it then? Let's grab a bench out in the grounds so we're not taking up the hallway.
A short time later, the four sat on a bench in a lovely park. The sky was clear for the first time in weeks, much to the delight of the locals. Dolraan cleared his throat. "Alright. So, you know that I, and my fellow paladins draw our power from the Holy Light. What's harder to explain is how the light feels to us. It's a bit different from person to person."
Dolraan looked up, letting the sunlight caress his face. "For me, it's always been like a lantern. Warm, welcoming, guiding. It has helped me find my way to where I need to be, and reminded me of what I need to do. Ever since we were summoned though.... it was more like fire. Powerful. Purposeful. Dangerous. And I wanted to feel it."
Spiru blinked. "That is concerning."
Dolraan nodded. "The allure of it was one of purpose, of Knowing with a capital K. 'There is the enemy' it felt like, 'you need but destroy them to save the world.' And it only got stronger as we pushed further into the Voidspire. It offered answers to all the questions and doubts in my heart. But.... what happened with the army of light? I felt the pull when they turned on us. The Light was burning in my soul. To stop Alleria. I think I know now what Lothraxion went through before we had to kill him."
"That's scary... how did you resist?" Lorellai asked.
"My oath. Most paladins swear one when we are knighted, and it becomes our purpose, and in Stormwind we were encouraged to write our own." Dolraan stood up, and when he spoke next, his voice resonated.
"I swear to devote my life to protecting the innocent from the cruel; the weak from the strong, and the righteous from the wicked. I shall show Respect in diplomacy, Tenacity in battle, and Compassion in victory. If I fall, it will be only when I have done all I could do."
Dolraan blinked then smiled at his friends. "And if I'd listened to what the Light was roaring in my ear then, I wouldn't have upheld that oath. It helped ground me, much like I think Turalyon's love for his family grounded him, kept him from losing himself up there, for all the good it did us."
"So, is the Light not the benevolent force we believed, then?" Janosis mused.
"The fire and rage is gone, all the survivors have felt it just as I did. It's like it was before all this happened. I think... I think we saw the harsh side of the Light, like we did back during the Legion War when X'era overstepped herself and tried to forcibly lightforge Illidan Stormrage. As we have seen over the last few years, none of the great powers are simply understood. I'd not expect the Light to be any different."
"Thank you for your explanation, and I hope the Light does not attempt to subvert you again. I would hate to have to attempt to subdue you, both because of our friendship, and because I suspect it would take many of us to do so," Spiru said, cracking a smile. "You have a remarkably hard head."
Dolraan barked out laughing. "It's served me well so far. Don't worry, I'm just a year out from getting my 'Ten years without being mind controlled' badge, and I'm not going to let that slip through my fingers!"
Lorellai blinked. "You were mind controlled nine years ago?"
Dolraan grinned. "Let's hit up one of Silvermoon's pubs and I'll tell you all about it. I was on a mission with Henii and Rastila investigating a demonic incursion...."
(( DWC February 2024 Day 1, Casualty/Flirt, CW: None, thanks to @heniimagic for the OC loan, @daily-writing-challenge ))
Lorellai's smile fell as the Human turned away from her, her shoulder slumping as she wandered back to the table she was sharing with Henii. "Och, that's three times now I've been turned down. What kind of festival dedicated to love is this that I cannae even get someone to share a drink with me? What should I say, how should I act, what should I do?"
"I think the problem might be in your approach dear… oh, perhaps I can show you. Ghorren!" Henii called out, getting the attention of the big Zandalari at the bar. "Could you come join us, I need your help."
Ghorren shrugged and walked over, taking a seat. "Sounds simple enough. What do you need?"
"Lorellai needs an example of how to flirt," Henii said, adjusting herself in her chair and then looking at Lorellai. "Now, the first words out of your mouth are the most important. You may want to start with something like this." Turning to Ghorren, she leaned in slightly. "You are the most handsome Troll I've ever laid eyes on."
Ghorren glanced at Lorellai out of the side of his eye, then back to Henii, saying nothing.
Henii chuckled. "But that might not work."
Ghorren leaned in. "Oh, yes it would, in fact."
Henii turned her focus back to him. "You don't know how long I've wanted to tell you that."
"But you were afraid," he replied.
"Yes."
"Of me?"
"Of us. Of what we might become. Or that you might think it was just a line."
"Maybe I do think that."
"So you think I'm insincere."
"I didn't say that. There's nothing wrong with a line. It's like a knock at the door."
"Then are you inviting me in?"
"I'm not sending you away."
"That's more than I expected."
"Is it as much as you hoped?"
Henii leaned in closer. "To hope is to recognize the possibility. I had only dreams."
"Dreams can be dangerous," he cautioned, his face cradled in his hands as he held his gaze locked with hers.
"Not these dreams. I dream of a night sky where your eyes are the stars, and all the peoples of Azeroth worship the night."
Ghorren closed the gap between them even more, a laugh in his voice. "Careful, putting me on a pedestal so high, you might not be able to reach me."
"Then I'll learn to fly. You are the heart of my day, and the soul of my night."
Lorellai cleared her throat. "Um, I'm not sure this is really meh style…"
Ghorren broke his gaze with Henii quickly to glare at the girl, snapping at her to "Hush kid," before turning his attentions back to the Draenei across from him. "Tell me more about my eyes."
Lorellai rolled her eyes and walked away from the table, trying to ignore the heat in her cheeks and leaving them to whatever that was.
(Thanks and apologies to the cast and crew of the classic TNG episode "The Dauphin")
Banagan sat on a rock and glanced around at the crowds that had gathered in the glenn. There were so many individuals from so many different walks of life, all together in this place. And for the first time in what seemed like ages, the mood was relaxed, celebratory.
“You’re sounding tired, son.”
Banny looked down at the guild stone that all members of the Dawn carried and wonder, not for the first time, how his father could do that.
“I guess I am. A little bit.” A tired smile played across his face. “But it felt important to be here.”
“Understandable. Sounds like a good crowd.”
“There is. I think I saw Khadgar around here somewhere. And of course the Aspects.”
“Any of the Meddlers there?”
“Yeah, they’re around here somewhere.”
“Then why are you wasting time talking to your old man?” There was a quiet chuckle. “You guys helped pull off something big. You should be celebrating with them.”
“I didn’t do that much, dad.”
“Did your group come out alive?”
“Well, yeah.”
“Then you did something. You were a part of something important.”
“Yeah, but..”
“Banny, I love you son. But shut up and go be with your friends. We’ll have plenty of time to catch up later.”
“Sure, dad,” Banny answered with a grin, shaking his head. He wasn’t convinced, but he recognized that tone in his father’s voice to know it wasn’t worth the effort to argue. “I’ll go get a drink and find the others.”
“Sounds like a good plan. And if you need anything else, send word and I’ll get it to you as soon as I can.”
“Sure thing, dad.”
“Safe travels, son.”
“You too, dad.” Banagan looked at the stone for a few more moments before putting it back in the pouch on his belt. Looking up, he scanned the crowds again and spotted one of the makeshift bars that had been set up for the gathering. He made his way over and got a mug of something that was being served. He looked at everyone else around the bar and they seemed to be enjoying the beverage, so he figured it must be good. Stepping away to make room for others, he moved to the other side of the path before taking a drink. It was stronger than he expected, but not bad at all.
“Greetings, paladin. You are enjoying the festivities I hope.”
Banagan lowered his mug and turned towards the voice. Standing beside him was a Highmountain Tauren. However, there was a feeling of power that surrounded the Tauren, strong enough that Banny thought he could reach out and touch it. At that realization, he looked down and gave a little bow.
“I am, Ebyssian. Thank you.”
“Yet you seem troubled.”
“No, Aspect. I mean not really.”
“Should we not celebrate?”
“Oh no. Of course you should. We should.”
The Aspect watched Banagan for a moment before speaking again. “I am not used to such crowds. It is so loud. There is so much energy.”
“Tell me about it,” the young paladin responded quietly, eliciting a slight smile from the Aspect.
“But this is a deserved celebration. You have accomplished something important.”
“Well, not really me. Others.”
“I was under the impression that you were part of the group that fought. Were you not?”
“I was there, but the others did most of the fighting. I was just trying to help.”
“That is all any of us have been doing. Trying to help.”
“Yeah, but other people did more than I did. They deserve the credit.”
“You were there. You assisted as you were able. Your credit is well earned.”
Banagan looked at the Tauren standing next to him and tried to think of what to say. But before he could find the words, Ebyssian looked over Banagan’s shoulder and then pointed.
“I believe someone is looking for you.”
Banny looked to where Ebyssian was pointing. Among the tables in the field, he saw a familiar face. Lorellai was waving to him, calling out to join their table. Along with the dwarf were several other members of the Meddlers, enjoying drinks. Banny grinned and nodded before turning back to the Aspect.
(( DWC june 2026, Day 4, inadequate/bond, @daily-writing-challenge CW: none ))
Lorellai kept her head low as she moved through the brush, keeping as much cover between her and the ethereal camp as she could. They'd appeared suddenly, and minutes later had assembled a camp that would need to be dealt with, and that meant getting as much information on them as possible for the strike teams coming out of Amani'zar. She had her goggles down, tagging as many important structures and potential weak points as she could, when suddenly her vision shifted, and a flash of her back from a medium distance behind and above, where an Ethereal was creeping up on her, knives out.
She spun, and parried the strike with her sword as her blessed owl Nylas swooped down, sinking glowing talons into the wrappings of the ethereal's back. Lorellai drew her knife in her offhand, and lashed out, sinking it into the energies that made up the alien being, staggering it back far enough to bring her longblade to bear, cutting it down, leaving only smoldering wrappings in place. She turned her gaze quickly to the camp, and breathed a sigh of relief. No sign they'd noticed the scuffle, but she'd need to get clear soon and connect with the strike team. She reached down and ruffled Nylas' head feathers, getting an approving soft hoot from the magical creature. Someday she'd need to see him back to his mistress, but for now, her bond with him was more than welcome.
(( DWC February 2026, Day 1, Yearn/Couple, @daily-writing-challenge CW: none ))
The gentle winds of the Jade Forest were filled with the scents of cherry blossoms, wafting up from the grand orchards and filling the whole region with the gentle aroma, a perfect setting for a quiet picnic date.
Dagran sighed contentedly. He'd been planning this little get together for over a week, arranging his schedule just so, getting the various treats together, and dozens of other small pieces that added up to a wonderful whole; a picnic date during the Gala of Gifts with the young woman who made everything just a bit more wonderful.
Now if only she could find it in her to relax.
Lorellai was a bundle of nerves, her gaze wandering around at all the other people who were taking advantage of the gala's portals to enjoy scenic getaways. Everywhere she turned, another set of eyes on her and Dagran, and the whispers of rumour that came from it.
"Dagran, everyone's looking at us!" she hissed, nervously holding a tart.
"They're probably wondering why you're head's on a swivel, Lorellai. You really ought to relax, these candies are much better when you are able to give them your full attention."
"You know what I mean, Dagran, they all recognize you!"
"They recognize us, Lorellai. Despite your insistence otherwise, you've made plenty of waves yourself. Daughter of some of Ironforge's most storied heroes, Hero of the Primalist conflict, you're not some nobody. The key to dealing with it is to let them whisper and wonder. Live honestly and they'll have nothing to bother with." Dagran replied, pulling out a pair of sandwiches and placing them on a plate between the pair. "I would certainly not want to hide away in some hidden place where no one could see me. I like you quite a bit, and want to see the world with you at my side."
Lorellai blushed. "It's just... I know what they say back home. About my da' and your ma', and everything that happened back before we were born. That stuff lingers for Ironforge."
"That it does. Mother's still not especially thrilled about us, to be honest. But I am willing to face her disapproval for you." Dagran took a deep breath. "That said, if it's too much pressure for you, or if the idea of us as a couple doesn't make you as happy as it makes me-"
"Not another word, Dagran." Lorellai said, spinning on him and meeting his gaze for the first time since they'd arrived. "I... I like you too. I'm just not used to being the center of attention. But I can face it."
"I'm glad to hear being seen in public with me isn't scarier than facing Dimensius, the void lord." Dagran smirked, poking his companion in the shoulder, earning himself a soft punch in return with a chuckle. "That's more like it. Now then, why don't we enjoy this beautiful view, and let everyone else wonder as they will."
Lorellai blushed and smiled, stuffing a chocolate in her mouth, before sliding closer to Dagran. It was indeed a beautiful view.
(( DWC November 2025, Day 1, Sweet/Static, @daily-writing-challenge CW: none ))
It was a tense time for the heroes of Azeroth. The Harbinger had taken her prize and disappeared, and while the hunt continued, most of Azeroth's champions were stuck waiting for the other shoe to drop. There was still work to be done, of course, but the waiting could weigh on the mind. Some devoted their time to connecting with loved ones. Others on honing their craft to be ready. And others throwing themselves into hobbies.
Lorellai was one of the latter, finding projects to fill her time. Which was why she was kneeling in front of a radio terminal she'd set up in the settlement at the base of Dhar'Oztan, home of the storm riders. After learning that they relied on the riders to bring messages back and forth from Dornagal and the rookery, she'd taken it upon herself to try and improve things. However, the stormy weather and energized crystals of the mountain seemed to have other ideas.
"Come on, work, it's just a little interference!" she said, twisting the tuning knob on the device, hoping that the latest configuration of signal boosters and shielding would be enough. But try as she might, all she got was static.
"Your efforts are commendable," Stormrider Hulgen declared, "but there is a reason we have not attempted to use radio communications before. The energies of the mountain are too powerful for radio signals to penetrate."
Lorellai powered down the receiver in frustration. "So it seems... but there's still got to be a better way than sending stormriders to and fro. Sure, it's fine in peaceful times, but in a moment of danger, every second can count."
"On this, we are agreed, but so long as the energies of the storm surround Dhar'Oztan, our options are limited."
"Wait...." Lorellai pondered, feeling something poking at her brain. "The storm's energies fill the sky... but what about the ground? I need to head back to Dornagal, be back soon!" she declared, grabbing up her pack and dashing out of the room.
Back in Dornagal, she appeared in the doorway to Dagran's workspace, out of breath. "Where's yer maps of the Ringing Deeps?" she asked, dropping her pack and pulling out some quickly scribbled calculations she'd made on the rdie over.
Dagran had become quite accustomed to Lorellai's sudden appearances, and smartly pulled out the requested maps, before also pouring a glass of water for his lady friend. "Got some big plan then?" he asked, curious what had gripped her this time.
"We can't get a radio signal to Dhar'Oztan through the air above. So what if we set up a receiver in the air below?" she said, eyeing him manically.
"Er.... care to elaborate?"
"We find the closest point in the roof of the deeps to Dhar'oztan, then we dig a small tunnel, just enough to run a heavy duty cable through. The Machine Speaker's digbots can probably get what we need. We run that cable all the way down into the deeps, and set up an energized dish to allow them to send and recieve radio communications via stations in the deeps! Expand the radio network across the whole territory and in so doing finally bring service to Dhar'Oztan!"
"So just a major construction and upgrade project for the entire earthen nation, that will require large investments of money, time, and material to pull off?"
"Yep! They'll love it!" she declared, gulping down the water.
"You're rather insane, you know that? Luckily, I find it quite agreeable, let's see if we can't turn this into an actual proposal for the council though, rather than the mad ramblings of a well meaning pair of foreign dwarves, hm?"
"And that's why I like you so much Dagran, you're good at the politics side of this stuff. Alright, let's start by figuring out how much digging would be needed, and then how much work would need to be done to make sure the stations in the deeps can support the network..."
(( DWC june 2026, Day 7, Horrify/Render, @daily-writing-challenge CW: none ))
"I want to have words with whoever taught the Dominaar the world "render" in our language," Lorellai all but cussed, eyeing the dissipating shadows of the dominaar they'd defeated to make sure it wasn't about to reform on them. "If I hear the phrase 'Render your soul unto me' one more time I'm gonna push the big red button!"
Spiru quirked an eyebrow at her friend. "So that's the part you find frustrating, not the part where they attempt to either kill or enslave you."
"Nah, that's just badguy stuff, that's whatever, but do they not have -any- new lines? It's getting old!" Lorellai threw her hands up in frustration. "How many more of these would-be tyrants do we have left anyway?"
Spiru's pulled the target list from her belt. "Two remaining from the locations given to us by Decimus. Thus far they have indeed been the same ones who threatened Eversong. If these last two are also appropriate targets, I will regrettably owe Janosis ten gold. I was certain Decimus would use us to eliminate unrelated rivals to his own machinations."
"I mean, he still probably is. It's kind of their way to have beef with each other at all times. Still, Decimus is better than most; he hasn't screwed us over yet, gave us shelter, -and- he actually has read a thesaurus!"
Spiru smirked. "You're -actually- irritated by their lack of creativity in their phrasing, aren't you?"
"And you aren't? Fighting against deadly foes is less fun if they make it boring, Spiru, that's auntie Hlin's rule number 3!"
"Having met miss Stoutarm, that does not surprise me." Spiru said flatly. "Well, we won't know if these other dominaar have wider vocabularies unless we find them. Or perhaps learn to speak their language so they can threaten us in their mother tongue."
Lorellai stopped, and let out a laugh. "Okay, yeah, that's fair. Let's go get 'em, and I'll try to avoid being too rude about it."
(( DWC August 2025, Day 2, Layer/Wither, @daily-writing-challenge CW: none ))
"And despite the specimen appearing healthy, if it is exposed to the energies outside the dome," Om'nittar concluded, passing the flower in her hand through the energy field of the eco-dome, "it withers in an instant, consumed by the eddies and currents of the uncontrolled energies."
Janosis rubbed his beard thoughtfully. "It really shows the effectiveness of the eco-dome's shields that it can protect them from the outside. What are your thoughts for expanding the project? Do you intend to try and strengthen and acclimate the life to the energies outside, or to expand the domes across the remnants?"
Om'nittar shrugged. "Both are being considered, both pose considerable challenges. I am told by Ve'nari that you azerothians may be able to provide unique insights and perspectives on the matter."
"Hm, well I do know a thing or two about manipulating netheric energies. Could I have a look at the devices you use to power and form the domes?"
"Of course. I will introduce you to Om'vek, one of our engineers. I suspect he will appreciate the chance to discuss his work, and be distracted from our... other company." Om'nittar said, turning her mask over to where the Harbinger floated near the rest of the group and Ve'nari. They looked to be deep in discussion, and no one but Xal'atath seemed pleased by the topics.
"Ah, yes, I gather your people have an even worse history with her than we do."
"Indeed, I am glad that handling such things is outside the terms of my contract, but suffice it to say that no one is pleased to know the Harbinger is back among us. Please, come this way."
Janosis fell in behind the broker, looking over his shoulder back at the group. Xal'atath's gaze was lingering on Lorellai again, he noticed, before it turned and met his own. For a moment, Janosis felt the familiar feeling of being perceived by a powerful predator. It took every ounce of his self control not to react in that moment, but he tamped down the fear, turning his attention ahead to the brokers. This was where he could help best. He'd trust the others to handle the devil they were dealing with.
