A Dragon’s Heart Pt. 4

For a brief summary and roster of characters in A Dragon’s Heart head here.

December 13th, 28th year after the Dark Portal

Our ambush of Vissic began well… and ended in disaster.

We waited for Vissic at an abandoned temple in the Storm Peaks near Ulduar. Scheen had forged Ruby’s handwriting using the manuscript from Ruby’s romance novel and sent Vissic a letter telling him to meet Ruby there.

All of us were there. Myself, Ravine, Scheen, and a death knight named Ariadne whose death was apparently Vissic’s fault. In addition Ravine had her voidwalker present and I had my mana elemental.

When the time came Vissic stood alone with his felguard.

Our initial ambush took Vissic completely by surprise. I couldn’t believe how easy it was. Scheen and Ariadne lay hidden within the temple while Ravine and I swooped in on dragon back. Together we hit him fast and hard. He fought back but given our numbers and the element of surprise he never really had a chance.

Until Vissic did something truly unexpected: he surrendered.

As an agent of the Kirin Tor I had no choice but to take him into custody to be tried for his crimes. My compatriots however did not see it that way and attempted to cut him down in cold blood. I fought in the villain’s defense though it weighed at my heart to do so. My companions were relentless however and the battle soon turned against me. In the ultimate irony Vissic was able to escape in the confusion, taking to the skies on his violet proto-drake after he knocked Scheen unconscious.

In a show of unbridled determination Ariadne leaped onto the proto-drake’s foot even as it began to lift off, trying to bring it down through sheer necromatic-given strength but not before the proto-drake shot forth a great blast of fire engulfing the foolhardy death knight. Badly hurt she fell to the ground below and Vissic’s proto-drake began it’s escape.

But not without pursuit.

Ariadne’s efforts managed to delay Vissic long enough for Ravine to mount her Netherdrake and give chase. What followed was an epic aerial duel in the skies above that almost brought the death’s of both participants and their dragons.

Even as fel magic and dragon fire brightened the skies above, a wounded Ariadne confronted me for my actions down below. I have decided to disregard the bloody nose I got as a result of that confrontation given her valiant if misguided efforts earlier.

Finally the aerial duel came to an end with Vissic fleeing for his life and a very battered Ravine and nether dragon landing before us.

The battle was over. Vissic had escaped.

Light… what will we do now? How will we stop him? How will we protect Ruby from… herself?

Comment away!

Seems I had this blog set up so that only registered users of various services were able to post comments while thinking I had it set so anyone could do so. Oops!

I’ve now changed the settings so that ANYONE and EVERYONE can now post comments to DragonWhimsy.net. However if you post something nasty I still have powers to annihilate such a post.

So post away to your hearts content. Because writers and bloggers love feedback. Live for it even.

Seriously though I can hear you breathing.

A Dragon’s Heart Pt. 3

 

“Jusst a few ssmall updatess” Ruby spoke into her enchanted star ruby, beginning a new entry in her voice journal.

“Firsst up I’ve hired a freelance… uh… well… spy. Her name is Amarastine and I originally hired her to sspy on Vissic. Allied with him for the moment I may be, but I’m not sstupid. No matter how naive Rhune thinkss I am.”

“Through her effortss I have learned that Vissic operates out of Dalaran, likely in the depths of the Underbelly.”

“Rhune will jusst looooove that.” Ruby said drily.

Ruby continued: “With that mission completed I have put her to spying on Ravine, Rhune, and Scheen. Thiss iss too important to allow their protectiveness of me and wariness of Vissic to get in the way. I have to keep all of them alive. I won’t let their mortality take them away from me.”

“In addition to Amarastine I have found another ally in Philomene who I think iss interested in the idea of an extended life. She’ss usually more humble so perhaps this iss another encouraging ssign sshe iss coming out of her shell. She will also be watching after Ravine, Rhune, and Scheen when she iss able and may be useful when we go to… well I can’t say that out loud.”

“At least I’ve been able to talk to Scheen about something not related to this whole mess. She’s interested in the romance novel I am writing…”

“Oh wait… did I not mention that yet? Well I am. Scheen introduced me to the concept of the romance novel and I found they were a great deal of fun… however they’re always about MORTAL romances. It seemss to me there should be a novel about DRAGON romance… after all we love too. In our own way.”

“Anyway Scheen volunteered to be my editor and I gave her my handwritten manuscript to look over. She seemed very excited about it.”

“It felt sso good to be able to reconnect with her despite our disagreements of late. She’s a good friend.”

A Dragon’s Heart Roster

To make following the “Dragon’s Heart” story easier here’s a list of important people and a description of who they are.

Each of these characters have a part to play as Vissic reaches for his ultimate goal: immortality and Ruby allies with him to find a way to keep her mortal friends and family alive against the eventual ravages of time.

Amarastine: A freelance spy Ruby has employed to keep an eye on both Vissic AND those opposed to him.

Anthus: Ruby’s true love and confidant and a magus in the service to the Red Dragonflight.

Ariadne: A woman who was risen as a Death Knight and blames Vissic for her death.

Philomene: A priestess who may be interested in the secret to immortality herself and a possible ally of Ruby’s.

Ravine: A warlock and friend of Rhune and Ruby’s who is a long time adversary of Vissic’s.

Rhune: A magus of the Kirin Tor and Ruby’s “adoptive father” with a long history of distrusting warlocks and for being very protective of his family.

Ruby: A red dragon whelpling who has lived among mortals all her life and has learned to shapeshift too early for her own good, taking the form of a red-haired gnomish woman. Known for caring very deeply for those she considers family or friend.

Scheen: A mischievous rogue who always has a snowball at the ready (even in summer!). A friend of Ruby and Ravine’s and an enemy of Vissic’s.

Vissic: A warlock who often manipulates and uses those around him to his own dark ends and who is currently obsessed with becoming immortal.

Greaterfater Winter has come!

My favorite gifts that Santa brought me this year (i.e. my very loving family):

 

Dragon Ring: Imagine the ring with a very deep purple/blue stone depending on the light. I’ve named the dragon “Whimsy” of course! It’s my very favorite gift this year.

 

The Razer Naga MMO Gaming Mouse: It’s hard to get used to but once I do look out! Will I finally stop being a point & clicker? Hope so! It looks even sexier in person with the blue being daker and more eerie and the logo fading in and out. It looks like it has been enchanted. A mouse of the arcane indeed. Who needs engineers?

 

Dragon Age: Origins: I’m all about storytelling and Bioware always delivers. However this time I’m told they have really upped their craft. I’ve barely started but already the lore is the most in-depth I’ve ever seen from an original setting with no prior games. Even only having dipped my toes in so far there is a feeling of being part of a truly epic story. The music, the character interactions, the lore, I think this is going to be something really special. And the mapmaker is supposed to be incredible. I can’t wait to tinker with that too!

In addition I got the collector’s edition of the strategy guide which includes 50 pages of lore that the normal version does not as well as additional pages with concept art, an interview with the creators, and it is also hardback. I mention it because it is the most enjoyable strategy guide I can remember buying. Though it has the usual walkthroughs a good portion of the book is dedicated to FUN stuff. Lore, tactics, character builds, and how to interact with the characters. And the production values are fantastic. I enjoy just looking through it.  The World of Warcraft strategy guides could learn a thing or three from this one. I highly recommend this version of the strategy guide to anyone interested in the game.

To everyone out there I hope you got the sugar plums you were dreaming of as well.

Merry Winter’s Veil! (And Happy Holidays too!)

Whatever holiday you celebrate Dragonwhimsy.net would like to wish you a joyous time this holiday season.  Coming up next week we will have a montage of Winter’s Veil pictures, new A Dragon’s Heart entries, and the expansion of this blog into new territory!

As well as an announcement that will be shocking to some, and obvious to others. Just what is the Dragonsworn Council? For those who have noticed the guild tag over Ruby’s head in-game you’ll know what it means next week!

A Dragon’s Heart Pt. 2

Sylerrinn Astherion sipped at her tea and tried her best to seem absorbed in her book. Her husband Rhune drummed his fingers on the kitchen table, not looking at all like someone who was in a good mood. She glanced at Rhune worriedly whenever she thought he wouldn’t notice.

Sylerrinn knew he had not been pleased with the outcome of his talk with Ruby. She was concerned for him, he was so close to the dragon. And of course their daughters Lamorra and Lakorra adored the little whelpling.

She knew Rhune would work it out. He always did eventually. In the meantime she could only watch him carefully. Be there to comfort him and make sure he did not do anything… rash.

Peaking over her book she snuck a glance at what it was he was writing in his journal:

November 22, 28th year after the Dark Portal

I tried talking with Ruby with less than optimal results. She is a dragon and an Astherion, adopted or not. That means she is stubborn. Too stubborn to talk out of something she has her mind set on.

I’m going to have to approach this from another angle.

Vissic. Deal with the snake and the problem goes away. I have already worked out a plan that should work with Ravine and Scheen. It is dangerous but it is the only course left to us. Each of us has our own reasons to end the threat Vissic represents. We all know what we are getting into.

Scheen represents her own problem. She’s flighty and undependable. Arrogant and distrusting. Worse… she’s annoying and a prankster. I will have to be careful she is not a hindrance to the operation.

One way or another, Vissic’s days are numbered.

To set matters in motion we will need an example of Ruby’s handwriting…

Sylerrinn felt her stomach tighten in knots. Rash had been an understatement.

A Dragon’s Heart Pt. 1

The sound of someone munching on toast can be heard and then between bites the high-pitched voice of Rublestrasza is also heard: “Sso today I hope to run into Anthuss…”

More munching can be heard, sounding as if the person eating is in a rush.

“Gotta hurry… Rhune will be here any minute… and I’d really like to avoid him today. I think he talked to Ravine or Scheen and…”

“Ruby Astherion!” the voice of Rublestrasza’s adopted father/pet human can be heard exclaiming.

Ruby groaned: “Fel’ing luck.”

Rhune continued, “What is this Ravine tells me about you allying with Vissic? VISSIC of all people? One of the most corrupt warlocks on Azeroth?! You KNOW what he is Ruby. How can you do this?”

Ruby breathes in deeply and clears her throat, sounding very much like someone preparing themselves for battle. An epic battle. Very possibly the most epic battle of all time.

Nothing unusual for the Astherion household of course.

“I know exactly what it iss I am doing Rhune. You don’t have to sscold me like a child. I’m nearly a drake now you know.” Ruby said sounding somewhere halfway between an indignant child and the adult she claimed to be. “I have good reasonss for doing what I am doing.”

“Do you? Then perhaps you could explain them in a reasoned manner instead of hiding from me like a child who has broken a window?” Rhune scolded.

"Rhune!” Ruby gasped. Then she continued in a more halting manner, as if he had indeed landed the first blow, “I… I’m doing it for you. And Anthus… and Dawsen… for all of you. Vissic thinkss that he may have found a way to extend your lifespan, it would also heal Dawsen whose time you KNOW is limited Rhune. I’ve checked over his plan mysself and it soundss possible. Very possible.”

“Ruby…” Rhune tries to interrupt.

Ruby pushes on, “No Rhune. You don’t know what it’ss like. Knowing I’m going to outlive all of you. I’ve tried to deal with it. I play matchmaker for everyone, trying to preserve ssomething of you through your children and grandchildren. But thiss iss sso much more than that. I won’t losse you… any of you… ever!”

“It is my duty to preserve life. And there’ss no better place to start than with those whom I love the mosst.” Ruby finished with determination.

“And what is this plan of Vissic’s exactly?” Rhune asked an edge to his voice.

Ruby stubbornly replied, “No Rhune, I cannot tell you. I can’t trust you not to try to stop uss. I wish I could, I truly do. But I cannot. You will jusst have to trusst me.”

“I know how hard trusst iss for you.” Ruby added sounding hurt despite the irony of her statement.

“Oh Ruby…” Rhune sighed in sympathy despite her barb at the end. “This isn’t like when you started seeing Anthus or wanted to learn how to fire juggle… this is VISSIC. He is evil and corrupt and nothing but evil and corruption can come from his works. Good is never born from darkness Ruby. You know that.”

Ruby responded stubbornly and defensively, “But I KNOW what he iss Rhune! I’m watching him carefully and I would never let him push me into doing anything… bad. I have everything under control.”

“You just think you do. He’ll twist things Ruby… and before you know it…” Rhune tried to interject.

“It will be FINE.” Ruby interrupted. “I am going to sstay with Anthus until thiss iss all over. Jusst sstay out of the way and everything will be fine. Dawssen will be healthy and all of uss will never have to be sseperated.”

“Ruby wait!” Rhune shouted.

The sound of a door slamming can be heard and then the chime of Ruby’s magic star ruby being turned off.

A Dragon’s Whimsy Pt. 24

“Preserver Anthus Steelshatter, defender of the Red Dragonflilght and magus in service to the Life-Binder!”

Ruby giggled.

“Perhapss more grand than my beloved would care for but I have a right to be proud!”

Her voice was filled with a joy that had not been heard in some weeks, not since… Coldarra.

“My ssire is sstrong, cunning, and sskilled. But for so long now he has felt empty… feeling he should use his skillss for something greater. He had that desire even when I first met him. Perhapss one of the reasons I was attracted to him for a desire to serve something greater beatss in every true dragons heart.”

“Even the Retribution did not seem to satisfy this desire. And as bogged down as the Retribution has become in politicss and false smiless I cannot blame him.”

“And so after monthss of service to the Wyrmrest Accord as a freelancer he was granted an audience with the Life-Binder herself. Together we stood before the queen of all dragon-kind and he humbly asked to enter her service loyally and with honor for the rest of his life.”

“Now this is not completely unheard of for a mortal to do such a thing. In ancient times there were mortals known as the dragonsworn who served the dragonflights. Many suspect the descendants of these dragonsworn, after many generations near my kin, eventually became the wrymkin. In more recent timess many adventurers have worked for the Accord as freelancers in the Nexus War.”

“The Queen heard his petition and questioned him at length. Anthus stood up under the pressure despite his nervousness before entering the audience chamber. I wish I could say I held up as well. The Life-Binder still… uh… awes me. Just a little. Tiny bit.”

“Ok… Anthus had to tell me what happened afterward because I was too nervous to take in anything… and… uh…” she coughs before continuing, “Well… he… err… had to drag me off when the audience was eventually over. And I may have forgotten to bow on the way out… and I hope she wasn’t offended but I was nervouss and…”

“Ah, but we’re getting sside-tracked.”

“The Life-Binder asked me my thoughtss on the matter and I stammered out my response which I assume was filled with confidence and all those reasons I love and trust him… but which I for the life of me can’t remember because my mind didn’t register anything till I left Alexstrasza’s presence.”

“However whatever it was it seemed to help as the Life-Binder soon agreed to accepting Anthus’ oath of service and when my beloved did finally drag me away he did so as a defender of the Red Dragonflight!”

Ruby giggles again before concluding: “Perhapss I sshouldn’t be ssurprised. He’s won the heart of one dragon… why not the trust of another?”

A Dragon’s Whimsy Pt. 23

A crystalline chime can be heard as the magical star ruby belonging to the whelpling known as Rublestrasza begins recording and the the voice of the dragon herself can be heard:

“Much hass changed ssince my lasst recording. My training is complete and I now fight alongside my kin in the Nexus War. Since arriving in Northrend I have known ssorrow and pride in equal measure.”

“I have begun serving in Coldarra. There I found my still being an whelpling meant I was not… er… taken as seriously as I might have been. In fact the drakess snickered and the elder wrymss ignored me. Even the humanss of the Kirin Tor seemed uncertain what to make of me despite my Retribution of Arathor affiliation.”

“There was however an exception. During a mission for the Kirin Tor I happened to rescue the elder dame Keriastrasza from Malygos’ clutchess. She was grateful and took me under her wing. She soon came up with a grandiose plan to delay the Spell-Weaver’s planss and enlisted my help. During the time we worked together I came to respect her… even to ssee her as an example of what it meant to BE a dragon.”

“The plan to lure out Malygos was successful, but with a horrendouss price. He took Keriastrasza as his consort, warping her mind to his service. I and a band of mercenaries were sent to find her and free her from the Spell-Weaver’s grasp… by any meanss necessary.”

“This we accomplished.”

A muffled sob can be heard, as if the speaker where crying into a pillow, and then Ruby’s voice in a barely audible whisper: “I killed her..killed her… killed her… killed her.”

More sobbing can be heard and then the sound of Ruby forcing it down as she continues bitterly: “And now having killed my new mentor… my kin respect my abilities. They gave me a tabard and accept me gladly in the Life-Binder’s forces. All for showing my abilities in sservice to the Queen… more like for killing one of our own!”

“I know it was necessary… I couldn’t leave her like that… but…”

“I killed her… I killed her… I killed her… I killed her…”

As the sobbing continues a click can be heard and the recording ends.

A Dragon’s Whimsy Pt. 22

The contents of a letter recently delivered to the Wyrmrest Temple:

My Queen,

Since the expedition to the catacombs beneath Wyrmrest Temple I have learned that the true reason for Tilby’s excursions are to decipher a mysterious scroll the death knight found in Silithus. The next part of decoding the scroll required locating an ancient book of magic located in the abandoned dwarf library in Grim Batol.

I accompanied Tilby on this expedition in part to keep an eye on him and in part to take the opportunity to spy on or reach out to the Black Dragonflight depending on what I would find there. My apologies your majesty if I took too much upon myself. However what I DID find there I believe you will find of much interest.

Tilby led us to a cave system located in the Wetland hills. After passing through a series of smaller caves we passed around a large underground lake and eventually we came to a back entrance to Grim Batol though it was located high above the cliff face. Luckily it was no trouble for me to shift into whelpling form and carry a robe up for everyone else to climb up.

We emerged into a large cavern with buildings carved into the sides. It reminded me very much of Ironforge. Tilby knew the library was on a higher level however so we began a search for a way up.

I checked out a vent on the ceiling and unexpectedly found myself covered in a strange dark goop for my trouble. Luckily someone caught me or I’d have fallen and broken my neck before I could recover. Future agents should avoid the vents. Also the goop stinks and feels icky.

Just saying.

While investigating one of the buildings we heard sounds outside and knew we had attracted unwanted attention. Attention of the black-scaled variety. We shut the door and tried to find another way out… but there were no other doors nor were there windows either. We did however find another method: the old (and thankfully not used for hundreds of years) sewer drain.

Down and down we tumbled until we reached the bottom, which did not improve our situation any as the bottom had a very large dragon of the black-scaled variety. At this point I must emphasize the word large. Possibly as large as your majesty’s consort, or even your majesty.

It was big. Just saying.

And it was fiery with lots of heat and flames. And metal. It was covered in armor plating. I think you know who I’m talking about. Yeah. HIM.

I was scared. Anyone would be.

Luckily for us he was also asleep. We tiptoed out of there but not before Tilby picked up one of it’s scales that was laying there. We emerged into another large city-cavern and there it was… the library. Not on an upper level after all. So much for Tilby’s supposed knowledge of the layout. However he DID know about the back entrance so I won’t hold it against him.

We distracted a pair of Wyrmkin guards and slipped inside. There we encountered… books. Lot’s and lot’s of books. As we began our search I had a brief scare when I thought a black whelpling was attacking me but it turned out to be merely a large bat that I had startled.

Finally we found the tome we were looking for and I managed to make sure it was in my possession. We teleported back to Ironforge and there we found ourselves in a standoff as I did not trust Tilby enough to give him the book as I still found his intentions murky at best.

I thought it might actually come to violence until Tilby offered to give me the black scale from… HIM… in exchange for the book. I accepted, as I believed proof of what we had found in Grim Batol was more important than whatever it is that Tilby is up to. And perhaps the scale might even come in useful.

And that ends my report on the expedition to Grim Batol. However I did make another deal with Tilby: in exchange in my help on an expedition to Capital City in Lordereon in order to find the next key in deciphering his scroll he would allow me to read the scroll when he was finished decoding it. This trip was successful though not without watching two idiots almost catapult themselves into Capital City’s outer wall, two encounters with the Forskaen, and a run-in with an exploding barrel filled with the Forsaken plague.

The final result of this latest expedition is that we now know the scroll creates something or is describing an item that creates something.

I also got to visit his lab afterward. I found nothing that would require its incineration at this moment. Unfortunately.

In summary: Deathwing is alive and well.

Your faithful servant and daughter,

Rublestrasza.

A Dragon’s Whimsy Pt. 21

A click and then Ruby’s high-pitched voice can be heard: “Despite how well my personal life hass been going not all of my endeavors have gone as well. My attempts to bring the albino dragonss into the Accord have sso far met in failure.”

With a sigh she continues: “Failure may be an undersstatment. I may have accidentally gotten my only friend among the albinoss exiled. Err… alright I flat out did and I feel terrible about it.”

“They did more than exile her. They… hurt her. Badly.”

“A young red drake was overzealous in it’ss duties and an albino whelping was killed. Kali was an easy target for the albino’s rage given her closeness with me.”

“I’m not ssure what to do. No matter what I do it seems one faction or the other is sstuck in it’ss old ways. Bitterness runs deep in the albino dragons and uncertainty remains high in the Accord about the albinos. Trust is nowhere to be found on either side.”

“The accord will never trust dragonss that have no Titan-given purpose. And the albinos will never put aside their bitterness toward us, nor find a true purpose as they are too buried in memory of what hass been done to them and merely surviving to think beyond to greater matterss.”

“I am thinking of going to the albinos personally to negotiate in person and apologize for our actionss. This will be dangerous but it iss the only way I think.”

A Dragon’s Whimsy Pt. 20

“Hello there again… I’ve been a bit lax on thesse voice recordings lately sso I’m just going to go over ssome of the things that have been happening briefly to catch up…” Ruby said and then paused as the sound of… something can be heard whining and growling.

Ruby giggled and then continued: “That’ss my new pet… Razzi. He’s my new raptor hatchling. I found the poor dear in Stranglethorn Vale after some trolls had wiped out the rest of his… yess…yess! I’m getting you food Razzi! Calm down!”

The sound of a knife chopping meat can be heard as Ruby resumes: “I have a full report to make to the Life-Binder soon about matterss relating to my duties to the Wyrmrest Accord. Thesse include an expedition to Grim Batol and the ruins of Capital City, and the latest on the problems with the Albino dragons. Expect a full update on those ssoon.”

The sound of a clay platter being placed on a hard surface can be heard, and then the sound of a knife sliding across a cutting board as it pushes the morsels of meat onto the platter, and then finally the sounds of Ruby’s hands being washed in water follows.

“Today I’m going to sstick to my personal life. I’ve met a lot of people lately including: Doderic… he’s really shy but always makes sure the Lost Traveler Tavern has strawberry icecream for me, Nesepha… she’ss shy too though she tries to pretend that she’ss not, Philomene… she’s a mute through choice and can be a bit stand-offish but I know she has a good heart, and Maesaeloria… a druid who I find to be very wise and serene, and a very gentle soul as well.”

“Doderic, Nesepha, and Philomene each seem to have problems with romantic entanglements…usually the lack of them. I’ve been trying to help them fix that in my own way. In addition I’ve been trying my best to help Philomene become a more ‘people’ person. I just know she’d be a lot happier if she thawed out a little and relaxed and I’ve seen some progress on that front already. She’s even wearing a dress lately.” Ruby says with a giggle.

The sound of the platter being placed on the floor and a very excited raptor hatchling can be heard. “There you go Razzi… that’s enough meat for even a dragon.” Ruby says with amusement to the raptor hatchling.

Ruby resumes for the star ruby recording: “The biggest development though is my relationship with Anthus. Ssince the last recording we have grown MUCH closer. We’ve been on a number of dates from diving from the waterfalls of Stranglethorn and hunting together in it’s jungles, to relaxing on the beaches of Teldrassil, to visiting Aerie Peak the home of his adopted family before their death.”

Ruby sighs in contentment: “We have grown so close I can no longer imagine my life without him to be honest.”

“I know not everything is ideal. Hiss short lifespan iss something I will have to come to terms with and we cannot have hatchlings together. Both of these things are unfortunate… especially so in combination with one another. I know Anthus dwells on these facts more than he should but I do my best to emphasize everything else and distract him when he gets stubborn about it.”

“I have grown very good at learning how to… uh… distract him.” Ruby says with a cackle.

“The truth of the matter iss that I love him. Nothing else matters anymore. He’s captured me heart and soul and there wouldn’t be anything I could do even if I wanted to. He’ss so strong, but kind and gentle. He’ss not afraid of his emotions like so many other mortals, which is good because I have a lot of my own and he is well equipped to deal with them. He doesn’t mind what he calls my “red headed fiery spirit” nor my draconic… uh… quirkss… but neither will he allow himself to be pushed around.”

“Matterss have grown serious enough that Anthus and I have told Rhune about our relationship. This went well for the most part… once I reassured Rhune that Anthus was an addition to my life and not a replacement for him. I still love Rhune and the Astherions as much as I ever did. I just… want what Rhune has with Rin. Or Tana with Adiros.”

“Rhune did however request Anthus always get me home by dawn. And by request he threatened to turn Anthus into a turtle if he didn’t.” Ruby sighed. Then added in a pout: “As if I’m some ssort of child!”

Ruby added in a fairly good, if high pitched imitation of Rhune’s voice: “As long as you live under my roof you’ll obey my rules…”

“Even worse Anthus agreed! Well we’ll ssee about THAT.” Ruby said firmly.

“I have yet to talk to the Life-Binder directly about my relationship with Anthus either. Our relationship is… not common among dragonss. I admit to being nervous about that conversation even though Anthus has been working hard on behalf of the Wyrmrest Accord of late.”

“Anyway that’ss all for now. More thoughts later.” Ruby said before a final “click” is heard and the stone shuts off.

True friendship!

There are friends… and then there are FRIENDS. True friends. It can be hard to tell the difference on the internet sometimes, but they can be found even here. You can tell the difference if you stop a moment and think. They’re the ones who ask if you’re alright when something goes wrong. They’re the ones who do so even when they don’t have to, even when it’s not socially expected.

Sometimes they even follow up and check in on you as time goes on. Because they actually care. They can take a moment and see beyond themselves. You can tell when someone is just going through the motions. They’re the ones who just want the conversation to end.

It’s true that in such times it is rare anyone can truly help you. When sorrow strikes what use are words? But it’s not the words, it’s the attempt that matters. Just the knowledge someone cares is enough.

There have been those who have helped me in this way the last few weeks. To them I offer thanks and I earnestly hope I will be there if and when you too need a true friend.

You know who you are. And you are the awesomesauce!

First steps along the path…

As mentioned in my last post I have set myself a goal of where I want to be… a person I want to become… and that I have a year to get there. Not being one to waste time I’ve taken the first few steps along that journey already.

Step one: I’ve always wanted to draw. Well no more excuses. With some of my birthday monies I bought DragonArt by J "NeonDragon" Peffer. This book is 127 pages of easy to follow instructions on how to draw dragons.

I’ll say right now I love this book.

It’s in full color, softbound but of high-quality glossy paper, and attractive and well laid out. The artist’s *cough* whimsical humor is evident throughout. And it is very easy to follow along.

She starts off with an introduction that introduces the reader to some basic concepts and then launches right into how to draw a basic dragon, slowly advancing the reader step-by-step to drawing ever more complicated dragons, covering many different angles and poses.

I have yet to begin my instruction using the book but it looks easy enough the way she has it laid out. And the fact the book is in full color is more than just eye candy, as the lines you are to draw in the current step are in red while the previous lines are in blue, making it very easy to keep track of what it is you’re supposed to be doing.

All-in-all it looks like a lot of fun. I can’t wait to see how far I’ll come on dragon drawing by my next birthday (see why it’s such a good birthday gift?).

Step two: I’ve been looking back into the past in recent weeks and I’ve realized I’d really wished I’d been journaling all these things. It doesn’t seem right that my character’s lives are chronicled so well but I pay so little to writing about myself until heartbreak comes.

All that changes now. I will be on a journey of sorts over the next year and it should be chronicled even if just for myself. It will keep me on track. Very important if I want to get where I want to go.

I’ve started a new blog which will act as my journal. You know… for the typist. Yeah seriously. For real even.

This has the added benefit that THIS blog can go back to being what it was supposed to be about: character fiction and role-playing articles (the later of which I DO intend to start posting like I originally promised).

So far it just repeats the latest three posts here. But from here on out it will diverge. You can find it here: Journal of a Whimsical Dragon.

Just the lone tiger now…

It’s been a week since my last post and nearly three weeks since the official breakup. Has it really been so long? It seems like last night… except it also seems like an eternity ago.

A lot has happened in the last week. I’ve gone through everything I have on my computer that had to do with her. Chatlogs, e-mail, pictures, all of it. I dreaded doing it. I knew it would bring up so much sadness and regret. But I also knew I needed to do it. I needed to embrace what we had one last time so I could let her go. So much warmth and caring. I was reminded that she did love me once. She had to have. All of that couldn’t have been an act. And that means I can be loved again.

After I was done I put it all in a folder and buried it as deep in my computer and hit “invisible”. It’s there still. I can’t delete nearly a year of my life… or all evidence of the first person I ever loved. But it’s all out of sight and out of mind. I’m not going to look at it again for a very long time I think.

I also had a birthday. This means I’m a year older. This would normally depress me, in fact it should depress me MORE now as I’m further from where I wanted to be than I was earlier this year.

Except I don’t think I AM further away after all. I learned so much from being with her… about relationships and about myself. What I’m looking for. I don’t think I was ready to be in a relationship when I met her despite how much I wanted to be in one. I’m a lot closer to being there now however. I think NEXT time I will be ready if I can find the right woman.

I just need to get over the last one first.

And I need to get my own life straightened out too.

I’ve done nothing but think about this topic for almost three weeks now. And I’ve come to this conclusion: this is a do-over. Not just for relationships but for everything. My entire life. It’s time to become the person I want to be. It’s time I put as much effort into myself as I do my in-game avatars. The woman I eventually find needs to be worthy of the love I can lavish on her. But I need to be worthy of her too.

This will mean less time in World of Warcraft to an extent. But I’m not going away. I do not see World of Warcraft as a negative experience in the slightest. In fact I know if I hadn’t been playing WoW I’d have been doing something less productive. It wouldn’t have changed a thing for me. At least in the game I’ve met some good people, had a chance to express my creativity, practiced writing, and learned a lot about myself. More than I would have without the game I think.

It’s not about leaving. It’s about finding a balance.

The hardest part isn’t leaving the game-play, or even the role-playing. It’s that after three years in the game I’m used to never being alone. There’s always someone on. There’s always chatter to listen to. There is always someone to talk to. I was such a loner once and now I can’t stand to be alone for even a moment.

AIM only helps so much. Maybe Battle.net 2.0 will solve this little problem for me. Blizzard just needs to HURRY UP ALREADY!

I made a vow to myself right before my birthday: One year from now my life will be back on track, I will have a steady financial income, I will have gotten in  the habit of writing more and be drawing, and I will be a whole and complete person and ready to meet my future wife.

2010 is my year. I intend it to be the pivotal moment in my life. Everything is going to change forever.

My Happy Ending

The title is a song by Avril Lavigne and it pretty much represents my entire life at the moment. Not Rhune’s life or Ruby’s life, but their typists. Probably didn’t notice right? No you probably didn’t. I’m too good at pretending everything is fine.

But everything is not fine. I am NOT alright. Sometimes I wonder how it is no one around me has noticed.

Deep within my own mind I scream and rage… cry and lay broken… and when I do not feel those I am too numb to feel anything.

Time has passed since we ended. I thought the feelings were supposed to fade? They’re not fading. I don’t think it’s supposed to be this way. I think something is wrong.

It’s not like I haven’t had closure. I know why we broke up. I know where things went wrong. I’ve had my last conversation with her. I’ve gotten to say goodbye. The feelings should be fading now. I’ve done everything one is supposed to in order to move on.

I really should. She certainly has.

I have certainly tried. But then I’ll remember the sound of her voice, her playful smile, her loving words. They still make me smile, how do you let something like that go?

I need to dump all her e-mails and pictures. I need to delete the link to her photobucket and pandora profile pages. I REALLY need to eliminate her from my gmail contact list. Seeing when she is online is not helpful. Nor is her gmail contact picture amusing and cute as it is, as it always is no matter how many times she changes it.

I realize that. I really do.

Maybe tomorrow.

Interesting fact: Did you know if the sorrow is great enough you can scream and it’s completely silent? I do. Never felt so close to Faylian either. Which is why I don’t play her currently.

Whispers in the Dark Pt. 8

October 6^th, 28^th year after the Dark Portal was opened

Brightvalor Residence

Dalaran

Faylian Lanstryde seemed nervous as she approached the front door to the Brightvalor Residence, the home of the only friends she had remaining in the world: Andryen & Myrandriel Brightvalor and their newborn son Alexandros. Faylian was dressed in the only finery she possessed: a stunning dress of an icy blue and white color. She seemed uncomfortable and awkward in it however as she carefully smoothed the dress out in an attempt to look her best.

Only the Brigthvalors could make her feel nervous and she hated the feeling. In fact only the Brightvalors made her feel at all. Forcibly calming herself Faylian knocked on the door firmly, announcing her presence boldy. Or so she hoped.

The door opened and the mistress of the house was before her. Myrandriel smiled and greeted her: “Fay! Welcome dear, come on in, the tea is just about ready.”

Faylian nodded somewhat stiffly, her posture one of a knight in full plate armor rather than that of a woman in a dress. She walked though the entrance and simply stated: “Tea will be fine Myra.”

Following Myra back toward the kitchen she stopped as she noticed a small basinet on the table. She looked down and peered over the blankets at the fresh face of baby Alex. As she had the first time she had viewed the babe she felt a maternal feeling overcome her, something she had not felt since… Capital City.

“I thought Alex would enjoy your company as well Fay.” Myrandriel said with a knowing smile at the death knight.

Faylian placed a velvet gloved hand on the babe’s brow and her lips twitched in an almost-smile. “He is as beautiful as the first time I saw him Myra.”

“I would have had Mourne baby-sit him but I was sure you would want to see him again too.” Myrandriel was still smiling at her.

Faylian tensed as the voices returned suddenly.

 “Mourne is a threat to the child. He must be killed.”

“Myra would never forgive you if she found out.”

Faylian sighed. The voices had seemed to grow worse since she has met baby Alex. They had not used to speak to her when she was in public. Outside she could sense Pavel her black horned owl. It had refused to enter the Brightvalor Residence but she knew he awaited her in the skies above Dalaran.

“It could be made to look like an accident. Or blame can be set upon another. Rhune perhaps.”

“No! You must remain true to the Brightvalors in all things or there won’t be anything of any worth remaining in you. However there is nothing wrong about having him watched…”

Faylian smiled as the voices fell silent again. Myra returned with the tea and poured them both a glass before asking, “So what is new with you sister of my heart?”

“I have taken a squire under my wing… a death knight named Zinwrath. He has proven to be… hard to break in. Stubborn. Mule-headed. However I have every confidence that one day he will suffer well for the Ebon Blade.” Faylian responded, trying to sound confidant.

“He is not loyal to the Ebon Blade, only to you, this you know! He cannot be trusted when his infatuation fades.”

“Infatuation or love? Love is a strong bond, this you know as well. And he learns. In his own way.”

Faylian forced the voices away and focused on Myra. That always seemed to help somehow. Sipping at her tea she merely listened to Myra chatting with her, responding when it seemed necessary and soaking in the presence of Myra and baby Alex.

……

Some time later she returned home to the Slaughtered Lamb. Taking out some parchment and an inkbottle she dipped a quill into the ink and began to write:

To: Sir Alan Mithra, Agent of the Ebon Watch

The Necromancer known as Mourne has come to my attention. He is loyal to no one but himself and must be watched carefully lest he interfere with the goals of the Ebon Blade or reflect badly on the order with his experiments.

You are ordered to set agents to observing his movements immediately. All information of interest should be forwarded to me immediately. I regard this mission of the utmost importance.

-Dame Faylian Lanstryde, Inquisitor of the Ebon Watch

Gaming on a virtual table top

My other hobby besides WoW is table top gaming, my current favorite being Dungeons & Dragons 4th Edition. In an effort to play more often I have started a new group using Wizard of the Coast’s new community features on their website.

The Virtual Table Top Gaming Group is dedicated to not only helping you find a table top RP game to play online but to help build a strong and reliable community of people to play with again and again. Something I think is sorely lacking in the online world right now.

You can set up a game using any system (even non-WoTC games) and use any method to play online you like (i.e. Fantasy Grounds II, Maptools, chat system, whatever). There are also forums dedicated to the community and campaign or character journals as there will be blogs on the topic of gaming on a Virtual Table Top.

It’s a brand new, very young community. But sign up and join and hopefully we’ll be a booming community in the near future helping gamers everywhere get their game on.

A Dragon’s Whimsy Pt. 19

“Anthus and I REALLY need to tell Rhune about our relationship… or this ssneaking into the house in the morning iss going to get annoying.” Ruby said into her star ruby; which once again was activated and recording her every word.

The sound of Ruby opening the basement window of the Astherion house can be heard before she resumed: “Everyone should be asleep thiss early so it shouldn’t be any problem sslipping through my window…”

“Ruby!” Lamorra shouted happily.

“Welcome back!” Lakorra joined in.

The sound of Ruby groaning in dismay can be heard and then the sound of a window closing.

“Where were you Ruby?” Lamorra asked cheerfully.

“You weren’t here last night.” Lakorra observed.

“Sshh! I was hunting alright?” Ruby said with some annoyance. “What are you doing in my bed anyway? Sshouldn’t you be in your own room?”

“Papa and momma wanted to spend time together last night. So they sent us to spend the night with you! Only you weren’t here so we just camped out waiting for you till we fell asleep.” Lakorra explained.

“Dun worry! We didn’t tell papa.” Lakorra added. “We thought you might be with Anthus.”

“Oooh! Ruby’s blushing! WERE you with Anthus?” Lamorra asked giggling. “No lying if we’re sisters now.”

There is a pause for a moment and then Ruby reluctantly answered: “I WAS hunting… but yess I was hunting with Anthus. The first hunt together is a very important in dragon courtship rituals. It signifies wishing to be more than just… uh…”

“Just… uh… what Ruby?” Lakorra asked.

“Errr… well… for those who wissh to announce they want to do more than have hatchlingss… er… children together.” Ruby tried to explain.

Lamorra asked sounding a little confused: “Isn’t that backwards? Wouldn’t you only have children with someone who you wanted to spend time with?”

“It’ss… different with dragons. But it doesn’t matter ssince Anthus isn’t a dragon and we can’t possibly have hatchlings anyway.” Ruby said sounding embarrassed. “Now enough about that.”

“Then why does he have to go on a first hunt with you if he isn’t a dragon?” Lakorra chimed in.

“Becausse he respects the traditions of my kin and wants me to know that… and because we had fun Lakorra.” Ruby tried to explain.

“But what did you hunt?!” Lamorra asked in a rush.

“And did he kiss you?” Lakorra giggled.

“We hunted bears in Dun Morogh and…” Ruby trailed off suddenly.

Lamorra and Lakorra can suddenly both be heard giggling together and Lakorra burst out: “Ruby’s blushing again! He kissed her!”

Lamorra squealed: “Think he did!”

“I taught him to hunt as a dragon…” Ruby continued trying to ignore them. “We firsst tracked down a bear and while Anthus distracted it I leaped from the top of a hill onto it’ss back and killed it. It was… nice. We worked together as a team and he didn’t sseem to mind the more feral aspects of a dragon on the hunt.”

Ruby paused and then: “He… he really does seem to love everything about me… no matter how alien I must seem to him at times.”

“You’re not alien Ruby.” Lamorra chided.

“You’re our sister in everything but blood.” Lakorra added.

Ruby laughed, the sound seeming joyous and affectionate: “I am indeed. But dragonss and humanss can be drastically different in outlook and tradition… but Anthus doesn’t care about that at all… in fact I think I worry about it more than he does.”

“Anyway…” Ruby continued, “Next Anthus tracked a bear of his own which I then distracted and Anthus brought down the way I had taught him. Then I ate of his kill and he ate of mine and the ritual wass finished.”

“What else happened?” Lamorra asked eagerly.

“Didn’t take you till morning to do that.” Lakorra agreed.

Ruby paused again and then relented: “I may have… pelted him with a ssnowball or two… though I think that wass at the beginning… and after the hunt we rode down to Loch Modan and sat overlooking the lake. We talked a lot… and…”

“And?” Lamorra persisted.

“You’re blushing again Ruby… I think he kissed you!” Lakorra giggled.

“You ARE more red right now than when you are in dragon form.” Lamorra snickered.

“Yess… well… fine you little busy bodiess… we kissed.” Ruby finally relented. “But don’t go telling anyone.”

“Ruby and Anthus sitting in a tree… K…i…s…s…i…n…g.” Lamorra and Lakorra both sung at once.

“Sshhhhhhh!!” Ruby hissed in embarrassment.

Giggling once again Lamorra said: “We won’t tell. We’re happy that you’re happy.”

“We really are Ruby.” Lakorra said seriously.

“Thank you,” Ruby said seeming moved. “Now let’ss try to get SOME sleep before your papa and mamma wake uss up.”

And with that the star ruby was turned off with a click.

Whispers in the Dark Pt. 7

June 29th, in the 28th year after the Dark Portal was opened

Mage District

Stormwind

Faylian looked into the shattered mirror in her room at the Slaughtered Lamb and glared at the very angry woman she saw in it’s shattered pane. She just stood there looking at herself seeming lost in frustrated thoughts.

That Fel’ing necromancer had defeated her attempts to locate his sanctuary. Damn Mourne anyway!

“As long as he is hiding away in his tower being secretive he could be a threat to Andreyn and Myrandriel. Moreover he is a necromancer not under the control of the Ebon Blade. He could become a threat or rival to the order. Even if his motives are pure his failure could reflect badly on the Ebon Blades and turn opinions in the Alliance against us.”

“You should trust Myra’s instincts more. She trusts him. You trust her. That should be enough.”

It had all started when Faylian had encountered one of Mourne’s undead constructs in the common room of the Slaughtered Lamb. Leigan had not seemed particularly intelligent and she had befriended it. Even gifted it with a ghoul of her own creation to help supplement Mourne’s growing list of undead servitors.

Of course that ghoul had been altered slightly. It had been magically enhanced so that she could locate it anywhere on Azeroth. But when she had stormed the scene with a squad of Ebon Knights accompanying her they had found nothing. Leigan had apparently not brought the ghoul home after all.

And so here she was back at the Slaughtered Lamb starring at her newly broken mirror in frustration.

But only for now. She would have another chance soon enough she was sure.

Whispers in the Dark Pt. 6

June 28th, in the 28th year after the Dark Portal was opened

Mage District

Stormwind

Dame Faylian Lanstryde, Knight of the Ebon Blade, paced back and forth impatiently in her rented room in the Slaughtered Lamb. The whispers were back. Not as insistent this time, not demanding she go one way or another. Instead they just commented. Sometimes they gave advice. But whisper they did even now that she was awake.

She had spent much of the night talking with Myrandriel Windmoon-Brightvalor. She had learned much about both Brightvalors in that conversation. Learned how they had met along with much of their shared history as well as just how strong their bond really was. They made Faylian’s heart ache as she remembered her husband Pavel as well as Alanus. She envied and admired them. They were like a precious jewel that she liked to take out and examine for it’s beauty but never wear for fear it might be damaged.

“You like the Brightvalors. You see in them what you could have been. You find acceptance and a feeling of family from them and you admire the bond they have with each other.”

“You owe them a debt. You must repay it if they are to be useful in your mission.”

So what if she did like and admire them? She was allowed that wasn’t she? She’d earned such an indulgence hadn’t she? She was allowed ONE connection surely?

 “Until the Lich King takes them away too. And then where will you be? Can you withstand another personal loss of that sort?”

No… no she could not Faylian knew. One person could only endure so much. Faylian knew where her breaking point was and it was very near. The pair was as much a weakness as they were a strength for her.

“Then protect them. Make sure what has happened to you will never happen to them.”

“If you insist on this WEAKNESS then I agree. Use any means necessary to keep them safe. Eliminate any threat to their safety with extreme prejudice.”

Faylian relaxed as the voices agreed. Finally she had a course of action. She would aid them in their efforts as she had promised last night but even beyond that she would keep them alive and together… at any cost.

SOMEONE would live happily ever after Faylian decided. She would see to it.

Other things had been discussed during her talk with Myrandriel. Faylian had told her more about Alanus as well as hinted at some of the darker things even the dream had not shown the pair. Myra had called her beautiful and said that she had a large heart. Had told her she was still HUMAN even if she were dead.

Faylian had been shocked. The thought seemed so alien to her. But Myra claimed she could not have loved those who had been taken from her so very much if she was heartless and Faylian could not fault the logic try however she might.

They had discussed Faylian’s pet, the black owl she had named “Pavel” after her husband. Myrandriel had seemed quite distressed that it seemed to dislike her… and everyone else. She had tried to talk to the animal and she had claimed it could not speak “owl”. Then she had tried to project thoughts into Pavel and discovered he was not a natural beast. Almost as it it were only half in this world at all.

Well Pavel had always been a little strange. It had just shown up one day not long after the fall of Capital City during Faylian’s long trip alone to find refuge… a refuge she ultimately found in what would become the Scarlet Crusade. It never seemed to require food from her. It never seemed to require anything form her at all in fact. It was just always there. Encouraging her mission and seeming to hate anyone who drew near her.

It was a strange kind of loyalty but a loyalty nonetheless.

The owl was always there. Even after she had become a Death Knight. And then when she awoke yesterday there it had been at Ebon Hold waiting for her return. Just like that.

“Some things just are. You have more important things to consider.”

Of course she did. She had to help Andreyn and Myra. She had to keep them safe. And in time the Highlord would have a new assignment for her and she needed to push herself so she would be fully recovered at that time.

Whispers in the Dark Pt. 5

Faylian awoke and found herself on the ground of the ruined New Avalon church, her head resting peacefully in Myrandriel’s lap, who was looked down at her with concern and… affection? Andreyn was harder to read but he seemed to Faylian to be less stern and just a little less gruff than usual.

Faylian felt weak after her long sleep and remained where she was. She could feel Myrandriel brushing her hair from her face and for a brief moment Faylian felt as if she were safe and loved… as a child would with her parents.

She listened as they told her of recent events. Of the fall of the Scarlet Onslaught and how Dominika had risen to take control of the final remnants of the Scarlet Crusade. Andreyn and Myrandriel’s own separate attempt to restore a TRUE Scarlet Crusade free of all corruption from the Burning Legion.

They came to her because they needed her. Or more accurately they needed General Abbendis. She was to raise Abbendis from the dead and then serve as a liaison between the new Scarlet Crusade and the Ebon Blade.

She would serve two Highlords it would seem: the Father and the Son. Alexandros and Darion Mograine: one a spirit residing in the Paladin before her, and the other a Death Knight and head of Faylian’s order.

In the form of the Lich King death had become the enemy. But now it would seem death would also become a second chance to make matters right.

Whispers in the Dark Pt. 4

“He cannot be host to Alexandros Mograine’s spirit. Blasphemy!”

“You are still here even though dead are you not Faylian?”

Andreyn straightened, turning to face the newcomer. "So we come to the end, eh? Will you answer the call of the Flame, and the Son, or will you continue to hide here inside this prison of your own making?

"I hide from nothing!" Faylian shouted.

Yet another Faylian emerged from the mists, this one dressed in a fine icy-blue dress, though still with the physical look of a death knight. The newcomer arched a brow and commented: "She hides from me."

The Faylian-in-saronite glared with hatred at the newest arrival.

Andreyn rumbled quietly to himself... subsiding a bit. "So. We come to the truth of the matter."

From the skies above the cry of a bird of prey sounded, and an owl black as midnight landed on Faylian's saronite-clad shoulder, it's talons clutched her possessively. "I repeat, I hide from nothing," she said more calmly.

"I suggest you both leave now," the death knight continued sternly. "While you still can."

Myrandriel narrowed her eyes slightly as the owl appeared, eyeing the creature. "No, I don't think we will. My Lord and I came for your help, and we've no intention of leaving without it."

“Kill her and his strength will be gone.”

In the real world Faylian’s hand suddenly grasped Myrandriel’s throat tightly and began to squeeze.

Back within the dream Faylian hissed warningly: “Leave!!”

The Scarlet paladin watched the armored death knight evenly. With a thin smile, he rumbled, "Light's will be done..."

Raising a hand a blast of blinding red-laced Light arcs across the space between them, straight for the owl. "You took the oath of the Flame, Crusader. To walk always in the Light."

The Owl glared with hatred at Andreyn before vanishing in a burst of light. The saronite-clad Faylian growled: "The Light has done NOTHING for me! I owe it NOTHING!"

Back at the ruined church outside of the dream Faylian’s grip tightened on Myrandriel’s throat beginning to strangle the life out of her now.

Andreyn stepped in front of the armored death knight seeming to loom over her small frame. "And WHAT have you done to GIVE IT CAUSE?" he thundered. "How long have you wallowed in your self pity, never looking beyond your own misery? Do you think others have not suffered as greatly as you?"

"I have lost my -home-, my -Order-, and my -life- to the Scourge," he growled. "It is only through the Light that I -have- this life... and the hope to start the Crusade anew. As it SHOULD have been."

The Faylian clad in the icy-blue dress walked over to Myrandriel in the dream. "She did find love once after her death you know..." she trailed off with a sad smile. "We did almost feel alive for a time."

Faylian glared at her twin* "Silence! Or I'll squeeze the life out of her!"

Myrandriel’s physical form in the real world begins to gasp as she desperately tries to breathe.

"She sees me as a weakness... wants to deny I ever existed," the Faylian in the icy-blue dress continued. "She's been fighting against me for months.”

Myrandriel’s mental form flickered, but she still smiled to the Faylian in the icy-blue dress. "So it often is. I don't doubt even I had fought myself, once. Tell me about this love of yours?"

"He was my mentor... the one who taught me how to survive as a death knight. His name was Alanus and even under the Lich King he was free... worked against him. Always he was a paladin at heart. The Lich King could not break him. He was so much stronger than I ever could be."

The saronite-clad Faylian laughed bitterly: "He was too weak to do what was necessary to win, and he could not stand to look at us anytime he suspected the truth!"

Myrandriel tilted her head. "I wouldn't say that. You're here, aren't you?" She smiles softly, reaching over to place a hand on Fay-in-a-dress's shoulder. "All of you are here...all of you can be one, and whole."

The other Faylian smiled sadly: "He made us feel human and alive, and he would not allow us to get away with being anything less. No matter how hard we tried."

The saronite-clad Faylian sneered: "Survining is not victory. Would there be death knights in the Retribution without MY efforts? Would Rhune have been eliminated as a threat or Dominika cowed? Ha! -I- dealt with them! Not Alanus. Not YOU. My methods. Nothing else!"

Andreyn snorts, "Dominika has hardly been cowed. If anything, she's become more of a threat than before.”

"She did not interfere with the Highlord's intentions for the Retribution. That is all I need concern myself with." The saronite-clad Faylian answered back.

"She knows Alanus would have left us if he found out what we did. That is why she hates me... because I care that he would have," the Faylian in the icy blue dress responded.

"As I said... weakness," the saronite-clad Faylian whispered.

"I wouldn't call love weakness." Myrandriel shook her head. "It is my love for my Andreyn that gives me strength, my love for my land that gives me my power...no, love is not a weakness."

"It only creates pain and sorrow!" the saronite-clad Faylian screamed with rage.

Andreyn graveled softly, "At its heart...was it not the love of a son for his father that freed the Blade? Not the rantings of that fool Fordring; he would have –died- without Darion's sacrifice."

"It's too much... I can't go through what I have twice already yet again... I just can't..." the saronite-clad Faylian whispered desperately. "I don't want to rejoin with her. Please... don't make me... I can't do what I need to with her in here with me."

Myrandriel’s face in the phyisical world begins to turn blue as Faylian’s seemingly iron grip remains in place.

Myrandriel’s form flickered again, even seeming to fade slightly. "Faylian, dearling...it hurts. I know it hurts. But would Alanus truly want you to be so miserable on his behalf?"

"He'd be disappointed in me... he was always disappointed in me when he knew... whenever he found out... how can I hope? What is left for me now? Just vengeance and oblivion,” the saronite-clad Faylian said in a small, hopeless voice.

"Without heart," the red-clad paladin rumbled, "You cannot appreciate what you have to gain as much as you feel the pain of what you have lost. You become a machine... and whether Ebon Blade or Crusader, you would be wasting the Son's gift to ignore it.”

He regarded her critically, "There is much to gain here, Lady Lanstryde. But you will never see the potential of it if you deny hope."

“I should have died that day in Capital City... I don't have the right to anything more than my simple goals." Faylian said all emotion drained from her.

"On the contrary. It is because you lived that you deserve far more than this." The slowly fading Myrandriel placed both hands on Fay-in-a-dress's shoulders, turning her to the saronite-Fay. "You were happy. You must remember that happiness, and strive to reclaim as much of it as you can."

Andreyn rumbled quietly. "All things happen for a reason, whether we as mortals can see them. I served the naaru for nearly two years... if there is one thing I know, it is that. You were raised in Faith, you fought beneath the colors of Faith. How can you turn away from Faith now, when at last you need its comfort?"

The Faylian in the icy-blue dress stepped forward holding out her hands: "Reclaim me... you may even find me useful in your mission. We still want the same things my twin."

The Faylian in the saronite armor stepped forward slowly, glancing at the others uncertainly and seeming very vulnerable for someone clad in the armor of a death knight. Very slowly she clasps the other Faylian's hands in hers.

"Th... they wouldn't help us if they knew what we had done." she whispered.

Andreyn stepped back slightly, watching. His outline seemed to have stopped blurring, though he did look subtly different somehow. "We all have pasts. What is important is that we learn from them in order to move forward."

Faylian’s grip began to ease on Myrandriel’s throat and the druidess managed to suck in a breath of glorious air.

"It does not matter. We have all...done something we regret. The past is there to learn from, but not to rule us." Myrandriel smiled softly, her form starting to solidify. "Become one again, Faylian. Be yourself from now on."

Faylian’s hand released Myrandriel’s throat and fell to the floor at her side.

The Faylian in the icy-blue dress smiled encouragingly and the saronite-clad Faylian took a deep breath and released it.

Then in a flash the dream world was gone.

Whispers in the Dark Pt. 3

Faylian watched the pair from both everywhere and nowhere at once. Watched as they stared around in horror at the mutilated wreckage that had once been her husband and children.

"She was...oh, Goddess..." murmured Myrandriel in shock. "Faylian...? Lady Faylian? Where are you?"

She watched as they discovered the wall behind which the safe room was that had hid her past self from the Scourge. But before they could find a way to open it another Faylian walked into the room; one dressed in full Scarlet Crusade regalia and tabard. Her eyes burned with a zealot’s fire. "She won't be any good to you now you know..."

“We came to seek the help of both of you, Sister." Myrandriel stated.

Faylian hissed in response: "She cannot help you. She is useless and weak. She sat there in that safe room and listened while her husband and children were dismembered and eaten alive!"

"Did she? And you would not have, I assume?" Andryen rumbled quietly, brilliant blue gaze resting on the woman.

"What could she have done?" Myra spreads her hands, shaking her head. "Against the dead...what could she have done to save them?"

"I would have opened the door and died with them!" Faylian’s past self screamed.

Andreyn merely asked, "To what end: one more meal for the ghouls? Or perhaps a soldier for their master..."

"Coward! I should kill her myself." Faylian started toward the wall.

Andreyn snapped out a hand to catch her and not particularly gently either.

Faylian's eyes narrowed at Andreyn. "Remove your hand from me."

"I would have opened the door and died with them!" Faylian’s past self screamed.

Andreyn merely asked, "To what end: one more meal for the ghouls? Or perhaps a soldier for their master..."

"Coward! I should kill her myself." Faylian started toward the wall.

Andreyn snapped out a hand to catch her and not particularly gently either.

Faylian's eyes narrowed at Andreyn. "Remove your hand from me."

"This is not the action of a Crusader," he stated quietly, though his voice had steel under it. "A warrior of the Light does not lash out blindly. Focus, and turn your betrayal into a weapon against the true source, not against things you cannot change."

"Do you want to see what a true Crusader is capable of?" Faylian sneered.

Faylian looked at Myra coldly as the mists swallowed the room up once again and then pull back, revealing a new room. Now the pair stood somewhere deep in the dungeons of Tyr's Hand. Faylian now stood before them as a full Inquisitor of the Scarlet Crusade. Before her is a rack with a Cultist of the Damned strapped upon it.

Faylian's face seemed perfectly at peace for once as she said: "I know I have broken you hours ago... have taken what you knew... from this point onward it is only for my own amusement corpse lover. I intend you to give me DAYS of enjoyment."

"Torment of the wicked--hell on earth, exacted by the victims. Am I not correct?" Myrandriel asks.

Faylian stared Myrandriel down, "I have the right."

Andreyn rumbled ominously. "And you would waste your time in this when your duties should occupy your mind and heart?" He grabbed her shoulder and spun her to face him. "Fool. Giving in to this is equally as worthless as groveling in terror and fear. You waste your time, and waste your efforts to no good end."

Faylian blinked at Andreyn and nodded slowly. "Perhaps."

"There is no perhaps. This is the path of falsehood and unrighteousness," Andreyn growled, that scarlet haze rippling around him. "We do what we must, but we do NOT give in to the temptations that cling to our enemy. THIS is what gave the Legion its claw hold in MY Crusade. A true Crusader knows the difference between what is needed and just and what serves only the self."

"YOUR Crusade? And who are you to claim ownership of the Crusade? To pass judgment over ME?" Faylian sneered.

"I. Am. Your. HIGHLORD." It barely sounded like Andreyn...and for a moment, just for a moment... he didn’t look like Andreyn at all either. Instead he seemed possessed by the spirit of Alexandros Mograine himself, original patron of the Scarlet Crusade.

Faylian took a step back, hesitation showing in her eyes. "You... are not the Highlord... he wouldn't consort with the likes of HER." Faylian pointed at Myra disdainfully.

Myra smiled softly to herself. "On the contrary. Highlord Mograine oversaw my oath himself. He knows the value of the skills other races may bring to the Order."

"This is no longer the heyday of Lordaeron. Have you looked around you lately? With the betrayal of the Onslaught, Lordaeron is shattered, empty. Stormwind's King is obsessed with the wallowing Horde. I have the sense to see that we need what allies we can find that will accept the banner of the Flame, regardless of the color of their skin. This is a war of the living against the dead, Crusader. Remember that."

"She cannot understand. You speak of events that have not happened to her yet HIGHLORD," a cold voice says. A new form emerges from the mists from behind Andreyn, this Faylian clad in the Saronite Armor of an Ebon Blade. "I understand. The Lich King unified us all with death's embrace."

This Faylian looks at the pair coldly, with none of the fire that Inquisitor Faylian showed, but with equal determination and resolve. “Now you must deal with me as I am today.”

Whispers in the Dark Pt. 2

June 27th, in the 28th year after the Dark Portal was opened

New Avalon

Eastern Plaguelands

The voices were whispering. Always whispering.

The last thing she could clearly remember was standing on the streets of Stormwind a letter clutched in her hands and then… the oblivion of the mists overtook her and she knew nothing else. She knew the mists could not be real. She knew the towers she could just barely make out through the fog could not truly be Capital City for it had long since been lost to the Scourge.

The only thing she truly knew were the whispers in the dark.

“Awake! You are a weapon forged by the hand of the Lich King himself. Weapons do not slumber. Weapons do not dither. Weapons do not stay locked with indecision! You have a special destiny: to slay the hand of he who forged you. Kill him and those he has taken from you can rest.”

“You are not just a weapon. Awake and discover you are still human. Awake and put the past behind you. Honor those you have lost by beginning anew.”

The whispers pulled her from the mists but in opposite directions. She could not decide.

“Remember your husband. Remember your children. Remember Alanus! HE has taken them all from you.”

“Remember the red haired young woman with freckles on her nose you once were. Remember the light in your husband’s eyes and the laughter of your children. Remember Alanus’ smile.”

 “A weapon. An instrument of vengeance.”

“Human. An instrument of healing and hope.”

“Avenge them.”

“Honor them.”

Images assaulted her mind of those long stolen away from her. She screamed then and the whispers faded as they always did. Only when sorrow overwhelmed her and she screamed did they ever leave. It was almost a relief to be rid of them despite the emotional turmoil.

Thus it had been for so long that those memories of a time before had begun to fade into the distance.

Then unexpectedly something new happened.

Faylian felt something… a hand on her face? Yes, that was it… something from outside the dream had reached her. She was aware of something.

Her scream ended abruptly at the warmth on her cheek and the whispers returned.

“They can help you. Welcome them.”

“They will shatter your resolve. They must not be allowed inside.”

A presence hovered at the edge of the dream then and an image of a Kaldorei woman with antlers accompanied it. Faylian sent out a wall of pure rage and sorrow at the intruder and the presence vanished with a gasp.

Then it returned and another presence accompanied it… this one a blazing light… and behind that light a human dressed in the armor and tabard of the Scarlet Crusade?

Again Faylian sent forth a wall of her emotions but this time it was not enough. Together they were too strong. She withdrew further into the mists. Let them follow if they dared.

“That won’t stop them. Can’t you sense their love? Together they are stronger than you are.”

*screeches angrily*

The Kaldorei and the human entered the dream then and were confronted by a young woman. She had shoulder length red hair, green eyes, with just a touch of freckles on her cheeks. She wore a formal dress but she was holding her skirts up just enough to enable her to skip along the path as if she enjoyed life too much to allow such dress to constrain her.

Faylian viewed her former self with shame and disgust. Had she truly been that innocent and naïve once?

“They need to understand you if they are to help.”

“It matters not at all. When they see what you become they will look at you with horror.”

The pair introduced themselves to her younger self as Myrandriel Windmoon-Brightvalor and Andreyn Brightvalor. She introduced herself as Lady Faylian Lanstryde and asked the pair if they were here to watch Prince Menethil’s victory procession as he made his triumphant return from Northrend.

Then the mists shifted…

…and the pair were on a balcony overlooking the procession, Prince Menethil at it’s head as they marched to the King’s Palace. Across from them watching on another balcony was Lord and Lady Lanstryde, their two young children eagerly trying to get glimpses of the excitement.

Shifting once again the mists revealed…

…what was apparently once the bedroom of Lord and Lady Lanstryde. Now it was a scene of ghastly horror. The furniture was in shambles; blood was splattered across the walls and floor, and the dismembered body parts of Lord Lanstryde and the two children where everywhere. Under close inspection one would note the victims remains would appear to have been chewed on. From the handprints that could be seen in the drying blood it was not hard to deduce this had happened while the victims were still alive.

A Dragon’s Whimsy Pt. 18

A click can be heard as Ruby’s Star Ruby is activated: “My reading and writing lessonss continue and I think I am showing vast improvement.” Ruby said proudly. “Rhune really is a good tea…”

Lamorra’s high-pitched voice suddenly interrupted: “Whatcha writing Ruby?”

“Let me see!” Lakorra exclaimed followed by the sound of parchment rustling.

“Give that back!” Ruby yelped sounding strangely embarrassed.

“In a minute Ruby…” Lakorra promised. Then the sound of a parchment being unrolled can be heard and she continues: “Gee you sure wrote this word a lot. An…th…us.”

Lamorra can be heard giggling before commenting: “Not the only words she wrote a lot either. Ruby St…eel…shatt…er.”

“Give that back right NOW!” Ruby growled angrily but at the same time sounding very embarrassed indeed.

Lakorra joined Lamorra in giggling: “Lot’s of hearts drawn all over too…”

The sound of Ruby grabbing the parchment can be heard with both twins continuing to giggle. Then Lakorra begins chanting: “Ruby loves Anthus… Ruby loves Anthus…”

Lamorra quickly joins in: “Ruby loves Anthus! Ruby loves Anthus!”

“He’ss just a friend.” Ruby says trying to sound firm. “That’ss all.”

Lamorra snickered: “A friend whose last name you really want to add to yours?”

“A friend deserving of…. 1… 2…. 3… 10 hearts!” Lakorra squealed in amusement. “Let’s go see what papa thinks!”

Sounding desperate Ruby broke down: “Alright! I… care for him. A lot. And I think… I think he caress for me too. This is a secret though. You two can’t tell anyone until we’re ready… not even Rhune. It’s a ssacred pact of ssissterhood. If you break it then no one will ever tell you anything ever again.”

Suddenly serious Lamorra asked: “You think of us as sisters?”

“Yess of course I do.” Ruby said sounding surprised that anyone would think otherwise.

“You… you never told us that before Ruby.” Lakorra said sounding very moved.

Ruby paused a moment before saying: “Well I do… I jusst thought it was obviouss and went without saying.”

“We feel the same way Ruby.” Lamorra responded.

Lakorra added: “We do! And we promise not to tell anyone!”

“Not anyone.” Lamorra said firmly. “Sisterly pact.”

Ruby sighed in relief and with a tone of deep affection she simply said: “Thank you both.”

“Now tell us all about him!” Lamorra giggled.

Lakorra lent her support to the idea: “Yes do tell!”

“Alright… well he’s very sweet and kind…” Ruby began before the clicking of the Star Ruby being shut off can be heard.

A Dragon’s Whimsy Pt. 17

A click can be heard and then Ruby’s high pitched gnomish voice saying: “Another quick update.”

“We returned the Dragon Sphere to mother and she sseemed very moved to ssee it again. She wass so pleased she didn’t even punish uss for entering the catacombs without permission. In fact she gave each of uss a reward and after sseeing my newfound dedication to reuniting the Dragon Flights mine was the Dragon Sphere itself! She said it was to keep me on my chosen path and to inspire my effortss.”

“I’ve never been so honored in my life!” Ruby exclaimed.

“Lyryll had a long talk with mother and it became apparent that she believed very strongly in the Red Dragonflight’ss purpose and had a deep respect for mother. She has the heart of a red dragon I think. And I think mother thought sso too because…”

“Lyryll was given the egg fragments I had brought back with me as her reward. With the Life-Binder’ss blessing she ground them up and then using other materials created two chokers… one for her and one for me… and then imbued them both with the essence of mother’ss shell. Now we each carry a part of the Life-Binder with us.”

“I hope very much to ssee Lyryll again. She is most interesting.”