Just a Story Dump

8:30am: World of Warcraft 20 Themes
For those that don't know, the 20 themes challenge is where the fans create a list of 20 or so different themes of a particular fandom, character or even pairings. Originally conceived by Japanese fandoms, the idea is to draw/write a fanart/fanfic that deals with each the themes, finishing all 20.

Born from the fact that I've been in a major drawing slump as of late... and it gives me an opportunity to possibly draw more than just my characters. Inspired by... S02 20 Themes which I saw after looking through maiji's site, human gray.

(List complete, though I feel I need to make a more specific theme'd one since I made so much. Will upload as I complete them. Feel free to try this challenge too if you like, or put up suggestions for other themes that will go under bonus/alternatives if you think mine are junk. :D I tried to make things as diverse as possible.)

Fandom: World of Warcraft (Warcraft Series)

1. Crowded Crimson (alt: World's End)
2. Guild Meeting
3. Flesh Wound
4. Capture the Flag
5. When Engineering Goes Wrong...
6. The SI:7 Agent
7. Flying High
8. Simple Things in Life
9. Preparation
10. Demons
11. Earth Mother
12. A New World
13. Lord of Blackrock
14. Black Sheep
15. Winter's Veil
16. School of Necromancy
17. Voo-doo
18. Piccolo of the Flaming Fire
19. Betrayal
20. Unlikely mounts

Alternatives/Bonus:
21. A Hunter's Best Friend (sketch)
22. Darkmoon Special Reserve
23. Emerald Nightmare
24. Royal Apothecary Society
25. Aspects of the World
26. Arcane Instability
27. Mystery of the Tower
28. Silenced
29. Reunion
30. Adversity

6:22pm: Starting Over
"Nestramandis! What in the Nether do you think you're doing?!"

Though she was doing her best, Ravine just couldn't free herself from the grip of the high elf--who held a firm grip on the back of her cloak. He doesn't even stop to answer her question--marching through the streets of Stormwind with the warlock in tow as he navigates towards the harbor. The duo received a number of stares and finger-pointing from other adventures and citizens alike, but it's not like Nik ever cared about it.

"It's exactly what it looks like: getting you back on track," he snorted. "I've been sending you all these leads from Dalaran, and you haven't followed up on any of them! Not a single one! We're gonna get your shadow magic under control."

"... Well... I've been--"

"--and don't give me any excuses. You can't be that busy here in Stormwind. Now come on, are you gonna coopera--"

Turning around to face her for the first time, his voice stopped--eyes fixed on the thin scars running down the side of her face. "When you'd get that?" he muttered quietly as his fingers began mirroring the scar's trail on his skin. "That scar isn't exactly flattering... Though I guess it doesn't matter since you have some already," he shrugged as his fingers make a quick, diagonal motion near his neck.

Ravine never really told him about the origin of those scars, and she wasn't going to tell him about these new ones either. "It's nothing important Nik," she muttered as she shook her head.

"Eh..." he shrugged again. "If you say so."

By now, Ravine was now willing to walk alongside her research partner instead of being dragged along (since flailing about didn't seem to do her any good). For awhile, the two walked along the cobblestone streets in silence--neither of them having words for the other.

The narrow street-ways eventually gave way to the open harbor below the city. The smell of the salty sea heavy on their noses as the wind blew through their hair. Ravine figured it was a good enough time as any to start the conversation again as she turned towards her friend.

"Hey Nik... I've been doing some thinking..."

The elf couldn't help but crack a joke. "That's never a good thing," he smirked. Ravine just glared back at him.

"Hush you. Anyways, mayhaps I should let my power waste away and cease this chase to find a way to keep control..."

Nestramandis stared at her. "What?"

"I mean, if I just stop using my magic, wouldn't the connection just cease entirely? It was already weakening before all of this..." Ravine paused, recalling how difficult it was to conjure up even a simple shadowbolt. "If that happens, then I don't have to worry about keeping control of anything."

"Well Ravine, it's not entirely that simple," Nestramandis crossed his arms. "A lack of use doesn't kill the connection. It's actually more dangerous to do that. To put it simply, it just makes the user's magic more volatile, since they'll lack the control to handle it."

Ravine felt her hopes deflate. "But then..."

"Oh come on," he grinned at her. "It's never too late to start over, and we have plenty of room to work with!"

"But what about--"

"Send him a letter. He'll understand." Nestramandis waved his hand dismissively before gently pushing her forward towards the harbor. "No more "buts" and "ifs" already. Besides, aren't you far overdue back to Northrend already?"

"Well... about that..." Ravine scratched her chin lightly. "Eykrie gave us both extended leave."

Making a face at the mention of the engineer paladin, the elf shook his head. "Well... guess he's capable of nice things too once in awhile... You're going to make use of it for awhile longer."

4:28am: Where Your Loyalties Lie (Part 1)
((It's that time of year again. Amigos inspired))


"I am going to put an end to this madness, Lilith."

Senkir turned to face the violet-haired thief, who had raised her sword to defend herself from her elder brother. He had been waiting here in the catacombs underneath Prontera's Cathedral—knowing that she would come here. Brown, stone columns lined the area leading from the back of the room where they stood, to the front. Numerous half-melted candles that lined the walls kept the room dimly lit, giving off an eerie feel. There were no windows here—no outside sources of light. The air was stale and musty with the smell of incense that seemed to lure her further into the labyrinth underneath. However, if she were to continue on, she would have to get past the man that stood before her first.

The swordsman cladded in black leather looked on at his opponent with weary eyes—a young woman wearing the tanned leathers of the Thief's Guild, though now there were obvious tears and cuts in the fabric. A large sword sheath hung from her belt wrapped snuggly around her waist. It was an odd sight to see a thief wielding a large, two-handed bastard sword, but he knew she was different from the rest of them. After all, not all who follow the picaroon's path once walked as a knight. Though she commonly used the alias "Yuyu", to him, she was still Lilith Zarathustra—the youngest daughter of the prestigious knight family of the same name, and his little sister whom he once watched over. However, it was also because of that, that he couldn't afford to take her lightly. He still had a job to do, after all. Though they were both of the same blood, they stood at opposing ends of the current conflict—one who sided with the "Amigos": Saitoh, Zaku, Kasera and Shinura, while the other stood aligned with an insane wizard bent on causing utter destruction upon the capital city of Rune-Midgard. And though Yuyu loathed this place, she just could not see any justification in letting it become nothing but a pile of rubble.

"Senkir..." Yuyu's voice was firm, yet soft. "Don't you realize what you're doing?!" She gripped the hilt of her bastard sword tightly. Thank Odin it was enchanted with wind properties, or she wouldn't have been able to hold it as strongly considering her earlier fights. She could feel the ache sinking into her arms, but she told herself to ignore it. She made a promise to herself that she would see all of this to its end, no matter what.

He merely nodded at the woman. "Of course," he replied, his voice equally soft in tone. "But you don't realize what this means, do you?" Slowly drawing out his own blade, the thief only had a second to raise her sword up to defend from his blow as he disappeared from her sight, his movements becoming blurred. Moments later, there was a loud crashing sound as sparks flew from where their blades clashed against each other. She had been lucky—he sought to clear her head from her shoulders in one sweep. Caught in a deadlock for a few moments, Yuyu managed to push him back before advancing on the attack. "It means everyone will die!" she cried out as she lashed out—though Senkir managed to dodge and parry every swing. "I will not allow anymore innocents to die!"

Their swords met again and again as she continued to push him further back until Senkir found himself back-to-back against one of the columns. With no other place for him to run, she swung her bastard sword at him with all her might. However, the man had ducked and instead of getting the deathblow, metal collided with stone as bits of rock flew from the support structure. While her sword had not lodged itself into the column, a great deal of sparks flew from where her blade struck which created enough of a distraction for Senkir to roll away to the side. Now behind her, she was defenseless as he raised his own sword high, before bringing it down upon her. The thief's weapon dropped to the stone floor with a loud clatter, echoing throughout the empty room. Yuyu had barely managed to save herself as she caught the blade with both of her hands. However, the tables had quickly turned as now she was the one with her back against the wall—weaponless as she desperately tried to push the blade away that was slowly inching towards her face.

"Dear sister," he cooed at her. "You of all people should know that no one is innocent. We all have our sins." He looked down at her, and Yuyu swore that there was a tinge of regret in his eyes, despite the emotionless mask he wore. "I was unable to protect you from our family—from the corrupt politics that plague this city." Yuyu's back was pressed against the stone column as she knelt down, trying to create some distance between her and his sword. Despite her efforts, Senkir still overpowered her and was slowly winning their little contest of strength. "But, once Zera destroys the system, we'll never be separated again, Lilith."

He smiled at her. "We'll be together. Forever."


(To be continued)

12:50pm: The entries are dated back from two weeks back and onward.

Today comes a bit of a relief after yesterday. There were... many people that came that I did not expect to see. Certainly not Mourne--and worse--Shakta's own mother. Though Mourne offered his apologies, I do not know. I can't seem to remember very well of the events that evening other than speaking to Rekuu about something over the guildstone, and then waking up with a severe headache and Hazard yelling as me. Ugh. (How in the Nether did he get inside?)

At the very least, Eykrie was able to come to set Savras's bones in place again after he crawled out of bed yesterday. His legs should be set back in place, as well as his back bones and his ribs. As for his shattered bones in his arm, he was able to mend that as well, but warned that it should not move under any circumstances while it slowly heals. (As well as everything else for that matter, but his arm he was quite stern about.) He fitted some sort of device that blares out a noise if it's moved out of place. Hopefully it'll make sure that he won't move his arm around much.

There's been no word of Eriselle, nor Mourne since. It's likely for the best.


===


Mayhaps I have spoken too soon. Eriselle came by and asked me (told me?) to find Shakta for her. She said she would watch over Savras in my absence.

I'm not prepared to do this.

===


I've forgotten how cold Winterspring is.

It's been a week since I've left Stormwind. The trip between there and Ironforge was quick enough, and so was the short flight down to Menethil. The seas were not so calm traveling to Auberdine though. Mayhaps it would've been much easier finding a portal from a mage to Darna (the sentence here abruptly stops)

It's been a few hours since I've landed in Everlook. I don't even know where to start looking. All I know is that he's up here--they're up here--somewhere... in the snows...

I should've packed more cloaks.


===


She's still here.
BUT SHE'S DEAD.

Did she count on me wanting to kill her? That's what they thought. It was difficult for me to see her... like that. Still, I couldn't kill her.

Mardus inquired on Antigone's whereabouts over the stone. Foolishly, I mentioned about getting a letter from her recently postmarked from Theramore. Started screaming all of a sudden before there was a loud crashing sound. Probably destroyed it. I hope she isn't there.

Need to get home. Need to get back to Sav.

===

12:37am: "Don't think you can so easily walk away from that life, or have you already forgotten your reputation, Lilith?"

The violet-haired thief stopped dead in her tracks, her hand resting on the sheath of her sword hanging from her belt. Her words were strained—tensed as she gritted her teeth. "Do NOT test me Flavian," she growled, her eyes twitching in irritation. The Master of the Thieves's Guild had struck a nerve with the young woman, and he intended to use it to his advantage. Drumming his fingers against eachother, he chuckled before speaking again in that thick, noble-like Pronterian accent that she began to hate.

"Miss Hyew-Hyew," he began. "We both know of your past deeds. Shall I begin listing them off?" He bent over in his chair, sifting through folders of paperwork in his desk drawer. "You have quite a record, as I'm sure we both know..."

"Tch..." Lilith glared at Flavian. She hated it when it came down to this. Odin be damned for her previous "jobs". And damn Flavian even more for keeping record for every single one of them. She threw her hands up reluctantly in defeat. "FINE! You win. I'll take the job..." Inwardly, the guild master couldn't help but grin to himself as he placed her record back in its spot in his drawer. "You know well that I only send assassins after those that deserve it. Never an innocent, and never without just cause." He could've sworn that Lilith's sword hand twitched again upon those words, but he wasn't quite sure, and it wasn't as if she would admit to it anyways.

"Now..." he said, grabbing a dark-brown envelope. "Your target will be..."


((Sort of a re-write of Lilith's encouner with Flavian in The Amigos. Ahaha... I hope Shinura doesn't mind. I really should finish writing that backstory one of these days...))

12:48am: Poems and Ballads by Gerada
((If it isn't painfully obvious, I haven't written a poem in eons. So it's quite rusty.))

Hiders and Seekers

Polo and Daisy run off to hide,
But Rollo is bored; he knows where they lie.

Unknown to him, Odo plays too,
The Best in the Shire, on top the roof!

Tookish Rescue

Two young Tooks
Stole away a book
Stashed it in a tree
A willow full of bees!

Aim careful! Aim quick!
Oh no, oh no! Isembard missed!
Down down goes the hive
Angry bees trailing behind!

Never to fear!
A fearless hobbit is near!
A swing and a strum,
The bees are done!

Just when our troubles were over,
Look upon the hill! Bears all rover!
Swing your mace! Beat them back!
Run 'em off scared! Victory at last!

Gerebert's Dare
(A work in progress)

Gerebert Took dissappeared on a dare
Onto a wagon east, to show he ain't scared!
Silly foolish Took lad! Where could he be?
You've missed your meal, and left your sister worried!


Untitled

Longo Burrow
Quite a rude fellow.
Promised a lead
If we found his pipe-weed.
A barrel we found
Amongst the bear crowd.
Returned it did
But the truth he hid!
Never trust Longo Burrow!

Works in Progress:

*Tales of Archet
*Quick Quick Post
*Spoiled Pies (title pending)

8:36pm: One Last Time
((Did this as a writing prompt in EP's forums, asking how your character's would meet the end. It's sort of a follow up to what Savras wrote. Since Ravine's future is fairly uncertain, this is just one of many possibilities that could happen

For full effect: Taku Iwasaki - In Memories 'KO-TO-WA-RI'))


===



Time had not been kind on Ravine. As the years passed, so did her youth; ravaged by years of involvement with the fel arts. And yet, there was still an air of gentle calmness and dignity that had personified the woman for as long as she had lived, despite her deteriorating state.

Much of her time these days was spent in her study in Telaar. The strength to do even simple fieldwork like collecting herbs amongst the plains of Nagrand was getting difficult to come by with each day. Mulling over old, unfinished reports was becoming routine as stacks of parchment covered her workspace. Yet, more often than not, Ravine found her thoughts drifting away from the monotony of her research.

Her two children were quickly growing up. Though they were still teens in her eyes, they were quickly finding their own places in the world. Just like Savras had told her, the son had an amazing gift for the arcane and shadows—though his penchant for causing trouble was something he picked up from his dad. Meanwhile, her daughter's talent lay solely with the bow and arrow. Ravine found herself greatly in debt to the people of the Kurenai once more. Without them, she doubted that her daughter's abilities as a ranger and tracker would've been so finely developed as it became.

And Savras... It has been many, many years since she had last seen her husband. A part of her still knew he lived. More likely than not, he was watching over her and their two children from afar. Yet, even knowing this could not stop at the ache that ate away in her heart, nor the tears that would sometimes stream down her face late at night. It was in these moments, that she cursed her mortality. He was the most important person in her life, and yet... was she to be damned, never to see him again?

Tears pattered onto the parchment, diluting the cursive written on its surface.

I want to see you again!

She lifted her hands up to her face, meaning to wipe her tears away.

I miss you so much...

Her eyes widened suddenly as pain wracked her body. Using one free hand, she managed to push herself away from her desk. The other was held over her mouth as she was assaulted by a violent coughing fit.

Just once...

She managed a groan before toppling out of her chair. Even the crashing of furniture sounded quiet in her ears. Slowly, she felt everything inside shutting down one-by-one.

"No... no..." she choked out as panic began to set in. "I don't...! I don't want to die!"

I don't want to die... I don't want to leave you...

Dearest... Savras...

Using what strength she had left in her, Ravine began to crawl towards the doorway. Though her will to live was terrible, strength from her limbs were fading away quickly.

Cyan… Renae…

Her hands gripped weakly onto the door handle. Turning the knob, the elder woman pushed all her weight into opening the door. The door quickly swung open as Ravine collapsed into the cool Nagrand evening. Her breathes were shortened into ragged gasps—her sight darkening by the second. The names and faces of everyone she knew—everyone she considered a friend or a family member ran through her mind, as if she were flipping through the pages of a book. There was no strength left to fight it.

Just… just one last time…

Lifting her head up, she thought she could make out the silhouette of a man running towards her. Long, white hair… long ears, though the left was shorter than the right… Were her eyes playing tricks on her? Did it even matter at this point?

Though her lips moved, there was no sound. She reached out towards him with one outstretched hand, but it did not stay there long. It didn't matter now. Just one glance was enough. Ravine smiled one last time before she finally slipped away.

4:45am: Karazhan, Again...
or "Coming Full Circle"

Part I: The Dream

===

"Wake up, child."

Ravine groaned as she opened her eyes, finding herself sprawled across the rocky earth. A white fog swirled around her, obscuring just about everything in distance. She had no idea how long she had been out, nor where she was. Though she could at least make out some nearby rocks protruding from the ground, it did little to give her any clues.

Where am I...? How did I get here...? She furrowed her brows, trying to remember. But she kept drawing blanks.

"Come closer."

"What...?" Ravine turned her head around quickly, as if expecting to see someone emerge from the mists. "Who is that? Show yourself!" she yelled. The laughter that followed echoed throughout the area, only serving to further annoy the auburn-haired woman. "This isn't a game!" she cried out. "I shant repeat myself! Did you bring me here?!"

"Perhaps. Perhaps not," the voice responded. For some reason, it familiar to Ravine. There was an air of command, but laced with kindness and strung with melody. Surely, she heard this voice somewhere before... but where? She closed her eyes, dredging through her memories. Images of her childhood flashed through her mind, before she finally realized the owner of the voice. It... it can't be...

She was almost afraid to say it, as if it were confirming a great fear to be truth.

"M... Miss Vasharra," she whispered. "Vasharra Firehand..."

A lithe, blond-haired high-elven woman began to materialize from the mists in front of her, the woman's footsteps echoing with each step. Her crimson robes shimmered in the fractured light, giving it an otherworldly glow as she approached Ravine, a smile curved on the woman's lips.

This wasn't like the other times she had met her, when she was a resentful banshee. Vasharra stood before her as she remembered her as a child. Not as a hateful, tormented spirit. But as her teacher.

((to be cont.))

1:47pm: The Coldest Morning
The sun had barely begun to rise over the snow-capped peaks of Winterspring when Ravine awoke. Bits and flecks of snow swirled and danced across the frosted window of the small, one-roomed house near the ruins of Starfall Village. What was once an empty, seemingly abandoned building was quickly adopted into her hideaway from the world.

That is, until today.

She slowly rose from her bed, tip-toeing across the floor where her companions -- Shakta who had fallen asleep at the base of the bed, Eykrie who made himself comfortable sandwiched between the bear rug and the number of blankets that littered the place, and Lormail who slept next to the an opened cabinet -- slept. By the time they awoke, she would be gone from this place. Their duties were done. They no longer needed to protect her.

Thank you, she thought to herself as she got dressed, donning the armor that she wore when she took off fighting against opponents in the Goblin Arena Circuit. She wasn't particularly fond of the designs the Goblins took after when designing the various outfits that made up her armor, but she couldn't deny its usefulness. The material proved itself to be not only durable that normal robes, but fairly resilient as it had saved her a number of times in battle. It should serve her well for the tasks ahead.

Finally, things are as they should be.

She smiled at the thought of being alongside her husband as she clasped together her shoulder pads, making sure not to prick her fingers on the spikes that adorned them.

It was a tremendous risk. They all knew it, Savras most of all. It was why he had denied her wish to help look for Neyv alongside him. But, the warlock refused to sit idle, doing nothing but pray for the night elf's safe return. She believed in his strength, but she also knew just how cunning Neyv was. The very thought of him dying by that man's hand, someplace far away where she would be unable to do anything... It was those sort of thoughts it ate at her constantly. If it were not for the support from those who swore to guard her, certainly she would have lost her mind by now.

We'll both return. I swear we will.

Ravine looked down at herself, making sure she had everything, and everything was in order. She picked up a small bag which contained only a week's worth of rations, and her staff that she had left leaning against the wall the night before. Quietly, she walked towards the room's edit, looking back only once to the sleeping faces. It was regrettable to leave them behind, but... they could take care of themselves. They would all be fine.

"Where do you think are going?"

Ravine froze up slightly as she stepped out into the snow, though she wasn't startled by the freezing cold. Standing just a few feet away,outfitted in mail armor with a small fire totem resting next to her ankles was a dark-skinned draenai, snow covering much of her hair and shoulders with her arms folded across her chest.

"Leaving so soon? Without saying goodbye?" Kyber smirked at the warlock.

"Ah..." The warlock looked startled before her cheeks began to flush with embarrassment. She had forgotten that the draenai had taken the night watch outside. "My.. my apologies... b-but..." she stammered, her teeth chattering with the cold. "I have a l-long... ways to g-go."

Kyber nodded, holding out what appeared to be a hood and a couple extra cloaks. "It is a cold morning. Coldest morning since coming here. Keep yourself healthy and warm," giving Ravine a smile. "He is waiting for you."

Ravine nodded, tying the hood just below her chin as she layered the cloaks around her shoulders. "A-aye, he is."

"Good luck then. Be careful," Kyber walked past the warlock, towards the small house before turning to the warlock. "Both of you."

"We will," Ravine responded, as she began her long journey to Nagrand. "That is a promise."

It was the coldest morning ever, but she didn't feel the bite of winter as she left.

4:31am: Twisted Fears
"Mardus! To your left!"

The flash of metal from the shadows was all that Ravine needed to see as the rogue turned the corner. She suspected that he intended to knock one of them out cold, but he had lost his chance.

Oh no you don't! Not this time!

Her fingers began to conjure up bits of the shadow dwelling inside of her as she began to rush towards him. If he was foolish enough to stand close, than he would be the first one to fall onto the dusty Arena Floor. The Corruption spell had its desired effect as the man stumbled, stopping to cough up flecks of blood, revealing his hiding spot. Before he knew it, Mardus was already upon him, sword raised high. Muttering one more incantation, she whispered a curse under her breath, in hopes of exhausting him. This served two purposes: the first one being to prevent him from coming close to her, while the second kept him close to the assaulting warrior.

His other two allies, two spell casters in robes, quickly rushed to his aid. The wounded rogue had turned his attention from the warlock, onto his current attacker. Surely, he would not fall without a fight. However, knowing Mardus, he would make sure the rogue regretted his decision by coming to them alone. With a grunt, the warrior swung his massive sword at the rogue's chest, mortally wounding him as blood spattered onto the Arena floor. Knowing that the rogue's fate was sealed, Ravine turned her attention onto the priest who began to chant a prayer to the Light.

Her words were cut short as the night elf's eyes opened wide with fear. Screaming, she took off, running in the opposite direction of the battle. Soon her screams were no longer coherent as they turned into garbled Demonic.

That should take care of...

Her thoughts were cut off immediately as her whole world went black. The other team's warlock grinned briefly as he returned the favor before returning his focus onto the battle.

===

The first thing she saw was Savras, kneeling down on the ground before her. His armor was shattered, while his body was laced in gashes and bruises. One of his hands was pressed hard against his chest, and it took her a moment to realize that he was trying to staunch the flow of blood. However, it was to no avail as streams of crimson flowed between his fingers, dripping down into a puddle in front of him.

He lifted his head up slightly to look at her with soulless eyes, lacking the life that characterized him so much.

"Doll..." His voice was deadpan. "You betrayed me."

Before she could say anything to prove her innocence, there is another voice. It was familiar, but at the same time, it was alien. It was a quiet chuckle, but it only served to thinly veil this woman's contempt. A slim female figure with pale skin, and shoulder-length, auburn colored hair began to materialize in front of them. Like Ravine, she too wore robes. In fact, she dressed exactly like the warlock.

However, she was not her. This woman's face was painted with a sinister sneer, her eyes glowing an unnatural reddish hue. Demons of all shapes and sizes capered at her heels, radiating overwhelming amounts of fel energies.

"You realize it now, don't you?" The voice was like hers, but acidic and arrogant. "My husband does not lie." She knelt down, wrapping her arms around him from behind, although this only served to contort his face in anquish. "Don't you, dearest?" Laughing cruelly, her hands began to give off a sickly green hue as both of them were engulfed in this strange light. Ravine could only watch helplessly as her husband screamed in pain, while her corrupted double seemed to be in ecstasy. To her horror, his features began to age rapidly. By the time she had let go, the elf had aged perhaps a hundred years.

Ravine wanted to back away from her double; her corrupted self that had so willingly succumbed to the very power that she wielded. That Ravine... was no longer human, but instead embodied the pain and suffering that terrified her. It was an irrational hate, that seemed suited to be a part of Sargeras's terrible Burning Legion.

She shut her eyes as her double's hands rested upon hers. The shadow energies that emitted from her fingers burned her clothes and skin as black energy began to bubble and corrode the flesh that had been touched. Was she to be taken as well? All of her life drained from this body of hers until there was nothing but a husk?

The laughter that had rung in her ears began to change, its voice making progressive, subtle distortions in its tone. And while her voice faded away, another blended in seamlessly to take its place. Unlike the last one, Ravine is quick to recognize it; the voice belonging to the man she despises most of all. His laughter was both cruel and mocking, laced with a sadistic pleasure he took in tormenting her. She opened her eyes, and found that while both Savras and her corrupted double were gone (though the wounds remained), in their place, the figure of a male human, wearing pieces of the infamous Deathbone Armor came into view. That toothy grin, with his perfectly sharpened, white teeth, never left his face as Oneyvien Suun approached her.

She screamed at herself to move, but Ravine was locked in place out of fear. And perhaps that same fear was affecting her judgment and sight. Rubbing her eyes, she thought what she was seeing was an illusion, but no... she wasn't seeing things. The images that drew closer began to multiply. Where there was one, there was two... then four. The numbers continued multiply until she found herself surrounded by Neyv replicates. One-by-one, they reached out and grabbed her. Four strong hands held her down fast to the ground, while others took advantage of her vulnerable situation.

"So soft. So tender, my dear Ravine."

They gripped and pulled all at once, ignoring the warlock's cries as they tore her apart.

===

"AHHHHHHH!" Sweat and tears poured down Ravine's face as she screamed in fright. Her eyes were shut tightly as her body began to convulse violently on the ground in the small room just outside of the Arena where the team had been fighting only a few minutes before. Long after the battle had come to its bloody conclusion, Ravine found herself deeply affected by the effects of the spell, unable to snap out of the trance on her own. It took the work of several priests, and fellow team member Eykrie, before they were able to calm the woman down. As the last vestiges of the Fear spell left her, she could not help but cover her face with her hands and weep at the things she was forced to see, even though it was all an illusion.

3:40am: The Gossip Line
((This is a fun little thread we had in the Ordo Complector forums. Basically an IC exposition of what our characters thought of eachother. This list includes a wide variety of people that Ravine has met. While most of the people in here are people are are a part of Ordo, there are a couple outsiders of the guild from the Retribution of Arathor, Eruditio Patronus, Malakim, and other friends that may know Ravine, thus the long list. 8D

Enjoy!))



Aellex: "Aellex is... Well, he's powerful... but he's also temperamental. He and I have disagreed with many things in the past, and I don't think we'll see eye-to-eye on any of them soon."

Antigone: "Antigone is incredibly intelligent. A very strong, independent woman, and a master demonologist. I just... wish that she would open herself more to others sometime, though I can understand why she wouldn't."

Aszun: "I'm... afraid I never got to know her. She was someone in the Order before I returned. I heard that she had died, but was raised again by another. I... hope she finds peace. Somehow..."

Azsha: "A very quiet draenai warrior. She always seems to have a bag of sunflower seeds wherever she goes. I heard she joined Eruditio recently? I... hope she has the sanity to withstand Savras..."

Brooklea: "I... believe we exchanged formalities once after a guild meeting, but I don't know much about her."

Coleclasure: "...Where in the Nether has he been? It would seem as if he and Blythe would've eloped somewhere now. I wish he would stop accusing me that I stole that red hat. *chuckles*"

Clearwater: "She is a new face within the Order. A druid who had a discussion with me regarding the changes of fel energies in the area of Felwood. She seems very into her fieldwork."

Damon: " *sighs* Mayhaps one day he'll call me by my real name... I hope he and Frore one day manage to tie the knot. He really does love her."

Dolora: "I... don't know her very well to be honest. But she cares a great deal about Tabasa's well-being. I really wish she would get herself some more sleep."

Duraedin: "Ah... I haven't seen him for quite sometime. I'm sure he's busy with his duties as well to Arathor. But he's always been a good friend of mine. One of these days, we'll take that fishing trip we keep talking about."

Eykrie: "He is a good man. I worry about him and his penchant for putting explosives in everything he sees. Very reliable in the Goblin Area Circuit battles especially."

Frore: "Frore is just... she is amazing. She always manages to keep her head up, even in the worst of things. Extremely helpful, as I remember the days back when we ran the Crimson together where she would always do the housework of dishes and cleaning. I'm glad to have her as a friend."

Geralt: "I've spoken with him a few times. A very nice fellow, even though he seems fully aware of my... powers."

Glynn: "I haven't had a chance to meet with him yet. Mayhaps in due time."

Haalud: "Ah... Haalud. He's quite the fellow. I hope he managed to get his elekk under control. *chuckles*"

Jaek: "Ah... that is a name I haven't heard in quite some time. I've known him since the early days of Arathor. Very kind-hearted, but he always has this tendency to just... disappear. Sarriel embodies the patience of the world itself."

Kathara: "It's odd how we were once at each other's throats, but now we would often sit across the table from one another in a tavern. A very strong rogue, though... a bit egotistical."

Katheryn: "Katheryn is a caring, hardworking, dedicated woman. I wouldn't believe anyone else would think differently."

Kellani: "Kellani... I... don't believe we've met."

Lormail: "I suppose... he's been a bit more stable these days. Still though, he way he carries himself with that other "self"... Nether..."

Lunalesca: "A dangerous woman who shouldn't be taken lightly."

Madeletre: "A stalwart warrior. Very reliable when needed. I think she worries a bit too much though..."

Mardus: "Experience has hardened Mardus over the course of time that I've met him, especially when... Neyv first made himself know to us. It's sort of disappointing that he drinks now, when he was never one for alcohol at first. I'm just glad that I'm not on the other side of his sword..."

Neyv: "...Ngh. Just... just keep that bastard away from me... He should've been dead."

Riely: "I think Riely is a bit misunderstood by many around her. I think... people sometimes forget she is still a child. From when the time I had first met her, she has certainly grown and matured. She still has quite a ways to go, but I believe that she will one day escape living in the shadow of her crazy father."

Sarriel: "Sarriel has always been a quiet voice of reason. She has been through quite a bit, with her beloved disappearing and reappearing every so often. Her pursuit of the shadows, especially when it deals with her family history, does worry me though. I hope that she isn't in over her head. There's... just some things that should be left hidden and kept secret."

Savras: "Ah... I know sometimes he acts like a goof but, there's so much more to him that others don't see, though sometimes I wish I knew what was on his mind. But, I love him, and I would like nothing more than to spend my days with him."

Shakta: "Somehow... somehow she can make people smile and laugh, even when they're despondent. Something like that... takes a real gift. I'm glad that she is my friend, mayhaps... even the closest friend I've had since Kitra."

Shiawase: "Another old name that goes back to the beginning days of Arathor. I haven't seen him in awhile, but I believe he was running a place where the old Crimson used to be in Stormwind."

Shrike: "Between Shrike and Shakta, she would be the more reasonable of the two. *chuckles* A woman of few words, but her skill with the blade often speaks for her."

Stehl: "His heart is in the right place often times, but Nether... There are times where I want to throttle him for his stupidity..."

Tabasa Cielle: "In a way... I envy Tabasa for being able to escape the path of the warlock. A part of me still longs for the life of a mage; the life of what could be. But, I know there's no way that I could."

Tabasa Felsworn: "To think we all thought this was the real Tabasa... I suppose we all wanted to believe that she had conquered her timid nature. After being tutored under Antigone, I can only imagine how powerful she is now."

Teegan: "She's a very sweet girl. I'm afraid I know little else, except that her and Yulius have something between them."

Thesali: "I'm afraid I don't know her very well. She doesn't seem like a bad person though."

Vimia: "She's... fairly eloquent. Also an engineer. At least she doesn't talk about blowing herself up though..."

Widar: "I've seen him in a few guild meetings. A dwarven rogue, correct? Though a member of Ordo, rogues well... I haven't gotten along very well with them in the past."

Wynnri: "I hear her often enough over the guildstone. Is she... an engineer as well? Cripes..."

Yulius: "I've tried to tell him that he doesn't need to be so polite, and that it's alright if he just called me Ravine, but... he doesn't seem to listen. *sighs* "

2:59am: Corrupted - Prologue: Walking the Thin Line
"Child."

A young girl, no older than twelve, turned her head to face the fair-skinned elf, who was garbed in red robes, that stood next to her. It was a cold autumn day as the last few of the leaves fell from the trees around the nearby town. Although the reds and oranges helped to brighten the area some, the cold, howling wind that blew through the area of Duskwood did little to ease the fears of her residents. With the incease of supernatural sightings in the area, the small town tried its best to keep itself defended from the things beyond their borders. Vasharra smile sweetly as the elf places her hands on the child's arms and began to move it, all the while instructing her student. "No no, dear Ravine. You have to move your hands to here," the elf would scold as she fussed with the girl's elbows, moving them more inward than Ravine had originally. "Don't bring it so far out. You'll have to make the gesture just right or else the spell won't work."

"But Miss Vasharra!" the girl would complain. "Do these hand motions really matter? Isn't magic about incantations... and stuff like that?" It was a question the high elf was asked every lesson she gave Ravine. Vasharra sighed, knowing well what she was getting herself into. But her student — her beloved student— needed to understand these things. Even if it took her a hundred years.

"Yes, they do matter," she stated in a matter-of-fact tone. "Magic is more than incantations. It's about perfection. And perfect practice..."

"...make perfection," Ravine finished with a sigh. Here we go again, she thought.

Vasharra knelt down, her glowing blue eyes staring at her pupil as she pushed strands of her blond hair from her face.

"I want you to understand something, child. The path of the arcane is not an easy one," she stated as she placed a hand on the young girl's shoulder. "The power you will wield is great, but even the greatest of sorcerers can, and will be swayed by the very power they control."

Ravine looked down at the ground, scuffling her shoes in the dirt. "I know, I know..." she mumbled.

Vasharra tiled the girl's chin up, and smiled. "I want you to succeed, Ravine. Because you are my student."

Ravine sighed. She always knew how to make her feel bad. "I'm... I'm sorry, Miss Vasharra. I don't want to disappoint you..." she muttered again, looking up this time.

The elf smiled. "Fear not, child. You haven't yet." Vasharra stood back up. "These exercises are necessary. To be able to wield magic properly, you must be disciplined enough to use it. Magic is like the sweetest of fruits. To some, it is like an intoxicating liquor and... if they cannot control themselves, they continue to desire for it, until they are nothing more than an empty shell..." She shuddered as she mentioned these words; her voice trailed off to a whisper, intending them only for herself. "All your life, you will walk a very thin line between control and corruption, but..." she paused, giving the girl a glimmer of hope for her future. "Know that there will always be a sliver of light to guide you."

Ravine's face brightened up a little. "Ah... do you... do you really think so, Miss Vasharra?"

"Yes, child," she grinned. "I know so."

1:19am: Journal Entry: Ravine
Year: 33 Month: December Day: Saturday (Sunday?)
Overcast

I have been out here for a long time. The tears have long since stopped falling with the rain. The only thing that I know, is that I'm exhausted. I can't even recall why I ran out here in the first place anymore.

I feel so... so dumb. What did coming out here accomplish? I probably placed myself more in danger by being like this. Being stubborn and stupid like this. Nether...

The following lines contains scribble lines, mainly appeared to be made in anger.

I need... I need to apologize to so many people. Gods... I shouldn't have said such things... It wasn't my place to do so.

But, they needed to be said. Right?

Right?

10:42pm: "Stupid"
( ((WARNING: The following contains mass amounts of emo. And I mean... like a ton of emo. Srsly)) )

8:13pm: Moving Day
"Phew... that should be the last of it." Ravine nodded to herself as she slumped into a nearby chair, taking a breather as she wiped the sweat forming on her brow.

Sitting before her were five boxes. Five boxes full of books, her current research, and other small trinkets that didn't look like much, but meant so much to her. That's all she was bringing with her to Auberdine. The rest would be staying, in hopes that it would look as though she had not left at all.

It had not been easy for the warlock to go about packing her bags to move. She dearly loved Nagrand, Telaar and the Kurenai neighbors that she had come to know over the past eight months. To her, they had become a family from the trader who setup shop next door to her everyday, to the town's local cook who shared all of her recipies with her. The town was warm and friendly to those who offered their help, and were not quick to judge. From the first day she arrived, she was treated as if she were one of them. Not like Telredor. Not like Stormwind. Not like Darkshire.

If only that man didn't come to her door...

If only Neyv stayed dead...

Ravine sighed as she rubbed her eyes. Her dreams had been no better even after telling both Antigone and Mardus, but at least living close to them would give both her and Savras at least some safety, rather than being in the middle of nowhere. As far as she knew, she was the only member of Ordo who chose to reside on "the other side" as people referred to it. And perhaps it was the same for her husband as well in his order.

Despite recent events and disturbed dreams, she could not help but smile as her mind drifted back to the conversation that the two of them held earlier in the day. She had wanted to keep him out of this, but knew that he could not be kept away any longer. Ravine told him of the visit, and the man that she considered so dangerous, begging him not to chase after him.

But even then, he showed her that no matter what circumstances, that he could still make her smile. Make her laugh.

"I think we need this. We're like two old folks living our days away in our Nagrand summer home!" Savras chuckled, before pausing. "... Not that you're old or anything..."

A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts. "Hello? Ravine?" A female gnomish voice called to her from the other side of the door. Ravine quickly jumped to her feet. "Ah... it's unlocked!" the warlock called back as she smoothed down her robes. The door creeked opened as the warlock bowed her head in greeting to the young gnome mage who came into the room. "Thank you so much for helping me with these Frore," Ravine said as she smiled at her friend and head researcher of her group. "I'm glad to be of help!" the mage replied, returning the smile. "Now, where was it that you needed to go with these?"

Ravine swallowed hard. "Darnassus." She wasn't exactly fond of the city, as she believed the city felt the same way about her. However, it was the closest major city to Auberdine. She'd much rather take the ferry from Teldrassil, than to take the long boat trip from Menethil.

"All right. Give me a moment...." Frore placed the boxes on the ground before her, before she closed her eyes in concentration, imagining the capital city with all of its trees and intricate architecture. From the Sentinels who patrolled the area to keep it safe, to the druids who called this place home. Her hands began to shimmer with arcane light as a portal to the kaldorei city floated before the two of them. Picking up the boxes, she motioned for the warlock to go in. "After you!"

Nodding, Ravine took a deep breath and stepped through.

5:39am: Another Sleepless Night
((Heh. Trying to decide if this should be an open RP, or a one-shot...))



She was running through a maze. Her feet were scrambling, if only to keep away from the one chasing her.

"HAHAHAHA"

Turning the corner, her eyes widened as she reached a dead end. There was no place left to hide as the girl looked behind her, eyes filled with terror.

"You can't run. You can't escape."

Desperation took hold as she clawed as the walls, in an attempt to create a makeshift escape. But her efforts were in vain.

"You will be mine."

She felt hands snake around her body. She opened her mouth to scream, but there was no voice. They enclosed around her neck and squeezed. Struggling at first, her body soon fell limp without any air as everything faded to black.

"My dear."

"MY DEAR."

"MY DEAR."


Ravine suddenly found herself wide awake, sitting upright on her bed with one hand pressed hard against her chest. Her breaths came out as ragged, irregular gasps as she tried to steady herself.

Still alive... It was... another dream. ...Another nightmare.

It took a few minutes to calm herself down, but by that time, it was impossible. She couldn't go back to sleep now. Ravine turned her head, looking down at Savras who was sleeping peaceful next to her, or at least, it looked that way. In a way, she envied him. Despite how busy he had become, leading his band of warrior scholars, at least he could manage a night's worth of sleep. In the meanwhile, she was only a researcher, but found herself plagued by nightmares. She could not believe it, but the possibility of Neyv still being alive hit home for her. Ever since that delivery boy sent his gift and message, leaving a bloody impression on the warlock after the he committed suicide on her doorstep, he had been a reoccurring theme in her dreams.

A day prior to that, Antigone had warned her of the possibility that he could be alive, but there was no sure indication then. Ravine had been meaning to write a letter to her fellow warlock about what had happened, but each attempted only ended in the trash bin.

Slowly, she crawled out of bed, reaching for the nearby candlestick. A soft glow emitted from her fingertips as she lit the wick, before tip-toeing over to her work desk. Taking a seat, she pulled up a fresh piece of parchment, quill and ink.

If sleep was going to evade her, then at least she'll be productive about it.

2:32am: First Job (Amara)
((Written as a prelude to the events prior to the World PvP event on 11/24)


"WHA?! I swear I paid tha' months ago!" Amarestine slammed the bar with both of her hands, in disbelief on what was happening.

The bartender of the Pig and Whistle crossed his arms, shaking her head in disapproval. "Your little trinkets don't count as money when I'm paying for the ale! We're no pawn shop! You've built up a fifteen gold tab, miss!" He made sure to carry his voice throughout the whole tavern, making an example out of Amara. "You're cut until you pay your due. AND NO FOOL' S GOLD!"

"Tha's not fair then! I want my stuff back!"
"No can do miss."
"Yer callin' ME a thief?!"
"You just left it on the table after you've drunk your rounds! I'm not the only one pickin' things off the table."

As the two of them continued to argue, there was one man in particular who seemed to be watching the two of them with some amusement. He studied the rogue for a few moments, before standing up and moving up to the front of the bar.

"Do not worry about the young lady's tab. I will pay for it. Another round for the both of us?"

Both of them stopped and stared. Amara was the first to say anything. "No! I refuse!"

The bartender also seemed adamant, though for different reasons. "You do realize how large of a tab she--" The bartender was cut short as the man plopped down a pouch full of coins. "If you look inside," he muttered. "You can see that this is not an issue." Opening the drawstrings, the bartender gave the man a skeptic look before peeking inside. His eyes widened considerably. Amara also peeked in side, and let out a sharp gasp.

"I'll get both of your drinks right away." Before Amara could protest, the bartender ran to get both mugs filled. Amara just stared at her mysterious benefactor.

"Come with me, miss. There is a matter I wish to discuss with you."

=====

"What?! A bodyguard?!"

The man who introduced himself as the owner of Limited Immunity, a weapon shop in Stormwind not far from the tavern, nodded his head. "Precisely. You certainly seem more than able for the job. I had some friends in Ironforge ask they could bring in much help as possible. You see, the Horde is planning an attack on the transports..."

Amara shook her head. "Nuh uh! Not my job! If you want me lookin' for something, I can do that. If you want me for some information, I can do that too!" The rogue slammed her empty mug on the table. "But I'm not cut out for this bodyguard stuff! Hell, I know my guild hired me on that premise, but tha's too rough! I'm not tough enough!"

"Ah-hah. But it seems you have little choice. I DID pay your tab after all."

Son of a bitch. This is why she didn't want the man to pay her tab.

"Alright! ALRIGHT!" She threw her hands up in defeat. "I'll do it!"

After getting the information she need, Amara gathered her things before storming out of the Pig and Whistle Tavern for the night, grumbling to herself and slightly intoxicated. That was the last time that she arrived in a pub nearly broke.

"Gimme tha' next flight to Southshore..." she mumbled to the flight master, who seemed a little unsure on the thief's ability to stay on her griffin. He complied anyways as Amara flashed a few silver for the man's troubles.

"I guess it shudn't be much trouble. S'just a delivery... Wha's the worse that could happen?"

11:48pm: Call of Nature: Renkala's Story
There are no tales of glory here.

But they are the truth. And I hope, that you learn from the mistakes of the old, young one. For those who do not learn, are doomed to repeat history.

--Renkala Flamecaller, of the Bleeding Hollow Clan

===

Renkala was born in the lands of Draenor, to the orcish clan of the Bleeding Hollow. During the years of childhood, she knew only peace of the land, her clan and her people as a whole (though her interaction with other clans were limited to the Kosh'harg Festivals held in Nagrand). Gifted with the ability to see the spirits, she began to walk the path of the shaman at her young age.

However, it was a path that she would not walk for long.

Renkala found everything around her happening so quickly when the orcish tribes united as one to declare war upon the peaceful Draenai whom they had coexisted peacefully for hundreds of years, out of the belief that they would be wiped from the face of their world. Where they had once hunted ogres and gronn as natural enemies, it became common for the hunting parties to attack draenai groups as well. The young orc shaman found it hard to believe that this race... these people was to be their enemy, but she could not deny the words of both the revered orc shaman, Ner'zhul, as well as her shaman teacher of the Bleeding Hollow, who also confirmed what the Shadowmoon orc told to be true. She was not so blessed to have the ancestors come before her in visions, so she obeyed what she was told.

However, doubts began to spring again when she called for the elements, and they would not come to her, try as she did. She could barely heal the sick. At first, she believed it was only because of her inexperience. However, other surviving shamans from raiding groups who had returned after narrowly escaping with their lives confirmed the worst of her fears: the spirits were angry with them. They could barely tend to their wounded, much less call forth lightning to strike at their opponents. She, like so many others, began to cry out for answers to the one who sent them upon this... this crusade. However, these protests were silenced, when they all bore witness to a new type of power. One that did not suffer the drawbacks of the fickle spirits. Power that they could easily bend to their will.

Her young mind was easily swayed by what she saw and like many of her breatheren, would come to shed away the practices of the old, and embrace the new ways of the warlock. It was a way she did not particularly enjoy as much as the art of shamanism, but it was neccesary, if they were to survive as a people.

And then, the order came. Those who were considered still children, between the ages of 6 and 12, were to undergo a "transformation" to help swell the ranks of orc fighters.

Renkala was 10.

1:12pm: Thoughts: Ravine - A Small Measure of Peace
((...Yeah. I ended up changing my mind. But I suppose this all depends what happens down the road. But for now, things are pretty quiet in Ravine's life. Thus, her thoughts.))







There are times where you look around, and everything is perfect.

Never have I felt more complete in my life. There is a sense of wholeness... and I am content with how things are.
I feel that things have come full circle. But I am no longer a child, ignorant and carefree. I have grown and matured through my hardships and trials. And at last, I have found some small measure of peace.

I did not think I could find acceptance. But, there were those that looked past the surface of my abilities.
I did not think I could find friendships. But, there are those that I can rely upon in times of need.

I did not think I could find love. But, I am with a wonderful, loving husband.

...

We cannot change what we have done. We cannot change who we are. But, we must go forward.

Look around at what we have now.
Take it into our hands and cherish it.
And with what we have, take it with us into the future.

2:02am: Where Are They?
((Basically the characters that I've created to deal with/interact with Ravine and where some of them are/are doing))



Nestramandis (aka: Nikolos; aka: Nik):
Ravine and Nik... haven't exactly been on the best of terms. The two of them haven't spoken in some weeks, as Nestramandis suddenly took leave on his own after a month of constant-bickering-turned-arguments. Ravine believes that he's been belittling her decisions too much for too long, and that he's being extremely hard-headed and stubborn. Nestramandis has never really shown any approval of her husband, Savras, and has always been vocal about it to her annoyance.

Their relationship at the moment is tenuous at best and his current status and location remains unknown. Ravine has shown an uncharacteristically lack of concern for her Netherdrake companion, and has instead found other means of transportation. However, as the days and weeks continue to grow in numbers, so does the worry that she's hidden so well thus far.


Laztik:
Laztik still makes himself known to his Mistress when she needs him. He's become a bit more rambunctious over the years, but such is the nature of an imp, or so Ravine believes. He still perches himself on Ravine's shoulder when she requires his presence, out of comfort and sheer laziness. Ravine's gotten used to it, but knows that if he dares to so much launch a fireball, that he'll be tossed right off.


Juk'gron:
Juk'gron isn't called upon often by Ravine these days, since she's developed her talents so much that she is able to defend herself. And even if not, she seems to always be surrounded by those that can back her up. More often than not, if he does happen to be called upon, it's for moral support. Since Juk'gron has always viewed himself (itself?) as Ravine's guardian, he believes that it is his duty to help her through her battles, no matter what kind of fight it is so he doesn't really mind having the spotlight taken off of him.

However, because of this, Juk'gron has spent much of his existence these days in the Nether. It's difficult to say whether this will have an effect on her voidwalker or not.


Bronriel:
Even when Ravine finally managed to master the summoning of a succubus, it was her fear of them that did not allow her a proper binding to her own. It was a rarity that she summoned hers forth, and usually reluctantly and out of necessity. Bronriel is everything Ravine is not; flirty, playful, and a temptress who isn't afraid to play with other people's hearts and lives. Bronriel is likely the demon whose nature is closest to that of its original under the influence of the Legion.

Unfortunately for Ravine, she's been getting into situations where her services are required so she has been forced to bring her out much to her annoyance. Bronriel is gleefully taking advantage of her limited freedom ("It's -SO- much better out here, than being cooped up in the Nether, sweetie.") whenever she can. Often times, she's tease her Mistress ("What a shy little thing you are...") and her "old-maid"-like nature. If she's not doing that, then she's likely flirting with her traveling companions, usually other females.

Behind the teasing and the flirting, is the succubus's nature of domination and manipulation. Bronriel's words are but a thin veil to what she really thinks of her Mistress and what she really wants. Ravine can't help but feel worried that her fear and her inability to do a proper binding years ago was likely the cause of this, and that things may turn up bad for her in the future. She could remedy this, but she isn't going to get friendly with her succubui anytime soon.


Jhaaroon
Like her succubus, when Ravine first managed to complete her first summon, she was not strong enough to permit a proper binding to Jhaaroon. Unlike her succubus, she has little fear of the felhunters. Lately, she has bringing it as a fighting companion alongside her in the Goblin Arena Circuit (and oddly enough, her companions don't seem to mind.) Little by little, she is working to strength the bond that she has with her felhunter.

She doesn't seem to know much about its nature, but it has an odd affinity to eat flowers whole. Although it'll snack on any that it can see (Jhaaroon has been known to eat some of the flowers outside of the Park in Stormwind), it seems to enjoy the flora out of Outlands the most (especially Netherblooms and Dreaming Glories). Probably because those flowers themselves seem to be imbued with magical properties of their own.

2:04am: Journal Enty: Ravine
Year: 33 Month: November Day: Tuesday
Clear

~~~

What a strange day...

I ended up oversleeping, waking up in the late afternoon. The weather has been so cold and rainy lately, that it's little wonder why I didn't wake up earlier. Although ater realizing how late it was, my mind managed to wake up pretty quickly. Yesterday, Savras invited me to come to his meeting he was having with his guild members in the early evening earlier today. At the very least, I was curious of what he was talking about earlier when he started his own group of historians. On the other hand, I wondered what sort of group they were if they could withstand his well... his goofy demenor.

The meeting took place in Stormwind as I found out, in the Mage Distract. In fact, right in front of the Slaughtered Lamb. (Cripes... it had to be around there of all places...) It looked to be a rather small gathering of mayhaps... five or six others, not including the host himself. They seemed to be having a meet and greet, with introductions and getting to know one another. Quite a collection of characters that he gathered... Still, I didn't wish to intrude so I stood off to the side, hidden from view. I believe he tried to lure me out when he began talking about warlocks, but well.. it didn't quite work so he ended fishing me out of my hiding spot by finding me, before he introduced me to the others. They all.. seem to be nice enough folks. I just hope Sav doesn't end up driving them nuts... There was this woman though; a warlock like myself. She's still quite young and inexperienced. Even went so far as to summoning her minions to scare one of the other members... Cripes. I hope she learns in time that sort of thing isn't allowed at all. We warlocks are barely tolerated as is...

(Lormail is a bit... I don't know. But, his behavior is starting to become a little frightening... I wish he would stop talking the way he is now.)


After their meeting began to dissolve, I returned home. But before I turned to my home, there was a faint sound of explosions. On the horizon to the northwest, plumes of thick, gray smoke rose from the ground. It was difficult to make out, but the red flags of the Horde were flying, meaning that there was a battle! I know Katheyrn told me that I should be fighting for a few days after a few days ago but.. but... it would feel bad of me if I -didn't- take part. I've always supported the Halaa troops in the past and I couldn't just leave the fight. Grabbing my things, I made my way to the battlefield.

It wasn't a moment too soon. There was a large Horde force here this eve. Mayhaps twelve of them? Mayhaps more? I wasn't sure, but it felt as though we were outnumbered for much of the fighting. Eykrie and Kathara both came on their own to lend their aid, but despite the fact, things looked rather bleak. They took to attacking us in large hunting packs. Often, there were too few defenders guarding the windriders when much of the group was raining down bombs, and it was a weakness they took advantage of often. Once we pushed them into the center of the city, only to be beaten back long enough for reinforcements to arrive as we were forced back to the outer fringes again. They were parituclarly persistant, even when we finally managed to capture the center after a second attempt. But, I suppose we were the same as well in their eyes.

I've been getting stronger, but still these fights do drain me.


There was one more thing today as well, but I'm afraid that this tale will have to wait until later. I can barely keep my quill upwrite as I write in here...


(The ink here looks darker, and freshed than the words above)

Ah, of course. The last thing... the Darkmoon Faire came around today.

But it wasn't in Elwynn, nor was in Mulgore. Oddly enough, it was in the Outlands, of all places! It's just south of Shattrath City in Terrokar. One can only wonder how many mages were hired to portal them all to the Outlands.

Just by chance, I happened to come across the fairgrounds while picking herbs. I didn't realize it was the faire until I came across those familiar green and purple tents they had set up. Upon arriving in Shattrath, I found out that they had set up the infamous cannon next to the Aldor Bank! Although I do not work for them, I do have pitty for those have to do their day-to-day banking business with the noise of the canon going off constantly. It leads off into the little lake just outside of the city. Very tricky to try and land in that ring they have set up since there's little room for error. I had let the others know about it. Frore, Eykrie, and Vimia came, and even shy Tabasa decided to come, since she had never been to the Faire before. While waiting for Tabasa from the landing point of the cannon (It must've taken quite a bit of convincing, for she actually did try it!), Duraedin came flying (quite literarly I may add) from above, and startled me. It's a bit strange though. When I first met him, he really didn't like the Faire... but it seems now that it's grown on him quite a bit. Ahaha...

1:35am: Journal Entry: Ravine
Year: 33 Month: November Day: Monday
Overcast

~~~

It's starting to get colder and colder. I can even begin to see my breath as I write this. I wish I had a fire going now...

I ended up... being far more busy that I thought I would've today after what happened yesterday. Unfortunately, Savras had already stepped out long before I awoke, and I felt... quite a bit of the aching from yesterday. Luckily enough, Katheryn stopped by in the morning, and helped to relieve me of my aching muscles in my back and shoulders. It certainly made the ache a lot more bearable, although it all didn't melt away. Thank goodness she was taught how though. Not many priests, nor healers for that matter, know how to give a proper massage.

In return, I would help her along with Wynnri, Antigone, and a druid... (I'm afraid I didn't catch her name, but she wore the tabard of Ordo, so I'll need to speak with her later) traverse the depths of Blackrock Spire. At least the lower portion of it to collect gems to form a "key" to would allow access to the upper levels. It had been ages since I had last traversed there, and... things went rather smoothly. At least, a lot more smoothly than the matches yesterday. We found a number of items of interest that Wynnri found use out of, various potion recipes, and most importantly, the gems. I do hope that she manages to place them all together.

Also, I finally managed to gather my thoughts and put down into writing the traditional uses of the Dreaming Glory herb! It's... been rather difficult to pinpoint what it could've been used for, since I believe that this isn't the same plant that was used mayhap... twenty or thirty years ago since the destruction of Draenor. I believe that the Twisting Nether has altered the plants properties and has since enhanced it to what it is before. Thanks to the ogres and the Broken tribe raids, like those in Sunspring Post, it's been difficult to gather evidence that already hasn't been destroyed by raiders.... The best I can do is scrounge up what little evidence there is and point towards a conclusion.
The next part I'll have to write upon, is on uses of the plant today. However, I believe that'll be a bit more easier to do, having nearly constant exposure to the plant.



... (There are some squiggly lines drawn here)



Nether, I don't know where to begin next...

I stopped by the World's End Tavern in Lower City... but there were so many others that came as well...

Andreyn, an old friend from the Retribution
Azaha, one of the newer members of the Ordo Complector
Lormail, whom is a part of (currently?) Malakim. (Cripes... has he been getting more and more grumpy as of late? Not just that but...mayhaps it's best not think about it.)

Savras was also there as well. (More squiggly lines)
Kathara made an appearance as well, although it's difficult to say if she followed or arrived on her own... (Has she become more... pleasant as of late? It's difficult to say if it's all an act or not...)

I've forgotten just how... difficult Savras can be sometimes around others. That elf sober is far worse than Mardus could ever be drunk. I must extend my deepest apologies to Andreyn and Azaha. However, well... it's not for me to change who he is. I suppose it's difficult to admit, but it is a part of his charm. That craziness...

Love is crazy, and sometimes insane.




But oh...! Cole has returned from what where he was! Not only that, but Blythe! Blythe! It had been ages since I had last seen her! I'm glad... so glad to have been able to talk to her again. We began to talk of the old times... but I must've been so more tired than I thought because I blacked out. (It wasn't from the drink; it was only Moonberry Juice... At least I think it was.) Blythe and Frore had left by the time I woke up. I must've startled Cole. Cripes, how embarrassing.

At least now at home I can rest my eyes without worry.

Ah... I think he's home.

~Rav

1:11am: Journal Entry: Ravine
Year: 33 Month: November Day: Sunday
Storming

~~~

Cripes. It's a good thing I managed to return here in one piece before it began to storm. It's beautiful to see the lightning dance across the sky here, but it would've made it nearly impossible to fly home.

It's been a month since I've reunited with many of my friends and have joined up with the research team, Ordo Complector. The name means "Order of the Compass" in a nearly archaic form of elven. The organization is led by Lady Sarriel Lightchaser, alongside with Antigone Varietas, Frore and Katheryn MacRae. And I believe that these four are doing a wonderful job thus far. I've yet to finish my research article on the Dreaming Glory herb that's fairly common out here in the Outlands, but I hope to be soon. It's just that finding bits of research and evidence on old practices is proving to be more difficult that I thought.

Also, since becoming a part of this group, I've joined up Mardus Torwin and Eykrie Tsurugi to form the group, Derideo Ex Mortis. Oddly enough, Eykrie has told me that the name means "Laugh at Death" in another archaic form of the Elven language and that it involved research into the Goblin Economy, specifically into the Goblin Arena Circuit. It was there that I spent much of my day fighting many teams spanning from both the Horde and Alliance from many different regions. I do not know how many we fought, but we spent much of the afternoon and the late eve in nearly constant combat. Eykrie claims that we've fought mayhaps... fifty-four matches in total tonight. If that is the case, then it's a surprise that I didn't collapse in exhaustion after the first twenty! Somehow, we managed to break even for this week's rounds of matches and our rankings still remain in the 1600's. If you ask me though, it feels as though we took quite a beating. Thank goodness that the goblins have the luxury to hire the very best priests to heal even the most dire of wounds before the next match...

After the night was finished, the two thought it would be best to drink in celebration. Mardus suggested that the tavern located where the old Crimson used to be would be a nice spot. But when we arrived, while the tavern was crowded with a few folks, (and a few familiar faces), the barkeep wasn't around so Mardus left for a bit to pick up some drinks (mostly for himself). He ended up getting Eykrie and myself some alcoholic beverage, although we told him not to...

I didn't drink much. I'm still a little paranoid of what could be in there. That and... effects of being drunk are something that's... not very desirable to me. Mardus however, drank himself drunk and was a prime example of why I don't drink in the first place. That and I would probably do something regrettable later... Cripes, I hope he managed to find his way home... His hearthstone seemed to have activated by luck after mistaking another item for his mode of transportation back to Darnassus.



I should probably ask Savras if he could give me a massage in the morning, since he's asleep now. Nether knows I'll be aching in the morning from all the fighting...

~Rav

4:46pm: Only Temporary (WoWFiction October MT)
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

A wrapping that once held a Hallow's End Pumpkin Treat fell from her hands as Ravine shrieked after looking down at herself. Her skin... no, her whole body was as translucent as the waters around Southshore as she stood there in shock and disbelief, hovering inches above the ground. The warlock should've known something was amiss when she felt colder than lighter than normal. But, it was difficult to come to terms that she could've possibly died from eating a piece of candy. Maybe it was a bad piece of candy, but it looked so harmless...

Standing besides her, with his armor and sword polished to perfection, was the warrior known better as Runes from the mercenary group, Malakim. The two of them had been fending off mischief makers sent by the Forsaken over the past few hours armed only with hand-made air fresheners. ("Keep Southshore clean! Fight the funk of the Forsaken with the power of pine!") Those foolish enough to make themselves known to the guards were taken down with a little more force, since they proved that they were there for more than just tricks and pranks. The two of them had a measure of success at keeping the town safe (as well as making sure it didn't stink TOO badly from whatever foul concoctions the undead had brewed into their vials), but Runes could not help but smirk at the irony of her current predicament.

"Try eating another piece of candy?" he shrugged, making a motion as though he was tossing one of the sweet treats into his mouth. "Wouldn't hurt considering your circumstances," the warrior chuckled.

Ravine hovered about the area for a few minutes in thought. It didn't sound like a bad idea, and Runes did have a point. After all, she already was a floating, ghost spirit. It couldn't get any worse...

"Wait," the warlock paused as a thought came to mind as she furrowed her brows. "...If I'm a ghost, wouldn't it just... fall right through?" she frowned.

"Hmm... I never really thought about that."

Ravine groaned as she slumped forward, feeling all of her hopes getting sucked out of her. So much for that plan. "You have to help me!" her voice wavered as she began to panic. "What.. what if I'm stuck like this?!"

Runes rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm... I guess you do have a bit of a problem with that, being a warlock and all."

"Erk... Runes!"

The warrior held his hands up in defense to the distressed ghost. "Sorry! I'm neither a priest nor a paladin! Maybe it'll just... wear off?" Ravine threw her hands into the air in defeat as she sat down, staring at the ground. "Oh dear..." she mumbled. " What would Savras say about this...?"

"Tell him the candy did it."

She gave Runes a quizzical look. "... Who made this anyways?"

He shrugged. "Probably gnomes."

"Erk... maybe I shouldn't tell him that then..." Having her husband hunting down every last gnome he could find was the last thing she wanted.

Looking around, Runes found no disturbances, which surprised him after the constant number of bombers only hours before. Now, there were no traces of the Horde, and no new stink bombs had made themselves apparent. "Well, at least we taught them a thing or two about playing tricks on the townsfolks, eh?" he grinned. "Looks like things have quieted down," he muttered as he hefted up his broadsword from where he stuck it in the earth. Bits of soil and grass fell from the blade's end as he wiped it clean before sheathing it away. "I really should return to Ironforge. Business and all." He quickly walked off before the warlock had a chance to say anything.

"I'm sure you'll be fine!" he called out to her as he made his way up the hill towards the flight master. "Worse comes to worse, you can always have a word with the Spirit Healer, right?" he laughed. Ravine gave him a sullen look in response, glowering as she watched him take flight.

With a sigh, she hovered back to her spot on top of the small hill a little ways north of the nearby inn. With Runes gone, there was little else she could do. The other townsfolks opted to stay away from the floating apparition after her outbursts earlier. The thought of haunting and following one of them came to mind, but it wasn't as if she had a reason to. She looked around lazily until her sight rested on Sergeant Hartman, the one who was responsible for taking charge in keeping the town clean of the funky smell and sending adventurers on reconnaissance near the Undercity, and suddenly felt something just... snap.

She wasn't really aware that everyone else around could hear her as she floated over to the ranking officer, but she didn't seem to care either. "This is... this is your fault! You and your poisoned candy treats you've been giving out!" she yelled out, pointing fingers of accusation. "I swear by the Nether that I'll haunt you for the rest of your days, you hear me?!"

The sergeant seemed hardly phased by this as he looked at the ghostly-looking woman. "I assure you it's only temporary, miss. Just a little bit of holiday magic," he said with a smirk which only served to annoy her further. "You...!" Ravine fumed at his lack of concern as she floated circles around the officer who seemed to take little heed in her threats. Instead he pulled out of his pocket, a small watch and stared down at it. "...Should be wearing off soon," he muttered to himself.

"Is this any way to reward those who helped you clean this place up?!"

"Three..."

"...really should check on the expiration dates on these things..."

"Two..."

"...shouldn't treat life like a plaything! And furthermore..."

"One..."

Before Ravine could speak another word, a bellow of smoke suddenly emitted from the warlock. Coughing, she waved her hands about to clear the air, not noticing the effects of the candy wearing off. Curious town members crept closer to the scene. Only the sergeant seemed to have an inkling of what was going on with that smirk still on his face. When the smoke finally cleared, Ravine looked down at her hands and was surprised to find that she was flesh and blood once more, not to mention grounded as well.

"Ah..." It took her only another moment before her face was suddenly flushed in embarrassment. Cripes, she wouldn't be able to live down overreacting over something like this. "So it... really was only temporary..." she managed to stammer quietly. "Oh dear..."

He looked up, and frowned as the familiar smell of rotten, putrid things filled his nostrils. Turning his head, the familiar orange smoke began to bloom out of the vials of stink bombs. "I'll ignore those threatening comments if you go out there and clear those out bombs," he muttered as he handed her a stink bomb cleaner. Ravine didn't have any room for protest as she reluctantly took the air freshener from his hand.

11:46am: Timeline: Version 2! (Because Blizzard can't keep their timelines straight)
Ravine Lunaletha Mhenlo Timeline
DOB: July 22nd
Ver: 2

(Timeline in accordance to the timeline found in the World of Warcraft RPG Book: The Alliance Player's Guide, which was published in 2006)

Currently, I am led to believe that we are currently sitting in the year 33, at the very least. If this changes, there'll be a newer version of the timeline next time...

(Please take note that some events circling around Ravine have been retcon'd so as to make better sense with the current timeline being used. This is just reference for my sanity. :D Italics are what I feel are major events. It may or may not affect Ravine at that particular time or at all, but I felt that they should be noted anyways.)


( Big timeline is big )