#this explains why i write jur the way he is

[chroniclerwabba]

Anyone who knows me or has seen my blog knows that I have great issues with modern Warcraft’s storytelling. I’ve spoken at length about retcons, character inconsistencies, forced conflict, rushed development, and a lack of balancing. But the real problem with Warcraft’s story and characters is something much more than that. Those are all major issues that make up the bulk of why modern Warcraft and Blizzard have fallen off. But the real issue IMO is one that genuinely saddens me.

There are no heroes anymore.

What I mean by that is that a lot of the characters have the amazing powers like fel magic, nature, and the Light. But nobody feels like a hero, is my main problem. You have more noble and neutral characters that teeter on heroic like Anduin, Khadgar, Thrall, Tirion, Vol’jin, and Velen. But you don’t get to explore characters like Khadgar, Anduin, Vol’jin, Tirion, and Velen vastly enough to really get into their mindset of why they believe in the greater good and putting conflict aside. They just say “war is bad and we need to stop senselessly fighting each other to rebuild” and just leave it at that. They might be right, but you don’t get to see the gears turning in their heads. Tirion was much more developed in his heroic altruism, but they fridged him off at the beginning of Legion. The most we still have is Thrall, but he’s been rendered largely irrelevant to the current plot and panned by fans on account of being such a focus for so long.

Illidan is pushed prominently as a hero by Blizz, but he really isn’t. A lot of the defenses for his heroism greatly fall apart when put into proper context. He does a lot of really bad and questionable things to get his goal when there are many other more productive and effective ways to do the right thing. Everyone else has been rendered down to warmongers who want to kill the other faction and purge their people. Even Jaina, who was the poster child for Alliance heroism. She had all the right in the world to want Garrosh dead, and I backed her up all the way. But then she borders on drowning the entirety of Orgrimmar and all its civilians, including the orphaned children. Anduin has a touch more setup to being a heroic character (mostly in the expanded lore but regardless), but now he’s being railroaded into an Alliance versus Horde conflict in BFA. When they pulled this conflict back in MoP, there was at least that moment where the Alliance and Horde felt like they could make some progress, and the Horde could finally catch a break to get its shit together. Now the Horde has once again been railroaded into being the antagonistic force because of a warchief nobody trusts but for some reason is complacent with because they needed to artificially inject conflict into this story without taking more time to slowly develop it.

In Warcraft 3, there were lots of characters were heroes, and you got to actually see why they become heroes. Jaina, Uther, Medivh, Tyrande, Malfurion, Cairne, Thrall, Rexxar, Kael’thas. Even Grom and Illidan had their chances to be uplifting heroes. In modern Warcraft, everyone is a warmonger that wants to kill, enslave, destroy, and pillage either for vengeance, xenophobia, nationalism, or greed.

There’s nobody to root for. There’s nobody to believe in.

I think a lot of this is because of the shift in modern fantasy writing, where everything is grimdark war and violence. There’s nothing wrong with this necessarily, as everyone occasionally wants to check their brain at the door and roleplay and root for “deuz vult skyrim for the nords crusader man” and “zug zug lok’tar monster boy.” But all of this came at the cost of believing in goodness or something greater. It came at the cost of altruism and love. That’s why Lord of the Rings is so timeless and cherished by many, because it retains that sense of goodness, hope, belief, and the pursuit of these things for the greater good even in the face of overwhelming adversity and despair. Lord of the Rings was about finding hope and love even through war. Blizzard and many other fantasy writers forgot about this and what ultimately made the mythos work, and I believe this is why fantasy is starting to stagnate and many people I know hold less of an interest in it.

And anyone who says “it’s warcraft not peacecraft” doesn’t at all know what they’re saying. Warcraft 3 was when the series stopped being a Warhammer retool and another Tolkien-esque knockoff and became its own thing. Warcraft 3′s heroes were the Alliance, the Horde, and the kaldorei - three factions who were greatly flawed but ultimately good and trying to overcome things greater than themselves via cooperation. 

The Horde had been enslaved by the Burning Legion and forced to commit mass genocide against Draenor and Outland, and their story was about Thrall leading them away from this sordid past, reclaiming their semblance of honor by fighting not only for themselves but for the greater good, and finding a place where they can build instead of destroy.

The Alliance had grown massively divided after the Second War, distrustful and going on their own. Gilneas, Stromgarde, and Quel’Thalas pulled out, their refusal to cooperate and aid one another ultimately leading to their downfall at the hands of the Scourge. Had they remained unified and worked together, more of them might be left. It was only with Jaina’s journey to Kalimdor and working with the Horde that the Alliance still lives.

The kaldorei were the ones that brought the Burning Legion to Azeroth in the first place, sundering Kalimdor into four pieces and killing millions through the class divide between the Highborne and the common kaldorei. They withdrew into Ashenvale to hide from what they did, letting Kalimdor fall into disrepair at the hands of the quillboar, harpies, and centaur. The tauren were hunted to near extinction for 1,000 years, and they had helped the kaldorei fight the Legion during the War of the Ancients. The kaldorei turned their backs on their ancient allies. Their story was about confronting what they had brought to Azeroth so many years ago and working with the others to correct their mistake, even at the cost of their own immortality.

Warcraft 3 was uplifting because you got to see how far the factions and characters came from where they started off. Nowadays, modern Warcraft has this “push me pull me” dynamic with the Alliance and Horde, only cooperating together at the last minute without anyone bothering to stop and ask why they work so well together and how much more they accomplish side by side rather than at each other’s throats. You can have a good war conflict, but it has to be paced properly, not have rushed characters, a more cohesive narrative not spread out across expanded lore, and making it less one-sided by constantly sandbagging the Horde as the antagonists and the Alliance as being so flat and pushing back.

There isn’t a Captain America or Spider-Man like hero in Warcraft. There doesn’t need to be a character that unique or ornate like those examples. But the way those characters are written and portrayed - their heroism and belief in the greater good and hope - is what helps add depth to universe ripe with conflict and is what is sorely missing from modern Warcraft.

The war part of Warcraft is not why the series was memorable. Both the fans and Blizz forgot this.

“The roots will heal in time... as will the entire world. The sacrifices have been made. Just as the orcs, humans, and night elves discarded their old hatreds and stood united against a common foe, so did Nature herself rise up to banish the Shadow... forever. As for me, I came back to ensure that there would be a future, to teach the world that it no longer needed Guardians. The hope for future generations has always resided in mortal hands. And now that my task is done, I will take my place... amongst the legends of the past.” -Medivh

#mine #long post #world of warcraft #warcraft 3 #battle for azeroth #blizzard entertainment #this explains why i write jur the way he is #warcraft #in my opinion

[lunaekalenda]

i really enjoy your writing and i saw that your requests are open!

can i request a fic or a drabble about levi having a massive crush on y/n but later finds out she has a long term s/o (she doesnt really talk about her relationship) and levi tries to get over her but hes stubborn and he can’t ): BUT y/n gets cheated on by her s/o and levi is there for y/n as she heals and it becomes a REALLY slow burn kinda love (-: could be modern au or canon verse whichever you’re comfortable with

thank u sm in advance! i hope you have a great day <3

hiiii!!! thank you so much, i'm really happy knowing that you enjoy it! 🥺 and thats really cool omg!! i hope you like it and it was what you’ve asked for!!! (also I wrote a lot ajajja sorry i got inspired)

𝔠𝔯𝔲𝔰𝔥

❁ levi x female reader!

❁ maybe levi cursing a bit but nothing we haven’t seen before on him lol

❁ and some kicks but again nothing levi hasn’t done before lmao

"That was a good one!" Connie congratulates you when you're again on the floor. The Titan wood figure is now divided in two parts.

"Next time, be a bit more careful." Jean says, looking to the boys that are trying to fix the figure. "I think they will have a hard time fixing it." You blushed when you looked at the boys, both with their hands in their heads. You bowed at them, saying sorry, when they looked at you.

"But that was a-ma-zing." Sasha says. They all agree and Connie looks to the sky.

"I think it's time to eat. You coming?" you moved your head from one side to other.

"No. Jurian is waiting for me to eat." Connie moved his eyebrows and Jean looked with interest.

You usually don't like to talk about your relationship, but this three were your best friends, and you basically threatened them, telling them that if they opened their mouth you would crack them.

"Oooh, then have fun." Jean says. He and Connie smile to each other.

"And try to eat something more than the other’s mouth." Connie laughed right after saying that, and your ears blushed while you walked to the other exit. They waved their hands at you and you waved yours back. You could see Jurian's hair from where you were. But a hand on your shoulder stopped you.

"Oi, wait."

You recognized that voice. When you turned back, Captain Levi was there, looking at you.

"Yes, Captain?"

You were clueless, but Levi's brain was trying his best to form a coherent phrase.

"You're good at it. But next time, try not to break our training models, got it?" You blushed again, remembering the accident. He looked at you, and you thought he was disappointed, but he was totally hypnotized by the way your ears started to get a red color, along with your cheeks. He cleared his throat and looked away. "Try to be more careful next time, but just in the training."

"Yes, Captain Levi." He turned around and went back to the control point, were Hange was waiting for him.

"Wow Levi, that was by far the longest interaction between you two in years."

"Shut up, four eyes"

"I have never seen you so focused on someone."

Levi clicked his tongue, but Hange was right. He had a damn crush on you since you entered the Survey Corps. But, what really caught his attention, was your innocent appearance, that later did not agree with your fierceness in battle. He fell by the grace of your body as it moved through the trees, and your sweet smile every time you come across him. Your voice is driving him crazy and just thinking of all the times you cared for him makes his heart shake. He looks behind him before leaving the control station, making sure you’re gone.

Jurian was playing with a flower when you arrive. He kisses you cheek before holding your hand.

"Did you wait too much?" he moved his head, saying no.

"It's fine, don't worry."

You two walked in silence towards the cantine, but you never ate there. Jur knows a little field apart from the training camp where you can't be seen. He brought a bag with some food, so you sit on the field and start eating.

"How was the practice?" he asks. You swallow the tea and answer.

"It was fine. Levi came to notify me for breaking a figure." he laughs quietly.

You met Jurian on your second year on the Survey Corps. You were being examinated, they were about to decide in which squad they were going to assign you. Your amazing skills on titan elimination and the control of ODMG assured you a place in the best squads: Levi's, Hange's and Erwin's. If you could have chosen, you would choose Levi's, the Special Operations Squad, but the three captains decided to put you on Hange's squad. You're happy to be there, they are really good as captain and you feel comfortable, but you're not into capture titans and experiment with them.

Jurian was also a soldier trying to enter on one of the highest squads, but he didn't pass the test. He was assigned to a little squad on charge of the food and the carts. You started talking later that day, when he told you that you were lucky to join a squad, and somehow both of you started to see each other everyday, which ended in a relationship of four years and a half. You kept this in secret, because

a) the Survey Corps members are really gossip

b) you're not a fan of showing your private life to everybody.

But, that was your error.

Once you two finished eating, Jur said he had to do some training with his squad.

"Now?" he nods "I thought all the trainings were finished for today"

"It's a special one. You know, carts and that things." You nod. He kisses you fast before leaving. You start to walk towards your room. Not surprisingly, Connie is yelling at Sasha, and she's eating something that looks like an onigiri.

You shared a room with Sasha and Historia, but now that Historia left the Corps, Sasha and you sleep alone. Connie and Jean are always on your room, paassing time, and the four of you became a group.

"Sasha just open your mouth, I want to eat too!" she shakes her head. You sigh before unpacking the bag Jurian gave you, telling that he couldn't bring it with him to the training. At the end of the bag, you saw his belt, where the ODMG has to be fastened. You think that probably the training hasn't started yet. You make your way out of your room, almost colliding with Jean, who was about to enter.

"You're going somewhere?"

"I'll be right back, wait a bit!" You started to run towards the training camp. The captains advise not to go out at night, but without that belt, Jurian was unable to train.

"Where are you going?" Levi's voice scared you. You looked around, but you couldn't see him. "Up here." Your gaze runs to a tree. He's is perched on a large branch of the tree, leaning against the trunk. his Maneuvering gear still on. He goes down fast.

"I... I have to give this to somebody, Captain."

"Interesting... May I accompany you?"

If Levi goes with you, he will discover your relationship with Jurian, but if you say no, he probably distrust and lose all esteem he has for you. So you start telling him when you two start walking.

"It's for my boyfriend." his face freezes.

Right now, on Levi Ackerman's head, the remote possibility of you dating someone has gained weight.

"Boyfriend, huh?" he says. He's about to turn back, run and hit something, but he pressures himself to stay calmly. He knows he has now zero opportunities with you, but he keeps in mind the fact that maybe you two have just started and maybe that relationship is going nowhere.

“Yes. We’ve been together for four years.” Levi almost chokes on his saliva, but he hid it well. 

“Tch, I’m just accompanying you, you don’t have to explain to me.” He said. The truth is that hear you talking about your boyfriend hurts him, hurts a lot. But he has to know who is he. You two keep walking. “Wait, where is he? The boy dorms are on the other side.”

“He said he had a training now.” Levi frowned.

“In which squad is he?” He asked. You explained him the position of Jurian, and his eyes where serious. “There aren’t trainings now, and less of that squad. What the hell is he doing?” You looked at him, confused. Jurian is a good and honest guy, it’s impossible that he is lying. “Are you armed?” you shake your head. “Stay behind me and be quiet, got it?”. You nod and Levi starts walking in silence, followed by you. You could see the doors of the training zone from behind him, and two low voices could be heard. You frowned, trying to recognize any of them. One was laughing. It sounded like a woman.

Levi entered the training zone with silent steps, making sure you two aren’t exposed. He pulls a blade out of its sheath, silently, and makes his way to the control station, where a lamp is on. He walks until he’s in front of the door, the voices now can be heard.

“Is it okay, Rian? I mean, your girlfriend...”

“I told you a hundred times she’s so obsessed with being a good soldier and enter Levi’s squad that she’s useless for me. At least she’s pretty and it’s on a good squad.” That voice... That was Jurian. Your boyfriend. The boy you have been dating for the past four years and a half.

And the boy that is cheating on you.

You started crying. You didn’t care about Levi being in front of you our the people inside the cabin. Levi looked over his shoulder to make sure you’re okay. His gaze went a little bit more sweet when he saw you were crying.

He opened the door with one kick, making the two of them yell. Jurian hugged the girl, and you recognized her. She was also in the cart squad.

“What the heck?”

“Tch, I see now.” Levi takes the belt from your hands, and he trows it in front of Jurian. “For this type of training, you don’t need a belt, you bastard.” Levi put his blade again on its sheath. “Do you have something to say?”

“We... wait, why is she here?” He looks at you. Your anger starts to rise at lightning speed.

“You’re a disgrace, Jurian”

“Oh, wait, she’s your girlfriend? I thought it was the girl you were kissing a year ago.” The girl says. You look at her.

“What?” A year ago? So this is not new? You feel your tears running. Levi clicks his tongue once again.

“Look, bastard. You’ll  be cleaning horse shit from now on, and I’ll put in your position someone who takes his job seriously and does not dedicate himself to being unfaithful and flirting with all the women of the regiment”

Jurian opened his mouth before starting to yell.

“You’re no one to give me orders! and I will not tolerate disrespect towards my person withou...”

“I’m tired of hearing you.” Levi kicked Jurian’s knee with strength, making him fall. He growled. “Now, do what I said, because I’ll remind you in case you have forgotten: I’m your Captain. I can give you orders and beat your ass up if you’re being disrespectful towards a comrade.” he says. Jurian tries to get up, failing a couple times, and the girl he was with runs before being scolded by Levi. “Now go.”

“But I’m taking my girlfriend with me.” he says.

“I’m not your girlfriend.”

“We haven’t broke up yet.”

“Huh?” Levi asks. “Do you think she wants to see your face again? Let's go." He says to you. You nod.

"You're really going with him without hearing an explanation?" Jurian says from the floor. You stop, looking at him, but Levi reaches your hand.

It's well-known that Captain Levi avoids all type of contact, so his hand holding yours surprised you. You followed him, letting Jurian behind. Once you have walked a while, Levi stops.

"Are you okay?" he asks. You have your eyes wet, almost crying again. Levi remembers his hand on yours and lets it go. "Well, I'm sorry you saw that."

"Better for me watching it. At least now i know he wasn't a good guy."

"He's a bastard and he doesn't deserve a girl that cares that much." he says. You look at him but he starts to walk again. You follow him. "Go straight to your room, talk with your friends and rest a bit." he says. "I'll go notice Erwin about the use of the training camp on free hours." You nod and Levi scans your face. "You're okay?" he asks again. You nod and show him a little smile. He turns back.

That smile was about to kill him. You returned to you room, the three voices yelling could be heard from outside.

"We should go and search her!" Sasha says.

"But she's with her boyfriend, let her have fun" This time is Connie

"But don't you think she has been outside for a while?" Jean agrees with Sasha. You open the door and the three of them sigh. "How was it?" Jean asks. Your eyes are still wet and your breath isn't rhythmic.

"He was cheating on me. For years." They all looked at you. Connie and Sasha shared a gaze before hugging you. "Did you said something to he?"

"Fortunately, Captains Levi was with me... I'll have to thank him tomorrow." Jean moved his enormous body to yours, and covered you with a hug after Sasha and Connie ended. Your friends, well, you four had a special friendship, and you couldn't be more thankful for having them by your side.

The next day, when you knocked on the official's room searching for Levi, Hange smiled at you.

"He went today on a little expedition with Erwin. He's going to return on a couple hours. Do you want to help me cleaning the titan's place while you wait?"

You didn't want, but Hange looked so happy you couldn't say no. After a couple hours, nobody told you two that the expedition came back. An hour later, there was no sign of return. Another hour later, you two were about to lose your nerves when a cadet entered running.

"Only fifteen from the twenty that went are back, and all of them are injuried, we need help!"

Hange and you ran from the titan's experiment zone to the improvised hospital. There, a lot of soldiers where laying on beds, with several injuries. Levi was leaning against the wall. You walked towards him and he looked at you.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"Are you okay?" you asked at the same time. You had that natural impulse to worry about everybody, but now that Levi helped you, you felt a debt to him.

"I'm okay." he says, but he has a long cut in the abdomen, it even tore his shirt from the deep.

"Would you let me help, Captain? I have a little knowledge of injuries, and the one on your abdomen looks bad." He looked at it and clicked his tonge.

"If it is okay for you..." He walks to a empty room and sits on the bed. You look at him, examinating the cut. "Do you need me to undress?" he asks. You nod silently and he starts to unbotton his shirt. His head was a mess. He's not working with normality since he's about to have your hands on his nude body. "Just the shirt, no?" you look at the cut now that it is discovered. A little bit of it is hidden under his pants, but nothing to die for. You nod again while threading the needle. "Have you stitched a wound before?"

"Yes, I helped Connie and Jean a couple times." Levi looks at you, but when you turn around and your eyes meet, he looks through the window. You clean his wound with a little bit of water before start stitching it. You work on silence and Levi is really quiet, not like the other two boys. You let your eyes look his skin. It isn't smooth or soft, full of scars and poorly healed wounds. You kept working on the cut, Levi's face showing pain. His skin was hot against your fingers. Captain Levi has been always a role model for you.

His abilities on battle and the way he speaks to you make you think of him as a true captain. Connie is lowkey scared of him and Sasha says that he's superior to all the army together. Levi could be distant sometimes, but you never experienced that before. The way he always assists your kills and helps you when you're in danger says a lot about him. His grey eyes were fixed on your face, concentrated on making a good work on his skin.

"Does it hurt?" you ask, your voice lowered because of the concentration.

"No." he simply answers. You where about to end stitching. Once you're finished, you cut the restant thread and clean it a bit with water. "Thanks."

"Thanks to you, Levi." his heart shaked. You didn't use Captain before his name. You where treating him like a person, not like a superior. "For helping me yesterday."

"It was nothing." he says, simply. He pulls a shirt out of a nearby ark and dresses carefully. "So you wanted to enter my squad?" he asks, trying to lighten the mood. You look at him, surprised. It's the first time Levi tries to hold a conversation and he remembers what Jurian said yesterday night.

"Yes, that's why I worked so hard." you explain. Jean, Connie and Sasha are part of it, and with Levi as the Captain, they were recognized everywhere. "I really admire the way you fight and help the soldiers. I really wanted to be part of the Special Operation Squad." His face is serious, but he's regretting telling Hange inside. They were who told Erwin, and Erwin decided to put you on a squad where Levi has no business, to avoid him from get distracted or give his life for yours. Damn.

"Actually, I need someone with your strength on battle." he says. He's lying, with him and Mikasa in the same squad... "Move to our squad with your friends." he sounds indifferent, but he's so nervous his soul is about to leave his body. You looked directly at him, happy.

"For real?" That expresion, oh man. You have destroyed the Captain with it. You are so beautiful, looking at him with your eyes sparkling from happiness. "She's so close" he thinks, but then he retracts himself. "No, Levi, no." He just wanted to hug you and tell you he was going to reach you no matter what, and be there for you every time you needed him. He (surprisingly) wanted to kiss you softly to feel you melt against his body and look at your eyes sparkling for the rest of his life.

But he nods. He just nods. You smile at him and bow in signal of respect. "Thanks, Captain!"

"I'll talk to Hange, don't worry about it. Oh, and you can call me Levi. Formalisms are only for threathening." You let out a quite laugh. He kind of smiles, and you tell him how he should take care of the stitches ("I had my wounds stitched before, y/n") before leaving to tell your friends you four are going to train together starting next week.

Hange was sad because you left their team, but they were also happy because a boy who really likes titans entered on your place. In any way, you promised Hange to keep in touch with them.

The trainings with Levi's Squad were hard, but they where worth it. The first day, Levi told you to watch their training, and you were amazed by the way they train. Connie and Sasha making double surprise attacks; Jean and his superior ODMG control and leadership; Eren learning to use his titan form with Mikasa having his back, and Armin making strategic plans on a second. And Levi. The grace of his body, the speed and the strenght, the precision of his cuts. The first day you trained, Levi destined you to Jean's sub-captaincy, but, when he was observing you, he thought maybe you where the one with whom he could make the most effective double maneuvers. So you two started to train together, as a team of two. At first it was difficult for you, Levi is just a born soldier, and your abilities have been born of effort. But, you learned from him, and you quickly joined his movements. He was surprised by the way you understood his next movements without telling you. Months later, you two are on complete sync. He's comfortable with you, but the fact that now he talks with you every day, spend every single minute with you and also works with you is making him go insane. All this months of couple training and couple missions made you understood that Levi really cares for all of you, from Eren to Sasha, and he's having your back on every kill, on every assistance, on everything. All the times you ran out of gas or your blades weren't working well. When a titan tryied to kill you or the times you cried because of the death of your comrades. All those times, he was there for you, holding your hand, letting you cry on his neck or smiling to you after a good mission. The fact that, for the first time, you had someone who understands you and who really cares for you by your side, make your heart flutter.

"You're not going to ask her out?" Hange asked Levi. He clicked his tongue but stayed on silence. On the other hand, Jean was following you to your room.

"You like Levi." he said. You blushed and looked at your friend.

"N-No! Jean, the fuck?!" He laughed but raised an eyebrow in your direction.

"Oh, come on! I'm your best friend, you're obviously falling for the Captain. And I bet he's attracted to you." Your blush increased. But, maybe you liked Levi? You thought. It wasn't impossible. He always treated you so good, and his attractive face and his perfect body... Maybe you were falling slowly for the Captain... For the way you feel protected, important and adored when he fights with you, or the intimacy when you heal each other after a mission. The way he talks to you, and he listens all your ideas. You feel somehow important when he's areound you. Jean smiled slowly. "Go and tell him." You looked at your best friend with surprise. "You like him, for godness sake, you should tell him!" All this months, a little love flame has been increasing on your heart, little by little, but Jean's words made you realice you're about to burn.

You like Levi. You like your Captain.

"And if he rejects me?" Jean laughed before hugging you.

"Then he's a dork. But then keep things profesional. But I'm 100% sure he feels the same. Now go!" You follow Jean's advice and search Levi on the trees, were he was standing guard four months ago. You found him on the same tree, in the exact same position. He laughs when he sees you.

"You're going to return a belt?" he asks. You laugh while he goes down the tree. You shake your head.

"Actually I was searching you." Your hands were sweating and you couldn't make eye contact. He noticed that.

"It's everything okay?" He asked. You nod.

"It's just... What do you think of Captain-Subordinated relationships?"

"They have to be respectful to each other, I guess... Wait, did I made something wrong" You shake your head. Damn, this was hard. Killing a titan was a hundred times easier. "Then?" he was running out of patience.

"Maybe I started liking you, Captain Levi."

He had to blink twice. All the little Levi's working on his head were about to start a fire on his brain. "What?" he asked. His hands were about to tremble, but he hid it while asking you again. "What did you said?" You looked at him, but his face was unreadable, as usual.

"That I like you. Romantically talking. I just wanted to tell you, but now we can keep things profesional and this never happened, but I wanted to be honest with you and with myself." You stretch your hand towards him, and he keeps looking at you, but then he starts laughing. You don't understand anything. Like why the hell is he laughing? Does he think a love declaration is funny? But he looks at you.

"For years, I liked you for five fucking years. I still like you. Hange told me to forget you but I was unable. So I guess all my effort has been rewarded with a caring and pretty girl?" You laugh nervous, is he pranking you? But he's serious. His hand takes yours, but he pulls you towards him. "I cared for you and tried to call your attention, and then discovered you where with that boy. But you didn't deserve what he dis to you. I wanted to kick his soul out so bad. Why he, that had you, was looking for others and make you feel bad? Tch, he was lucky you were there." His hands searched yours. "I'm not a huge fan of physical contact, but every time you healed me I just could think of your hands in all my body. And sorry, but I really like you."

You both stayed in silence for a bit. So it was corresponding? And now? You're dating? You're going to keep things distant?

"So you think we should keep things like we have been doing?" He frowned.

"The hell, y/n? No. If we both like each other, isn't that how relationships start?" he was right. "Unless you don't want to."

"I was the one telling you first, of course I want."

"Cool. Should we discuss this drinking a cup of tea?" He asks. You nod before taking his hand, and looking for his reaction, you tangled your fingers with his. He smiled and took you hand to his lips.

"Let's go, Levi."

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[the-house-of-the-nine]

In Mind of Misery: Reflections, Part 3

[Forward:  Since the end of “In Depths Below” the Nine have been busy trying to reclaim Lazarius’ family fortune, rebuilding, and forging new allies.  We are current in the WoW Timeline with this entry, NZoth has risen, the world is in chaos, and now, the Council of Nine are at a disadvantage.  New Readers, please note each of the roleplayers as the following...

[ L.K ] - Lazarius Kashebahl,  Algus Kross, Doctor Whistletorque, Marseille

[ V.D ]  Verzatea Duskflame , Pame

[ S.K ] Siida-Ray Kashebahl

[ K.A ] Koltun Ancientveil

[ J ] Jursol (AND JIMBA!)

And as always, thank you so much for continued support, posting, reblogs, likes and friendly messages!  Please enjoy! ]

[ V.D ]   Verza fought to hide her minor spike of amusement, her eyes swiftly narrowing as she coaxes the writing utensil away. The enchanted pen lifts from her delicate palm to return to hovering its ink dipped tip above the open journal.

"A one way mirror?" She offers a simplistic explanation for the abomination growth upon his figure, her eyes narrowing in further suspicion.

"An enemy from beyond the realm of living... Do you think she can see our world from whatever planes she haunts?" With a soft shake of her head Tea wagers.

"You've read every book about these markings, yes? Maybe we could reverse the magic and manipulate the powers to see what watches," her expression fills with concern whilst a hand lowers to linger an inch above Lazariuss skin, motioning with her hand in a manner to trace the runes.

Mostly she was feeling for any kinds of energies that could link them to the identity of whatever charged and connected to the eye; Just to see if there was a presence hosted by this one way looking glass of a spell.

"So long as its active, our safety is in jeopardy. Unless one of you challenge the idea to not fear the unknown?"

[ J ]   Jursol was listening as her eyes gazed again at the strange eye. Her thought were going a mile a minute over this. Why did she do this to him? Is she a true follower of the Old God? Does she want to use this man for her advantage even now? So many things to think about.

“Dis be a bad juju magic. However it’s still not clear if dis be a danger to us all, or ta him alone. Either way we must do something.” Jursol looked to the others to see what they had to say as well.

[ V.D ]   Verzateas appreciative gaze would cast itself onto Jur, thankful atleast one person (so far) felt the gravity of the situation.

[ L.K ]   “You my dear huntress are not wrong....everything Raelyndia did; she did to accelerate her own motives.  There was nothing she did that benefited anyone other than herself.”. By this point Lazarius had clothed his upper body again to hide the grotesque mutation.  His attention on the group still here.

“I have already taken the liberty of returning to the remains of the Kashebahl estate; which of course belonged to her prior to my conscription into her service.  My efforts were unsuccessful at best.”

Kross knew Raelyndia well; probably better than any of them here.   Once wed to her; killed in her madness to prolong his mortality, cursing him to remain a specter so she could always have him.  And ironically herself being beheaded by the same man who set off the events of the Dawnseeker and Magistrate ordeal.  Kross got his ultimate revenge when he decapitated Kelkiros sparring himself and Verzatea the misery of knowing the Hound still lives.  The withered face of the old man frowned; he knew Lazarius was right.

“I know of one place yet to look but the ordeal will be...dangerous getting there...”. Lazarius looked to his trusted council; or what remained of it since some had not been heard from in many months, their duties always taking them far from home but never truly gone.

[ V.D ] A titter of laughter stirred in thr Confessor, amusement plain upon her slender features whilst she adopted an incredulous expression. Her tone carried her mirth true as she meanders toward her floating book to now take the book up into her arms; The soft sizzle of her manipulative magic would announce the cease of the spell, her quil now poised in her hand to jot notes personally.

"After all we've endured, Lazarius, you still have to wonder if we'd go the extra length for one another?"

She'd flash their leader a reassuring smile before glancing among the group who currently gathered, her tone encouraging.

"We are not a weak people. We have more heart and sense when together, family will always protect family--," her eyes linger on the fresher face of Pame whom held the Confessors stare, "No matter the length of your servitude."

With a clearing of her throat, the kaldorei bows her head toward Lazarius, a fist pushed against her chest whilst affirming, "My efforts are devoted to this cause, however you see me useful I will perform at my best. I will not fail you."

It was short, simple and filled with honesty; While Pame had her reservations, she still felt a sense of duty to serve the individuals present. While she didn't have the courage to befriend them all, it was enough for Pame that they even tolerated her presence here and now. That had to mean soemthing postive, right? Well... Regardless, she'd finally stride closer to the gathered party, lingering beside a smiling Verzatea whom only affectionately regailed toward the nervous kaldorei, "Well look whos finally warmed up," she pokes fun, earning a small strangled smile from Pame.

[ J ]   Jursol turned to smile and nod to Pame before returning her focus to Laz.

“Da magic seems to be deeply imbedded into him. It has been by a very skilled user. Her magic still be strong with dis. Dis have been on him for too long. Something must be done. Da damage to him we can only guess. If there be a way to remove dis, we must not waste more time then needed.”

Knowing this woman was clearly known around here, Jursol then turned them.

“We be needing anything you all know about her that could help. I be sure together we can help our friend here.”

[ L.K ]   "All that is known about Raelyndia. . .even in your extended years and ageless lifespan I could not begin to explain all that my former Mistress had accomplished Jursol." Lazarius remained somewhat direct in that affirmation.

 "She conscripted Doctor Whistletorque to construct this structure and shield us from the outside world.  She single handedly manipulated and conscripted nearly every dark magic user within the Quel'dorei nobility.  She was an unstoppable force. . .one that has attempted to return several times in the past already.  Once through a woman named Morynth who claimed she was her reincarnation. . .and again through a corrupted text within our Library...even the taint of her misfortunes. . .the Hound; Kelkiros who had slain her. . .returned to haunt us."

No Lazarius was not trying to be crass her, just direct.  Jursol needed to know.

"Whatever she has done here is not simply for effect, it is an omen.  NZoth has risen from the tides and plans to retake Azeroth for the Black Empire.  This was Raelyndias hour of Twilight.  I am willing to wager she would have done this to coincide."

Lazarius peered to Verza who he'd need not remark to.  She was present since the rebirth of the Order.  His nod was all that was needed.  Pame was another story.  

Lazarius peered at the Kaldorei for some time.  It was Marseille who stepped beside her and made a similar salute which seemed to calm the dark eyed lord.  He appreciated both of their contributions.

[ V.D ] The notion of an Old God risen was enough to sour Teas mood. She had devoted her lust for power into this order, before their fall and during their rebuild phase; All for their worship to their Gods to be cast aside and focused on the order itself... Just in time for what would have been the prime of their servitude to come forth in the form of an Old God riled from their cage and unleashed to cause havoc upon the world.

Though that irritation quietly fizzled and died down in her belly as she settled, content with the notion that the Nine were above chaos for the sake of chaos. They had genuine goals in mind, intentions to make a comfortable living for their dark, twisted hearts. Something which Raelyndias and Nzoth threatened strictly with their existence.

Pame roused to attention at the sensation of a looming figure finding place beside her. Out of instinct she'd fail her disicpline to sneak a peek, the sight instantly provoking a smirk to collect on her lips. It was becoming increasingly strange to find a friend in someone once deemed her nemesis, alas she'd quickly come to relax... Her arms moving to fold over her torso and over her bosom, silver eyes soaking in the scene of a weary looking Tea trying to preserve her strength to come forth as simply stressed.

The exhaustion in her eyes expressed a different sort of ailment, but of course Pame remained silent on that issue.

"So this is mostly a tactic for her to get into people's heads?" She questions Lazarius, willingly engaging in direct conversation, "If its meant to coincide with the rise of Nzoth, is this Raelyndias's intentions to provoke chaos, or was she more strategic and thoughtful than that?"

Quite suddenly would the nimble woman flinch at a building pang in the back of her mind, a migraine slowly taking effect. One which made Teas tone of voice come forth snippier and less warm as she regards,

"And it best to consider... With the rise of Nzoth, how prepared are we to repel such a haunt?" Golden eyes fixate on the location of the eye on Laz's torso, Teas nostrils flaring as she inhales deeply, beginning to jot down notes whilst wearing a scowl,

"Haunts refering to both issues at hand... Nzoth, and Raelyndias. Shall I configure a list of all our remaining followers to compile a decent team, or have you a group in mind already to deal with your pending idea for Raelyn? And among the others yet to be utilized, I must ask... Will we have any part in this world's war against Nzoth?"

Her eyes flicker from her notes to Lazarius, watching the gentleman patiently as she notes, "For if Nzoth breaches Azeroth, surely they'll come for the Nine. Everyone will be at the Black Empires mercy."

At this notion, Pame shuffles in discomfort, her long ears twitching briefly before glancing around the council.

"Few in number," Pame remarks, earning Teas glance in surprise at the sheer amount of confidence in her tone, "But not lacking in power. While the odds are against us I'd say we have a fighting chance.  

“That does not mean we are by any means invincible and sure to come out champions in this impending doom. The sensible to do is plan for every scenario," Tea tuts, waggling her quill at Pame-- alas, the length of her quill feather was miscalculated by Tea as the tip would tickle across Pames cheek.

And might the faintest snicker be heard from the scornful Kaldorei who swiftly batted at the feather in a shooing motion. And then a cheekily smiling Tea would endure the halfhearted glare she'd receive from Pame gladly.

[ L.K ]   “To answer all of your questions...my plans have not changed for us.  I was certain that keeping the Nine free from the wars would ensure our survival.  But nobody could have foreseen Sylvannis and the depths of her treacherous nature.  She bested us all again.”. Lazarius would find a seat near the good gnomish doctor and relax for a moment. “...as you all know...”

He would pause and glance between his sister, Pame, Verza Marseille and Jursol.  

His words were slow and calculated but weighted.

“With the rise of Nzoth multiple cells of cultists attacked.  Our order remains in jeopardy IF. . . if Raelyndia has returned as well.  I do not see this happening in a physical manifestation though.  Kross and I recovered her skull, she is very much dead.  But, that does not mean we are free from threats.  Every day the Black Empire threatens our world; our lives and the lives of our flock remain in grave danger...”

Lazarius glances at his hands as he took a moment to breathe.

“With most of our council missing or out of commission; I issued and emergency edict to allow all soldiers and magic users freedom to leave. Temporary leave.  To return under their former races banners to fight for Horde or Alliance...and help end N’Zoth.  

We do not currently have any force to withstand a direct attack.  And with our Blade Warden and Harbinger having most of our active military in Silithus, we remain at a loss.  Those who chose to remain here do so to protect the students and their families.  I won’t risk open war and put anyone here in harms way.  The Bastille will continue to stand and be a bastion for those who are here; and any who come from the wake of this onslaught.”

He would yet again wonder if his actions were truly guided by the right decision but knew that without the people here he would not be able to say he was strong.  These were his most trusted and dear friends in this room; and he would lean on them for support.

“The eye is a very unforeseen presence.  And without a true start or destination; I don’t know how to proceed.  As I said, my visit to my old estate yielded some hope but we must be careful how we move about.  

If we start a hunt to find answers, exposing ourselves to the outside world, it will draw attention.  Anytime we use our powers and magic outside of the Bastille, it is like lighting a beacon to our exact location.  Cultists will swarm us....so a strike force...we will need to be extremely self sustaining without need for magic.”

[ J ]   Jursol listened closely knowing full well the risk they were all at. She knew many were returning to battle once more, even here they were not free of this war.

“So der be some missing? Dat never be good.”

She knew the magic most used here could be a problem. Lucky for her she knew magic many don’t. After all what troll don’t know Voodoo!

“Voodoo be a different kinda magic. Da Loa even be different and can help. Perhaps dey be of use in protecting dis place.” Jursol looked to Laz to see if her peoples ways could be of use. After all Voodoo was not the same as others magic, so perhaps it would not draw attention to them.

[ L.K ] “I don’t doubt that the Loa are powerful in their own right, but I think we are fine here.  The void forge is operating at maximum capacity.”. Lazarius said as his ears twitched.  The man peered up from the table and slowly put his mummified hands against the table.  Who else heard that?  

“In fact Missth Jursthol, the Basthtilles defensthes are better than ever now.  Nothing outsthide an enormousth meteor crashing through the earth these hundred milesth into us will hurt us....”.

Whistletorque answered to reassure them that his construction was sound.  

[ K. A ]  Koltun; with his usual manners, simply heaved open the library doors, striding in like he owned the place and leaving a trail of sand and dust in his wake. Unlike usual however, the Demon Hunters normally bare chest was wrapped in bandaging with a thick cotton shemagh wrapped about his shoulders, neck and covering his mouth. Wraps covered his hands and feet and dust, caked along the leather of his wings, flaked off freely, displaying heavy weathering from months in the dessert heat.

Exhausted, he immediately bee-lined for the jug of water to the side, glad to see formalities had remained enough through the recent chaos to allow for refreshments. Koltun guzzled the water down in heavy, desperate gulps, unashamed that a good portion splashed down his chest to the floor.

It wasn't until the jug was empty and a belch had announced his thirst was sated; for now, that he finally turned to face what remained of his motley family crew.

"So... what I miss?" He grunted, tipping the jug up to his tongue just in case he missed a drop.

[ L.K ] The moment Koltun walked in Lazarius braced himself against the table.  The sun baked god walked directly into the room like a bronzed beacon of hope; ruining the rug and the floor and the another rug, and that jug and water yup, water all over another ruined rug.

“So....what I miss?”.

Lazarius heard those words and damn near leapt over the fucking table.  He fell into the large arms of the demon and wrapped his own carefully beneath the wings on his back.  He placed his head against the sun baked chest of his brother in law.  Dark pools of black began to form as Lazarius allowed the bleeding tears of viscous ichor to fall from his face and stain Koltuns chest.

“Youre safe....” Lazarius whispered softly.

This would be a rare sight for all of them who witnessed their often brooding and dark leader showing such kindness. Lazarius did not cry.   He did not grieve, nor did he show affection.  Perhaps some would have witnessed a tender moment in their time with him but for the most part; this was a mysterious part of his character.  But Koltun was his brother; in every meaning of the word.

“...and you...you...ruined another rug...” he said laughing through his tears and gripping bother sides of the demons face.  Lazarius peered into where his eyes were with his own black pools; he knew they were looking right back.  There was a smile of happiness, part of the flock had returned.

[ K.A ] "Oof!"

The hunter chuffed, nearly dropping the jug at the sudden, and rather surprising, impact of Laz's hug. In fact Koltun barely caught Laz as much as the jug, gripping hold of the man as a face was pressed into his chest and the jug dangled from a desperate pinky claw to the side.

"I hope I'm alive. If not at least I look better than Kross. Besides, I told you before. You cant get rid of me that easily." He gave a toothy grin and glanced towards the others, just as surprised at the display of unusual affection.

Neither man was prone to such displays and for both to wind up in a hug was nearly mind-blowing. Coughing, Koltun set the jug down and fumbled back a return hold, offering a gentle, reassuring pat to Laz's back. Even he could see the odd, viscous tears soaking through the bandaging covering his scaled flesh, the odd warmth of it drawing a sigh. Tilting his horned head as Laz looked up at him, he flashed his usual grin and shrugged.

"Consider it getting your money's worth. Honestly it didn't match the drapes." Said the creature who couldn't see true color anymore. "Sorry it took me so long to get back. The world has turned to shit."

[ J ] Jursol’s eyes went right to the sound of the man entering the room, Jimba seemed to make a strange sound in her arms. Remaining silent and watchful as the Hunter burst into the room making a mess. She was about to say something when she saw Laz rush the man, embracing him as family. Her laughter was not controlled as she watched the two men.

“Dis be a mess I not be cleaning up.” Her smile was gentle as she watched them still.

“Da world be going crazy right now. Good to see some are returning safely.”

[ L.K ]  Lazarius had pulled away enough that he was able to look over the scars and damages of his brother.  He frowned at the comment about how long it took.

“*Why didn’t you summon us? Or contact Kross through the pit? ... or even use your talisman to get back here?”.

He stopped and shook his head, realizing he was overloading the demon with questions.

“What happened to you?”

Lazarius peered at Koltun his face went pure stone.   Something was missing.  He immediately disregarded the question and moved straight to the largest gap missing here.  

“Where is Pyravari...Koltun.”.  

Lazarius gripped his shoulders and met him face to face .

“Where is our sister.”.

He was of course speaking for himself and Siida who was more than likely on edge too waiting to know at the back of the room.

To Be Continued: In Mind of Misery: Reflections, Part 4