#KELZTHALAS

[kelzthalassunwhisper]

I heard you… beckoning to monsters just so you would not be alone in the dark. You dread your innermost thoughts more than you fear your own demise. I wonder… would you accept my gift of silence?

DISCLAIMER

(Blood and Gore below - if triggered by such - read at your own risk)

What was laced in secrets was easily undone by those who knew the contents of the message. And in the case of Kelz'thalas, she recalled distinctly what this duskwhisper was all about.

Some moons ago, she had a little venture into the Ghostlands, drunk and driven by nothing other than spite. Not that anyone knew the wiser save for the demons that haunted her and the living alike. And she brazenly removed her gauntlet and slew the skin upon her hand to cast the droplets of crimson to bait the monsters in the dark.

What was more unsettling about this was that she had believed it didn't work - that her voice had fallen upon the silence of the unknown. But the price had been paid and with it, she regarded that she had held dear. With sober thoughts and her family within view, she wondered what they might think knowing the truth.

Would she be able to say goodbye?

Fingers curled tightly as the ancient magics at play held fast to her frame, reminding her of that commitment she needed to see through. She wasn't afraid for herself, but more what others might do in the wake of her demise.

The path she forged on was dark and that was not a responsibility she could ask her family to bare yet again. She could feel the Sorceress waiting for an answer, with patience likely thinning beyond the veil.

It was a courtesy call, but the oath was made. And she could feel the way her blood began to boil beneath her skin. She ducked into another room, seeking a way out of the estate so that her afflictions would not be visible for her family to bear witness to. Cuts started to appear along the surface of her wrists as blood eagerly dripped onto the floor in long-awaited dues.

Her body tumbled through an open window as she ran through the back courtyard. The guards that were on post or otherwise patrolling shifted from the sudden abruptness of the heir, some disappearing into the estate, while others pursued her to investigate the disturbance she was making.

"Stay back!"

She called as she could feel her heartbeat rising within her chest as her arms now fully began to turn red. Her skin was torn apart, like invisible seams that were being undone remotely. Knees buckled as she looked to the fence in the hopes of escape. But the macabre bloodshed would not be hidden.

The beating of wings could be heard as a thud was felt beside her. Words were spoken with urgency, seeking to rouse Kelz'thalas from the mental conversation she had yet to finish. The Sorceress continued to play with each string of her vitality, forcing blood to bubble up from her mouth as she coughed upon Kal'ren's chest. Her eyes opened to look at him as she took in his face once more, finding that the most peaceful image to be that of the lover that left her.

"Take care... of my family..." she said with her final breath, before her mind addressed that of the Sanguine Sorceress.

"I accept your gift of silence, you Conniving Bitch." And with that her body exploded within Kal'ren's arms, showering him in the crimson blood she had so willingly spilt upon the alter. It now adorned him in her warmth, assuring that this sin would never be forgotten.

(( Thanks for the ask @sanguinesorceress - hope this is to your satisfaction for your games XD Mentions: @grumpyoldfker @allasticus and @kalren-daelish ))

[kelzthalassunwhisper]

It was clear her words resonated with him, but what was most shocking was the change in color within his eye. She had seen a number of altered physiological changes in people due to strong convictions of emotion. And she did not fault him for that display while she listened more intently to him. Her eyes carefully watching over his posture to ensure his body language would not become increasingly provoked from their discussion.

"More often than I care to experience," she answered without hesitation. At his offer to take a seat, she would move into the place beside him on the bench. Silence would once again fill the air between them - allowing them to put painful memories rest.

"But despite the frustration of what we do, it is the right thing to do. If we can't rely on that or find gratification, we end up in this rather uncomfortable situation of whether or not it's worth the effort." Her gaze looked out into the Bazaar, spotting several children that were playing near the auction house.

"See there," she said as her right arm rose and a finger pointed in the children's direction. "We are their purveyors in giving them a place to be safe, to live their dreams and build new futures. While I know they may never acknowledge or see me for what I have done, I can live or die knowing they would still have a life to live."

Gradually, she would lower to rest her arm along her lap and glance over at him. "We've been tasked with the impossible and expected to do so thanklessly, but... I thank you for all you have done, Alphus - even if the rest of Quel'thalas cannot see it."

(( @duraxxor - Merry Christmas to you~ and tag you're it! <3 ))

Continuation from RP

Within the eye of the assassin, magic seemed to ripple in currents around his pupils. A darkness that possessed flickers of crimson spittle. It was a glimpse, but almost like the Commander's words seemed to bring out something within him. As young as she was, she knew of the sacrifices that were placed the shoulders of many like him.

" You are a lot like me... I always tried to continue to try and everyday it always grew more difficult. It's only through having people in my life that I ever knew any sort of joy or happiness. To be shameless of my deeds. And yet, even now... " Alphus trailed off, growing half-lidded as he seemed to look off into a blank space in the distance. The memories he was being flooded with in that moment were not of his. But of another that he had duplicated through a secret. Those foul memories that would make a mortal stomach churn, heave with disgust as the itemization of an individual had been robbed. Alphus didn't even know it yet, but he was balling his fist tightly and the darkness within him was lightly flickered in an aura. This fact gave hint that his assassin nature went deeper into the shadows than was anticipated.

" ... I am finding that the difference between noble and criminal are nothing more than financial status. Just as I have learned that there isn't a difference between monster and man... it's all a matter of who has wronged who. Lynx devours lynx. Who is predator and who is prey? " His singular eye now looked back to her. " You have had people you care for taken from you too, haven't you? " And with that question, he offered her to sit down next to him on the bench.

[ @kelzthalassunwhisper <3 ]

[thehopelessyouth]

An Ill-timed Letter

Selithar sat in his room in the Silvermoon Inn and sighed deeply, pondering his thoughts, pondering his approach as he gazed down at the parchment of paper and the quill at its side. Slowly, with a slightly shaken hand he reached for the quill and put ink to page. Dear fair Kelzthalas, I state with no boast the amount of courage I had to dig up to write this note. You may have seen me when I was employed by your house. We stole glances to one another, caught each other's eyes for the briefest of moments only for things like duty and other obligations to thwart anything that might have been. But now duty is no longer an obstacle. So I would desire to see if we cannot lay the foundations of the bridge we have begun to build between us. I ask humbly for your time, to meet, to discuss, to explore what possibilities may lie before us. You are a rare flower with roots as strong as iron and I have come to admire you from afar. But such admiration, I believe, should be shared in close quarters rather then from a distance - something I have been wanting to rectify for many moons. So I ask with bated breath: meet with me. Come to the waterfalls just outside the city and let us exchange pleasantries. I will bring a bottle of the finest vintage (can you bring the cups?) so that we may loosen our tongues and "let our hair down" as it were. I will go in two days time at high noon. I will stand atop the rockface and will seek out your arrival. I pray that the gods themselves bless me with your presence and that the bridge we should build comes to fruition. If you cannot recall who I am, I have enclosed a photograph for your remembrance. Yours, Selithar D.

@kelzthalassunwhisper

[zachromu]

"Would you rather have the sex with Olwyne or Kelzthalas?" Asks random stranger.

“I consider myself asexual in nature. The appeal just isn’t there for me. Nor is it fair to choose. Only time would tell, I’m afraid.”

@rae1706 -- Zachromu sassy as shit.

[swagbinch]

I got tagged!

under a read more

1. State your name:

Haasitha!

2. State the name that your parents almost named you:

I've.. never really thought about asking this.

3. Which of your relatives do you get along with the most?

My older sister.

4. What was your first job?

I worked as a delivery boy for a Chinese restaurant for 2 years.

5. IDK WHERE 5 IS BECAUSE frostbitch DIDN'T ANSWER IT

6. Did anything embarrassing happen this week? 

My little sister was in the bathroom upstairs so I started to rush downstairs to the 2nd bathroom because I had to piss really bad, and for some reason I thought the door was open.. It wasn't. I crashed face first into the bathroom door while everyone was around. It was bad.

7. Do you miss your ex? 

Nah.

8. Do people praise you for your looks? 

Sometimes, but it's really weird if they do. "You're pretty hot for a brown guy." Thank??????

9. What is your favorite color of clothing to wear?

Blue!

10. How do you wear your makeup?

I don't wear le makeup.

11. What are some of your nicknames?

Garrus, Batmend, Mend, Haas, Telo. Pretty much most of my wow character names rofl.

12. How many bedrooms are in your house? 

5!

13. How many bathrooms? 

3!

14. Do you have a job?

Yes! I work for my dad, and write invoices for his company.

15. Do you have a car? 

Yes and I love it c:!

16. Do you work out every week?

I don't have a set workout routine, but I try really hard to do some kind of physical activity throughout the week.

17. Did you brush your teeth this morning?

Twice so far.

18. Have you ever kissed someone you never saw again?

Multiple times.

19. Have you ever sang in front of a crowd? 

The closest thing I'd think was this morning/last night with oozeling, oozedaddy, and orcfucker. For a split second oozedaddy and I harmonized. It was nice.

20. What kind of bathing suit do you wear?

Swim trunks. Thats about it.

21. Do you like your eyes?

Eyes are fucking weird tbh.

22. Do you think you are pretty?

I am le prettiest.

23. Who was the last person you talked to in person?

My little sister, asking her how her second day of middle school went.

24. How much money is in your checking account? 

I haven't checked today, but i' guessing not a lot since I ordered a skeleton last night.

25. Are you single?

orcfucker , the bae

26. Do you want kids?

I'm really scared of having kids but i'd most likely adopt.

27. Tell me what your back pack looks like:

It's a black messenger bag with two buckles, and a shit ton of compartments. I love things in it a lot.

28. What celebrity do you think is hot?

TBH, Christopher Walken is a treat.

29. Last movie you saw in theatre?

Guardians of the Galaxy!

30. Are you dating the same person you dated last year?

Gladly, I am not.

31. Has someone you were dating ever cheated on you?

My first two relationships ended due to this.

32. Have you ever cheated?

No.

33: Have you kissed someone whose name starts with a ‘J’?

This is very specific. No. Maybe? No.

34: What do you like to do in your spare time?

BE A GOD RET PALADIN AT WOW and a slightly decent arms warrior. B), but really I enjoy playing WoW, watching stupid cartoons and memeing on orcfucker.

35: Do you have a facebook? If so, would you add the person who sent you this number?

I do, but I rarely check it rofl. Sure why not. HMU frostbitch :^)

36: What’s the cutest thing someone’s ever done for you?

FUCK IF I KNEW. >_>

37: Who was the last person you texted? 

orcfucker

38: How many boyfriends/girlfriends did you have?

Four throughout my entire life.

39: How do you look right now?

Like I just woke up, Bed head, blue t-shirt, grey shorts.

40: Who’s the person who first comes to your mind when someone mentions “love”? 

They know who they are. c:

[tursidhion]

"From the existing Death Knights I've seen, none can quite compare to the frigid might of the Dread Lord, Tursidhion."

-- Commander Kelzthalas

[kelzthalassunwhisper]

@themadamelioness

@allasticus

[kelzthalassunwhisper]

If you were offered the position of Matriarch, would you take it?

The Patriarch's death happened so quickly.

There were no symptoms or signs to the illness that consumed him. The healers suspected it derived from his elongated period of self-isolation and grief. Others suspected it was foul play - stating that he was otherwise in good health to carry on. Each and every scenario was whispered like a line of rumors or gossip, but it didn't change the reality for those who were surviving members of the House.

Haldir had pulled both Allasticus and Kelz'thalas aside to discuss the matters in which needed tending to first.

"It is with a heavy heart that I cannot avail you the time to grieve. Matters in relation to this House's future and all assets are to be reevaluated and reassigned to a new Patriarch or Matriarch."

A glance was made between them both, but Allatiscus was already on the edge of his seat. Hands gripped in an iron vice while his head hung over them. As for Kelz'thalas, she sat like time had actually frozen and stopped altogether. The faraway and glossy look that was offered to no one in particular showcased her visible shock and former tears.

Outside a vocal response, Allasticus's chair shifted behind him as he rose.

"I withdraw my candidacy in becoming the Patriarch." He looked to Haldir first before turning towards his sister. "I'm sorry sister, but I cannot shoulder this mantle or responsibility. Even if my life had been put on a course to do so, I know that I could not carry out our family's legacy."

His plated hand shifted to her shoulder to give a firm reassuring squeeze. Then he exited the room and shut the door behind him. A fresh set of tears christened her cheeks as everything that had been put into place to make this sort of transition bearable was removed at remarkable speeds. Both eyes closed as she leaned forward to cover her face with her hands.

The door would open yet again behind her, as Haldir glanced up to see who was permitted entry into the otherwise private room. His features seemed to soften somewhat as he nodded to their new visitor who strode into the room without delay. Allasticus's former chair was adjusted so that it was bridged closer to Kelz's own before someone assumed a seat there.

A hand smoothed over the curve of her back in a show of reassurance before words were delicately chosen to ease her pain.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, but love leaves a memory that no one can take. There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they are gone, the light remains. I'm here for you should you have need of me, Kelz'thalas."

As the consoling words washed over her, both hands shifted to again wipe at her eyes. Haldir had moved around the desk of the Patriarch's study to offer up a handkerchief for her to take. With a feeble hand, she brought it up to accept the token of empathy before clearing away her shed tears. A grateful smile was offered to the Naralinthe for her words of assurance before she held tightly against the damp cloth of her tears.

But it seemed Haldir was willing to be patient with her, until she found her answer. Thoughts and memories of Adonis circulated within her mind - which often threatened to break her mentally and emotionally again. But she was trying to rationalize reason and logic with a heavy heart - something she should have been conditioned in doing since assuming the role of Commander.

Perhaps that little time with Adonis living had really shattered that sense of unwavering resolve. Or perhaps she just was that fragile all along. There was a lot that she could stand to oppose in the way of becoming Matriarch - but ultimately, was it best for her? Was it best for the family? Was it best for everyone? She had built her life up from nothing and knew little of the noble sphere outside catering to their every direction and convocations.

She thought back onto her father's wishes. What he wanted for the Sin'dorei people. What the House was supposed to represent in the ears of all those that heard the spoken name. It was within her element to protect, was it not? Even if she didn't have the experience of being a noble, perhaps living the life as someone less made connecting to all that more important.

Once more her mind thought on Allasticus and his relinquished hold on the role of Patriarch. But this wasn't a moment where either would want to be weighed down by regret.

Her gaze passed over one of the murals in the room. Without surprise, the glaring flames of a proud phoenix stared back at her. It was so easy to forget that when a phoenix dies, it rises back stronger than ever.

A heavy, steadying sigh was expelled as she straightened her position in her seat. Her gaze settled on Haldir as she steeled herself and spoke her answer.

"I accept the role of Matriarch, Haldir. Tell me what it is I must do..."

@allasticus - thanks for the ask, turd >:O @grumpyoldfker - don't fucking die or i'mma beat you when I die @themadamelioness - for mention :3 I trust she would be there for Kelz <3

[kelzthalassunwhisper]

The Loops of Fruit

Her return home didn't quite match the vision, she had in her mind, of riding upon the saddle of an armored hawkstrider. Instead, she was splayed out along the back of a traveling mercenary's wagon and staring skyward with a dazed look in her eyes.

At the helm of its wooden frame, he sat there with his head ducked down in the crevice of his shoulders. From behind, it gave his shadow a bit more of a menacing and unhappy look. But who could really blame him given the excessive beating of wings, loud and egregious cawing, and a large pecker seeking to scoop the matter from his eyes or ears every time it circled him.

"Incessant creature. Stay back now, honestly!" His frustration made that rigid look project in the spitting image of her father and she brought her arm up and swung downward with force. Her hand made contact in a loud smacking sound as his shoulders twitched from the shock and his head whirled around to see the Lady B'andtherion in a more disheveled state. Her hair that had been held back in a loose tail now had lost any sense of collective restraint as it bared down against her shoulders like a screaming banshee.

"You'reeeeee funny when you get mad. It reminds me of my dad. He can get really fired up and look like an ogre who had its toy taken. Sometimes I can see him like a kid more than a father. It's sad that I'm like the mom some days. Can't remember a time that I got to be like a kid. I mean I was at this party talking about not going to parties and having fun at home in sweatpants. I mean are they wrong?"

The armored mercenary shifted with a hurried shove of the reins from his hand and then swung one of his legs over the side of the wooden footing. He strode around the wagon with such speed, I had forgotten we had stopped. A blink and I'm staring at the sky instead of at him. My legs were pulled on and ... oh.

Feet now settled on the ground, the mercenary is under my arm and I laughed. More profuse squawking is made overhead of us as the bird I was gifted from Greatfather Winterveil insists on keeping its eye on me and seems to respond well when I call him Fruit Loops.

"Fruittttt Looopssssssssss!"

The bird squawked again.

"FRUITTTT LOOPS!"

"Lady B'andtherion, would you please cease with this caterwauling wailing. People are trying to sleep, and I only agreed to bring you back to the estate. You insisted you would pay me a hefty sum, and I certainly hope you meant significant."

Kelz swayed with every step they took. Her arm was held firmly to his side as her head leaned into his shoulder as she began to mumble.

"It mwill be. Just mwask Haldir."

There was a glistening sheen of Kelz's indulgence dangling from the corner of her partially ajar mouth. There was no modesty expensed for this knight in shining armor.

"By the Eternal Sun, woman. You are more animal than lady, that I can assure you!"

"CAW-CAW! SQUAWK!"

"ANYONE PLEASE?! HELP ME WITH THIS!"

At the gates that led into the estate, two elite guards shifted from their station and made their approach towards the pair. Night had long since settled over the landscape. The few magically attuned light posts illuminated the grounds in small patterns of circles. So, the light really only exposed the feet on their pass.

"Mm... Guards, pay the man his dues. Let me walk into the manor unaccompanied. I have a task I must accomplish in this state. Failure to do so will be reported to the Patriarch. Your heiress has spoken!"

Whether or not the guards reciprocated her command was not yet made known. At least not until one guard turned to the mercenary to offer him compensation for his trouble. Errant flapping overhead caused her head to peer up as the small shadow of her new pet grew in size before settling on her plated shoulder.

"Caw-Ca-" The noise was quickly subdued as her left hand rose up to pinch the toucan's beak shut.

"Shh... We need to enter the manor quietly. No nonsense noise."

After speaking to her bird like another understanding individual, she realized her error in her way of thinking and burst into a fit of giggles.

"You don't know what I just said, do you, Fruit Loops? I was suggesting that you had a brain enough to understand me in there. Oh how dumb I have become."

With her sole free hand, she limply reached for the door. But a guard that was on post beside it would assist her in the endeavor, perplexed whether or not to remain posted or follow the heiress into the main foyer.

"I got it," Kelz said as if reading their thoughts and body language. "This bird is in my capable care. And no one must attack it or attempt to detain it. It is now an honorary B'andtherion pet and you will be fired if you do! So you better listen!"

A short laugh leaves her as she stumbles into one of the many corridors that lined their house. Her body was exposed to the wall mounted magical sconces as she hobbled onward in the direction of the wing where her room resided.

"So Fruit Loops, you have to be good while you are here. That means only pooping on staff when they are bugging me when I try to sleep or circling my father's head while he's angry and squawking. We're a team now and I so can't wait to see how you fit in."

"My lady?" A servant had emerged from their room and sought to appease her every need. "Would you like me to escort you to your room?" Her tone was so mousey, almost as if she worried if squeaking any louder would dock her pay. Her eyes narrow as she stares at the servant before becoming resolute in her posture.

"Very well. But we are making a detour to my father's study first. You will not speak a word about it. Do not tell the Patriarch that this was my doing, but rather that of Greatfather Winterveil. And that he has to abide by holiday spirit to let my pet stay. That's the rules and he promised to be nice. I should have asked Greatfather Winterveil if my father was on the nice list. But he's probably on the naughty list for firing that guardsmen Selithar Duskblade. And clobbering Allasticus. And breaking that table... And... being mean to Lady Naralinthe Emberdawn."

Her focus lessened a bit as the blurs in her vision made the lights blend together as they walked. She didn't even hear the servant answer her command. And was perplexed by the sudden silence of her assistant.

"Well don't be quiet now. I'm getting the chills like there's a ghost abound. Please."

It was a near plea, and the servant - was only happy to acquiesce as she nodded vehemently. "Right, my Lady. What is it you want to discuss or talk about?"

"I don't know... Just tell me you will listen to me fully and take care of my wishes. And then talk to me about your Winter Veil holiday?"

"Of course, my Lady. I do hear you fully and will see to it that you arrive to your father's study. Which... we are about to arrive in a few steps. Was there something you wanted to do there?"

"Yes, that's Fruit Loops new home." She said with a finger crookedly soaring through the air towards the ceiling. "I think he will enjoy a high place on one of father's bookshelves. Overlooking the study like a multi-colored phoenix flamboyantly flapping its wings and greeting my father in the morning! I think he will come to appreciate my winged friend."

"My Lady, I-" The servant caught herself as if briefly forgetting her station, then promptly silenced herself from speaking further. Though the sound didn't escape Kelz's notice.

"What now? I assure you it will all be okay. My father wants me happy you know. And he promised he would do better. For all of our sakes. Oh, I could so go for some pancakes."

The servant smiled dutifully and made a mental point to arrange that for the B'andtherion daughter. "My Lady, we have arrived at your father's study."

Though, the servant didn't make an effort to open the doors. Instead, it was Kelz's doing as the wooden gates to her father's sanctum opened wide by the strength of his daughter's ambitious resolve.

"Fruit Loopssss!"

Her voice merrily sang as the toucan tried to speak with its clamped shut beak as wings flapped erratically at Kelz.

"Oh right, I'm sorry." The hand on the bird released as it squawked and bludgeoned its nose against her ear roughly in annoyance. But it was loving too, she reasoned. Again, those wings flapped aggressively as it soared up towards the top of the bookcase just as Kelz had prophesized with the intoxicated workings of her thoughts and visions.

"Sleep tight, Fruit Loops!" She declared before turning on her heel and shutting the doors behind her. The lights fell away in the study as Fruit Loops settled on the bookcase's top ledge. In the hall, Kelz stumbled a few steps to the side of the servant awaiting further direction.

"Fetch me a guard. And request he dress himself as Greatfather Winterveil. Ask him to carry me to my bed and tell me what a good girl I have been this year."

"---M-M-My Lady, are you sure?!" The servant's voice was becoming quite annoying as Kelz irritably replied.

"Yes. And the pancakes, make sure they are there before we arrive!"

"Of course!" She snapped at an octave higher than Kelz had heard it before. With her escort dismissed to fulfill her wishes, Kelz swayed side to side before sliding along the wall into a seated position. Her hands coming to settle on her palms at her sides as she tried to hold herself up from leaning too far to her right. Her head felt so heavy, and she enjoyed closing her eyes and just humming playfully while she waited.

It would be a few moments later, but her head would lift to see a shadowy silhouette galivanting his way towards her. This guard was hard to make out as her eyes squinted to try to see past the shadows on his face. A hand took to raising on its own volition as her pointer finger lifted to point at him.

"Are you Greatfather Winterveil?" She called as she tried to sit up and felt her legs drift further away on the floor.

But there was no answer given to her as she watched the man take to a knee beside her. There was a gentleness she had never seen before on his features as she took note of his beard and face. Recognition was functioning at about half capacity as she knew who she was looking at but couldn't account for the word or name.

Without her asking of it, the man's arms shifted forward. One sliding beneath the base of her knees while his other slid behind the center of her back as she was compressed in against him and herself. She felt so small in his grip while glancing up at his broad shoulders. A hand raised to his chest as a sadness took hold of her unexpectedly.

"You look like the hero our world needs." She spoke lightly as tears christened the edges of her eyes. Her focus became increasingly lost as she felt him begin his progression down the hall towards her room. Idly, she rocked in his arms as he hesitated on any form of reply to her. But eventually, he would find his voice only to have her cut it off again with an impulsive interjection.

"What put me on the nice list, anyway, Greatfather Winterveil?" She would ask, as her tears ran down her cheeks in the curve of her cheek.

Her father shifted his arms so that he drew her closer to him before speaking.

"Just by being you, my child." His head pressed unexpectedly against hers as there was a tightness forming in her throat. "Now let's get you to bed."

More tears slid down her cheeks as an unbearable discomfort grew in her chest. She felt nothing of the sort for having failed so many people and others so often. Why did everything just seem to escape her in this single second? The unsteady tremble in her body began as her weeps carried through the halls of the Estate before fading to silence once more.

The light to her room was on as the servants had already prepared her bed and stood at the ready to help remove her armor as her father carried her in. Gently he eased her down onto the mattress and leaned forward to press a kiss to her forehead. A sign that he was glad that she returned home safe and sound. But his ever-present look of duty returned as he retreated from his daughter's sanctuary to see what other chaos lurked in his home. Despite her insistence that it was to be kept a secret; a little birdy might have let that slide. Or perhaps that was what she wanted to believe as her head sank into the comfort of her pillow. Every second was consciousness drifting in and out as the weight from her body became less and less until the light left the room yet again. And once the darkness took over, soon too did she fall asleep.

@grumpyoldfker - Dad thanks for putting me to bed. :)

@allasticus - Brother, I got a bird!

@themadamelioness - Thank you for inviting me out to a great time! <3

@succulent-tart - thanks for the rp event :D

@thehopelessyouth - you were the reason Dad was on the naughty list!

@kalren-daelish - not sure if you were watching me drunkenly stumbling home, but tagging in case you wanna be!

[kelzthalassunwhisper]

( You've had your walls stripped bare and defenses torn asunder emotionally. What's the deepest truth you refuse to tell a soul about them or yourself? - Meant to be an IC response of course! It's not something Din would much ask someone, but didn't wanna do it anonymously either. lol )

"Beware that, when fighting monsters, you yourself do not become a monster, for when you gaze long into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich W. Nietzche

It had to be a dream. There was no way there was just an end to all the fighting.

Labored breaths and a survey of their surroundings however did not mince the details to the altercation. The battle had ended and in its wake was silence and stillness. This was always what she had strove for. This... semblance of foreign peace. It didn't appear real. And she again looked for movement or a questionable shadow. Her hand reflexively tightening on the glaive she held until the hand of her father settled on her shoulder.

A firm squeeze was given with a muted assurance that what she was seeing was not a mistake. He had the experience to understand it, but she didn't. He had fought in battles and won. But in her case, she never had a victory. This... This didn't feel true.

"There must be-"

"It is over." He reaffirmed with a tone of finality. His blade was put to rest at his side as she couldn't believe him. Her father never dropped his guard! THIS WAS WRONG!

She searched for the position of her brother, Allasticus. Even he, one that was driven by bloodlust, had sheathed his blade. Though, his head hung as he stood over the remains of their young brother. This had to be some ploy or red herring.

The rubble beneath her feet crumbled as she moved in the direction where the Sanguine Sorceress had last been seen. Though the red was not something anyone could miss. It was a focal point in the dark and she was still as a statue - pinned into a wall by a blade. Those black lips of hers now had become an open fountain. Blood that had since been taken from others ran down over the curve of her white skin.

She was the monster that did not stop.

This wasn't Malakortana.

This was...

"Not convinced are you," quipped the familiar tone of the Nethermancer, Nixalegos. "Neither am I."

Before an answer could be offered, the nethermancer ignited the corpse of Malakortana with a deft motion of his hand. The flames of fel hungrily devoured the corpse of the she-devil. But her presence still lingered in the air, it was heavy to them both. Soulless or not, there was an aura about her. Even the blade that was mounted in her chest melted from the heat, ensuring that nothing would remain in its wake.

The Nethermancer was still moving, busying himself with his things and investigating the area. Yet, she struggled to find purpose now as this was not her field of expertise. All she knew was that this had been an ongoing ordeal for far too long. The flame, even if it had been snuffed, could burn again if a spark fell in the right place.

"Kelz."

Kal'ren's voice drew her out from the labyrinth of her thoughts, forcing her to turn to address him. He towered over her but had her well-being on his thoughts always. Though he was wise enough to not speak of it around others, generally.

"Let's take a look over here."

It was an invitation for salvation, one that she should have eagerly accepted. But the machinations of disappointment would fracture her reliance on others and her willingness to cope.

"I'm fine," she stated and sought to move away from him. But a clawed hand reached to take hold of her arm and stop her from moving away.

"You're not." He countered and his grip tightened like a vice. His inflection was seeking to appeal to her at the base of her own needs, and yet... she didn't want to believe the truth.

An ill-timed cough and sight of blackened blood left her lips. She could feel something. It stirred in response to her anger and reveled in it. Again, the coughing would continue as Kal'ren shifted to be closer in an effort to support her. He turned her to look at him, but she couldn't see him. A veil of shadows fell over her eyes, making them black to those who looked at her face.

Spurred by that of a holy mission, Naralinthe Emberdawn was running towards them.

"GET AWAY FROM HER!" Her voice cried out to Kal'ren, forcing all that had come to do battle to now converge at this place of potential contention.

Like a fire that had been housed in Kelz's chest, black smoke billowed up and out of her mouth as her arm roughly pulled from Kal'ren's grip. Hands sought to cover her own eyes as she strained to breathe against the miasma of her now tainted soul. The shadows would writhe in an effort to overtake her entirely, but her father did not stand idle as his hands pulled on hers so that she could be afforded a chance to see again.

But what he revealed was far more sinister. The color of his light, which manifested hope into strength now was seen as a blight in itself.

"YOU ARE THE MONSTER! YOU LET HER DIE! YOU KILLED HIM! YOU... ARE NO FATHER OF MINE! YOU TOOK EVERYTHING! MY MEMORIES, MY LIFE, AND MY HAPPINESS!"

Her head then turned towards Kal'ren now. "AND YOU! YOU HAD NEVER CARED! I WAS JUST A MEANS TO AN END. AND WHEN IT DIDNT WORK OUT, YOU BARTERED YOUR SOUL WITH A DEMON! LOVE WAS NEVER REAL, IT WAS FICTION! I'M JUST AN OBSESSION FOR YOUR FLAWS!"

Adonis's hands sought purchase on her shoulders, to roughly rattle her as the glow in his hands continued to ward of the influence of evil that encompassed her frame.

"This isn't you, my daughter!" He said, seeking to reason with her. He didn't want to lose her, not after everything else.

But fate had another answer to this disturbance as Naralinthe's blade found a place between Adonis and pierced through the surface of Kelz's armored chest. The decisive blow forced Kelz to fall to the ground as the shadows faded from the ethereal plane in which they had come.

Bereft with grief, Adonis tried to pull Kelz into his arms and placed his hand over the place of her fatal wound. But it did nothing to rouse her. And Kal'ren was forced to stay his claw as the Nethermancer shouted at him to stand down. Even Allasticus was prepared to stop his father, if the grief would turn into aggression towards Naralinthe. It was chaos within this party of allies, and only one knew the truth. Tears raced down her face as she looked to the younger ward, her friend, and potential family.

Like memories, her body would be confined beneath the earth next to her mother.

Years would pass as her eternal slumber had received all the preventative care and love the living could give her. But the evil that had taken hold of her that day would someday bring her back... You can either die a hero, or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.

( @dinthoqaf - thanks so very much for this ask. Was fun to explore this.

Tagging: (Family first) @grumpyoldfker - sorry dad @allasticus - sorry bruh @lazraelbandtherion - you asked for this >:(

@kalren-daelish - :( I feel bad for you.

@sanguinesorceress (Youuuu) @themadamelioness :< BUT WHY MADAMEEEE - THE WHEEL OF TIME IS SO MEAN XD @nixalegos - I dont think I quite did your character justice, but ... I TRIED. You are so dang methodical, and I suspect he would have done more than this. XD )

[kelzthalassunwhisper]

Dear Kelz'thalas, I'll admit I wasn't sure what to write. I just want you to know that I think about you often and I hope you are doing well. Someday I'll come back and maybe we can catch up on old dealings? I heard about the incident within the training grounds of the estate... I do hope you're alright. I'll be back soon. Yours, -K

The letter was held in front of her before it eventually left her field of view. With a careless sway of her arm, it slid across the counter while silence filled the room. As did the stillness of her frame while she held her head downward a moment. The memories of her childhood friend threatened to come back into view as she made the association to the letter's would-be author. Out of reflex her hand curled into a fist as it struck against the counter's surface. At first, there was a numbness, then came the gradual sting of pain.

There was much she wanted to say, but she was a creature of habit and repression. Anger would have just made a mess of her apartment and sadness would have driven her to drink. Neither avenues would give her the satisfaction she needed before bed and thus she turned from her seat and made her way upstairs.

Upon arriving in her bedroom, she made for the bed and allowed gravity to guide her down against it. It seemed the comfort of her lavish bed was enough to convince her to lower her guard. But her dreams did nothing to abstain her former thoughts.

...Kal'ren was back.

@kalren-daelish - thanks for the ask :3

@grumpyoldfker - Dad don't try to kill him again \o/

[kelzthalassunwhisper]

Where do you see our family going in the near future?

The water had been the only sound heard as the pair made their way to Falconwing Square. It was peaceful, which didn't exactly fit the mood considering the task that was to soon be at hand. Her brother Allasticus, despite having an ability to man up at times, was still likely bothered by the outcome of his spar with the Lioness. Yet, before any words could leave her mouth, he instead took the forefront of the conversation to fill the air.

"Where do you see our family going in the future?"

His words cut right to the point, but his inflection suggested he was acknowledging there was some change. Unlike the eternal spring around them, she didn't know what to think exactly. It was true their father had shown some real signs of growth and progress. But as a whole, she didn't know what that meant for their family.

So, she mulled over the question as they walked and didn't offer any sort of answer for a time.

"If you don't have an answer, we could just-"

"No, it's not that." She said as to cut him off from his nerves and give him a moment to ready himself for her answer.

"We can never hope to guess what lies in wait for the future. But, if I was to make a wish for some sort of future..."

She hummed thoughtful as nearby dragonhawks growled overhead. Their large wings caused moving shadows to glide over them as they walked.

"I would want Father to be happy again, first and foremost. And I'd want for Haldir to have an opportunity to retire. Maybe find a place to stay as a permanent resident at the Estate. For you, brother, I'd hope you'd find someone to give you the same love and adoration as Mother. As well as challenge you on the day-by-day basis. And for me... a day that I could just... breathe."

There was obviously more to that than what she had said. But she wasn't about to divulge any of her thoughts about Kal'ren to Allasticus.

"Ah, well - I'd like to see father happy as well. And Haldir retiring, I could certainly see to that."

He smirked a bit at the mention of a woman. "I didn't know you cared so deeply about my love life, sister."

"Love is an incredible thing, sometimes. Makes you give up the world and remember that you have a special place in it. Not to mention, having someone when you feel as if you can't get up again."

Her brother nodded and the placed his hands behind his back, one coming to rest in the other as they strolled. His head lifted to regard the leaves overhead, but he didn't seem to find her future to his liking.

"What about Kal'ren?"

"...He's gone." She replied quickly as a hand rose to her forehead to temper a growing headache. "He made the choice to leave."

@allasticus - future talks with the bro @grumpyoldfker - dont be mad dad @kalren-daelish - you done gone fucked up boi <3

[kelzthalassunwhisper]

How would she react if Kal’ren died?

It didn't feel right.

Like many cases tied with criminals and the like, funerals fell upon the family to fund and coordinate. But there was nothing outside a brief eulogy to commemorate the death of Kal'ren Daelish.

Allasticus had become distant since the news, which had... surprised her. And her father, Adonis - didn't really seem to want to show his face either. Restless and feeling unsated with the loss, she would have appealed to the majordomo for answers, but she didn't know if that's where she was intended to look.

Aimlessly, she walked through the estate, seeming to take the day slowly as her surroundings opened up more than usual. She felt small again, and the house felt vastly larger. The uncanny semblance to a memory forgotten forced her steps to halt as she was standing by the backdoor to the courtyard.

Music:

A rumble from thunder growled in greeting as rain had been mourning the sun-touched grass beneath it. Idly, she stood, unable to convince herself to proceed further into the estate. Something compelled her to go outside and eventually she would concede before briskly exiting the doors. Rain fell all around her and the guards posted outside. To which, the men on post glanced to her before she moved down the stone steps towards the ill-repaired landscaping. Some things had been kept in orders, but others the Patriarch hadn't seen to restoring since the attack during the Third War.

It felt like she was treading through memory lane, without any idea what those moments meant to her. And then she was at a spot she never anticipated to arrive at. A lone swing hung from a high branch of one of the trees. It idly swayed from the oppressive force of falling rain and whirling air. But it felt as though the swing wanted to be secured and kept close to her. Hesitantly, she brought a hand up as fingers curled around the worn and fraying rope to keep it from swaying.

It stayed in her grip, as the rain continued to pour down against her.

Children's laughter surfaced gradually as her surroundings began to fall away. She was no longer in the place in the rain. Instead, she was seeing the estate with gleaming eyes and pleasant weather. Before her a boy tumbled out onto the grass after leaping from the swing she had been holding. He tumbled again before eventually rolling onto his back groaning from the landing.

Her own laughter escaped her as she rushed over to his side to see if he was still having fun playing. But it was when his eyes opened, and that smile was seen fully within her mind that she remembered him.

A sudden heart-seizing grief struck her, forcing her to fall to her knees in the grass as she held the wet rope of the swing. Uncontrollable sobbing forcing her to mourn over the death of her best friend and playmate.

"Kal'ren... I'm so sorry." She said in between choking sobs as her other hand strained to grip at the wet grass for support.

(( THANKS FOR MAKING ME CRY AGAIN :'( @kalren-daelish Mentions: @allasticus & @grumpyoldfker ))

[kelzthalassunwhisper]

Who is her hero? Why does she admire this person?

Unfortunately, I will have to answer this one out of character.

Kelz'thalas has had to do a lot on her own - and thus had to defend herself and others. Truthfully, she might see herself more as the hero but wouldn't find comfort in proclaiming it. It's a job she does without the merit of praise and respect.

Of course, there are 'role models' to which she finds admiration in like her father, her brother or Kal'ren. But they only apply to certain scenarios and with limited influence on her as a person.

I will say as the writer/player of Kelz, this recent traction in roleplaying and writing her has warmed my heart. Some years ago, I was ready to commit the most egregious sin of retiring her or pursuing a story that resulted in her death. But truth be told, you all are my heroes. You have stood by me and Kelz'thalas to validate the importance of her in your stories. And in the essence of being that hero everyone needs, we will mettle when we don't need to. Not every day can either of us be perfect, but we're willing to have the courage to do our very best.

Thank you so very much for this ask, Anon <3!

And thank you all for being my hero.

[kelzthalassunwhisper]

“I still want you”

Music:

Frequent trips between the Ghostlands and Eversong Woods had become one of the Commander's greatest moments of reprieve. It was a place of solitude and tranquility. Here she had the freedom to breathe and move one step at a time. Even if the view was not pleasant to the eye for some, it still retained the quality of beauty in its state of decay. Husks of hollowed trees twisted towards the sky, while the leaves that had fallen became ambient music at her feet. And in some cases, the weather would cast a fog to move throughout the path.

Even the wildlife still found a means to survive here and remained hidden within their burrows or dens. And with no disturbances, she could take in the full reverie of her surroundings.

Perhaps this attraction to the land was something that was passed down from her mother. The thought forced her lips to tug into a rigid frown as the feelings of unrest surfaced once more. Expelling another strained and withheld sigh, she stopped walking altogether. Now the world waited alongside her, choosing to remain silent and still as she took a hand to her face.

But she wouldn't find herself alone. Like Kal'ren had disclosed, he was always watching her. After having made the error of exposing himself with the discordant Ex-B'andtherion guard, Selithar Duskblade, he was reluctant in keeping close to Kelz. But his feelings would always lead him to her in some way or another. Since his demonic transformation was largely impart due to the former Legion threat, he now had no sense of purpose or direction to pursue. And his obligation to fostering humanity outweighed his commitment to his demon counterpart's lifestyle.

Their two paths would soon bridge into one, allowing them to see and acknowledge one another. The hand that had covered her face fell to her side as her vision revealed his presence. Bright fel eyes seemingly dimmed as Kal'ren realized his mistake and hesitated where he stood. But neither would speak a word or say anything at first.

Fingers curled tightly at her sides as she deliberated on what to do but would eventually concede in just moving forward. Of course, this drew her closer towards Kal'ren since his position was on the path she sought to take. However, the strain of a lonely heart could not keep silent when his better half was within proximity.

"...I still want you."

His proclamation was made with an inflection of desire yet was lacking any semblance of confidence. No doubt due to his uncertainties with what their relationship was and moreover, what she thought of him. For someone who had the advantage of seeing her on a day-to-day basis, her thoughts were still not clear on where she stood with him.

Several steps were made before she stopped once more, her head hanging somewhat as she made a point to acknowledge his feelings.

"What is it that you could want outside devouring my soul? You are a demon as much as you are a hunter, and you would only seek me as prey on either front. You may want me, but you have no true need of me."

Having made peace with her own demons, she continued on the path home and felt further dismay in her heart.

(( Mentions: @kalren-daelish - thanks for the ask o/ always fun to bounce ideas around on the what-if spectrum

@thehopelessyouth - mentions for being a butt ))

[kelzthalassunwhisper]

“If I had to go would you come with me?”

@kalren-daelish

Setting: Some centuries before present time...

"You want me to go with you? But what about my brothers?"

Kal'ren looked around her, as if hoping to see either of her brothers appear before her face turned into a scowl.

"Oh, I see how it is; you couldn't find them to ask!" She said raising her voice at him. Quickly, he brought up his arms in an apologetic and frantic manner.

"No, no you got it all wrong, Kelz! I just... figured I'd ask all of you if you wanted to go. It's more fun with all of us, right?" His ears wilted somewhat, and Kelz huffed indignantly.

"That's fine, I didn't wanna go see the dumb Sunwell anyways! Dad's already taken me there once with Mom!"

"R-Really? What was it like? I've only heard that it's a long way to get there and that its just to look at some magical pool."

"I mean... it did take some time to get there," she admitted. "But I rode on my Dad's shoulders cause I have little Lady legs and can't go -that- far. But..."

A coy smirk found its way to her features before she turned away. "I thought you didn't want to go..."

"I do! Just not alone!" Kal'ren interjected swiftly. "So, will you please go with me, Kelz?"

Kelz again mulled it over and then offered her hand to him. "Only if you hold my hand while we go."

Kal'ren stared at the hand and looked a bit horrified for a moment.

"WHAT? IT'S JUST MY HAND!" Kelz squawked.

"Yeah, but you got cooties... Allasticus told me-"

"Allasticus is a dummyhead. He has boogies and cooties. Take my hand or I'm telling Dad and not going!"

"Okay, okay!" Kal'ren snagged her hand and held it firmly. "Happy now?"

"Nope, lose the attitude." She said with a tone of entitlement.

"I'm sorry... Lady Kelz."

"That's more like it," she quipped and eagerly adopted a new tone. "Let's go find Haldir! We can bring some snacks with us, he always knows where the freshest cookies are! HALDIRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!"

Kal'ren would be toted behind Kelz's outstretched arm as she dragged him along.

(( @kalren-daelish - probably not the angle you expected. But I TOOK IT HERE >:O - TOO MUCH SAD ALL DAY))