#Merellia's Books

[merelliahallewell]

Pages 1-4 of Sacred Sigils, Marks, and Seals by Merellia Hallewell. 

This slender, carefully-crafted volume is a treatise on runework and signs used by the Light-faithful, as well as other markings aligned to allied powers. More pages coming... whenever I find the drive to photoshop them. 

[eldridgecandell]

A Favor House Hallewell

(A follow-up response to Lady Merellia Hallewell (@merelliahallewell​)

Days had come and gone, nigh near a week had passed since the letters had been sent to Aroms Stand for Inquisitor Candell.  No answer had arrived.  A soft questioning of the witch hunter's whereabouts from Inquisitor Nubern came up with little information.  Was he alive?  Dead?

Or worse?

Upon sixth day, a courier would arrive from the south.  He would not give his name but was all the more eager to drop off his package with Inquisitor Nubern would accepted it dutifully.  As the Lady Hallewell was away the time he would deposit it with one of her personal  attendants.  

The package was wrapped in dark butcher paper tied tight with leather cord, weighing perhaps four or five pounds.  Written upon the paper in beautiful but professional script would be her name and title.  Tearing open the paper would reveal the simple contents of a pair of books, a small black purse, and a folded letter with Merellia's name upon it.

To the desk of Inquisitor Merellia Hallewell

Apologies for the lateness in the reply to your former letter in regards to Inquisitor Eldridge Candell.  The Order prays your forgiveness in responding, but unfortunatly Inquisitor Candell has been added to the missing in action rosters having last been beyond the Veil assisting the Fae.  

He has yet to reply or been seen for nearly two months.

Despite his lack of presence his effects have been taken in by the Order for cataloguing until his return or next of kin located.

As per his own wishes upon joining, many of his journals and notes have been included into the growing archives here in the Stand.  One of such of these journals has been sent regarding his personal work with demons and related obstacles.

Regrettably, the Order is not as well versed in demon possession or the workings of the Fel as are efforts have mostly been involved with slowing the incursion of the Drust and work of the Coven.  But never to be a lost cause, a tome was discovered among our archives from a certain magi named Kaglostrio.  The ramblings mostly of a madman of ancient Drustvar he does note a few 'thin' spots upon the Isle.  Though we are not sure if they will be entirely helpful to you in your efforts, we hope some of this might answer questions or bring up the right ones.

Along with the books we have also sent an artifact noted in Inquisitor Candell's journals.  A gift from his father Ser Erlain Candell upon his return from the Outlands during the reopening of the Dark Portal.  Little is known what they are for or why, but Candell made note of their connection to the light and the significance to the Draenei culture.  Perhaps further study will reveal more to you.

As always per delivery of requisitioned items, we ask upon completion of use they be returned to the Archive as soon as possible and in the same condition upon arrival.

Gerture Bandolin Lead Archivist and Chronicler Order of Embers 'May blight fall upon the Coven'

The letter would be signed in clean clear ink, the words cut and dry to the manner of response.  Inspection of the small black bag would open to reveal a set of beads, silver in the light but hardly the same weight or feeling as good Corlain silver.  It held an otherworldly touch of calm and almost patience as the wisps of soft dyed netherweave caressed the skin with warmth.

The pair of books would be simple bound, one of a dark black leather worn by sweat and use.  Candell's journal for sure.  The other felt thinner though far thicker than the journal, the cover touched feeling oily and almost like it had gotten wet in the journey but cracked with dried age.  Dread and unease would flow from the book if were opened, as all magic tomes would as the words tried thier best to swirl and move to the untrained eye.  Kaglostrio's notes.

Flipping through the journal would be noted the messy handwriting of a man with little time but a need to express his thoughts.  Dated and catalogued to be noted as year three, it would go into many of the witch hunter's journeys.  A small note would flutter down from the flipping of those pages to land softly amongst whatever scene Hallewell’s office was in.  Simple scrawl in the same handwriting as the journal would reveal the cryptic and off-putting words of a man haunted by dark deeds, foul enemies, and black moods.

Trust noone.

[tyra-greydawn]

Setting Off

Hagman’s Point, Drustvar. Nine months after the Veil was broken.

It had taken Tyra ten years, three months, four weeks, and one day to find a home. It had taken her three weeks to grow used to it. And now, four months later, she didn’t want to be there. She tried to keep those thoughts out of her mind but they never liked behaving. They came one after another, much like the steps that took her further from Stormwind. The woods of Drustvar loomed up at the top of the hill. Tyra tightened her straps of her backpack and stared at trees. She wasn’t sure if they were beckoning to her or warning her away.

Tyra lifted the compass one last time. It spun like it had every other time she’d tested it near Drustvar. It was supposed to point at her closest living relative. It didn’t point at her cousin or her uncle and she didn’t have any siblings so it had to be her parents. She was sure of that. If she had been forced to guess who she would have said her father. Tyra couldn’t imagine her mother would have abandoned the ritual book that was currently in her backpack. But she supposed stranger things had happened.

She didn’t have to go. She had alternatives. Haxley’s spies would find whoever it was easily enough. Valdyss might know. Merellia might, too, although Tyra didn’t know her well enough to feel comfortable asking for a favor that big. Ashoke’s Illidari or one of Gar’s spells could find whoever it was without Tyra lifting a finger. But she felt sick to her stomach every time she thought about that. Venturing into Drustvar alone was more wracking but at least it felt right.

The wind picked up. Tyra was hit in the face with the smell of rancid meat and was immediately grateful she’d decided to stay human for now. More steps took her up the trail and to the edge of the trees.

“So, um, I know you’re full of monsters.” Tyra said to no one in particular. The wind blew again. The trees creaked their warning. Leave. Save us. Turn back. Bring help. Tyra narrowed her eyes. Her skin rippled and she grew taller. Hair and nails were replaced by fur and claws. Her eyesight sharpened and her nose was able to pick out the exact direction of the rotting bear carcass she’s smelled earlier. The land itself had issued its challenge.

“I know you’re full of monsters,” She repeated. “Dragoons kill monsters. So let me find what I want and everything’ll be easier, okay?” She did her best to hide her fear as she walked down the shadowed trail.

[alexandriawilliams]

47. — stars

The blank, post-midnight sky of Drustvar revealed a glimmering host of stars above. It was nice to be so far from the bustling city that she had lived in for most of her life, but still, Alexandria felt like a guest in her betrothed’s world. Kul Tiras didn’t -- and might never -- truly feel like home; Autumnhearth felt as alien as another world even after so many months spent there, and despite her efforts, she struggled to truly acclimate. She had been working -- writing out on the porch as she so often did when it was well past time for her to retire, and her beloved had come to announce that she was going to sleep.

“I’ll be right up, my love,” she had promised -- and promptly made a liar of herself. More than a couple of hours later, she was too embarrassed to go up to their shared room, but knew she would find only a sleepless night of waiting if she went up to her own.

Sleep had always been a scarce commodity for Alexandria; a lifetime filled with battle and tragedy had made certain of that. Growing up in and spending most of her adult life in Stormwind, she had the luxury of taking midnight walks to calm herself, and as a knight-errant, she could simply wander until she needed to make camp and rest when she finally found herself beginning to drift off. Now, though, she was... stuck. Where was she to go? The forest contained unspeakable horrors, so she lingered on the step of the manor staring into the woods with a relentless sleepless exhaustion gnawing at her. Several times, she had picked herself up and begun to stride ardently to the forest’s edge, determined to venture forth, but... no.

The first time, she had simply taken a seat again.

Two later, she went back up to her room. It hardly ever saw use, save for when the pair had guests. Furnished with cases filled with medals and accolades, and with every weapon the knight had in her arsenal and each of the few suits of armor she had collected over the years, it was a veritable shrine to her lifetime of service to the Silver Hand with only a bed and a pair of nightstands in the way of more personal fixtures. She exchanged her sleep clothes with her lightest half-plate and selected her greatsword from the plethora of blessed armaments on offer. It wasn’t Truthkeeper, but she figured it was handy enough to keep her safe. Her mother’s craftsmanship was nothing to scoff at, and it had served her well thus far.

Now, she lingered thinking of how stupid she would look if she went out into the estate in the middle of the night knowing that the entirety of Autumnhearth, save for the manor, was infested with monsters and witches (and not the cool kind) and brigands and curses and Light knows what else. It would be quite a lecture -- and a justified one, at that -- if she returned injured, and there was no hiding it from her perceptive fiance. Worse, what if she was hurt too badly to venture back, or captured?

It passed through her mind, momentarily, that Alex found herself more viscerally afraid of Merellia’s scorn than the threat of the forest itself. With a quiet groan of resignation, the paladin finally rose up to her feet and began to unbuckle her armor. She pivoted on her heels to head back into the manor, pretending not to hear the whispers or see the lights deep within the treeline that beckoned her forward. She was not this stupid.

So came the other solutions. To the average person, Alex might have seemed a drunkard. In truth, the superhuman elements of her Light-imbued body had the consequence that in addition to every other poison on Azeroth, she was nearly immune to the effects of alcohol. The only thing that could manage even a buzz was a powerful liquor (whiskey was her weapon of choice), and an obscene volume of it. She stomped over to the kitchen in her heavy leather boots, thinking little of the noise -- Merellia, Elise, James, everyone had gone to sleep at least a couple of hours ago. She doubted she would disturb anyone. She roughly snatched a bottle of Corlain whiskey, popped off the cork, and drank. Two, three, four full glugs of whiskey slipped down her throat as a campfire roared to life in her stomach. Within a few minutes of standing there, frustrated with herself for not following her betrothed to bed in the first place, she began to feel it.

It was just enough, she figured, and if she made it up to her room quickly she would be able to make good use of what was barely even a buzz and maybe manage to fall asleep. She took a long, deep breath, and...

Who was she kidding? Why was she making such a big deal of this? This was to be her home too, and Merellia might play at ruthlessness, but Alex knew better. Even if she did awaken her, and even if she was irritated, what was Merellia going to do -- stab her?

The armor she’d selected found itself strewn about the manor as she made her way back upstairs. That lecture, she would have to endure -- no messing around with an armor stand tonight. She stopped by her own room on the way back up only to place her blessed blade back into its resting place before mustering the nerve to tap her bare feet up to the door, holding her breath as she slooowly creaked it open...

“I’ll be right up,” Merellia teased, a playful sneer coming across her face. The lamps were still burning, though the inquisitor set aside the book she had been reading to reach across to each bedside nightstand and snuff them out.

Alexandria froze. There was almost indignation on the paladin’s face as she stared back, dumbstruck. All of that meandering had been for nothing.

“You waited?” She asked.

“Of course I waited. Come to bed.”

Alexandria rubbed at the bridge of her nose for a moment as she strode across their bedroom, taking the time to consider her own idiocy. The familiar rustle of the warm bedsheets and the company of her beloved quickly brought her more comfort, certainly, than a walk through a haunted forest in the dead of night. The couple quickly settled into their usual snuggle and with the lamps darkened and the curtains covering the window, the room was pitch black. It wasn’t long before her breathing settled into a slower rhythm and rest began to claim her.

“... My love?” Merellia asked after a few moments. Her tone was weary, on the very edge of sleep. Ever known for her mercy, she didn’t comment on the smell of booze.

“Yeah...?” The very sleepy knight murmured back.

“What in the Light’s name was all of that noise downstairs?”

[terezascania]

Terez seems neat, even if we have not met yet. So A few queries for her.

5 things that make her happy

4 things she wants

3 short-term goals

2 long-term goals

one recommended way to start a scene with you.

Thanks! :D 5 things that make her happy

The presence of her friends, snuggling up with a good book, looking at stained glass windows, shopping at the market with her friends, and having a nice glass of wine.

4 things she wants

For Death Knights to be treated as equal citizens, lots of jewelry/dresses/pretty things, a nice country cottage in Drustvar where she can live her cottagecore dreams, and a really good Lady-in-Waiting.

3 short term goals

Help get Merellia's book published, establish herself as the new Stormwind Ambassador to Kul Tiras, and win her next Lord High Speaker election.

2 long term goals

Learn how to joust and establish herself as a powerhouse in Stormwind politics.

1 recommended way to start a scene with you.

Ask her a question about Stormwind politics! She considers herself to be a public servant, and is ALWAYS happy to talk politics to anyone who wants to do so.

[merelliahallewell]

Sacred Sigils, Marks, and Seals by Merellia Hallewell

This slender, carefully-crafted volume is a treatise on runework and signs used by the Light-faithful, as well as other markings aligned to allied powers. It is aimed at paladins and those working in their vicinity who incorporate such runework into their holy judgements and auras.

Merellia’s first in-character text is finally finished! I unfortunately do not think I know of any IC publishing companies on Moon Guard, or I would have done a little bit more roleplay to set up an actual release for this book. If anybody does know about one/happen to have one/want to do that sort of roleplay, I would 1000% be willing to engage in that. PDF coming once I write up a foreword.

Thank you to @weslynnegoldmeadow for working with me on fleshing out the blessings of the Seasons, which deserved a lot more room to shine rather than being cramped onto two pages. Also thank you to the Autumnhearth and Silver Hand discords who had to get spammed with my updates on this every other day for like a month.

I don’t usually... finish projects so bringing this one to a close is something I’m very pleased with. This project stands on its own, but also is intended to pair with the character cards I created for the Silver Hand project. I may consider dropping an addendum for Vrykul and Outlaw Rogue-associated runes if people end up liking this, but I was running out of lore and names for the sigils.

[merelliahallewell]

A Moment to Grieve

A few tears stained the pages beneath Merellia as she knelt in prayer by the window, an errant moonbeam falling on her face as she finished her time of supplication. The prayer book had been opened to a prayer against the onset of demons- an old one she had penned during the height of the Third War all those years ago.

The inquisitor had not slept since the incident. Eyes burning with Fel magic still sat at the forefront of her memory. Her throat still ached where she had been choked. 

The most weary of all was her soul. She had tried to pretend it wasn’t an issue. She had tried to pretend that there was nothing wrong... but it had only delayed the inevitable. Things had come to a climax now, and there was nothing that could be done to change it. Somebody had to get rid of the demon... but it could not be done at the cost of a life she valued so much.

The inquisitor took a breath to steady herself. Then another. There would be time to grieve further later. It was now time to act.

Merellia stood, collecting her book of prayers and closing it. It was set down upon the nearby table, and she sat down there, 

The Order of Embers fights with knowledge guiding their blades. 

She needed knowledge, and she did not have it. Her action, for once, was clear.

Merellia dipped her quill in the ink bottle, and selected several pieces of parchment. The quill scratched against the page as she began to write...

[merelliahallewell]

My friends, 

As our work in Autumnhearth has progressed, I have realized that the training of the Order of Embers may come in handy for us. One of the things we were taught when taking up our blades was to be prepared to face any situation, and preparation often requires equipment. Not all of you may have these things readily available, and so I offer a few small gifts of helpful items. 

Please do not use the flask for drinking out of. It is made to hold liquid fire, but we do not have that yet. 

They are yours, and what you do with them is your choice now. You may find them useful in addressing Drustvar's problems, but we are no military; carry what you find of greatest help and use. They will undoubtedly be of great aid wherever your travels and duties may take you. Attached are my notes regarding witch magic as well. You may find them valuable. Fair winds, and following seas. 

Merellia Hallewell

Merellia has provided a few gifts to the allies of Autumnhearth, offering kits of equipment and helpful tools to them for future adventures. To those wielding ranged weaponry, she’s also offered pouches of silvered shot and arrows with silvered heads. Pictured here is the bow for Octavia! The kits include: 

A good, sturdy Backpack made from the hides of Saurok. 

A Belt Pouch for holding things. 

A Traveler's Cloak, made to wrap around the body to shield it from the elements. Comes with a cowl. Made for the summer months, so does not provide much warmth. 

Two Maps: one of Kul Tiras as a whole, and one of Autumnhearth.

Reinforced metal Flask. Not for drinking!

One Torch, the end of it already wrapped in cloth. There is a small amount of lantern oil, as well as flint and steel for lighting it aflame. 

A Ring, sized to fit the recipient. A few are woven of wood and wicker, made to warn the wearer of nearby Drust magic. The others are simple shielding rings, made to protect the wearer from a magical attack. The wickerwoven rings were crafted by @kissingplants and purchased at a market a during the fall.

Simple linen Wrappings. They can be used for bandages or for the torch. 

A Spike made of pure silver. The grip is wrapped in leather strips. You could probably stab somebody with it, in a pinch. 

A pair of Health Potions. 

A few draft notes from a book entitled Kul Tiran Monsters, Threats, and Dark Magicks: an Order of Embers Primer.

[merelliahallewell]

Send ❓ and my muse will answer all questions honestly (Kyuu)

Does my muse trust yours?  

Merellia’s answer did not take especially long. “Yes,” she almost blurts out. “Implicitly. Kyuu, is but one of only a few. I can count them all on one hand. I am not generous with it.” 

Does my muse dislike yours?

"Most certainly not,” Merellia responds flatly. “Not even after she threatened me for my profession at first meeting. Kyuu has little to dislike.”

Would my muse kill someone for yours?

Only a grin is flashed in answer to the question at first. “Kyuu would only need to say the word. There is much I would do for her.” 

Would my muse kill your muse?

“Well, that’s an interesting question, is it not?” Merellia gives a cautious glance around, ensuring a certain cat was not lurking somewhere nearby, just out of sight. “Would I? If I had to, yes. Could I? That is a different sort of question. I should hope never to have to find out the answer.”

Would my muse save yours?

”From danger?” A laugh left Merellia before she could think of anything to answer. “As if she would need that. Kyuu is more capable than I am. If she ever did need it, I would be there.”

Does my muse find your muse attractive?

Color touches Merellia’s cheeks, and she gives a single, slow nod. “I mean-- yes. Once or twice I’ve seen her covered in blood, and...” 

Merellia sighs dramatically. “She is my favorite elf.”

Is my muse disgusted by yours?

“Hardly? I do not think Kyuu has done anything to disgust me in the time we have known one another.”

Would my muse go on a date with your muse?  

“Were I not engaged otherwise? Perhaps. I mean... yes, but. Like many elves, Kyuu has thoughts regarding the shorter-lived, you see.” There’s the returning ghost of a blush, but Merellia shakes it away. “I am sure such a thing would be pleasant.” 

Would my muse kiss yours?  

“I feel as if kissing Kyuu might be a dangerous experience... fangs, and... all that.”

Notably, it is not a rejection of the idea.

Would my muse betray yours?  

”Perhaps I would if I had a death wish! Ha. Betraying a woman who can shift her form at will, live centuries, and has a terrifying, feral aspect to her... is not a wise idea.”

My muse’s favorite thing about yours is ____

”I admire the ferocity Kyuu embodies in all she does- she is like a force of nature in herself, truly a cat willing to take her revenge and claw you for wronging her and her friends. She is so fiercely loyal, too, to her friends.”

The thing my muse dislikes about yours is_____

“I don’t know,” Merellia offered back gently. “Truly, I have little to dislike about Kyuu thus far. Perhaps she may be a tease, sometimes overly mysterious, and even a touch thirsty for blood... those are hardly negative traits in my book.”

[merelliahallewell]

Project: Holy Character Cards

Holy Character Cards 

This project is the companion to Merellia’s book, Sacred Sigils, Marks, and Seals. Here is the project description:

Each Light-wielder has a different view of faith and carries a different set of principles, even if they all hold to the same core virtues and wisdoms. These champions have the ability to wield and empower the sacred signs of their faith, gaining an aspect of the Light as they do- or even blending it with other magic. The selection of these icons is more than merely a choice of tools; to choose a sigil is to express a desire to embody what it represents and demands of its bearer. As such, the chosen seals are a deep reflection of who they are and what form their faith takes.

I based this project off the Empowered Seals Paladin talent from Warlords, which had paladins empowering up to three seals at once. (there was a fourth one too, but you had to empower all three to get it so we’re ignoring it) Choosing the runes for a character could be considered a paladin personality test of sorts. I thought it would be cool for people to get a taste of how each person’s faith is expressed and the differences between how they live out their core personal virtues. 

This is a gift for the Silver Hand project on Moon Guard! I have aimed it at the project’s leadership first, but once most of them have received their cards I will be making them for all members of the server. While it is based on a paladin talent, clerics, priests, and inquisitors are also more than welcome to make use of these ideas and request a graphic.

[merelliahallewell]

💃- For a talent that they like to keep hidden from others

Spilling Secrets

Merellia and Alex had their own separate rooms in the manor. There was more than enough space for both of them, and it was important to Merellia that each had room for their own selves and interests. The place was large and many areas often sat unoccupied, though Merellia at times claimed new areas for projects of hers, occupying tables within the library or empty rooms for practicing with her pair of swords. 

When spring came, she spent a good deal less time within the building, and some of the books regarding Drustvari herblore were absent for weeks from the library... not that anybody went looking for them. 

When the Dame inevitably decided to go looking for her during one of these mysterious absences, Merellia was found was on her hands and knees pulling weeds from the garden behind the manor. Dirt stained her clothing and even her face, she had been out for hours. At first looking as if she’d been caught doing something embarrassing, Merellia soon took a little pride in displaying the garden she’d spent the last few weeks cultivating- helpful local herbs she planned on making use of and had recently transplanted from pots into the ground as spring dawned on them. 

A small, barely-developed talent, but one she’d hope to truly grow in time.

[merelliahallewell]

Layers of Merellia

LAYER ONE : THE OUTSIDE

Name: Merellia Hallewell

Eye Color: Emerald

Hair Style/Color: “A sort of... brownish blonde. Or perhaps blondeish brown. It is dyed, either way, and I keep it short enough to never fall to my shoulders.

Height: “Five and ten inches.”

Clothing Style: “Protective leathers whilst in the woods. Long, flowing robes in the churches. I have an affection for slightly loose, white shirts and tall leather boots

Best Physical Feature: A great chest- or perhaps piercing eyes. 

PAGE  TWO: THE INSIDE

Your Fears: “The loss of everything I have gained these last few years to some mistake that I may make.” 

Your Guilty Pleasure: “Elven wine, and tender touches from one I admire..” 

Your Biggest Pet Peeve: “People throwing the weight of titles around, as if they meant anything to me.” 

Your Ambition for the Future: “Build a home, and perhaps a family.”

PAGE THREE: THOUGHTS

Your First Thoughts Waking Up: “Though others of the Light tell me it is wrong, I often worry of signs and portents being hidden in my dreams. I have begun forcing myself to remember as much as I can to write down.”

What You Think About the Most: “How much I have to do, and how little time I have to do it.”

What You Think About Before Bed: “My thoughts usually turn to the beloved woman at my side on nights when she is there.”

You Think Your Best Quality Is: “Conviction. I have much dedication to what I believe to be right, faith that I walk the correct path. Some may disagree and call it stubbornness.” 

PAGE FOUR: WHAT’S BETTER?

Single or Group Dates: “Single. Why would I wish to dedicate time spent to be with my beloved to exchanging pleasantries and idle chatter with others?”

To be Loved or Respected: “Loved- but only by those whom I care for. If they truly loved me, it would engender respect.” 

Beauty or Brains: “I prefer intelligence. Not that I would not wish to be beautiful, but I need a keen mind to survive in my profession.” 

Dogs or Cats: “No particular preference, though I once considered adopting a dog. There is both a wolf and a cat that I adore equally.” 

PAGE FIVE: DO YOU?

Lie: “For a living.”

Believe in Yourself: “For better or for worse, yes.”

Believe in Love: “Wholeheartedly.”

Want Someone: “I have somebody already. I would not be greedy.” 

PAGE SIX: EVER?

Been on Stage: “I prefer not to, no.”

Done Drugs: “Alcohol...? Nothing past that, I prefer having a keen and able mind most times.”

Changed Who You Were to Fit In: “Once I was forced to.” 

PAGE SEVEN: FAVORITES

Favorite Color: “Red, even given its unfortunate past with me. Especially when it is paired with gold...”

Favorite Animal: “Sea turtles. I think they are lovely, resilient creatures. I have once seen them hatching on the shores of Kul Tiras. 

Favorite Book: “Kul Tiran Monsters, Magicks, and Threats. Yes, the one I wrote. It is a good book. Well-researched!”

PAGE EIGHT: AGE

Day Your Next Birthday Will Be: “Sometime in the spring. March fifth, I believe.”

How Old Will You Be: “Thirty... five. Light.”

Age You Lost Your Virginity: “Thirty-two.” 

Does Age Matter: “Yes, if only for my sake.” 

PAGE NINE: IN A BOY OR GIRL

Best Personality: “Bold and strong-willed.” 

Best Eye Color: “It does not matter.”

Best Hair Color: “It also does not matter to me.”

Best thing to do with a Partner: “Spending time at their side in private- no matter what the activity might be. I treasure my time alone.” 

PAGE TEN: FINISH THE SENTENCE

I love: “The sight of autumn’s descent over the land.” 

I feel: “Led along by destiny towards unknown fate. 

I hide: “My softer side, for fear of judgement and scorn when it is displayed.”

I miss: “Family. Though it has been many years, I still wish I had them.” 

I wish: “For the courage and will to cleanse the land entrusted to me. 

[Art by Ragewang! Thank you to both @kyuusei-shadowleaf and @bite-of-witchcraft for the tags in this one! Tagging: @alexandriawilliams @ilaian-from-elwynn @weslynnegoldmeadow @raelethari-ravensong or anybody else who hasn’t done it yet.]

[alexandriawilliams]

Layers of Alexandria

LAYER ONE : THE OUTSIDE

Name: Alexandria Williams

Eye Color: Burgundy.

Hair Style/Color: Auburn.

Clothing Style: “Depends on where and when. Sometimes, a nice gambeson is a good butch look, but usually? Just pants and a casual shirt. I suppose I occasionally wear a dresses, but I lean towards trousers.”

Best Physical Feature: “My... stature, I suppose? I’m told I cut a rather imposing figure.”

PAGE  TWO: THE INSIDE

Your Fears: "Losing those I care about to disaster or atrocity.”

Your Guilty Pleasure: "Ambrosia. Rowdy drinking games with my friends.”

Your Biggest Pet Peeve: “The gall of nobles to act like they own everything they lay their eyes on, as if anyone gives half a damn about who they were born to.”

Your Ambition for the Future: “Marry the woman I love. Build a home together. Perhaps... more? I have great hopes for the Silver Hand.”

PAGE THREE: THOUGHTS

Your First Thoughts Waking Up: “Merellia is so beautiful in the morning light of Drustvar... and breakfast.”

What You Think About the Most: “Protecting my friends, my family, and those I love.”

What You Think About Before Bed: “I don’t deserve this.”

You Think Your Best Quality Is: “I suppose... my values? I hesitate to talk myself up outside of light jests, but if I had to choose something to be proud of, it would be that I know what I believe and am willing to defend that. As a Knight of the Silver Hand, my beliefs are what connected me to the Light within me -- they are what give me my power. In that respect, every battle is ideological, and... I believe my performance in the field speaks for itself.”

PAGE FOUR: WHAT’S BETTER?

Single or Group Dates: “Single. Quiet, romantic, intimate time with my partner is far more important to me than drinking games with couples we know... though, I suppose we do that, too.”

To be Loved or Respected: “Respected. Infatuation without respect, simple adoration, means little to me. It is in the genuine affirmation of my character that I have found something more true.”

Beauty or Brains: “Intellect. Though I know my muscles and scars do have a tendency to dazzle a particular kind of woman, I think conventional beauty is a ship that has long since sailed for me. In my attraction to others, I would say the same. A sharp mind is far more alluring than a curvy body and perfect features.”

Dogs or Cats: “Dogs, but I love both!”

PAGE FIVE: DO YOU?

Lie: “To what end?”

Believe in Yourself: “I try to.”

Believe in Love: “Absolutely.”

Want Someone: “I have more than I could ever desire. My thoughts only ever drift to her, when my mind wanders.”

PAGE SIX: EVER?

Been on Stage: “... I don’t want to talk about it.”

Done Drugs: “Once or twice. Under duress. It was odd, but not necessarily unpleasant.”

Changed Who You Were to Fit In: “I suppose, on occasion, I put up with the pretentiousness of nobility without giving them a piece of my mind.”

PAGE SEVEN: FAVORITES

Favorite Color: "... Blue?”

Favorite Animal: “Dogs! I love dogs. If I had to be an animal, I would be a dog. I wish I had one, sometimes. They’re so loyal and affectionate, and their bond with their master just seems so... special.”

Favorite Book: “... Perhaps this is an indulgent answer, but my librams. Over the years I have filled them up with my deepest thoughts, my personal philosophy, my daily experiences... they mean much to me, and I will often sit down with one of them and just... remember.”

PAGE EIGHT: AGE

Day Your Next Birthday Will Be: “October eleventh.”

How Old Will You Be: “Thirty-seven...”

Age You Lost Your Virginity: “Perhaps... fifteen or sixteen? Too young.”

Does Age Matter: “I’m not sure what you mean, but I certainly wouldn’t judge someone based on it. Some of the mightiest paladins I know are nearing seventy.”

PAGE NINE: IN A BOY OR GIRL

Best Personality: “Gentle and kind -- with me. Fierce, with her enemies.”

Best Eye Color: “I don’t care.”

Best Hair Color: “Perhaps... red or brown, if I had to choose?”

Best thing to do with a Partner: “Quiet time alone. We don’t even have to talk -- just to be there together and rest means so much to me.”

PAGE TEN: FINISH THE SENTENCE

I love: “My betrothed.”

I feel: “Hopeful for the future.”

I hide: “Nothing. I know who I am.”

I miss: “My father and mother. My betrothed, when we are separated by circumstance.”

I wish: “For peace. I would love nothing more than to be able to lay down my weapons and return home to Merellia to live a happy, quiet life.”

[merelliahallewell]

Love in the air. What an amusing prospect. 

The only thing that fills this air is the wretched stench of goblin cologne. Love is no myth, but it needs no manufactured holiday to create it. 

I suppose I will celebrate as I always have- a quiet, plain, normal evening. Perhaps I will read a book. 

Merellia sighs. 

[merelliahallewell]

List for me 5 things your character likes. 4 things she dislikes. 3 things or goals she desires. 2 things that make you love them. And 1 way to start an Rp With you.

Five things Merellia likes:

The Light - Perhaps a fairly easy to guess answer, but the Light has been at the center of Merellia’s life for a very long time. It’s more than just a part of her history or her job- religion gives Merellia comfort and familiarity in a life that’s seen a lot of change in recent years. Organizations and people may disappoint her, but the Light’s not going anywhere. She also appreciates a lot of the trappings of Light worship- holy places like cathedrals and stained glass are appealing.

Books, especially old ones - Before she was a Scarlet inquisitor, Merellia worked at the New Avalon church as a tomekeeper. She was quite the librarian, trying to preserve the knowledge there and ask the Crusade to recover what they could from the rest of Lordaeron. The job gave her an affection for books and well-preserved knowledge that she’s carried with her ever since. 

Her Bed - Merellia likes to sleep. Maybe a little too much sometimes. Part of it’s simply due to exhaustion from overworking herself, but even when that’s not a factor, she likes to sleep in, far past what most people would consider acceptable. Sometimes she’ll wake up early and curl up with a book in bed, reading until she inevitably falls asleep again and misses half the morning. 

Kul Tiran Fashion - Since coming to Kul Tiras, Merellia’s largely adopted the fashion senses on the isles. Once dressing in robes of red and white, the inquisitor’s now adopted the darker hues worn by the people in Drustvar, often found in browns. Rugged, practical clothes are what she gravitates to, now. Merellia’s also a big fan of the coats prominent among the navy officers, even if she isn’t a sailor herself. 

Adventure - After falling in with the Order of Embers during Drustvar’s troubles with the Heartsbane Coven, Merellia has come to realize she loves adventure. She loves the thrill of being in the wilds, exploring lands she’s never been to before, battling enemies... it’s something she never got the chance to taste until recently, and with the witches mostly defeated, it’s something she can taste more often. 

Four dislikes:

Authority - Merellia doesn’t often like - or trust - those in charge of her. Part of that is from her Scarlet days, but more recent experiences have also shaped this dislike of authority- or at least, those who’d seek to hold it over her. The Alliance campaign she fought in on Zandalar showed her military authority at its worst, and she holds a special disdain for the Church of Holy Light’s bishops and cardinals. (Note- this is mostly based on how they’re roleplayed in the Moon Guard church, I’ve not had the chance to meet the WrA one yet.)

Spiders - Spiders of all sorts terrify Merellia. The fear doesn’t rule her, but she does not like them at all and would rather be far, far away from them. The bigger they are, the worse it is. 

False Piety - Going hand in hand with the disdain for authority in the Church, Merellia also dislikes false piety. A number of people have used supposed piety to the Light as a vehicle for their own agendas- power-hungry bishops, bloodthirsty paladins... after nearly a decade spent in a fanatical crusade, Merellia is adept at discerning true belief from one that is expedient for somebody’s ends.

The Cold - it’s a simple one- but Merellia doesn’t like being too cold. She often fears freezing to death, after hearing a lot about Northrend and the fierce blizzards there. This dislike started early, when she fell into a chilly mountain river as a teenager, and had to pull herself out of it before she could freeze. She also gets naturally cold- and so compensates for it by adding extra blankets to the bed when she sleeps alone. 

Three goals/desires:

Atonement - While she isn’t so naïve as to believe she’s worthy of forgiveness, Merellia has a number of past sins she has to atone for, performed in the service of the Scarlet Crusade. She is on a quest to atone for them in whatever way she can- fighting back evil, healing the wounded, protecting the innocent. To her, this quest is one without an end in sight- it will take a lifetime to try to make up for what she’s done. 

Daughter of the Sea - Merellia wants to reconnect with her family out in Kul Tiras that still remain- and she also wants to become a part of the isles and the culture there. It’s a bit difficult given the ongoing war, but she hopes that eventually she’ll get the chance to properly integrate and maybe even find a home there. 

Pass on what you have learned - Merellia doesn’t know if she could handle an apprentice, but she does want to write books to pass on her knowledge for future inquisitors. They can learn from her past mistakes and take advantage of all the knowledge she’s gathered. She also just likes the idea of being a published author.

One Way to start an RP:

Hunt me down in-game or on Tumblr here, or even on Discord! I’m always happy to meet new friends to connect with! 

Thank you so much for the ask, @latildarommel! This one made me have to do a lot of thinking about her. 

[merelliahallewell]

A Letter Home - Alexandria

This letter is marked with a date from a month or so before the outbreak of the war. Also delivered with it is a box with two bottles of Tirasian alcohol inside of it. It is addressed in proper, flowing script:

Alexandria Williams | 10 Alonsus Street | Cathedral District, Stormwind City

Alex,

I certainly miss you, and I pray you and James have been doing well. I know I only left just a few days ago, but a part of me wants to come back already. Hopefully the contents of that box make up for me being gone a little while longer.

Kul Tiras is… interesting. I never knew much of it before now, only that it existed and had the large navy. My father never really spoke much of it or why he left- which I suppose is a part of why I came here in the first place.

The Light isn’t worshipped very much here, which is strange. There is a monastery in Boralus, which is where I am staying right now, but it’s for some sort of new religion I’ve never heard of. Simply being near makes my skin crawl, though- they have large statues in there of tentacles. I think they revere squids or something, but all I can think about is the Highlands.  I miss the books in the Cathedral. I do not miss the void elves.

I finally managed to find a lead on my family. There seem to be one or two Hallewells in the military, though I doubt I can get to wherever they are. It was suggested I check out the region of Drustvar. Apparently it’s a bit longer by horse to travel- perhaps a day or so to reach the borders, so I’m going to have to take a ferry. Pray I don’t drown. 

The landscape here is very pretty, thus far. There’s a great valley in the north with farms as far as the eye can see. No Hallewells there, although I did briefly consider the thought of us as farmers. I’m sure you’d look very good in plaid. 

I’ll write you again once I’ve spent a few days in Drustvar and gotten my bearings there. I hope to be back home very soon, and I love you,

Merellia