#he’s got a lightblade

[xayspancakeee]

you got that right.

my husband is a ferocious, hot and dependable deepspace hunter.

roar~

oh boy when my fictional man hears about what you did you are all done for

[daisywords]

silly little excerpt...

Try as he might, he couldn’t sleep. It was simply too hot. He had already stripped down to just his linen undershorts, but it wasn’t enough. He had propped the window open in hope of a breeze, but the air itself felt like a pile of quilts, heavy and absolutely still. He squirmed out of bed in frustration and fumbled loose the drawstring at his waist.

Before he could undress any further, a sharp cry sounded from the next room. There came a few ominous thumps, followed by a sickening span of silence, and then more sounds of struggle. 

In seconds, he had burst through Lya’s door, his lightblade throwing harsh illumination into the room. Lya stood on a narrow desk in the corner and stared down at him. She slowly lowered the hands she’d thrown up to shield herself. There seemed to be no one else in the room. 

He lowered the blade, feeling foolish. “Sorry, I thought I heard…” he couldn’t tell if she was wearing her earpieces. 

Something fluttered in his periphery. 

Lya pointed wildly. “A bat!” she hissed. “Came in through the window!” She clambered off the desk and picked up the blanket she had dropped. 

It became clear very quickly that her method of trying to catch the intruder by swinging the blanket at the ceiling wasn’t going to work anytime soon—not to criticize her thought process; he probably would have tried the same thing if he hadn’t been watching her do it. 

“Shut the door,” she ordered. “Or it’s going to get into the hallway.”

“Maybe then it wouldn’t be our problem anymore,” he said, swinging it open wider.

She didn’t respond, just kept flailing about with the blanket. Probably not wearing the earpieces, then. Before she practically shooed the bat out into the hallway, he shut the door. It slammed harder than he meant it to. The bat was in full panic mode by this point, bouncing from one wall to the other in the cramped room. The lightblade still hummed expectantly in his hand. He switched it off before he could do anything stupid. 

Unfortunately, this cast the room back into sudden darkness. Something hit him, and he scrabbled at it reflexively before finding himself tangled up in the blanket. Lya, pulled off balance, crashed into him, and then they were all a-tumble. Maybe the bat got itself involved briefly. It was hard to tell. 

He ended up half kneeling with a bedpost jammed into his back and Lya’s hand braced against his bare chest. She didn’t draw back immediately, as he expected, but pressed her weight against him as she righted herself. Her touch lightened and then lingered before it finally disappeared, leaving a cool handprint of absence. 

His eyes were starting to adjust again, and he found his footing, rubbing the dent out of his back. “Let’s just . . . let’s just leave it,” he said, and then remembered she couldn’t hear him. He found her arm and tugged her toward the door. She understood and followed him obediently until they found themselves standing in the hallway and at the end of his plan. 

A floorboard creaked from somewhere around the corner, and he froze. They couldn’t stay out here, he in only his untied undershorts and she not much better off—in only a thin sleeveless nightshirt that didn’t even cover her knees. It would look—he knew what it would look like. He pulled her into his room and shut the door as quietly as he could.

It felt wrong somehow to turn on a light. There was enough moon that he could see well enough now. He shut the window on the off chance of a repeat bat encounter but left the curtains open. Once his lightblade was back in its place and he had thrown on his own nightshirt, he had to look at her.

She was watching him, head tilted like he was an indecipherable phrase she was trying to translate. He sat on the floor—sitting on the bed seemed like the wrong move—and wondered if it would be more or less appropriate to offer her something to put on. She sat next to him, which kind of closed that window of opportunity anyway. 

They sighed in unison. 

‘You were certainly quick to the rescue,” she whispered. 

He shrugged. 

She breathed a laugh. “It’s like you’re expecting me to be murdered at any moment, or something.”

He would have slipped right then and told her everything if she had been able to hear him. Instead he just shrugged again and rolled his eyes in self-deprecation. 

“I didn’t think anyone else was awake,” she said.

He fanned himself. 

“Yeah, me too,” she said. “Too hot to sleep.”

They sat in companionable silence. He tried not to think about her hand on his chest, the way she had followed him so . . . pliantly into his dark bedroom, the way the drape of her shapeless nightshirt revealed clues about the shape of what was underneath.

“Do you ever . . .” she said, and then stopped herself. 

He had to look at her then to show that he was listening. He kept his eyes strictly on her face. No wandering. But she wasn’t breaking the eye contact either. She looked at him very intently, as if she were trying to read his mind—no, as if she were reading his mind, but it wasn’t very legible. 

And he couldn’t read her at all. Her eyes were flat mirrors, revealing nothing of what lay behind them. It was at times like these that the feeling she evoked in him was uncomfortably akin to fear. 

It was too hot to think. He made the sign for “what?” and mouthed the word, not bothering to vocalize. She broke away and shook her head. 

“You know,” she addressed to the window, “when we made our vow of honesty I was thinking mostly about lies. Not really like . . . little secrets, you know? I think we should be allowed to keep little secrets. Everyone’s got a right to them. It wouldn’t really be fair for us to demand each other to share every single thought we’ve ever had, for example. One ought to be able to curate a bit.”

She didn’t look back at him, so he couldn’t respond anyway. Not that he could think of anything to say.

“That said,” she continued. “Sometimes I’m just dying to know what you’re thinking, you know?”

He knew.

“And there are certainly things that I’ve kept from you. But I just . . . I know you’re a pretty good liar. I’ve seen it firsthand. And sometimes it just—I drive myself a little crazy wondering what you’re keeping from me. What you’re not saying, I mean.”

And then she looked back at him, turning her head but not fully her body. 

She was onto him; she had to be in some way or another, but clearly she didn’t have the details yet. Had she found some hole in Masil’s story, or had Trip’s own behavior betrayed him? Maybe if he acted like he didn’t know what she was talking about, there would still be enough time to recover. 

“Nice to know the version of me in your head is more interesting,” he would have said. He attempted to convey the idea in sign, and managed something like “I’m more complicated in your head,” punctuated with another shrug. 

She seemed to flatten at that, and did not push further. As if only now becoming self-conscious, she stretched the hem of her nightshirt over her knees, pulling the garment taut. The consistent chirp of crickets was audible even through the closed window. The floor creaked with every shift of his weight. 

“I’m sorry,” she said. “I’m getting carried away. I never should have asked you that—it’s hardly the appropriate situation, if there ever were one. Forget I said anything.”

She hadn’t actually asked him anything, but he didn’t point that out. She wasn’t looking at him, so he laid a hand on hers in bewildered reassurance. She flinched at the touch but didn’t pull away. 

Her shoulder and chest rose with a long, slow breath, and then she turned and reached out with her other hand, stopping shy of his face. He found himself instinctively leaning in to make up the distance, and stopped himself. Now was not the time to let his guard down. 

Her hand alighted on his shoulder, and for the second time that night, she braced her weight against him to get to her feet. “Thanks for coming to my rescue, even if there was no murderer,” she said, and planted a kiss on his head. “I’m going to go see if that bat’s found its way out by now.”

She did not come back. 

He stayed there on the floor for a long time. It was too hot to sleep.

[robotsprinkles]

okay so I started a new save/character both because I wanted to see if I could beat margit without doing any grinding/levelling other than killing the tree sentinel and the guys guarding the path to him (basically, only killing everyone after gatefront ruins/the guys in the area where the troll jumpscares you and the guys leading up to the tunnel), which ended up being level 14 with a +1 weapon.

and also because I think it would be funny to actually show the stupid way I play

ended up wasting something like twenty or so attempts trying to only parry him (unless he groundpounded or lightbladed because apparently his light weapons are unparryable?). also died a couple times because the camera got drunk and once because I forgot to lock on again after a crit and ended up looking the wrong direction before I realised and got comboed to death. also lost a few other attempts because I just messed up

I think this video of me killing him adequately demonstrates my stupid approach to fights in this game where I'm unreasonably willing to eat hits I don't need to take for a trade I don't need to go for because I'm impatient and know I can survive them

if you're wondering why I just stood there and ate that hammer about halfway through despite having an eternity to see it coming and dodge it it's because my stupid approach to fights mentioned above bit me in the ass

I was trying to decide whether I should try to get a square off heavy off him before he hit me, and if that square off heavy would be enough to break his stance so his attack would get interrupted and I'd get a crit or if it wouldn't and I'd have to dodge and if I'd be able to recover from my attack to dodge the hammer if that was the case

and then I couldn't decide and just ate the hammer

also here's the stats I beat him with I guess (if anyone cares about that)

[oceansprompts]

𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕦𝕒𝕣𝕕 𝕠𝕡𝕤 // 𝕕𝕖𝕤𝕥𝕚𝕟𝕪 𝟚 𝕤𝕥𝕒𝕣𝕥𝕖𝕣𝕤

this dialogue taken from destiny 2's vanguard ops strikes; the lightblade, proving grounds, fallen saber. . . . adjusted for general use. . . . change as needed for usage

The only way in is through some old canals, which means we need a boat. Leave that part to me.

Hey, hey, hey, hey, that's our guy! The one guarding the temple! What's he doing away from his post? This could be our chance.

There's your ride. You just hop on, and I'll handle the rest.

Uh, these weird controls… I mean, how does this… Ah! There it is- Here we go! Boat's moving!

Uh… I don't know. I didn't expect this. Just a… little hiccup! Heh. You can get that barrier down, right? Sure you can.

Hey, hey, you did it! Good job. Boat's on the move again.

Seriously? But I did the thing… it's just this tech, it's so archaic… ugh, just give me a sec…

Okay, we're getting close to the swamp now. Temple's not far from here.

These two killed each other about a million times over, but she dedicated a temple to him. Eh, it's funny how that works. Now be careful here. Something happened to this place.

I just can't see it. Maybe there's a safe path through…

I was right? I was right! I knew it. I knew they were involved somehow…

Ah, contingency plan. They're learning. Trying to stay a step ahead of you. But you got it. That's the important part. That gets us one step closer to taking them down.

The challenge is met. Our blood flows together. May it tend to unity.

I welcome you, but my forces… they do not.

You honor me. May you meet a glorious death.

She breathes, she moves… and she will spit out your bones.

My war machine purrs. She hungers for battle. Have you the same appetite?

Do what you came for — fight well or die quickly.

You fight well. A shame you must pay the price for your pride.

They kneel to no one… not even me.

All feel fear. Some learn from it, while others are ruled by it. Which are you?

I refused to bend the knee. What does that tell you?

Why will you not stand with us?

We sign no treaties at the end of a gun.

Join me and let our alliance armor the stars.

We could work together. But as equals, not your vassals.

All swore their lives to me. They can use them as they wish.

If it must be done.

I have prepared further challenges for you. A banquet of combat to test your resolve.

And my father said you were such fun.

Do not expect gratitude. Those you leave behind will grow. They will learn.

Good. If our foes are capable of growth, let us be the catalyst that forces them to change.

We eat the mountains; we drink the seas!

Yes. And we are here to stop you.

I know stories of fiends who cut at the legs of powerful heroes. I will not be felled so easily.

We do what they must. Today, we must be champions.

My warriors do not die easily. They fight because I gave them their freedom.

Imagine if they fought because you gave them hope.

Such strength. Look what your power can do. I seek that power — not for myself, but for my people.

How selfless. Perhaps we can discuss this further after your people stop trying to kill us.

I see now how you fight. Your potential is wasted running errands for your Commander.

There is no pleasure in killing. If this one act of barbarism will force peace… so be it.

Hold strong. One final victory is all I ask.

I yield, I yield! Let us meet and discuss this treaty. You may be a soft, small person but you hide some powerful tusk!

We take nothing but your word. Tend to your people… but break our agreement, and we will be back to finish what we started.

You have honored our traditions… and I must honor yours. I will see you soon… to "bargain."

I am glad to hear it. You will find our talent for diplomacy matches our skill in combat.

I pride myself on seeing the strength in others, and yours can no longer be denied. When can be discuss this treaty of yours?

I hope the blood spilled here today will be the last.

I… did not imagine this outcome. You have powers told of in the old stories.

Our vaults are full of relics from those who underestimated us. If you ever cross us again… bring a bigger weapon.

You fought with honor, and you accept defeat in the same way.

I am in danger, the systems are damaged.

If I'm understanding correctly, it's a distress call! There are so few ballet fans left, it'd be a shame to lose them.

Sorry, just a little longer--I think they are testing me.

It worked! Maybe too well. Hmm.

[teecupangel]

From @blue-cat-ter-flies-blog

But look, it's not like the Sith are gonna believe the -Jedi- decided to make this thing and then actually -use it in the field-. How could they? The Sith believe, straight down to their bones, that the Jedi aren't flexible enough for it considering how both sides have kept to lightsabers for the past millenia because all of their forms require a saber. A blade. Something with reach.

It would be legitimately hilarious if Sith keep getting stabbed by hidden lightblades though because they have no idea which Jedi has one or not. And that they also keep forgetting that this newfangled weapon is A Thing now.

If this is prior to Galidraan and/or Korda Six, then I request that this leads to a 'Jedi becoming Mando-nip' thing because I honestly love that trope- also, it fucks with so many Sith plans (which I also love).

It would even be funnier if the Sith would think that a Hidden Lightsaber would go against whatever rot the Jedi constraint themselves in. They cannot fanthom that a Jedi would think of such an ‘underhanded’ weapon. They see it and their brain just BSOD for a moment because they cannot compute that a Jedi just used such a weapon.

Then they hear that it was created by Yusuf and supported and lobbied by Ezio and they think… hey, maybe these two dudes are more Sith than Jedi?

And then they actually meet Yusuf and he’s just… too nice and smiley to be a Sith.

So they think, oh, maybe Ezio had ‘manipulated’ Yusuf into making this to not put too much heat on himself.

But then they meet Ezio and Ezio’s just amused that they think he was going to be a Sith. He’s like ‘lol no’ and that just gives the Sith BSOD again because wtf is up with these Jedi Masters???

So now, it’s not just a matter of who has the Hidden Lightsaber (and that’s a whole other problem altogether) but also, even if they see it, they have a momentary BSOD anyway XD

NGL, when I say Sith in this one, I was actually imagining Malfatto and Il Lupo when I was writing this but I think any character that got based into the Animi avatars (the multiplayer characters) like Vali cel Tradat could work in this one.

I don't think that kind of hidden blade is a good idea, Ezio.

I feel like this is a Star Wars AU and the Jedi Council is gonna have a headache with the creation of the Hidden Saber (Hidden Lightsaber?) and Ezio is one of the Jedi Masters that’s totally game using this experimental weaponry.

Yusuf is definitely the Jedi Master who introduced this to Ezio.

And now it’s the Jedi Council’s problem because Ezio and Yusuf are both charismatic Master who can sweet talk any veteran Jedi to, at worst, try it and, at best, be more open to the idea. All the Padawans and younglings think Ezio is cool though so they’re definitely interested in trying it out.

[esamastation]

Something I'm curious about: why are bby!clone!Desmond's hidden lightblades red? Do they not use Kyber crystals, or did he somehow end up with the sith versions while having access to the Jedi stocks of crystals?

Sith blades are red because Sith torture them/corrupt them, but they're generally still same kyber crystals as in Jedi lightsabers. Desmond's are red because he went into Ilum with the intention of finding a weapon to assassinate people with and he got crystals that suit his Kitten Thinks Of Nothing But Murder All Day spirit.

(Also it didn't come up in the story but Anakin made Desmond bracers and the blades do come off them, but he very rarely takes them off the bracers.)

[bread-elf]

DWC 2021 - Day 8

Wonder Tournament of Ages, 2021 “Come over to the Neverlost Trading Company booth! Merchandise, gifts for your friends, or prank them! Marvelous items you won’t find anywhere else!” Walker Grey shouted to as much of the Tournament of Ages grounds that can hear him, his company busy selling at a booth. Jiroki, with child but still able to move about freely for the time being, couldn’t help but visit his booth daily to buy something, wanting to help support the business of her friends. And perhaps to earn his favor. Jiroki takes a look at the selection on today’s menu. Most of their merchandise is the same on a day-by-day basis, but they did have specials and special items that only were to be sold on the day of. All sorts of trinkets and magical items were on display, all unique. Though something catches her eye; a bottle shaped like a pickle, green juice as its contents, with a screw top lid and a little string with a note attached to it. Jiroki reaches over to slightly lift up the note on one of the bottles, quickly reading over the information that it provides. And as it explains what exactly this item is, a wicked grin starts to slowly spread on her lips.

Rease Stoneheart, Commander of the Argent Crusade, patrolled the grounds of the Tournament of Ages. Though, calling it a patrol would have been giving him too much credit. He walked around and kept an eye on things, yes, but in reality he wanted to spend the time with his friends and some of his lovers. Right now he shopped around with three of his fellow argents. One of his most loyal, Daviel Lightblade, a human eternally devoted to the cause of the Argent Crusade. One of Rease’s longest standing lovers, a Draenei by the name of Raaxi, walks with the group, her tail sashaying side to side with a new jeweled ringlet at the base of her tail, a new gift from Rease. And last but not least, a newer member of the argents, a small vulpera who goes by Vixelda. Getting to know the world, each day presenting something new, and she had the invaluable support of her new friends she’s made within the Argent Crusade. Jiroki, knowing every one of them, spots the man of the hour by chance, and decides that the argent commander will be her target. “Rease!” Informal in calling for him, a subtle indication of their friendship, though many were informal towards the infamous commander. “Hey, I need your help with something!” In his worgen form, the pure white wolf-man’s ears flick, catching wind of Jiroki and glancing towards her. “Well hey-” Already letting his voice dip into a casual yet alluring tone, his beastial form giving a gruff undertone to his voice. “What is it Jiroki?” “So-” The other argents watched her as well, ready if trouble was afoot, though Jiroki’s demeanor is far more casual than otherwise. “I got this weird drink, but I’m a little nervous about trying it… I’m not sure if it would upset the baby or not.” In one hand is the strange pickle-shaped bottle with green contents, the note that was previously attached long gone. Her free hand rests on her large stomach, indicating the child within, but she holds the bottle towards Rease. “I was wondering if you could take a taste for me.” Normally a man incredibly easy to convince to do most things, he finds himself hesitant as he takes a look at the bottle himself, furry brows furrowed. He does take hold of it, inspecting it himself and seeing it has not been opening yet. “... What is it? It looks like pickle juice.” He opens it up, and his heightened senses can immediately smell it. “It smells like pickle juice.” “I’m- sort of craving pickles, so I thought it was a good purchase. Though it does seem a bit strange.” Jiroki says, once more waving around her pregnancy. Rease sniffs it again and then chuffs a bit, but gives Jiroki a bit of a reluctant grin. “I’m sure it’s fine. But don’t worry, I’ll try it out for you buddy.” The pair are long standing friends, which can be a good thing, but in this instant it’s abused in Rease’s favor as he starts to take a sip of the pickle juice. And it was after he takes a swig that Jiroki’s poker face begins to falter, and she starts to chortle. Daviel is the only one who notices, squinting at her before looking at his Commander in alarm. Rease’s instant reaction is to make a face as he yecks; yup, that is straight pickle juice. But he starts to feel tingly, which makes him confused, and then- shwoop. He instantly shrinks, all bits of him disappearing, and what’s left of him… Is just a pickle. He’s turned into a pickle. It’s pickle Rease.

All five spectators are stunned into silence for a moment, having trouble fathoming what exactly has occurred. But Daviel’s war instincts kick in. “Protect the Commander!” He draws forth his sword, and strong with the Light his weapon lights up. He positions himself in front of the pickle and gets into a defensive stance, ready to ward away anyone that dare approaches. “We must keep the general population away before anyone decides to eat him!” “I got him!” Vixelda is on the case, swiftly getting behind Daviel so that way she can secure their Argent Pickle, carefully cradling him in her paws. Though the pickle looks so juicy, so hearty and girthy. “Let me just-” She gets a lick in, tasting the pickle. “Oh- he’s pretty tasty-” Another lick. “Not bad!” “Oh by the Light…” Raaxi begins to mutter some words in her Draenic tongue, reaching up and rubbing her brow at the antics of the hooligans. All the while, Jiroki is just LAUGHING, never having been jollier in public. Funniest shit she’s ever seen. “He- He can be dispelled! He can be dispelled!” Jiroki cries out amidst her laughter to help soothe the growing anxieties in the Argents, mostly Daviel, and before any of them suddenly turn on her and brand her as an interloper . “Oh, praise be.” Raaxi is instantly at ease, a well trained magi who can easily dispel a prankster’s curse. Though she doesn’t do anything right away, starting to give her own little chuckle at the situation and shaking her head. “Don’t come any closer! This area is off limits!” Daviel is still doing his duty, trying to ward off passerbyers now just stopping to watch whatever spectacle is going on. And Vixelda had just started to lightly nibble the pickle. “Alright, that’s enough, I’ll fix him.” Raaxi steps forward a bit and begins to conjure a spell. Pickle Rease is set on the ground and room is made, and once Raaxi finishes up her spell the Argent Commander is back in the flesh, sitting on his backside and looking dazed. “What- what happened?” Rease speaks, reaching up to rub his head. “Did I die? I completely blacked out!” Both Raaxi and Vixelda help him gain his bearings, though Daviel turns to look at Jiroki who is still having trouble controlling her laughter. Without a word, he seathes his weapon and suddenly conjures chains made from the Light, giving Jiroki a grim look. For a moment she gasps and takes a step back, the laughter snuffed out of her. But after a moment Daviel’s own poker face falters and he starts to laugh, and the chains of Light disperse. @daily-writing-challenge

[emo-floof-child-writes]

The Sword of the Solstice

Chapter 7: The Curse of Loyaci.

Shoto runs out to see that man that they saw in the Ghia Forest, but he's with that man in the carriage, and a girl that Shoto hasn't seen before. She has blond hair, tied into buns on the side of her head, behind her ears. The burned man steps forward, lifting an ivory wand. “LISTEN UP!” He yells, and the villagers recoil, whimpering. “I know that the heir of Neumel has returned; have him come out, and this village will be spared.”

Shoto walks down the stone stairs, lifting his sword. “What does the Cult of Dendar want with me?” He asks. The burnt man points the ivory wand at him. “Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Dabi, of the Vanguard Magic Squad, servant to Dendar the Night Serpent herself.” Shoto grunts, holding his sword to Dabi's throat. “Tell me, Snake's Servant, what is your purpose here in Reneumel? This city, nay, this village are naught anything but peaceful!”

Dabi cackles, as does the shorter girl beside him. “Dendar has plans for this place.” The girl says, with a giggle. “Hush, Himiko!” Dabi scolds, and the girl he called Himiko groans. “But I want to see this world turn red, and then ENDLESS BLACK!” She says, and Dabi groans. “We're getting to that!” Momo runs down the steps. “My lord!” She yells, pulling her greatsword out.

“Lady Momo, I can handle these two. I need you to rally the paladins.” Shoto says, and Momo grimaces. “My lord, I cannot leave your side!” Shoto sighs. Must she be so fiercely loyal? He wonders. Dabi laughs. “Oh, you cannot leave his side, huh? So you would follow him into any danger?” Shoto grunts, not liking where this is going. She nods. “Even to death, so stand back, villain!”

Dabi flicks the wand at Shoto. Shoto swings his greatsword in an attempt to knock the wand out of his hand. Dabi seemed to have been expecting that, as he dodges, and purple light shoots out from the wand. “My lord!” Momo screams, as she wraps her arms around his waist, tackling him. Dabi chuckles. “My, my. How loyal can one stupid paladin be?” He turns to Himiko.

“You know what to do.” He says, she squeals. Out of her tunic she pulls a black adamantine dagger that has jagged edges. Glowing on the blade's surface is purple runes in the Dark Elvish of Loyaci. She grins, and chanting in Dark Elvish. She holds the knife to the sky, and a large mist shoots out of the knife. The mist shoots out, going into Momo's mouth and nose. She coughs, and wheezes.

“Lady Momo!” Shoto says, as she struggles to breathe. He kneels beside her, and tries to use his spell Lay On Hands to heal her, but nothing happens. “What. Did. You. Do. To. Her?” He asks, his anger growing. “It's a poisonous mist.” Himiko says, skipping in place. “It'll destroy her from the inside out. Lots of beautiful blood!” He growls. “Fix. Her. Or face the wrath of Lathander!”

Dabi sighs. “Mm, I admit that I didn't want to use this tactic, (it's too messy), but it's the only way to get what we want.” Shoto frowns. “What is that?” He asks. Dabi pokes Shoto with his wand. “We want you.” He kicks Shoto down, who looks at Momo, who's shaking her head in between coughs and wheezes. “Why me? What could you possibly want with me?” Dabi grins. “Dendar likes your family. She chose your father for her service too.”

Shoto spits on the dirt at Dabi's feet. “I won't join you.” Just then, Ochaco, Katsuki, Eijiro, and Izuku run over. “Shoto!” Izuku says, pulling his hilt of the Solstice Sword out, and presses the button to activate it. The Solstice Sword makes sparks, but doesn't shoot out its lightblade. Himiko giggles, and points her blade to sky again, threateningly. Shoto gasps, and stands. “If you don't come with us to Loyaci, I'll poison all of these people!” She says, and Shoto bites his lip. The life of one, to save the whole village... Is there a better way? Momo is dying at my feet, as I think! Lathander, forgive me. I must do this!

“My friends, please don't stop me. I am doing this for your own good.” Shoto says, bowing his head towards Himiko and Dabi. They grin. “Light Bringer! Don't you dare—!” Shoto kneels. “Do with me as you will, leave Reneumel and my friends alone.” Dabi taps the wand to Shoto's forehead. “They will not be harmed. In fact, Himiko, release the paladin girl.” She sighs. “I wanted to see her bleed...!”

Dabi glares at her, and she sighs. “Fine.” She says, releasing the poisonous spell. Shoto sighs, as he sees her breathe normally. Ochaco helps her to her feet. “My-my lord...” She says, panting. “You cannot join them.” Shoto sighs. “Lady Momo, I leave for the good of my fallen kingdom. I must protect albeit small kingdom with every fiber in me. I ask only that you continue to care for it in my stead.”

Dabi grabs Shoto shoulder, and without another word, Shoto, Dabi, and Himiko disappear. Momo screams. “I have failed you yet again, my lord and Prince Shoto.” She bows her head in shame. Ochaco nods. “We don't even know where they went. We'll never find them...” Katsuki grunts. “Enough of that defeatist talk!” He roars, the ground shaking as he speaks. Momo and Ochaco jump.

Izuku frowns. “Well, what can we do?” He asks. Eijiro frowns, and shrugs. Katsuki groans. “Oh, come on! Surely I wasn’t the only one who heard what they said?” Everyone gives him blank looks. Katsuki laughs. “Wow! And you call me an idiot! They literally said where they were going!” Izuku gasps. “The girl, they said they were going to Loyaci!” He says, and Katsuki points to Izuku.

“Okay, Deku’s not a complete idiot.” He says, folding his arms. Momo scoffs. “Did you miss the segment on how we literally can’t go there?!” She says, with frustration. “I-I mean, it’s the Dark Realm of Loyaci! No one can enter through the mist there!” Eijiro sighs, and sits down on the steps. “Well, if we can’t get in, then it’s hopeless.” Eijiro says. Katsuki growls. “When did you idiots become quitters?!”

Ochaco sighs. “It is 162 leagues south of here! It’s like 17 and a half days away! And that’s on horseback.” Ochaco says, and Momo nods. “Indeed. We’d have to go back through the Rena Passage, and down Seana Trail, over Leronee River, and then finally go to the Forbidden Road into Loyaci! It would be a useless venture!” Katsuki shakes his head. “I know a shortcut to Loyaci.”

Eijiro frowns. “You do?” Eijiro asks. Katsuki grins. “We might even beat them to Loyaci.” He says, with confidence. Izuku pulls out his map. “Are we going off the paved roads? There is no route that is quicker than the route that Momo mentioned!” Katsuki smirks. “Not if we go through Leeno.” Momo, Izuku and Ochaco groan. “Not there...” Ochaco says. Eijiro stands. “What’s wrong with this Leeno?”

Izuku sighs. “Well, I’ve never been, but I heard that it’s a human village of cannibals and murderers.” Ochaco and Momo nod. Katsuki slaps Izuku. He stumbles back, and the other three gasp. “KATSUKI!” Ochaco scolds. “That’s downright SLANDER, MY people aren’t cannibals and murderers! They are PROUD warriors! I don’t even want to know how that rumor got out.”

Ochaco blinks. “Your people? You’re a Leenoan?” She asks. He nods. “Technically I am the Chieftain’s son.” Izuku frowns. “Oh..! I’m sorry, Kacchan..! I didn’t know!” He shrugs. “I’m used to people having a repulsed reaction to my village. But really, we are sophisticated in our own way.” Ochaco giggles. “Well, if they are any thing like you, they must be dunderheads.” Katsuki grabs hold of his warhammer.

She steps behind Momo. “Easy, big guy. I was joking.” He glares at her. “You better be. You can mock me, but you don’t mock my village.” Ochaco whimpers. “Noted.” She squeaks out. He releases his grip on his warhammer. “Um, with that out of the way... Shouldn't we get going?” Eijiro asks, looking down at the village below. Izuku nods. “Indeed. Kacchan;” Katsuki looks at him. “If you'd vouch for Leeno Village, I believe that it is the best option for us.” Izuku says.

Katsuki chuckles. “Very well.” Momo says. “Let us retrieve our horses, and make haste. I shall get you another horse, Mr. Izuku.” Izuku nods. They head back down to the stables, where Denki Kaminari the Stable Hand is talking to a female paladin, who kisses his cheek. The party assumes that she must be his paladin wife. “Mr. Kaminari!” Momo says, walking over to them.

He turns, and sighs. “Lady Yaoyorozu...” He says, and she bows her head. “I know we have just arrived, but I'm afraid we need to go again.” She says, turning to the paladin. “Lady Kyoka, as the prince has been taken, and you are my second in command, I'm afraid I will have to ask you keep an eye out for trouble here in Reneumel.” She sighs. “Very well, Lady Yaoyorozu.” Kyoka says. Momo nods. “May the Light shine upon you.” Momo says, bowing her head.

Kyoka folds her hands. “And to you, my lady.” Denki brings out their two horses, and Momo sighs. “We'll actually need a third, Mr. Kaminari, lest Mr. Izuku walk all the way south.” Denki frowns. “Oh, a thousand pardons, my lady!” He quickly runs back to retrieve another horse. Momo mounts her horse, as Ochaco packs their provisions. Katsuki grunts as he fastens his saddle onto their horse.

Then he and Eijiro climb onto their horse. Momo looks down at Ochaco. “Are you gonna get on?” She asks. Ochaco bites her lip. “Yeah, I was just thinking about this situation... What if we don't get there in time, or worse, we can't get in Loyaci at all?” Momo sighs. “Well, all we have to do is get to the Forbidden Road before they do. We can stop them before they even enter Loyaci. That is if we make haste.”

Ochaco nods, and climbs up onto Momo's horse. Denki comes back with a black horse, with white speckles on its behind. He has saddled it, and passes the reins to Izuku. He smiles, and thanks Denki. The 5 of them ride down to the gate of the village, and Ochaco groans, but it only audible for Momo. “Is everything alright, Miss Ochaco?” She whispers, and Ochaco grits her teeth. “It's just been so many years since I ran away from Loyaci... I'm not sure I want to go back.”

Momo nods. “I understand that the past is hard to face, but avoiding it entirely is just impossible. It will come back to bite you eventually.” Ochaco's shoulders start to sag. “I know. But I don't know if I can control the Evil within me long enough to save Shoto.” Momo sighs, as they reach the Rena Passage, through the Ghia Forest. “I admit, I was shocked to see my lord with a Mage of Dendar.”

Ochaco pushes her witch hat up further her head. “Well, I never asked to be a mage, it was forced on me.” She sighs. “But alas, here we are. I've spent the last nine years trying to contain her, but still use my mage power.” Momo smiles. “It is admirable to try and fight that evil with something positive.” Ochaco nods.

Eijiro lets out a whine, and Katsuki scoffs. “Oh, right. You're a weakling.” He says. Eijiro tenses up. “My Draconic senses are saying that there is something unnatural about this place!” Katsuki rolls his eyes. “Oh, my pardons! Your ‘Draconic Senses’ think it's unnatural.” Eijiro, not picking up on Katsuki's sarcasm, nods. “That's what I said.” Katsuki groans. “You know, Scales? We'd better teach you what being sarcastic means, and how to identify it.”

Izuku rides his horse closer to Katsuki and Eijiro. “Kacchan, stop it. Pay no attention to Kacchan, Eijiro. I have heard your concern, and have noted it. I am making sure that there is no evil beings or whatever in this forest, just hang on while I determine the safety of this forest.” Eijiro nods. “Thanks, Izuku. I appreciate it.” Izuku smiles, and the Solstice Sword hums as he gets ahead of the party.

“Hark, Bearer!” Izuku glances at the sword. What is it? “There is an evil here, like your friend fearth.” Izuku frowns, but decides not to just blurt out that information. Where? Is it close? Is it the forest? Izuku asks, and Solstice vibrates. “Not that I can telleth. I thinkst there may be a trap or barrier of pure darkness around this forest. Perhaps around Reneumel.” Izuku scoffs. Yeah, where were you when Shoto was being kidnapped? Some Lathander's Lighting would've been nice! He tells the sword, with some resentment.

The sword buzzes. “I am sorry. I used mine magical energy too much all at once. Lathander's Lightning in particular taketh a long time to rechargeth.” But it's been like four days! How do you expect me to defeat Dendar when I can only use you EVERY FOUR DAYS?!

“Thou art right. I should have toldst thee that I can goeth into a slumber if mine magic isn't sufficient, for I cannot maintain mine magical blade with the power that is given unto me.” Izuku sighs. Well, I find that answer insufficient, but I suppose there's nothing I can do about that. Do you think we'll be safe exiting the forest?

“As long as thou doth not useth up mine magic before the endeth of this Forest, I thinkest that thou shalt beest fine.” Izuku swallows. I hope that whatever Eijiro and the Solstice Sword are sensing isn't gonna be so dangerous. But when have we ever been that lucky? Knowing our luck, Ochaco will turn into Dendar again, and try and take the Sword of Light from me. NO. I can't think that way. Ochaco has done a great job of keeping Dendar in check. She can handle this too...right?

[atamascolily]

more fun stuff from Assault at Selonia by Roger MacBride Allen featuring Mara Jade

“Mara Jade? The trader? She has had many dealing with the Selonians. We know her well, and trust her.”

“Yeah, well, Mara Jade is a lot more than just a trader. Did you know that she used to be the Emperor’s Hand? The Emperor’s personal, private, secret agent and assassin?”

“No,” Dracmus said, clearly startled. “Do you speak truly?”

“Very much so,” Han replied, a trifle excitedly. “It also would explain how the bad guys managed to get hold of the Chief of State’s private diplomatic cipher. She used to be a spy. She knows how to get that kind of stuff.” He thought for a moment and then spoke again. “It all fits. Mara Jade brought us the message, and she gave us some long complicated story about how it got to her. From what was on the message container, it looked as if it had been meant for Luke Skywalker, but that they had used Mara as a backup when that failed. But what if that was all an elaborate charade—one that we bought into all the way?”

“You are suggesting Mara Jade brought a message she had written herself? That she is part of the starbuster plot?”

“Yes!” Han said. “And she was nowhere to be found the day Corona House was attacked.”

“Ah! Of this I can speak, and glad to do so, to defend the honor of Mara Jade, which I wish to do. She has been sighted in Corona House since day after rocket attack.”

YEAH DRACMUS SPEAKING UP FOR MY GIRL MARA JADE!

“But why would she do it? What would be motive?”

Han hooked a thumb at the cell door. “Our kindly hosts are very obviously all either ex-Imperial or people who just want the good old Imperial days back. Thrackan said as much to me. Now, I grant, she has done a lot of good for the Republic over the years, and she hasn’t gone around chanting the Emperor’s name out loud or anything, but Mara has never been one to show her hand. She always was good at keeping secrets. I doubt anyone is ever quite sure of what she intends. Suppose, just suppose, that Mara has changed her mind again. What if she’s decided she wants the Empire back after all? Maybe she looks at Corellian and figures you have to start somewhere. I grant it’s a little hard to believe, but it seems to me we’re in the position of having to choose between improbable explanations.”

“The idea has logic, but does not convince,” said Dracmus. “I do agree Jade is hard-edged, ruthless. But she has honor, and we speak of wiping out whole planets. Could she truly be capable of such brutal savagery?”

Han nodded. “I grant you have a point. She’s always been tough, and hard, but never barbaric. I can’t see her as the sort to murder millions. But maybe we don’t have the whole story. We might be missing something. Remember the first nova didn’t hurt anyone. Maybe the threat to inhabited systems is a bluff.”

Okay, so admittedly Han has been having a rather bad time of things in this particular series, but still... even he has to admit it’s kinda improbable for Mara to be the Big Bad, LOL. 

Then Dracmus drops the bomb:

But I hope you are all wrong, honored Solo. I truly do.”

“Why, Dracmus?”

“It is not obvious? If she is behind this plot, she has quite deliberately arranged things so she is where she is right now, to be where she can do the plot the most good.”

“What’s your point?” Han asked.

“Right now,” she said, “Mara Jade is in same place with your wife.”

The look on Han’s face at that moment has got to be priceless.

CUT TO: Leia Organa Solo under house arrest, yelling at her guard:

Just before he reached the door, he turned back and spoke again. “Oh,” he said, “I almost forgot. We’re rearranging the cells. Seems one female prisoner had a fight with another. Gotta divide ’em up. Right after lunch, you get a new cell mate.” The guard laughed one more time as he stepped out into the hallway.

Leia heard the lock snick shut behind him. She always heard the lock. Why was it the one thing this bunch of incompetents always remembered to do was lock the door?

LOLOLOL. This is even funnier in context, because Han and Dracmus are also in prison and were paired together as cellmates because their captors were expressly hoping they’d fight with each other.

The tableau held for a moment longer, but then Mara made the first move. “Hello, Leia,” she said, stepping forward and nodding her head very slightly, her tone and behavior formal, even if she called Leia by her first name. “It is good to see you.” She made no effort to offer her hand, or come closer. She looked cool, calm, well-fed, well rested. The troubles of the last few days—if they had indeed been troublesome days for her—had left no mark on her. Mara was tall and slender, with a dancer’s body and grace. Her red-gold hair flowed over her shoulders, set off by the plain black tailored jumpsuit she wore.

“And it’s good to see you,” Leia said, not quite sure if she was lying or not. She turned and went back around the table, and retook her seat there, if for no other reason than to break up the awkward scene. “However I must admit I am surprised.”

“I think it would be a bit more accurate to say you’re not quite sure what to think,” Mara said evenly, taking a seat opposite Leia at the table. “If I were in your shoes, I’d be wondering about me. You’re no fool, and neither am I. I can see all the reasons you might suspect me. Nothing I can say will convince you that I had no role in all this. I don’t know how strong your Jedi powers are, but I doubt they are strong enough for a complete probe of my mind.”

“Not one that I’d have any faith in,” Leia admitted.

“So there we are,” Mara concluded.

“Are you saying I’ll just have to trust you?”

Mara shrugged. “Trust me to do what? We’re not allies in this, so far as I know. The one thing we can both be sure we have in common is that we’d both like to escape.”

“Can I even be sure of that?” Leia asked.

Mara smiled. “Yes,” she said. “You can. I want out of here. The longer I am cooped up here, the worse it will be for my trading business. You’ve never known me to be shy about admitting my personal interests. I’m losing time and money sitting here.”

“And that’s supposed to satisfy me.”

“No,” said Mara, “but it’s all I’ve got. I’m not involved in this madness, but how can I prove a negative?”

Leia looked long and hard at Mara. She had the very strong impression that Mara could say more if she wished, but it was clear she was not going to say another word on the subject. “What can you tell me about what’s going on out there?”

“Not much,” Mara said. “I’ve been locked up three doors down. My ex-roommate accused me of being a League sympathizer, it got a little sticky, and so here I am. I haven’t heard anything more than you.”

Rule #1: do not fuck with Mara Jade, she will hurt you.

What follows is some pretty epic Leia and Mara team-up as they escape from their prison cell by means of a bedsheet rope and clamber through a ruined building to fetch the slave circuit remote for the Jade’s Fire and ride their way to freedom.

They tied one end of the improvised rope around the bed frame. Leia tied an improvised climbing harness onto herself, snaked the bedsheet rope through it, then climbed up onto the windowsill and threw the end of the rope out the window.

“Wish me luck,” she said to Mara.

“Oh, I do,” Mara said. “After all, I get to go next.”

They make it to Leia’s old apartment and she’s able to retrieve a lightsaber that Luke made for her - please note it’s red! - and a blaster for Mara. Mara shoots a guard wandering through, and they keep going.

Leia shut her own eyes as she unclipped the lightsaber from her belt and activated it. The weapon came alive with the familiar low thrum of power. Even through her closed eyelids, the light from the blade seemed remarkably bright after the gloom and darkness. She gave her eyes a moment to adjust, and then opened them cautiously, being careful not to look at the lightblade itself. She held the blade vertically and looked around the foyer, now lit by the ruby-red glow of the lightsaber.

“First time I’ve ever seen one of those used for a handlamp,” Mara said.

“You work with what you’ve got,” Leia said. “There’s the door to the stairs. Let’s go.”

THAT’S A LIE, MARA,  everyone uses their lightsaber as a glowrod (just like everybody uses their phone as a flashlight IRL) but whatever, LOL.

“Leia!” Mara shouted over the roar of the flames. “Get ready. I’m not sure how close I’ll be able to fly her in, but the second she’s close enough, jump! You might not get a second chance. If you get aboard, go to the pilot’s station and be ready to take control once I’m aboard!”

“Will do!” Leia shouted, and watched as the Jade’s Fire rushed closer. She was a bigger ship than Leia had expected, significantly larger than the Millennium Falcon. She was a craft of graceful lines. She had a snubbed-off nose and a wide fuselage that blended into the two thick elliptical wings. She was painted in a flame-pattern of oranges and red. Leia certainly wouldn’t want to try flying anything that size up to the side of a building by remote. And it looked like the job was giving Mara just a bit of trouble at that. The Fire slowed as it came nearer, and wobbled a bit in flight. Turbulence.

Mara swore under her breath and made the slightest of adjustments to the controls. The Fire slowed down even more, and eased down just a trifle, bringing the top of the craft more or less even with the window ledge. Mara brought her in to a complete halt in midair, about fifty meters from the ledge. At that moment a blaster fired from one of the upper windows of Corona House. The shot pinged off the Fire’s hull. A door opened in the top of the fuselage and a gun turret popped out. It immediately swiveled about and returned fire. “Shoot-back system,” Mara shouted before Leia could ask. “Automatically returns fire at anything that shoots at it. Which reminds me. Don’t do any more shooting yourself, or that thing will paste you for sure.”

Remember rule #1, y’all? She will hurt you.

Oh, man it’s been ages since I’ve read this book and there’s a lot to mine from a fic perspective here.

[sichounlee-blog]

Another

Daystream: I love a nice hot bath.

Lightcraller: same the hot water just makes my scales shiny.

Nightstorm: hum...

Daystream: what?

Nightstorm: o nothing it's you guys are holding hands...

Lightcraller: *looks down and see her hand holding Daystream's hand and starts to blush

Daystream: *looks* so what's wrong with that?

Nightstorm: Daystream do you like her?

Daystream: *looks away* o... Only as a friend...

Lightcraller: o... *Moves hand and runs towards dragon's cliff

Nightstorm: Daystream?

Daystream: ... Leave me alone... *Runs to his cave.

Nightstorm: ...

Moonpaw: so where are you going?

Nightstorm: how the fish did you get here!?!?!

Frozenlightning: we were in the bush.

Scorchedblaze: ...So... What's with Daystream and Lightcraller?

Metalpaws: L O V E!!!

Frozenlightning: what? What is l o v e?

Scorchedblaze: love

Moonpaw: where are you going with this metalpaws: love is when someone really likes someone.

Nightstorm: and they would do anything for the other person.

They walk into Daystream's cave. He was not there. They heard two voice talking from the cliff.

Frozenlightning: let's go check it out.

Nightstorm: where right behind you.

When they got there. They were in shock.

Some dragon three times the size sit next to Lightcraller.

Dragon: so you really like him?

Lightcraller: yea... But he said I'm only a friend... I hate him!!!

Dragon: I see... But it's nice to see you again.

Lightcraller: yes it is.

Dragon: please come back with me princess.

Scorchedblaze: princess!?!?!

Lightcraller: o um... What are you guys doing here?

Frozenlightning: we can't find Daystream.

Dragon: Daystream... He's still alive?!?!

Moonpaw: of course. Y wouldn't he be?

Dragon: *starts to change from red to purple* I am Darklaw *change back into red* sorry I mean I am Lightlaw. Darklaw is the other me. I should go before ah!!!

Lightcraller: run!!!

Nightstorm: kitty says no!!! *Runs at Lightlaw changing to Darklaw

A bird falls on to the ground.

Darklaw: where is Daystream!!!

Nightstorm: *flies to a tree by the wave of energy from Darklaw

Frozenlightning: spear of thounder!!! Spear of lightning!!! *Two spears flies to frozenlightning* take this *throws the spears

Daystream: *takes the hit* stop!!!

Darklaw: o Daystream you took a very bad hit for me? Well well well same you as always.

Daystream: what do you want law?

Eric: be careful Daystream from my readings this dragons off the charts!!!

Daystream: Lightcraller are you going to help me or stand over there?

Lightcraller: Daystream... He's not the same.

Daystream: I know did you even notice the black dragon scar on him?

Lightcraller: w... What?... *Lightcraller sees the black dragon scar on his shoulder.

Daystream: he is now a black dragon.

Lightcraller: Darklaw... Dad... Y... *Starts to cry

Darklaw: my daughter... I have no choice... Come back to me my princess let's go back to our kingdom.

Lightcraller: I!!! Will!!! Not!!! Go!!! With!!! You!!! *A wave of energy came out of Lightcraller

Daystream: Lightcraller!!!

Darklaw: law 35 do what I say!!! Dark Overload!!! *Charge at Lightcraller with a dark claw

Daystream: *appears in front of Lightcraller and takes the hit flies from the blow with lightcraller in his arm

Lightcraller: *looks shocked*

Daystream: *turns his back as he hits a wall* I'm OK

Lightcraller: your wing... It's...

Daystream: *cracks wing back to place* I'm fine

Darklaw: so you took a hit for my daughter? *Aims for Lightcraller* law 53 in justice!!! Dark impact!!! *Waves of dark power blasts to Lightcraller

Daystream: daylight pravale!!! *Blue scales on back became golden, horn became gray, and scales stars to fall off

Lightcraller: Daystream!!!

The blast hits Daystream. The ground were the blast traveled across was destroyed. At the end of the blast stood a dragon, demon, angle, god.

Daystream: Daystream, Nightshade, Lightblade, Darkghost, king of dragons, demons, angles, and gods.

Darklaw: play time is over. *Grows

Frozenlightning: everyone run!!!

Nightstorm: I'm staying!!!

Frozenlightning: your gonna die!!!

Nightstorm: so what I'm staying *use hoodie and disappears

Daystream: Lightcraller is not yours anymore!!!

Darklaw: I'm her father!!! *Throws every abilities at Daystream

Daystream: still there

Darklaw: not even a mark!?!?!

Lightcraller: *runs to Daystream and look at him in the eyes* Daystream stop!!! Just please!!! *Starts crying* I don't want to cause any trouble!!! *Kisses Daystream

Daystream: *falls defeated

Lightcraller: ... Goodbye Daystream...

Darklaw: *changes back into Lightlaw and takes Lightcraller and disappears

To be continued...

[gaycations]

WoW Characters

inspired by @tripropellant’s masterpost of characters i kinda decided to do my own. long post ahead!

•Moriko Wyndsong My main, my love. A naive, kind lil kaldorei druid of the talon. I mostly play her bc i love resto druids and playing nice characters •Allade Lightblade She’s my priestess of the moon. Hella old, along with her sister Sybroriel and half sister Hikarie. She’s got a strong sense of justice and is a hell of a control freak. hangs out in darnassus

•Sybroriel Lightblade My demon hunter, she was way young when she got locked up with the other DHs and she’s got a weird personality because of it, naive but wise at the same time

•Hikarie Lightblade my first character so i’m kinda attached to her. a half-highborne swords woman who has sharp knives and a sharper tongue. hangs out in storm wind as a darnassan representative

•Varelanis Silverwing one of my few hordies. she was a high elf at a time, along with her brother A'athreas. she’s now my angst-machine death knight who is the worlds largest drama queen

•Seyan my troll druid. she loves the beach and cute girls. she was kinda my attempt to get myself to actually keep a hordie and it’s been okay so far

•Avragosa my blue dragon who is good and pure and doesn’t give a hell about much of anything. she’s old as hell and fancy as hell and i love her

•Adraelis Starshield cutie bby girl training to be a sentinel. mori’s cousin.

•Azaern Dewhelm nightborne arcane botanist, she’s sweet but i haven’t played with her character much

•A'athreas Silverwing hes an asshole. i love it. he’s hikarie’s deadbeat dad. used to be a highborne mage, but made the hop across the pond and became sin'dorei. now he’s working with the kirin tor as a hella corrupt politician / badass mage

•Aseales Wyndsong mori’s dad. i wanted a druid of the flame. bc they’re cool. that’s all

[soleannadarkblade]

Ramblings of a Death Knight Pandaria Edition

(( This entry contains spoilers to the World of Warcraft Expansion: Mists of Pandaria, if you are OK with this and or have completed the story line, please continue. If not, I apologize for any inconvenience. ))

 As I stare out, over the once beautiful Vale of Eternal blossoms, I look over the scar that sends shivers over my cold frozen spine… even though I am a master of the Unholy arts… I keep my body in a permanently frozen state to prevent decay… well, that’s one of the ways I keep decay at bay. That’s another topic for another day, should you find this note… if you’re the same one who has found my previous entries…. Good on you. You’re an excellent detective and a stalker… I jest, I jest, don’t take a serious look if you have one. Anyways, my time in Pandaria was one of my own accord. The Call of the Highlord had not been sung out, us Ebon Blades were still free to do as we wish, as long as we acted within our best interest and brought honor to our cause… whatever that whole stick was. But this scar… the Sha Scar… so similar to the dead scar within Quel’Thalas… It brings me back to the day of my death… Too many people making too many problems… always a land of confusion, but that’s saying so much for a land that feeds off the emotions of its inhabitants… the Sha, had laid dormant for decades, centuries even… then the alliance and the horde land… and within a matter of seconds, their hatred unleashed an ancient evil.

My time in Pandaria, it has taught me peace and serenity. The monks I trained with, have taught me ways to control my bloodlust, my urge to kill. Funny I know, thinking of an Ebon Blade Knight that has no desire to truly kill unless it is required. Sorry to burst your fragile bubble you seemed to hold you bigot. Not all of us are creatures of unrelenting rage and darkness… not anymore anyways; some have learned coping mechanisms to assist with that. Though, I admit that I’m not perfect, I resort to type because I can’t help it. My preference is to talk a problem out at first instead of throwing my fist into someone’s face. Though I am prone to do that at times, as I said before, I’m not perfect. The monks of Xuen, otherwise known as the White Tiger took me in after I had slaughtered a group of Yaungol that threatened a small little village of Grummels within Kun’Lai Summit… funny creatures those Grummels, ‘Come, Shop, Browse, Smell.’ They are rather cute in an odd way. Though the monks had to subdue me with some old hand to hand technique, I’m not sure exactly what they did but my mind immediately went blank and I was overwhelmed with a sense of blackness so fast that I just, well, blacked out. I awoke within the temple to monks overseeing me and making sure I was ‘living’.

Those poor Pandaren, I don’t think they expected an immediate fight for I had thought I was captured and held captive by Alliance Pandaren… I fought with and killed about 4 of them until the tiger Xuen appeared and explained I was not held captive, but being treated as a guest. It was then that I felt something I hadn’t felt in a while, regret. I had killed four of my hosts without thought, all because of my innate desire to destroy and cause pain… those poor children who would never see their mothers or fathers again… all because of the rage… It was then that the tiger spoke, told me that power without thought is not power, just a hindrance. His words struck a chord with me. He was right, those who have power and act without thought or consideration are nothing more than just a fool, they put others at risk just for the sake of their own position in the status quo… Just like a particular Orc that caused this destruction because of his lust for power… damn that Garrosh… ruining such a beautiful continent.

Anyways, I spent time training with the monks, spent time being subdued and tied down most of the training, but eventually I began to understand. Rage and Anger… it’s more of a hindrance than what I originally thought of compassion and empathy. Anger blinds an individual, leading them into a rage that nothing can truly subdue. True strength, lies in that of unity and understanding, for a wolf that hunts alone is usually the first to die. After coming to that realization, I asked the Headmaster of the temple where I could continue my journey of ‘enlightenment’ I was hooked… the peace I felt while meditating, sparring with other monks was serene… it made me feel as if I was alive again. I was then pointed to the temple of the Jade Serpent Yu’lon within the Jade Forest. There, I continued my meditation and learning, listening to the wisdom of the serpent’s monks. I spent many a week there, just learning more about myself, digging up memories of the past and dismissing them for the time being, the courage to face my mistakes would await me within the temple of the red crane, Chi’ji. My time with the Jade Serpents monks had taught me that using my head to think situations threw rather than rush head long into battle without a plan, for that I am eternally grateful. Thanks to them, I have discovered ways to increase the potency of my own diseases and even figured out how to increase my own amount of runic energy within my body, even if it is by a bit, it’s still more than I could before.

After the time spent with Yu’lons monks, I made my journey to the Red Cranes temple within Krasarang  wilds, there I spent the time meditating and facing my inner fear, the lust and desire to kill, maim, and utterly annihilate any creature that stood in my way, the fear of becoming a mindless scourge that wanders the world hoping for the release of death to end my suffering. The cranes monks… they taught me to use the fear as a driver, one I had already known, but had reaffirmed my situation. The training I had been undergoing through the other two temples were to be used in conjunction with my willpower, never to lose hope, always believe in my own strength and will. The Crane is wise, but his wisdom pales in comparison to the Serpent… and for that, I am glad. Two all-seeing creatures at once is what leads to conflict, but the celestials seem to know and respect one another’s place. My time with the Cranes monks was as I said mostly spent as reassurance that I could control myself, and taught me that once again something my daughter Aliline has taught me that darkness will show you the light. After I felt satisfied with my training with the Crane, I wandered to the temple of Niuzao, the Black Ox.

While with the monks of the Black Ox, I learned more about myself there than any other temple with my desire to protect those I care about, and my home… wherever home was at the time. With the temple under constant siege from the Mantid, I volunteered my blade many a time to assist the monks and even the Shado-Pan. They feared me at first, for my rage almost got the better of me until I remembered my training… Deep breaths, calm and collected mind, the hope of a better day, always calmed my mind, and settled my hatred and rage for those that would dare strike down innocents. The monks taught me that the will to fight and stand up for what I believe in wasn’t necessarily a bad thing, just something that wasn’t an excuse to get over zealous on. Many days I spent fighting the Mantid until heroes of both alliance and horde broke into their precious little home and destroyed their queen, ending the assault. I had since then thanked the monks of the temple, and the Ox himself for letting me be a guest within their home before I journeyed to one last area that I had heard so much about within my travels. The half hill market within the valley of the four winds.

It was there that I had befriended and entire family of Pandaren that would teach me to cook and farm for my own food, something I found greatly amusing and enjoyable… even took a love for fishing while I was there for I spent many a time with the anglers in Krasarang wilds, trading fish from the Valley for seafood to help assist with our feasts we would prepare… My time within Pandaria, it was one of hardship and joy for me. A time I will never truly forget, for they reminded me of who I was. I am Soleanna Lightblade… Nothing dark about my soul, even though I am cursed to walk the path of the damned like many other of my brethren within the Knights of the Ebon Blade, though I will not trade my path for anything else within this world or universe. I am Soleanna Darkblade, Former Matriarch of House Lightblade, Former Commander of the Ebon Blade, member of the Ashen Verdict. I have nothing to be ashamed of. I am a mother, and I have lived a blessed life while alive, and even in death for I have found a company of misfits that I adore and will meet my final death to protect. The Caravan of Curiosities, is my home. Those who threaten my home, will meet blade and a swift end, those who ally with us, I will protect them until my end is met. None shall destroy those I hold dear, not while I exist within this world. This is all for now, until whoever finds this comes across yet another one of my entries.

 Until then, Suffer well-

Soleanna Darkblade, former matriarch of house Lightblade. Knight of Acherus, Ebon Ravager.