#i know hes not a charr but he is a big cat still

[telltalecoyote]

Kimahri Ronso! I lined a sketch I did of him a few days back.

[just-some-user-hunny]

The Cannibal bonded with a bastard targaryen reader ...

This is heavily inspired by @mangled-parasite writings on their yandere hotd stuff. I wanted to go more in depth about the relationship a bastard princess reader would have with the cannibal, because the dynamics could be so diverse and interesting. The cannibal is a really interesting dragon to me as well, he's not been tames nor shows any interest in it, so I always wonder what he'd be like with a rider!

(fem! Bastard princess reader X the cannibal)

. If you are bonded to him, he would be ruthlessly protective over you. He can feel every flicker of distress and discomfort from you, and he bares his teeth like a guard dog at whoever draws too close. Once he had decided that you were his, and he was yours, his fury when it comes to protecting you rivals hellfire. You will never have to feel fear again, nothing can even dream of touching you- lest they want to experience the nightmarish wrath of the Cannibal. It matters little to him if this threat is human, or dragon. In fact he almost welcomes it. He loves the rush of destroying whatever threatens you, the pride that fills him when he charres their remains and feasts upon them In front you- because look princess. Look how mighty he is, look how well he can fight and protect you. After his gory feast, he'll lower himself close to your little form for his praise- purring till your blood fizzles as he enjoys your pets and attention.

. Cannibal has never been a tame or passive dragon, but around you, he'll make an effort to behave. He'll stave away his urges to salivate when he captures glimpses of the smaller dragons, if it makes you happy. He'll heed your voice, your words, if only to amuse you and keep you content. However, he still has a temper- and although he may not engulf everything with wildfire, he will surely growl and roar to make people bend their knee in your presence. His bond to you is tightly knitted, so he can pick up those who are irking you or upsetting you. He shares your hatred for your father, often bearing his frightening jagged teeth at the pale man who can only endure the monstrosity of his daughter's dragon. It'll take only your word to engulf him in burning emerald flames, so for once, your father will hold his tongue.

. He is not an obedient dog, more like a feral alley cat who's taken a warming to you. There's not a force in heaven or hell that can convince him to confide anywhere near the dragon pits, not to mention his monstrous size cannot even imagine squeezing itself into that little ditch. He'll take to sleeping upon the beach, preferably away from vhager, if he wants to remain close to you. However he is known to fly off and disappear for days on end, returning when you least expect it. He is a wild dragon at heart.

. He may not melt into a big passive puppy, but he will surely let you know he likes the attention you give him. He'll croon with his snarling scarred grin, his eyes glinting as you speak to him and stay close. The attitude he has around you is stark like night and day- with others he glares ferociously and mean, but with you, he's bound by your heels.

When you approach him upon the sand of the tide, he'll lower his head to gaze upon you. he'll feel content as he looks you over, appearing docile and calm in your presence.

Your family find it terrifyingly odd whenever you approach him with so much casualty, and he simply looks at you so fondly. The dragon who has devoured oh so many wannabe dragon tamers is now treating you like a precious little treasure, and it's both awe-inspiring, and frightening. His striking emerald green eyes focus on you as you speak sweetly and softly to him, his purrs can be heard from the dragonstone gates.

. The cannibal is an ancient dragon with many years of experience, so to him, you are little more than a child in his eyes. His child.

If anything, he is more of a loving father to you than Daemon could ever be.

It's puzzling to him, at first. He has never possessed a single maternal bone in his body, having no objection to devouring unhatched eggs and even young hatched dragons to satiate his hunger- but perhaps he sees a part of him in you. That wildness to stray, the desperation to free yourself from the thorns of the targarians that dig deep into you. You may be a little gentle weepy thing, but the fact still stands. You want to be free. He can grant that.

As you claim him as a child, he'll watch you grow. Watch your face and hands become weary from the anxiety and ache of constantly being caged. You'll gradually become more and more beautiful, dripping in gems and jewellery and ornate gowns, but the sadness in your eyes hasn't changed since you were a tearful little child. He sees what they are doing- trying to keep you satiated with material desires, but he understands you deep down that nothing of that matters. You want to be anywhere else but here...

. He is an old dragon, and has a temper to him. His hunger for flesh and fire has not made him weary, and although he is scarred and withered, he is still towering in all his obsideon scaled glory. Emerald flames engulfing the sky as you ride upon his back, soaring above the clouds as pride and glory consumes him. He always despises the idea of being 'claimed' and ridden like some show pony, but he finds himself enjoying the company of his little human experiencing the rush of gliding through the heavens. He can feel your thundering heart, the flutter of butterflies in your stomach as he dips and soars between terrific heights, and he can't help but grin a scarred and twisted smile, egged on by your delight of the views and freedom. Yes! This is freedom, my little princess. Let us not be chained by those targarians, this is what living is!

He certainly likes challenging you, obviously not to the point he puts you in any danger of course- but he'll dive at gut churning speeds to see what'll make you shriek. It's almost like He finds amusement out of it, perhaps getting a little kick out of challenging his rider. Once he has landed however with you safely back on the ground, he'll look at you with his gnarled smirk and expect just a little push from you. Don't take it to heart though, his princess. You'll get gently prodded and nudged by his snout to check on you to make sure you're alright. He is still protective over you, after all. His cruelty will not extend to your pain. Besides, you are more often than not riding him bareback, so he would never fly so recklessly that you'd get bucked off. Most of the time he's holding back, really.

. That is not to say that each time you climb upon his back that you will endure terror, because that is surely not the case. He loves flying with you, loves feeling your awe and wonder. It fills him with unbridled pride and ego. You can both feel freedom, and freedom is all he wants for himself and his rider alike.

. As his rider, you have a good chance of escaping the talons of your family. Who is to stop you? The mad prince, Daemon, and his blood wyrm? Cannibal could laugh at the mere thought of this deranged man challenging him with his little red pest. Even the one eyed prince and his ancient she-dragon, Vhagar, will be a welcomed challenge. When it comes to you, he'd do anything.

[wilsons-journey]

Nektarius Lore

After a little talk with a Friend yesterday, lemme share some Nekt Lore, I never shared here on Discord.

She is my self insert, but with her own lil Story in the Tyria Lore. (She is also the embodiment of my intrusive thoughts - my inner gremlin)

First some small Ideas I had so far:

She belongs to the Ash-Legion. Her good observing skills made her a good informant.

She had a Warband, but never really connected with them - due to her often choose to be alone. Too many people exhausted her.

One of her first good friends among Charr was prob. Rolan (Belongs to @/BrightWingedBat), sharing some chaotic energy like her

Later she joins the Order of Whispers and get to know my Champion Vale

She probably ends up as one "background solider" during all the Commander Business

She definitely had some run ins with Valefor (I have no Idea how this girl survived.)

Talking of survivability, its her secret talent. She survived several accidents - on accident. With more luck than sense.

she is actually deeply afraid of death

While Vale resisted Jormags Words, Nektarius fell for it. Thinking they could find another way to save Tyria, without killing the Dragons. She felt very sorry for Kralks death - developed a big pity for the elder dragons. They just wanted to live, like everyone else wants

She becomes branded by Jormag, but due to her chaotic nature he soon grew annoyed of her. Sending her on a mission in hope she never comes back. And when she did, Jormag was long killed by the Commander / Champion.

With a little help of Aurene, she got healed from Jormags influence and kept some of the icy magic.

Some random lil facts:

SAB addict and a Scatterbrain

she has a very sensible nose - and sometimes sneezes a lot (dad sneeze a-TSCHOOO)

loves to play pranks or gamble

She is fascinated by Asura technology, and develops some knowledge about that. Also trying to build some stuff with Asura tech (with less success - wont stop her from trying) At least she managed to build a "Hunger Games"-like Simulator

She is a kleptomaniac. She sees shiny, its her shiny now!

Very curious, but also quite wary of people. She often stays away. If she interacts with people its often very chaotic. And she often feels guilty about it.

She has no problem to flirt and smooch every handsome boy / girl - but she has no interest in more. But she would never resist a hug.

When I can choose one NPC to be a canon good Friend to one of my Cats, outside the normal Commander Story - it would be Canach for Nektarius.

I feel they would get along very well. And she would definitly love his Casino - she loves gambling. But we never - EVER - talk about her debt there.

Due to her friendship to Canach, she don't have to pay back, but it won't stop him from brining it up from time to time like.

Canach: So about your debt. Nekt: You don't want me to pay it back, right? :slight panic: Canach: :) Nekt: Right?! :big panic:

He likes to make fun of it and send her on edge.

She is a recurring visitor there. Not always to gamble, but because she has no home to go to. She is homeless, since the incident with Jormag.

But what does she do outside of everything else?

She is still a skilled informant and spy. I see her to bring it to use as Mercenary. She is not a powerful fighter - she knows how to protect herself - the magic she inherited from her branded time helps, too - but she will mostly offer getting information or stuff like artefacts, treasures or just to deliver some important letters. Occasionally smuggles goods.

And when she is not on duty, she definitively drags Rolan into some shenanigans, where HE has to drag them out again. (Like annoying a certain murder Cat with a grumpy face,... )

[commanderfloppy]

Kudo fidgets with one of his sleeves. "Tori. I'm going to ask a potentially...self-incriminating question.

How did your courtship of Tybalt begin? How does one...woo a charr?"

“Oh OOHHHHH, yeah no worries dude I will answer all your curious questions (that you ask for no reason other than curiosity).

For the first question, honestly I have no clue when it started but I must’ve been pretty good at it to land such an amazing husband <3”

*The sound of Tybalt choking in the back* 

“I think I maybe started flirting with him as early as our first whispers missions, that or it was after I came back from Claw Island and started to remember shit again.” 

“It was the whisper’s missions, Flopps said we were ‘almost unbearable’ back then.”

“Ah right, well question answered! (reminds me though I should send her a letter..)” 

“Now onto the next question.”

So first things first, anything ‘interspecies’ can be a little harder. Lu- Your prospective partner might not know you’re into them, so you gotta be ready to drop some ‘subtle hints’ that you’re into big horned cats.” 

“Subtle? You told me you couldn’t be a separatist because you were ‘too horny’” 

“Yeah it was a joke, and you still didn’t get it!” 

“Anyways once you establish some baseline attraction here are my general tips:

Genuine compliments, seriously they don’t get much of these in the Fahar, tell her how amazing she is or how good she is at something, you can even do this as a counter to any put downs.

Speak to them in a very low voice when you want them to listen… or I guess in your case maybe a high voice? I don’t know your vocal range but, charr ears aren’t exactly made for mid-range frequencies so try to stay out of them if you don’t want confusion. 

Mutual Grooming! Their fur needs a lot of attention (It’s like as bad as my hair), and it can be hard to find someone to help with grooming when you’re out on missions and stuff. So offer to help brush their fur, and get all those hard to reach places!  

“OH wait one quick warning though.”

“Tori wait I don’t want to relive that moment-” 

“Hush I am trying to spare her from what you went through!  Anyways, while It really depends on the Charr some of them have this uhh…spot on their backs, just a little above their tail. Don’t scratch it, unless you’re uhm already dating..and even then it might be a little…” 

“I think he gets the point Tori.��� *They are both blushing with embarrassment* 

"Anyways that's part of a whole 'nother set of questions that you can ask once you uhh...get to that part of the relationship."

[your-turn-to-role]

so okay. we're playing 5e reskinned to gw2 bc that's an mmo we all play, for the most part it's not that relevant bc we're still using 5e mechanics, but a couple of things:

game waypoints are present as they exist in the lore of the game, but so people can't just teleport whenever, you have to be at one to jump to another

everything extra-planar in this world exists in one weird dimension that no one can fully explain, the afterlife, the god realms, it's all mixed up in there, including gw2's most interesting dungeon system, the fractals of the mists, which are echoes of various real world events scattered throughout that dimension. there exists a group of space pirates in lore that frequently travel to the fractals to scavenge things. at one point we were working for them while undercover but this has been the furthest from anyone's mind lately

party members:

ukki - my asura (small bat-like gnome people) artificer. she is a botanist, she is elderly, she wants nothing to do with all this bullshit, but someone's gotta keep these fuckers alive

hiraeth - sylvari (plant person) sorcerer. sylvari are born as adult bodies with brains developed enough to walk and talk, but you know, immaturity still can show in other ways. hiraeth is one year old, extremely bizarre, just sort of wanders into places and does fucked up magic and somehow everyone wants to adopt him

versira - charr (big cat person) rogue. professional scout. not a spy, no matter how much people mistake her for one. adrenaline junkie. Extremely Fast™️

the situation we are in! an already extremely powerful dragon has gained some control over time. the person he has chosen as his herald, and the one helping him take over the whole world, is an existing game villain, who normally you kill at one point in the story. however, in this version of canon, whenever she dies, he just resets everything back to the moment she became his herald (about 7 years ago)

we have known this for quite a few sessions now, but we've been in a very careful balance of trying to stop her from furthering his plans without killing her (or, you know, i am. the other two have pre-existing grudges making this harder), or doing anything else that would make the dragon reset time, because a) the time loops are slowly degrading reality, and b) if we fail, we gotta start over with no knowledge this is happening

asura are a very technologically advanced species, so i had a plan in place in case we fail: make a digital copy of all my notes on the situation so far, including reasons for a past version of me to trust that i wrote this. if i suspected we were about to lose this loop, i would send it to a different set of extra-planar sailors we'd encountered before, so they could send it back to me

spoiler alert: outside of my lab way out in the middle of the jungle, i fail to keep these two from doing a murder.

our dm gives us a couple of rounds of bullet time, describing the time loop resetting as waves of time erasing radiating out from the body

i send off my email and hope that i can keep that line of information open

hiraeth. counterspells.

we are level 12, the highest he has is a 6th level slot, and our dm rules this as a 9th level spell

he rolls exactly the 19 he needed! obviously not enough to break the effect entirely, it's too powerful for that, but our dm lets it create a barrier around him, so when the loop resets he and he alone will stay put, and end up in this spot 7 years ago exactly as he is now (which is helpful bc he's still 6 years from being born and none of us were sure how to keep his player able to keep playing if he hadn't managed to do that)

but versira.

takes the description of the time waves as a "if i move quick enough, that can't touch me"

and with her various existing attributes, the mobile feat, i think she's got something else bringing her up to 60ft, her existence as a rogue, and the haste i cast on her a few rounds before time reset, just runs.

we are in the middle of nowhere bc ukki is a hermit, we are not close to a waypoint, but she has 480ft a round and nothing can stop her!

even with the round of daze from the haste wearing off, makes it to the nearest waypoint. buys herself some time in waypointing as close as she can to the space pirate base. she's a scout, she's never gone anywhere without surveying the whole thing, so she knows exactly the quickest way through to where she wants to get. she also has spider climb boots, so fuck it, if there's people in your way, run on the ceiling!

makes it to one of their ships. people try to stop her. she pulls a gun on them and goes "if you value your lives, and most of all, your paycheck, come with me right now"

rolls a 22 on the intimidation check.

and flies the ship out of this dimension

(her player: now, normally, when people say don't split the party, they mean spatially

me: we're splitting the party temporally?

her player: we are splitting the party temporally!)

waits it out for a day, then flies back to reality, in the new reset timeline

i am somehow the only person who didn't just show up again

there are now two versiras

nothing could possibly go wrong

(also pay no attention to the now temporally displaced pirate crew they'll be fiiiiine)

you know since i used to do pathfinder campaign updates on here and i haven't talked about any of our dnd campaigns in a while, have i mentioned that last session our rogue out-ran a time loop????

[evilpol]

1, 8 & 9 - For Junav, and Arengar

12 for El

13 & 14 for Tayro

17 In General for the Universe of Many Cats

28 for Fenrar

(you ask for a lot so I hope this provides :>)

fdghjjhg thank you for asking dear <3

Arengar Hopebringer

1. Write a basic lowdown of your OC. What's their deal? Arengar is the Pact Commander (technically speaking, a Marshal nowadays but the title never stuck), a Vigil Warmaster and an ex (? it's complicated) Blood Legion soldier. Grandcub of Blood imperator, Bangar Ruinbringer, Arengar's been the perfect image of a young Blood soldier with a lot ahead of him, before losing his entire warband in a skirmish at Fields of Ruin. Young and scared, Arengar saw running away as a preferrable option, compared to facing the Legions tribunal and becoming a gladium, given the Legions' view of warbands' sole survivors and gladia as a whole, becoming a highwayman and eventually joining in with a gang of other charr, raiding nearby villages and robbing travelling caravans, until his group got stopped by a squad of Vigil soldiers put on the task. The leader of the squad noticed Arengar's combat prowess in an ensuing scuffle and saw that the young charr actually fights like he knows what he's doing, clearly having previous proper training, taking him in custody, asking him questions about how he ended up in that situation and eventually offering him a choice: he can be taken to a prison, sent back to face the Legions' tribunal and be judged as a deserter, or join in with the vigil and have his crimes be brushed away at the promise of service to the order. It's quite obvious which one Arengar picked. Serving in Vigil has been the best thing that has happened to Arengar for years, going through the ranks and eventually, as a Warmaster, getting involved with the creation of the Pact and becoming it's de-facto leader after the failure in the Heart of Maguuma. With Arren stepping down and leaving and Trahearne dead, Arengar was the highest-ranking Pact officer still remaining, having the duty of picking up the pieces of the Pact now all on his shoulders, which he dealt with... As well as he can, eventually embracing his new role as the Pact Commander and living up to his last name, Hopebringer. Yes he might play a little too hard into the whole Commander thing, barely letting himself be, well, himself, beyond being the commander, the hero, the leader, but it's a whole another wall of text to write.

8. Biggest strength and weakness? I'm going to kind of combine that one, since I like it when character's strengths are *also* their weaknesses, which is exactly the case with Arengar. His biggest strength is his determination, his willingness to do anything to reach his goals, he's laser-focused, if he's got his eyes on something, he's gonna get it sooner or later. However that's got a flip side of him often focusing on One Thing and lacking the big picture vision, being judgemental and having extreme difficulty letting go of the plans he built and ideals he's been having all his life, like accepting that killing the elder dragons is no longer the right solution and instead having to save Kralkatorrik in the Crystal Desert, let alone having to work with a dragon that is Aurene. Arengar is stubborn, hard to make change his mind and commanding, however he's also a great leader, willing to go any lengths for his people.

9. What do they THINK their biggest strength and weakness is? Arengar is a simple charr, quite proud of his combat prowess, seeing it as his biggest strength. Blood Legion training combined with years of service in Vigil sure do yield their results, that much is undeniable. On the opposite, he often sees himself weak for relying on other people a lot, building idols for himself out of others and sticking too hard to those ideals he's built in his head. Junav

1. Write a basic lowdown of your OC. What's their deal? Junav is an ex-olmakhan turned awakened soldier in Joko's army. Not out of being killed and awakened into his service mind you, but rather completely by the virtue of his own free will. Junav left Sandswept Isles as a young charr, growing on stories of the old legions, seeing them something to aspire to, unsatisfied with the simple life of Olmakhan. Junav always was a warrior, the biggest, strongest one in the village, growing bored just fighting off scarabs and an occasional sand lion. He loves to fight, loves the adrenaline cursing through his veins, loves the chaos of the battlefield, obsessed with pushing himself to the limit and becoming better, and the village life just couldn't provide it. After leaving for the mainland Elona, he served as a travelling bounty hunter for a couple of years, and taking down giant beasts for a reward satisfied him for a while, until his run-in with the Awakened army. Seeing them in action reminded Junav of the stories about the charr legions he heard as a cub: an unstoppable army, razing through the land, walking over their enemies' head. He wanted to be a part of a force like that. He joined in with them, first as a mercenary in free employ, soon as a full-time soldier. It's been everything Junav ever wanted: a solid military structure and more than enough opportunity to practice and hone his skills in a real battle, with oh so generously provided "target practice", until over the years he managed to climb all the way up to becoming a member in the Mordant Crescent, Joko's elite force. At some point during the years he got killed in a sunspear ambush, already gaining quite a lot of infamy in their ranks as a ruthless and horrifying enemy, but Sunspear celebrations didn't last long, as Junav got awakened at Archon Iberu's request, taking a revenge on the people who killed him in a bloody way, and they weren't coming back, unlike him. Junav's main deal is his obsession with bettering himself, willing to do anything to be a better fighter. He enjoys the violence, the battlefield, however he is not a mindless murder machine. He's got somewhat of a honor code, he's loyal to a fault and would never break his promise. Also despite what it might seem like, Junav surprisingly does not like fighting just for the sake of it. In his eyes, you should fight to better yourself, to push yourself to the limit and test your skill. Killing defenceless villagers is pointless in his eyes, it's too easy and does nothing to test his abilities, if he's fighting, he's fighting either because he was ordered to, or because he wants it, wants to try himself, to have fun.

8. Biggest strength and weakness? Junav's biggest strength is most likely his loyalty. He holds his word to his grave, serving whoever he swore his oath to with unbending determination, willing to serve and fight until he cannot hold his weapon anymore. On the flip side, his biggest weakness is likely his lack of strong morals. Junav has a code of honor, but his morals are flaky at best. He doesn't care about innocent people dying, just sees it as tasteless because they can't even put up much of a fight, where's the fun in that. Doesn't care about all the atrocities Joko and the Mordant Crescent have commited, only cares that he swore his oath to them, an oath he is going to follow up until Joko's death.

9. What do they THINK their biggest strength and weakness is? Junav doesn't like to think he even has a weakness. For his biggest strength, however, once again, being a warrior his entire life, having dedicated all of himself to it, his biggest strength is his combat abilities, and rightfully so. He takes great pride in how well he can fight, loves to spar, likes to take on a challenge, and nothing looks too big or hard to him.

Elmarenn

12. What's something they could talk about for hours at length? For all of his snark and sarcasm, surprisingly, El doesn't actually talk much. However, if asked, he can ramble about animals, especially fern hounds, for hours. He's a ranger and been working with fern hounds for ages while he's been living in the Grove, he knows them and he loves them. Alongside with having a guilty pleasure in romance novels, even if he finds Snargle's ones a little too crude for his taste.

Tayro

13. How recognizable are they? Do they have a reputation? Tayro has... A reputation in the Inquest, and it ain't exactly good one. I mean, hard to avoid having a reputation when you're literally injecting ley-line goop into yourself on a daily basis. His reputation is that of a group weirdo at best, and an insane, unstable and reckless threat at worst. Which is, hard to argue with, given most of Tayro's invention attempts ended up exploding, and his only successful one is slowly eating at his brain and all his internal organs, poisoning him with ley-magic. He's been contained to the job of a field operative, a bruiser meant to clean up Inquest's mess instead of working at a lab for a reason, even though most of his "clean-up" attemps result in even more mess than there was left before.

14. Are they actually good at fighting? Do they enjoy it? In terms of martial skill/weapon mastery, Tayro isn't actually that great, neither is he that gifted of an elementalist. However, it's hard to argue that ley-magic fueled elementalist abilities are quite dangerous and explosive, and it's exactly what happens every time he gets in a fight, and Tayro sure does enjoy it. Enjoys feeling like he's good at something, like he can have respect and be scary, even if that involves using outside elements like slurping up ley-line goop.

17. People with Commander ocs, is there any part of the main story where your oc's story diverges? Everyone else, is there a part of your oc's story that follows the canon one? There's actually not that much of divergence between the canon story and my universe, beyond adding a lot of extra characters as members of Commander's squad, and as a result a lot of the "roles" of the canonical Dragon's Watch being taken on by them. Good example: Teo being usually the one summoned to blow things up as opposed to Canach, along with being in command of the guild's airships. Another thing that does diverge is Arengar accepting Almorra's offer at the beginning of s3 and becoming Pact Marshal, instead of Logan getting the position. Arengar also isn't Aurene's champion, not in canonical way at least, with Caithe being the closest thing to Aurene's Champion in canon's understanding of it in my universe. There is no special magical connection between Arengar and Aurene, and instead of being picked as her champion while she still was in an egg, Arengar chooses to follow Aurene, work with her and serve as her 'Champion', having a relationship more reminding that of a young princess suddenly in charge of a nation and her trusted knight and bodyguard over a parent/child one. The underlying theme in my universe is people forging their own fate and choosing their way, fighting against all odds no matter what destiny or the world tells them, and Arengar choosing to be Aurene's knight is a big part of it.

Fenrar

28. What is their character arc, if they have one. Fenrar doesn't quite have a character arc, but the closest thing he has to one is slowly learning to care about people besides himself, as well as about the world as a whole, instead of only caring about his research and treating other people as pawns in it. Fenrar isn't actively malicious, but he's a reclusive researcher obsessed with his work and the Mists as a whole, he finds it extremely hard relating to people and their emotions, remaining somewhat distant from a lot of issues Commander's squad faces, even if technically he is a part of it.

[charrwybie]

(I've seen this interview meme floating around the tag and it looks super fun so here it goes! Wyatt is not my Commander, but he's still a fun character who WOULD have fans bc he's in a band! Used to do ballet!)

INTRODUCTION

- Can you introduce yourself?

I'm Wyatt Epping - Wybie for friends! I play bass in a rock band with my friends.

- What is your gender identity, orientation and relationship status?

I'm a guy, bi, and not... availa-bly. That was Awful, sorry about that. Not looking to be in a relationship right now, either, I have some healing to do before I'm ready to try again, found that out the hard way.

- Where and when were you born?

We - mom and me that is, assume in Lion's Arch because that's where she found me as a newborn cub some twenty years ago.

- What is your weapon of choice and fighting style?

I prefer to not fight, but when I have to, I prefer my staff or greatsword, and an axe for when things get close. My aunt calls me a powerhouse and I'm usually last still on my feet so I guess I'm good at dancing around the danger and hitting hard when I need to.

- Lastly, are you happy?

Yeah. Yeah. Getting there at least! I've gone through some shhhhoot that made me not happy for a long time, but I'm getting there again! Feels good.

FAMILY AND FRIENDS

- What’s your family like? What is your relationship with them?

(Wyatt laughs) I have a big and weird family by a lot of standards. I'm sure you're thinking that Epping doesn't sound like a charr name and you'd be right! I was raised by my mom, Norma, a human woman, in Lion's Arch so I definitely don't have like a charr upbringing, or a charr name even. I also have another mom who's a charr but not the one that birthed me, and a step-sister who's about the same age as me. Then there's my dads who aren't really my dads but kinda are -- it's a long story, but we're happy. Close! I love them very much and am definitely a momma's boy and a family boy.

-Have you ever ran away from home? 

No. Well yeah, when I was like four and mad about something and I got all the way to the other side of the street before running back to hug my mom and cry that I missed her.

-Would you consider marriage or having children? 

Marriage, definitely, with the right person, I -- think I want that, but it's also scary right now. Kids? No thanks. Thought I wanted some, but nah, turned out to be some misplaced emotional shenanigans. Kids are great, but not for me.

-Do you secretly hate one of your friends?

I wouldn't waste time being their friend if I did, I don't think. I can be a polite boy and act civil in any company, but I'm not gonna be friends with someone I don't like. What's the point?

-Which friend knows everything about you? 

Ordell, who is also in the band - he grew up with me and my sister and we were like an inseparable triple trouble trio, and he was kinda like our little brother but not really. Still is the same. He's the kind of friend I can talk about anything with, or just sit quietly, and it's just... comfortable. Cozy.

ASKED BY FANS  

-Are you literate? Have you been to school?

Is this a joke about bassists being dumb? Yeah I'm literate, have been to school in Lion's Arch, and did real good there. I liked school and studying and would work on ballet flexibility while doing my homework; hobbies, no matter how serious, never were more important than learning.

-The eeriest prediction you made that later came true?

Hmmm. I don't know if anything like that's happened? My mom used to call me Stormlord because I used to predict thunderstorms and lightning strikes as a kid; does that count? She was amazed that I didn't become an elementalist.

-What is something you were embarrassingly late to realize?

You know what, PROBABLY a lot of things, but I can't think of an example.

- Do you have mental health or physical issues?

Both, haha... I have seasonal allergies, a permanently injured knee that ended my hopes of dancing professionally, depression that came with THAT, aaaand PTSD from a different kind of trauma. I'm healing, though!

- What is your current main goal?

Just... To have fun! And to get a griffon, that's what I'm working on right now. We'll see, a lot of animals don't like me, and I really don't know why. I think I'm cursed or something. Let me tell you, it's not fun out there when seemingly every animal ever seems to have a personal beef with you, specifically. And I'm not talking about wildlife, I'm talking about cows and chicken and like generally friendly things.

CHOICES:

- Drink or food?

Food, unless my sister made it, in which case probably neither.

-Cats or dogs? 

Both! I grew up with both and currently have both - I have a cat called Silly - Cilantro, really - and a dog called Potato.

-Early bird or night owl? 

A little more of a night owl, I guess, though not really that either. I like sleeping.

-Optimist or pessimist? 

Optimist. Trying to be real hard at least! Mostly it's working!

-Sassy or sarcastic? 

Depends on the day and company I guess. Not a lot of either.

HAVE YOU EVER:

-Been caught sneaking out

No, but sneaking back in, yeah! (Laughs) I'd come home too late from parties or something drunk before I was supposed to be drinking and inevitably mom would catch me because I'd always get sick, or be way noisier than I thought, or, you know, both. I try to not drink enough to get that drunk anymore.

-Broken a bone

Kneecap, yeah, when I goofed my entire knee. Some toes, I think? Amazingly not anything bigger than that though.

-Received flowers

Yeah! From friends and family and dates, and fans too. I like flowers, am very allergic to some of their pollen though, haha!

-Ghosted someone

Well, yeah. Sometimes deservedly, sometimes it's been me panicking and being shitty as a result-- aw rats, there goes a coin in the swear jar... But yeah, I have.

-Pretended to laugh at a joke you didn’t get

Oh for sure. Sometimes I don't have to pretend because I'll just laugh at myself not getting it!

[moonlit-grove]

TRAHEARNE THOUGHTS BECAUSE I AM A SIMP

(Posted on mobile because I'm too tired to get on PC to format)

His magic is not like other Necromancers. He has, unknowing and passively, absorbed some Orrian magic, gaining access to unknown and lost forms of necromantic power. The ghosts of Orr have taught and protected him as he learned about them, thinking these were Normal Necromancer Things.

He did not know Sylvari came from Mordremoth. But if he did, many of his studies in restoring Orr from Zhaitan would have included trying to discover how to tap into the jungle dragon's magic, and if it would have any effect if he did.

He existed on the least amount of food and power naps he could while in Orr. Sometimes, he can still be found just napping for five minutes before something important. He tends to eat a lot if he can though.

While he feels Caithe is the only one of the Firstborn who was happy to see him, recently he has started noticing Niamh and Kahedins, at least, also getting super excited when he visits home.

When Mother was attacked in S2, he took all that fear and rage he felt in that moment, and all that he felt through the Dream, and bottled it up. He let it fester to white-hot fury in his stomach until the fleet was brought down. In that single moment, all the anger turned into mind-numbing terror.

There is knowledge about Orr that will be lost forever when he dies unless he writes it down. But he's so busy with Pact work, and he doesn't actually know which knowledge it is that will be lost.

He loves cats. All cats. Small cats, big cats, pet cats, wild cats. He loves all cats, and oddly seems able to calm all cats. Cats who usually hate people love him.

He and Sayeh met on his first trip into Orr, many years ago. She was still an apprentice and he barely knew anything about the risen that infested the land and waters. They are actually pretty good friends.

He tastes like kiwis when smooched. He loves smooches with his beloved(s).

Pan plant! He's had crushes on norn, sylvari, humans, charr, and asura, of various genders and sexes. It doesn't come to mind. He is also willing to be polygamous if both he and his beloved(s) want it.

He and Riannoc were sort of romantically involved, in the sense that they had a mutual infatuation, but Trahearne had never said it. Riannoc did, many times, but Trahearne thought he had a different kind of love. It was only after Riannoc's death did he realize.

He is one of the Firstborn who will readily go without so younger generations of sylvari can have something. Especially food. Back when the secondborn were new, their first winter was brutal. He went hungry for several days to make sure the saplings had enough to stay alive. Mother and Kahedins had to force him to eat.

In Orr, he liked to lay where he could see the stars. He was never good at reading them, but he knew his siblings were looking at the same stars. It brought comfort, despite being so far away.

That "pod" in the Grove with a vista and no way to it from the bottom? The one you have to jump over a rail to get to? That was his home. Caithe and Faolain lived together, and Riannoc's home was altered to be a nursery for young sylvari. But his home has been left alone for the day he will return and live among them. He promised the other Firstborn. So they leave it for him.

He sometimes talks out loud to himself. Many times quiet whispering, but if he thinks he's alone, just talking. As if he's talking to someone else. It's something he started doing in Orr, imagining he was talking to someone else. Just so he didn't lose his mind in the solitude... save for ghosts.

He can "speak" Krytan Sign. He learned when a thirdborn emerged from their pod unable to hear anything. He taught the sapling and their luminary. It is now a common language in the Grove.

If you let him, he can talk for hours about Orrian history. He visibly lights up and gets bouncy on his feet the longer you let him.

He genuinely likes the cold. He prefers the cold. Orr is a very chilly place, especially if you're there without coats or blankets. Shortly after the Personal Story, he was at a point where even 70 (21) was too hot for him.

He loves fully and passionately. When he falls in love, people know. Even if he's terrified to admit it. Even if he needs a push to admit it, people know. He wants to. He doesn't want to lose his chance. But he needs a push to take initiative on his own life.

[pact-mom-kyrie]

Hello pals. It’s been One of Those Weeks, and I really, really need to think about something good. Something that makes me feel better, you know? A story that makes me feel happy and hopeful.

As always, shoutout to @disaster-bi-canach for the help, and @spiritofthetiger​ for making the small post that made ditch insomnia and write most of this at 2AM. This will go a bit personal because I have a lot of feelings and objectivity is a lie.

So, are you ready for the ride? Cool.

Let’s talk about Efram Greetsglory, Imperator of the Flame Legion.

One of the first things we, as players, know is this: the charr shamans are assholes. I don’t know the details, but the GW1 veterans among us know everything. They used to hang out with Pyre Fierceshot, and that guy was really pissed off with them, because of their deceit, their titan worshipping stuff and general jekass tyranny.

In GW2 you discover they have become the Flame Legion. Still alive, still burning everything, still treating charr females as second class people even after Kalla Scorchrazor kicked their asses in the most spectacular way. Their Imperator, Geheron Baelfire, wants to become a god (and almost does if it wasn't for a human, a charr, and some meddling adventurers). After the defeat, they join this maniac terrorist sylvari and create one of the worst refugee crises in Tyria. In short, they are still the absolute fucking worst.

And years later, in what has to be the greatest charr party ever, they are there. Like any other legion. With a flag and a camp and everything, just as if nothing had ever happened. Crecia Stoneglow, the most level headed character in the whole map, asks you to talk with their Imperator. After knowing Geheron Baelfire, you can expect the worst. I mean, they are the worst after all.

But then you arrive at their camp and something happens.

(By now you’re used to the staunch militaristic and practical outlook of the charr. You have fixed tanks, fought ghosts, and enjoyed a metal concert. Rough stuff. What is expected of huge furry spartan engineers. And once again, you have no reason to think it would be any different this time)

But the Flame Legion ‘Imperator’ doesn't want you to do magic or fetch stuff, he wants you to console cubs.

Female cubs, that is, including his daughter. The big guy representing The Misogynistic Legion™ wants you to assure little bullied girls that it will be alright, that they are strong and worthy. That they don’t have to be ashamed of their magic or their origins. And after you do it, he asks his daughter, in a concerned dad voice, how about going back to the fahrar, to give it another chance.

At this time, you just wonder what the hell is going on?! Is it a ploy? Is it a lie? Why? Why why why why? Who the hell is this guy?!

And you will have three episodes to know why: because the Flame Legion, under his leadership, has changed. A lot.

You hear about a bloody civil war, about them being a splinter cell tired of war and suffering. A Legion that curses their old Imperator, and now is facing cultural genocide by having their cubs being raised by others. You see their females fighting too, telling their own stories of how they were exploited, and now they feel ostracized for being from the Flame Legion.

You start to realize that maybe it's not a ploy. It’s real. And its represented by this big old charr with a lot of horns, the one that showed himself not as a political and military leader, but as a concerned dad. Efram Greetsglory, the ‘Imperator’, the leader of a band of charr who decided to listen to Crecia, a cub born from one of their own.

During the story, Efram calls out a war crime, threatening to kill Smodur the Unflinchable, a charr that commands one of the greatest war machines in Tyria. He always gives his enemies the benefit of surrender, he does not enjoy the fights and tries to honor the dead. After the assassination of Smodur, he recognized that the Iron Legion Imperator was right, that his people are poisoned to the bone. He is maybe one of the few charr that realizes that his militaristic culture is doomed to an endless cycle of blood and conquest.

And because of that, he gets called out for being soft, for being too forgiving. He knows his Legion wants to be recognized as part of a greater society. He understands why some have betrayed him and the other Imperators for the hollow promise of power, rebirth, and redemption. He is just… kind, totally, unexpectedly, incredibly, kind.

He is also one of the most powerful and badass elementalists you can find in-game. Huge fire tornadoes and power to melt solid doors made of ice and all that stuff. He is a shaman and has earned his place, no doubt. He could be one of the Baelfire pretenders (he even has the same outfit), but he isn’t. His kindness is a choice, not something that just happened. 

All of this to say something simple. I really love this guy.

Like damn, I love a lot of characters in this game who are just kind people, but I didn't expect a huge charr from The Problematic Legion™ to be one of them. One who is part of maybe the greatest unseen redemption story in the history of Tyria. A character that is not scared of change, who goes above and beyond to build a new world, a better world.

Now, in these harsh times, when everything seems to happen all  at once, this is the story I really want, one that I really need. So, with that, let’s begin again.

Hi, I'm Ren. I live in a harsh place, full of harsh people.

And I love Efram Greetsglory, because that huge cat shows us that to build a new world, we have to be kinder, to honor the good in everyone, to recognize the faults and the qualities of our cultures, and try to be better. Efram shows that the cure against Bangar, against fascist death cult bullshit, is to fight with a flaming fist and a merciful heart.

And that is amazing, and it has helped me a lot in these hard times.

So, thank you Anet. And thank you reader, for being here.

Never thought I would ever say this but… for Flame Legion.

[i-mybrunettelady]

50 / 31 / 19 look like very interesting prompts 👀

[ @thoseofuswhoblossom ]

Thank you for the ask!! And sorry for being a little late - had some trouble setting the scene, but now I finally have it!! Have some gay cats!!

--- prompt: I can’t keep kissing strangers and pretending that they’re you + People are staring

--- Black Citadel, 1319 AE

Thad got that promotion four days ago and for those four days, all they've been doing is drinking and celebrating. Their Centurion was of an understanding sort, for which Liv is thankful, as he thought he'd start hammering half-assed weapons with the pace that was placed on him and other engineers, and getting drunk is always good. Iron whiskey burns ever so good down your throat, you're with your warband, your crush looks so happy and Liv can't help but feel happy for him too.

It's the same crush that sinks his heart when he sees Thad pull another charr close and whisper something in their ear. Liv knows what it means and for a moment, Thad lifts his head and locks eyes with the engineer.

All Liv can offer is a shitty, weak grin after he drowns his cup. Thad looks a little... disappointed? worried? anxious? for a moment before he shouts, "I'll be back in a five!"

"So, cub," Danni Stormmender drawls, "when are you gonna get some Thad for ya?"

"I'm not a cub," Liv mutters into his cup. "Just because you're older than me doesn't mean I'm a cub."

"But you haven't fucked yet and no, Euryale doesn't count. So, you're a cub."

"We... tried," Liv offers weakly. "It's not my fault it wouldn't-"

"Cut it off Danni," Frieda roars from a nearby table. "For real, though, he just... asked you if you wanted to be in that charr's place and you refused?"

"He didn't ask! He looked at me!" Liv wants to crawl in a hole and die. Somewhere in Grothmar, preferably.

"That's how he asked," Frieda says gently. "Cogs, you're a lost cause."

"That's not how you ask someone to kiss you!" Liv groans, leaning back on the counter. "You-you approach them and you make advances and you-" He whimpers a little. "You don't make them jealous."

"Eh, you got a point there," Danni says. "Still, you shouldn't take it personally. You know he didn't mean to. It's charr."

Liv looks down, tasting shame on his tongue. First his magic, now this. He wants to be smaller, to shrink down to a size of a pebble. He’d be a very bad pebble, but at least he’d be better at it than being a charr.

Frieda shots Danni a look. Somewhere in the pub, Euryale yells. “I better go help her out,” Liv says, scrambling from his seat.

A few days later, he’s in his workshop. Sounds of the forge and metal, as well as smoldering heat, help take his mind away from the incident at the pub. His fur and mane stick to his skin as he hammers away at an axe, shirtless and comfortable in his big chair.

He doesn’t hear Thad approaching. “Liv,” he shouts and Liv looks up after a particularly hard stroke that make him grunt with exertion. “Smodur’s rusty eye, it’s so hot in here, how are you not on fire yet?”

“Flame legion dam,” Liv says jokingly, setting the hammer down.

“Yeah,” Thad rumbles and Liv suppresses a small gasp. That tone of his never fails to attract. “Anyways, I wanted to talk to you. About that thing in the pub.”

“Hammer’s down,” Liv says, leaning on the table. He can’t have chosen a worse moment, he thinks, sniffing the stench of sweat radiating from his body. He’s been in here all day, his arms hurt from the hammering, and he considers postponing.

Thad’s dark eyes look at him and he’s powerless to say anything more.

“I was... I was a jerk to you. Frieda slapped me on the tail for it the other day and I thought about it. Yeah, I was a big old jerk. You’re a good guy and I behaved like that. I’m sorry.”

“There’s nothing to forgive,” Liv says, blinking tears away. He’s charr, he can’t be affected by this shit, yet he is. “It’s fine. I’m fine.”

“Liar,” Thad curses. “You’re not fine. You’re my ‘bandmate. I shouldn’t treat you like this. You don’t deserve to get run over, especially by me, your legionnaire. Danni got an earful too. Just ‘cause he’s had partners before doesn’t mean he has the right to talk to you like that.” He sits on a nearby chair.

“I’m charr,” Liv says. “I shouldn’t-”

“Being a sissy and being hurt are two different things,” Thad roars. “Do you think Tribune Brimstone never gets hurt by shit others say? Imperator Smodur, Bangar?”

Liv is quiet.

“And, uh...” Thad’s voice gets quieter too, thick and heavy. “I can’t pretend those no-name charr are you anymore.”

“You-what?” Liv’s heart wants to leap out of his chest.

“Yeah. I’m glad you’re my ‘bandmate and all, but I really, really don’t wanna be just your friend.” Thad looks so anxious, while Liv stares in utter shock.

“Same,” he manages to say. “I, uh.. Same.” Very eloquent, Liv.

“Really?” Thad leans a little closer, nuzzles his snout against Liv’s mane.

“I probably smell like shit,” Liv mutters. “Cogs, I do smell like shit. But yes. Really.”

“Better than those scrappers after a punishing day,” Thad quips. “Remember them?”

“Oh yeah,” Liv chuckles, “poor sods. What did they do to deserve that?”

“Didn’t get the guy of their dreams,” Thad says and Liv suddenly feels like furnace swallowed him whole.

“You’re impossible,” Liv says fondly as he nuzzles Thad’s neck. “Just-impossible.”

[commander-rory]

I thought I would doodle up the current gw2 characters I have (or at least made in game thus far). I have three commanders in their own universes doing their own shenanigans. I’ll put some descriptions of these dweebs under a read more :D

Commander Rory - Asura Holosmith/Scrapper: He is by far my most played character. Rory sort of stumbled into the Commander role more by accident because he has a habit to run towards danger with the idea that he can be helpful in resolving whatever happens. He’s soft for a commander and for being an Asura, but he is definitely a workaholic. He’s the least likely to condescend because he’s excited to teach, and will always try to be anyone’s friend. Rory firmly believes ideas can come from anywhere, especially from the most unexpected places, so he enthusiastically likes to learn from others and try his own spin on things. He’s the krewe leader of Znappii, Rixxitt, Vallixx, and Quizzik. He adores Aurene, and later the Charr cub (who I’m currently developing aha) he adopts in the Charr civil war shenanigans.

Znappii - Asura Ranger: She is very dignified and reserved, but can also come across very arrogant and standoff-ish. This results from being disregarded by most Asura since she had a preference for understanding the natural world more than the technology they were developing. Rory’s earnest interest in her version of the pursuit of knowledge is what lead her to joining this krewe. She ends up cleaning up the messes that can result of her krewe’s shenanigans, especially of Rixxitt. Znappi relies on her panther, Blink, and spider, Webster. 

Rixxitt - Asura Elementalist: He’s beauty, he’s... not grace. Rixxitt is likeable, but by no means tactful. He will definitely do dangerous things for the sake of science, and will be the most likely source of trouble. He comes across as the “loveable idiot”, not because he’s actually stupid... rather just very impractical. His catchphrase could very much be “What’s the worst that could happen?”. Rixxitt is head-over-heels for Znappii. He joined this krewe upon Rory’s request after working together on some projects in their earlier days of Asuran college. 

Vallixx - Asura Mesmer: Acts as the krewe’s muscle in a lot of circumstances, and will handle the “dirty business” if need be. There is some secret joy in sticking it to the inquest when he gets the chance. Vallixx likes to use his abilities of illusions to his advantage and relies on intimidation to get his way. He is soft for Rory, but struggles with the fact his krewe leader is very oblivious to this. There never seems to be a right time to tell him either as Rory is always off doing something be it helping someone get their cat out of a tree or saving Tyria from certain doom. He joined the krewe because he was interested in where this particular band of misfits might go under the leader’s very open perspective to the world. 

Quizzik - Asura Necromancer: He comes across very stern and surly, but is actually a gentle soul. Social graces are not his strong suit, so he makes better friends with corpses than the living. As a brilliant scientist and strong voice of reason, he helps keep the krewe and their experiments from getting too out of hand. Quizzik is convinced Rory only asked him to be a part of his krewe out of pity, due to the lack of invitations and struggles to form his own lab krewe. He has learned over time that Rory respects his insight, and knowledge on how life connects even through death and “undeath”.

Dis Solvidottir - Norn Engineer: A friend of Rory. She met him while he was on a mission for the priory. She very much enjoyed working with him on a variety of projects, and treats him like a little brother. To be fair she likes to act like a big sister to everyone because she always wanted to be a big sister. So far she only has an older brother. Dis is very interested in making golems, but more inspired by nature. She wants to shape golems after the spirits and the wildlife around her as her way to pay respect to these beasts of legend. While she enjoys a good hunt, she is interested in being among the first Norn to “hunt the beasts in knowledge” to find the answers to the big questions out there and make a legend for herself out of that. Dis is determined to be known for her might both in body and in mind. 

Commander Nerys - Sylvari Necromancer: This young Sylvari found herself born into this role of being the Commander, but has many questions as to why. Her wyld hunt never seems to end despite each foe she faces, but she knows of nothing else. She is committed to this role feeling like she’s too deep to leave at this point, and trying to find a way to claim it as her own rather than feeling like something she was thrusted into without choice. Nerys comes across to other as someone who grown a thick shell of withered bark etched with wisdom while somehow being utterly naïve and young deep inside. The wisdom comes from the battles she has faced, while the youth and naivety comes from the fact she is still learning so much from the world around her. There are many moments where she still comes across things she has only heard of from the dream.

Numeria Scrapshield - Charr Engineer: This young Charr relies more on her wits than her strength, and is a proud member of the Ash legion. She’s soft at heart which gets her into a lot of trouble, so she does her absolute best to put on a tough act. Numeria meets Nerys in Elona during the hunt for Balthazar, working as one of the contact agents for the Order of Whispers. She admires the Commander’s strength despite the lack of experience she has lived in the world. 

Sianiss - Sylvari Ranger: Sianiss is a bold sylvari who isn’t afraid to say what she is thinking. She is bold and won’t stand for excuses, and loves the thrill of adventure. She was one of Nerys earliest friends who followed her beyond the grove to fulfill this grand wyld hunt she has been given. Sianiss struggled to make sense of her dream, but knew Nerys would somehow lead her where she was meant to go. Eventually after the death of Mordremoth she found her place as one who finds those who have been corrupted by the dragon and lead them back to some semblance of normality after the dragon’s corruption. Sianiss helps to heal the dragon’s corruption of the jungle as well, while learning the skills of survival from the natives who dwell there already. 

Zephyr - Sylvari Mesmer: A quiet Sylvari who has great compassion for living things. Zephyr follows Nerys acting as her right hand man when all else fails, and hopes to learn through her adventures of saving the world how to reach those who have become corrupted to the nightmare court. Overtime he has broadened this perspective to be a diplomat to try and unite the many races of Tyria, and not just the Sylvari themselves. He finds more success with the more “unwelcomed races” such as Skritt, Dredge, Grawl, and Centaurs than he does those who hold more power. 

Commander Qimmog - Asura Thief: This character was made to fit the more traditional Commander we see in game. Tactical and tempered through lots of strife. He’s sharp and a bit disgruntled which makes him difficult to approach. He had spent a period of time “undercover” among the inquest in the attempts to sabotage and dismantle some of their work within. With time Qimmog realized how corrupt the Arcane Council had become and has a strong distaste for the tolerance the council has for the inquest and their unethical research practices. He then turned his efforts to become a member of the Order of Whispers in the hopes through them he could dismantle the corruption within the council, but ended up focusing his attention on the bigger issues that come along in the in-game cannon. He has taken to the feisty, but reckless Jamie and acts as a mentor to her. He offers a lot of tough love in the attempt to push her towards the potential he sees. 

Jamie Shield - Human Revenant: Jamie is a young human, who also has a particularly youthful appearance and often gets treated like a child. She is determined to make a name for herself, following in the footsteps of her deceased parents. When she learned of the efforts being made to defeat Zhaitan, she was determined to take part and prove herself a worthy fighter. Qimmog saved her from nearly getting herself killed in one of the many battles of Orr, and she has stuck close by ever since with the ambition to one day return the favor to the Commander. Despite being treated as a nuisance by Qimmog, they have developed a good relationship. Jamie still has a lot left to learn, but she is growing under the Commander’s guidance. 

[kehideni]

Little fanfic because i can now.

Things to know: the commander here is Beasteye Denalien, an Ash Legion ranger. Working with canon backgrounds, with a sparckle of artistic freedom.

You can have shippy glasses on and also not, you decide. I personally have them on and if you ask i can explain why, eventhough i personally would prefer the commander to be asexual. (Which he still can be, but let's not go into that.)

Onto the fic:

"It was tough to find you Commander, Aurene is worried about you, you know."

The Commander was sitting on a rock that would pass as a chair for him. He was larger than the average charr, but still smaller than a well-grown adult norn. His back was to Caithe, one of the first born sylvari that promised herself to Aurene's cause, however the bonds they shared was clearly deeper than just aligning interests.

"Did you come in her name then? To check on me?" The Commander had decided to hide in Sun's Refuge, not answering the communicator if it was not an emergency. Once Kralkatorrik was gone and Aurene branded over her grandfather's very own, the underground safe-place was no longer needed. Those who could return to their lives did, those that lost everything have started over or they too joined Aurene, as part of the Crystal Bloom.

"Yes and no. Through our link with Aurene i sensed your trouble as well. I also wanted to make sure you are ok." As she told him her reasons she walked to the charr to sit next to him on the rock. That's when she noticed that her dear friend was holding an arrow. It was different looking that the rest he kept on his back in his quiver.

From the corner of his eyes he saw the questioning look on Caithe.

"It's the last arrow Eir crafted." He slowly and carefully spun it in his clawed fingers. "When we defeated Zhaitan and had that celebration in Fort Trinity she pulled me away."

-------------

"What is it?" Back then even his voice seemed less deep. The challenges of Tyria not yet taking their toll on the Ash Legion centurion. Hehh, he scoffed on the memory; back then that title still meant something to him.

Eir smiled, her wolf Garm wagged his tail excitedly next to her, as if he knew what his master was going to do.

"We just killed the Elder Dragon Zhaitan and you already think there must be something wrong if someone wants to talk to you?" She jabbed.

That caught the dark charr off guard, if the charr weren't covered in fur one would be able to see if they were blushing. Well, now a charr was blushing.

"No, nothing is wrong. I just noticed that your arrows are unique. I was wondering if you made them?" The smile never left her face, she looked like she just have been liberated from prison. Denalien didn't care to think why, but was happy for his friend all the same.

"OOOOHhhhh! Yeah, i make them. Specifically to pierce the enemy and to also hit hard."

"That's impressive! Look, let me show you MY arrows. I craft them myself too." She proudly reached back to her own quiver to pull out one.

"I prefer if my arrows are fast. So i make them flat." She presented the arrow, Denalien's eyes were sparking, the awe showing obviously on his feline face.

He reached carefully, intending to hold it in his hands, but at the last second Eir gasped and pulled her arms back a little.

"Are you interested in a trade? From one ranger to another, to one friend to another. I was thinking we trade one of our arrows to the other, and only use it for a special purpose." She playfully spun the arrow between her fingers.

The Commander didn't even take a second to think about the offer. "I'm interested!" He wagged his tail almost akin to Garm.

-------------------

The beat of silence after the short story was deafening to the sylvari. She was just about to ask something when Denalien's pet- Raphael, a red drake that never left his side - shook his whole body. It broke the silence, but the atmosphere didn't change much.

"I've decided i will keep it as a memento, if i can help it, it will be the last arrow i ever let lose."

Hearing that from someone Caithe considered so strong made her stomach churn. She didn't miss the fatalistic tone in his voice.

"Why are you here?" She honestly couldn't think of anything else to say. The time when Eir died was a low point in the friendship between her and the commander. She was eternally grateful that she managed to make up with him.

"..." The Commander has always been quiet like her 'So that's what it feels like...' Caithe tried to jest herself in her mind.

"Long before i met you, even Rytlock, i had a warband." That's strange, the Commander never spoke of his own past, atleast not to Caithe. Maybe she should talk with him more, she took note of this.

"The leader of my warband was called Howl the Brazen. He was almost the exact opposite of me. He was as charr as a charr can be, loved fighting, but even more loved us. He made us give each other mementos of ourselves saying it's a way for us to always be there for the others, even if we get separated." He turned to his loyal drake, pet it's head.

"Since most of them died i was named leader, and decided to took up this little habbit of collecting mementos."

Caithe just now noticed all the items that was piled in front of him. There were several minis-most of them charr, presumably of his warband, a bag in the shape of a white, spotted charr- she distantly remembers a charr akin to the bag hanging out with her leader. A sticker in the shape of a bomb, and most noticably the repaired greatsword of her people- Caladbolg.

She understood how heavily these losses weighed on him, but she still felt like there's something else. She didn't have to wonder a lot.

"I have nothing from Braham..." ohh... in hindsight she should have known, she heard what happened from Rytlock.

"He also has nothing from me." In all honesty Caithe hoped she could help him, as large was the charr next to her, he now looked so small. To her regret she didn't know what would help him, not even how to cheer him up, so in silence they sat. Raphael taking notice of Caithe, tried his hardest to snuggle up to her lap, almost reminded her of one of the cats that one day mysteriously appeared in her home in the Groove. Of course she never had the heart to push those cute and cuddly animals away, same as now, she let the red drake up her lap.

"I don't even know if Eir had a chance to use my arrow i gave her. I hope it helped her so that atleast i could save her in that one moment."

The crystallized sylvari seemed to be deep in thought. Suddenly her eyes grew bright, shining like diamonds. She reached for her chest, covered her big crystal flower with her palm, but the Commander didn't seem to address her motion.

"I want to trade with you!" She exclaimed. For now that successfully shocked Denalien out of his sorrowful mood. She revealed her right hand, she held a crystal-petal from her chestflower. The Commander wide-eyed didn't even know what to say.

"In exchange i waaaaaantt...." she didn't know what to ask for yet, but as she remarked his pile of mementos she finally had an idea. ".... a carving of yourself!" Raphael almost asleep suddenly yelped at her. "..And obviously of Raphael as well!" She smiled as the drake laid his head down on her lap once again, proof to her that she guessed correctly what he wanted.

The Commander suddenly stood up "But... that's... didn't it hurt to take off?!"

Ever a worry, she thought with a gentle smile. "No. Now take it, once you have the carving ready i expect you to find me!" To this her friend finally smiled what seemed to be the first in a long long time.

"How do you expect me to find you? You are always the one to find me! Need i remind you i never noticed you were following me for who knows how long before you revealed yourself to me, righ here?"

Oh, Caithe remembers, she remembers finding him in Jahai Bluffs, she remembers how she saw him with a woman she later learned was called Zafira, she followed him all the way here when she learned he'd enter the Mists with a little asuran golem. She remembers how worried she was for him and how relieved, when she saw him alive, and immediatelly after his face when they learned what happened to Blish- the companion who was there for him in his need. The reason she didn't reveal herself till that moment was that she was ashamed, ashamed for not being there for her friend.

"Don't worry, i will allow you to find me." She chuckled, trying to keep the lighter mood up as long as she could.

"Give it to me." Denalien asked her gently. "I accept this trade."

Caithe felt awkward a bit, like she just have stayed her welcome. Gently she pushed Raphael off her lap, who whined a bit.

"I probably should go... don't keep us waiting for long. We all need you, come back to us when you're ready."

The charr finally stood tall, that's what he is supposed to look like to her. Tall and strong, unshakable.

"...Could you stay? I no longer wish to be alone, but i can't face everyone yet."

That was a pleasant surprise for Caithe.

"Of course!"

-----------

The airship was going down, big vines tore the fleet apart right in front of her, as if it was made out of paper. She was running out of arrows, and several sylvari just turned on them, as if they are not in enough danger as it is.

They were about to flank both Logan and Zojja, they lined up perfectly but she had only one arrow left!

It was exactly what she needed to save her friends in the chaos.

"Thank you, Commander!" She panted and let loose her last arrow, successfully saving both Logan and Zojja from an untimely death.

[axe-trio-commanders]

A Helpful Pamphlet

(HoT spoilers and mild PoF spoilers inbound!)

An Introductory Guide to Sylvari

By Rem

Do you find yourself suddenly accompanied by strange, walking plants? Do you find yourself utterly filled with questions about these plants? Congratulations! Given that these plants are not choya, aggressive mushrooms with legs, or a piece of actual celery you assume has sentience after attempting to consume said aggressive mushrooms with legs, you have very likely met a Sylvari!

Due to overwhelming amount of unwanted questions request, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions!

Q: What is a sylvari?

A: I don't know, what is a human? Do you want philosophy? A sylvari is a sentient being, much like any human is, but made mostly of plant matter and magic.

Q: Where did you come from?

A: With very few exceptions as of this date, Sylvari originate in Tyria, in a place called the Grove. The Grove is located relatively close to the Maguuma jungle, East of Rata Sum, and South of Divinity's reach, and is sculpted between and in the branches and roots of the Pale Tree- the singular tree from which the vast majority of sylvari sprout.

Q: Can you eat food?

A: Why is this always the third question you ask? Why do you need to know? Yes. We can also digest it. Please do not ask us to demonstrate repeatedly over the course of five days. This is why we don't talk to you. as it makes things incredibly awkward.

Q: Are all sylvari necromancers?

A: No. Sylvari have just as wide a range of abilities and magical attunement as you do.

Q: Are sylvari agents of Joko?

A: Why? Why would you think that? We just got here a month ago and most of us didn't know he existed why would we even No.

Q: Can sylvari talk to other plants?

A: Only when we're very very lonely No. The closest we get is the vaguest feeling of a plant's energy, which tends to be about as vague as its smell, and is overall rather unhelpful in most cases.

Q: Can sylvari make crops grow better?

A: Some can, though not all. Some sylvari are capable of building entire structures solely from vegetation. Others try and accidentally set them on fire instead. Still, plants cannot grow without proper nutrition and water.

Q: Why haven't I heard of Sylvari before?

A: In all likelihood, it is because sylvari have only existed since how old is trahearne again 1302AE, or, by the date of this publication, 28 years!

Q: Can sylvari reproduce?

A: Why would you phrase it like that? Why would you ask that in the middle of a crowded street? What is wrong with you, stop it As of this publication, no. Please for mother's sake do not take that as a challenge I will stab you in the knees do not press the issue around strangers.

Q: Can sylvari drink?

A: Yes. And still wipe the floor with you afterwards. [Please stop threatening people in the introductory pamphlet]

Q: Are all sylvari this aggressive?

A: We certainly aren't deaf. Generally, no. Many sylvari are characterized by curiosity and, especially in the young, some level of innocence. Still, exceptions to this are fairly common. Some of us have simply been around long enough to know better. [Rem you’re seven years old are you okay]

Q: I heard sylvari are servants of an elder dragon. Is that true?

A: Unfortunately, it was, but the elder dragon in question is dead, so this is no longer something any of us have to worry about! However, it is appreciated that you avoid bringing up the topic, as it tends to bring up a whole lot of trauma tends to be a sensitive subject. And I'm pretty sure helping to kill the d[[l]/[ snake proves our allegiances, now doesn't it?

Q: Do sylvari have families?

A: Yes, though perhaps not in the ways you're thinking. Many sylvari will call each other siblings, as they all share the same Mother, but many will form their own families by themselves- sometimes, even with other races. Look, sometimes a family is four plants, an oversized cat and a very small and cute dragon, that's just how life is. Sylvari are never quite children, however, and awaken [probably not the best word to use here] enter the waking world fully formed, physically adults, already having attained enough information from the Dream- primarily the collected knowledge and memories of other sylvari- to function more-or-less properly in the rest of Tyria. Sylvari are not yet known to age physically. Just gain trauma.

Q: Why are you so small?

A: Why are you so tall? Why are charr covered in fur? Why are you so keen on knowing whether or not I can digest food? The world will never know.  [You have to actually answer the questions, Rem.] Sylvari, much like humans, come in several shapes and sizes! In fact, many sylvari are able to intentionally modify their own appearance. This is generally a rather slow process, however, and takes both time and energy.

Q: Do sylvari have taste?

A: Better taste than your sous chef. Indeed they do! Many sylvari have even chosen to become chefs for this and other reasons. And most of them are probably better sous chefs.

Q: What is a cycle?

A: None of you have ever asked this, I just wanted to make sure it was clear beforehand. A sylvari’s cycle most simply depends on when they were born! There are night cycle, noon cycle, dawn cycle, and dusk cycle sylvari. Though there are again, of course, exceptions, sylvari will tend towards certain attributes based on these cycles. For example, those of the noon cycle are more prone towards combat and actions and words, those of the dawn cycles tend to be natural diplomats, those of the dusk cycle are drawn towards intellectual pursuits, and those of the night cycle tend towards secrecy. Therefore, it is simple enough to deduce that if you felt the need to ask more questions, a dawn cycle sylvari would likely be more willing to answer them than a night cycle sylvari. If they’re handing you this pamphlet, chances are they’re a night or noon cycle sylvari. From personal experience, we need them. You lot are more insensitively curious than certain asura sometimes.

An important note: The night cycle and the nightmare court have no correlation whatsoever.

Q: Can sylvari sense the amount of poison in a plant? A: No. Unfortunately, we have to discover that information the same way anyone else does. Testing them on sous chefs. [Rem what do you have against the sous chef?]

Q: Can sylvari bleed? A: Is that a threat? That sounds like a threat. I’m marking you under ‘very possibly suspicious’. Yes. Technically, a sylvari bleeds a sort of sap rather than blood, but there isn’t much functional difference. Definitely tastes different, though. [I’m hesitant to ask how you know this.]

Q: Are sylvari related to choya? A: Only Canach No. [Kormir help me.]

Q: If I have more burning incessant annoying questions to ask, where should I go to find answers? A: Literally anyone else As mentioned before, there are sylvari who are skilled in diplomacy! The easiest way to find answers to your questions would be to find a Pact representative and present your problems request for knowledge. There is almost certainly someone available to excitedly answer your questions! Pretty big chance that it’ll be someone from the priory who will keep talking about it for five hours straight, but I guess I can’t fault them for being excited about something. It really is sort of nice to listen to- especially if you bring snacks. Unless they steal all of your snacks. Okay sometimes even if they steal all of your snacks just bring more of them and you’ll be fine, the smile on their face is worth it anyways. Also if you find out that it’s trahearne tell him he’s supposed to be retired, I know he’s worried but he really really needs to be resting right now and I can be just as worried back

A first draft, written in 1330, shortly after Pact arrival in Elona

Edited by Kasmeer Meade

[ash-trash]

🐱 - 🏡 - 🛡️ for Rakk Smokewraith and Ink Voidbreath

(( Ink’s answers may contain Lunar plotline spoilers. ))

🐱 Were they modeled after a specific feline? Maybe a combination of some? If not, what was your inspiration?

Rakk Smokewraith: Rakk wasn’t modeled after any sort of specific feline, and I usually don’t make my charr after specific cats. That said - Rakk was one of the first characters I made, in my first weekend playing the game. At the time, I knew nothing about GW2 lore and very little about Charr, and Rakk is actually one of the few from that era that isn’t based off a pre-existing character, so... Honestly, his character looks was basically “I want something very edgy and Ashy”, hence the name and the fact that he’s dark primarily. The lighter stripes were just because I liked the inverse tiger pattern, I guess!

Ink Voidbreath: OKAY SO! Ink was originally a villain concept for Lunar’s Drizzlewood plotline but I loved them too much to let them die, and I ended up reforming/making them as a character. It actually started when I heard the song “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd (( Yes, I’m basic. )), and the phrase “drowning in the night” really stuck with me, even out of context. I began to think of that literally, and as I’d been replaying a lot of GW1 lately (where my main is an Assassin), I had some of the Assassin’s shadowy magic abilities on the mind (especially with EoD coming up!), and I thought about mixing the two: a character who specialized in ancient magicks, manipulating shadows and darkness. Literally drowning in the “night”. As far as their physical looks, I... admittedly went very shamelessly aesthetic with this. Breath (the villain warband) was named for both breath weapons and... also the fact that I shamelessly indulged my aesthetic and had them have visible elemental breath (eg, Firebreath’s exhalations would have little bits of fire, Frostbreath’s have icy mist, and Ink’s... have this thick black “smoke” (basically elemental darkness. Shut up, it’s aesthetic.)). Other than that, I got hit with another inspiration brick and decided that I wanted them to be sort of Okami-themed (the “ink” part of the aesthetic), and be a white base Charr with a black pattern that shifts and swirls, actually being composed of their magic.

TL;DR Ink’s inspiration was “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd, GW1′s Assassin, and Amaterasu from Okami.

🏡 Where do they live? 

Rakk Smokewraith: Although Rakk’s cover identity lives in the Citadel, he doesn’t really spend a lot of time there. He’s often out and about wherever undercover renegades/traitors/Flame are hiding, meaning he spends a lot of time in Ebonhawke, Divinity’s Reach, Lion’s Arch, and smaller encampments everywhere. Lately, he’s been in Grothmar a lot. If he had to choose a place to make his residence, he’d probably say Divinity’s Reach. Although he’s not much for humans, he does like a few things about them - they tend to smell nice, they’re smaller than him, and they prioritize comfort. DR is a city where he can get good food, a plush bed, plentiful drink, lots of grooming supplies, and still be big enough to push people around.

Ink Voidbreath: For a long while, Ink hasn’t really had a home, traveling to where their sense of duty takes them. Often, that tended to be field camps, in various renegade caves and strongholds, and most recently, in various Dominion encampments. Now that they’re “free”, they’re trying to stay unnoticed, especially with all the anti-Charr sentiment lately, and finding themselves staying in slums, thieves’ holds, and other unsavory places... However, if Ink could choose a place where they’d like to live... they’d probably say a quiet cabin in some idyllic mountain valley somewhere. Something supremely peaceful, with lots of quiet, and calm, and a minimum of neighbors. Maybe some fields of wildflowers. If forced to pick on a map, probably somewhere in the Woodland Cascades, well-isolated from the events of the world.

🛡️ Weapons?

Rakk Smokewraith: Being primarily Ash, Rakk’s weapons of choice are his daggers. However, they’re mostly for show. He’s a runt, and he knows it, and so when it actually comes to combat, he prefers to let his necromancy do the fighting. Between undead minions and dark magic, he’s got enough tricks up his sleeve to handle just about anything he needs to. Although he carries a pistol to keep up appearances, and knows how to use it, he’s a terrible shot, and so it’s mostly just for show. He doesn’t have any sort of sentimental attachment to his weapons, and isn’t really the sentimental kind of Charr to begin with. What matters most to him is usually how good/fancy it looks, with a little bit of focus on how well-made it is. Usually, the more expensive, the better ;)

Ink Voidbreath: Ink, fitting with their training and their chosen expertise, also prefers dual daggers! Although they have a lot of potent magic at their disposal, a lot of it isn’t solely offensive, so they have to rely on their weapons a lot. They tend to be pretty confident with any sort of bladed weapon, though light-weight is better. They’ve tried to forge weapons from shadow magic, or simply enhance their weapons with their magic, but to no success yet - nothing competes with good steel, and they’ve made sure that their daggers are the best quality. As far as special attachment to any sort of weapon, Ink does have a special knife! Upon graduating from the Fahrar, Ink’s initial warband all received custom trench knives - the finest material, and engraved artistically - both a weapon and a work of art. Now, given that it’s all they have to remember their initial warband with, it’s too precious to fight with, especially given how revealing/identifying the engraving would be.

[whiskeyworen]

Tenna and the Mystery Potion

“Wait a minute....” Tenna paused, still tasting the odd flavor of the liquid she’d poured into her chalice. “This definitely isn’t the wine I ordered.” Rolling the odd, spicy taste around in her mouth, she picked up the bottle and examined it. What she’d thought was a label for her favorite wine was instead some elaborate note written in a language she couldn’t read. What the Sprocket? I know how to read all the major languages and this isn’t any of them! Just what had she drunk? She’d ordered her wine as an after-dinner drink; a palate-cleanser before she headed out. It was one of the reasons she loved eating at this restaurant. So why had she been given...this?

When she quizzed the maitre d’, he’d expressed confusion and embarassment; it was NOT one of their collection, and he had no idea how it made it to her table. After begging her not to abandon their establishment (she wouldn’t have anyway; her meal was delicious, even if the drink was unusual), he comped her meal for her. On her way out, she left a small stack of gold on the table anyway; it was just the way she was. But just as she was leaving, Tenna was struck with a momentary wave of dizziness. Was it the drink? Before she could parse it any further, she heard it. In the distance, echoing over the city... Ḿ̵̺̟̳͎͙̣̠̋́̈́̅͂̎͜͝È̴̦̞̕O̵̻̲̬̱̙̿̏̚͝W̶̫̝̳̼͋̏͆͘.̷̧̖͓͗̽.̴̡̰̗̪͖́̋͒̉͘.̸̳̖̉̀̀͑̌͑̓

“Wha....what the heck was that?” She asked herself. She looked around, wondering if anyone else had heard the same thing. No one passing her in the street had reacted to the echoing, rumbling Ḿ̵̺̟̳͎͙̣̠̋́̈́̅͂̎͜͝È̴̦̞̕O̵̻̲̬̱̙̿̏̚͝W̶̫̝̳̼͋̏͆͘.̷̧̖͓͗̽.̴̡̰̗̪͖́̋͒̉͘.̸̳̖̉̀̀͑̌͑̓. “Uh... Aspect? Did you pick up anything... strange... near LA in the last few minutes?” Tenna asked, pulling out her comm. “Audio, physical or anything?”

“Negative, Tenna.” Aspect called back from the ship. “No audio disruption beyond the norm detected. There is however, a mild fluctuation in ley fields. I cannot account for it, but I presume it to be natural.” “Where... uh where about would that fluctuation be?” She asked unsurely, casting a glance at the harbor. “Just asking. I might go get some closer readings if it’s nearby?” Ḿ̵̺̟̳͎͙̣̠̋́̈́̅͂̎͜͝È̴̦̞̕O̵̻̲̬̱̙̿̏̚͝W̶̫̝̳̼͋̏͆͘.̷̧̖͓͗̽.̴̡̰̗̪͖́̋͒̉͘.̸̳̖̉̀̀͑̌͑̓ She twitched at the rumble. Oh yeah. It definitely came from the harbor area. Whatever it was, it sounded as big as a Dragon Champion. Like Tequatl or one of the Shatterers. Her unease grew when Aspect replied, completely oblivious to the echoing Ḿ̵̺̟̳͎͙̣̠̋́̈́̅͂̎͜͝È̴̦̞̕O̵̻̲̬̱̙̿̏̚͝W̶̫̝̳̼͋̏͆͘.̷̧̖͓͗̽.̴̡̰̗̪͖́̋͒̉͘.̸̳̖̉̀̀͑̌͑̓. “The fluctuation is in the mouth of the bay, near the lighthouse. Shall I dispatch Jagad to pick you up?” Jagad was the name of her Axejaw skyscale. “Yeah...and if you could send Ceto to the lighthouse, I’d appreciate it. Jagad is great, but I don’t want to keep him over the bay. We might end up taking a bath.” Ceto was her “They are on their way. Let me know if you need anything else, Tenna.” Aspect replied, before disconnecting. It would only be a few minutes before Jagad arrived. She’d use that time to try to get her racing heart under control.

It didn’t take long. For anything. Ḿ̵̺̟̳͎͙̣̠̋́̈́̅͂̎͜͝È̴̦̞̕O̵̻̲̬̱̙̿̏̚͝W̶̫̝̳̼͋̏͆͘.̷̧̖͓͗̽.̴̡̰̗̪͖́̋͒̉͘.̸̳̖̉̀̀͑̌͑̓ Tenna shuddered as Jagad flew her over the bay. The fog was thick this evening, so she couldn’t really see much but... No... there was definitely something in the bay. “Jagad... Do you see that?”  She asked her mount. The Axejaw just glanced back at her, puzzled, for a moment before looking forward again. Just by the way he’d set his head and neck, the relaxed way he moved, she could tell he didn’t see what she was seeing. Or he did, but he was entirely used to it, and it was just that she was finally seeing it. Ḿ̵̺̟̳͎͙̣̠̋́̈́̅͂̎͜͝È̴̦̞̕O̵̻̲̬̱̙̿̏̚͝W̶̫̝̳̼͋̏͆͘.̷̧̖͓͗̽.̴̡̰̗̪͖́̋͒̉͘.̸̳̖̉̀̀͑̌͑̓ “T-take me down near the lighthouse. I can see Ceto down there.” She pointed with a shaky finger. “You wait nearby, okay? I...I think I’m gonna need you pretty soon.” The skyscale made a dismissive grunt noise, and wheeled down to the rocks below. There, Tenna hopped onto Ceto’s saddle, and steered the Skimmer out into the bay.... towards... It. Ḿ̵̺̟̳͎͙̣̠̋́̈́̅͂̎͜͝È̴̦̞̕O̵̻̲̬̱̙̿̏̚͝W̶̫̝̳̼͋̏͆͘.̷̧̖͓͗̽.̴̡̰̗̪͖́̋͒̉͘.̸̳̖̉̀̀͑̌͑̓

Much to her surprise, or lack there of it, she was not the only one there. Tenna wondered how many of the people gathered in the bay, in boats and on skimmers, had been given a mysterious potion today. It didn’t matter though. Nothing mattered except the mystery before her. It was bigger than a galleon. Twice as big, in fact. Treading water slowly in the bay, completely at peace and relaxed. As it bobbed in the waves, she felt its gaze passing over everyone in front of it, and with it, a thrill of terror and pleasure. Smoky grey with faint striping, it was, in truth... an enormous cat. Ḿ̵̺̟̳͎͙̣̠̋́̈́̅͂̎͜͝È̴̦̞̕O̵̻̲̬̱̙̿̏̚͝W̶̫̝̳̼͋̏͆͘.̷̧̖͓͗̽.̴̡̰̗̪͖́̋͒̉͘.̸̳̖̉̀̀͑̌͑̓ She expected the meow to be deafening at this range, but it was muted. It was more like an ambient noise, leaking through all of reality itself, almost without direction. What WAS this thing? That’s when it bobbed a bit higher in the water, and she caught sight of something. Even as the enormous household cat bobbed, a smile seeming to form on its face, Tenna reeled back, pulling herself and Ceto away, heading for the cliffs where Jagad sat and preened his scales. She pulled her comm out and called Aspect urgently. “Aspect. I’m leaving my comm open for the next few hours. I need to go, but I want to be monitored. Is there any other disturbances like this one that your sensors can feel?” “Acknowledged, Tenna. I’ll keep the channel open. I’m counting five more ley fluctuations that match this one’s scale. They are nowhere near danger levels, but they are somewhat noticable if you you know what to look for.” “Where’s the nearest one?” Tenna leapt onto Jagad’s saddle, while signalling Ceto to go back ‘home’. “Divinity’s Reach. Somewhere near the Dwayna plaza. I cannot tell precisely though. Will you be able to find it?” The asura glanced back at the giant cat swimming in the bay, and nodded to herself. “Oh... I think I’ll find it fairly easily.”

Ducking through the Lion’s Arch gate to the Reach on a skyscale was reckless, but simple for Tenna. Hopping off, she let him roost on a rooftop while she looked around. It did not take long. Ḿ̵̺̟̳͎͙̣̠̋́̈́̅͂̎͜͝È̴̦̞̕O̵̻̲̬̱̙̿̏̚͝W̶̫̝̳̼͋̏͆͘.̷̧̖͓͗̽.̴̡̰̗̪͖́̋͒̉͘.̸̳̖̉̀̀͑̌͑̓ There, looming over the protective barrier wall outside the Western Commons... was another cat. This one she couldn’t even imagine how big it was. How high was the city wall? There were entire miniature towns lining the top of the wall, micro-cities of noble housing stuck like mushrooms onto the sides rising into the sky. And this cat towered above it. Ḿ̵̺̟̳͎͙̣̠̋́̈́̅͂̎͜͝È̴̦̞̕O̵̻̲̬̱̙̿̏̚͝W̶̫̝̳̼͋̏͆͘.̷̧̖͓͗̽.̴̡̰̗̪͖́̋͒̉͘.̸̳̖̉̀̀͑̌͑̓ From the way it was leaning, Tenna guessed that it was standing on the ground outside, with its front paws on the wall itself. And yet, no one was freaking out. She called Jagad down and flew him over for a closer look. Once again, the giant cat looked around and over her, and just being in its presence, she felt that thrill again. Now she recognized it; it was the feeling of fondness when a family pet sat on your lap. That happy sensation. And there, on this big tomcat was... Ḿ̵̺̟̳͎͙̣̠̋́̈́̅͂̎͜͝È̴̦̞̕O̵̻̲̬̱̙̿̏̚͝W̶̫̝̳̼͋̏͆͘.̷̧̖͓͗̽.̴̡̰̗̪͖́̋͒̉͘.̸̳̖̉̀̀͑̌͑̓ She reeled Jagad back, heading for the asura gate. It was quicker and cheaper to use the gate than to pay the fee to use the Waypoints to get where she was going....

“Tenna, just what are you encountering?” Cyrus asked over the comm. Apparently Aspect had notified him of what was going on. Of her odd behaviour. “Cyrus, I don’t know if you’re gonna believe me.” She said slowly, staring at the sad-faced, stub-tailed tabby floating beside the College of Dynamics. The giant cat that was floating there, treading air like it should be treading water, and looking entirely comfortable there. Ḿ̵̺̟̳͎͙̣̠̋́̈́̅͂̎͜͝È̴̦̞̕O̵̻̲̬̱̙̿̏̚͝W̶̫̝̳̼͋̏͆͘.̷̧̖͓͗̽.̴̡̰̗̪͖́̋͒̉͘.̸̳̖̉̀̀͑̌͑̓ “...I’m seeing giant cats, Cyrus. Giant, very real cats. I think there’s one in each capital.” Ḿ̵̺̟̳͎͙̣̠̋́̈́̅͂̎͜͝È̴̦̞̕O̵̻̲̬̱̙̿̏̚͝W̶̫̝̳̼͋̏͆͘.̷̧̖͓͗̽.̴̡̰̗̪͖́̋͒̉͘.̸̳̖̉̀̀͑̌͑̓ “....and I’m hearing them no matter where I go. When they meow, it’s like the world flexes a little.” She paused, and sighed. “I’m butchering this explanation.” There was silence from the other end of the comm. When Cyrus came back, he was a bit more serious, which surprised her. He should have been laughing, or at least sighing in frustration. “Tenna, we are reading disturbances at each spot you’ve gone to, where you’ve seen a ‘giant cat’. It’s possible that...well...maybe they are real? But for some reason you can see them where the rest of us can’t.” “I was given a weird potion instead of wine by accident at dinner tonight.” She pointed out. “If it affects vision and causes hallucinations... I don’t feel messed up or anything.” “What if it wasn’t meant to be hallucinatory, but the opposite?” Cyrus pointed out. “What if... run with me here... what if you’re seeing some aspect of reality that’s just denied to the rest of us?” “....I’m gonna head to the Black Citadel.” She replied flatly. A few minutes later, she was walking out of the gate in Charr lands.

“It’s here too.” She called back tiredly. The stress of all of this was getting to her. Even though she could see that some few people could see the same thing she was looking at... no one was talking about it at all. They just... stared at it, and murmured. It didn’t help that this one was wearing a witch’s hat for some reason. “...if I see one in Hoelbrak, Cyrus, I’m coming back to the ship, and I’m gonna lock myself in my room for a while.”

“My ears be damned.... There’s one here too.” She sighed. She stared at the proud, orange tabby. It lorded over Hoelbrak with a confidence that was kind of adorable when one thought of it in terms of a housecat, and not a Dragon-sized cat. Ḿ̵̺̟̳͎͙̣̠̋́̈́̅͂̎͜͝È̴̦̞̕O̵̻̲̬̱̙̿̏̚͝W̶̫̝̳̼͋̏͆͘.̷̧̖͓͗̽.̴̡̰̗̪͖́̋͒̉͘.̸̳̖̉̀̀͑̌͑̓ Around it’s neck was.... “That’s it. I’m coming home and going to bed. I’ve had enough.”

Back on the Forsaken Aspect, Tenna brushed off everyone’s questions, and headed for her quarters. She locked the door, turned off Aspect’s comm connection in her room, and went to flop into bed. Before she did though, she paused, picked up a dataslate, and quickly entered a few notes into it. Satisfied she’d written enough, she tossed it onto a pile of papers, and flopped onto the bed, pulling a pillow over her head in a vain attempt to block out the inevitable echoing... Ḿ̵̺̟̳͎͙̣̠̋́̈́̅͂̎͜͝È̴̦̞̕O̵̻̲̬̱̙̿̏̚͝W̶̫̝̳̼͋̏͆͘.̷̧̖͓͗̽.̴̡̰̗̪͖́̋͒̉͘.̸̳̖̉̀̀͑̌͑̓ Of all the things she’d noticed while gaping at those giant cats, there were a few things that bothered her. Really bothered her. She’d recorded her questions on the slate, which still glowed from the pile of papers she’d discarded it on. Question 1: Why are they housecats? Every single one, without fail, even the one with the witch hat, was a domesticated animal. No wild lynx. No tiger. Nothing like that. Just...housecats. Question 2: Where are they from? Were they, as Cyrus tenatively suggested, part of some level of reality completely unknown? Some side dimension that lived alongside the regular? It wouldn’t be so surprising, given the Mists and the vagaries thereof. They lived in a world of magic, phantoms, demons, dragons and gods. Who knew how deep the layer cake of the world could slice? and finally, the question that had bothered her the most. Question 3: WHO collared them and NAMED them? Each cat had been collared. The one in Rata Sum had a bauble bangle. Others just had simple leather collars. The first one, in Lion’s Arch? It had a tag that, after showing Cyrus the letters she’d seen, he’d declared with some surprise that it read ‘BURGER’ in a language he was familiar with. As big as these cats were... someone had collared and named them. Someone much bigger than them. Ḿ̵̺̟̳͎͙̣̠̋́̈́̅͂̎͜͝È̴̦̞̕O̵̻̲̬̱̙̿̏̚͝W̶̫̝̳̼͋̏͆͘.̷̧̖͓͗̽.̴̡̰̗̪͖́̋͒̉͘.̸̳̖̉̀̀͑̌͑̓

[canid-slashclaw]

The Outliers - A Guild Wars Love Story

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9,  Chapters 10 and 11 

Chapter 12

Amalthia My Love,

I can't wait to see you again! As I'm writing this letter, I've been reading up on your peoples' mating habits and learned that grooming is a female's way of signaling she is available. Had I known you were available, I would have been ready and willing to perform my duties in a heartbeat. I did the measurements and we are pretty close to the same size so I don't think "that" will be much of an issue.

Sorry if I come off as sounding lustful. It's just that I can't get that image of you out of my mind. Even my sisters are complaining that I'm spending too much time in the bathroom.

Okay. Okay. I should probably close that "sinful" book for awhile and take a cold shower. Anyway, you are always on my dirty mind...

Your not-so furry "friend",

Kaleb

Amalthia rested her chin against the palm of her hand as she let out a wistful sigh.

You poor boy... one of these days something vital is going to explode if you keep thinking about things like that.

The doorbell whistle sounded as she heard the shuffle of a very familiar set of footsteps.

Kaleb!

She quickly threw on a light overcoat then slipped into her most comfortable pair of silken breeches and finally laced up her favorite pair of open-toed boots. Like any good engineer, she brought along a few gadgets as well including a micro spanner and butane torch.

One never knows when such things will come in handy. Especially when an event is run by a bunch of cheaters and riff raff.

As she came down the stairs she saw Kaleb standing by the door holding a bouquet of freshly cut lilacs. He smiled at her then handed her the flowers along with another folded letter.

"This is just a 'thank you' gift for all that you've done for me," he smiled as he handed her the flowers.

She took the bouquet, looked over it for a moment seemingly puzzled then gave him a quick hug. "Dead flowers that will never grow and wilt within the next three days. How thoughtful of you!"

"Well, I had considered snagging some half-rotten fish that had washed up along the shoreline. But then I thought about it and said, 'nah... she would think me a cheapskate if I didn't spend an excessive amount for a bushel of dead, overpriced flowers," Kaleb chuckled.

"Seriously, they're lovely. Flowers are used as tokens of affection in our culture as well. They are pretty universal, I guess." Amalthia took the bundle, dunked them in a decorative metal cylinder then filled it up with water from the faucet behind the meat counter.

"Where's your father? He's always been by the counter to greet me whenever I come here." Kaleb looked around and neither saw nor heard any trace of him.

Amalthia waved for him to come up the stairs. "He's sleeping at the moment. I'll explain more once we have a little more privacy."

Kaleb pursed his lips and nodded as he followed her up. Once they were both in her room, she closed the door then walked over towards the workbench and handed him the two pistols she had modified.

"I cut the handles down considerably. The center of gravity shifted so I added some extra weights to compensate," she said as she watched Kaleb getting a feel for the newly modified weapons.

"Wow! The balance on these is to a tee. I can't wait to fire them. Hey! Are you still up for the carnival?"

"What a silly question. Just let me grab my coin bag and broadsword then we can both be on our way." She smiled as she strapped the heavy sword to her belt buckle.

"Don't worry about the coinage. That's on me. Father and I made quite a bit this past week from one of our clients, so we are all good in that department."

The two of them headed out from the upstairs loft exit then headed down towards the center of the town square. Amalthia's braided golden mane fluttered in the breeze, her brass ankle circlets jingling in rhythmic steps to the tempo of a minstrel band far off in the distance.

"So what's up with your father? It's odd not seeing him there to greet me when I come in," Kaleb said with concern.

Amalthia shrugged her shoulders. "I'm not really sure. Shortly after you left, he seemed really down about something. When I opened the cooler this morning, a whole cask of mead had been consumed. We just bought the thing the day before yesterday and it's already gone."

"Oh no. Maybe it was all the war memories that were dredged up following what happened yesterday."

"I don't believe it's that, quite honestly. There is something else afoot." Amalthia pondered.

"Yanno. I wish we could at least hold hands. I hate not being able to show any open displays of affection towards you."

She gave him a reassuring look. "Kaleb. Don't go there. Remember what we talked about. Let's enjoy the carnival, as friends."

Yeah. "Friends", he thought as he turned away with a disappointed expression.

The carnival atmosphere was thick with a crescendo of noise and the aroma of cheap foods. As the pair perused the various entertainment booths, Kaleb happened to spot a shooting gallery nestled in between two eateries. He tugged her shirtsleeve then pointed towards the booth while giving a thumb's up gesture.

"Wanna try?"

"Kaleb. Those things are rigged!" She protested.

Pointing towards her pocket, he winked at her. "So rig it in our favor."

She placed her clawed index finger next to her upper lip as she thought about it for a moment. Upon seeing the array of prizes that were available, she suddenly had a flash of inspiration.

"Okay! I just give me a few," she loped briefly on all fours then stopped by the booth, stood up and scanned the targets that were arranged in the shooting gallery.

The carnival attendant stood half slouching looking as if he had smoked one too many bundles of prairie weed. Amalthia began counting her footsteps as she started walking from the back of the pavilion to the front.

"Ten and a half yards. Remember that number, mouse."

"Uhh. What?" The dreary-eyed kid said with a half-attentive look on his face.

"I wasn't talking to you, mouse. Kaleb. You got that?"

"I do," he smiled, deducing what she had in mind.

"Pink quaggen plushie, please."

"Umm. You gotta hit the targets first uhhh... sir? Miss?"

"Don't worry... won't."

"Uhhh. What?"

"Miss."

"Amalthia - shame on you for confusing this poor creature. Can't you see he is bereft of his intoxicant?" Kaleb said mockingly.

"Coin first, kitty cat. Then you can play," the irritated tenant grumbled.

"Gun, please. Thank you," Amalthia said as she tossed three pieces of silver into a bucket then snatched the popgun and percussion caps from off the table.

She loaded the first shot, aimed at the nearest target then fired. The shot missed.

"Point zero five degrees deviation at four point eight yards," Amalthia said as she laid the popgun back onto the table.

"Paper, please," she asked the tenant.

"Why do you need paper?"

"To wipe myself with, what else!"

Kaleb was barely able to contain his laughter.

"Are all charr this rude?" Grumbled the tenant as he filched out a scrap of parchment the tossed it to her.

"Do all humans swindle their customers this badly?" She said as she unrolled the crumpled mass then pulled out a stylus and began working out some calculations.

"Hey sir, missy... whatever you are. I'm an honest man. I've never cheated a customer in my..."

But before he could finish his words, Amalthia raised the popgun then fired an aim-corrected shot. The target fell back with a thud. Then in quick successive rounds, she felled five more targets.

"Quaggan plush, please. The pink one," she said with a wide smirk on her face.

Amalthia shoved the oversized plush toy into Kaleb's arms. "It matches your shirt quite well."

He just smiled trying to get a firm grasp while leaning over so he could see where he was walking. "I almost felt bad for that kid."

"I don't. He was trying to rip us off."

"Key word is 'almost'. Hey! Now there's something I might be good at," Kaleb said as he pointed towards a banner that read, Dolyak Shoeing Contest.

The master of ceremonies announced for men and women of all ages to compete against the so-called world's fastest farrier. Standing next to a blacksmithing smelter, stood a massive norn who looked to be at least eight feet tall. The MC boldly stated that there was no one on the face of Tyria who could shoe a dolyak faster than Halig the Great.

"He's almost as big as Ulfgar. But I bet with the right tools, I can beat 'em," Kaleb said as he pointed towards Amalthia's pocket.

"Your torch. It burns much hotter than that smelter and that will allow me to reshape the shoes much faster."

Smiling with glee upon Kaleb's clever inspiration, Amalthia handed him the torch. "I know you can beat him."

"Who amongst you has the courage, the will and the speed to challenge the mighty Halig?" The MC announced as he pointed at the audience.

Several brawny men, a char and two Asura, raised their hands. As they were ushered towards a large smelting pit, the enormous norn shook his head and laughed as his braided locks of hair flailed about.

At the last moment, Kaleb stepped through the crowd as he shoved his way towards the rest of the contestants. The top hatted MC looked at him for a moment before continuing his monologue.

"All of you grab your hammers and tongs and find the nearest available anvil that is located by each respective dolyak. At the count of five, the contest will commence. The first one to successfully forge four shoes from their respective strips of scrap iron, and can successfully place them upon the hooves of their respective beast shall be declared the winner."

"Are there any questions? If not then good luck ladies and gentlemen!" The master of ceremonies queried as he raised his hand to begin the count. Kaleb activated his torch.

When the countdown ended, every one of the contestants' hammers began pealing away as they frantically raced against each other to be the first to shoe their dolyak. For his part, Kaleb deftly began forging the strips into clean horseshoe-shaped forms as he took advantage of the blowtorch's higher output temperature.

Amalthia cheered wildly along with the rest of the crowd hoping that her man would win the contest. She saw how the sweat that covered his body helped to accentuate the definition of his rippling muscles. A lifetime of heavy lifting and athletic prowess had sculpted his body in ways that made her swoon with desire. She imagined resting her head against his firm chest and hearing the rhythmic beating of his strong heart. Her mind raced with fantasies of what it would be like to have him inside of her.

I want that more than you can imagine, she mused quietly as she gazed upon the human she loved.

By this time the norn had already placed three shoes on his dolyak. Kaleb was running a close second, but was still behind by one shoe. Thinking back to one of the techniques his father had taught him, he realized that it was possible to molten glue the shoe onto the dolyak instead. His dad mentioned that this was a common practice when nails were in short supply. The trick was softening the shoe up enough so the weight of the animal could cause the semi-soft metal to flay out. As it did, the ferrier had to work quickly to crimp the soft edges around the edge of the hooves.

This blowtorch is perfect, he thought as he began to soften the shoe with the orange flame. Remembering the dangers of looking directly into a blue flame, Kaleb pulled out a pair of welding goggles that Amalthia had given him. Once fitted, he switched over to the hotter blue flame as he proceeded to make the metal soft and pliable.

Halig was about to hammer in his final shoe. If Kaleb was to overtake the norn, he had to act fast. Grabbing the red-hot shoe with his tongs, Kaleb raced toward the dolyak, raised its foot using his free hand then quickly placed the molten item upon the base of the hoof. Using a combination of tongs and torch, he managed to crimp on the third shoe.

The massive norn was now only two nails away from finishing the contest. Undeterred and focused, Kaleb raced to heat up the last shoe to repeat the process once more.

Everything was down to the wire and Halig was about to drive the last nail home. But as he brought the hammer down for one final blow, the MC shouted to the top of his lungs.

"Time! We have a new winner."

The norn looked dumbfounded upon seeing the young human who had just beaten him.

"What is your name young man?"

"Grimwald, sir. Kaleb Grimwald."

"Well, ladies and gentlemen. It looks like this handsome young man has upended our current champion. The cash prize of fifty gold goes to the new winner."

"That is bullocks! He cheated! I could have easily won if that boy didn’t use that darn torch," Halig roared as he flung his hammer down in disappointment.

Kaleb spoke up. "Mighty Halig. I respect your sportsmanship in not taking a cheap shortcut in order to win the contest. Your technique was good, but mine was faster."

Several charr, except for Amalthia, bellowed in rage claiming the human had cheated as well. The humans disagreed and soon, a massive shouting match began to erupt amongst the crowd as tempers began to flare.

In an attempt to calm the raging carnival goers, Kaleb gave a very brief history lesson to everyone. "The kursikan molten fold technique has been used throughout Tyria since the Krytan civil war. Not many even use it any more, but my family has always passed it down from father to son. The Grimwalds, my family, are one of the few families in Kryta that still knows this ancient technique. Let's all just have a good time."

Within a short span, the anger began to subside. Many of the attendees who were familiar with the ancient technique came to realize that it was, in fact a bona fide farrier art.

Halig the Great conceded the title without further protest then went over to the young man who had beaten him and gave him a hearty handshake. Kaleb returned the favor by offering to buy his vanquished opponent a tall stein of mead. Never being one to turn down a strong drink, the norn gladly accepted the offer.

As their day at the carnival began to draw to a close, Kaleb and Amalthia had amassed a rather large cache of prizes. By the time they departed, Amalthia had garnered three giant stuffed quaggans and several various small stuffed animals. Kaleb, for his part, gained two quaggans plus the title of being the fastest dolyak farrier in Kryta.

"Blue, green and black - all mine!" Amalthia grinned as she stuck her tongue out at Kaleb.

"I'll trade ya the pink one for the black one." He said as he tried carrying the two monstrous plushies on either side of his hips.

"But the pink one compliments the color of your eyes and outfit so well," She said with a laugh.

"My skin tone begs to differ. Besides, I'll never hear the end of it from Rachel if she sees me bringing home a giant pink quaggan."

"Yer just bein' greedy!"

"Am not!"

"Are too!"

"Do you still have my torch?"

"I put it in your pocket, remember?"

Amalthia felt her pockets for a moment then confirmed that the device was still present.

"You forgot to close the valve. Didn't you? Now the butane is all gone."

"I thought it contained ahceedaa... how do you pronounce it again?"

"That's only used for my workstation torch, dummy! And it's pronounced A-ce-tyl-ene."

"Fine, fine. I don't care so long as it wins me titles and gold. You want the red quaggan?"

"No. They are evil." She pleasantly scolded him as they both laughed.

Dusk had approached as the pair arrived back at the butcher shop before sunset. Amalthia looked up at the stairs leading to her loft then decided that it would be better to simply go through the main door instead. "We'll definitely have to do this again. Are you sure you don't want to trade?" Kaleb asked as Amalthia led the way through the front door.

Turning quickly around, she said to Kaleb. "On second thought, I'll take the red one."

"But you said that's the evil one."

"I know," she said as she swung her head forward, "and, oh... hi mother."

Kaleb froze in his tracks.

Mother?

Standing in front of the counter with her arms folded, stood a charr with cold green eyes and a vicious looking upturned scowl the likes of which sent chills through the young man's veins.

"Oh... hi... ms.. Blastforge..." Kaleb said in an uncharacteristically nervous tone. "Nice to meet you, ma'am."

"Fuze - Blast...fuse," came her deadpan reply as she gave the young man a cold, piercing stare.

"Kaleb. I think now might be a good time for you to leave."

He was about to say something in a barely audible whisper when Amalthia interrupted him.

"Have a good evening!" She said as she made a grimacing face hoping that Kaleb would understand that she would talk to him during a better and safer time. She handed him the green giant stuffed quaggan. He nodded in acknowledgment then gave her a reassuring wink before heading out.

Once the door was shut, Amalthia turned around and took in a very deep breath hoping it would calm her for what she was about to endure.

"So this is what the dear little runt does in her spare time... squandering her combat skills collecting cuddle toys and hanging with humans. Did you finally complete your little menagerie fluffy bunnies and koda bears?" Her mother said in her characteristic, derogatory manner.

"Oh yes mother. I saved the red one just for you. It has a face like a hylek. When I saw it, I just had to trade it out as its face reminded me so much of yours," Amalthia retorted with a mocking smile.

"Then give it here, child. I would certainly love to cuddle with it."

Her daughter flung the stuffed animal towards her mother with all her might. As soon as Siri caught the toy she promptly tore its head off then flung the pillowy remains across the floor.

"Well, perhaps an undead hylek will do that to your lovely face one day!" Amalthia snapped as she tried her best to contain her rage.

"I was merely expressing how I felt about you child. Try not to take it so personally. Anyway, if you are through with that forked tongue of yours I have some news you should be happy to hear."

Moments later, Ludrick ambled past the meat counter doors as he tried to steady his balance.

"Your mother does have something very important to say, Amalthia. Please listen," he said in a very somber tone.

"So you finally decided to get off your drunk, sorry tail and listen to the good news I bring forth? Good! Now maybe this little lush-of-a dingbat will take heed and try to amount to something for once," Siri spat in disgust as her pupils dilated.

"I would knock your teeth out right now, woman, if I were able. Just say your peace and get the hell out of my house!" Ludrick said in a hoarse voice while trying to hold his head up.

"Fine, fine. Both of you will think I am the best parent in the world when I say that I've finally found a warband that is willing to accept this loser-of-a-cub of mine as one of their own."

For the first time in a while, Amalthia was left speechless.

"Don't try so hard, cub, to contain your excitement. You have no idea the strings I had to pull in convincing one of the warbands into accepting your sorry tail into their ranks. With all that I've done, I would at least expect a big, wet slobbery kiss, dear cub."

"How about a hug instead?" Amalthia countered.

"Try it and I'll claw your damn eyes out."

"Oh good. Then at least I won't have to look at that hylek face of yours anymore."

"I'm sorry, Amalthia. But we think its what's best for you," Ludrick stated glumly.

"So now you're on her side too, sire?"

"I'm sorry, cub. But there is an inescapable reality that you have been bereft of being with your own kind. As much as I appreciate all that your friend has done, I think you need to broaden your horizons. I can't give that to you if you stay here."

Amalthia looked at her father visibly hurt as she tried her best to maintain her composure. "So this is what it has been about the entire time? Kaleb. It bothers you that we are hanging out together."

"Stop it! Even the mere idea is making me nauseous. Mice are to be eaten and slaughtered, not fondled over and befriended. Cub, I'm offering you one last chance, from the bottom of my generous heart, for you to redeem yourself from your current pathetic existence. There are more important things in this world than going to carnivals, getting sloshed and cavorting with hairless rats."

"That 'rat' was responsible for saving my life!"

"So the human saved you. That's what soldiers are supposed to do. Good little mouse... here's some cheese," Siri said dismissively.

The rage built inside Amalthia until she could contain it no more.

"I've had it with you, mother!" With those words she drew her shortsword then charged headlong towards her mother. As she swung her blade downward, an enormous sword parried her attack. Standing at the other end, stood her father. With the wave of his massive hand he calmly gestured for her to stand down then gently clasped hold of her weapon as she fell to the floor weeping.

Siri stood and laughed. "I honestly didn't think you could still swing one of those old man. Impressive! Hate me even more, cub, because that's what will eventually turn you into a good soldier."

"Stand down, Amalthia. She is just trying to mess with your head," Ludrick said as he withdrew his massive sword back into its scabbard.

"You have no clue ex mate-of-mine. The fun is only starting. Cub - three days from tomorrow, report to Iron Legion headquarters in the Black Citadel. Be there at zero eight hundred sharp or face a firing squad for desertion of duty. I don't care what happens to you so long as your actions do not reflect badly on the legions, or myself."

Ludrick tried his best to muster a bellowing tone. "You've poisoned this house with your tongue long enough. Just leave and never come back!"

Siri just shrugged her shoulders, walked toward the front door then turned around to hurl a few more barbs before leaving. "Suits me fine. This cub may be a sniveling pathetic wretch who is bawling on daddy's floor now, but given a few months of tough love with some real warriors, she will be more of a charr than you ever were. Until then, try not to let yourself suffocate in your own piss and vomit."

When her mother left, Amalthia just laid on the floor curled up in a ball as crystal drops flowed freely from her eyes. Her father sank down next to her, buried his head between his hands and unleashed a stream of salt water from his own eyes as well.

(Chapter 12 is also up on Google Docs.)