#khadgar fic

[irishk0rn]

was fucking around and doodling and this came to mind, so I might make it my lil illigar canon

//

Khadgar felt the color leave his face as he listened to the thundering of hooves. Was he sweating? He felt like he was sweating — but his robes could just be warm.

The champion had brought Illidan back to the tower, after he had confided something in them. He cursed to himself for such, knowing he would probably regret that decision and not make that mistake again. Yet another thing to be belittled for.

Illidan looked down at the mage; Makers be damned, he couldn’t read the demon hunter.

Khadgar tenses and closes his eyes. He tries to pretend that it isn’t Illidan he is speaking with, but rather the champion. “I just wanted to voice my concerns,” he said, lightly, “I didn’t mean to hurt him,”

Khadgar disassociates when he’s scared. Illidan knows. It’s one of Khadgar’s anxious habits.

The demon hunter remained silent.

The mage can feel his frown.

“Illidan, I know you’re angry — and that is your right—” His words tumble over each other as they race out of his mouth. “Makers, will you say something?”

Illidan can hear and feel the panic rise in the archmage. His ear twitches at the notion.

“Calm down,” he says finally. “Do you think I’m going to hurt you?”

Khadgar closes his eyes again. “Yes.”

The night elf blinks. That was not the answer he was expecting from his human. Was he… afraid of him?

“You have hurt me before — often. Er— not often, I guess, but I— I can think of many examples— I—”

“Breathe.”

Khadgar gave up on the elegance of his words. “You have hurt me before. A lot. I do love you, truly I do, but Gods be damned if it isn’t hard to. You can be so hurtful — I’m done with it,” he took a breath in before he continued, “I’m done. I don’t— I don’t deserve that. I’m terrified right now — having to stand up to you, this once. Do you understand?”

The realization hitting Illidan is almost surreal; like watching a baby giraffe learn to walk for the first time.

Had he lost control and not remembered? Realized?

“I’ve struck you?” Illidan asks, genuine concern and regret lacing his voice. “I’ve hurt you? Tell me when I have, Khadgar— please. How? What have I used? I—”

He is interrupted by the shake of Khadgar’s head.

“No. No, it’s— you have never struck me. But you hurt me. You make me feel so stupid and inadequate sometimes — I don’t think you realize you do it. I don’t want to believe you are doing it on purpose. Because if you are, we’re done—”

Illidan frowned and shook his head. “No!” his voice raises, and he notices Khadgar flinch. He moves back, disgusted with himself, that his beloved is scared of him. “Khadgar, I…”

Horrified realization crosses Illidan and he looks down at the ground, not having the strength to look at his lover.

Well, now Khadgar knows it’s not intentional. He can work with that.

And slowly, like approaching a stray animal, he moves to Illidan, taking his cheek in his hand. Illidan can’t help but lean into and welcome the touch. His eye lights dim and stop, simulating his eyes shutting.

“Illidan, I know love is difficult for you. It is for me, too. But… if changes aren’t made, I cannot continue like this with you,”

Illidan nodded mutely.

Khadgar offered a smile and rubbed his cheek with his thumb, inciting a low rumble from Illidan as he leaned into the affectionate touch.

“What would you like me to do, Khadgar?”

Now that’s a question. And the mage thinks on it for a moment, before looking at Illidan again. “I’ll help you. I’ll let you know if you’re doing it… and how you respond is up to you. We can start with that, hm?”

The night elf nodded again and leaned forward into the human’s touch.

“I’m sorry.”

Khadgar blinked. “What?”

“I’m sorry.”

Khadgar wasn’t used to hearing that from his partners. Especially not from the most rugged and closed off of them all; he had a few quite sweet lovers, like Kalecgos, who would always apologize, but he didn’t expect Illidan to. Ever. This was a surprise.

“It’s okay,” Khadgar paused, “Well, no… no, it’s not okay. But it will be. And I forgive you. How about that, huh?”

Illidan nodded a third time and nuzzled his head against Khadgar’s.

“Love you,” he muttered.

“Love you, too,” Khadgar whispered back.

[kaelsleftverdantsphere]

Modern AU Kalecgos x Khadgar because I love them

More of a crackfic but whatever

<><><><><><><><><>

The two men were seated at a beautiful café, one of them slowly sipping his coffee, looking at the other, who was somewhat restless for some reason.

"Are you alright?" Khadgar asked. "Are you feeling unwell?"

"Huh? No! No, not at all.... not by any chance, I- I'm fine." The bluenette gave him a second of eye contact before looking out of the window once again.

"What is it? You know you can tell me..."

He took a long breath. "It's just that... I haven't been on a date that went well... Like ever. In my life."

"That went well? What do you mean? Does someone always die at the end? Should I be worried?" He chuckled in an attempt to lighten up the mood.

"Well..." He took a sip from his tea cup. "My first date was with this one girl in highschool. And I got the most beautiful flowers I could afford, went to her house... And I was so nervous I-" He stopped for a second, giggling softly. "I threw up on her."

"You did what?" He examined the half-elf infront of him, never expecting such a sentence to come out of him.

"You heard me..."

He started laughing. "And that is, precisely, what I love about you!"

"The fact I get so nervous my insides decide the best course of action is to get rid of the nerves by scaring the source?"

"Yes!"

"And then the next date I had, in uni this time, was in this pretty bar in the city centre... And this time I didn't vomit on anyone... or anything..."

"Uh-uh?" He nodded, smiling.

"It was alright while we weren't drinking alcohol. I was funny, talkative, I told them EVERYTHING about Ravasaurs, I might've even thrown some pick-up lines in there! But then we started drinking... And then I remember waking up in just my shirt-"

"Oh my- that's spicy-"

"It's not, -shirt and pants, my watch and all the other expensive stuff was gone..."

"Ooooooh... that's not very pleasant."

"Yeah." He brushed back his hair. "But that's not all! The last date I went to was a date with a girl who's parents apparently need to meet every man she likes... And so I went to their house for dinner. And somehow set, the most expensive table cloth I've ever seen, on fire."

"Oh wow, what happened after?"

"I climbed out of the bathroom window and ran home."

"Kalecgos!" He laughed.

"What? I was pretty sure her father would kill me if I went out the door."

"So... do you feel less nervous now?" He smiled and reached his hand over the table.

Kalecgos looked into his eyes, reaching out as well, holding the other man's hand. "Not sure, maybe I'll set a table cloth on fire again..."

[the-cookie-of-doom]

I’m getting intrusive thots to write fic about Khadgar and Kalegos bc?? that scene when Kalec arrives in Iskarra??? perfection

[aqueenpriestess]

{Dadgar ♡}

{Or maybe DADDY ♡}

Khadgar being so handsome and brave in the new cinematic - appreciation post

[omgkalyppso]

So I really enjoyed the Orc Heritage Armour questline. After getting into dragonflight and Alexstrasza, Kalecgos and Khadgar kind of acting like they'd never met Borgakh (again), being welcomed and greeted by Thrall / Go'el and his family was so fucking delightful.

I'm going to post the screenshots from the final cutscene first and then a few more things with commentary below the cut.

-

Be warned it's long. You can press J to skip it on desktop if you open and change your mind.

-

Tbh, having not played dragonflight I thought they were about to throw Eitrigg into the Nathanos role and this was going to be related to world quests. I'm glad it wasn't. Eitrigg's history makes me uncomfortable.

I care them.

While I kind of wish they'd let Drek'thar cast from his wheelchair, it's also interesting to think of him having some mobility.

I know some people really don't like Aggra, but I have and do, and I found this delightful. A circle completed.

All the little moments with Durak were very sweet. Very grounding after other story elements in the main plot have gotten so convoluted and absurd.

Thank you, Rexxar, for also recognizing a title (Huntmaster). I was really thrown when Khadgar was back to calling you Adventurer and not either Champion, Hero, or My Friend — too open ended for people new to the game!! ^^;

I go back and forth with the Countess from the Court of Harvesters and Huntmaster titles when I run around with Borgakh because while I still hate shadowlands for what it did to the various in game religions (and the orcs especially since I'm biased) I think these titles would mean a lot to her. To be acknowledged and given the promise of authority / contribution / significance wrt Countess, and to be acknowledged by her peers wrt Huntmaster, which is also tied up in my favorite expansion and all the seeds of Horde and Alliance working to a better future together.

When it came to choosing a clan, I imagined Borgakh sharing a look with Aggra about how it was "obvious" that now, given the choice, that she would follow Thrall / Go'el anywhere. But unlike how it presents the player character as having never belonged to a clan, Borgakh has been for Years, headcanoned as part of the Warsong clan. I felt it added depth and weight to her struggles.

And then not only did Thrall / Go'el have The Weakest pitch for joining his clan (undoubtedly because they knew he and the Frost Wolves were going to sweep anyway), but I got to the choice screen and imagined the question for Borgakh as being, "But would I give up a core part of my identity for you?"

She is still part of his Horde, and she would die for him and his family, but I decided to keep her a member of the Warsong clan.

Borgakh has had maxed cooking in this game for like, ever. And that the final trial was to prepare a meal as an offering for her ancestors was something I really enjoyed. That the cookbook included a spicy as hell recipe from the Warsong was a bonus and reaffirmed my enjoyment of maintaining her membership with her clan.

I really appreciated this. After shadowlands? Bring me back to the uncertainty and faith of the past wrt what happens after death and the peace and connection with those lost and those who remain.

That this quest began with the premise that the orcs felt disconnected from each other and their culture and clans and this gathering and a new ceremony to replace the old coming of age ones that an orc could take part in regardless of age was very sweet. I have so many more screenshots of all the smaller npc's and things they've said in case I want to revisit it either for myself or for fic writing in the future. Loved it.

Thank you if you read my rambling.

[shadez-art]

This one's inspired by a scene I wrote. In my fic, the Legion captured Illidan during the Tomb of Sargeras raid. This is when Khadgar finds him.

I've just been in the mood to draw these two lately (especially Khadgar, if you couldn't tell). And it's been a long time since I've drawn any fanfiction scenes.

[lostywrites]

Summary:

The Hidden Ones encounter a mysterious traveller from Azeroth. Recognising an opportunity to forge new alliances and expand their influence, they appoint Basim Ibn Ishaq, a devoted disciple, as their representative.

In a realm where ancient lore and magic are as tangible as the air he breathes, Basim must rely on his wits, skills, and newfound connections to fulfill his mission and unlock secrets that could change the fate of both worlds.

A Warcraft/Assassin's Creed Mirage crossover fic. Set before the events of Dragonflight and Valhalla.

Playlist

Chapter 1 I Chapter 2 I Chapter 3 I Chapter 4 I Chapter 5 I Chapter 6 I Chapter 7 I Chapter 8 I Chapter 9

Chapter 10 - The First Ones

Khadgar let out a soft sigh as he leaned back. “I’ve always admired their resilience. Always in search of opportunities to grow and make our world a better place to be in. And you, Basim, have significantly contributed to this mission.”

Basim, aiming to sound modest, replied, “Much of it wouldn’t have been possible without Wrathion’s support.”

“True, but you’ve tackled much of the heavy lifting. That’s exactly why you’ve earned your spot here in my private hot spring,” Khadgar said in jest. Then his voice lowered, a more personal note creeping into his tone. "And Roshan, how is she managing all this?"

A slight smile played at the corners of Basim’s mouth as he picked up on the hint of concern in the mage's voice. “Why the sudden interest? Is this why you invited me here? Hoping to dig a little deeper about Roshan?”

Khadgar chuckled, a flush creeping up his neck, visible even in the steamy air. “Well, she is an impressive woman, commanding respect and admiration. It’s hard not to be,” he cleared his throat, “impressed.”

“You should speak with her more.”

“Ah, but my command of languages isn’t as polished as yours, Basim. I fear I might just embarrass myself trying to communicate.” 

Basim’s laughter echoed around the warm space, blending with the murmur of the hot spring. “Perhaps, but I suspect Roshan would find your efforts more charming than foolish.”

Khadgar's face brightened, though a hint of uncertainty lingered in his eyes. “If she ever gets a break from her work at the bureau, I'd be thrilled to have her visit my workshop at the Violet Citadel. I've been doing a bit of tinkering myself, and given her passion for explosives...well, it's something I've developed quite a knack for, too.”

“It seems like you two have quite a bit in common, and it could be a great way to break the ice. You should extend that invitation, then.” 

“Perhaps I will,” Khadgar considered, his expression thoughtful as he relaxed further into the warm water. His smile persisted, softened by a contented sigh.

[liarian]

Hi!!! I come today with a new chapter of my LionTrust fic Shattered Memories.

We have Khadgar's PoV this time! <3<3

Hope you like it!!!

[sergeant-angua]

all the khadgar fics on ao3 are for the 2016 movie. i KNOW y'all wanna fuck that old man, where are you hiding

[kiunlo]

so anyways for my WoW girlies: I wrote a fic in which my orc death knight loses an arm in battle (he's fine he'll reattach it later lol) and khadgar picks it up off the ground and starts making a bunch of arm-related puns and jokes about it LMAO it's called Disarmed because i'm sooo hilarious

[irishk0rn]

Family is more than beliefs

Never abandon or ostracize your family, no matter how much you yourself were from your own.

Hello, everyone! Just a quick fic I got an idea for while writing. I want there to be a fix it with Turalyon and I decided to give him a bit more dynamic for who he is.

I will post about his headcanoned story later! For now, happy reading!

Context: Arator is a trans man

Content warnings: transphobia, homophobia, internalized trans and homophobia

   “You cannot continue to treat your son this way.”

   Turalyon chose not to acknowledge his old friend, Khadgar. His mind was too occupied by his own, clouded thoughts and judgment. It was ironic, for a paladin such as himself.

   The mage frowned. “Turalyon.”

   The paladin slammed his papers, which had been occupying his hand, down on the desk in front of him. “What?”

   Khadgar didn’t flinch. “Are you listening to me?”

   Turalyon pinched the bridge of his nose and inhaled through it. “Look, Khadgar, I’m not as concerned with Arator right now. We have demons to fight,”

   Khadgar gave him a look and crossed his arms. “I would think your son or partner is the most important.”

   Turalyon stood up. “What do you want from me?”

   “I want you to treat Arator how he is. Your son.”

   “My son, who was my daughter.”

   The mage grimaced. “And that is a thought you should never allow him to hear. Just talk to him, at least. It’s…” Khadgar took a deep breath. “It’s eating away at him, thinking you could hold any contempt for him.”

   Turalyon sighed. “Fine.”

   “Good.”

   But Turalyon didn’t. He got distracted, he told himself, but really, he didn’t want to see Arator. It brought him so much anger — but why? Arator was… happy, as far as everyone else was concerned. Not even Alleria had taken Turalyon’s side.

   The next day, Khadgar came to Turalyon’s office in the Vindicaar again. He looked frustrated, a look that was not often exhibited on the mage.

   He crossed his arms. “You didn’t go talk to him,”

   Turalyon didn’t look at him. “I got… distracted.”

   “Don’t lie. It will piss me off more than I already am and I don’t believe you want to see that.”

   The paladin stood up, a glare hanging on his face. Khadgar glared back with the same viciousness.

   “Why do you care so much, Khadgar? Arator made that choice. I do not have to like it.”

   I’m disgusted by it.

   Khadgar tensed, like he could read his mind. Could he? Turalyon wasn’t very in tune with the powers of mages.

   “And me, Turalyon?” Khadgar moved forward, placing a hand on the desk and rounding the corner of it.

   “Do I disgust you?”

   Right. Khadgar is this way, too.

   “Well, I— I didn’t know you, then. I only knew you as Khadgar.”

   Khadgar frowned. That was beginning to be his default expression with Turalyon. He didn’t like that. “Why does it matter?”

   Turalyon stammered, his words dry.

   “Arator reminds me a lot of myself. Only I didn’t have parents to support me. Be what I didn’t have, what a lot of us didn’t have. Alleria already is.”

   “I will… think on it.”

   Khadgar groaned. “You are impossible. Why?” Khadgar pressed, moving closer. “Why, Turalyon? Why?”

   “What do you… mean?”

   “You know what I mean. Is it the Light? Is it because it goes against the Naaru?”

   The paladin looked down, silent. Angry tears pricked his eyes, and for the first time, Turalyon’s body found what a tremble felt like. He slipped back down into his chair, his hands on either side of his temples, and remained quiet.

   Khadgar’s expression softened. “What happened to you?”

   Turalyon let the tears fall. He remained unresponsive to his friend, even as the mage approached.

   Khadgar frowned at him. Not with anger, but pity. “Turalyon?”

   “I’m so lost, Khadgar,” muttered the paladin, before he took several moments to breathe. The lumps in his throat clawed their way through his neck and sat.

   “So, so lost…”

   The mage pulled Turalyon into an embrace, a tight one. The archbishop let out a choked sob into his shoulder.

   “It’s okay, who you are. It’s okay,”

   Turalyon looked up.

   “Do you fancy men? That’s great. Both? Great, too. Not wanting to be one? Fantastic. It’s all okay,

   “But don’t make Arator feel like it isn’t.”

   Turalyon nodded and closed his eyes, pulling back from Khadgar. He wiped his face. “I’m going to speak to him.”

   Khadgar smiled at him. “That’s the spirit.”

   Turalyon got up.

   //

   A few minutes later, Turalyon was in more comfortable clothes, with a tunic, trousers and boots, and light chainmail over the tunic. He sought out Arator on the Vindicaar, as it was later in the evening when he did.

   He heard talking, one of the voices he had come to know as Arator’s. The other was undoubtedly his aunt, Vareesa.

   He paused outside where they were for a few moments.

   “Maybe I should conform, Vari. Maybe I should just be his daughter…”

   Turalyon frowned.

   He could hear the sadness in Vareesa’s voice. “No, Arator. You be who you are and you don’t let your father get in the way of that,”

   Turalyon chose this moment to walk in, as Arator explained to his aunt that he, quote, only wanted his father’s approval.

   The exarch took a deep breath and strode over to his in-law and son. “Arator!”

   Arator jumped up. “Father! I, er, I wasn’t… expecting you.”

   Turalyon couldn’t speak, he just pulled his son into a tight hug and closed his eyes. Arator let out a noise of surprise, not hugging back immediately. He seemed confused about the situation.

   “I’m so, so sorry, my son,” Turalyon said, pulling back a bit to look down at Arator. “I’ve been terrible.”

   “Father, you haven’t, I understand, I… get that treatment a lot.”

   “No— no! That does not make it okay, especially not from me… as your father, it is my job to be there for my child.

“I wasn’t there when you were young, and going through these things, and I can’t say I understand very well— but, I will be your father now. I’m sorry.”

   The half elf smiled weakly as a tear stung his eye and made its way down his cheek. And another. And another.

   “It is better late than never…”

   Turalyon hugged his son again. “I wish I was never late.”

   //

   It wouldn’t undo the past, but it would shape the future. Arator felt confident, as a man, and he learned to be his own kind of man, even separate from Turalyon.

   Alleria and Turalyon parted ways romantically, but continued to be partners and parents to their beloved son. Alleria began a relationship with a woman named Calia Menethil, who was a wonderful stepmother to Arator.

   Turalyon began his first relationship with a man, a draenei.

   The issues on Argus were far from over, but they were dealt with united and strong, rather than apart and broken.

   The end.

[rangerzath]

Tagged @wondrouswendy Sorry for the slow reply but thank you for tagging me!

How many works do you have on AO3?

I currently have 17 works that include fics, podfics and comics!

2. What’s your total AO3 word count?

219,813

3. What fandoms do you write for?

I'm deep in the Remedy camp with Control and Alan Wake. However, I've also written for World of Warcraft and SWTOR, though my SWTOR writing is not up on AO3.

4. Top five fics by kudos

Remind Me Of What Is Gone - Medivh/Khadgar, a World of Warcraft fic

Love is a Gift, Never To Be Squandered - Tess Greymane/Vanessa VanCleef, a World of Warcraft fic

No One Left to Love - FBI Alex Casey/Saga Anderson, an Alan Wake fic

Morning Routine - Zachariah Trench/Casper Darling, a Control (2019) fic

An Eye Opening Experience - Zachariah Trench/Casper Darling, a Control (2019) fic

5. Do you respond to comments?

Of course! I feel it's the least I can do for people taking the time out of their day to both read and leave a comment on my works!

6. What is the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Dreams Are Such Fragile Things. This story was written for my friend @wondrouswendy's birthday because she wanted angst. It shows a hidden scene after Trench and Darling broke up.

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Love is a Gift, Never To Be Squandered. In this story Tess and Vanessa are together, but there are a lot of complications and past bias in the way. Communication can be a hard thing for some characters. In this stories ending everyone finally gets the have the conversation they should have had at the beginning.

8. Do you get hate on fics?

I've been fortunate enough to not experience this. NO one should experience this.

9. Do you write smut?

I wish. Alas I do not have the skill.

10. Craziest crossover?

I don't write crossovers however I do write stories that crossover/intersect with @wondrouswendy's fics.

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Luckily I haven't. Again this should NOT happen to ANYONE.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Not that I know of.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

Yes, I've been fortunate enough to collaborate on several stories and now comics with my friend @wondrouswendy

14. All time favourite ship?

Trench/Darling forever

15. What’s a wip you want to finish but doubt you ever will?

My Podfics. I've started several of them and unfortunately they take a lot of time and I have a lot of other works on my plate.

16. What are your writing strengths?

When I'm writing, I try to think about the characters with realistic expectations in mind. I dislike reading a story that ruins my immersion so I try to keep that in mind when I'm writing my own stories to avoid that.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Writing. I have a hard time translating my thoughts to tangible words. I have great fleshed out ideas and can even verbally describe them. However when I sit down to write it all out, everything becomes difficult.

18. Thoughts on dialogue in another language?

Like all things there is a time and place for it.

19. First fandom you wrote in?

Naruto I think?

20. Favorite fic you’ve written?

You're Listening To America Overnight. The America Overnight concept from Control was one of my favorite things in game. I find it fascinating to think about how the FBC has a radio show to both find and report altered items and AWEs from the unsuspecting public. The world building of this immediately pulled me in and inspired me to write my own scripts of these shows as well as creating my own Control OC who is the host of my version of America Overnight.

Script writing is different than writing a full story. I hadn't attempted it before AO but I've been enjoying these bite sized stories that really make you think, did that really happened?

I know I'm late to this game and I think all my friends have already been tagged. So if you're seeing this and you haven't been, tag you're it.

[mischievouswritingblog]

Prompt Fic: Heroes and Villains

Prompt: defending them against everyone, even when they’re not there to witness it 

Author’s Note: Playing with a headcanon I have for after Khadgar returned from Outland.

The Fic can also be found on AO3 here.

-o-o-o-o-o-

There was a loud, heavy ‘thud’ that hit Modera’s desk. It pierced the silence like a gunshot. She jumped, her muscles tensed and the arcane crackled at her fingertips. Her eyes shot up and caught sight of Khadgar.

The Archmage had finally moved back to Dalaran. He had to take some time to recover upon returning to Azaroth. Varian was more than happy to have him stay in Stormwind Keep during that time. Things weren’t so simple as crossing over and returning to how things were. Khadgar and those that went with him had years to adapt to Outland’s gravity. Varying amounts of muscle atrophy and having to fight for scraps, leaving many malnourished.

Khadgar was healthier now. He was filling out, and he shaved off that ridiculous beard. Modera suspected it was seeing the statue of himself in Stormwind that might have pushed him into doing so. Khadgar was glaring at her, his jaw set into a grimace. Modera’s eyes flitted down to the book that he had slammed on her table.

It wasn’t all that big. The Kirin Tor did well in guarding their secrets. Modera recognized the cover and the title in a heartbeat. She had a hand in its creation, after all.

“What the hell is this?” Khadgar asked, though he already knew the answer.

“It’s a book.” Modera answered bluntly.

Khadgar’s glare shifted into a look of disappointment. “Modera, really?”

“You walked right into that one--”

“It’s about Medivh, Modera.” Khadgar added, cutting her off. “No, not even that. It’s a strange mockery of him! He wasn’t in league with Sargeras. He was possessed!”

“Khadgar…”

“And him bewitching Garona Halforcen? Hypnotizing her to kill Llane?!” Khadgar paced back and forth. “Him taking advantage of me? That’s only the stuff I can stomach saying right now!”

“Khadgar!” Modera raised her voice. When Khadgar stopped his pacing and looked at her, she continued. “Look, I know things in that book make you angry. I’m sorry. But this is just how it has to be. Medivh was troubled, dangerous--”

“I gave you all a detailed report about what happened!” Khadgar said.

“Which was tainted by your own feelings for him, Khadgar.” Modera pointed out. “It was very obvious that you held very strong 'affections' for him.

Khadgar’s face grew hot as he flushed a deep red. “That’s...! Yes, I did. I loved him, but--”

“You were too biased. The council couldn’t accept it.” Modera explained.

Khadgar took a moment to recollect himself, taking a breath. “Yes, you’re right, I was biased. But what’s in that book are flat out lies. Whoever wrote that used my report as the bare bones for it and changed things.”

“It’s all for the greater good, Khadgar.” Modera said. “Look, Aegwynn was a loose cannon. She took something that wasn’t hers and wove it into her own child. Medivh wasn’t trained by us like you were, and look what happened.”

“How many times do I have to say this? He was possessed, Modera.” Khadgar ground out.

“How can you be so sure? Just because some deteriorating tower showed you some illusions?” Modera asked. “You have to understand, you might not have been thinking so clearly on matters.”

“Don’t.” Khadgar’s voice was as firm as stone and he pointed an accusing finger at Modera. Until that point, it had been much softer, lighter. Part of it from exhaustion from years of fighting and trying to survive. But Khadgar found that fire once again after reading that damned book. “Don’t you dare try playing that game with me. I’m not that boy from back then. I’ve grown and I can think for myself.” Khadgar took a moment to let the words sink in for Modera. “I knew Medivh, I knew him better and any of you ever could. This has nothing to do with the truth. I know that much. I want to know why this was written. Why drag Medivh’s name through the mud? Hasn’t he suffered enough?”

Modera gave a tired sigh. She leaned back in her chair and broke eye contact as she mulled over what to say. She knew she was being callus, she often had to be. If anyone, given his relationship with the fallen guardian, Khadgar was owed an explanation.

“We needed a villain.” she finally said. “You have to understand about politics, Khadgar. History is written by the winners. Sometimes, you need a villain to help put people at ease. The Council of Tirisfal and the existence of The Guardian are all confidential information.”

“And a system that eventually failed.” Khadgar added, his brow furrowed. There was a feeling in his gut, a growing unease. “So, you made Medivh into a boogieman, is that it?”

“He made for a very good cautionary tale, Khadgar. A hedgemage, someone who flaunted his magic at frivolous things like parties, looking for approval.” Modera said, recalling the meeting held as The Council of Six discussed how to approach the book. “When that wasn’t enough, he was swayed by Sargeras. Using one of his parties as a sacrifice to appease his dark master--”

“That’s enough.” Khadgar growled. “I’ve read it, I don’t need you to repeat it.”

“The point is, Medivh works as a great example for young students on why to follow the rules the Kirin Tor gives them.” Modera said. She could see that Khadgar was not satisfied with that answer. It was all she could give. “Look at it this way. He still serves a purpose, Khadgar. Medivh may be dead, but at least he can make up a little for his failings by providing this final service to us.”

“Modera, that’s disgusting!”

“It’s not that different from how we elevate flawed people into heroes, Khadgar.” Modera countered. “People need examples to live up to or avoid. Anduin Lothar has been mythologized, as were you, after you left through the Dark Portal.”

A chill crawled up Khadgar’s spine. He wasn’t a stranger to people making assumptions about him. He remembered how people used to think he was this incredible, wisened wizard. When in truth, he was really a young man who was way in over his head. Khadgar felt uncomfortable when he saw his own statue in the Valley of Heroes in Stormwind. It felt so wrong. It wasn’t really him; it was the idea of him. A standard that he never could live up to.

“That’s just the nature of heroes and villains, Khadgar.” Modera said. “You just happened to live and see your own legend with your own eyes.”

Khadgar was silent, but Modera knew that look he had on his face. The wheels in his head were turning, trying to work out something.

“Don’t even think about trying to ‘set the record straight’.” she warned him. “Khadgar, you’re a good friend, so I’ll give you this warning: If you try to write anything about this matter, it won’t be published. Dalaran has very strict policies. I need you to let this go.”

Khadgar locked eyes with her, but said nothing. His hands clenched into fists at his sides. In the end, she was right. There was no point in continuing this argument.

“Hold on to your memories of him.” Modera said, there was no malice in her voice. If anything, Khadgar could have sworn he heard a hint of pity. “It’s not a great situation, but take some comfort that at least one person still knows who he really was.”

Khadgar turned around and made his way towards the door and left.

-o-o-o-

Foreword: “Respectfully kiss my staff of power, Modera.”

Khadgar couldn’t help the smirk that tugged at the corner of his mouth. It was petty; he knew that, but he had learned from the best. It was true, there was no chance of this book being published by any printing company in Dalaran. However, if it was one thing that Khadgar had learned from his time with Medivh, it was that there was a much bigger and wider world outside of the city of mages.

Little did Modera know just how many friends Khadgar had made during his lifetime. He knew a few goblins and even some friends in Stormwind that gave him plenty of options. 

Khadgar smiled to himself as he wrote. Going over his memories of his time in Karazhan and with Medivh. He recalled how the man was sometimes like a living storm. Other times, he was full of warmth and affection. Khadgar promised himself he would approach his and Medivh’s stories as honestly as possible. Modera was right, Khadgar was here to see his own legend, and he could reject it.

-The End-

[skymagpie]

Khadgar and Shazi bit from my fic (because I am debating if I should post it)

[ladymischievous]

World of Warcraft fic: A Twist of Fate Chapter 5

I am back with a new chapter. Originally I was planning on posting this chapter along with chapter 6, but I decided to go ahead for that readers can have time to enjoy this one. Chapter 6 is currently in the works, I can't guarantee when it will be out, but certainly sooner than my earlier updates.

Chapter 5: The Magus and the Mageling

-o-o-o-o-o-

  “You look absolutely miserable.” Moroes said. He noticed the empty wine bottle that rested on the table by Medivh’s couch-bed. The sorcerer himself lounged on the couch but looked anything but relaxed. Moroes noted the darkened circles under his eyes, the paleness of his usually tan skin. He had half a mind to say something but refrained. “Late night?” 

Medivh didn’t have the energy to muster up a witty retort. He followed Moroes’ eyes to the wine bottle and gave a small, tired sigh. “Something like that. I know you want me to head downstairs, but I’m not in good shape today. I’d like to have some time to myself.” 

Moroes knew that look and that tone in Medivh’s voice. Something happened. Something that left the sorcerer feeling awful. If Moroes had to take a guess, it was Medivh’s own doing. His eyes flitted about the study, taking in details in his usual calm and practiced way. 

A wine bottle caught Moroes’ attention first. Empty. More likely, Medivh was dealing with the repercussions of drinking too much. What caused him to drink in access though? As mischievous as the mage could be, Medivh had made it a point to cut down on drinking. Incidents that Medivh refused to talk about, had made states of inebriation and lack of control unsettling to him. 

“What happened?” Moroes asked. 

Medivh was quiet for a long moment. He didn’t launch into a tirade of hurt pride, annoyance with the Kirin Tor, no, he was quiet for a while. That made Moroes feel more unease than anything else. Medivh lightly chewed on his lower lip as he thought. 

“Would you say that I’m a bully, Moroes?” Medivh asked, the events of the night before were still fresh in his mind. He had been replaying the night’s events back in his head over and over. Dissecting it all. Over-thinking. He was awful to Khadgar. He had been awful to him for some time now. 

“It’s to tell me when there’s powerful or dangerous magic around. It’s to protect me, it’s my...friend.” Khadgar’s words rang up from the back of Medivh’s mind. The look on that boy’s face was enough to make him pause. To drag him back from the wine induced haze. “How would you feel if someone did that to the clockwork construct you’ve been working on?! Just tore it apart just because they could?! Just so they could hurt you!?” 

Medivh’s eyes were fixed on the ground. He  did  want to hurt Khadgar. He wanted him out of his home, away from Deadwind Pass, out of Stormwind. Anything to put as much distance between himself and the Kirin Tor as possible. Twelve mages were pushed onto him. Most of them betrayed him, stole from him, spoke of him behind his back.

“You can be, when you get a way.” Moroes said honestly. “You can be truly wicked when you want to be. I’ve found myself on the receiving end of that sharp tongue of yours once or twice. I’ve put you back in your place easily enough, but I feel sorry for those who don’t know how to handle you.”

“How often would you say that I act like that?” Medivh asked, truly curious.

“As of right now, very often.” Moroes admitted. “You’ve been giving Khadgar a hard time, though, you’ve been balancing it out, somewhat.”

Moroes watched Medivh’s expression shift, his refusal to meet his gaze. He looked every part a young lad that had been caught making trouble.

“What did you do?” Moroes asked, his brow furrowing.

-o-o-o-o-o-

The rest of the chapter can be read on AO3.

If you are new or wish to start from the beginning, the fic starts here.

[shadowphoenixrider]

(This was the last proper fic I wrote for Draggka and Khadgar, and never got around to releasing it. This’ll be the last one; after this I’m closing the door on these two for the foreseeable future. I hope you enjoy.)

The Vindicaar was a remarkable piece of engineering. Draggka had heard of the draenei’s great city-ship the Exodar, and the stories of it fleeing across the Great Dark to escape the grasp of the Burning Legion. Those stories paled in comparison to when she saw the immense ship with her own eyes, both inside and out. She’d heard a couple of the Alliance snickers at some of the Horde’s gawping, but the troll had been too busy taking in the ship to care.

The hunter had been to other worlds before. Outland, the Alternate Draenor, Niskara, Helheim, wherever the Halls of Valour were, but they had been through portals. To travel physically to another place, another world... Despite her trepidation in going to the Legion’s homeworld, Draggka felt excitement sing through her veins. Wanderlust was not so easily tamed.

“If you don’t pick up your jaw, someone might trip over your tusks.” A playful murmur sounded out from her side, and Draggka turned to see Khadgar lingering in the shadows, blue eyes sparkling with mirth.

“Ya know de risk of dat happenin’ be comin’ from my brudder,” she said, narrowing her eyes at him as she approached the mage, his hand petting Spike as the raptor rubbed by his leg. She could still see the dark rings around the human’s eyes, even here.

“Perhaps.” Khadgar’s smile faded, his expression shifting. “Listen, Draggka, I wanted to discuss something with you, before we go to Argus.”

“Sure.” She nodded, stepping to the side with him, away from the main thoroughfare. Spike padded away from them to keep watch for eavesdroppers.

“We know that this...could be a one way trip.” He began softly. “I don’t intend it to be, and I’m sure you don’t either, but we need to accept it’s going to be dangerous. We are going right into the heart of the Legion’s power.” He took a breath. “Tell me, Draggka, did you keep the ring we forged on Draenor?”

“‘Course I did.” She nodded, pulling at a silver chain hidden under her cuirass, and undoing its fastening at her neck. “It may not be as powerful as some of da rings I be finding on da Broken Shore, but....It be ours.” She smiled as the golden-orange band came free from under her protective layers, holding it out for him to inspect. “It be full of memories. Memories of da two of us.”

“Yes.” Khadgar took it gently, cradling it in his hand. “A symbol of our struggles, and our courtship.” A smile that made the troll’s heart ache. “Of course you would keep it.”

Draggka giggled.

“Good to see ya finally payin’ attention.” She commented, before blinking away her humour.  “What were ya tinking?”

“As the homeworld of the Burning Legion, Argus is likely to be crawling with demons, and if we’re both to return to Azeroth alive, I was thinking of forging a magical connection between us.” Khadgar explained. “Nothing too complex, mind. Just a way for us to sense if the other is alive and in danger, as well as vague general location if enough magic is applied.” He looked at her questioningly.

“I only be knowing just enough magic to be castin’ an arcane shot.” Draggka said, frowning. “But I dunno if it be enough to use it to sense you like dat.”

“Don’t worry, it does not take much application of magic to work. You will be just fine.” Khadgar said. “And don’t worry about me reading your mind or other such things; the connection will not be strong enough for that. I will only use enough to link our life-forces, nothing more. It will barely make the ring magical, and enhancements as weak as that are often overlooked.” He smiled at her. “Of course, it’s your decision.”

“I be perfectly okay wit dis.” The hunter nodded. “It be reassuring dat we be having someting dat can be helping us out of a bad situation.”

“Yes. It will certainly give me a few less white hairs worrying about you.” Khadgar flashed a grin at her before bright pink-purple arcane magic filled his eyes and crackled around his hands. He began to chant the spell, the words foreign and utterly alien to Draggka, yet she couldn’t deny the shiver that ran down her spine as she listened. Stop it! This is hardly the time or place! Her mind scolded her.

Magic swirled around the ring, the ruby itself beginning to glow and flicker as if a flame had ignited within. And, to her surprise, the arcane energy also twined around Khadgar’s collar. Runes suddenly began to appear along its length, as if they’d always been there, and were only just being revealed. There was a bright flash and ripple of energy, and the spell was complete. The ring became inert once more, and the bright pink runes now inscribed on Khadgar’s collar slowly faded away.

“There we go.” Khadgar smiled. “Job done. Try using the magic you have to sense me. Just channel it into the ring, and it will do the rest.”

Draggka closed her eyes and followed Khadgar’s instructions, using the same motions she would if she was casting her Arcane Shot. The ring reacted, and seemed to ‘open’, letting her reach further through it. She did, and a strange sensation came over her. Warm, familiar, safe, whole...and then she felt a heartbeat. Strong and slow and reassuring; everything about the feeling was Khadgar.

The hunter opened her eyes, the sensations falling away except for the warmth and the feeling of Khadgar’s presence, which lingered faintly around her like a blanket. The mage himself smiled.

“It worked.” He murmured, eyes gleaming. The troll’s own eyes widened.

“You sensed dat?” She asked, glancing down at the ring.

“Yes, I did.” He flashed her a cheeky grin. “I’m quite sensitive to magic, you see. So I sent a little something back. You should be able to sense me if I inquire after you. Only slightly, not enough to bother you in dangerous situations, or draw attention to your ring.” The archmage frowned thoughtfully. “I don’t know if you could ‘reply’ the same way I just did for you, however. Not to worry, though. The ring will give me all the information I require. The reply is...” He glanced away, smiling shyly. “A small thing...”

Draggka titled her head to the side, taking this all in.

“Ya bound ya connection to your collar,” she said softly. He touched it self-consciously.

“Yes, I did.” A small smile played at his lips. “I always wear it, and wear it close, so I presumed it would be the best place to hide the enchantment.” His eyes lit up with magic, and the runes glowed for a moment, before disappearing once more. “This will make it look a little more...fancy now too.”

The hunter stared hard, but even with knowing that the runes were there, she couldn’t pick out their marks out within the leather. Perhaps they were nothing more than tricks of the light.

“Ya sure no-one will notice it?” She asked. “It be a bit suspicious if ya collar be lighting up if it didn’t before.”

“Don’t worry. The runes will only show up if I’m using a great deal of magical power to locate you. A cursory check of your health would barely be a blip to an archmage like myself. This is just for show.” Khadgar smiled. “Thank you for indulging me, my love. I...” He took a breath. “I can’t lose you now. Not after everything we’ve been through.”

“No.” Draggka nodded, taking his hands in her own. “We be seeing dis through. Together.” Her orange eyes burned fiercely. “Dey will not take you or my world from me. Not now. Not ever.” She lifted her chin high. “Lok’tar ogar.”

“Lok’tar.” Khadgar replied in kind, before his eyes flicked to glance behind her. “Anyway, I better let you go before someone comes looking for you.”

“Ya not coming wit?” Draggka asked, tilting her head to the side.

“Oh, I will. I just need to see what the sleeping arrangements are.” He rubbed his chin. “I doubt we will get much privacy here.”

“Hmm.” Draggka hummed. “It be hard to sneak time for each other here.”

“Yes.” Khadgar hesitated. “Though, I confess...I’m finding it more difficult to care. The Legion’s homeworld hangs within our skies, we may all be heading toward out ultimate doom, and we are worrying about what people will think our partnership?” He snorted. “I’m so tired of all this politicking at what feels like the end of the world.”

The hunter considered. She did feel the same; who had time to quibble over their relationship when total annihilation by demons was a very real possibility? And it would be so much easier for them not have to sneak around to find time together.

Yet...Khadgar had the most to lose if their relationship was more widely known. Whilst Draggka would certainly get in some trouble, and Sylvanas would take an extremely dim view of the relationship, the troll highly doubted she’d stop being the Huntmaster, and it wasn’t like she wielded much political power anyway. 

Khadgar, however, was the Leader of the Kirin Tor, and regardless of their current neutrality, she could bet they would not take kindly to discovering their leader was courting a member of the Horde.

“I be more den happy not to be hidin’ from de others. But...are ya sure? It could be causing a lotta issues for ya. I mean, Vereesa ain’t gonna be happy findin’ out dat ya been dating me for a while. I know she be barely tolerating me an’ my friends, but dat?” Draggka sighed softly. “I know ya be reckless as a goblin, but dis...I want ya to be sure. Dat’s all.”

“I am sure.” Khadgar said. He closed his eyes, and suddenly blew out a sharp sigh, taking her hands. “To hell with it all. I’m not going to lose any more time with you than I have to any more. Never again.” The steel in his voice was brief, returning to his usual soft tone. “That’s not to say I’m immediately going to kiss you amorously in front of a crowd. I just don’t want to have to hide things like this,” he nodded to their joined hands, “or this,” a quick peck on her cheek, “any more.”

Draggka couldn’t help it; she smiled. It was if a weight had suddenly been lifted from her heart. She’d always loved him, but found it difficult to stopper the emotion she felt for the mage even when she knew she had to.

“We gonna get into a hell’va lotta trouble when we be gettin’ back,” she said.

“Perhaps.” Khadgar shrugged, squeezing her hands. “But after all this? I find it difficult to be afraid of them. And even more difficult to care.” He lifted a hand to stroke her cheek. “I love you. And Azeroth is just going to deal with it.”

“Yeah.” Draggka said softly. “Yeah. It be strange, not hidin’. But good. More den good.”

The archmage smiled.

“That’s what I thought. No second thoughts about our actions, no watching what we say or do. Just...whatever our heart’s desire. Within reason, of course.” His blue eyes glimmered with mischief, and Draggka’s amber ones rolled.

“I be reminding ya of dat da next time you be getting ideas.” The troll folded her arms, raising an eyebrow at him. He was about to reply when Spike uttered a grunt-chuff, a soft warning that something was approaching. Khadgar murmured something, stepping backwards and vanishing into the dark as the raptor returned to his hunter, watching the approaching figure come into view.

“There you are.” Elizabone said, golden eyes brightening to see her friend. Behind the Forsaken floated the glowing demon skull Thaz’kiel, looking as creepy as usual. “We’ve been looking all over for you.”

“Sorry.” Draggka grinned toothily. “We were just explorin’ and got a bit carried away.”

“I don’t think this place is big enough to get lost in.” The warlock retorted. “But you’ve always liked new stuff, so I guess that’s why you’d be down here.” She glanced around, her eyebrows furrowing, but the hunter wasn’t concerned. Only a felhound could detect the archmage’s invisibility spell, especially if he was cloaked in shadows too.

“Yeah. I know dat da draenei be pretty ahead wit dere tech, but dey be...way ahead!”

“Good thing they don’t hate our guts.” Elizabone nodded. “Hope Velen doesn’t do anything stupid like he did in the Tomb. I’m starting to like the old coot.”

“You are?” Draggka arched an eyebrow. “It be gettin’ chilly in de Firelands!”

“Ah, shut up!” The Forsaken swatted at her with a bony hand. “I know it’s weird for me, but I like the lights they’ve got going on here. Enough to see where you’re going, but not eye-blinding. Nice shades of pink too. I could stay here.”

“Dat’s good. Gotta have da Netherlord by our side when we be kicking da Legion where it hurts.” Draggka grinned.

“I’m not going anywhere. Even if this place was sickeningly Light-coloured, I’d still be here. As long as my soul is still stuck in these bones, I’d keep going. I’d be like this guy, floating and angry and just a head.” Elizabone gestured to Thaz’kiel, whose eye sockets appeared to glare back at them. “He’s not talking to me right now. I think he’s shy.”

“Uh huh.” Draggka frowned. She’d never liked the demon skull, and hoped her friend would destroy it after the Legion was defeated. “Hey, ya don’t be having Luufum wit ya.”

“Yeah, I figured it was a little rude to have a demon knocking about here, even if they’re bound to me. I’m also pretty sure they would appreciate not getting routinely murdered for just strolling around with me.” A shrug of her bony shoulders. “I’d kinda like the draenei to trust me. If you’re fighting beside them and living on their ship, the last thing you want is a crystal hammer crushing your head into a crunchy pancake. I mean, I’m already undead. Demons would only be an excuse to attack me.”

“Dat’s...a fair way of lookin’ at it.” The troll nodded. “I don’t tink dey would do dat, but if it makes dem happy, den it makes sense to be keepin’ ya demons out of here.”

“Exactly.” Elizabone nodded, before narrowing her eyes at the troll. “Anyway, I was here to fetch you, not chew the cud! We’re almost ready to go. Velen wanted everyone up top in case something bad happens.”

“Makes sense.” Draggka nodded. “Ya feeling up to it?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be.” the warlock replied, her face-veil rippling with her sigh. “You?”

“It’s not gonna be easy.” The troll said grimly, running her fingers down Spike’s neck. “But...I gotta a good feeling ‘bout dis. I tink we gonna do someting good.”

The undead’s golden eyes seemed to widen slightly, the only indication of her surprise with her lower face hidden.

“You really think that?” She asked, an unsurprising tone of cynicism to her voice.

Draggka touched her chest, where she swore she felt the ring warm against her skin. She glanced over her shoulder, just in time to see a flash of sapphire blue and a bright grin vanishing back into the ether.

“Yeah.” The hunter looked back to her friend, smiling. “I do.”

(In memory of my friend Briyanna. Rest in power.)