#raventrust

[sigurdjarlson]

I always found that sweet how a lot of the time in TLG Med would jump to reassure Khadgar or even apologize after snapping at him

And yet in some ways the cruelest thing Medivh said to Khadgar in my opinion was correcting him when he called Karazhan “Our Tower.” And reminding him he was there at his whim and he could send him away at any time.

And he never did apologize for that one and honestly I don’t really blame Med for that per se? It is his tower and Khadgar can’t tell him who is allowed there. What I mean is going by JUST the power dynamic they have as mentor-apprentice, Khadgar is absolutely out of line there

In some ways could have come off quite spoiled and entitled but the thing is I don’t think that was the case at all.

He’s become so comfortable in Karazhan he’d started thinking of it as his home. Then Medivh has in one conversation reminded him it very much was not his home and he could send him away at anytime if he so wished it

He’d finally found someone who cared about him, respected him and treated him as a person. He found a place where he felt he belonged for once in his life and…

No wonder he was so jealous of Garona for a while after that. He’d been reminded that all of it could be taken from him at any moment and here was someone stealing his Master’s attention.

Just thinking about how that jealousy so obviously comes with feeling like he’s not enough and insecurity about his place in Med’s life.

Just very interesting how I think it could very well have went over Med’s head as not that big of a deal too? One of those things he’d be like huh oh yeah I said that? Meanwhile Khadgar is spiraling about it

He could of also been absolutely aware of how harsh it was because Medivh does lash out like that on occasion (especially towards the end of the book as Sargeras gets harder and harder to fight) he can be a little shit we know this

(Don’t really blame him for that given being possessed by the demon lord Sargeras is probably just a teensy bit tiring /s)

Also seen valid and honestly very possibly canon interpretations where he’s also trying to push Khadgar away cuz he knows what’s coming and what Khadgar is going to have to do.

The more attached to him he is the more difficult it will be for Khadgar to do what needs to be done.

What better way to push someone away then hit them right where it hurts?

And yet even then I think those words hurt Khadgar deeper than he’ll ever know :(

[scourge-lover]

Medivh as a raven just hopping along after Khadgar instead of flying.

Medivh: Carry me

Khadgar: no

[neverekyuu]

Well, the other day Tumblr told me that someone gave me favs on several Raventrust drawings that I did years ago

I waschecking some of my old art and I couldn't help but think: hell, the idea was good

So… Well, maybe I'll redo some things. This in particular is a remake of some individual drawings I did and when I saw them the other day I said: what if… They were looking at each other

And then we have this

I will ink and color. Someday. Now I can say that I have done it before and it will happen

[ladymischievous]

A Twist of Fate: An AU Khadgar and Medivh Fanfic

Not an update, will do so eventually just currently stuck. Just posting for some fun and comfort given some of the Khadgar stuff I've been seeing floating around. Title: A Twist of Fate Rating: PG-13 Pairing: RavenTrust (Eventually, don't like? Then don't read), Slowburn Type: Alternate Universe/Alternate Timeline, A version of the setting and characters based off of parts of the MMO, The book 'The Last Guardian', the Warcraft Movie, and Hearthstone's 'One Night in Karazhan', with some original ideas. Sounds like a mess, but this has honestly been a lot of fun. Warnings: Mentions of past abuse and manipulations from institutes of power and personal connections, eventual moments of horror/psychological horror. Medivh's moods. Medivh and Khadgar clash occasionally. Friendship and eventual romance is a slow burn.

A Twist of Fate can be found on AO3.

[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-

[mycophobian]

Khadgar annoys Medivh

[theater-of-the-mind]

Prompt Fic: Rose Tinted Memories

Doing some writing practice with ficlets some prompts from this list.

AO3 Version can be found here.

 “Thank you for agreeing to help.”

 -o-o-o-o-o-

 “Thank you for agreeing to help.” Khadgar said, his voice was barely above a whisper. He could barely believe that his former master was standing at his side. That they would face Sargeras and the Legion together. 

 Fear rolled around in the Archmage’s stomach. Fear of failure, but also fear that this moment was just a dream. That, with a blink, Medivh wouldn’t be there and Khadgar would find himself alone.

 Alone. Such a simple word that held so much weight and terror for Khadgar. He had been alone before, many times. He had lost so much, so many people over the years. One would think that he’d have gotten used to it, numb to it. But it still hurt now, just as much as it did when he plunged a dagger into Medivh’s chest all those years ago.

 Medivh blinked. Khadgar’s words caught him a little off guard. He had been enjoying the relative silence with his former apprentice as they looked out at Azaroth from the Vindicaar. He had been so enamored with the breathtaking view of their world that he almost missed Khadgar’s words entirely.

 Medivh had originally planned to leave after the defeat of Viz’aduum in the upper reaches of his tower home. He was ready to do it but that look Khadgar gave as he asked him to stay. Seeing him standing there, having come so far but still being the Young Trust, he knew under it all. Medivh’s feet were suddenly lead. He couldn’t bring himself to leave.

 “I’m not sure how useful I’ll be. Your friend Turalyon says I’m a potential threat. He’s probably not wrong.” Medivh admitted.

 The mention of Turalyon and the fight Khadgar had with him over Medivh made his stomach twist. His hold on Atiesh tightened a little, as they had thrown harsh words back and forth between them.

 Lately, it had seemed like the universe had been giving some things back to Khadgar. Alleria and Turalyon were here. He had friends in his champions; he had Medivh back, of all things. Yet, everything was still ‘off’. Alleria and Turalyon, he cared about dearly, were very different from when they last saw each other. Both changed by void and light. Turalyon was much harsher, even allowing for his wife to be locked up by Xe’ra. Alleria was wrapped in the embrace of the void. She was colder, more venomous. Khadgar found himself worrying about her, for her sanity. She always had a mean streak. He remembered the times he used to butt heads with Alleria in the past. But this was different. This was much more dangerous.

 Khadgar quietly mourned his friends all over again. That small part of himself that hoped against all hope that they’d be together again finally died. Khadgar had to wonder if the fond memories he had of them were truly real. Being there in their presence, listening to them as they spoke, memories bubbled up. Both the good and bad. Every argument he had with Alleria, his crush on Turalyon, and the pained disappointment when they became a pair. Khadgar still loved them, he still cared about them, but the three of them were more flawed than he cared to admit. He held on to his rose-tinted memories to help him get through the toughest times. 

 Now, that was all peeled away. Khadgar found his ironclad resolve start to waver.

“I’ve been living as a hermit for a long time.” Medivh spoke up, breaking Khadgar away from his thoughts. “Going out now and then for supplies, doing tasks for people in Darkshire. I would tell myself that it was a self-imposed punishment.” Medivh gave Khadgar a moment to let it all sink in. “I wanted to see you when I heard you had returned from Draenor…Or, ‘Outland’, as it’s known now. I even traveled all the way to Dalaran…”

 The memory of that day was still fresh in Medivh’s mind. The feel of his hammering heart as he walked the streets of the mage city. The goosebumps that rose from his skin as he feared recognition, even with how unlikely it was. Disguise aside, his time was a good number of years ago. It was highly unlikely any civilian would have realized who he was, let alone a young student. Still, there may have been someone out there that could. The anxiety only grew with gradual over stimulation of everything Dalaran, from the magic flaunted about the markets to the crowds of civilians, students, and adventurers crept up on him.

 It all boiled over, the moment he caught sight of Khadgar. He was being shown around the city by some eager students. He looked far older then, having a beard that went down to his knees. His hair was all grey, save for a thick streak of pure, bright white that Medivh recognized as Khadgar's signature Mullen stripe. It was him. It really was Khadgar, there and alive. Medivh's feet moved on their own, marching towards him. It took a minute for his mind to catch up with his body's actions. One of the students noticed him, eyeing him, and suddenly it all became too much. Medivh ducked into an alleyway before Khadgar could turn around to see him.

 He couldn't do it. Medivh couldn't face him. So he fled.

 “Honestly, I was just hiding from the world, and the repercussions of my crimes.” Medivh admitted to himself more than anything. It was a truth that needed to be said, that he needed to accept. “I separated my study from the rest of the tower, never realizing what was happening within it. That Moroes and my friends are still there, cursed and having to put up with demons and adventurers. Even now, I’m terrified of facing Sargeras, of the idea that he might…that I might…” Medivh didn’t finish. He looked down at one of his hands and found it trembling. Turalyon had raised the idea that Sargeras might try to use Medivh against them. As much as the magus didn’t want to admit it, it was a very real possibility. “I’m just a coward, Khadgar.”

 “Then why did you stay?” Khadgar asked. There was no accusation in his voice.

 Medivh slowly closed his trembling hand into a fist. “...I...don’t know. I was going to leave, but I couldn’t.”

 “I’d like to think that if there’s one thing I understand, it’s you, Medivh.” Khadgar said with a weary smile. “You were never the type to simply do as you were told. Even back then, you fought Sargeras’ control as much as you could. I’m sure I would have been a pile of ashes if you hadn’t.” Khadgar’s smile grew more fond, he blinked and Medivh could see his eyes had begun to tear up. “I think the two of us standing here, together again, is proof of that.”

 Medivh felt his face heat up. He broke eye contact with Khadgar and returned his gaze to Azaroth. “It was because you asked me to, Khadgar. I saw you there and for a moment, I saw that awkward lad the Kirin Tor threw at me.” Medivh felt his own eyes sting as it was their turn to tear up. “You’ve changed so much but you’re still ‘Young Trust’. You wanted me here and I couldn’t bring myself to say ‘no’ to you.”

 Khadgar couldn’t help the blush that creeped its way into his face. He chewed lightly on his lower lip as he tried to pick out the words he wished to say. 

 “I’m afraid too, Medivh.” Khadgar admitted. “I’ve made so many mistakes as a leader and poor choices as a person. We’re both flawed and damaged people. But I can’t deny that I feel braver with you here, with me.” Khadgar took a chance, reached over, and took Medivh’s hand into his own. He threaded their fingers together. When Medivh gently squeezed back, he felt his heart flutter. “I don’t just want to defeat Sargeras, I want to come out of this alive with you.”

 Medivh couldn’t help but smile a little. “I…wouldn’t mind leaving the tower more after this. Maybe…we could…? Ah…I…”

 “I’d love to show you around Dalaran.” Khadgar said. “I know you never liked it, but there are excellent places to eat. There’s also a very famous bookshop there that has more of those steamy romance novels…”

 “Dear light, you saw all of those?!” Medivh laughed halfway through the sentence.

 “I’ve always known about your smut collection. I had to organize those too back when I was cleaning your library.”

 Medivh’s face grew so hot, so fast that he felt a little lightheaded. His free hand rose up to cover his face. Laughter bubbled up from his chest and broke free. It was light, warm, and almost melodic. It brought a warmth to the room that Khadgar knew so well. At that moment, Medivh was lighter, more vibrant.

 “Excuse me…” a familiar drawling voice spoke. Moroes had arrived, with broom and dustpan in hand. The ever loyal steward refused to let Khadgar and Medivh go off without him. Surprising them both in his ability to leave Karazhan’s tower. Moroes gestured both magi to step aside as he began to sweep up what Khadgar noticed were small, golden crystalline shards. “Honestly, you’d think people around here would know to sweep up random bits of glass. If this junk gets into their hooves, it’ll cause them all sorts of problems.”

 Medivh’s brow furrowed as he stared at the collection of shards that were in Moroes’ dustpan. “Huh, so that’s what that occasional ‘crunch’ under my boots was…”

 “Um, that’s…Khadgar paled as he realized quickly what Moroes was sweeping up. “...That’s not glass.”

 Medivh looked to Khadgar, and then the realization hit him. “Oh, that’s the naru your moody purple friend blew up, isn’t it?”

 “Y-yep…” Khadgar could hear tiny, disjointed tones coming from the shards.

 “I don’t care what it is!” Moroes huffed. “It’s a mess, and it’s everywhere! Do your mage thing and help me clean.”

 “Magic!? Oh no, I couldn’t! I’d never!” Medivh said as an impish smile spread across his face. “I seem to remember a certain someone telling me that magic didn’t belong with cleaning. That all you need is good old-fashioned elbow grease and--”

 “Medivh.” Moroes’ voice was firm. He crossed his arms and gave the magus a firm look. “Enough of your sass or I’ll box you on your ears.”

 “Yes, yes, Mother Hen…” Medivh said, his smile turning warmer. He had very much missed Moroes and was thankful to have him back. He raised both of his hands into the air and his fingers gave a loud, sharp ‘snap’.

 Arcane crackled as mana flowed from Medivh and swirled in the air before shaping itself into multiple brooms. They floated off and went about sweeping and cleaning around the Vindicaar.

 Khadgar would take whatever levity he could get. Being there with Moroes and Medivh was grounding. Something he needed for the trials to come, for when they finally faced Sargeras.

 They would defeat him and get out of it alive, together. Khadgar didn’t need to hold on to rose-tinted memories to push him forward. There was so much to look forward to in the future.

 -The End-

[neverekyuu]

Well, I ended this a few weeks ago but didn't posted it because I wanted to post it with the colored version. But I don't know when I'm going to color this, so...

I wanted to dedicate this to @walkingdisasterofamage. I found out a few days ago that they passed away and I was very saddened by this news.

They helped me some time ago solving vocabulary and grammar questions because I was trying to translate my fics into English. Talking to them was an honor because they were my favourite Raventrust fanfic writer.

I am not a believer so I don't have nice spiritual words or much to say, but I can promise you that I'll always remember this. Thank you for everything

[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.

[oroontheheels]

They know he’s dying of loneliness but refuse to give him his man back.

I’m calling to animal rights activists headquarters and reporting severe abuse of old gay ravens

Someone needs to remind blizzard that khadgar isn’t actually that old before they have him die of a heart attack or something

[mischievouswritingblog]

Prompt Fic: Rose Tinted Memories

Doing some writing practice with ficlets some prompts.

 “Thank you for agreeing to help.”

 -o-o-o-o-o-

 “Thank you for agreeing to help.” Khadgar said, his voice was barely above a whisper. He could barely believe that his former master was standing at his side. That they would face Sargeras and the Legion together. 

 Fear rolled around in the Archmage’s stomach. Fear of failure, but also fear that this moment was just a dream. That, with a blink, Medivh wouldn’t be there and Khadgar would find himself alone.

 Alone. Such a simple word that held so much weight and terror for Khadgar. He had been alone before, many times. He had lost so much, so many people over the years. One would think that he’d have gotten used to it, numb to it. But it still hurt now, just as much as it did when he plunged a dagger into Medivh’s chest all those years ago.

 Medivh blinked. Khadgar’s words caught him a little off guard. He had been enjoying the relative silence with his former apprentice as they looked out at Azaroth from the Vindicaar. He had been so enamored with the breathtaking view of their world that he almost missed Khadgar’s words entirely.

 Medivh had originally planned to leave after the defeat of Viz’aduum in the upper reaches of his tower home. He was ready to do it but that look Khadgar gave as he asked him to stay. Seeing him standing there, having come so far but still being the Young Trust, he knew under it all. Medivh’s feet were suddenly lead. He couldn’t bring himself to leave.

 “I’m not sure how useful I’ll be. Your friend Turalyon says I’m a potential threat. He’s probably not wrong.” Medivh admitted.

 The mention of Turalyon and the fight Khadgar had with him over Medivh made his stomach twist. His hold on Atiesh tightened a little, as they had thrown harsh words back and forth between them.

 Lately, it had seemed like the universe had been giving some things back to Khadgar. Alleria and Turalyon were here. He had friends in his champions; he had Medivh back, of all things. Yet, everything was still ‘off’. Alleria and Turalyon, he cared about dearly, were very different from when they last saw each other. Both changed by void and light. Turalyon was much harsher, even allowing for his wife to be locked up by Xe’ra. Alleria was wrapped in the embrace of the void. She was colder, more venomous. Khadgar found himself worrying about her, for her sanity. She always had a mean streak. He remembered the times he used to butt heads with Alleria in the past. But this was different. This was much more dangerous.

 Khadgar quietly mourned his friends all over again. That small part of himself that hoped against all hope that they’d be together again finally died. Khadgar had to wonder if the fond memories he had of them were truly real. Being there in their presence, listening to them as they spoke, memories bubbled up. Both the good and bad. Every argument he had with Alleria, his crush on Turalyon, and the pained disappointment when they became a pair. Khadgar still loved them, he still cared about them, but the three of them were more flawed than he cared to admit. He held on to his rose-tinted memories to help him get through the toughest times. 

 Now, that was all peeled away. Khadgar found his ironclad resolve start to waver.

“I’ve been living as a hermit for a long time.” Medivh spoke up, breaking Khadgar away from his thoughts. “Going out now and then for supplies, doing tasks for people in Darkshire. I would tell myself that it was a self-imposed punishment.” Medivh gave Khadgar a moment to let it all sink in. “I wanted to see you when I heard you had returned from Draenor…Or, ‘Outland’, as it’s known now. I even traveled all the way to Dalaran…”

 The memory of that day was still fresh in Medivh’s mind. The feel of his hammering heart as he walked the streets of the mage city. The goosebumps that rose from his skin as he feared recognition, even with how unlikely it was. Disguise aside, his time was a good number of years ago. It was highly unlikely any civilian would have realized who he was, let alone a young student. Still, there may have been someone out there that could. The anxiety only grew with gradual over stimulation of everything Dalaran, from the magic flaunted about the markets to the crowds of civilians, students, and adventurers crept up on him.

 It all boiled over, the moment he caught sight of Khadgar. He was being shown around the city by some eager students. He looked far older then, having a beard that went down to his knees. His hair was all grey, save for a thick streak of pure, bright white that Medivh recognized as Khadgar's signature Mullen stripe. It was him. It really was Khadgar, there and alive. Medivh's feet moved on their own, marching towards him. It took a minute for his mind to catch up with his body's actions. One of the students noticed him, eyeing him, and suddenly it all became too much. Medivh ducked into an alleyway before Khadgar could turn around to see him.

 He couldn't do it. Medivh couldn't face him. So he fled.

 “Honestly, I was just hiding from the world, and the repercussions of my crimes.” Medivh admitted to himself more than anything. It was a truth that needed to be said, that he needed to accept. “I separated my study from the rest of the tower, never realizing what was happening within it. That Moroes and my friends are still there, cursed and having to put up with demons and adventurers. Even now, I’m terrified of facing Sargeras, of the idea that he might…that I might…” Medivh didn’t finish. He looked down at one of his hands and found it trembling. Turalyon had raised the idea that Sargeras might try to use Medivh against them. As much as the magus didn’t want to admit it, it was a very real possibility. “I’m just a coward, Khadgar.”

 “Then why did you stay?” Khadgar asked. There was no accusation in his voice.

 Medivh slowly closed his trembling hand into a fist. “...I...don’t know. I was going to leave, but I couldn’t.”

 “I’d like to think that if there’s one thing I understand, it’s you, Medivh.” Khadgar said with a weary smile. “You were never the type to simply do as you were told. Even back then, you fought Sargeras’ control as much as you could. I’m sure I would have been a pile of ashes if you hadn’t.” Khadgar’s smile grew more fond, he blinked and Medivh could see his eyes had begun to tear up. “I think the two of us standing here, together again, is proof of that.”

 Medivh felt his face heat up. He broke eye contact with Khadgar and returned his gaze to Azaroth. “It was because you asked me to, Khadgar. I saw you there and for a moment, I saw that awkward lad the Kirin Tor threw at me.” Medivh felt his own eyes sting as it was their turn to tear up. “You’ve changed so much but you’re still ‘Young Trust’. You wanted me here and I couldn’t bring myself to say ‘no’ to you.”

 Khadgar couldn’t help the blush that creeped its way into his face. He chewed lightly on his lower lip as he tried to pick out the words he wished to say. 

 “I’m afraid too, Medivh.” Khadgar admitted. “I’ve made so many mistakes as a leader and poor choices as a person. We’re both flawed and damaged people. But I can’t deny that I feel braver with you here, with me.” Khadgar took a chance, reached over, and took Medivh’s hand into his own. He threaded their fingers together. When Medivh gently squeezed back, he felt his heart flutter. “I don’t just want to defeat Sargeras, I want to come out of this alive with you.”

 Medivh couldn’t help but smile a little. “I…wouldn’t mind leaving the tower more after this. Maybe…we could…? Ah…I…”

 “I’d love to show you around Dalaran.” Khadgar said. “I know you never liked it, but there are excellent places to eat. There’s also a very famous bookshop there that has more of those steamy romance novels…”

 “Dear light, you saw all of those?!” Medivh laughed halfway through the sentence.

 “I’ve always known about your smut collection. I had to organize those too back when I was cleaning your library.”

 Medivh’s face grew so hot, so fast that he felt a little lightheaded. His free hand rose up to cover his face. Laughter bubbled up from his chest and broke free. It was light, warm, and almost melodic. It brought a warmth to the room that Khadgar knew so well. At that moment, Medivh was lighter, more vibrant.

 “Excuse me…” a familiar drawling voice spoke. Moroes had arrived, with broom and dustpan in hand. The ever loyal steward refused to let Khadgar and Medivh go off without him. Surprising them both in his ability to leave Karazhan’s tower. Moroes gestured both magi to step aside as he began to sweep up what Khadgar noticed were small, golden crystalline shards. “Honestly, you’d think people around here would know to sweep up random bits of glass. If this junk gets into their hooves, it’ll cause them all sorts of problems.”

 Medivh’s brow furrowed as he stared at the collection of shards that were in Moroes’ dustpan. “Huh, so that’s what that occasional ‘crunch’ under my boots was…”

 “Um, that’s…Khadgar paled as he realized quickly what Moroes was sweeping up. “...That’s not glass.”

 Medivh looked to Khadgar, and then the realization hit him. “Oh, that’s the naru your moody purple friend blew up, isn’t it?”

 “Y-yep…” Khadgar could hear tiny, disjointed tones coming from the shards.

 “I don’t care what it is!” Moroes huffed. “It’s a mess, and it’s everywhere! Do your mage thing and help me clean.”

 “Magic!? Oh no, I couldn’t! I’d never!” Medivh said as an impish smile spread across his face. “I seem to remember a certain someone telling me that magic didn’t belong with cleaning. That all you need is good old-fashioned elbow grease and--”

 “Medivh.” Moroes’ voice was firm. He crossed his arms and gave the magus a firm look. “Enough of your sass or I’ll box you on your ears.”

 “Yes, yes, Mother Hen…” Medivh said, his smile turning warmer. He had very much missed Moroes and was thankful to have him back. He raised both of his hands into the air and his fingers gave a loud, sharp ‘snap’.

 Arcane crackled as mana flowed from Medivh and swirled in the air before shaping itself into multiple brooms. They floated off and went about sweeping and cleaning around the Vindicaar.

 Khadgar would take whatever levity he could get. Being there with Moroes and Medivh was grounding. Something he needed for the trials to come, for when they finally faced Sargeras.

 They would defeat him and get out of it alive, together. Khadgar didn’t need to hold on to rose-tinted memories to push him forward. There was so much to look forward to in the future.

 -The End-

Fic can be found on AO3

[wondrouswendy]

Fic Writing Ask: 🗻, 🍂, and 🫖.

Thank you for the ask!!

🗻: What's your greatest strength in writing?

I would say keeping characters in character. This is my number one priority when it comes to writing anything, whether it's fanfiction or with original characters. Stick to the motivations and personalities as closely as possible. Try to extrapolate on personalities and situations when you don't have a canon touchstone to rely on. Sometimes you have to step outside the box and think about what a character would do in a situation they're normally not in. That's the beauty of fanfiction. Adapting a framework into a different situation.

🍂: What everyday things help inspire you?

Anything. Interactions with people, conversations with others, other media. Sometimes something ridiculous happening in WoW is enough to inspire a story. I've written countless Raventrust fics thanks to this. Sometimes a meme can be enough to prompt an idea for a story or a scene. I take inspiration from anything!

I also try to think about my own life and try to bring those feelings into my stories. Some of Darling's family history I explored in I'll Be Home For Christmas were inspired by my own family experiences.

🫖: If you had a tea party with your blorbos you write the most, how would it go?

Well, I think Trench wouldn't like Alan Wake, considering Alan was trying to influence his and Darling's relationship. I think he'd really resent Alan, and because I think Trench WOULD be friends with FBI Casey in actual canon (they totally met during the New York case), Trench would hate Alan even more. So yeah... not a great situation.

Trench and the Casey(s) would be great friends absolutely. They would bond over having to wrangle their partners, love of shooting, solving cases, protecting others. They would have a lot to vent over. I could see them drinking a beer and having a good laugh over the nonsense they have to deal with.

I don't know if Darling and Alan would get along. In some ways, it would almost be disastrous to have them in the same room. They're both self-destructive in a way. On the flipside, I think Darling would want to put Alan under the microscope and study his parautilitarian abilities. He would probably overwhelm Alan and drive him to an outburst lmao

[freejamtime]

became the exact same way with archmage khadgar (i want him to hold hands but i ship him with both kalecgos AND illidan...... so throuple?)

not really a character i multiship but because he canonically has a partner (i can't imagine for romantic reasons because of revendreth's Everything) and i also ship him with renathal, polyamorous theotar is a thing that i like because he holds everyone's hand (and i wish he'd hold mine)

I multiship and somehow it always ends up with polyamory.. without fail. Like, bainduin is my number one but ALSO I understand the appeal of wranduin and appreciate their dynamic so why not just. Smush them together. Anduin has two hands. And he deserves all the love

[ladymischievous]

Repostober Fic Collection

Not art, but writing instead. Here's links to a few of my works that I am particularly proud of from over the years:

Mask of the Rose/Fallen London

Dreams of Home

Archibald Reid had finally returned to the surface. He hadn’t realized just how much he had changed. There was a time where he wanted nothing more than the sun and returning to Glasgow. But now, he found himself a stranger to all the things he once found familiar. Archie tries to find solace in his dreams. WARNING: This fic contains spoilers for the 'Baptism' ending of Mask of the Rose.

World of Warcraft

A Twist of Fate

Type: Alternate Timeline, Did a lot of mixing of lore sources from things like 'The Last Guardian, The Movie, WoW, and Hearthstone's One Night in Karazhan to make this.

Warnings: In later chapters there's a bit of horror and psychological horror. This is a character study and exploration of both Khadgar and Medivh.

Main Characters: Khadgar and Medivh

Pairings: RavenTrust (Friendship and eventually romance (not there yet currently)

Curiosity was considered both a valuable trait and horrible vice of mages. It was his own curiosity that got Khadgar shipped off from the only home he had known.

AU Snippet: Dark Deals

Type: Modern!AU, Snippet based off an old RP

Main Characters: Medivh and Kel'Thuzad

Pairings: Kel'Thuzad/Medivh, hinted RavenTrust

Warnings: Spiders, Dubious Consent

Modern!AU. A crime intertwines the worlds of humans and of magic and mages. To help Lothar and protect Khadgar, Medivh must pay a visit to the dark underbelly of his world. Important Note: This is a snippet I adapted a scene from a past RP I did with a friend. I took it and adapted it into a oneshot as a writing exercise.

The Dragon Prince and the Recluse

Main Characters: Medivh and Wrathion

Pairings: Mentioned Hinted Raventrust, (Once I continue an) eventual friendship with Wrathion and Medivh.

It took a bit of work on Khadgar's part to convince Medivh to let the 'dragon prince' stay in his home. Wrathion isn't sure what to make of Karazhan, the ghosts within, or her reclusive master. He heard stories of Medivh, a guardian of Azaroth who fell from grace. Even his father was quite wary of the mage yet Wrathion is far from impressed. A Guardian is meant to protect Azeroth, not lock themself away in self-exile.

Dark Eyes Over Stormwind Keep

Pairings: Wrathion/Anduin, Wrathion & Medivh (friendship)

Warnings: Mild Body Horror

Haunted in his dreams, Anduin teeters on the line between light and shadow.

My Hero Academia

Heroes are for Fiction

Type: Writer!AU

Warnings: This one I wrote when I was in a particularly dark place. Feelings of depression and suicidal ideation. It was a theraputic bit of writing for me as I was navigating heavy emotions at the time.

Main Characters: Toshinori Yagi, Inko Midoriya, Izuku Midoriya

Pairings & Relationships: Inko/Toshinori, Izuku & Toshinori (Fatherly bond)

After a devastating personal tragedy, author Toshinori withdraws into loneliness and depression--at least until a face from his past comes back to remind him that heroes are not just for the fiction he writes.

[mischievouswritingblog]

A Twist of Fate

I’ve been wanting to continue or revamp this fic for a long time but at the moment I’m a bit stuck. Being that I’m working on a Pathfinder 2e Campaign based on World of Warcraft, I ended up thinking about this fic a lot and I decided to reshare it.

Here’s the first chapter and a link to the fic on AO3. It’s a long one, be warned.

-o-o-o-o-o- Chapter 1: Lucky Number 13     A rough jolt from the wagon shook Khadgar awake. He blinked a few times before he looked up at the night sky. How long had he slept? 

“Hey spell-chucker, is the cargo alright back there?” the dwarven driver called back to him. “I didn’t give ya a discount outta the goodness of me heart!”

Khadgar was squished between large sacks of potatoes and a crate holding bottles of ale. It was uncomfortable, the scratchy burlap of the potato sacks rubbed against exposed skin. The wooden create gave him no room to adjust himself. He did his best to look over the other various bits and bobs of cargo. “Nothing seems damaged, sir.” 

“Good, keep it that way!” the driver ordered. “I’m gonna pick up the pace!” He swung his whip and cracked it loudly. 

“Please don’t!” Khadgar’s body roughly jerked as the wagon sped up. Desperately he clung to its side as his frightened scream echoed out into the night. 

Deadwind Pass had earned its name for good reason. Its paths and trails winded through thick trees and along the faces of steep cliffs. It was all too easy for travelers whether on foot or carriage to fall to their doom into rushing rivers far below. Had Khadgar not hitched a ride with a traveling merchant who was familiar with the area, it would have been his own fate. 

Yet humans were a stubborn species, people still found a way to populate the area. To Khadgar’s surprise, he would spot the occasional house or two nestled among the greenery. Just how they could stand being surrounded by such dangerous heights was beyond him. Even crossing the simple stone bridges made the young mage’s stomach do flips. 

“Look alive, kid!” said the driver of the wagon, his sudden bark made Khadgar jump. “We’re gettin’ close to Karazhan.” 

The wagon rattled along the road as it made its way around a bend. It tilted dangerously close to toppling over the edge but slammed back down onto the road. The cargo and passenger were jostled but miraculously everything managed to stay intact. Khadgar was treated to a good view of one of Azeroth's moons. But his admiration didn’t last long, as his eyes were drawn to something else. Standing above the rock formations and thick wilds of Deadwind was a tower. Bathed in moonlight, it gave off a haunting presence. A proud monolith that stood above everything else, it felt as though Khadgar were being watched by it. A number of lit windows were sign that there was life in the tower. 

Khadgar jumped when the wagon hit a bump that shook the entire thing. He held his satchel to his chest as though it could do more than barely shield him. It had been a long and rough trip. Khadgar had at first thought the worst was behind him after having to sail Menethil Harbor (his fear of deep water did him no favors). Only to find that there was still a long way to go, trekking through wetlands and on the road until he could hitch a ride with caravans kind enough to take on a fledgling ‘spell chucker’. Not to mention the drastic changes in climates, from the mild weather of Lordaeron to the bitter chill of Dun Morogh, to the heat of the southern lands of Stormwind. 

It was difficult and there were plenty of times where Khadgar wished he could turn back. But that wasn’t an option for him. He had no means of going back home, certainly not enough money. The trip down the continent was dangerous enough as it was. No, he couldn’t go back, he needed to be accepted or…

The sound of rattling drew Khadgar’s eyes to the bottles of ale. His eyes grew wide as he watched the valuable cargo begin to bubble within. Khadgar reached out to stop it but a small static-like zap of arcane energy made him pull his hand away. The young mage scooted away from the crate and wrapped his arms around himself.

“Stop it, Khadgar...” he whispered to himself. Khadgar took a deep breath through his nose and released it as a sigh. “You need to calm down.” 

“Here’s where ye get off, kid!” the driver said as the wagon began to slow down. 

It wasn’t long before they came to a full halt. Khadgar looked up at the driver, thankful that he could leave before anything exploded. He snatched up his satchel and climbed out of the cart. Khadgar thanked the driver as he pulled out a coin purse and paid a few coins of what little money he had left. 

The dwarf driver counted the coins before pocketing them. “Now listen, jus’ keep following the road and ye will wind up right in Karazhan. It’s jus’ a little ways from here so ye should make it there before it gets too late. Keep a good pace, nasty things prowl in these parts at night.”

Khadgar looked out at the road ahead of him, he gripped the leather strap of his satchel before he began to walk. Luckily the area wasn’t completely dark. a small mining station by the mouth of a cave provided a little light. It was A small comfort but not enough for Khadgar to relax. He was still far away from the only home he had ever known.

Admittedly, it was his own fault.

Curiosity was considered both a valuable trait and horrible vice of magi. It was what spurred them to learn and experiment with the magical arts, to push the boundaries of what was possible. Of course, there were also downsides, mages that pushed ethics aside just to see what would happen. It urged some to see if they could bind and control fantastic beasts or even raise the dead. Such attempts never ended well.

Khadgar attempted no such things, he followed most of the rules placed upon him by the Kirin Tor. Laws and regulations were engraved into him at a young age, like the brand of the violet eye on his left arm. The problem with Khadgar was that he was born with curiosity that had an insatiable appetite. Often he'd find trouble searching for the truth behind rumors or peeking at restricted areas or tomes. 

Most students would focus their hunger for knowledge to texts and study. Khadgar would experiment with ways to make his snooping easier. He designed tools like a mechanical cricket that would chirp to warn him of powerful magics and wards. He also designed a small spell to enhance his hearing. Picking locks and undoing seals were a hobby to him like crossword puzzles were to others. There were many nighttime ventures around the Violet Citadel. Hunting for anything that would feed his gluttonous curiosity. It was how Khadgar found quite a few dirty little secrets that the Kirin Tor wanted kept quiet. 

Many were harmless, perhaps a little embarrassing, like the Chief Artificer’s weakness for flamewine. Others were more far more scandalous and could tarnish a reputation. Like Korrigan, the Violet Citadel's librarian, and his fascination with demon worshipers and their practices. Or Lady Delth and her fondness for young men a mere fraction of her age. 

Given Lady Delth’s status (both marriage and society wise), Khadgar suspected it was his stumbling onto one of her affairs that was the last straw. The next thing he knew, Khadgar was suddenly selected for a ‘great honor’. He was to go to a place called Karazhan, to learn under ‘The Great Magus Medivh’. Not that Khadgar had ever heard of such a mage.

Doing a little digging he learned that ‘Medivh Aran’ was a hedge-mage, that on its own was incredibly strange. Such magi suffered from a lack of discipline and restraint when not watched by the violet eye of the Kirin Tor. Usually, they would always meet some grisly demise brought by their own hubris. Stories of rogue wizards bringing castles down upon themselves or blowing themselves to bits were a staple in classes of young mages-to-be. The moral of such tales always the same: ‘Never go out on your own, never take the guidance of the Kirin Tor for granted.’

Yet Medivh was an anomaly. He was the very thing the Kirin Tor frowned upon but they appeared to respect the man. So why was there so little information about the magus? There were scraps and bits that Khadgar tried to cobble together into a cohesive picture. 

In one text Medivh was credited for simplifying many complex spells (the names of which were missing). There was also a letter that noted the magus had observed a fascinating phenomenon in the stars. Other bits and pieces Khadgar managed to find were filled with a mishmash of claims that clashed horribly. There was mention of Medivh being a skilled engineer, one professor said that he studied exotic animals, and in one note the magus was called a ‘patron of the arts’. Generous, selfish, kind, cruel, genius, half mad, difficult taskmaster, a man that just didn’t give a damn, all these used to describe Medivh. None of it made a lick of sense.

It was aggravating since it only served to fuel Khadgar’s hungry curiosity even more.

Upon reaching the land where the tower stood Khadgar was surprised to see that there was a village surrounding the base. He could see a number of Houses, an inn, a marketplace, and a small church. It was a strange place for a village, hidden away by the surrounding woods and mountains. Almost as though it were dropped there by some spell went awry. Perhaps it was. 

Khadgar could feel something strange in the air. A presence that made the hairs of the back of his neck stand on end. There was a lot of magic in the land itself, he could feel it flowing through the earth under his feet. If Khadgar stood and focused, he felt energies coursing in the ground beneath his feet. It was like many surging rivers meeting at and flowing from that point. 

But it wasn’t the time to focus on such things. As Khadgar walked through the streets and towards the tower, he opened his satchel and pulled out his letter of introduction. The purple wax seal of the violet eye stared back at him. Like him, the letter had reached its destination, it felt heavy, perhaps more so than the day it was handed to him. It felt like he was holding his own future in his hands. In a sense, he very well was and that was terrifying. 

A small sound suddenly caught Khadgar’s attention, his gaze was drawn to the window of a nearby house. His eyes widened as he saw the glass of the window was cracking. Khadgar felt his stomach twist into a knot before picking up his pace, mentally begging his magic stay in control. He couldn’t afford to his magic lash out, not now of all times. Khadgar tried to calm himself by taking in deep breaths but it was all too soon that he found himself standing before the main doors of the tower. 

Khadgar felt his heart pounding harder in his rib cage as he stared up at the large, imposing building before him. In the dark of the night, it looked almost sinister, even the moon that hung high in the sky felt like it was judging him. It was getting harder to breathe as his chest felt tighter with each passing second. Khadgar swallowed trying to force his emotions down as he raised a shaky hand to knock on the large wooden door. 

A loud explosion shook the tower from far above. Khadgar looked up just in time to see falling, shattered glass heading right for him. The young mage scrambled to get out of the way and managed to do so just in time. Sharp pieces of colored glass rained down right where he had been standing. Had he not moved when he did Khadgar would have ended up a bloodied mess. 

“What in light’s name was that…?” Khadgar thought aloud, a bit shaken. He looked up and saw smoke flowing out from one of the windows of the tower. He could have sworn he heard the distant sound of someone yelling obscenities. 

The door of the tower then opened with a loud groan and squeak of its hinges. Khadgar looked and found himself staring at a tall, slender gentleman that reminded him a little of a weasel. The man’s hair was dark brown, reaching just above his shoulders and well kept. He was dressed in fine red and black suit. But the detail that took away from his immaculate appearance was that he was wearing horse’s blinders. 

Khadgar watched as the man who had brought a broom and dustpan began to clean up the glass. It was then he found his voice and spoke up. “U-um, e-excuse me, sir…?” 

At first, the man in red didn’t respond. It was after another attempt of Khadgar trying to get his attention he looked up at him. His eyes scanned over the youth, his face was a mask of pure of boredom. It was hard to tell what he was thinking as he looked the mageling over. The man then made the slightest frown before he finally spoke. “I take it you have business here?” 

Khadgar caught himself staring and scrambled to hand the man his letter of introduction. “Khadgar.” 

The man in red gave a confused blink before he eyed the letter but made no move to take it. Instead, he looked up at the boy with a quirked eyebrow. 

“Of Dalaran.” Khadgar abruptly continued. “Khadgar of Dalaran, in the Kingdom of Lordaeron.” His face grew hot the more he talked. Words surged forward like a broken faucet. “I was sent by the Kirin Tor. In the Violet Citadel. In Dalaran. In Lordaeron.” The mageling's voice went higher in pitch with each sentence as embarrassment engulfed him. 

“I see...” the man in red said before the slightest hint of a smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Well, Khadgar of the Kirin Tor, in the Violet Citadel, in Dalaran, in Lordaeron, I am Moroes. I’m the tower steward and Castellan of Karazhan.” 

“Castellan…?” Khadgar blinked and looked around at the town surrounding the tower. “That’s like a governor, isn’t it?” 

“Hmm, awfully astute of you...” Moroes said in a mild sarcastic tone. He then set the dustpan and broom aside and clasped his hands behind his back. “Yes, Master Medivh owns the tower and the land surrounding it. It’s my job to keep things in ship shape and running while he performs his duties.” 

Khadgar blinked, his eyes widened a little. “Is the magus a nobleman?” 

Moroes gave a small shrug. “He is, but the most the Master calls himself is an ‘over glorified landlord’.”

“I-I see...” Khadgar said. “M-may I meet with him?”

Moroes he reached into his pocket and took out a pocket watch. With a click, it opened and he looked at the time. “Hmm, it’s not ungodly late yet, I suppose it should be fine.” Moroes snapped the watch closed and slipped it in his pocket. “Perhaps a visitor will put him off working on that mechanical monstrosity late into the night.” 

Khadgar eyes were drawn up towards the broken window far above. He couldn’t help but wonder about the explosion from earlier. A loud clearing of the throat brought his attention back to Moroes, who was waiting for him in the doorway. 

“Did you want to come in or do you wish to sleep under the stars tonight?” asked the Castellan, his voice never losing its ‘ho-hum’ tone. 

Khadgar jumped slightly then followed him through the door. With his first step inside the tower, Khadgar felt goosebumps rise from his skin. There was an odd presence to his new surroundings, time itself felt strange as if it slowed for a moment. 

Khadgar followed Moroes while allowing his eyes to drink in every detail they could. He saw carvings of horses that lined the higher parts of the walls that led to the entrance of what appeared to be stables. A loud clearing of the throat from Moroes urged Khadgar to hurry his pace. They passed through a crafted stone archway; Khadgar's boots thumped heavily against marble stairs that led to a ballroom. 

“Master Medivh is up in his study, we’ll be taking the servants’ shortcuts to get there in quicker time.” Moroes explained as he looked over his shoulder to Khadgar. “So please try to keep up, the last thing you’d want is to get lost here.” 

“Yes, sir!” Khadgar said while walking faster. 

Keeping up with Moroes was easier said than done. As soon as the pair slipped into the servants’ passageways the Castellan moved at a brisk pace. Khadgar was surprised such a lanky looking man could move so gracefully. The man glided across the floor like a specter, his movements fluid and soundless. 

The servants’ passages were hidden and had no windows. After all, nobody wanted to see servants; perhaps nobody wanted to see the young mage either. The walls around them were winding and terribly narrow, claustrophobic. Khadgar followed Moroes around corners and up and down stairs. The layout of the passageways made no sense; it shouldn’t have been possible. It left Khadgar feeling disoriented. At one point he lost sight of the lanky man. Khadgar’s gut twisted in a panic until he spied the flick of a coattail from around a corner. With a sprint, he desperately tried to catch up. It almost seemed the Castellan was secretly trying to lose him. To leave the young mage lost and left to wander in a maze until his death. 

The horrifying thought was cut short when Khadgar rammed into Moroes’ back. He stumbled back a bit and saw the Castellan was waiting for him next to a door. 

Moroes dusted himself off before opening the door. “This way.” 

Khadgar hurried out of the passageway and was greeted by the sight of a balcony. He walked towards the railing and his eyes grew wide at the sight of an incredible library down below. Its size shouldn’t have been possible yet there it was. There were different levels with walls lined with bookshelves. Large tapestries that hung between windows emblazoned with fantastic beasts and mythic figures. The floors were decorated with an elegant pattern of star-like shapes and circles. Looking up Khadgar saw more balconies and bridges that led to a number of rooms and different sections. He felt a strong urge to go see what was up there but he had to reign his curiosity in, he needed to focus. 

Moroes led Khadgar to another, more discreet door, opened it and allowed the young mage inside. “This is Master Medivh’s personal study, pardon the mess.” 

The study had two levels to it, an upper level that had a display of a number of planets that surrounded a gigantic, moving astrolabe. Khadgar stared at it in awe before his gaze moved upward to thousands of small, glittering lights that floated above the display. His jaw fell slack when he realized that it was a map of the stars. Khadgar had never seen anything like it in Dalaran, not even in the Violet Citadel. 

“Close your mouth, you’re not a codfish.” Moroes chided while continuing ahead. 

Khadgar followed Moroes down into the lower level of the study. It certainly looked much more ‘lived in’ compared to the upper level. While still beautiful with the continued motif stars and planets it was much less tidy. The young mage noticed various books stacked about on tables, shelves, and even the floor. Khadgar’s keen eye caught some of the titles. While there were texts on magic and science, they were mixed in with fiction books. He recognized titles of adventure novels, dramas, romance and...erotica. There was a shameless collection of smutty books that were kept together in their own little area of the study. 

“An...avid reader, I take it?” Khadgar asked before he looked at Moroes, not wanting to lose the man. 

“Yes, of various things.” Moroes said as he continued to lead the boy through the room. 

There were other details stood out to Khadgar. On one table was a chess set, next to it were playing cards, dice and hearthstone board that was left half open. There was a large, comfortable looking couch that obviously served as a bed. On it rested a plush animal, some sort of black bird. It looked soft, large enough that it could serve as a pillow, and well loved. An item of comfort from a time when life was much more simple. Khadgar had a favorite plush when he was a child as well. Though his was taken from him when his caregivers thought him too old to have such things. 

“Over here, young man.” Moroes stood before a large wooden door, he beckoned Khadgar over before turning to face it. “This door leads to the Master’s lab, he’s shut himself in here all evening.” 

Khadgar noticed that there were effigies of ravens carved into the door. Their eyes, that looked almost a little too real, felt like they were locked onto him. 

Moroes reached for the door’s latch but suddenly paused. His brow knit together in a small frown as he looked at it suspiciously. Raising his hand, Moroes pressed the back of his hand against the door. “Stand back...” 

“What? Why?” Khadgar asked as he took a few steps away. 

Moroes didn’t answer, instead he pulled a large handkerchief from his breast pocket and wrapped it around his hand. He took hold of the door’s handle and carefully pulled it open. From within the lab came the roar of flames and a wave of intense heat that made Khadgar reel back. 

It was like the door led straight into a dragon’s den. Khadgar threw his arm up to protect his eyes. The light within the room burned like hellfire, angry and ruthless. If he squinted, Khadgar could make out the silhouette of a man within the room. He blinked and winced at how his eyes ached, who could bare being in such heat? 

The flames from within the room started to die down. The cool air from the rest of the study was a much-needed relief. After a few blinks, Khadgar could finally see the man in the lab clearly. They were tall, dressed in a loose-fitting shirt, a pair of trousers, and oddly no shoes on his feet. Their long, raven hair was tied back into a messy tail and a pair of work goggles shielded his eyes. 

But what made Khadgar nervous was the fact the strange man was wielding a lit welding torch. It’s flame burned so bright that it hurt one’s eyes to look at it directly. The magical energy that radiated from it made Khadgar suspect that the tool was meant to imitate a dragon’s fire. 

The torch-wielding man looked up at the clockwork golem. “Curator, how are you holding up? Didn’t fry anything too badly, did I?” 

“Checking systems...” the golem spoke, much to Khadgar’s surprise. Its gears turned and the runes carved in its metal frame glowed dimly. “Language circuits received minor heat damage. Speech functions are still operational. However, the wrong blueberries may get used from time to butterscotch.” 

After the heat died down Moroes walked into the study, motioning for the fledgling mage to follow. With a loud 'hurrumph' he caught the man’s attention. Moroes then spoke in a stern, commanding tone that made Khadgar jump. “Master Medivh, you have a guest!” 

“Huh?” Medivh looked at them, his head canting in a bird-like way. “Oh!”

The magus set the blowtorch aside on a worktable. A number of burns and stains of dirt and sweat marred his clothing, it all smelled of oil and metal. Khadgar noticed that aside from the goggles and gloves, Medivh wasn’t wearing much else for protection at all. 

“None too scorched I hope...” Medivh pushed up his work goggles to rest atop his head. His eyes were forest green, dark circles under them was the telltale sign that the magus was lacking sleep. Yet his eyes still held a certain shine in them that contrasted to the rest of Medivh’s dirty face. 

“Not as bad as your gloves.” Moroes said while resting his hands on his hips. “Speaking of which, one of them is on fire.” 

“What?” Medivh looked at his work gloves and sure enough one of them had caught fire. Startled, the magus gasped before pulling the glove off and throwing it to the ground. “Gah! Damn it! You’d think ‘flame-resistant gloves’ would do as the name implies and actually resist flames!” 

The golem, or ‘curator’ as Medivh called it, moved its arm in a convulsive motion and pointed it at the magus. With a loud ‘clang’ a nozzle popped out of a compartment in its wrist. “Fire threat detected. Extinguishing.” 

Medivh looked at the curator and threw up his hands in a poor attempt to shield himself. “Wait, stop! No! No! N--” 

Lines on the curator’s frame began to glow. Much like a mage, it gathered moisture from the air, converted it into water and sprayed its master. The fire was put out but Medivh had been thrown right off his feet. 

“The fire has been extinguished.” the curator announced, sounding rather pleased with itself. “Master Medivh is safe.” 

Medivh was sprawled out on the floor. With an effort he sat himself up and coughed, spitting up some water. “Yes, you saved me.” Medivh said before coughing once more. “You’ve earned yourself a rest, take a nap Curator.” 

“Understood, entering ‘sleep mode’. Goodnight.” the curator announced. It slumped forward before its gears stopped turning and became little more than a clockwork statue. 

“Shall I go fetch Doc?” Moroes asked. 

“No, no, I’m fine. All that’s hurt is my pride.” Medivh said with a raised hand to wave the offer off. Carefully, he climbed back onto his feet and looked down at his soaked clothing. “A towel would be nice though.” 

“That and some dry clothes.” Moroes added before marching towards a wardrobe. “You’ll catch your death gallivanting around like that.” 

“Yes, yes, Mother Hen.” Medivh rolled his eyes before taking hold of his long, dark hair and wrung out the water. Without another word, he begun to undress, not caring that a stranger was in the room watching him. 

Khadgar stood flabbergasted, his mouth agape while his face flushed at the boldness of this strange man. His eyes couldn’t look away while the magus shed his clothing, acting like the fledgling mage didn’t even exist. Khadgar's mind scrambled to put together the puzzle set before him. There was no way this was Medivh Aran. There had to be a mistake. Perhaps a large, elaborate joke at Khadgar's expense. This man was far too disorderly to command such respect from his fellow magi. 

Moroes returned with a towel and fresh set of clothes for his master. He glanced at Khadgar and saw the boy was gawking. With a roll of his eyes, Moroes reached over and gently lifted the boy’s chin and closed his mouth. “What did I tell you earlier? Stop impersonating a fish.” 

Medivh sauntered towards the pair. The young mage could feel himself being picked apart as the magus quietly studied him. His eyes came to an abrupt halt at the thick, white stripe in the boy’s hair. “Is that some sort of fashion trend?” 

Khadgar’s face flushed red before he covered the streak of white with his hand. Being teased for having a ‘skunk’s stripe’ since childhood had made him embarrassed about it. “No, sir.” 

“Who are you?” Medivh sniffed and wiped his nose before taking the towel Moroes offered him. He took a moment to wipe the oil and dirt from his face before drying himself off. 

“My name’s Khadgar, sir...” Khadgar spoke up. His eyes started to trail down the older mage’s body. 

If he had to guess, Medivh had to be in his early to mid-thirties which was young by mage standards. It was strange that the Kirin Tor would be so insistent that someone Medivh's age should take an apprentice. Khadgar couldn't stop himself from continuing to study the older man's body. Dare he think it, the magus wasn't unpleasant to look at. He couldn't deny that Medivh was attractive but what stood out the most was that his skin was marred with numerous scars. Some were old and fading while others looked much newer and eerily fresh. Many of them had a certain viciousness that couldn't have been from backfiring experiments. 

"Battle scars...?" Khadgar muttered to himself. His gaze continued to move even lower before his face flushed hotly as it blushed red. He immediately forced himself to look away. 

“And what business do you have with me?” Medivh asked while starting to redress himself. The young mage then shoved the letter of introduction at him almost hitting the magus in the chest. The wax seal of the violet eye stared back at Medivh, almost tauntingly so. A look of disgust spread across his face as if the boy just handed him a cockroach. 

“My name is Khadgar I’ve-” 

“Been sent by the Kirin Tor.” Medivh finished for him in a blunt drawl. Without another word, he plucked the envelope from Khadgar’s hand and walked towards the study’s fireplace. He gave the envelope a brief look before tossing it into the hungry flames. 

Khadgar made a loud, strangled whine that caught Medivh and Moroes off guard. The two watched as the boy turned deathly pale as his future went up in smoke. Lab equipment that sat on a nearby worktable began to rattle violently. One of the glass beakers was knocked off of it by an unseen force and shattered when it hit the ground. 

Medivh looked at the broken glass on the floor, then to the shattered window of his lab. He frowned as he quietly contemplated something before turning to face Moroes. “Is the boy ill?” 

“Perhaps worn out.” the Castellan said with a slight shrug. “We took some shortcuts and it may have left him a tad winded.” 

“Th-the letter!” Khadgar finally managed to form words. 

“What of it?” Medivh asked, his tone cold. “Oh, wait, let me guess what it says!” he cleared his throat before speaking gracefully but laced with sarcasm. “‘Great Magus Medivh, Lord of Karazhan, we send you greetings from the Kirin Tor, the magical authority of Dalaran, the adviser to kings, protectors, preservers, and teachers of the magical arts…blah, blah, blah, you get the gist, right? They always fluff up their own importance before getting to what they want.” 

“I-I wouldn’t know, I was told not to read it.” Khadgar said. 

“But you did, didn’t you?” Medivh challenged him, his eyes took on a slight glow. He looked dangerous, like a cat about to toy with a mouse. “Granted, I would too if I was sent all the way out here from Lordaeron,” Medivh smirked. “I’ll admit that you’re clever, I almost missed that the seal was tampered with.” 

Khadgar swallowed. “How did you know what it said though?” 

“Magic, of course!” Medivh said as a wolf-like grin flashed across his face. “As soon as I touched it the words just flowed into my brain.” 

“...Really?” Khadgar asked, a little uncertain. 

“Of course not, that’s just silly!” Medivh said before laughing. “No, the fact is, you’re not the first one the Kirin Tor has sent to me. I’ve read that damned letter plenty of times already.” 

Khadgar’s hand pressed against his stomach when he felt it twist, he felt sick. “H-how...How many have they sent…?” 

“Hmm, let’s see, you are...” Medivh made a show of looking thoughtful. “Oh my, you’re lucky number thirteen, fancy that!” 

Khadgar’s heart grew heavy and began to sink like a stone. He had no illusions that his sudden assignment was for his accomplishments as a student. But this felt cruel. “Th-thirteen…?” 

“Yes, so to commemorate the occasion we’ll avoid all the hassle your predecessors went through.” Medivh said as though it were a benevolent act. “I’m not ready to take on an apprentice and I want your masters to stop harassing me.” 

“N-no, wait, I-I…Y-you don't understand!” the words tumbled from Khadgar’s mouth as panic washed over him like a tidal wave. “Sir, please! I don’t have any means of going back!” 

“If you wasted your funds like an idiot, that’s your problem, not mine.” Medivh said while waving a hand, like shooing the issue away like a pesky fly. 

“I didn’t waste anything! I was barely given enough to get here!” Khadgar snapped, he felt power behind his words and a short gust of wind. He tried to reign himself in immediately but saw the wind had blown against the magus. 

Khadgar may as well had made an offending gesture at Medivh. The older mage glared at him, his green eyes became venomous. He called arcane power to one of his hands forming a crackling ball of violet light in his palm. Khadgar backed away but before the magus could throw it at him Moroes stepped in his path. 

“Medivh, calm yourself.” the Castellan drawled in a stern tone. He acted as though he weren’t in the way of a deadly spell. Perhaps he simply didn’t care, it was hard to tell since Moroes’ face was an aloof mask. He stood his ground and didn't flinch while Medivh scrambled to stop himself from striking the servant. “Are you really going to drench your hands with the blood of a child?” 

“It doesn’t help that the so-called 'child' is walking powder keg!” Medivh snapped while glaring at Moroes. Regardless, the Castellan stood firm and unfazed, he simply gave a firm stare of his own. A look that was reminiscent of a parent when they scolded an ornery brat. A silent minute passed before Medivh's eyes finally softened, his gaze shifted back to Khadgar. “You have a hard time controlling your emotions, don’t you?” 

Khadgar swallowed and broke eye contact. “...S-sometimes, sir. But I'm-” 

“And that can make for volatile magic." Medivh interrupted him. "Quite dangerous to yourself and others should you never learn to control yourself.” He crossed his arms over his chest and looked cautiously curious. “Is that why they sent you to me? They thought I’d take you on as a challenge or something?” 

Khadgar huffed out an irritated sigh. “Maybe you would have known if you hadn’t burned the letter.” 

Medivh gave a befuddled blink. He looked like someone had slapped him in the face. Both mages caught the sound of a loud snort that escaped Moroes before he turned away from them. Khadgar noticed the servant trembling, he could have sworn he heard a small, stifled laugh. 

“I...I-I...Well, that’s!...Th-the letter...” Medivh’s retort died into silence. He eyed the fireplace while trying to think of an argument. A moment passed before the corner of Magus’ mouth twitched and formed into an amused smirk. “Huh, well I’ll be damned, you actually got me!" He broke out into a hearty laugh. It echoed throughout his lab and lifted the heavy tension with it like it were a mere feather. "You have a little bite to you! I admit it, I like that.” 

Khadgar felt a small swell of satisfaction in his chest, as petty as it might have been. 

Medivh's eyes searched the boy, looking for something Khadgar couldn't quite comprehend. Perhaps it was dishonesty. If that was the case then he had nothing to hide. “So, you claim the Kirin Tor have done you a huge disservice?” 

Khadgar blinked at the question, his hands began to fidget a little. “Well, surely it wasn’t on purpos-” 

“They said nothing of their other twelve attempts to push their people onto me.” Medivh interrupted him. “Furthermore, they sent you all the way to Stormwind with barely enough funds to get here. Is that correct?” He then snapped his fingers in rapid succession. “Come on, be quicker than that, a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ will do.” 

“Y-yes, sir!” Khadgar answered abruptly. 

“These are serious accusations, boy.” Medivh said. His tone then shifted, sounding almost sympathetic. “Yet not all that surprising. You’re certainly the youngest they've sent to me. I wonder, what did you do that got under their skin?” 

“I...I don’t want to talk about that...” Khadgar said, looking away from the magus. 

“No need to then.” Medivh said while giving a small shrug. “But I suppose Moroes has a point. I'd rather not have your blood on my hands. Turning you away would be like killing you myself." Medivh lightly tapped his cheek with a finger and looked thoughtful. "I’m feeling a little generous today.” 

Khadgar looked up at Medivh hopefully. “Sir…?” 

“You could stay as one of the tower’s staff for a little while.” Medivh suggested. “Until you’ve earned enough money to safely return to Dalaran. That’s my offer to you, take it or leave it.” 

Khadgar chewed on his lower lip, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. “I’ll take it, sir.” 

Medivh's eyes shined with mischief, their green color reminded Khadgar of poison. "Welcome to Karazhan." 

-o-o-End of Chapter 1-o-o-

I hope you enjoyed reading. If you’re interested in checking out the rest of the fic, it can be found here on AO3:

A Twist of Fate

[oroontheheels]

I love it!! It’s just perfect and so in character hahaha ❤️❤️❤️

Wait wait bear with me borderline crack idea @oroontheheels

Med gives it to Khadgar for protection. It will blast someone if they try to hurt Khadgar basically. And if he likes how it looks on Khadgar and what it symbolizes to him that’s neither here nor there

However..Med doesn’t keep in mind how finely attuned it is to his own moods as Med’s creation.

So someone is flirting with Khadgar getting touchy and Medivh is of course being “totally normal and not at all angry” and by that I mean he’s secretly getting really irritated.

Partially because Khadgar looks uncomfortable and partially because he’s finding he really doesn’t like someone touching him.

So sensing Med’s rapidly increasing irritation the collar just /flares up/ and shoots the person across the room like it’s supposed to do with someone attacking him

Khadgar is baffled and Medivh is horrified because he doesn’t know how to explain what happened without admitting he’s getting maybe way too possessive of his beloved apprentice

He settles for “it must have sensed how uncomfortable you are and reacted like you were in dangerous situation” because that’s partially true.

Oblivious Khadgar is like huh that’s a bit excessive but I appreciate it.

Medivh is just like yeah…haha…