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vladimira-shakahn · 5 years

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“You’re lucky I came along when I did. I can’t think of what would have happened had I not shown up in time.”

Vladimira decided to skip the humble breakfast that Hen offered to share with her since his tutelage when it came to becoming an honorary... Westfallian. Instead she figured if she made it out early enough, the woman could make it to the sheep to herd them in a warm surprise before Hen would get there with whatever animal he chose to bring as help.

The trip from his house to the grand field open for the sheep needing to be herd wasn’t long nor wide. It was straight and narrow. The type of road one imagines on their last moments in hope that peace does exist- in a sense, it did. Vladimira on this fine early morning was the perfect example that peace does exist. It was a matter of what context, where, and why. How people perceived it.

The Ren’dorei finally came to the sheep and instead of realizing that she should have brought a whistle or even a hound with her to help, she decided to simply one by one from the herd of at least fifty, take a rope and gently guide them back into the pens. Instead of them being scared and weary of her, it seemed as if some enjoyed her gentle touch and one by one they went in.

The sound of grass being pushed back into the earth by strong hooves rung her ears faintly, eyes lighting up with excitement to show Hen what she did. It wasn’t that she knew it was him, it was the sheer excitement and hope that it was- and oh, it was certainly him.

With one of the last sheep at her side, there was a muse in her footfall to glance skyward to Hen. “I thought that this would be a nice surprise for you! Did I do it?!”

Hours ago the sun shone with a mighty ray and bleeding warmth that spread through her normally neutral kin. Now, it blazed with fury and a hilltop of Westfall residents who had pitchforks in hand and anger in their eyes. They were yelling towards Hen- no, towards Vladimira. They were angry, disgusted, and some were already spewing names!

“Mira, you asked me to teach you. Which means you stay close to me.” There was a look of sadness on his features as he knew exactly why the riot was angry. Why the pitch-fork handling men and women were so upset. Westfall has been backburned for so long and the last thing they cared for was an outsider who--- looked exactly like the enemy, but purple. It didn’t matter if the factions were neutral now. People had their preferences, and this was one of them.

Before either of them knew it, the riot circled and closed the two in. Whoever was the leader of it was unclear, but one man did step forward and angrily jabbed his pitchfork within reach of Vlad, but didn’t quite touch her. He made sure of that. “What a’ ye’ doin’ on our land, Elf?! Git outta here! GIT!”

Vladimira swallowed hard and completely zoned out. It wasn’t that she purposefully blocked each individual out. It was the fact that she knew she’d eventually go, and if it was like this to help bring peace to those who have been disregarded, then it was what it was. What she didn’t understand was for what felt like seconds but were handful of minutes that passed due to her zoning out, Henroth managed to convince the riot to calm and scatter. His resonant, chivalrous, and knowing voice was all muffled to her previously. Up until he exclaimed: “She is NOT a foe, neighbors. All of you know me well. We have lived together for awhile now. Her name is Mira and all she wanted to do was spend some time with us to learn of our ways. To appreciate us. Not to steal from us, toss our ethics aside, or even burn our hay. None of that. She came here for peace and harmony much as you all did. Leave us.”

Just like that, the riot left.

“Why did-”

Hen cut her off with a simple wave of his hand. “ You’re lucky I came along when I did. I can’t think of what would have happened had I not shown up in time. As for the sheep, you did great. I will have to teach you the proper techniques though.” He slipped off of his horse and took it by the reigns to walk with Vlad back to his house.

“You have not proven yourself distrustful. I would not see to it that someone who seems well off would be burned at the stake without proper reason. I called you Mira because my folk pick up on names like that easier. Besides, they do not need to know your full name. No use if they are so quick to grab their pitch forks. Times for us have been rough. We had many who were kicked from the city and thrown here. Many mouths left unfed and bodies buried on the hills. Children who became orphans and slowly grew up to become bandits, eh...” He flashed her a charming smile with a trusting gaze. “That is why.”

(( @blackenedhelm ))

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vladimira-shakahn · 5 years

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shit to ask people who write

do you know how you want the story to end when you start, or are you just stumbling through the figurative wilderness hoping to find a road?

talk about a notable time a narrative or character has looked you dead in the eyes and said “fuck your plan, here’s what we’re actually doing.”

on a scale of 1-10 how much to enjoy incorporating romance into the average story?

what are some of examples of storytelling that inspires you outside of books?

what is the plot bunny you’ve been carrying for the longest? optional bonus question: do you ever wonder why you haven’t written it yet and experience deep existential dread?

have you ever made a playlist about something you were writing as an elaborate means to procrastinate when you could have been actually writing and if yes drop a link, son

tell us about one of your characters who’s an absolute joy to write

have you identified any recurring elements or themes across your writing?

what’s a series or franchise you secretly or not so secretly think you’d be, like, a REALLY good writers for if they’d stop being cowards and hire you already?

do you have any kind of consistent writing schedule or just hoping for the best?

if you currently write fanfiction or have ever written fanfiction, please tell us about the plot of the first fic you ever wrote

what’s your relationship with constructive criticism and feedback like? do you seek it out? how well do you take it?

are you a podcast person? if yes, any recommendations for podcasts talking about writing/being creative in general?

do you want to write sequels/series or nah?

in an ideal world where you’re already super successful and published, would you want to see a tv or movie adaptation of your work? why or why not?

do you write any particular genre? how do you feel about genre categories in general? love them? want to combine them? want to do away with them altogether?

at what point in the process do you come up with titles, and how easy or hard is that for you?

tell us about a character who’s very different than you who you love a whole lot

what’s something neat you’ve learned while doing research for something you were writing? also, how much do you worry about doing research in general?

do you ever have trouble focusing on writing? how do you get around that? tell us. please, tell us. I, the OP of this ask list, desperately need advice on how to focus.

BIG ask: what do you think is the most important component of a good story?

talk about a writing experience that has pleasantly surprised you. or talk about several. seriously, writing is cool. you’re making up whole stories out of your brain, revel in that shit.

okay, now that we had that nice one: what’s your WORST writing habit? dig deep, own up to your crimes.

how do you share your writing, or want to?

hey - what are you working on right now?

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vladimira-shakahn · 5 years

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Attacked [sentence starters]

Monster-themed for the most part, but feel free to change ‘it’ pronouns to something else for a humanoid villain.

“Settle down, you’re safe now.” “Who hurt you? WHAT hurt you?” “I don’t know what it was that attacked me.” “Did you see what they looked like?” “Please, help me. I’m hurt.” “All I remember are teeth and a whole lot of pain.” “I was sure I was going to die.” “I would be dead if you hadn’t found me.” “What the hell was that thing?!” “Oh god, please don’t be dead. Please don’t be dead.” “I don’t want to think what would have happened if you didn’t show up.” “Do you have any idea what did this to you?” “Was it an animal? A person?” “It all happened so fast.” “Stop screaming, I’m not the one who hurt you!” “You’ll be alright, just calm down and tell me what happened.” “I’m so sorry this happened to you.” “I’m not sure it was even human.” “That looks like it hurt.” “Help is coming. Just stay calm.” “Don’t just stand there, help me!” “You’re lucky I came by when I did, or else you’d be dead.” “You shouldn’t be out here alone.” “Wh-where am I? What happened to me?” “You never know what might be prowling around out here.” “Why would anyone want to attack you?” “Hey, can you hear me? Are you alright?” “A-am I going to die?” “We have to go before it comes back!” “I don’t even know why it left me alive.” “I-I need a doctor. Please.” “Damn, it looks like you pissed off a grizzly bear.” “It was you. You did this to me!” “Do you think it’ll come back?” “I-I didn’t get a good look at it.” “It’s okay, I’ll help you. Just don’t try to move.” “How do you know so much about monsters?” “You need to learn how to protect yourself.” “Honestly, it’s a miracle you weren’t torn to shreds.” “I don’t think I’ve ever been so scared in my life.” “You’re not going to die. I’ll make sure of it.” “Whatever happens to me, make sure the one who did this pays the price.”

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vladimira-shakahn · 5 years

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galactic beauty

Snowing Stars ❄⭐ (by Milamai)

#aesthetic

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vladimira-shakahn · 5 years

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beauty in nothingness

#aesthetic

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vladimira-shakahn · 5 years

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Grim Fate

No one is safe...

Last Friday was the first time Vladimira decided to venture outside of the beautiful, creamy-white stone walls of Stormwind. Her destination wasn’t Elwynn, it was Westfall. The idea was to learn how to be more hands-on rather than magic-reliant. With how the world was changing and how quickly a life could change in a split second, she wanted to be prepared for anything... Most of all, she wanted to learn how to properly care for a Horse before purchasing a Stead for herself.

Friday and Saturday flew by. She met new people and some who became friends. Memories were made. Snapshots were taken by the Gnomish engineered cameras that everyone seemed to have these days, and even little games were shared from Quel’thalas to Westfall for the children.

The golden plains were certainly a culture shock in comparison to what she was used to. Quel’thalas had magic brooms and carpets. Floating flora, and even magical fauna. The horses were for the Knights and the Hawkstriders stuck to those who were not among the order. It wasn’t ordinary for a Knight-less lad or lass to be found with a Horse as their companion in short.

Sunday came and it was time for Vladimira to pack up her things, check out of the Inn, and make way back to Stormwind. By foot it should have taken a little over half of a day since she always enjoyed to stop and smell the Peaceblossoms that were one in many on this new land of hers. That was when everything changed.

After she crossed over the bridge and waved goodbye to the fellow Guards and Stormwind Knights, the woman was quick to disappear from sight as she walked with no real thoughts on her mind. It was a dream. All of it was. It was as if Quel’thalas was truly in its own world and that this... All of what she experienced were lives that she always read about. Of course she could have found a way to sneak into this area decades ago, but did she really want to? No.

It was while her head were in the clouds did she get caught off-guard. Vladimira was at a point in her path where no guards were to be found and no passersby could be seen. It was where if something bad was going to happen, that this was the time and place for it all. Oh, and it was.

One minute her vision was clear and the next the road was smoke filled with puffs of cloud. Powdery-blue eyes squinted in the dull of her minimal vision, teeth clenched and hands grasping at the one dagger on her right hip and the libram that shot off of her hip and split open with preparation for any upcoming incantation.

“Who is it.” Her voice hallow and direct. “Are you a Bandit? Mm. I will say that this is not a tactic I expected. Are you a double agent within the Alliance? I see how some of the people stare at me. Distrustful and angry, despite the Ren’dorei showing our pride and promise among them. Who is it.” She grunted.

There was a snaky laugh- it was almost... animated. Someone who had this all planned. It was no Bandit, and it was no double agent within the Alliance. It was of a familiar voice, but she didn’t get the chance to figure out who it was. One knock over her head and the woman was out. The next thing she awakened to was a grimy cellar and the nail-like noise of risen Ghouls being chained against the wall nearby.

Vladimira perked in her damp chair. The only light that came through what she assumed was a cellar inside of a basement was by a slit of light that was purely accidental because of a crack that could have formed by war or by nature. Nasty droplets of dirty water continuously spilled onto the top of her mane of violet-indigo, the star-spangled beauty tied down by sharp wire. Any sign of struggle and the woman would find her wrists and ankles sliced through. Her mouth was covered by a tight linen and her weaponry were gone and across of the room.

Footsteps that clearly were not hers echoed through the dark chamber. Somehow it sounded louder than the Ghouls near her. Perhaps it was her elven ears being more sensitive than usual as she was more alert than usual, or perhaps it was the fact that the person making an entrance wanted to... Make an entrance.

There was someone else with the shadow-lapped figure that let out panting cries. All Vlad could get from that was that the unknown walker had another hostage, and it was another woman.

“Pl... Please. N-Not her.” That voice. She knew that voice. It cut through her heart like a poisonous dagger. It was her sister: Delilah Auri’elle Sunrose. What was happening?

A low and deep chuckle escaped the confined figure. “Shut up, girl.” The assault-ant was a woman. Who? That she still couldn’t quite place a finger on. Her voice was mechanized by whatever mask she wore. Smart.

Delilah was tossed onto the ground beside Vlad. It was obvious that she was taken hostage for weeks it seemed. Her normally bronze skin was now a dull pale with veins showcasing beneath her redden and wet eyes. Wrists bruised by the bounds of chains. “V-Vlad.” She whispered and quickly stood up to wrap her arms protectively around the Ren’dorei. The woman was a Priestess and for some reason it didn’t hurt to be near each other. Was her magic... gone? Was it because of her mana being steamed out, or was it gone entirely?

There was a primal growl that escaped Vlad in the comfort of her sisters arms. What could she do in this situation? Vlad was the fighter. Vlad was the one who protected. Vlad was the one who went to the other side to protect Delilah. Before she was turned, the woman went by the name: Kariss Delia Sunrose.

“Mm. Not the family reunion you both wished for, right? One of you is going to have to die today.” The figure finally split from the shadows and stepped into the slim light that danced within the middle of the damp chamber.

“Allow me to introduce myself. I am Ael’dine Wrathsun and I am here to correct Azeroth. You see,” she rolled her shoulders and drawled out an elongated sigh. “Our factions are neutral now, but I do NOT agree with that. I have heard tales of the great Vladimira Sha’Khan protecting those who needs protecting. Cute, I will give you that. My issue with you is that you need to remember that the Alliance and the true Horde will never. Ever. Be cordial. You are known as one of the greatest fighters to your people now- you were to us as well. You served in almost all of the wars, right? Heh. I need to give you a reason to not be able to sleep comfortably in your daydream life that you’ve somehow managed to create with the Lions, Vladi. You are not safe. You will never be safe. None of your people will be. You are a traitor. A downright, disgusting, void-infused, traitor.” She spat while taking Delilah by the bountiful of her lush blonde locks.

Vlad flared with a heavy aura of void magic around her figure. There was no step between. She was taught to master the art of perfecting her emotions in order to perfect the proper usage of void, but this... There were few cases where she would break from what she fought so hard for and this was one of them. Azure hues split into deep purple- but that didn’t last too long. The bounds on her wrists glowed with an orange ward, completely stunning the woman from progressing any further.

A shock ran through her body and a loud wail left her lips. The void was simmered and she returned to her new and normal form. “Do not---”

“Do not WHAT, Vlad?” Ael’dine growled happily to her as she pressed the chilled blade against Delilah’s neck. “I will be here to break whatever peace or happiness you attempt to get. I will be here to ruin your damn life until you UNDERSTAND that WE will NEVER be neutral. You have gotten too damn comfortable. You were one of my greatest Knight’s at one point, Sunrose. Look at you now. A DISGRACE. A time ago you were spitting prayers to the Light, and now you heed for the Void. TRAGIC. I will NOT have it. I want you to remember this moment whenever you look in the mirror every morning. I want you to take yourself back to this moment and LIVE with the fact that YOU have FAILED your people. You have FAILED your family. You WILL NOT prevail. Peace will not prevail over wrath.”

“N-NO!” Vlad screamed as she watched Ael’dine cut a clean slice across her sisters throat. It was the most fruitless death for a woman who she knew deserved to be a mother to a beautiful family one day.

Sha’Khan was in pure shock. Even after being cut free as Ael’dine slipped away and then her Acolytes, the woman could do nothing else besides stare and feel every figurative piece of her puzzle of a heart break and clatter. There was blood on her toes, blood that came from her sister. The woman who she finally set onto her knees to hold Delilah close to her chest. “I am so sorry. I am so fucking sorry.” She whispered against the matted hair of the dead in her arms. “I... I.”

“RELEASE them.” Ael’dine’s voice rang from the other end of the hall. Just like that, the sound of chains breaking off of the Ghouls came to life.

The Ren’dorei forced herself back to reality. She raised Delilah into her arms and set her onto the table where she replaced her weapons with Del, then spun on her heels and successfully fought off the Ghouls. After the task was done and despite her heart telling her to run after Ael’dine for a selfish form of justice, she forced herself to carry Delilah to the nearest flowerbed of woodland beauty that she could find to bury her there.

Vladimira tossed the last pile of dirt over the now graved Delilah. Down onto one knee she went, head bowed, mind boggled. “I will have justice for you. I will find a way to pay you my respects. I will murder her and every last one of her family members if I must--- I.” The Sorceress stopped herself. “You would have wanted me to stay true to who I am. You would have wanted me to be smart about this. I failed you, Delilah. I will not fail again.” She stood and made her way back to the main road. Wherever she was would eventually bring her to Stormwind. Matted in blood, eyes dull from emotion, and body a mere vessel to a broken soul. She should’ve known. Her life in Stormwind was going too well for it to last.

One final step and she was inside of the comfort of her loft- where she turned everything upside down. Furniture was thrown. Pots and plants were thrown. Everything was turned upside down until she had her fill and forced herself to bathe and readjust herself. After the shower she stared at herself in the cloudy mirror that had exactly one, Vladimira hand-sized swipe through it to give her the clarity to see her reflection. The same mirror that often found a smile in there now saw anger and sadness. Vengeance and a budding terror. “I will kill her. I will kill every last one of them. For the Alliance.”

#Grim Fate #TW: blood #TW: mutilation

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