#guild wars 2 fan fiction

[megraen]

So I’ve been playing Guild Wars 2 again. I’ve fallen into a trap and can’t get out…

[torasteals]

New update of Tora Steals Things, a Guild Wars 2 webcomic/novel, is up!

ıllıllı NEW READER? START HERE! ıllıllı

░▒▓█ JOIN THE PATREON! █▓▒░

Reblog to help support the comic!

[griffinblogsgw2]

UNUSED CONTENT SAMPLE:

I mentioned before that I didn’t originally intend to end Tora Steals Things on Amulet Of Bolli. Here’s some samples of the stories I had remaining. There were roughly 16 stories remaining. You can read summaries of them all in the unused content section of the deluxe version of the third and final ebook, available here.

-----

If you’re not familiar with Tora Steals Things, and you’re a fan of Guild Wars 2 with an interest in reading stories within the world of Tyria unrelated to the Commander, this may be up your alley. Consider reading Volume 1: Swift and Steady first or checking out the official website: www.ToraStealsThings.com

Did you miss volume 1 and 2? They’re available for purchase here

Highly recommend reading Volume 1 and 2 before Volume 3 as, although the many episodes are relatively stand-alone, they do heavily reference past stories and characters.

[brax-was-here]

The first story. 

[readytoroargw2]

Record #6, Part 3 (Link to part 2 https://readytoroargw2.tumblr.com/post/678918533466505216/record-6-part-2-part-1)

Well, I can't say if the session went well or not. My, sylvari's problems with their collective mother are... big. But I think Mr. Prato actually really need both to speak with the Pale Tree (even in a very rude and bitter way), both to show to someone his trauma.

Speak of this, I'm worried about his "bizzarre eye". In the dream the injuried eye started to sparkle like a leyline and since his traumatic experience with a luckly failed mordrem branding on him, my suspect on a residual piece of that are actually more that just a little red flag.

I can try to do ask more in the sessions with Ms. Funga, but between her constantly distraction and her restrive attitude talking of some particular moment in the jungle, I fear I've to study a new strategy for both of this sylvari.

PS For all that missed previous episodes, Signor Psicologo has being hired by the Guild Ready to Roar to help his members. Specifically for two Sylvari which heavily suffered the Heart of Thornes expansion: Prato Fiorito e Funga Fufu. The two are deeply bonded by love, but opposite of nature. While the first is grumpy, serious and angry, the second is naive, cheerful and retar absent-minded.

[moxpunk-art]

Illusionist Job Stone (Fan Job)

So, after the new Dawntrail details came out, my brain has been buzzing with the idea of my writer-lalafell Bamimi Bami transitioning from Summoner to Pictomancer, but it didn't really feel right. She's a writer, after all! She should be able to bring fiction to life with illusions!

Fun fact, this was my first-ever attempt at digital painting!

Thoughts on my creative process below the break!

So, the big thing I wanted to do was to have meaning behind the decisions that are similar to the job stones in XIV.

First, the symbol. It's obviously a pen nib (the class's arm being pens as a counterpoint to Pictomancer's brush), but it also has the center-circle motif found in WHM and RDM, with the top-curve found in SCH. I figure it'd fit in very well with the rest of the casters to keep a bit of similar design-language.

The stone shape! I wanted to go with a triangle that was mostly even, but offset. It's an art about illusions, after all - they aren't perfect. It's why it doesn't have smooth facets like MCH and BLU.

Finally, I picked violet because I played Guild Wars 2 like over a decade ago and Mesmers have solidified it into my brain that illusions should be violet. That's the long and short of it. My girlfriend says it looks mixed-berry flavor, and I agree. Plus, it's similar in color to Bamimi's eyes, and it's a soulstone crafted by her using her bullshit Alexander Time Magic.

In all, I'm insanely proud of it! I've never tried doing digital painting before, and my whole process was opening a blown-up picture of the DRG job stone on my other monitor and sorta messing around to peel apart the techniques used in the official art. I think I did a pretty good job for a first-time try!

[canid-slashclaw]

The Outliers - A Guild Wars Love Story

Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9,  Chapters 10 and 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14, Chapter 15, Chapter 16 , Chapter 17, Chapter 18, Chapter 19, Chapter 20,  Chapter 21, Chapter 22, Chapter 23,  Chapter 24, Chapter 25, Chapter 26, Chapter 27, Chapter 28, Chapter 29, Chapter 30 Chapter 31

The reception was a riotous event with the amalgamation of five Tyrian cultures coming into play. Kaleb and Amalthia had already begun the festivities with a vengeance by consuming almost an entire cask of mead.

"Hold on. Aren't I supposed to take that garland off your thigh?" Kaleb said as he walked with a slight stagger.

Amalthia, who was also a bit more than tipsy herself, shook her head then reached for her a sword that she kept under her gown.

"Come and take it!"

"Bob accepts the challenge!" Kaleb drew forth his long-blade and soon the duel for claiming the garter was on.

Within moments, the husband and wife were locked in a sword fight as each deftly parried the attacks of the other. Kaleb tried in vain to catch his wife by the tail. But in each instance, she was too quick.

"I'm not falling for that again, love!"

Everyone in the wedding reception stood back as they watched the bride and groom clashing blades with each other. Soon, raucous cheers erupted from the many charr that were in the crowd. But it didn't take long for the humans and other races to join in as well.

"Then I guess I'll have to try another approach." Kaleb gently tossed his sword at her (handle first) in the hopes that it would distract her. It worked. By the time she realized the trick it was already too late. Kaleb tripped her over then quickly began tickling her in the ribs.

"Damn you! Stop it! I hate that!" Amalthia said as she laughed uncontrollably.

"Something I found out about dating a charr - they are very ticklish!" Kaleb said with a grin.

He picked her up, reached under her dress then put her back down on the floor and clasped her garter with his teeth. He, then, pulled it off her leg as she lay on the floor laughing. All of the men in the audience let out thundering cheers as he stood up with the trophy dangling in his mouth.

"Not fair! I'm drunk," Amalthia humorously said in protest.

***

The celebration had begun in full swing. Kaleb and Amalthia were the first to take their turn dancing in front of the bonfire, as they were serenaded by a string quartet that played one of their favorite songs. They moved in synchronous motion, each feeling the rhythm of the music.

"I hope I don't vomit on your dress. I've probably had enough mead in me to tranquilize a dolyak," Kaleb said jokingly.

"If you did, I would make you clean it up... using our tongue!" Amalthia gave him an affectionate lick on the nose.

Cynthia, who was dancing with Brad, overheard the remark and decided to chime in. "You two are disgusting. Every time I hear either of you talk, it's something to do with bodily functions."

"Easy in, easy out, I always say," commented Brad.

"It strengthens the relationship," Kaleb said with a chuckle.

"If you say so," said Cynthia.

Amalthia noticed that someone was tugging on her gown. When she looked down, she saw Katie looking up right at her.

"I think we have a new partner, love."

Kaleb invited his little sister to join them in dancing. "Show us your moves, sis!"

Within moments all three of them were dancing together in a tight circle.

Off in the distance, Amalthia's father propped himself up on his wooden cane. As he looked around the crowds trying to find a place to sit down, he heard a strangely familiar voice coming from behind. He turned around to look and to his astonishment, he immediately recognized who it was.

"It can't be... Karla?"

Amongst the throng of people, stood a petite middle-age woman with blondish gray hair tied up in a braid, who looked at him with somber eyes. "Hello Ludrick. It's been a long time."

Ignoring the pain in his foot and knee, the old charr threw down his cane then hobbled over to a human he had loved so long ago. She reached out to him and held his massive pawed hands as he gently placed them around her shoulders.

"I can't believe you're here. How have you been, Karla?"

She averted her gaze, unable to look into his eyes. "I've been well. How about you?"

"Good, but lonely now that my only cub has moved out." He gently began stroking her long hair hoping she would look him in the eyes.

"I am so glad for you, Ludrick. That's why I came. To see your child enjoy a chance we never had," Karla said as tears began to well up in her eyes.

"Karla. I didn't expect you to show up at my cub's wedding. I had given up hope of ever seeing you again and now that you are here, perhaps we could make this a reality... for us," Ludrick said while trying to hold her close.

Karla backed away. "I'm sorry, Ludrick. I wish things were different, but for us they are not. I've moved on. Look over there."

She pointed to a woman with two small children. "That is my daughter Eliana and her to children Robbie and Sabby. I married about a year after our encounter. I'm sorry, Ludrick. What we had was a beautiful moment, but that is all it was - a moment."

Tears fell from Karla's eyes as she clasped hold of the broken half of the medal that the old charr had given her so long ago.

Ludrick's heart sank. "I understand. But grant me one thing, Karla..."

"And what is that?"

The old charr bowed regally then offered her his pawed hand.

"Dance with me."

As Amalthia was dancing with her husband and Katie, her bandmate Navina came up to her and grabbed her by the horns.

"Lookie there, sis. See your sire? If that isn't a love-sick puppy, I don't know what is."

When Amalthia saw her father dancing with the human woman, she suddenly realized what was going on. She turned to Navina and said. "I... I can't believe it. You're right, Navi. Gah! Why didn't he tell me?"

Kaleb was completely confused. "Tell you what?"

Amalthia held his hand as she pointed him towards the direction of her father.

"Don't you see? It's as plain as day just like Navi pointed out. I should have noted the obvious."

"I'm still lost. So your dad's dancing with a human woman... what's the big deal?"

"Ugh! Males, sometimes. So obtuse! My sire was in love with that woman. He never told me straight up, but he did make plenty of comments alluding to that fact. I was just too dense at the time to notice it," Amaltia said while trying to remain calm.

"Then we should leave them alone, dear. Your father probably had good reason for not telling you. And I think I can understand his reasoning too," Kaleb said as he pulled Amalthia closer to him.

"He should have told Ama," Navina commented.

Kaleb shook his head. "No. Her father wanted to protect her more than anything. Besides, if news like that had got out at an earlier time then there's no telling what would have happened to his reputation amongst his people."

"Navi! You're jealous. Admit it!" Amathia said as she poked her bandmate in the ribs.

Navina sighed. "Yeah. I guess you can call it that. Okay, I'll admit - I am very fond of your sire."

"So you and my daddy-in-law got busy in the sheets, eh?" Kaleb said with a smirk.

"Love! Isn't that a bit crass even for a human like you?" Amalthia said chidingly.

"Nah. He's right, sis. I had a fling and now I have a thing for your old sire."

"What did I tell ya?" Kaleb laughed.

Amalthia shook her head. "Don't you break his heart, sis. That old furball has been through too much in his life."

"What about Kren? How does he feel about all of this?" Kaleb asked.

"He's taken Mia's loss very hard. Ever since she died, he's never been the same around me. Even when we mate, it's like he's a million miles away," Navina said with a sigh.

"Speak of the devil... look who's been talking to my dad," Kaleb said as he pointed towards a table at the far end of the dance platform.

Sitting together like two sullen fellows, Daniel and Krenesh took turns downing lagers in successive turns. Krenesh took a long swig from his mug then wiped the foam from his mouth. "I can't wait to get back to the front. Seeing my people dancing around, acting like fools not only depresses me, it makes me really pissed."

"Then you need to take a good look at yourself for once, and think about why they are having all the fun and you aren't." Brad walked over then handed his charr friend a fresh mug of custom brew.

"Bah! You're a human, you wouldn't understand. This sort of stuff makes us too soft. And soft is what gets one killed on the battlefield."

Brad shook his head. "I beg to differ, friend. It's what makes us sane. Anyway, I don't think ‘your people’ is what you are really concerned about."

"Oh?"

"You've been eyeing your girlfriend over there ever since she started hanging with Ama's dad. Have you come to love her as much as you did Mia?"

Krenesh snarled and growled then threw down his mug before stomping off. "That's none of your damn business, human!"

Daniel reached out to restrain Brad. "Let him be. He needs time to come to terms with his loss."

Brad shook his head. "He's not even trying, Dan. If he doesn't acknowledge the loss of his mate now, it will only cause more pain for him in the long run."

Cynthia noticed Brad chasing down the distraught charr, then decided to follow.

"What's the deal with the Blade leader?"

Brad turned to his fiancée. "He's still flipping out over the death of his mate. I just want to help him if possible."

Cynthia pulled him in and kissed him on the lips. "The best thing you can do is to give him his space. If you push too hard, it may drive him even further into depression. Have patience, hun."

Brad sighed then shook his head.

"I just hope he'll be okay."

"He will, so long as he has a friend like you," Cynthia said as she hugged him.

***

"Mind if I join you, dad?" Kaleb asked as he took a seat next to his father.

Daniel nodded then offered a toast. Moments later, Ludrick hobbled in as Kaleb pulled out a seat for the old charr.

"Thank you. My knee has been killin' me."

"Cheers, Ludrick," Daniel said while lifting up his mug.

"Cheers."

Kaleb looked at both of his fathers and grinned. He decided not to ask Amalthia's father about his interaction with that human woman as doing so might open up old emotional wounds.

"Quite a bash, huh?"

"You're four sheets into the wind, son."

Ludrick laughed. "I think it's more like, five sheets."

"Hey! I can hold my liquor quite well, in fact. My wife can attest to that," Kaleb said as he tried gulping down another ale. His attempt was only moderately successful as part of his drink wound up spilling onto his outfit.

"Ariyana's going to have your hide for staining that drab. That suit alone cost me two weeks worth of income," Ludrick jokingly growled.

Daniel chuckled and shook his head. "Any damages incurred are on me. Listen son, you might want to ease back on the brew. I know the two of you love the stuff, but your lives are going to be very different from here on out."

Kaleb looked at his dad and grimaced. "Oh no. Here comes the sermon. Yes, dad. I will be a fine, upstanding gentleman who is rarely, if ever, completely sober."

"Spoken like a true norn," Ludrick said as he raised his mug to a toast.

Kaleb looked around. "Speaking of norns, has anybody seen Ulfgar?"

"I haven't," Ludrick replied.

Daniel scratched his head then gazed around the partying crowds. "I heard he was gearing up for some big surprise. I wonder what it might be?"

***

Amalthia took Rachel by the hand and led her to just below the summit of Thunder Ride Falls.

"Where are you taking me?" Rachel asked.

"Trust me. It's a special surprise, compliments of Kaleb, Ulfgar and me," Amalthia said as her ears began to twitch.

"Oh. I get it. You're going to take me to the top of those falls and throw me off and make it look like an accident," Rachel commented cynically.

"Come to think of it... that's a very original idea. I hope you can swim!" Amalthia said with devilish laugh.

"Ha! I knew it!"

Within moments, a massive raven flew towards the edge of the falls then transformed into the old norn. Raising his hands aloft, Ulfgar shouted in a thunderous voice. "Rachel Grimwald - word has reached my ears of a certain song of legend you have been seeking. I have searched far and wide for such a balled, from the furnaces of the Black Citadel to the Frozen Wastes of the Shiverpeaks. But it was in Rata Sum that I finally found this tune you so diligently have sought."

As Ulfgar finished his speech, the sound of mechanized footsteps could be both heard and felt beneath the soft ground. Moments later, cresting over the peak, stood four giant golems followed by several strange flying machines carrying various visual and audio devices.

Rachel's eyes flew wide open as she saw the four asurans who rode atop the mechanical devices. "Oh my gods!! It can't be!?"

Soon, the entire valley was filled with the synthesized rhythm of the asuran band, SynR J-TX. Several flying machines hoisted up the band members and their golems from the peak then deposited them on a large platform that was placed at the far end of the embankment.

The electrifying beat of their music soon got the entire reception party hopping with jubilation. Rachel had passed out on more than one occasion due to the sheer excitement. Amalthia and Kaleb, meanwhile, began grooving to the band's latest just-released hit - N.R. GyZ.

Eventually, the festivities came to a close, as Kaleb and Amalthia were both passed out from exhaustion and too much drink. Everyone else, filtered out of the crowd until only immediate family members and close friends remained.

Lifting each one in his mighty arms, Ulfgar hoisted the passed out bride and groom over each of his massive shoulders.

"I'll get these two love pups back to their den. They've had a very busy day."

"Thank you for all that you've done, Ulf. My son will not forget this day."

Brad chimed in. "Given his current state, I think remembering may be more the issue."

"I was much the same way on my wedding day," Daniel replied as he watched Ulfgar place the passed out couple on the wagon.

Shirley stepped up and chuckled. "It's true. In fact, Dan here left more than one stain on my wedding gown."

Cynthia, who overheard the conversation, let out a long laugh. "Mamma Grimwald! My image of you as being the font of piety is now forever shattered!"

"She was a wild one back in the day," Daniel said as he held his wife of twenty-four years, close.

"People are far more complex than they appear," Ludrick commented as Navina helped to steady him.

"The two of you have been mighty close this entire reception," Cynthia noted.

Navina spoke up. "Okay. I confess. I'm in love with this brute. He needs someone to look after him, so I guess that 'someone' is me."

"What about Kren? How's he going to take it?" Brad queried.

"He has to sort out what happened to Mia first. For myself, I'm eligible to take leave in caring for this fellow's needs," Navina said as she gave an affectionate lick on Ludrick's cheek.

"You are aware just how awkward it will be if the two of you decide to get hitched. I mean you'll be going from Amalthia's 'sister' to her 'mother-in-law'? That's a bit creepy if ya ask me," Cynthia said as she laughed.

"Bah! Marriage is a human ritual. So no worries there. And who knows? If Kren decides to get his head on straight, it may wind up being the three of us sharing the same bed," Navina said with a toothy smile.

"The kinky factor just went through the roof. You think there's any chance of going doubles with Kal and Ama?" Brad said with a sarcastic wink to his fiancée.

Cynthia grabbed him by the ear. She, then, pointed to his lower regions.

"Try it and I'll borrow Navi's claws and use them to take out more than just your eyes."

(All chapters have been posted to AO3. Chapter 31 is posted here.)

[nan-draw]

Love letter to the Luxon:’)

I think it’s already time to show this!!! I started this drawing shortly before Anet made the announcement of the siege turtle and got really excited for the mount!! I wanted to represent an encounter between some luxon folks and the ministry of purity, probably their first  steps before they made their massacre in Echovald and the Jade Sea :v

[antisocialxconstruct]

High and Drunk on Ego

Word count: 7,424

People change and the world keeps turning.

(Snapshots from the shared career of former Pact Commander Conlaeth, and Blood Legion Tribune Leonard Echowatcher; spoiler warnings for: Out of the Shadows, A Star to Guide Us, All or Nothing)

This turned into a bit of a behemoth so just for the sake of not crashing people’s mobile apps when the “read more” doesn’t work, I dumped it over on AO3 instead. Leo belongs to @the-travelers-light, who also wrote The Letter in the final section

Fort Marriner, Lion’s Arch - 1325 AE

Commander,

I hope this letter finds you well. I have drafted it to accompany the arrival of Tribune Leonard Echowatcher, who you may recall was one of the Priory magisters integral to the reclaiming of Claw Island. I have been in contact with the Black Citadel, and seeing as Echowatcher has secured the rank of Tribune for his service with the Pact, they have appointed him as the primary Citadel representative and asked that he serve directly under your command during our campaign against Zhaitan. Keep in mind that while he will be following your orders going forward, he will be making regular reports on our progress to the Black Citadel, who will likely be hoping to use any knowledge we gain to bolster their efforts against Kralkatorrik.

If you have any further questions about the specifics of Echowatcher’s assignment, I am at your disposal.

-Marshal Trahearne

Conlaeth leaned back, rested one elbow on the arm of her chair, and propped her chin up on her hand as she idly flipped the paper over to examine the other side. When she found no additional comments there she skimmed the letter once more, all but completely disregarding the charr who stood shifting his weight impatiently on the opposite side of her desk. Only when he finally cleared his throat, apparently hoping to jumpstart the conversation, did she look up, fixing him with a bored look as she extended her arm and dropped the letter onto her desk. “Tribune Echowatcher,” she said, her tone indeterminate--not a command, or a question, but more like she was simply testing out the sound of the name. Nevertheless he nodded, then squared his shoulders in preparation for whatever order she might issue next. He faltered when all she said was, “let me ask you a question.”

“Of course, Commander,” he conceded quickly, though his ears flattened with visible unease.

Conlaeth did not immediately continue, but flicked her gaze back down to the surface of her desk, as she reached out with a casual air to straighten the letter until it was roughly aligned with the wood grain. Then, equally casually, she said, “what makes the Black Citadel think I’m in need of a babysitter?”

(continued on AO3)

[guildwars2]

Sketch Characters (Future Cantha Xpac.)  https://en-forum.guildwars2.com/discussion/59784/concepts-for-the-grandmasters-legendary-relic-quest-and-other-stuff-future-cantha-expansion

[Submitted by DeityofRagefire]

[torasteals]

New update of Tora Steals Things, a Guild Wars 2 webcomic/webnovel, is up!

ıllıllı NEW READER? START HERE! ıllıllı

░▒▓█ GET THE E-BOOK HERE! █▓▒░

Reblog to help support the comic!

[griffinblogsgw2]

AUTHOR COMMENTARY SAMPLE:

This is a sample of the author commentary included in the deluxe version of the Tora Steals Things Volume 3: Contract Complete ebook out now.

With the last book, I returned to more light-hearted stories that weren’t as heavily tied to my real life traumas. For that, the commentary on them is not as personal as it was for book 2.

-----

If you’re not familiar with Tora Steals Things, and you’re a fan of Guild Wars 2 with an interest in reading stories within the world of Tyria unrelated to the Commander, this may be up your alley. Consider reading Volume 1: Swift and Steady first or checking out the official website: www.ToraStealsThings.com

Did you miss volume 1 and 2? They’re available for purchase here

Highly recommend reading Volume 1 and 2 before Volume 3 as, although the many episodes are relatively stand-alone, they do heavily reference past stories and characters.

[theartofmany]

Artist: Yuke Fan Title: 激戰2同人 Translation: Guild Wars 2 Fans Very cool...

[readytoroargw2]

Record #6, Part 1: I did it. I've got a last chance to discover what's behind Mr.Prato Fiorito's anger. I didn't want to do, but he jumped two sessions and started to be unavailable even to his own Guild (and worst, to his sister Funga). So, I've spoken with the Pale Tree, asking her help into call Prato to the Groove and exploring his mind with the Dream. She agreed, since she can felt her son's mind was not in peace.

The discover of Prato's Trauma is quite bad: he actually got taken by Modremoth and almost being muted into one of his minion. But since is still between us, he could have managed to not been branded completely. I have to know more, because noone of his Guild members (even the sister) know nothing about this or how he did saved himself, but as for now, he wants to talk with the Pale Tree and I'll wait.

PS For all that missed previous episodes, Signor Psicologo has being hired by the Guild Ready to Roar to help his members. Specifically for two Sylvari which heavily suffered the Heart of Thornes expansion: Prato Fiorito e Funga Fufu. The two are deeply bonded by love, but opposite of nature. While the first is grumpy, serious and angry, the second is naive, cheerful and retar absent-minded.

[guildwarsstartrekskyrim]

Writing Prompt: The Future

I just thought of this while thinking about my own characters.  What would happen to them in 10, 20 or even 30 years.  would it be a glorious death? Possibly assassinated? Would they retire to a lap of luxury? Or would they living in total obscurity? Perhaps villified?

Write your character’s future, be it 10, 20, 30 or more years down the road.  Use the hashtag #GW2Future.  I’ll add my own at some point.  I think it’d be interesting to see what happens.

[nouru-vi]

I’ve been meaning to write the scene in which Isobel gains her mordrem warblade, and now this song finally inspired me to actually do it. It came out super fucking edgy but so is this character, so *shrug*

Ex-courtier Isobel goes to the jungle to fight mordrem and thus redeem herself. It doesn’t go well. (gets much worse than this scene, actually (-: )

She runs, not thinking, not looking back. Her weapons lost, her armour broken, she has no choice.  She is almost deaf to her surroundings, her ears filled with the pounding of her heart, and the inexplicably loud drip-drip of her sap on the ground and leaves and vines and branches, as she leaves a clear, golden trail for her pursuers. And of course, the voices. Whispering, crooning, muttering, screaming, all in a cacophonous backing choir to the voice of something immense; a voice wordless, yet unfathomably, boundlessly terrifying. She would like to shut her eyes and ears, she would like to fall down and not move again until it all goes away, but instinct, and something else, won't let her. She runs, breath ragged, tearing through vines that get in her way with impressive strength for one so battered. She finds much less success in tearing at the tendrils creeping through her mind. The voices, the choir grows louder, as does the pursuit grow closer. Suddenly, a flash, behind her eyes; she stumbles against an ancient tree trunk. A vibrant silhouette, a vision of a grand sword, with an intricate shape. Hope and dread fills her heart at the sight; she shakes her head, running on. She still sees the outline. Drip, drip, the drops of sap below her. 'You can't fight anymore', jeers a voice among the choir. 'Why have we come here? Why have you?' – adds another, sad voice. The foliage grows thinner; ahead is a small clearing. She moves faster, and soon stumbles out into the light. As she straightens up, her heart stops for a second. The sword, again, but no longer a silhouette. Like some bizarre poison fruit, it hangs from a massive vine, bathed in a faint golden glow, right in front of her. Her legs carry her on their own; chills run down her spine as she stares at the blade. Its texture is one of rock-like, dead wood – evidently grown from the reclaimed bones of mordrem and sylvari. Isobel stands, transfixed. The choir goes silent now; only the dreadful voice, the voice larger than this world, speaks, in words of no language; yet they are understood. The trampling of feet abruptly awakens her from her reverie; looking around wildly, she sees armoured fighters enter the clearing from one side; monstrous, spiked, gnarled, twisted creatures who had recently been people, from the other. They march, unstoppably, brandishing their weapons, towards each other – towards her, in the middle. The almighty voice booms one deafening, primal, wordless command. Unbridled terror and hatred floods her, dragging her under, crushing her. She screams, and the voice that comes out is not quite her own. The warblade shines a dead gold as it is torn from its vine. It sings eerily as it cuts the air. Nothing can stand against it; it cleaves through weapon, shield, armour, flesh, bone. Limbs, heads, cloven torsos fly, some armoured in bark, some in metal and leather. A cyclone of rent flesh and spilled blood rages in the clearing, leaving none alive.

Suddenly, there is calm. The sword's tip is driven into the ground, and Isobel falls to her knees beside it. Shaking and gasping for air, she feels on the verge of passing out, but it does not happen. Drip, drip, drip, drip, much faster now, the mix of sap and blood trickles off of her. She stares at a severed hand still grasping a sword; arguably one of the least nauseating objects to look at in the vicinity. She stares, subconsciously and desperately trying to stave off any coherent thought. Listening to the choir of voices, faint and mournful now; beyond them, a laughter, far-off and quiet, but as deep and vast as the earth.