#night elf heritage

[shetolaeart]

Commission of Raziel for @/Kalthoris!! Thank you so much for commissioning me!! 🐯🍃⚡

[corvid-and-flowers]

My demon hunter after the new heritage quests

[firefighting-idiot]

My girls are looking pretty in this heritage though. I'm keeping parts of Adinassa's outfit from the limited bfa season 2 pvp set, but I changed Sylanea over to the full heritage.

[sir-quackcelot]

Aaaah the new heritage armor looks so pretty!! ❤️

[azerothslegacy]

I did the nightelf heritage armor questline for my two elves.

Felixe and Aecacia Ravencourt

eeeee it’s so pretty

[petriwriting]

My Chef - Theodore Nott X Reader

Summary: You stay the night at Theo's, he makes you dinner. Oneshot. Fluff, Domestic Bliss, Little-bit of soft Theo. Established relationship, Sad-about-his-dead-mom-Theo.

A/N: You're telling me fannon italian!Theo can't cook pasta? Nah. Based on a scene from the movie chef. Bonus: Here's the recipe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJUiWdM__Qw

It was a quiet evening, you were at Theo's house, luckily his father hadn't bothered being home all weekend. Otherwise, the house would have been an un-ideal place to be with his father around. but the house was silent, apart from the Nott house elf, who was tidying the halls, despite Theo telling him to take the night off. You were wearing Theo's jumper, laying in his bed. You'd been relaxing. Since school was out for the summer, there wasn't really much else to do. You had mentioned you were hungry, and without much notice Theo disappeared into the kitchen. It was sweet, he said he could cook for you, which he had never done before.

You wandered through the halls of his house, looking curiously at how sterile the house seemed. There wasn't many family photos, or really much decoration. One photo was of Theo and his father, which made you smile slightly seeing it. As you made your way into the kitchen, you were met with the smell of fresh pasta.

Theo was kneading the dough, although he was unfortunately making a mess. He smiled as he greeted you. "Hi," he said softly. you sat at the kitchen counter, watching him work. "This part isn't as fun." He said. "Well it looks like fun." you chuckled. "Do you want to try?" he asked. "sure." you washed you hands, rolling up your sleeves and standing in front of the ball of dough on the counter, you were watching Theo's hands as he demonstrated. . .

Theo stood behind you, wrapping his arms around you, sprinkling some more flour over the work surface. "just like this." he said softly, taking your hands and guiding your movements. you flushed slightly, feeling the warmth of your cheeks from being so close to him. You could smell his scent, it was a mixture of tobacco and cedar.

"Okay, my arms are a bit sore now." you admitted. "Maybe it isn't all that fun." you said. Theo chuckled. "I'll take it from here then," he said happily. you turned to him, he was so close to your face. You wanted to kiss him, but didn't, instead taking a bit of flour and tapping it onto his nose. He laughed, playing along after wiping himself off.

"that was rude," he quipped jokingly.

You continued to linger around the kitchen, watching Theo as he cooked. You had no idea previously that he could cook, as it wasn't a skill that most men have.

The smell of fresh garlic filled the home as your stomach growled in hunger. Theodore Nott would make an amazing housewife, he was kind, attentive and he could cook. It made you feel warm and fuzzy to think that he would, in fact made an excellent husband one day. After some time, he broke the silence. "have a seat," theo said finally. "I'll set the table for us."

You follow suit, taking a seat at the large dining table. watching as Theo set two plates on the table, napkins, and cutlery. he even grabbed two glasses to pour each of you a glass of wine to pair with the dinner, finally lighting a candle, just for ambiance.

A relaxed afternoon had now blossomed into a somewhat romantic date. you were not complaining at all.

"Thank you for cooking, Ted." you said, before taking a bite. It was sweet, it wasn't very often that Theo would lean into his italian heritage, although on that night you were very thankful for it. "Of course," he says. "Buon appetito." 

As you took your first bite, it was delicious. you were in awe, each flavor complimented each other perfectly. "oh merlin." you exclaimed. "This is delicious!" Theo smiled, watching you enjoy his work he was quite pleased with himself.

you finished up pretty quickly, sitting at the table with Theo. before too long you were sipping wine together. "Where did you learn to cook like that?" you asked curiously.

"Well," he said, slightly stiffening up. "My mother taught me to make fresh pasta as a child." he explained, "It's one of my favorite memories with her." he said somewhat sadly.

"Oh. I'm sorry." you said quietly. "It's alright." he insisted. "It's nice to honor her memory." you were silent, letting Theo speak, it was relief for him to finally be able to talk about it with someone who actually cared. you were happy to listen to him talk about his mother, or anything really. "I think she would have really liked you." he admitted. you smiled softly. "I would have loved to meet her." you said.

This was Theo's soft spot. "I wish she could have met you," he says, softly, looking down. You didn't want to pry, or come across as cold, so you rested your hand on his and rubbed his hand with your thumb gently. The two of you enjoyed your meal, and the glasses of wine. You were quietly because you were eating, and because it was genuinely a good home-cooked meal which you hadn't had in a while. after some time, You got up from your seat walking over to Theo, giving him a hug. a genuine embrace, which Theo melted into immediately.

"Thank you for dinner." you said softly. "It was really delicious. I didn't know you were secretly a chef," you smirked. This earned a chuckle out of Theo "Well, there's a lot most people don't know about me." he said. "But you aren't most people."

"yeah?" you asked, just wanting to hear him talk. when he opened up, which he rarely did from being scolded for it so many times in his life, it made you feel closer to him. "Yes."

"I don't think i've ever told anyone that before- About my mother." he admitted. "But it's different with you."

"why is that?" you asked. "Because i'm in love with you." he says simply, standing up, looking at you deeply. He was playing with your hands. you were smiling. it was a blissful moment. He was memorizing the contours of your face in the candle-light. he looked at you as if he would never see you again, soaking in the feeling. "And..." he said, very matter-of-factly, his more outward cocky attitude showing a bit more as he relaxed. "you know what they say," you looked at him, pretending to be confused. "What do they say?" you retorted. "Kiss the chef." he smiled softly, leaning into the embrace to kiss you, melting into the moment. It was a sweet and romantic kiss that you'd find in romance novels.

"I love you." he whispered. "I love you."

[astrellium]

The audacity of a Blood Elf Paladin specific set when other races still don’t have heritage sets yet

[dawnholde-if]

⋅•⋅⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱⋅•⋅

╔═══════《✧》═══════╗

WELCOME TO DAWNHOLDE

INSTITUTE FOR THE ARCANE

╚═══════《✧》═══════╝

Dear [REDACTED],

Hello, and thank you for applying to the Dawnholde Institute, located in Solador, Land of Eclipses. We're pleased to offer you acceptance to the Institute as a first-year student. During your time here, you'll strengthen your specialty magic, as well as branch out to other types to diversify your skill set. We boast the top magic programs in the land for students, with fulfilling extracurriculars and a competitive environment designed to help every young mage and magician thrive, as well as students from a variety of backgrounds as a testament to the diversity of our world.

We look forward to your arrival, and hope that your years with us will be filled with enlightenment.

Praise be to the Sun,

Eruless Chromavere, Head of Magical Studies

You are the firstborn child of the Monarch of the island nation of Sparia, located in the treacherous Sacred Sea. You're set to inherit the throne once the current Monarch has passed on, but you could want nothing less. Becoming the greatest mage in the land is your end goal, so one night you flee to Solador, home to the Dawnholde Institute for the Arcane, the best magic school in the realm. It's been your dream to go there ever since you were young.

Keep your identity hidden to stay out of prying eyes and out of the way of your parent's spies trying to bring you back. Make allies and enemies while keeping up with your studies, join a club (or not), and... fall in love ? That's not part of the plan, but things happen, just don't let it distract you.

Play as male, female, or nonbinary and choose your pronouns

Decide which magic to specialize in, be it elemental, healing, object manipulation, or a number of any other kinds.

Meet 6 RO's, 3 of which are gender selectable

Take lessons in various magical subjects on your quest for greatness

Academic Rivals to Friends (to Lovers ?)

There is a dragon guy :)

Summon one of 4 familiars

Avoid the drama that plagues all schools

Name: Finch K. Lorelai

Pronouns: They/Them Heritage: Half-Elf Magical Specialty: Necromancy Year: 2nd Brief Description: Finch comes from a long lineage of necromancers, is widely considered one of the only child prodigies to come out of that field, and possesses the ability to speak to the dead. They're ambitious and your self-proclaimed academic rival. They don't like sharing the top spot and is antagonistic towards you, even more so if they learn your true identity. The lines between disdain and affection are very fine, however, and there's the possibility to sweep their feet out from under them when they least expect it.

Name: Desily Bramblecove

Pronouns: She (default)/They (selectable) Heritage: Faefolk (Pixie) Magical Specialty: Shapeshifting Year: 3rd Brief Description: Desily is a difficult spirit to pin down, often doing what she wants when she wants to. She loves playing hard to get and causing general uproar, then slipping away to let others deal with the aftermath. She's fickle, even for a fae, but obsessive. If you're not careful, you may fall into her grasp without even realizing it. If you so choose to spend time with her, be prepared to partake in any schemes she may cook up.

Name: Merrick Midae

Pronouns: They (default)/He/She (selectable) Heritage: Merfolk (Anglerfish) Magical Specialty: Light Manipulation Year: 1st Brief Description: A shy, not-very-little merperson who came to land to study all manners of magic. A jack of all trades, Merrick is a little good at most magic, but they wanted to learn more about what was beyond the sea. They're not the bravest, but they'd do anything for a close friend. Perhaps they'll take a liking to you.

Name: Caidrith, Ruler of Rime

Pronouns: He (default)/She/They (selectable) Heritage: Draconic Royalty Magical Specialty: Ice and Temperature manipulation Year: 4th Brief Description: Caidrith, or simply Caid, as you know him, is the only person at Dawnholde who knows of your past. Caid is the second-born to the rulers over northern dragonkin. Though his chances of accquiring the throne are low, it's better to be safe than sorry. He enrolled in the school to learn self defense, then stuck around for the people. You've known him since childhood, as your parents often had strategy meetings together. He can be stoic, but you know Caid cares for you, though maybe not in a way you know of.

Name: Rycharde, Knight of the Tainted Lands

Pronouns: He/Him Heritage: Catfolk Magical Specialty: Protection and Healing Year: 3rd Brief Description: Rycharde hails from a plague-ridden kingdom on it's last legs. Catfolk are usually able to use magic due to distant Fae ancestery, but Rycharde has no innate magic. Instead, he draws on the patron deity of his city for his power, making him a magician instead of a mage. He's proud of his failing homeland and devoted to his city, but that's not the only thing he could turn his attention to. After all, temptation is one hell of a motivator.

Name: Cere Quicrow

Pronouns: She/Her Heritage: Manifested Air Elemental (Birdfolk appearance) Magical Specialty: Divination Year: 1st Brief Description: Cere takes the form of a birdfolk, but is a manifested elemental in reality. She takes great pride in her appearance and is quite vain, but hates being the center of attention and keeps to herself. She's flighty and a perfectionist, leaving herself conflicted on what she really wants, be it freedom and impulsive decisions or to finish her "secret project." Maybe she'll let you in on it if you're nice to her?

DEMO [TBA] \\ CAST LIST [TBA] \\ ASKBOX \\ DEV DISCORD \\ CARRD [TBA]

[makanidotdot]

Interestingly Thura did get added to the game for the orc heritage questline. They should honestly do stuff with her tbh, she is full do gooder, but also just a very young orcish meathead who is a badass. I feel like she'd be perfect for the "everyone is paragon only now" style of game they're going for now and still be fun.

Part of the charm of stormrage to me is Thura and Tyrande are the same character lol, it's just one is in night elf priestess packaging and one is in orc warrior packaging. I don't know that this is an intentional dichotomy as it's not explicitly stated by an author who seems to be outright offended by the idea of "show don't tell"... but whatever, doesn't make it not true

[ravensliterature]

Poisoned Arrow

A/N: I know it’s been a minute and I am sorry. I really had a blast writing this one and I hope you like it!

Part II

pairing: Thranduil x Reader

warnings: Mentions of blood, poison, fluff, 

w/c: 1924 (Yeah she is a little long)

Prompt: The reader is Thranduil’s wife and a part of the company. While leaving through the barrels without her husband’s knowledge she get’s hit by the poison arrow. Thranduil is trying to save his wife before it is too late. 

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She had been shot. His queen had been hit with an arrow. Thranduil could see her falling from the sky, slowly descending through the fading blue and bright stars of the last night. Her lights died as she fell to the ground with a yelp. The arrow had pierced her leg after she tried to open the gate. His heart seized tightly hearing her cries as he attempted to run to her side, cutting down any orc in his way. However, he didn't make it in time, as she had jumped into a barrel following her father down the river.

Y/N was the daughter of Thorin, but her heritage was elven. When young, Thorin found an elf girl and raised her while living in Erebor. She grew into a beautiful woman and was betrothed to Thranduil for the alliance at a young age by King Thrór. However, when the dragon attacked, it was all put on pause, and Thorin and his family fled to the Blue Mountains.

Thranduil would not give up on her as he fell in love with her the moment he laid eyes on her at their announced betrothal. He journeyed himself to find his distant love until seeing her again in the Blue Mountains. He never imagined he’d ever have another chance to meet his beloved again, but when he did... everything changed. Thranduil asked her to marry him again, hoping he wasn't alone in his feelings. Apparently, she had loved him as well and agreed, but things weren't how they should be. Thorin's hatred for elves had increased and never approved of the betrothal.

The argument with Thorin and Y/N spiraled until she left with Thranduil without saying goodbye. A year later, the wedding came around, and Thorin refused to see his daughter marry that elf. He insisted she live in the Blue Mountains, a place far away where dangers were less likely to come and away from elf-kind. Shortly, Legolas was born and grew into a handsome man. Their lives were peaceful until years later when Gandalf knocked on their door.

Gandalf told her that he was building a company in the hopes of reclaiming her childhood home. It had been decided that Y/N would join the company and take part in their quest. She wanted nothing more than to go back to Erebor, return her home, and connect with her father like she once had. So, she took her chance and left. Thranduil hated her putting herself in danger, but who was he to rob her of that connection she missed so dearly?

"Y/N!" Thorin yelled as he ran to his daughter's side.

Y/N's barrel washed up on shore as she used her upper body to crawl to more solid ground, trying not to put too much pressure on her leg.

"I'm here," she breathed as she looked up at Thorin. The dwarf prince scooped her into his arms, holding her close as if afraid someone was going to try something else. Worry and fear were etched over his face, and he saw the pain in his daughter's eyes.

"Oin," Thorin exclaimed, "Please look at the leg. The arrow is cut, but there still may be fragments inside."

The healer kneeled down next to Y/N, looking at her leg. His brow furrowed with concern before he turned back to his friend. "She should be fine, but we need to get her to a town with proper equipment. I'm concerned about it getting infected," he spoke softly. Thorin nodded, helping his daughter stand on her own two feet. She slowly began to walk until she found an arrow pointed at her head.

Thranduil glared the orc down as Legolas held a knife to its neck. He wanted to know what it was doing in his kingdom and why it dared to hurt his wife. It couldn't be allowed to live, but he needed to know.

"In time, all foul things come forth," he said as he circled the orc with a sword in his hand. Legolas continued to hold the blade to its neck, "You were tracking the company of thirteen dwarves and an elf. Why?"

Malice and distaste were in his voice, knowing his father's fears and what it had done to his mother. This thing was not a creature but a monster sent to destroy them. Its intentions are unknown for all to know. The orc cackled, "Not thirteen, not anymore. The elf, we stuck her with a Morgul shaft. The poisons in her blood. She'll be choking on it soon."

Legolas' grip tightened on the knife, causing it to tremble. He needed the orc dead, or he'd kill it himself. A threat against his parents' safety was enough to make him want to do it. Thranduil's breath left him in a gasp. As anger bubbled in his chest, he felt like he was trying to find air. His son's gaze remained on the orc. It knew exactly what it was talking about, the poison that poisoned the elf.

"You like killing this orc?" Thranduil said lowly, almost too calmly, "You like death? Then let me give it to you!" he yelled as he pulled out his swords. Legolas watched as his father charged toward the orc. Before he could blink, the blade made contact with the orc's skull. Blood poured from the wound, but instead of retreating, it rushed forward like a tidal wave. "Legolas, come with me. We must save your mother."

Y/N was breathing heavily as she leaned against the wall of Bard's house. Her father forced her to stay behind because of her leg. Of course, he was concerned for his daughter, but she felt robbed. She wished to help reclaim her home like the rest of the company. Her cousins, Fili, and Kili, opted to stay behind and help take care of her until she was ready to go to the mountain. Oin stayed behind as well, as did Bofur, but he just missed the boat.

However, the pain had gotten worse, and she could tell something was wrong. The leg wound wasn't healing as it should, and she could see the fear in Oin's eyes each time he examined it, even if he didn't tell her. Y/N was worried. The arrow hadn't hit anything vital, yet it could still become infected and kill her. She chuckled to herself softly. Maybe it was best she stayed at home after all.

Her breath was ragged, and her head was light. Her vision swayed slightly as she tried to stay upright, leaning against the wall. She was losing consciousness, but she knew that the battle was not over yet. The pain was becoming unbearable, and she closed her eyes, taking in a few deep breaths. Finally, her body gave way, and she collapsed. "Y/N!" the dwarves yelled as they helped her up. Y/N was writhing in pain as she felt the poison all over her body. She could feel the heat of the flames searing her flesh, and it felt like it was consuming her whole body.

"Put her on the table," Bard said in a frantic tone. They set her gently on the table as she continued to convulse.

"We need something to put her head on so she doesn't hit the table!" Oin shouted. The others quickly searched for anything that could possibly stop the venomous poison. They found only herbs that had been used long ago, and they were useless. The poison was spreading through her veins faster than anyone had realized, and it was eating away at her life. Oin examined the wound more closely. It had turned a black color, and it could be seen going through her veins. This wasn't a normal poison.

"I need kingsfoil! Where is it?" Oin exclaimed to Bard. The Fili, Kili, and Bofur looked around in confusion at the mention of a plant, but they didn't have any of it. Only Oin owned the plants. "Kingsfoil? It's a weed. We feed it to the pigs!" Bard replied in confusion. "Pigs, I got it!" was heard as Bofur zoomed out the door. Y/N struggled for air. Every breath hurt her throat as she coughed painfully. The poison in her body was beginning to eat away at her life. She was dying. That was the last thought that went through her mind before another wave of pain hit her.

Suddenly everything except for Y/N went quiet as footsteps could be heard on the roof. The roof broke, and a dark figure jumped down from above, landing right next to Bard's daughter and stabbing the orc in reaction. The young girl grabbed the orc and then fled as more fell through the ceiling. Fighting ensued as they tried to defend the girls and a table-ridden Y/N.

Thranduil and Legolas ran through the town of Dale in the hopes of finding Y/N and the dwarves. However, they stopped in their tracks when they saw orcs running on the ceilings above the water town. They both knew immediately where they were going. Thranduil ordered Legolas to stay behind while he went to search for his mother, "Stay safe my child, leave none alive."

With that being said, Thranduil continued to run at his pace faster than before. Thranduil continued to run until he heard fighting in one of the homes. With his guard up and weapons, he approached it in the hope that his wife was still alive. Upon approaching the door, he noticed the familiar scent of blood. His heart sunk in his chest, realizing she might be... He opened the door to find three orcs surrounding her, the dwarves, and the humans as they were struggling to defend themselves. One of the orcs was about to strike Y/N when Thranduil shot his bow, sending the arrow right into its skull. He then drew his sword, slashing at any orc in sight.Thranduil rushed to her side and caressed her cheek, hoping to see the spark of life in her eyes. "My darling Y/N, open your eyes," he whispered.She weakly shook her head, tears streaming down her cheeks. "Nin Meleth..." she murmured."Do not speak, my love," he said softly, brushing some hair away from her sweaty forehead.Just then, Bofur burst through the door, panting and holding a bunch of kingsfoil. Thranduil took the leaves from him and quickly began to prepare them. "She needs elvish medicine. If we don't heal her leg soon... She doesn't have much time left."Thranduil soaked the leaves and pressed them onto her wound, chanting an elvish incantation that sounded almost like a prayer. As he administered the treatment, he watched her face relax, the furrows in her brow smoothing out as the poison receded.Y/N looked up at him with those beautiful eyes that had always filled his heart with love. He could see the pain fading, and with it, the poison from her body. He bandaged the wound and held her hand, tears escaping his eyes as she smiled up at him. His heart swelled with joy as he leaned closer and kissed her. It was a kiss filled with relief, love, and the promise of healing."Father," came a soft voice, breaking the tender moment. Thranduil and Y/N turned to see Legolas standing at the doorway, a gentle smile on his face.Their foreheads rested together, and a small chuckle passed through Thranduil. "Oh, no. We've been caught by our own son."

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[dreaming-medium]

Animals Without Direction

Chapter Thirty-Four: Ward

Previous Chapter | Next Chapter

Masterlist

Your entire life you always thought you preferred silence. 

Some of your favorite nights were spent solely by yourself underneath the stars. You craved the serenity that came with being by yourself. Sure, nights in the tavern surrounded by loud drunkards could be fun; but the specific, unique, quiet that met your ears when you stepped outside afterwards was special. 

The air somehow felt closer and even more sacred than normal quietness.

Even after you came to Miroh, you would always escape back to your quarters after dinner for some much needed alone time. The banter between Felix and Jisung could become a bit too rowdy at times, especially if Seungmin ushered a few well placed, snarky comments.

You would slither out of the grand hall back to your room, sit on the window seat, and crack open a book to escape your mind for a while. You’ll never understand how reading about someone else’s adventures would help calm your mind about your own.

But these days, for some reason, you cannot fathom being alone, not even for a single, solitary moment. If you’re left alone with your thoughts, every anxious scenario you could ponder up streams in like water tumbling over rock. 

The ‘what ifs’ are never ending when you’re by yourself. 

What if the plan doesn’t work? What if someone gets gravely injured? What if Jeongin’s legion doesn’t make it to Fort Mire in time? What if Hyunjin was wrong and the Mercy Division is stationed in the North? What if this? What if that? What if? What if?

It doesn’t stop. Not even when you close your eyes to sleep. All of your fears wrap around your neck like a snake and choke your consciousness.

Nothing takes your mind off of the upcoming battle.

But, you know you’re not alone. Your proof being the fire mage standing twenty feet away from you in the courtyard. The bonfire rages on as it always has. The Elf continues to hurl fireballs at the stone wall, leaving ash rings in their wake.

The smell of smoke wraps around you, it’ll sit in your hair until you next wash it. Which won't be until after the battle.

If you even make it out. 

Your tongue licks your lips nervously, your body shifts around.

In the last few days alone, your relationship with Hyunjin has taken a complete turn for the better. He’s a sort of elaborate painting that you’re finally starting to understand the brushstrokes. 

Perhaps it's because you’ve stood in front of him long enough to unravel the meanings. 

But even so, you still only know surface level things about him. 

Sometimes conversation will flow easily between the two of you, other times you will sit in that damned silence. Does it boil his blood the same way that it does yours?

He’s been helping you channel magic for the better part of every night at the sacrifice of his own training. Instead of bettering his own skills, he’s been helping improve your own. 

You decide to give him a break tonight on December the tenth, knowing that when you both part ways for the day, it will be December the eleventh, and there will be no more nights in front of this bonfire. 

He needs tonight to train more than you do. 

Because by this time tomorrow, everything will be in motion. Every soldier will be getting into position to be ready for the sunrise. You will say your goodbyes to some comrades, some for the last time.

Then the sun will rise over the hill. 

And you will stand inside this fort with your fellow soldiers and defend it with your last breath. All you can do is hope for a quick death as the green grass is painted red.

Perhaps the Mercy Division won't notice your pointed ears before introducing your neck to their blade. But then again, you stand with Miroh, your heritage doesn’t matter at this point to them. 

A friend of the enemy is an enemy. 

“If you keep wringing your hands like that, they will catch fire,” Hyunjin calls softly. Your hands immediately stop their movement.

Truthfully, didn’t even notice you were rubbing them together until he pointed it out. They move to your sides, resting on top of the log you’re sat upon. 

“Apologies, I did not realize.” You look back at the raging fire.

“Worry not.” He hesitates for a moment. “Troublesome thoughts?”

“Aye.” Your answer is quick but weak. Your nails curl into the wood.

By The Six, the anxiety is moving your body on its own. Once more, you shift on the log, shoving both hands under your thighs to sit on them and keep them still.

The light from the fire is searing into your eyes, but you can’t seem to tear your gaze away from it. 

“All about the battle.” A heavy sigh escapes your lips. “If I let my mind sit still for even a moment, it creates horrible scenarios inside my mind.”

Hyunjin says nothing for a moment, but you hear his boots shift in the dirt. “Like what?”

Rolling your eyes, you clench your jaw and swallow thickly. “Like what would happen if the Mercy Division got a hold of me.” You finally look up at him. “Of you. ”

His red eyes catch the light of the fire within them, they gleam like a cat. The shadows of his face make his features seem even more angular than they already are. 

Hyunjin swallows, his eyebrow twitches and he licks his lips. Tiny sparks fly from his fingertips. 

“They will not get a hold of me.”

“How are you so sure?”

“I will make certain of it.”

You scoff. “The Mercy Division is crafty, Hyunjin.”

“I am craftier.” He sneers and hurls a tense fireball at the wall. It explodes on impact and you don’t even flinch. 

Again, you roll your eyes and look back at the bonfire. 

“I think you do not grasp the seriousness of the army we are up against,” you snip at him. It comes out harsher than you intend. 

“Please remind yourself that I am an Elf as well, Y/N.”

His words are sharper than a dagger and hit your heart dead on. He continues. 

“I have heard only whispers of what the Mercy Division can do, but I have been facing the hatred that comes with this lineage longer than you can fathom.” When you look back up at Hyunjin, he’s staring through you into your soul. “The Mercy Division is not the first to be like this, and sadly, they will not be the last.”

You nod, unable to find any words to say back to him. 

He’s right. 

It’s the disgusting pattern that the world follows. No matter how much you try, you cannot stamp out the hate and bigotry ingrained deeply within people.

Today, the Mercy Division, tomorrow, who knows? How long until the same hatred bubbles up and forms another legion?

An owl hoots in the distance, it cuts through the sound of crickets and tree frogs.

You crack your knuckles.

When did your hands come out from under your legs?

“I understand you have dealt with them before?” Hyunjin asks in a softer tone. Once more, you only nod. 

A soft, cold wind funnels through the stone walls of the fort, its chill goes right into your bones. Just as quickly as it comes, the breeze goes and the fire warms you right back up.

“Make them pay,” Hyunjin states simply.

He doesn’t dwell on it, not even for a moment longer. His boots crunch in the dirt and he goes back to focusing on his spell. His mind immediately shifts gears and is right back where it started in training mode.

But you, however, are left with the empty rage that comes with your memories. 

The Mercy Division soldiers that fill your memories don’t even have faces, you never saw them. They’re simply entities with voices you will never forget. 

They’re phantoms. Poltergeists. Demons. 

How is it they’re the same level of human that someone like Seungmin or Minho are?

What words need to be uttered and for how long until it twists the soul of an innocent being into something nightmares are made of? But, to them, are you the demon?

“Y/N.”

Hyunjin snaps you out of your mind once more. You look over at him from across the courtyard. He motions for you to walk over to him.

You stand up from the log and walk closer. 

“There is one more thing I would like to teach you,” he says softly.

You cock an eyebrow. “Should you not use tonight to train?”

He shrugs and looks off to the side. “I would much rather teach you, it eases my mind.”

“Does it?” you ask with a teasing tone.

Hyunjin rolls his eyes and rolls his shoulders back. “Will you just–” he stops himself and looks back at you. “I want to teach you wards.”

With a smirk on your face, you nod and stop any more teasing from coming out of your mouth. 

Wards. Magical shields. Protection.

The same magical protection he used all those weeks ago when you angered Camus.

He moves around and stands about ten feet away from you, shoulders square. “Now, it uses the same concentration technique as any other spell. Instead of picturing a wound healing, focus on creating a wall in front of you.”

Hyunjin’s hands twitch at his sides– the movement is slight but you see it. What is he planning?

The air around you moves, blowing in his direction. 

“Put your hands up, Y/N, imaging a shield protecting you,” he commands firmly. Your eyes narrow.

You follow his direction anyway, lifting your hands up to shield in front of your body, palms facing out. 

“Basic level wards only shield you from magic, they cannot shield you from weapons such as swords or arrows– the stronger the ward, the more it can block.”

Nodding, you try to let your mind drift. Your eyes slide shut.

Protection, protection, protection. Picture a wall in front of you. A strong, brick wall. A wall that nothing can penetrate. 

A soft drum beat begins resonating from the stone walls, surrounding the two of you, it starts slow. If you weren’t paying attention to it, you might mistake it for your heartbeat thrumming in your ears. 

The more you focus on it, the louder and stronger it gets.

It’s stronger than you heard while healing, firmer. Other music notes begin streaming in from your surroundings. 

This song is entirely different from the last. There’s nothing calm and serene about it, it hammers through your soul and creates a stronger tune. It almost sounds like the drums of war. 

Your palms heat up and you can feel the energy extend from your fingertips up towards the sky and down to the dirt.

There’s a loud whoosh through the air, it completely disrupts the song flowing through the air. It sounds like a violin bow loudly and quickly is pulled along the strings. You physically wince from the sudden disruption. 

The wind shifts.

Your eyes fly open just in time to see a ball of flames being hurled at your face. 

The orchestra in your mind abruptly stops short and you drop down to the dirt, the flames soar above you and make a harsh impact with the stone.

It’s a wonder no soldiers come sprinting out of the fort wondering if they’re under attack.

Sharply, you look up and glare at the mage who so obviously attacked you. “By The Six, what is wrong with you?” you yell from the ground.

Hyunjin’s eyes narrow. “Why did you dodge?” 

Is he serious?

Your mouth drops open in disbelief. “Why did I–? Why did you attack me?”

“How else were you supposed to test your ward?” He asks like its common sense!

“Why did you not warn me?”

“Apologies, do all of your enemies call out their attacks before performing them?”

A loud, angry growl comes from your throat and you glare at him. 

A tiny smirk twitches at the corner of his lips. “Come now, Y/N. Stand up and try again. Get the dirt off your trousers.”

You huff and stand up from the ground, brushing the dirt from your pants. “Maybe do not take my head off this time around?”

“Your head will remain on your shoulders if you execute the ward well.” He shrugs.

Oh, he boils your blood sometimes.

Most times.

Basically, all the time.

After one more well-placed glare, you close your eyes and let the music begin again. Every object that surrounds you lifts their instrument and warms up at their own tempo until they begin to play the same tune.

Again, you feel energy come out of your palm and form a barrier in front of you.

That same, violent, sharp violin screech pierces through your ears but you don’t allow yourself to flinch, you focus even more and let the drumbeats become more powerful. 

You feel the air around you get hotter and hotter with a strong woosh until it feels like you have your hand up against a thick wall that someone punched the other side of. 

When you open your eyes, you see Hyunjin standing across the field from you, that same cocky smirk on his face. The ward produced by your hand discolors everything you see through it with a golden glow. It flickers a few times and finally falls as your concentration drops. 

Embers surround where you stand. A few of them float around in the air and drift down to the ground. 

“See?” Hyunjin teases with a chuckle. “Your head remains in the same place it was previously.”

You roll your eyes and look off to the side. Whatever.

“There is still one issue, mercenary,” he continues, not giving you a chance to retort. “How do you ever plan on defending yourself with your eyes closed?”

“I need to concentrate.”

“Again, how do you shield from something you cannot see? Do you close your eyes in battle and throw your sword around wildly?”

He has a point, you’re just too damn stubborn to admit it.

“It is hard to concentrate otherwise,” you grit your teeth. “I have only just begun learning.”

His eyes narrow. His eyebrows twitch. 

“Will you say that during battle? ‘Pardon me, soldier, give me a moment, I am still learning.’”

His snark is so pointed, it drives you insane. 

“Nay, but–”

The air moves, it sounds like the world takes a deep breath. Even the crickets stop chirping.

Hyunjin’s arm moves around and flames appear in a burst. In one fluid movement, he spins and hurls it right at you.

“The Mercy Division will not care that you are learning, they will take that to their advantage and gut you where you stand!”

On instinct, your body dodges to the side once more. You jump to your right and roll in the dirt. 

The flames fly over your head and explode on impact with the stone.

“Do not dodge, mercenary!” Hyunjin barks from across the field and moves his hand once more. He’s relentless.

You’re already on your feet when the next fireball is hurled at you. Again, you leap out of the way and let it soar past your body.

“You are insane!” you yell at him.

“Quit dodging and create a ward!”

Another fireball, another trip to the ground. 

“Give me a second to breathe!”

“Would you request a break in battle?”

Another fireball careens into the wall behind you.

Sweat drips down the side of your face from the heat and the exhaustion. Your boots dig into the dirt underneath your feet and a long exhale leaves your drying lips. 

“ Hyunjin !” you growl.

He doesn’t even look winded. 

“Ward!” 

The fire mage moves like water. Every motion flows into another as flames burst from his palm and soar towards you. 

Gritting your teeth, you raise your arms quickly and let magic consume the energy surrounding your body. In a great, outward force, you project it out of your hands and picture an energy shield before your very eyes.

Every instrument hits a powerful note at the same time.

Before the flames could make contact with your body, it makes an impact with the hastily produced ward before your body.

You feel the heat blast around you and fly outwards in every direction. The smell of burning embers begins to invade your senses.

The shimmering glow of your ward fades once you let out a deep breath you didn’t realize you were holding.

Hyunjin doesn’t stop, his body rolls and moves as he draws energy from the very world around you. 

In the back of your mind, you can hear that same violin bow sawing at the strings in time with his magic. Your own drums are beginning to go off tempo. 

“ Ward , mercenary!” he barks and reels back to hurl another fireball at you.

Sweat drips down your face from both the heat and the exertion.

Shit, shit, shit.

None of the instruments of your soul are in tune, they’re all wonky and distressed. Both of your hands fly up to create a ward. Shaky magic projects outward. It’s the thinnest ward you’ve put up so far.

Fire careens through the air straight at you.

The world takes a deep breath.

An explosion sounds on impact and you’re thrown backwards from the force.

All of the air in your lungs is knocked out of you when your back makes contact with the dirt. A loud grunt tears from your lips and you can’t catch your breath.

The very tips of your fingers tingle with tiny pinpricks, it shoots up your arms and through your shoulders to your chest.

Is every hair still on your head or were they singed off?

Within seconds, an amused mage appears above you with a cocky, little smirk on his face. His blonde hair is tied back and that red streak sticks out so prominently. 

You want to be angry at him, you do. This damned fire mage just threw you across the yard after you begged him to stop.

Anger should be bubbling so deep down within you that you could produce your own fireball.

So, why do you feel laughter boiling in your chest?

It travels through your throat and past your lips. Tiny giggles coming out of your mouth while Hyunjin’s smirk grows.

Both of your eyes shut and you allow the laughter to take over. 

Truly, the situation is hilarious. 

Deep, hearty chuckles emit from his own chest. 

“By The Six, Hyunjin,” you say between wheezes. “You could not have gone a tad bit easy on me?”

“Nay,” he replies back, the teasing tilt is in his tone again. “You do not learn by taking the easy route.”

“I will not even be able to fight in the battle with your training,” you poke fun at him.

“Worry not, mercenary, you will be in tip top shape to fight for your life.”

You hum with a smile. 

“I do not think I need to worry about any mages hurling fireballs at me during this battle.” You open your eyes and peer up at him. “No Elves, no magic.”

He thinks for a moment, his head moving side to side as he weighs your words.

“Perhaps,” he agrees. He holds out a hand and you take it.

As Hyunjin hauls you to your feet, you’re finally able to catch your breath, but the smile remains on your face. 

“I will make sure to ask our enemies for a small break in between attacks,” you jest, squeezing his hand once before letting go.

Hyunjin offers you one more chuckle before licking his lips, and then pulling them between his teeth. If you didn’t know any better, you might even say he was nervous.

His jaw clenches, his boots shift in the dirt. 

Suddenly, he can’t meet your eyes.

“Are you quite certain you want to be part of the legion inside Fort Mire when the Mercy Division attacks?” His question is meek.

You hesitate.

The word ‘yes’ sits on the tip of your tongue but for some reason, it won’t come out. 

Yes, you are sure. 

You’re completely sure.

Aren’t you?

Hyunjin’s eyes look up and stare right through you, waiting for an answer.

“Aye,” you finally push out. “Aye, I am certain. Are you?”

He looks down at the dirt for a moment. One deep breath is taken in through his nose. 

“Nay,” he replies weakly. It comes out like an exhale.

What happened to his never-ending confidence? Seeing him suddenly deflate like this rattles you more than you’d like to admit. His entire demeanor shifted in no matter than three seconds. 

You hesitate again. “If you do not wish to be in the fort when the Mercy Division attacks, you need not be.”

Hyunjin shakes his head. “I have made my decision and I intend to stick by it.”

“But if you are scared—”

“I am not scared,” he cuts you off firmly. “I am only… hesitant. But I do not know why.” A humorless huff comes from Hyunjin’s nose and he looks up at the stars. “I am always ready to give my life for Miroh, more importantly, for Elves. But I cannot help but feel this sense of incompletion, like I am meant for more. And if I meet my end during this battle, how will I ever accomplish that?”

“What happened to them not being able to lay a hand on you?”

“Do we not all lie to ourselves for comfort?” His eyes come down to meet yours. “I can only hope they do not decide to torture me.”

In a distant part of your mind, you hear your mother’s screams and your father’s pleas. They rattle your soul.

Thickly, you swallow and look away to avoid Hyunjin’s eyes.

“Perhaps they will have no time for evil in the midst of battle.”

He nods stiffly.

There’s a long moment of silence between the two of you. You don’t need to be a mind reader to know you both were thinking about the same thing.

The “what if’s” are back.

What if they get to Hyunjin? What if they target him? What if they go out of their way to torture him? 

“I will stand by you inside Fort Mire.” Hyunjin tells you firmly, yet softly at the same time. 

You grin weakly at him. “I cannot lie, it eases my anxiety to know you will be in there with me, Hyunjin.”

He huffs and looks away towards the bonfire roaring about twenty feet away. “I return the sentiment, Y/N. I will watch your back if you watch mine.”

“Aye, I will, mage.” You hold out your hand towards him. Hyunjin looks down at your outstretched hand. The grin on his face gets a bit wider.

He clasps his hand around your forearm in a warrior’s grip. Yours comes around his at the same time.

Your eyes meet. His are so sharp they seem to stare right through you. How is his skin so flawless? 

“We Elves need to stick together,” he whispers.

A tiny flame ignites in the pit of your stomach. His words rousing such raw confidence within you with their simplicity.

“I know you are not used to it, Y/N, but I will defend your life as if it is my own.”

Your heart stutters a bit and your eyes widen. 

“I am slowly getting accustomed to it,” you mumble back. “But it has taken some time.”

He smiles down at you. Not one of his sly smirks, but a real, genuine, smile. “We are one unit. We are Miroh’s court.  Your life, my life, Changbin’s life, Minho’s life– they are one in the same in my eyes.”

“Until the end,” you reply back to him. “I have your back.”

Strange. Only a few weeks ago you would’ve loved nothing more than to stab your sword through his back each time he looked at you with that smug smirk on his face. His expression always reads ‘I am one step ahead of you at all times’.

It used to piss you off. But now, it eases a small portion of your mind. 

Hyunjin holds his stare for another few moments. His eyes flit all around your face.

Slowly, his hand releases your arm as he takes a step back. Immediately, you miss his warmth.

“Get some rest, mercenary,” he laughs humorlessly. “You are going to need it.”

[corvid-and-flowers]

anyone else feel like Lysander was only there cuz their mom told Arko'narin to take him with her. my head canon of why he’s there:

Arko'narin: I’m going to help maiev with some warden shit

their mom: take your brother with you

Arko'narin: shit

[luvtonique]

Blizzard Lead Dev: "I just don't get it. People don't like our games anymore. We have over 45 gay NPC couples in Dragonflight, we have lesbians ride off into the sunset awkwardly in Diablo 4 and even Lorath finds it awkward when it happens, we have vitiligo options, we have multiple gay and multiracial characters in Overwatch 2, we changed the names of male and female to body type 1 and body type 2, turned all the sexy paintings into fruits, added green hair to humans, made the Night Elf heritage armor kind of not sexy, put a transgender dragon in the game, what the fuck do people want from us?"

Blizzard Forum Dev: "Well, I've been looking at the forums. Players want tails on worgens and-"

Blizzard Lead Dev: "I've GOT IT! Let's make a follow-up to that quest where the two centaur dudes want to get married, let's make the player prepare their wedding and they do this gay little talking-at-the-same-time and giggling moment, the gays do that stuff right? At least 4 people will find it cute!"

Blizzard Forum Dev: "Sir, it really seems like all of this pandering might be just a thinly veiled attempt to make people forget about that unfathomably disgusting sexual harassment lawsuit by catering to the loudest people on social media in hopes they'll start loudly advertising how PC we've become and we'll somehow rebuild our dwindling fanbase from new players who are suddenly creating accounts just to watch gay dragons talk about how much they love their mate. I think instead of trying to pander to people who hate our game and our company and always have and always will, perhaps a better option is to cater to the dwindling player base we have left, and to the people who left because of these stupid-ass politically correct things we keep doing. We can't just make people forget what our company did by pretending we're good people. What we CAN do is listen to our players. They don't want more gay NPCs in WoW, they don't want frumpy unattractive characters in Diablo 4 like forced fat druids, they don't want the Amazon's butt to be covered up in Diablo 2 Resurrection, they don't want Overwatch 2 to emphasize the importance of a character being gay or autistic above any semblance of personality or relevance to the story they might have. What they want is what they loved for the last 20 years. They want the company they grew up with back. The company that made Alexstrasza, Kerrigan, Whitemane, Sylvanas, the Eredar Twins, Mercy, Widowmaker, Tracer. Not the company that made a Thai femboy and made the crafting tutorial NPCs in Dragonflight absolutely offensively and objectifyingly flamboyant gay guys."

Blizzard Lead Dev: "You're... you're right... ... You're right, man. I dunno what I was thinking. You're right. People want the old Blizzard back."

Blizzard Forum Dev: "That's the spirit, man! We can turn this around, it's not too late. We can bring back the game that every really hot girl at every Blizzcon loved making skimpy cosplays for!"

Blizzard Lead Dev: "Orisa is transgender now"

Blizzard Forum Dev: "God fucking dammit sir"

[cilil]

Nerdanel's origin

Finally getting around to talk about one of my favorite recent headcanons (I have @thecoolblackwaves to thank for motivating me), yet another one that started out as crack and then I fell in love with it.

Tldr: Nerdanel's mysterious absent mother is none other than Aulë.

Here's the idea. We know that Aulë was not only very excited about the arrival of Ilúvatar's Children (a detail about him that was already present in Lost Tales and is very cute), but also wanted children of his own, so much so that he went behind Eru's and Yavanna's backs to create his Dwarves. In the end he got to keep them too, but he had to "put them away" to awaken later and they also live in Middle-earth and not with him (at least not in life).

So when Mahtan and Aulë grew close and started to hang out a lot, they probably got drunk one night and Mahtan confided in Aulë, saying that he'd love to have a child, to which Aulë is like "me too, bestie" and they decide to just have one together. Between Aulë's Ainurin shapeshifting and his apparent ability to just construct fully biologically functional bodies in his backyard, they did just fine and baby Nerdanel was born (I have the cutest mental image of a little girl sitting on the broad shoulders of her big strong forge dads).

Now Aulë and Mahtan decided to keep this a secret, probably because some sort of Valar rules may or may not have been bent a little in the process. What Yavanna would think of this depends on how everyone's own headcanons regarding Ainurin marriages, but it may be a bit embarrassing for her that her husband keeps procreating with either himself or other people who are not her. Also they don't want little Nerdanel to grow up being regarded as a weird cryptid.

So Mahtan proceeded to raise Nerdanel, acting like he totally had a thing with some woman somewhere, and Aulë supported them to the best of his ability, which mostly means teaching them cool stuff.

Nerdanel grew up looking like a normal Elf (huge relief for poor Mahtan), the main indicator of her Valarin heritage being that she's quite strong (she definitely picked up Fëanor and threw him over her shoulder constantly), carrying her statues around on her own without breaking a sweat. Aulë and Mahtan taught her the basics of smith-craft, but since sculpting is her passion, she switched to that and Aulë showed her some cool tricks with that instead.

Inevitably, Nerdanel started asking questions and one day found out the truth about her "mother". She then made Aulë and Mahtan promise that they'd all keep it secret because she wanted to be known and liked for being Nerdanel, not for being some experiment of Aulë's. They agreed and have kept their word. She also never told Fëanor, at first because she didn't want him to become interested in her only for her connection to Aulë and in the years after because she didn't want to damage their relationship. Fëanor remains unaware to this day, though is still impressed by his wife's strength, particularly when it came to doing what she does on top of carrying his sons.

So yeah, that's the idea. Nerdanel also shares some of her core traits with Aulë, such as being free of mind, thirsty for knowledge and strong-willed, but also patient. You could even see parallels between her relationship with Fëanor and Aulë's relationship with Yavanna, as Fëanor and Yavanna both have quite a temper and need a spouse who can take that.

[erikailustra]

3 years ago I did a version of the night elf armor we had in BFA, but a more "caster vibes" because of my priest, Lunnadan.

It would be great to have a robe version of the heritage armor - he would be very grateful!

[hungerofhadarr]

Also WOW I fully forgot last night to explain my reasonings behind Giilvas and Shadowheart being cousins okay hey guys

Giilvas has Gur family . I’ ve mentioned it .. once . Whoops . But it is something I have been thinking on a bit more recently , especially since I have 99% of his ingame adventure fully pinned down .

Gur are known as children of Selûne , and Giilvas being a selunite / child with a selunite heritage does make sense .. he is very connected to the moon , both being of the moon circle and his . Werewolf isms . It is possible he is a selunite but only vaguely , in a way . He is a follower of Loviatar first , but he cannot deny Selûne either

Dame Aylin would probably also be able to sense that part of him . I don’ t think Selûne would just abandon one of her children , even if said child is still relearning parts of his heritage through the very limited means he has

Giilvas is not a Lythari , he’ s still of wood elf parents and he chose the whole lycanthropy thing ; but it is fun to note the similarities between him and a Certain Selunite Lythari ( all Lythari are said to be selunites I know )

Shadowheart has .. very little explained in terms of her family , specifically , her mother . But if both parents were devote Selunites , and we can assume her parents were a part of a nomadic group of Selunites that had stopped to allow Shadowheart to undergo the trial for Selûne , then I don’ t feel incorrect in saying that Shadowheart’ s mom was Gur . ( this is also my rroma shadowheart agenda but Shh )

Also sorry but . Jenevelle is also proof I am using for said agenda …

Even if Giilvas seems to be more “ full “ than “ half “ elf , since both parents were more elven , he still has that Gur family . Shadowheart’ s mom was one of his Aunts .

They don’ t know for a While that they are related , but they also have a sort of Feeling that there is something going on .. Shadowheart vaguely recognizes Giilvas’ last name , Giilvas swears Shadowheart reminds him of … etchings he saw , trying to learn of his family

Act 3 with the power of Dame Aylin and Isobel ( Aylin can probably note the connection between them and affirms there is something There ) they manage to gather a few family documents and are able to pull together a picture of what the tree is like and . Yeah they are on the same one !