All is quiet in the city.
The bustle and clatter of heavily plated warriors replaced by an eerie silence that hasn't been heard within the city in ages. Silvermoon stands quiet. Empty. Peaceful.
Down in the Blasted Lands.... all is different. The clang of metal, the smell of sweat and blood. Cries of pain and rage echo off the long shattered hills as the brown skinned Orcs pour from the portal. Elves and Orcs, Tauren and Forsaken, even the Goblins mass near the small pathway leading to the oddly glowing red portal that once led to the shattered world of the Outlands.
Gaelin stands atop the ridge, golden armor glittering in what passes as "sunlight" as he stares down a tall, snarling Orc. His shield is raised as he waits for the creature to rush, planning his strikes while listening for the inevitable attack from behind. The whistle of a blade reaches his ear as the orc in front of him rushes, axe held high over his head. Narrowing his eyes, Gaelin ducks to one side, slamming his shield into the arm of the orc behind him.
It grunts, arm moving to the side just enough. The charging orc gasps as the blade bursts from his back, his own ally staring with wide eyes as his blade claims the life of one of his own.
The heavy clang of shield on skull echoes before the creature can register, Gaelin's heavy protector colliding solidly and shattering the normally tough covering. Both fall to the ground, gasping their last breaths as the life leaves their eyes. Turning his gaze back to the portal, he feels the surge of adrenaline as he starts towards it. She's on the other side.... he knows it.
He has to get to her.
Nothing else matters to him at this moment. Nothing can compare to the thought that she's on the other side alone, battling insurmountable odds. Fighting for her very life. No, he does not doubt her will, nor her skill. He has every faith she could survive on her own..... but she doesn't have to.
"I'm coming, Ciri. Save a few for me on the other side." A grin curves his lips as he rushes forward, using his shield as a battering ram to clear a path towards the portal. Orcs roar and try and strike as a golden glow begins to illuminate his armor. With a furious battle cry, the golden light erupts from him and sends the brown creatures flying backwards, giving him just enough time.
He rushes forward and with a burst of adrenaline, jumps through the glowing red gateway into the unknown.
He's coming, Ciri.
Source: Spotify
☠ - Ciri
He grabs the shovel and begins pushing the dirt over the grave, tears in his eyes that remain hidden by the long locks of golden hair hanging in his face. The wind blows lightly as a storm starts to blow through as if in answer to the dark mood brewing within. “Light watch her. May she find comfort and peace in the arms of the creators.” His prayers are whispered quietly into the wind and blown away towards the heavens.
He should have known that assassin would come back. Should have ended him when he had the chance. Now, his dear Ciri was gone….. and he was once again all alone. Lifting his head, golden light radiates from his eyes as his hands tighten around the handle of the shovel. He would pay. As the Light is his witness, he will drag that assassin out of the shadows and make him suffer for what he had done. He would beg for mercy… and Gaelin would give him none.
(( Listen while reading. ))
gaelinlightblaze reblogged
Walking his patrol this night, Gaelin pays particular attention to the shadows. Eyes scan back and forth along each alley, then the next in line as it draws close. He knows that it’s just the paranoia talking and that this is to be expected…. yet still he’s uneasy. His jacket blows in the wind as…
iridoria
Ciri had been at the studio with a meditation class. She could sense him, feel his light, and it caused her to pause her thoughts and open one eye. He had been standing there, unusually unarmored and it caused her to raise a brow in question. However, his shield was at his side as always. In a hushed tone, she snaked her way by tiptoeing past all of the patrons that had come to visit. All of them were sitting cross-legged on mats with eyes closed and meditating. She slipped through a row of them as she muttered above a whisper…”Keep your thoughts clear, concentrate on what gives you your sense of inner peace. Focus.”
She managed to duck into the hallway quietly as she reached upon her tiptoes and kissed him. “Are you alright? What happened, sweetie?” His look was one of distress. Before she would even allow him to explain, she took his head into her hands and pressed her forehead against his. Closing her eyes, a soft green aura would pass from her and envelop him for a moment as she wanted him in a state where he could explain things clearly and without anger clouding his mind. The aura dissipated from him and she looked down to his hand, a piece of paper clutched in his fist. “Love, what is that?”
cirimeditate
He lets a deep breath past his lips, eyes drifting closed as he feels the anger and tension seeping away. How could she do that with a mere gesture? A mere touch? The aura is completely unnecessary, when the feel of her fingers against his skin is more than enough to calm any darkness that might rage within.
"Do you recall the thief who stole the guard's signet? The one that was returned soon after?" He slips a hand into one of the bags on his belt, removing the small scrap of folded parchment. "I found him last night. He appeared in the city while I was on patrol." Carefully, he reaches out and slips the paper into her hand, two words scrawled hastily onto the parchment: 'Find Smoke'
"Do you have any idea what that could mean?" The sun is just cresting the mountains as the shot rings out loud through the city, causing him to turn towards the doorway he just came through. "I think we may have our answer, Ciri." He starts to rush out, turning his head to look and see if she will follow.
Walking his patrol this night, Gaelin pays particular attention to the shadows. Eyes scan back and forth along each alley, then the next in line as it draws close. He knows that it's just the paranoia talking and that this is to be expected.... yet still he's uneasy. His jacket blows in the wind as he walks, the usual guard's armor replaced by casual clothing tonight so that it can be cleaned and repaired.
Sighing, he removes his shield and walks slower as he draws near the Row, knowing well that if any person believes him at a disadvantage, they will pounce. His first steps are uneventful... until he sees a familiar figure emerging from the opposite alley. He stops, eyes focused intently on the dark masked figure as his free hand tightens into a fist. He doesn't take to theft kindly, and will not allow him a free pass.
His arm cocks and swings forward, flinging his shield at the figure in an attempt to knock his mask away, hoping to catch a glimpse of his identity. The figure doesn't move as the metal object soars closer, a brief glint catching the moonlight before his arm lifts to catch the shield in mid air.
The figure locks eyes with Gaelin, then allows the shield to drop to the ground before approaching. His eyes remain on the Paladin every step of the way, ignoring the stares and dark grins of the crowd as he moves to his target. Stopping mere feet before him, he tosses a small bit of paper at his feet and points at it, then turns and starts for the alley.
Gaelin starts forward, then kneels to scoop up the note and unfold it, eyes widening as he looks for the shadow once more. He is gone... all traces of him disappearing as if he were a part of the shadows himself. Looking to the note once more, his hand clenches into a fist as he starts home, intent to let Ciri know of this development, and what he intends to do about it.
Night Terrors
Gaelin lay curled around her sleeping form, arm draped around her waist and face nuzzled into her hair. Finally... he could rest easily for once in his life. No worrying about the dreams that have haunted him for so many years. The house is quiet around them, not even a breeze blowing against the window or an insect flying in the dark room. Just how he wanted it.
The figure lowered himself through the newly-opened window, landing on silent feet as his eyes scanned the room for his target. Long, dark hair hung over his face as he moved with the quietness of a feline through the apartment, searching carefully while keeping an ear out for signs of awareness.
Tapping the side of his mask, the goggles he wears illuminates the room in a grey/green scale to allow him to easier see in the dark. A hand hovers near his weapon as he slips into the hall, careful steps taking him deeper into the modest building. Looking down, he taps a button on his arm and his vision flashes red, showing the warm heat signatures left throughout the day. These would lead him to his prize.....
As if sensing the going on, Gaelin's eyes slowly peel open and his senses go on alert. Something is wrong.... but what? Rolling over and dislodging himself from Ciri, he climbs to his feet and looks about, eyes settling on the open window in the next room. Did they leave it open....? Unease settles in his gut as he snatches up his shield and slips it onto his arm, leaning out to look down the hallway. There seems to be nothing there... but his senses have never led him wrong before.
Making his way slowly down the hall, shield at the ready, he peeks around the corner into the rooms as he passes. There's nothing there.... but his unease grows as he moves to the far doors, one of which is opened a mere crack.
Inside the room, the figure slips it's prize into a small zippered bag, then turns towards the door. As it's eyes come about, it notes the red figure just on the other side and presses it's body against the wall, the shadows masking it perfectly. He won't see until it's far too late....
Gaelin pushes the door open and steps inside, eyes narrowed in the darkness as he searches. His shield is up in front of him, ready to deflect an attack should it come. The figure watches him as he passes, a strange tick flaring in his mind. Something about this man.... he can't place it. As Gaelin passes, the figure steps out behind him and backs towards the door.
As he starts to leave, the shield slams into the frame and bounces back to Gaelin's arm, his blue eyes narrowing on the figure. "Who are you? Why are you here?"
The figure doesn't speak, staring at him through the dark eyes of it's mask. As Gaelin approaches, the figure opens it's hand and drops a small pellet to the ground, smoke rising quickly to fill the room.
Bringing his shield up, Gaelin rushes forward with intent to tackle the figure before they can get away. He feels his shield grabbed, then he is spun and kicked in the small of his back, sending him headlong into the wall.
Grunting, he pushes himself up and looks back, only to see the smoke clear and the figure is long gone. He swears to himself, rising to his full height as he notes the window in the far room has been opened. Whatever they wanted.... they are long gone now.....
The only question now is.... who just broke into and robbed their apartment?
Send me § and my muse will react to yours pushing them against a wall and kissing them.
Arm across his middle, Gaelin limps into the city. Blue eyes scan the street slowly, a grin curving his lips as he watches the people he has fought so hard to protect move about without care. Without worry. His mission is complete... for the day. Slow, measured steps take him through the row once more until he can step up to the main fountain before the Spire. Leaning against it, he fails to notice the woman who approaches from behind until she has turned him around and leans him back against the fountain's edge.
A grin curves his lips as hers envelop them, her arms wrapping around him tightly. A deep breath is exhaled as blue eyes close and he allows himself to relax and savor the kiss of the woman who makes him feel at home. His other half... and the love of his life.
He lands on his feet, a grin curving his lips as he brings his shield up to deflect the spear aimed at his heart. A spin has him slamming his fist into the helmeted head of his opponent, sending him to the ground hard. The fighter picks him up as Gaelin stands tall, eyes watching over the top of his shield. "Come on. I know you've more than that at your disposal. Let's try this again... shall we?"
The figure rises, tossing his spear aside and removing his plates. "You're going down, Paladin. Even you can see I'm more than your match." He rushes, shoulder slamming into Gaelin's shield with a resounding clang. The two press against one another's strength, a battle of wills colliding in the center of their training ground. With a chuckle, Gaelin lets his leg dip and rolls, the larger man staggering forward in surprise.
"Nice try. It'll take more than that!" His shield whistles through the air and connects with the back of the man's head, sending him sprawling. Catching the shield, he slides it onto his arm once more as he approaches, offering a hand. "That's check, my friend."
The man grunts, rolling over and allowing Gaelin to pull him to his feet. Shaking his head, a grin curves his lips. "Next time... that pretty shield won't save you. I've your number. It's just a matter of time."
Gaelin chuckles, eyes flashing with challenge. "Anytime you want to try, I'm game. You've no idea what I'm truly capable of these days."
Source: Spotify
gaelinlightblaze reblogged
cirimeditate
Source: Spotify
gaelinlightblaze reblogged
Temptations
((Answering for Ciri and Gaelin. :3))
It had not been but a few hours since she had left the library to see Iria, which was well before the sun went down. Ciri made her way to her studio, not realizing that he would be there shortly. She was barefoot, standing beside a stretch bar upon the wall as she lifted her leg upon it and leaned completely over in a stretch that she could feel throughout her entire body. The very same stretch was provided for the other leg.
Ciri pulled herself away from the bar a moment and looked at herself in the mirror. She was happy with what she saw because she knew that she had worked hard to maintain a lithe and limber physique, it was something that helped her in her movements whether she was in the middle of helping Iria teach a dance class or flipping someone twice her height over her head in self-defense. She closed her eyes, her head tilting upward as she took a long deep breath, something that helped her calm and made her focus. She hugged herself about the waist as she did so, and instantly took to sitting upon the floor and into a deep meditation.
Her legs were crossed at first as she began to levitate into the air. Her eyes were closed, her body still as her fingers were free save for her index and thumb pressing against each other. She started to hit a very deep calm in her meditative state; it made her completely oblivious to everything around her as a soft green glow began to envelop her. Eventually her legs would fall out of their crossed position and her arms fell away from her as she leaned back, levitating in a lying-down position as she brought her hands over her bare stomach.
Being in a simple midriff baring tank top and cloth capris, Ciri was virtually weightless in her meditation, her mind was clear and she took deep slow breaths to focus on her inner serenity and peace. A small smile crept upon her lips as she kept imagining him after all of the interactions they had previously had.
She didn’t hear him enter, and because of that, he had the element of surprise as he stood there and watched her. He had been patrolling through the Row, and after she had given a touch of tranquility to his helm mere days ago, he had not been without it while he was out patrolling…especially in the Row. Pure white light emitted from the eyeslits, and he grinned playfully behind his helm as he slipped his arms beneath her; one rested under her knees as the other came to rest under her lower back. He plucked her gently from the airspace her body was levitating in.
She could feel his presence as he walked into the room, but it was hard for her to discern whether or not it was her dream-like state or reality. The flow of his chi was palpable, washing over her in a loving calm that seemed to energize all of the nerves within her body with a spark of happy vibes. She opened her eyes, and he was holding her close. She smiled up at him.
"That was a bit subtle, sweetie. I apolgize I wasn’t aware that you had walked in." He removed his helm and leaned his head down to kiss her deeply. His greeting was more than welcome as Ciri’s eyes fluttered downward to receive that kiss and just -feel-. Her hand slipped across his jawline and into his hair, enjoying that tender moment for a few moments as she pulled back and looked up at him. "Well hello to you too."
He smiles down at her, arms holding her close to his body as if he were afraid she’s slip away into the darkness. “I did not mean to barge in, but I couldn’t wait any longer. A lifetime’s worth of patience lost in a minute of anxiousness.” Carefully, he sets her onto her feet and takes her hands, unable to tear his gaze away for even a moment.
"I have finished my patrol for the night, and am now free until the next in the morning. I would spend this time with you, if you will have me, of course."
iridoria
She grinned at him in a mixture of surprise, excitement, and confusion. “How could I say no? Of course I want you here with me, my spirit is most balanced when you are.” She placed a kiss upon the back of one of his gauntlets sweetly.
"Let me go change into something more appropriate for your eyes and then I’d love to treat you to a quiet dinner if you’ll have -me-. I’ve been waiting all day to see you."
"Of course I will. Though, I think you would look fantastic in nearly anything you chose." He looks down at his words, still unbelieving that they would spill from his own lips. A dark blush rises in his cheeks as his eyes return to hers. "Take your time. I'll be here waiting whenever you're ready." He returns the kiss to her knuckles, then steps away to look about the studio while she prepares herself.
gaelinlightblaze reblogged
Temptations
((Answering for Ciri and Gaelin. :3))
It had not been but a few hours since she had left the library to see Iria, which was well before the sun went down. Ciri made her way to her studio, not realizing that he would be there shortly. She was barefoot, standing beside a stretch bar upon the wall as she lifted her leg upon it and leaned completely over in a stretch that she could feel throughout her entire body. The very same stretch was provided for the other leg.
Ciri pulled herself away from the bar a moment and looked at herself in the mirror. She was happy with what she saw because she knew that she had worked hard to maintain a lithe and limber physique, it was something that helped her in her movements whether she was in the middle of helping Iria teach a dance class or flipping someone twice her height over her head in self-defense. She closed her eyes, her head tilting upward as she took a long deep breath, something that helped her calm and made her focus. She hugged herself about the waist as she did so, and instantly took to sitting upon the floor and into a deep meditation.
Her legs were crossed at first as she began to levitate into the air. Her eyes were closed, her body still as her fingers were free save for her index and thumb pressing against each other. She started to hit a very deep calm in her meditative state; it made her completely oblivious to everything around her as a soft green glow began to envelop her. Eventually her legs would fall out of their crossed position and her arms fell away from her as she leaned back, levitating in a lying-down position as she brought her hands over her bare stomach.
Being in a simple midriff baring tank top and cloth capris, Ciri was virtually weightless in her meditation, her mind was clear and she took deep slow breaths to focus on her inner serenity and peace. A small smile crept upon her lips as she kept imagining him after all of the interactions they had previously had.
She didn’t hear him enter, and because of that, he had the element of surprise as he stood there and watched her. He had been patrolling through the Row, and after she had given a touch of tranquility to his helm mere days ago, he had not been without it while he was out patrolling…especially in the Row. Pure white light emitted from the eyeslits, and he grinned playfully behind his helm as he slipped his arms beneath her; one rested under her knees as the other came to rest under her lower back. He plucked her gently from the airspace her body was levitating in.
She could feel his presence as he walked into the room, but it was hard for her to discern whether or not it was her dream-like state or reality. The flow of his chi was palpable, washing over her in a loving calm that seemed to energize all of the nerves within her body with a spark of happy vibes. She opened her eyes, and he was holding her close. She smiled up at him.
"That was a bit subtle, sweetie. I apolgize I wasn’t aware that you had walked in." He removed his helm and leaned his head down to kiss her deeply. His greeting was more than welcome as Ciri’s eyes fluttered downward to receive that kiss and just -feel-. Her hand slipped across his jawline and into his hair, enjoying that tender moment for a few moments as she pulled back and looked up at him. "Well hello to you too."
He smiles down at her, arms holding her close to his body as if he were afraid she's slip away into the darkness. "I did not mean to barge in, but I couldn't wait any longer. A lifetime's worth of patience lost in a minute of anxiousness." Carefully, he sets her onto her feet and takes her hands, unable to tear his gaze away for even a moment.
"I have finished my patrol for the night, and am now free until the next in the morning. I would spend this time with you, if you will have me, of course."
gaelinlightblaze reblogged
Gaelin tossed and turned in bed, sweat beading on his brow and covers unfolded down over his torso. The nightmares were relentless this night, tormenting him to no end with the memories of the battle long past. Friends…. Family….. His entire squad battling in Icecrown as wave after wave of Scourge…
cirimeditate
Ciri awoke with a start, her body shooting straight up as she came to a sitting position. “Gaelin!” It was at that point that her barefeet hit the floor, padding in a light run against the polished planks from her bedroom into her living room. She grabbed her robe, throwing it over her nightgown as she slipped her arms through swiftly. Hurrying over to the door, she slipped her feet into a pair of sandals and rushed out, locking the door behind her in one fluid turn, the robe and nightgown hem lassoing around her ankles as she spun back around and darted off. He had told her where he stayed, but she had never been…but she was determined to find him. It seemed like Silvermoon just stretched out too far in front of her, and running wouldn’t get her there fast enough. She stopped, turned around, hopped onto her silly lumbering turtle who looked as if he hadn’t gotten enough sleep the night before. “Lin-Tao, MOVE! Get! C’mon, we have an emergency!” The lazy thing just looked at her with a groan through half lidded eyes as he chewed on the previous night’s salad bits and fish. She grinned. “Lazy bones…” She walked back into the stables and coaxed Vanity out, the white hawkstrider squawking as the monk hopped up onto her back. Her blonde hair was a bit of a mess, it just cascaded down her back in a mess of waves that were left in her tresses from keeping her hair up the day before. Vanity turned, going into full sprint as Ciri started commanding her to with slight jabs of her heels into the bird’s feathers. Once they had taken off, Ciri’s vision stayed tunneled until she arrived to what looked like a modest home in the Bazaar, not too far from where her cousin Iria’s townhome was. As soon as she approached, she hopped off of Vanity, securing her to a bench just outside as she walked up and knocked gently. “Gaelin…?” She stepped back, looking up at the door frame for any sign that he had heard her.
She can hear movement behind the door, slow footfalls that sounded far too light for the person she knows dwells within. Carefully, the lock clicks and the door opens, the Paladin hanging his head out with dark black circles under his eyes, and tear stains down his cheeks. “Ciri…..” he managed before stepping back, giving her entrance into his home.
"What are you doing here this late at night?" He wanders back inside, collapsing to sit on the meager couch in his living quarters. He sags forward, elbows resting on knees as he stares at the floor as if concentrating on one spot in particular. "I… had another episode. Couldn’t shake it."
Hands to go his temples as he sighs, rubbing slow circles against his aching head. “They slip through every now and then…”
Nightmares
Gaelin tossed and turned in bed, sweat beading on his brow and covers unfolded down over his torso. The nightmares were relentless this night, tormenting him to no end with the memories of the battle long past. Friends.... Family..... His entire squad battling in Icecrown as wave after wave of Scourge soldier rushed at them. He ducks, narrowly missing a runed blade aimed for his head, instantly regretting it as it sinks into his captain's back. He spins and swings with his shield, knocking the attacker away all too late. The man's body falls to the ground, blood pooling beneath him as he slowly dies.
He thrashes, bringing up his empty arm in the darkness as he blocks yet another blow meant to be his last. The shield clangs loudly over the battlefield as he sends the blade wide, then drives his own through the Death Knight's heart. With a spin, he jerks it out and cuts down another before flinging the shield and striking another two down so that his men can finish the job. As it returns, he spins and blocks another blow,
Turning in the bed, he ends up on his belly with arm out to the side. Old wounds begin to sear as he is cut diagonally down his back, the blood splattering the snow in a sickening trail. His eyes glow as the light glows behind them, stemming the blood as he flips his blade and stabs backwards under his arm, again piercing the heart of the scourge warrior. Breathing heavy, he looks about at what's left of his platoon, a mere five soldiers fighting with all that they are.
Casting his eyes about, he looks to the distance for reinforcements he knows will not make it in time. His head jerks the other way on the pillow, eyes rolling about behind their lids as the scourge army continues to press undaunted, their numbers far too great..... So this is it. He narrows his eyes and tosses his helm, inadvertently nailing one of the scourge soldiers and dropping them. He concentrates his light energy around him and cries out as it explodes, striking any of the undead who are close to him.
He grunts as he slips from his bed, landing hard on the ground and snapping his eyes awake. It's far too late... he knows what transpired next. Rising slowly, he walks to his closet and flips open the door, finding the remains of his once vibrant golden armor. The metal is torn beyond recognition from his eruption of light, great holes gouged into the metal on all sides. Never will he forget being drug from the field..... carried by his men as his eyes closed, exhaustion taking him.
He puts a hand to his face, the images of his dead friends... the young men who gave their lives in a failed attempt to take the Citadel. He closes the door and walks to his small bathing chamber, leaning over his sink and grasping it tightly with his hands. He failed them.... His city..... His people..... Every last one...... Dropping to his knees, a guttural cry of pain echoes in his small apartment, the pain of this failure weighing heavily on him.