One More Gift

The postpartum phase presented challenges for the couple, with the socialite still recovering from childbirth and her devoted husband's constant desire to be with her. Finding moments to reconnect became a rarity. However, as Winter Veil approached, the savvy wife orchestrated a special day: they began with a delightful breakfast, indulging in homemade cinnamon rolls, followed by unwrapping presents. Venturing out, they joined fellow carolers in Duskwood, spreading festive cheer. Their journey concluded with a visit to the woman's father, introducing him to their daughter, Eris, and receiving a cherished family heirloom, a luxurious rocking horse.

Later, back at their residence, she requested her husband's assistance with tending to their daughter, while she "rested". Yet, her idea of rest involved setting a romantic scene in their bedroom: candles flickered, rose petals adorned their path and a note.

At a snowy surprise, since earlier, she'd expressed disappointment over the lack of snow, and next to the note lay a snowglobe, showcasing their mountainous home atop a snow-laden peak.

Intrigued by his wife's whimsical gesture, the Kul Tiran embarked on a playful pursuit. Entering the snowglobe, a pocket dimension used for occasional retreats, he searched fervently for her, like a beast on the prowl for his prey, he was guided by a trail that led him to the cabin bedroom.

As he peeked inside the room ready to pounce, he was momentarily captivated by the enchanting sight that awaited him. He found his wife lounged elegantly on top of the bed, taking delicate sips of her brandy, seemingly adorned merely with a ribbon. Fully aware of his anticipation, she prepared to meet him with a voice imbued with seductive charm; dripping with allure.

Art by @miel-1411

The Tainting

In the depths of her grief, she clung to the belief that her husband would fulfill his promise and come back to her. Refusing to accept his loss, her dwindling patience led her into the Maw in an attempt to find him herself and bring him home. This realm of shadows and suffering offered little comfort, the bleak landscape was disheartening and the only warmth or light was from the sporadic rivers of molten lava. The moment her feet touched the barren wasteland, GiGi was thrust into unending combat. From the shadows emerged armored skeletons and hollow figures that were set on her own destruction. Thankfully she was able to trust and rely on her sword, Strongwield, her enchanted sword infused with magic. After assessing her predicament, she needed to suppress its lightning capabilities to avoid attracting unnecessary attention from the relentless Mawsworn. Exhaustion weighed heavily both physically and mentally enduring countless battles over the months of her search for Baylen - and now fear gripped her as the threat of fatigue and starvation made it possible for her to be overpowered. At one moment in time, she found herself encircled by the Mawsorn that had fallen by her sword. Surrounded by bone and shattered armor, she fell to her knees and dropped Strongwield to her side scanning the area for a place to retreat to all while gasping for breath. However, before a location of rest was spotted she glimpsed another soldier heading her way. GiGi knew she no longer had any strength left to pick up her weapon - however, still determined to find her husband she decided to push her magical abilities recalling the lessons from her strict mentor and the forbidden texts she studied. Lowly she uttered a cryptic incantation once read in an ancient tome. Similar to warlocks that inflict their bodies for power this moment was very much the same. The tongue swiftly swept through each syllable so naturally, it even frightened the woman but there was no turning back now. Dark energy rose from the ground and coursed through her veins then back again. The woman's eyelids fluttered as she felt herself teetering on the brink of death but she persevered until death turned into excitement. The armor of a defeated soldier clamored together and took shape once more taking hold of its weapon and rushing towards the oncoming danger - however, her skills weren't refined enough to summon a full army to aid her. GiGi was painfully unaware that the darkness began to corrupt her essence, twisting the ability and in surprise she witnessed the formidable knights crumble to ashes, disintegrating before her eyes. Though there was some confusion regarding the outcome, she felt relief that her enemy was conquered. Glancing at her hands, she realized her pristine fingers were now marred by darkness. It dawned on her that her inexperienced attempt had unintentionally traded a piece of herself with The Maw, forging a dangerous pact for untempered power. ... And this is the story of how GiGi's fingers became tainted with darkness.

Art by @miel-1411