Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Ficlet Challenge - Midsummer Sun

Last Friday, Anna posted a ficlet challenge: How would your character(s) respond to a record-breaking heat wave? Finally got mine done. Enjoy!
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As she sprawled bonelessly in a chair in her room, Lark wondered if it was possible to melt. Komah and Tuah lay on either side of her, panting. She eyed the big spirit-cat curiously. "You never got heat like this in the Basin?" she asked him. He looked up at her. Not like this. And there were ways to cool off, there. This is just...

He trailed off, but she knew what he meant. A glance out the window showed heat rising off the cobblestones in a shimmering haze. No one was out in the streets; the smart or rich ones were shut up in their homes, and the rest would be out in the Forest or swimming at the docks. Lark didn't care for either option at the moment, but she still wished for some way to cool off.

Sudden inspiration struck. She peered down at Komah. "Have you ever seen snow?"

He looked back at her, slightly affronted. Of course. There is plenty of snow in Zul'Drak, and other places as well. Lark waved her hands at him. "All right, I meant no offense. Come on, let's go find Pitch."

They found the druid in the Park, sprawled on the edge of the moonwell, his fur soaked and ruff standing up in spikes. Once she explained her plan, he seemed agreeable to a little traveling, and the four of them headed for the boat to Kalimdor.

* * * * * *

As their hippogryphs landed in Winterspring, both Night elves took a deep breath of the cold, clean air. Komah jumped off the saddlepad behind Lark, looking around with interest. Oh yes, this is much better, he practically purred, and Lark grinned. The grin turned into a laugh as Tuah jumped down from behind Pitch and dove for the nearest snowbank, burying himself completely. He peered out at her, as if to say What do you expect?

Komah pawed at the snow, then lay down with a contented sigh. Lark watched her pets with a grin, not even noticing when Pitch snuck off to the side.

The snowball caught her by surprise, splattering across the back of her neck. "Oh, you..." She grabbed up a handful of snow herself, but he had ducked behind a tree, laughing.

Komah watched them with alarm. Is that normal behavior? he asked her, but she was too busy to answer him. She ducked another snowball, then charged at Pitch's hiding place.

He stepped out to throw again, only to catch her snowball directly in his face. Spluttering, he tried to clear his eyes as she bombarded him, throwing snowballs as fast as she could pack them. He finally lunged toward her, making a blind tackle, and they thunked down in the snow.

Tuah left the snowbank and came over, stretching out at her side. Lark patted the moonstalker's flank, as Pitch shook the snow out of his eyes. "Wonder if we could stay out here til the heat wave is over," he said, still blinking as he peered at her.

Lark smiled, but shook her head. "I think the Professor might have a problem with that." Pitch sighed as he flopped flat on the snow. Then he raised his head and grinned at her.

"Still, we don't have to rush back, do we?" Lark eyed him back, an answering grin stretching across her face.

Monday, June 28, 2010

So, umm...

My sister found a battered hilt in the AH for (comparatively) cheap-ish, and spent most of tonight on her warrior, running around in instances and doing quests (some of which were really cool >.>). The end result?



Yay, Kal!!

I've been tinkering mostly the last couple days. Lark finished up the holiday achievements, so now she has a title to go with her outfit. She didn't have enough blossoms to get the pet, but oh well. Shaurria is still getting instance runs with my fellow Feathermoonies, so she's 74 1/2 now and moving right along. Still haven't finished Wrathgate, and now she can go to Grizzly Hills and do the Ursoc chain, so that might be tomorrow's agenda. Provided the servers are up, of course. >.>

Davoss is now 31, I've been working on his blacksmithing so leveling has slowed a bit. I have suddenly learned how to pally-AOE, however, so what leveling I have been doing has been fast. It's almost funny how I've never gotten one above level 20, but Dav has just clicked. I can't wait to get him to 60+.

I've done some on Zuluu as well, and I may get him to 80 yet. Maybe not until Cataclysm hits, but at least he'll get there. Rajast has been a bit neglected lately, he's still sitting at 53. I need to run him through the Plagueland cauldron quests.

Pitch is still farming Ahune for the pet, but it hasn't dropped yet. He has gotten 2 scythes so far. I think the RNG is laughing at me.

I finished this picture! I'm pretty pleased with how it turned out. Komah's spots were hard, though.


That's about it right now. I've been dinking around with story ideas, so I may have something post-worthy in a day or two. Til then Happy Hunting!

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Fire Festival Shenanigans

Yay holidays! >.>

You can probably guess what I've been doing the last several days. Bonfires give good xp and money, so I've been trying to do those on as many toons as possible. Also been getting achievements...


Yes, I went and got the Horde fires just so Lark could have the complete set. Did it on Shaurria too, just for a headstart on getting her Spirit of Summer pet.

Speaking of pets, Pitch has his already. It happened to be pet #75 for him, so he got a little extra bonus. Yay.



I also got Zuluu his pet. Taurros already has his from last year, so he'll probably skip it unless I want the gold. And Zuluu leveled! /gasp! He's 72 now. Playing a rogue still feels awkward and monotonous, though, so I still don't know when I'll get around to leveling him the rest of the way.

I suddenly remembered that you could trade in Stone Keeper Shards for Wintergrasp commendations. Lark and Alanon both had well over 300 each, so I traded in all of them and mailed them to Kaledain. He officially has his frostwolf Fog now. Yippee!


Davoss is up to 29. I took a break from leveling to skill up his blacksmithing, which is coming along nicely. I have yet to level a blacksmith beyond 240-ish, so hopefully I'll be able to stick with it on him.

I'm still writing and doing art-stuff, so ought to have some new stuff soonish. For the time being, have a Shaur:
I really love how this turned out. And I want to hug her. >.>

Speaking of Shaur, she's 73 and on the Wrathgate chain. Moving Rajast over with his 2 heirlooms has helped a LOT. It doesn't hurt that she gets 12k/24k xp from each of the bonfires, either...

I think that's about all that's happened this week. Need sleep now, so Happy Hunting!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Letting the Walls Down

Been working on this the past few days. Apparently Lark needed an impartial ear to talk to, and she finally found one in Arvoss, who she tracked down one day in Dalaran. Yes, it's another Massive Wall of Text. Lark's getting good at those.
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Lark walked out into the Beer Garden, spotting her quarry at the back table. Arvoss was sitting backwards on the bench, tweaking the strings of a fiddle. A mug and an ale pitcher sat on the table behind him, in easy reach. Lark headed toward him, reaching the table and plunking down on the neighboring bench without a word. Komah paused to study the death knight before joining her, and gave her an uneasy look.

He's one of them, isn't he
, he sent. Lark said nothing, simply glancing at the cat and nodding once.

Komah growled softly as he lay down nearby. They are.. unnatural. Lark made no comment, studying the human next to her.

Arvoss glanced up at her briefly. "Dinnae ken ye, tho' Ah'll bet ye ken me sommat, else ye wouldnae be 'ere."

Lark drained her own cup before nodding at him. "I'm Lark," she told him. "You're Arvoss. Shaurria's death knight friend."

He looked at her again, sharply, then returned to tuning his fiddle. "Sae. Ye ken mah kitten, eh?"

"Yes, I know her. She's a good kid."

Arvoss chuckled. "Ye dinnae 'ave t' tell me tha'," he said. Lark nodded toward the pitcher and raised an eyebrow at him, and he grunted. "'Elp yerself. S'a tad oan th' bitter side," he warned, as the elf refilled her glass.

She shrugged. "Suits my mood right now, then."

Arvoss raised an eyebrow at that, but said nothing. He took a sip from his own mug, then lifted bow and fiddle, coaxing a few notes from it. Lark watched him play for a few minutes, then when he brought it down for more tuning, she spoke again. "You're fighting in Icecrown, aren't you?"

Arvoss grunted. "Nae at th' moment, but aye. Yerself? Ah dinnae recall seein' ye at th' wall."

Lark shook her head. "I like my battles closer to home, personally," she said, and he grunted again.

After a moment he said, "We'll get th' buggah, then may'ap we'll 'ave a bit o' peace."

Lark smiled slightly. "Maybe a bit. Something always comes and ruins it, though."

The human looked up from his fiddle and grinned crookedly at her. "Naow ain' tha' th' truth. Still, it'd give me sommat t' do, eh?" He chuckled and went back to his fiddle.

Lark eyed Arvoss curiously. "What do you plan on doing after the war's over?"

Arvoss shrugged as he turned a few pegs. "Thought oan it, an' dinnae ken fer sure," he replied. "'Ad a farm, before, bu' it's gone. May'ap Ah'll start anothah. Be sommat t' do, an' a place fer Shaur t' stay if she wants outta th' city." He eyed Lark right back. "Wha' bout yerself?"

She shrugged. "Same thing I always do, I suppose."

Arvoss watched her, waiting for a further explanation. When she offered none, he grunted again. "Good enou'." Raising the fiddle again, he played a few lines of a song she didn't recognize. It was slow, but sounded cheerful.

Lark sat without speaking for a while, listening. "Pitch mentioned he's gotten on your bad side a time or two," she said finally, her tone casual.

Arvoss mmphed. "Ye ken 'im too, eh? 'E's nae a bad lad, but 'e dinnae think much."

Lark cut in immediately, "You don't give him enough credit." Arvoss raised an eyebrow, but she ignored it and went on. "He can be naive and impulsive, yes, but he rarely does anything without thinking." She smiled a bit. "Even if no one understands his reasons."

"Fair enou'," he replied mildly. He raised the fiddle yet again, but paused before setting the bow to the strings. "Ye sound like ye care sommat fer 'im."

Lark looked at him levelly. "We're friends. I share his bed on occasion. And we enjoy hunting together," she said. "That's about all."

Arvoss 's eyebrow and lip quirked. "Tha's it, eh? Ye sure bout tha'?" She stared at him, then looked away. Arvoss eyed her, then shrugged and continued playing his fiddle.

After a moment's hesitation, she said quietly, "I.... I love him, I think. But I'm not in love with him." She looked back at the death knight. "Does that make sense?"

Arvoss grunted. "Aye. Yer mates, but yer no'. Ye like each othah, but yer nae fer each othah."

Lark nodded, looking relieved. "I think you're the first that's understood that."

He shrugged. "Ah've seen it before, naow an' again." He started a different tune, low and haunting. Lark returned to watching him play, just listening to the music. Komah lay flat on the ground, watching them both in turn.

Arvoss eyed Lark thoughtfully as he played. Finally he spoke up. "Lass, ye look like ye got sommat oan yer min'. If ye wanta let it out, Ah'm nae one fer judgin' ye."

She looked away, her expression troubled, before blurting, "Arvoss, are you afraid of anything?" He played a few more bars, then stopped, laying the bow and fiddle in his lap, and looked at her with some surprise.

"S'a lot o' things tha' fright me, but Ah dinnae think ye mean anythin' simple like tha'." She shook her head. Arvoss stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Ye ken, lass," he finally said. "There's some folk tha' think we death knights're nae really free o' th' Lich King. E'en some' o' th' Ebons feel like tha'." She quirked an eyebrow but said nothing. "Mahself? Ah think Ah'm free, tha' 'e cannae reach me annehmore."

Lark waited for him to go on, but he stayed quiet for several minutes. " .... But?," she finally prompted.

Arvoss stared off into space. "S'tahms at night when ever'thin's quiet an' dark, when Ah wonder a bit." His voice dropped to just above a whisper. "Sommat th' tahm Ah think Ah even 'ear 'is voice in mah 'ead again." Lark looked at him curiously, while Komah studied him intently, ears and nose twitching. The death knight suddenly shook his head, then picked up his mug and took a long drink. Setting it back down, he gave her a piercing look. "S'nae true. Ah'm free o' 'im, Ah ken it. But." He shrugged. "Ye asked wha' frights me, an' tha's the first thing tha' comes t' mind."

Lark peered at Arvoss searchingly, understanding dawning. "You're afraid of losing control," she said, and he nodded.

"An' 'urtin' th' ones Ah 'old dear. Aye." He looked back at the mug, then at the fiddle in his lap. Then around the Garden, at the walls surrounding them. "Ah came out 'ere at th' start, nae t' fight Arthas, but t' get away fra everyone. Star, Tad, th' kitten," he admitted. "Tahm went by, an' Ah got ovah it. Naow Ah'm 'ere t' see 'im fall, an' pay fer wha' 'e did t' us." Now he peered at her searchingly. "'Ow bout yerself? Ah'm guessin' ye asked tha' with a point in min'."

She looked at him carefully. "Want to hear a bit of history?" she asked finally.

Arvoss grunted, then lifted the fiddle again. "Ah've go' th' tahm."

So she began her story- of what she knew of her brother's life and death, of her own birth and growing up, and her family's expectations, ones that she never felt she could live up to. Midway through her tale, Arvoss changed the tune he was playing, to something quiet, slow and soothing. She flashed him a small smile. "I was nearing my four hundredth year when I had enough, and I left without telling them," she finished. "I've never been back." She fell silent, looking down at her hands.

Arvoss nodded sympathetically without halting his playing. "Go oan," he said gently. She reached for her glass and took a long drink before continuing.

"I roughed it for several years, picking up odd jobs and living from the land when I could. I made a few friends that guarded trade caravans, and tried to get in with them. Then I met Lath." She chuckled fondly, remembering. "He was a druid, and odd enough at times to make Pitch seem perfectly normal."

Arvoss stopped playing. "Was. Ah'm takin' a guess sommat 'appened."

Lark nodded grimly. "He.. he got me in with his gang, and we ran a trade route that went from Hyjal's base all the way down to Ferelas." She paused for a deep breath. "I stayed with them for three years, then we had a bad run. Centaurs in the Barrens." Her voice dropped. "I was the only survivor. Me, and my first pet, who I'd found on that trip. I made it back to Hyjal and managed to find another caravan group. Tuah was with me for another three years, then she was killed on the same route that I found her on."

She shrugged, a resigned gesture. "That started the trend, you could say. I found another pet, more friends. I had some time with them; sometimes a few months, sometimes as long as a few years. Then something would happen, and they'd be gone." She gave him a haunted look. "I've lived that way for about five centuries now, and I've had hundreds of pets. I remember almost all of them, and out of all of them, only a handful have lived to pass on of old age."

Komah raised his head to chuff softly at her. So that's why you were reluctant to accept me.

She looked at him, a bit sadly. "Yes, that's why."

The huge cat stared at her, head cocked. I still don't think I'd be that easy to kill. But I think I understand now. I... I'm sorry.

She smiled slightly and shook her head. "It's fine, I doubt I could get rid of you now, anyway."

Arvoss watched the exchange between hunter and pet, one eyebrow raised, but he said nothing. He lowered the fiddle again. "Sae, wha's troublin' ye naow, lass? S'quite a tale, but Ah dinnae see 'ow it's bothahin' ye naow." Lark studied her glass, then drained and refilled it. She topped off Arvoss' mug while she was at it, and he nodded thanks.

"I asked you what frightens you most," she said without further preamble. "Know what I'm afraid of? And before you ask, it's not dying."

Arvoss grunted. "Wasnae goin' t' say tha'." He waited for her to go on, and she did shortly.

"Know what's funny? I fought at Hyjal against the Legion. It was the only battle I've ever fought in that wasn't personal. But... in a way, I'm glad we lost the World Tree." She gave him a look. "I don't want to live forever. I know most of my people are upset we're not immortal anymore, but I don't mind. My whole life, I've watched the ones I care about die around me. I... I want to be able to join them."

Arvoss raised his eyebrow. "Ye sound..."

"Suicidal?" Lark laughed humorlessly. "I'm not, trust me. I do like the life I have now. I'm not looking to shorten it." She paused, searching for the right words. "I just want to know it will end someday. That it won't go on forever, and I won't keep on losing people I love." Another pause, and she shook her head ruefully. "Listen to me, sheesh."

"Ye're fine, lass," Arvoss murmured soothingly. He began playing yet another tune, still quiet, but more lively.

Lark fiddled with the glass in her hands. "Arvoss?"

"Eh?" he responded.

She glanced at him briefly, her expression gone unreadable. "How long do you think you'll live?"

Arvoss stopped playing and lowered the fiddle. "Dinnae ken, lass." He thought for a moment, then let out a long, drawn-out sigh. "Think oan it this way. Ah'm technic'ly an undead, sae may be Ah'll live ferever. But." He pointed at her with the fiddle bow, emphasizing each word. "If Ah do, Ah'll 'ave t' watch mah body rot while Ah'm in it, like anneh othah deader. An' Ah've got nae Laigh' t' keep mahself 'ealed, either."

She gave him a curious look."Shaur mentioned you were a paladin, before...."

Arvoss nodded. "Cannae touch th' Laigh' naow, though. If Ah could, it'd be like t' 'urt me rather'n 'eal." He watched her fidget for a few minutes. When he spoke again, his voice was gentle."Lass, ye may be 'urtin' naow, but it dinnae last."

"I know," she said, just as softly. Arvoss sighed.

"Lemme tell ye a story, lass," he said quietly. " Little bit afteh Ah started watchin' ovah Shaur, Ah figgured Ah'd take a little trip back 'ome. T' Lordaeron, 'r wha' was left o' it. See, Ah was still... adjustin', ye could say." He paused, then sighed again. "Laigh', Ah was a righ' mess. Didnae ken wha' t' do wi' mahself, an' Ah was findin' othah ways o' copin' dinnae work sae well." He glanced at his mug, then over at Lark, and gave her a rueful smile.

She nodded. "I can understand that." He nodded back and went on.

"Dinnae ken wha' Ah was lookin' fer t' start, may'aps a clue t' mah past, afteh Ah was raised. Ah didnae remember it, ye see- once Ah was free o' him it all faded in mah min'. But it didnae matteh wha' Ah 'oped t' find. Ah found sommat there a'righ'... a wee girl in Darrowshire, a ghost left be'ind fra th' battle there." He cocked one eyebrow at her. "Ye 'eard o' it?" At her nod, he continued. "She dinnae ken wha' was goin' on, she jes' missed 'er family. Sae... I 'elped 'er."

Lark blinked. "You helped the ghost," she said disbelievingly.

He nodded, unfazed by her reaction. "'Er da led th' troops in th' battle. But 'e was turned, an' started fightin' 'is own men. Tha's wha' led t' th' slaughter there." He paused to watch the Garden waitresses light lanterns against the approaching evening. "Sae Ah found a way t' turn back tahm, in a way, wi' 'elp fra a bronze dragon name o' Chromie. Fought in th' battle alongside th' ghosts o' th' townsfolk, an' when th' Cap'in changed, we managed t' beat 'im down." He sipped from his drink again, watching her over the rim. "Set 'is spirit free, ye see. Th' battle ended, an' 'e could come 'ome t' 'is lass." He smiled in remembrance, then focused back on Lark. "Sae ye see, Ah didnae exactly find wha' Ah was lookin' fer t' start. Bu' wha' Ah did find, well, tha' was worth it."

"And what did you find, Arvoss?" she asked softly.

He leaned forward slightly to stare her in the eye, his own eyes glowing fiercely. "Tha' wha's been in th' past dinnae matter sae much as wha's in th' present. Ah did some terrible things, Ah ken it, bu' they shouldnae 'old me back fra wha' Ah need t' do naow. Thinkin' oan th' past was keepin' me fra takin' proper care o' Shaur at th' tahm, an' Ah 'ad t' let it go. Sae Ah did."

He leaned back against the table, seeming to become just an old man again. He was still staring at her, watching for any effect his words had on the Night elf. "Th' past dinnae 'old us. It dinnae shape th' future fer us. Tahms change, an' tahm's come when we 'ave t' make th' change ourselves."

Lark sat still, staring at the cup in her hands, as the silence between them stretched. Finally, she looked up at him, her expression more relaxed than it had been throughout the entire conversation. "Thank you," she said, quietly, and he nodded to her with a grin before picking up the bow and fiddle once again. The haunting strains of some old folk melody soon wafted through the evening air.

Lark leaned back against the table, eyes closed, and just let the soothing music flow through her. Komah watched her for a while, then his attention was drawn to a smallish druid cat who entered the Garden, saw them and made a beeline toward them. Arvoss' eyes glowed with genuine warmth, and he nodded to Shaurria without breaking his tune. She purred a greeting before curling up on the ground at his feet. Her eyes closed as well, the slow, haunting song lulling her to sleep.

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Pitch and Lark: A Small Victory

Late-night mischief from last night. Lolz. (Also slight PG warning.)
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Lark woke from a quickly-fading dream of blood and spears, one that she had far too often. It was pitch-dark, and it took her a few minutes to realize that she wasn't in her room at the University. At the same time, she felt a warm body at her back and an arm wrapped loosely around her waist. Oh sweet Elune, she thought. I fell asleep! She immediately tried to shift Pitch's arm off so she could get up and return to her own bed, but it wouldn't budge. She made herself stop and try to think through the sleep-haze clouding her brain.

Okay, he's probably asleep and doesn't realize I'm trying to get up. She tried using a bit more force, but the arm still wouldn't budge. Next she tried wriggling out from under, but it tightened slightly, just enough to keep her trapped. Lark stopped to think again.

She jerked herself awake again after just a few moments- he was warm and the bed was comfy, but she really did need to get back. Maybe if she woke him... "Pitch," she whispered. "Wake up and let me up." There was no response whatsoever from the sleeping druid, and she sighed in frustration. "Pitch!" she hissed, and tugged at his arm again. Still nothing. Was he faking it? No, he couldn't be, he wouldn't be able to keep that still and quiet. Would he? She tried both pulling and wiggling at the same time, but he tightened his arm again, until she could hardly move. He was so strong! She gently slapped at his arm, not wanting to wake him but seeing no alternative. Again there was no response, not even a grunt. She debated elbowing him, but hesitated. If he was that soundly asleep, he must be really tired, and she hated the thought of disturbing him. On the other hand...

Lark reached back and drew her fingers up his side, lightly, but he still didn't move. That surely confirmed it- he was extremely ticklish there, and couldn't remain that still unless it was deliberate. "Dammit Pitch, I have to get back," she whispered. "Quit playing around and let me loose." Still no response. She finally did elbow him, hard, then had to pause and rub her elbow. She had forgotten how hard he was, even though just a few hours ago (by her reckoning at least) she had been running her hands all over him while he- She stopped that thought right there. That certainly wouldn't get her anywhere, though it might indeed get him to let her go temporarily... No. Stop it.

Fuming now, she tugged, pushed, elbowed and even pinched, but he remained immovable as a rock through it all. Finally she stopped. "If I'm late getting back in the morning it'll be all your fault, and I'll be sure to tell Arrens that, too," she muttered, expecting to get at least a gloating chuckle out of him, but he kept silent even now. He was awfully warm and comfortable, though, even when she wanted to slug him, and almost without thinking she snuggled back against him. Her anger only lasted until she fell asleep again.

She woke in the morning to find him watching her with a cheerful smile. Lark managed a half-hearted glare as she got up and started dressing. She stopped suddenly, her shirt half-on, and looked at him soberly. "You know we're still only friends, right? The fact you tricked me into staying the night doesn't change that." He regarded her, his expression as serious as her own. "Of course," he replied. "I wasn't expecting otherwise." She relaxed at that and pulled her shirt the rest of the way on. Pitch stood as she buckled on her belt. "There is just one thing, however," he added as he stepped closer. She looked at him curiously, eyebrow quirked. His eyes twinkled with amusement as he dropped a chaste, almost brotherly kiss on her forehead, then moved away, toward the door. He flashed her a broad grin. "I win." With that he dashed out the door, shifting as he went.

Lark was left spluttering. "You.. you.. you..." The last she saw of him was a big black cat running off outside the window, heading out of the Park.

Monday, June 14, 2010

So What's Happening?

Lark had so many Stone Keeper Shards from heroics that she splurged a bit. Then I found out she gets stuck riding this thing through the entryways in Stormwind. Fail.


Lark, Takani, and Windstar killed a dragon. Gotta bring Alanon next time, the quest-thingy item that drops gives TWO THOUSAND Cenarion Circle rep! O.o


Someone in a random PUG told me that BM hunters don't do good dps. I beg to differ. (Although this was from a different run.)


The gold farmers are slowly taking over Azeroth. But at least they're doing it creatively! (Also haxxing, but we'll overlook that just this once. >.>)


I've finished the lines for this sketch. Coloring is underway and going well so far. I'm just beginning to realize what a job it's going to be doing all of Komah's spots/markings, though. >.>



Lark has all the gear I wanted for her except the t9 chest, which she is working towards now, and some better trinkets. I've been running H Forge of Souls every day for the scorpion, but no luck so far (it's dropped twice but she lost the roll both times >.<). After that she'll be "finished", and then? Who knows. I'd like to get her in some raids, but not sure if that'll ever happen. Guess I'll start leveling my next alt, which will be either Quae or Shaurria. Or maybe both, if I can avoid the leveling burnout.

RP has been scarce lately, which is driving me slightly crazy. The consequence of that is I'm getting tons of writing ideas, if I can only get some of them out and finished. Mostly it's just been bits and pieces of random story ideas. Lark is taking up most of my RP time, although I have a storyline waiting for Arvoss and Davoss, once the Lich King death is official.

Speaking of Davoss, he's now 26. I've been wanting to play him lately, so he may get a leveling binge soon. Rajast is up to 52, and thinking of having him in Outlands is getting me excited. Shaur has been getting some random dungeon runs, even if I haven't been playing her a lot, and she's halfway to 73. And Turron my warrior needs some attention too, I think. Hmm, looks like I'll be busy for a while.

I'm moving Rajast and Zuuluu to Feathermoon, actually did the transfer this morning and now I'm just waiting for it to be finalized. Taurros will have to wait til my sister can move her shaman, cause I don't want to leave her alone. Wyrmrest was okay as a server, but I saw next to no RP, and not knowing anyone over there made it harder. So, no hard feelings toward the server, but I think I'd be happier sticking with Feathermoon.

On Gilneas, raiding has been at a stand-still. Our GM just moved, so he was out of the game for a couple weeks. He's back now, supposedly, but nothing's been scheduled so far. This is making it extremely tempting to just move Quae and Barraccus to Feathermoon as well, and just leave my warrior there. Can't make myself do it yet, though. I'll see what the next few weeks brings.

Can't think of anything else, so see you in Azeroth and Happy Hunting!

Monday, June 7, 2010

Lark: Komah

Finally finished this! Also, have some new art.
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The usual cacophony of the Sholazar rainforest was abruptly stilled. Lark didn't realize it at first; she was thinking, on the things Har'koa and Pitch had both told her. When Tuah suddenly gave a low growl, however, she raised her head and looked around in alarm.

At first she saw nothing, just the white gorillas milling around, doing... whatever it was gorillas did in the hottest part of the day. But then she realized there was another white animal there, one much, much larger than a gorilla. And it was watching her.

Look for the snow in summer's basin.

Har'koa's cryptic parting words rang in her ears again as she met the brightly glowing eyes of the biggest cat- if cat it was- that she had ever seen. The creature stared back at her calmly, then took a couple steps closer. She didn't quite jump as a gentle, masculine voice sounded in her head. You are Lark, the one that helped my mate when she was in danger. Lark blinked at him. "And if I am?" she replied, her voice steady despite the fact that her knees shook. He blinked back, slowly. She promised you a future reward, since you took none for your help. The spotted head lowered, the eyes not leaving her own. I am it, if you want me.

Lark suddenly found that she did want him, and the thought scared her. "Who are you?" she asked. I am one of Har'koa's mates, he replied. There are quite a few of us. I am one of the youngest, and not currently... in favor, you would say. I am expendable, if that's what you worry about. "So you're a god," she said bluntly. He blinked again, unfazed. A demi-god, rather. However, if you accept me, I will lose a good deal of my power. I'll be just another animal, if a sentient one. She snerked at that. "Just another animal? Somehow I doubt that," she commented, and felt a touch of amusement from the cat. "Do you have a name?" He shook his head. That is your choice. Give me a name, and I am yours. Lark shook her head, then suddenly recalled what a friend had told her, centuries ago. She looked at the cat again. "The name binds you." He blinked again, and nodded. She hesitated. "Let me think a bit." He cocked his head, Of course, and followed at a discreet distance as she walked to a nearby rock and sat.

* * * * * *

"So if I accept you, you'll become a mortal cat." He cocked his head at her. Yes. Lark sighed, and he pricked his ears. Is that a problem? She looked at him for a long while before answering. "You should probably know," she said reluctantly, "most of my pets don't live very long." His head cocked the other way. But not all. Some have lived, to die of old age. She gave him a slight, sad smile. "A few," she admitted. "A very few." She fell silent, until Tuah grumbled at her. She glanced at her pet; he was laying several yards away, reluctant to come closer to the huge, strange cat she was conversing with. She couldn't blame him.

The cat whuffed softly. You're afraid of causing my death. She looked at him expressionlessly, then slowly nodded. Well, I don't think it will be easy to kill a demi-god, he commented. Even one in a mortal shape. I said I would lose most of my power, not all of it. She merely looked at him, then finally, slowly, she reached out and touched his cheek. She hesitated again, then spoke the name she had thought of, "Komah."

He closed his eyes and purred as a bright glow sprang up around him. Lark jerked her hand away and squinted as he disappeared in it, then it slowly faded away. She blinked her eyes until she could see normally again, then looked at the cat and quirked an eyebrow. He was now much smaller than he had been, although still larger than Tuah, and the glow of his eyes and facial markings was muted somewhat. He blinked at her, and his mind-voice sounded almost eager. So, now that's done, where will we go? Lark chuckled. "I'm not sure. Dalaran, maybe? Ever seen a city?" He shifted his front paws, looking almost sheepish. I've actually never been out of the Basin.

She blinked at him. "Never?" Well, I've never had a reason to leave, he said defensively. She shook her head ruefully. "All right, we'll start small. Think you can handle a gnomish airstrip?" He blinked at her again. Ahh, could you tell me what a gnomish is first? Lark looked at him incredulously, then burst out laughing. After a few confused moments, Komah joined in.

Saturday, June 5, 2010

More Musical Inclinations

It is super late (or super early, depending on how you look at it) but I wanted to get this out of my head while I was thinking about it. Lark has been developing her own playlist while I've been playing her, and I just added a new one.

Faraway, by Apocalyptica


The reason? There's a couple, actually. First off, because she's traveled a lot, and this song (especially this video) just makes me think of far-off places. Second, because I've recently realized that Lark is kind of distant. She has a hard time letting people get close to her, especially those she grows to care about. (And yes, there's a reason behind that. >.>) Not to say that she doesn't have friends. Pitch, for example, has gotten a lot closer to her than anyone has for a long time, and she's slowly finding other friends as well.

Another song I've found that fits her is Better, by Plumb, mostly because of this line at the end of the chorus-

But in the end, what leaves you broken
In the end, makes you better

This is Lark's motto. She's been through some rough stuff in her life, both physically and emotionally, and is still going strong. And she has no plans to break down and quit anytime soon, either.

So that's about it for my thoughts. Yay for rambling about my character, hehe. And now I need sleep, so Happy Hunting!