Posted on 2017-12-21 22:23:43
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Here is the first part of a little series about a few of my Warcraft characters, mostly a family of blood elf sisters who tend to get themselves involved in mind control shenanigans on a regular basis. First one up is Skjold, a rather unusual member of the paladin order.

First part of the story behind the spoiler.


Report on Crusader Skjold’s troublesome behavior / Annotations by Lady Liadrin

Dear Lady Liadrin,
with a heavy heart I have to inform you about a potentially very dangerous situation. Hereinafter I will collect the parts of my investigation that led me to my disturbing conclusion. (1)

Diary excerpt 1

As I was on patrol with Skjold at the broken shore we were attacked by small demon force, comprised mostly of imps and a lone Fel Guard. Although we quickly managed to dispatch the otherworldly creatures, the sudden appearance of their leader proved to be a far greater challenge. Jumping out of the corrupted woods near our path, the 6-armed Shivarra straight-out crushed my twice blessed shield and sent me to the ground and began to cloud my mind with some kind of spell.
Sensing the danger Skjold threw herself between me and the foul creature, without a doubt saving my life. With her far greater experience – I’ve heard a few sisters talking about her exploits in the Outlands and Northrend – she did not only parry the lightning fast attacks, but she even managed to wound the Fel creature itself.
It was at that point that the Shivarra started to smile at Skjold and spoke with a surprisingly sweet voice.
‘My little paladin, why do you fight us? I can clearly see our gift in your veins, the corruption deep inside you. Let me show it to you!’
Suddenly a silvery liquid appeared right between the demon and my sister in arms, changing into the shape of a mirror, tall like a full grown draenei. From my position I had an unobstructed view of my companion’s reflection. It was horrifying to behold.
Pure Fel energy had broken through her skin. Teeth had turned into fangs and horns adorned her head. Yet the worst were her eyes. At first glance the green glow of her eyes remained unchanged. But with each passing second I felt myself more and more lost in the gaze of the mirror image.
‘Yes, look deeply into the eyes of your true self. There so much delicious and corrupting energy inside you … Let it take you fully over … Show the whole world your nature … Then we can start to mold the mind of your little girlfriend there … ‘
I felt the demon’s burning gaze on my skin, but I couldn’t avert my eyes from Skjold’s reflection. To my shame I started to fantasize about my fellow paladin, imagined her lips on my skin, her … her head between my thighs. Surly the foul magic would have destroyed my weakened mind right then and there if it was not for the real Skjold. Seemingly undisturbed she stabbed the surprised demon woman through her chest, shattering the mirror in the process.
With the creature slain and her illusions dispelled I returned to my senses. Skjold was standing over me, extending one armored hand.
‘Crazy demons and their mind magic, never works as well as they think it does. Good for us, huh?’
A wide smile was on her freckled face. With the last glimmer of holy light behind her she looked absolutely beatific.
‘Come, get up, Cera. Let us return to the order hall. Lady Liadrin has to be informed about this mess. Can’t have the enemy walking around in a pacified territory without us knowing about it, can we?’
I’m sure she recognized my flushed face, but she misjudged it.
‘And don’t worry about getting pushed down. It happens to everyone once in a while. As soon as we are home we go and get us a nice drink and I tell you about that time when a gnome warrior knocked me on my ass at the argent tournament. I think the dwarven delegation laughed for three days straight.
And don’t worry about getting your tabard dirty, you still look proper and rather gorgeous.’
She winked at me.
I was about to take her hand when I clearly caught a flicker of a strange light in her eyes. Strange, but familiar. Just for one second the disturbing demonic image returned to my mind. I quickly rose to my feet.
‘Sorry, but I’ll have to meditate on the events today. Maybe another time?’
She didn’t seem to be offended and smiled sympathetically.
‘Alright, it was a pretty long day.
If you change your mind, go and find me in the tavern. In my experience there comes a time when a full mug of ale becomes the best assistance for a successful meditation. When you are feeling better, come by and I will show you how.
Little spoiler: I learned the trick in Pandaria. Best place for spiritual release I know, with or without alcohol.’
With that she swung herself on her horse and we returned to our camp.
But I am unable to find any rest.
Surely demons are all known liars. And I’ve never detected even the smallest trace of unlawful behavior in Skjold.
Even so I can’t forget that little spark in her eyes. It returns to my mind as soon as I try to sleep.
It’s decided. I can’t risk destroying the reputation of a heroic member of our order without any good proof. But if she truly is corrupted I have to warn the others.

(1) A rather uncommon way of communication. Why not write down a few bullet points and save me some time? It’s not like we have a world to save, is it?
(2) As far as I know the rumor of her wrestling with Archimonde unarmed for fun and giggles is entirely unfounded, unless some of those dammed bronze dragons changed the time stream. Again.
(3) Great exaggeration. It was no more than for two consecutive days at most.
(4) Please, don’t let these two very good arguments stop you.


Diary excerpt 2

I managed to collect some unsettling information. Although Crusader Skjold is known for more than a few heroic deeds worthy of such a high ranking member of the New Silver Hand there are some rumors.
Firstly, she seems to be a rather unorthodox warrior of the light. Whereas paladins like myself und surely our glorious leader, Lady Liadrin, spend their days in quiet study and meditation, Skjold is more at home in the taverns and, if one of my sources is correct, in the whorehouses of our cities!
Then there are the frequent visitors to her quarters. Members of all races come to see her, all of them would-be acquaintances from her days as adventurer. I personally saw a goblin inventor from Winterspring and a night elf Highborne. Even a dark ranger is rumored to visit her from time to time. I know the light demands tolerance for all creatures, but are these people the right friends for a paladin? Or is there maybe something more sinister at work?
Strangely enough there were almost exclusively stories about female guests.
I still need more information, but I’m sure this can’t be the actions of a pure soldier of the light.
But I too have a confession to make. I finally managed to get a full night’s sleep again. I should have known this was too good to be true. Strange dreams assaulted me. Dreams about S. They were … sexual in nature. I dreamed that we were back on patrol. But Skjold was changed. Half of her face showed her demonic features, while the other half was bathed in beautiful light. Unable to flee, to even avert my gaze, I saw her leisurely strolling up to me. Pushing an unruly strain of her red hair aside, she whispered one word into my ear.
And I became her slave. The rest is just hazy images of a very private nature. I fear that this dream might be part of her corrupting influence. While it is true that this is not the first dream I had about her - not even the first involving inappropriate behavior -, generous application of my whip and a few hours of meditation on the cold but holy stone floors of our church were enough to expel those impure visions. (I know self-flagellation is prohibited by the Order, but sometimes it is the only thing that helps.) Now my mind returns to these nightly delusions even in the daylight and in the company of my heroic brothers and sisters. What a disgrace.

(5) She does not seem to know me very well.
(6) The legendary „but“. Only darkness follows in its wake. Besides, two of these are more or less members of our own faction.
(7) While this is true, I fail to see any significance in her observation.
(8) I think we found a probable reason for her little obsession, dear reader.
(9) No, it does not help. You know what helps? Asking the one you keep having wet dreams about out for a drink and see if they are into you. All your righteous fury is needed for the demon army at our doorstep!
TBC

Posted on 2017-12-22 13:40:10
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Wrestling Archimonde unarmed and walking alive.
This got me laughing so much.

Posted on 2017-12-22 14:11:50
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It is just too adorable when the young paladins in your Order Hall comment on your past achievements. They sound so much like excited school girls.