Tumgik
coldwall-collective · 9 months
Text
Tumblr media
And so the Collective had escaped the village. Though the sensation had faded, the memory remained.
Looking back at the village it seemed now to be a different world entirely when given the knowledge of what lingered within and between those homes.
This hunger.
This 'traveler' with no name.
This threat of Void tearing with endless desire at the world.
The Sorrow.
4 notes · View notes
coldwall-collective · 9 months
Text
The Sorrow
Tumblr media
Five weeks have now passed. Five weeks if one were to trust my timepiece. I must admit that trust has waned of late. The hours of the day seem to stretch and compress when my eyes linger elsewhere. A minute, an hour, I fret I may no longer know the true weight of either.
I arrived at this place one month's mark ago. "An Illness" I was told, such as had been seen countless times before. With pack light and feet admittedly sore I set to the two days march down the coastline, cutting the granite cliffs with my steady pace.
My arrival was met with a mixture. Apprehension and curiosity, two common emotions. The intimate bond between patient and practitioner is sacred and requires a degree of vulnerability difficult to offer to strangers. As per my norm, I worked to initially establish rapport. Meet people, shake hands, cast passing small talk and levy joke to calm their concerns.
The success was moderate. First a small number, and finally much of the small village were paying me visit. I documented all. Appearances, rate of the heart, color and consistency of blood, pupils, all signs again and again adopted a peculiar trend. They were healthy. Each and every soul who graced my makeshift and rather temporary clinic were completely bodily sound.
Which makes what I write next all the more disturbing.
Tumblr media
There is a sickness with these people, though it is not a sickness buried in flesh, blood, or bone. Not that I have found. This sickness appears to cling to their thoughts. In my practice I have experienced many different mental deteriorations. Dementia, delirium, psychosis, yet this particular madness projects an almost sophisticated cunning.
As it more and more made manifest, I began to see the patterns emerge. Questions turned from "How long have you been a doctor?" to "What does it feel like to watch someone die?" and just today, "Would you please remove my tongue?"
The questions are never posed with malice. They possess an almost childlike innocence, as though the words and the mind are unaware of each other. Their demeanor is pleasant through it all, and they have as of yet showed no signs of violent behavior.
I am concerned for my safety. Moreso, concerned whatever has gripped these people is more than a simple mental fog. No poison could have such pristine effect. No magic I as of yet encountered possesses such balance of cunning and madness.
I have taken to unofficially refer to this condition as "The Sorrow". Something in their eyes possesses a deep sadness despite their pleasant demeanor.
If I am to somehow be rendered incapable of documenting my findings myself, I hope that whoever finds this letter will take it to the appropriate sources. As for those within the town...
...It may be too late for them. I fear it may already be so.
Respectfully,
Dr. Ellis Relth
8 notes · View notes
coldwall-collective · 2 years
Text
Fallen Revelry
Tumblr media
"Come on, Sula! You're going to miss it!"
The sin'dorei woman checked her hair, a brief comb of her fingers through the dark locks to assure some semblance of control. In truth, she had all but given up on her efforts to tame her appearances after that last dance. The scent of burning candles and gunpowder fireworks lingered with the aroma of ambrosia. Decadence she was unfamiliar with.
The woman settled into a stride, each drop of her pointed heels to the floor displaying a click that carried despite the music. It issued a certain authority, a presence that she embraced to allow herself this night of importance. She felt like -someone- among this crowd, signed and assured when she caught the glances from passing faces.
The elf illuminated her features in the glow of a nearby crystal, a beautiful allure of yellow and azure that flattered her pale skin. She met her hand with the one who had called her, the man lifting the hand offered toward the sky and drawing her to an all too natural twirl.
This all felt so right to her. Perhaps in her common blood lay the lines of something more. A somebody awaiting their chance to shine and catch the gaze with illuminated, blooming petals. She smiled to herself, an innuendo laying in that analogy despite her efforts to maintain her poise. She met her hand once more with his, venturing to entwine her fingers with his own and pause their sway to meet eye to eye.
"I'd not miss it for the world." She muttered, mentally beating herself for what may be the most cliche line. Yet it drew his lips to a smile, pausing her rising heartbeat and assuring her she had landed her sentiment. She turned, letting her arms snake around the man's torso and her hands to clasp upon his far side.
"Don't worry, you'll be okay." His voice was distant yet soft, a comfort that she had not known was becoming a craving. She turned her head, pressing face to his shirt and drawing in the deep scent of his cologne. He smelled of burning candles.
"I trust you. And honestly, I'm excited." She replied with no uncertain tone.
"Are you ready?"
"As I'll ever be." She replied without hesitation.
His hand wrapped her, resting to the back of her head. The music was loud, her mind was quiet. She was safe here. She belonged. She was precisely where she was always meant to be.
His shirt smelled like burning candles. May this night last forever.
His hand released, letting the woman stumble away. Her once vibrant eyes now haunted with the dim glow of Azerite presenting a falsehood to her perception. Her shaved head was marked with the dried cuts from the brief claiming of her identity. Despite her tattered garb, she smiled to him with a deliriously manic expression.
"What a beautiful thing it is." He muttered, tracing his hand along her jaw that held to several stages of bruising. She turned her head to press a kiss to his palm. "To serve so effortlessly. To be beholden to nothing but the Shattered God."
The sin'dorei turned away, moving with a dancing step as her bare feet pattered to cold stone. The music played, the candles burned down, the sky above dashed with stars. As though made from a thousand pieces from a broken moon.
With a smile, the man turned, and returned to the party that awaited him.
7 notes · View notes
coldwall-collective · 3 years
Text
Regarding Blizz
So it's likely most of you have heard. There are some horrid allegations regarding Blizz ATM. If you've not heard of them, a quick Google search will catch you up to speed.
I don't want to go into the grit of it here. I want to say, upfront, that the guild is still going to be here. Some individuals have already made their intent clear that they can't justify paying for the sub with the allegations pending. Some have elected to stay. Whatever one's personal reasons, they are justified, and we all have to make our own decisions regarding what we engage and where we spend our money.
This guild stopped being about Blizzard about 5 years ago. Aside from a $15 fee, this community has grown beyond the game into a group of writers and players across multiple platforms. We intend to remain, and continue doing what we do for ourselves.
I am hoping those brought to light in these allegations face justice. I hope there is a resolution. Time will tell, on these matters. For the time being, those of us who remain will continue to create.
Blizz can't take our stories, our characters, and our creations away. They don't belong to them.
-Mas
17 notes · View notes
coldwall-collective · 3 years
Text
To My Collective
Hello friends!
Wanted to let you all know that this month, just a few days ago in fact, Coldwall reached it's 6th year anniversary as a guild.
Which is absolutely wild. I have to be honest I think often about when this guild was in its infant stages. I had no idea what I was doing and had no clue how to make something of this group. Now, six years later, I still have no clue what I am doing, but regardless I can say I am insanely proud of the community we have raised and the people who call this place home.
We've been through a lot. Tangled storylines, sweeping guild changes, major life events, a server swap and a whole-ass pandemic. We've seen faces come and go. We've watched each other grow, some over short periods of time others over quite long spans. I know if I think of the person I was six years ago I can say for a fact that who I have become, my accomplishments and growth, have been in large part because of this guild.
And I hope many of you can say something similar. I hope, beyond hope, that this guild has been a positive influence and a good part of your life for the past six years.
Life gets busy, circumstances alter, and we often have to adapt ourselves around those factors. But that won't change what we have here. This silly, often times completely erratic group of individuals from across the world. Whether we are writing stories in WoW, playing other games to pass the time, or just hanging out and chatting, I know for a fact that this Collective will continue into the future with new ideas, new friends, and new things to discover about our characters and ourselves.
As always, my Collective, my friends, you have my utmost respect. As writers, as companions, as people. Thank you for continuing to provide your amazing talents to this group. Thank you for always striving to be kind, generous, and thoughtful. Thank you for making each other laugh. For encouraging each other to dream and thrive. You keep our characters alive with your work, and more.. you keep our imaginations alive in a world that often dulls the creative.
I love you all. Heres to 6 years, Collective. And to many more as we continue to grow together.
Thank you.
- Mas
Tumblr media
8 notes · View notes
coldwall-collective · 3 years
Text
Hello Everyone!
So things have been tough lately. IRL troubles and stresses to say nothing about the struggles of trying to balance roleplay lives too. We get it. We understand it. And hey, we aren't ashamed to admit we've been having our own struggles right there with you.
However, we are persistent. When we see an issue, we search for a solution. Well it just so happens that we think we've found some things that can help you out in this troubled time!
Because let's face it, crime just isn't enough anymore. We've got bills, people! So with that in mind, we are excited to introduce a few new services Coldwall will be providing in the months to come.
Anti-Ghosting Services
We've all been there, my friend. Someone you used to RP with just isn't around anymore! Having your character tied up with another only to have them poof on you really stinks. Well, we want to mend the issue by offering character stand ins! For just a small fee we will have our characters dress up as your missing friend, enemy, loved one, enemy with sexual tension, whatever! We will then proceed to fill in for the absent toon to assure you replace the feeling of 'where did they go' with feelings of 'why is this tall man in a blonde wig pretending to be my ex'. You'll be so happy/confused you'll forget all about the negative!
Guild Autopilot
Running a guild can be taxing! Wouldn't it be great if you could just hire someone to run it for you? What was once fantasy can now be reality! We will take your guild and run it for you so you can go on that needed vacation! When you come back you'll find the guild exactly as you left it!* We will then turn it back over to you without any fight.** You can trust us!***
*Likely with fresh new criminal records for all your members.
** Peaceful return of power not guaranteed.
*** You absolutely can't.
The Coldwall Cuddle Pile
I'd really prefer not to talk about this one.
OnlyCrimes
With the success of other, similar platforms we have made the call to start out own subscription service! For a very small fee per month we will fill your life with crime! These crimes can be against you or for you, depending on preferences.
Please note that despite the name of the service the crimes will not be sexy crimes. However we are considering a premium tier with sexy crimes included. This will be made available of enough subscribers request sexy crimes.
-
We hope that these services will supplement your day to day lives in positive ways as well as supplement our incomes! Thank you all for your continued patronage and support as we are always changing to accommodate new needs.
From all of us at Coldwall. Be well!
16 notes · View notes
coldwall-collective · 3 years
Text
The 39th Monthly Bloodsport Brawl has concluded!
Tumblr media
Bloodsport Champion
Tumblr media
Trixie Firespark
Tumblr media
Runner Up
Tumblr media
Odessa Felicity
Tumblr media
The full final ladder with accompanied scores can be viewed ->HERE<-.
We hope to see all of you and many more at the next brawl, hosted on the 4th Friday of every month at 6pm ST! All of us in the Coldwall Collective thank you for your time and your participation!
As always, we owe the continued success of this event to the fantastic people who come out to share their characters and writing with us. Your participation and support is what makes this event work, and we can’t thank you enough.
5 notes · View notes
coldwall-collective · 3 years
Photo
Tumblr media
The 39th Monthly Bloodsport Brawl!
- Friday March 26th -
- 6pm Sign Ups, 7pm Launch -
Tumblr media
It’s that time again!
A time to strip off your fancy clothing or working gloves and step into a place where the only thing that matters is your grit. Your grit, coupled with your ability to lay a punch into some poor sod’s throat with enough force to collapse it. Gruesome? Not to the proper sorts! Nah, some people revel in it!
People like you, perhaps? If so, then why not come and pit yourself against some of the finest fighters this city has to offer. New bloods, old veterans, it doesn’t matter to us! The pits don’t care about your species, gender, or class. The great equalizer, it is!
Think you have a chance to be the next Bloodsport Champion?
If so, join us down at the Stormwind Docks on Friday the 26th. Sign ups open at 6 bells and close just after 7 bells. No late sign ups can be admitted, so show up on time to assure your place!
Tumblr media
Combat is single elimination ladder, and fights are handled with base d20 rolls. Each fight will be moderated, assuring fairness and keeping things smooth, as well as answering any questions for new fighters. Several fights take place at the same time throughout the event, and spectators are more than welcome to attend.
To sign up, speak to or whisper Nayleen on the night of the event. She will be on location at the docks. Brief party invites available to assist with directions if necessary.
All scores will be updated in real time, and a full ladder will be available to all on the day of the fight to follow the winners as they move up the rankings.
We hope to see you there!
11 notes · View notes
coldwall-collective · 3 years
Text
Unexpected Appointment
The Illidari marched down the cobblestone path. Decrend suspected the click and clang of his armor wasn’t completely muffled by the downpour, but it was no matter. He was not here to be discreet. As candlelight and hearth glowed from inside the house, Decrend tracked the glowing figures through their walls with his spectral sight. Stepping close to the door, Decrend raises the back of his hand. Knock. Knock. Knock. Draven and Alexa Accorsi pause, looking toward the door in confusion and worry. A satisfactory smirk spreads across his face before he braces against the edge of the doorway, forcing the door open with his free hand.
All is still while Decrend saunters through the large doorway. Passing through the foyer, large enough to accompany a modest guest list for a nobleman’s party, he enters the dining room, meeting the two inhabitants within. Decrend feels the air thickened with tension and fear, raising a plated gauntlet in reaction to cover his exposed head before six gunshots ring out, dinging off the demon hunter’s armor and imbedding ricochets in the surrounding furniture and millworks. Lowering his arm, Decrend draws a small object from a pocket and places it on the table separating him from the Accorsi nobles.
“I suspect you realize the nature of my visit,” Decrend says in a low growl, returning his hand to his side. Draven Accorsi fails to notice the silver compass laying on the table, his eyes locked onto the demon hunter commanding presence in his own dining room.
“You gain nothing from killing me,” Draven spits, still extending his shaking arms outward, aiming the spent revolver. His wife stood an arms length away, white as a sheet.
“You’ve not had your own best interest at heart, Mister Accorsi,” Decrend speaks as if he hadn’t heard Draven. “You knew betrayal would endanger the life of not only you, but your wife, as well. These actions cannot be passed without consequence.” Decrend engages his muscles and shoves the dining room table across the room, knocking into the wall and effectively cornering his company.
The revolver clatters to the ground. The two nobles embrace themselves out of fear, and Decrend approaches, Alexa and Draven devolving into a panicked muttering of ransoms and debts, desperate attempts to prolong their doom.
Decrend knew of Alexa’s disapproval and mistrust of the Accorsi’s involvement with the Collective, but he couldn’t have known if the betrayal to their organization was hers or Draven’s idea. Regardless, Decrend concludes as he tears them apart from each other, he was not here to judge. He was here to conduct business.
Uttering a word of power, the room is plunged into darkness, and a bellowing drone emanates from the origination of the spell. Keeping track of the nobles through the blackness, he fells Draven Accorsi with one sweep of his plated forearm, raising his other hand with his fingers outstretched. A thunderbolt of fel energy expels from his palm, lancing through Alexa Accorsi, destroying mind and body in an instant.
Decrend reaches down and lifts the dazed nobleman by the neck. The darkness clears and the roaring sound fades out, allowing Draven Accorsi a final look at his end - the doom driven Illidari, violet tattoos blazing in the dim light. Consciousness fades for Mr. Accorsi as the last of his oxygen is spent, and Decrend flexes his muscles once more to crush the windpipe beyond repair.
Uttering a final word of power as he exits the estate, bright red chaos fires expel from Decrend’s outstretched hands, superheating and igniting the Accorsi residence. A short walk down the cobblestone path, and he looks back upon the glowing mess of burning wood. 
“Nothing to gain,” Decrend repeats the words to himself amidst the downpour. “Let’s call it cutting our losses.”
5 notes · View notes
coldwall-collective · 3 years
Text
“There is the potential for failure, of course. Present in everything we do. Yet that can not blind us. All lies in our ability to adapt to unforeseen factors. In such adaption we find our purpose. In such purpose we can not fail. There is only path, not destination. Where the road ends is where we allow.”
Tumblr media
“The shores are calm, now.” The goblin muttered, fingers nervously twitching over the half-chewed cigar clutched in his grip. The elf at his anterior looked up from the letter than had until this moment arrested his attention. He made a fact to nod to the cigar in the goblin’s hand.
“They are.. but if you continue to pick at that cigar you’ll have nothing left to smoke, Clipsaw. Have a drink and -ease- into the evening. You are raising my blood pressure with your worries..”
Clipsaw’s aggravation with the dismissal was evident, though he cooled his objections by allowing his free hand to run along his forehead and back through his hair. With a flick he tossed the ruined cigar to swallow into the dark waters below.
“You think they won’t come here? Honestly, this.. this is absolute madness, you know..” He paused, but upon receiving no reply he spun. “Nareth? Hey, Silverthorn!”
The elf finally looked back to the goblin, exasperated and making very little effort to conceal it.
“Yes, I hear you. And I’m getting tired of reading the same paragraph seven times because you interrupt me.”
Clipsaw’s brow twitched, matched to the scowl on his features. He moved over to the sitting elf, reaching to rip the letter from his hands and toss it aside.
“Listen. To. Me.” He articulated, much to Nareth’s annoyance. “When I signed on to this deal, you didn’t tell me I’d have a fucking criminal syndicate gunning for me! The Collective already hit the Council’s proxies. Why the fuck do you think they’d draw the line at me!? I.. I want out of th-”
The elf rocked forward, fizzling the Goblin’s protests out into a silent stare. He met the gaze of the other, indicating a moment of absolute restraint as the aggression burned behind those glowing eyes. Slowly, the elf settled back into his chair, fingers tracing to the letter that now settled upon the tabletop beside.
“There is no ‘out’, Mr. Ridgeweld. You know this. The Council entrusted you with production, and thus.. the means of. You know too much on their merit. The Twins would sooner bury you in a drowning box at their word. I wouldn’t have to lift a finger, so, instead, allow me to assist you and explain in no uncertain terms that your employment with us is non-negotiable.”
Clipsaw’s shoulders deflated as he was met with the truth of the matter, twisting to settle his gaze once more out to the water.
“What happens if the Collective come after me next?”
Nareth’s lips twitch into a small smile.
“You had best hope they don’t.”
2 notes · View notes
coldwall-collective · 3 years
Text
Important Announcement
Attention friends and loved ones of the Coldwall Collective!
For five and a half years, Coldwall has been proud to serve WrA in our capacity through public events and roleplay encounters. In that time, we have witnessed fantastic things, been involved in brilliant events, and had the pleasure of interacting with some people and writers we will always remember.
However, with the launch of Shadowlands we have noticed that the server is not what it once was from our perspective. While there are still some fantastic guilds/people here, the life in the server has dimmed. This is not directed as a means to insult WrA, but more to acknowledge that it can not provide what we, as a guild, seek in our environment.
After much discussion across the officership and members, the decision has been made for the guild to move to Moon Guard.
We understand this decision is a fairly big one, and it is one we did not make lightly. It comes with all associated concerns and a healthy dose of nervous energy to boot. However, we feel that MG, especially with a large influx of former WrA members, is a server that can provide the environment for our members and subsequently our guild to expand, enrich, and thrive.
To everone on WrA. This isn’t goodbye. With how easy it is to cross servers, you will still be able to attend most of our public events and say hello. We are still going to be the Collective you know, so you can always feel free to poke us, say hello, or seek out ways to RP.
To everyone on MG. We know it’s your stomping grounds. We are not about to go in there and throw our weight around. We are ready and eager to provide the events, quality, and characters that people have come to expect from us. We are looking forward to what we can bring to MG, and what MG can offer us as well!
Thank you, everyone, for five and a half years of amazing RP. Heres to many years more in a new community.
We love you. And we’ll see you around.
Tumblr media
32 notes · View notes
coldwall-collective · 3 years
Text
Important Announcement
Attention friends and loved ones of the Coldwall Collective!
For five and a half years, Coldwall has been proud to serve WrA in our capacity through public events and roleplay encounters. In that time, we have witnessed fantastic things, been involved in brilliant events, and had the pleasure of interacting with some people and writers we will always remember.
However, with the launch of Shadowlands we have noticed that the server is not what it once was from our perspective. While there are still some fantastic guilds/people here, the life in the server has dimmed. This is not directed as a means to insult WrA, but more to acknowledge that it can not provide what we, as a guild, seek in our environment.
After much discussion across the officership and members, the decision has been made for the guild to move to Moon Guard.
We understand this decision is a fairly big one, and it is one we did not make lightly. It comes with all associated concerns and a healthy dose of nervous energy to boot. However, we feel that MG, especially with a large influx of former WrA members, is a server that can provide the environment for our members and subsequently our guild to expand, enrich, and thrive.
To everone on WrA. This isn’t goodbye. With how easy it is to cross servers, you will still be able to attend most of our public events and say hello. We are still going to be the Collective you know, so you can always feel free to poke us, say hello, or seek out ways to RP.
To everyone on MG. We know it’s your stomping grounds. We are not about to go in there and throw our weight around. We are ready and eager to provide the events, quality, and characters that people have come to expect from us. We are looking forward to what we can bring to MG, and what MG can offer us as well!
Thank you, everyone, for five and a half years of amazing RP. Heres to many years more in a new community.
We love you. And we’ll see you around.
Tumblr media
32 notes · View notes
coldwall-collective · 4 years
Text
Tumblr media
Each tool has its purpose.
Sharpened edges, blunted tips, forceps and picks, scoops and peelers. Each tool, every tool, had purpose. Aligned neatly in row with inanimate anticipation of her selection. Was it glee that such implement felt as cold fingers wrapped it? Was it excitement that it felt as it tasted warm skin?
The Ebon was ripped from her moment of pondering by the sound of coughing. The wet gasps as the prisoner’s arms wrenched back and drew her face from the trough. The woman sputtered out the sullen water from her lungs as air asserted itself once more to her life.
“We’ve talked about this. Cooperation is what delivers us from adversity.” The Ebon’s words were low, soft, almost deceptively gentle. She lifted a plated hand to dust a few loose hairs stuck against the shivering features of her captive. “We’ve talked about your friends.. but you don’t seem to know much about the ‘Council’ you mentioned. Why?”
The woman maintained her eyes closed, blood leaking fresh from recent cuts against her lips. When she did speak, her voice was cracked and carried upon it the twisted affect of an abused soul.
“..no one knows about them. We don’t. We-” She was violently cut off as her head was pressed down below the waters. Primal panic took over, driving her into a frenzy of kicking and grasping against the hand firmly tied up in her hair. As her head was pulled back from the moment of demise, she expelled the darkened waters from her lungs and stomach with violent wretch.
“One reason.. one.. that’s all I need. If I can give a reason why you deserve to live, you will likely walk away from this. So.. the Council..”
“I don’t know..” She muttered, but as she felt the grip tighten in her hair she blurted out a desperate “Wait!”
It was enough, enough to draw pause to the inevitable. The Ebon turned her captive’s features so they could meet eye to glowing eye.
“Yes?” Magda noted with the slightest hint of interest. The woman leaked only a few more droplets of stirred blood from her mouth before she repealed her last bastions of secrecy.
“Old Town.. a tavern called the Wounded Hound. The people there.. know more than me. It’s the only lead..”
Magda released the woman’s hair, rising up to full height. Her finger lifted to her ear where she depressed the small metal earpiece placed within.
“Mistress? We have something..”
4 notes · View notes
coldwall-collective · 4 years
Text
Hello friends of Coldwall!
As the xpac just dropped, most of our members are spending our time enjoying the new content in the Shadowlands! As such, we are not going to be hosting our Bloodsport this month. We apologize, but we wager many of you are probably doing the same thing as we are! Have fun, and we will see y’all next time!
- Mas
Tumblr media
8 notes · View notes
coldwall-collective · 4 years
Text
Tumblr media
“This one?”
The voice rang out in the hollows of the deep wood. The lantern squeaked as it was swung aside, illuminations cast from the eye of the metallic chamber to cast glow on the sturdy copse of wood ahead. The man holding the lantern narrowed his gaze, free hand lifting to draw thin strands of chestnut hair from his brow.
“It will do. Mark it.” His reply was simple and straightforward, coupled with a slight shiver as the chilly air bit through his jacket. There was a calm to the process. Something that made him feel at ease despite their presence in an otherwise hostile place.
“Right.. this should make twelve.” His counterpart stated. The slender man stepping forward and drawing a brush from a smooth tube of metal. The white paint on the tip was laced into the wood, marking the tree for their purposes. “Think twelve will be enough?”
“Enough..” The brunette replied, almost with a hint of amusement to his tone. “Never. Last week we doubled this.”
“Fantastic! That’s more work for us, you know that right, Davin?”  The slender male walked back to his partner, lifting the brush to flick the air aside. “What happened to assassination? Simple, quick, and clean. Now it’s all about sending messages..”
Davin spun to face his counterpart, lifting a hand to slide fingers around the smooth crease of fabric at the crown of his tie. He lifted with a small shimmy to set the tie into proper place against his neckline.
“You are letting your common blood show, you know. This is the mouth that your wife warned would get you into trouble. Remember the gamble with the goblin brothers?”
“A misstep at most..” The slender man replied, turning his head and his body in time. He moved to another tree and lifted his brush to trace against the wood. The sound registered before the pain. A whistle, a crack like a gunshot, and his hand now spilling with bright red blood.
The man howled as the nerves of his hand fired off in full. Each painful spasm of his fingers laced new waves of agony as they twitched around the thick metal bolt that now pierced through his digits.
“You’ve had enough missteps, Terrance.” Davin stated, fingers laying a second bolt into the slot on his hand crossbow. “We appreciate you marking your own tree for us, though. Saves us the time.”
“Davin! Please! ..I called you my damn brother! Lucille.. Alexandra.. they see you as family. Don’t do this!”
Final words silenced as the second bolt entered his maw and pierced his spine against the tree. Silence that now saturated the space. Davin pulled on his bow to fold the arms inward and slide them under his sleeve. A dust of both hands to remove any blemish from his coat.
“You never were family, Terrance.” He stated with a measure of disgust in his tone. “Just a common blooded lie pretending to matter.”
4 notes · View notes
coldwall-collective · 4 years
Text
Resurgence
Tumblr media
“Cold feet, Kirrek?”
The words broke the man from his brief stupor. What was a glance at the nearby bastion of flame had become a flight into his thoughts. The hesitations that flickered his heart as the flame licked the wood were etched onto his features. The young man shook his head in denial of those thoughts.
The one who had so broken the spell walked over toward him. Her hand was cold, fingers against his palm prompting him to close his own digits to warm them. She took that as a signal of acceptance, drawing him into step toward the destination above.
Each stone step was a bother now, a trudge that ached his calves though he did not protest. Though they had yet arrived, he felt the moment of such protest had long since passed. Now it was the inevitability that made him nervous.
As the summit of the stone steps fell into view, the man felt his apprehension both grow and numb in equal measure. Men and women across a spectrum of races, outfits, and social status situated sparsely within the extensive span of the temple grounds. Cliché, he so thought, but the entirety of the gathering felt opposite to that fact.
He passed by a group of men his own age, who eyed him and his guiding partner with a keen, amused eye. He felt once more as he did on the first day of academy. A man out of his element with a beacon of purity above his brow. His guiding force remained the woman he had come to adore. The woman with the chestnut hair.
She so turned to face him, once again meeting his cautious gaze with her calm countenance. He stopped, allowing her fingers to slide from his grip and draw to her pack. Extending out, a simple thing.
A mask, decorated in the shape of a mallard. The man claimed the mask on instinct alone, confusion barring the potential to effectively analyze the situation. As his gaze swept up with questions upon his tongue, they were silenced. Her eyes beaming with delight behind the face of a mouse. A mask as his own, now sliding over his features to set into place.
“So what now?” Kirrek inquired, trying to mask his concerns and nerves under the deadpan humor that he knew she adored. “Do we make a blood oath or something?” He issued a humorless laugh.
She watched his efforts, her expression hiding behind the mask beyond what could be seen in her sparkling gaze. Her head shook, soft, gentle, yet the sway of her hair and the denial of his humor was akin to an eternity in his perception. Was it too late, he wondered, to turn back.
“No need, Kirrek. You don’t have to live up to your expectations. That’s behind you tonight. We’ll go back to being Amber and Kirrek tomorrow. For tonight..?”
She stepped closer, her hand extending out. The man flinched back, finding his spine pressed to the chest of a tall figure posterior to him. Two hands rested against his shoulders, more men and women coming forward to extend their grip upon the pair.
Though Kirrek felt panic, Amber exuded peace. She lowered her voice to a sweet, serenading whisper.
“..tonight..”
Her hand met to his mask, their eyes locked, the air thin as to deny his breath.
“..we are only animals.”
His breath drew in as a cloud of cyan dust passed between them. The air tasted sweet. His fingers felt numb. Her eyes burned bright.. brilliant.. beautiful..
And the darkness followed.
2 notes · View notes
coldwall-collective · 4 years
Text
The Assignment
*Octaevia,*
She had packed a suitcase, hiding her tools in secret compartments while she placed carefully folded clothing on top. Donning a long coat over her person, Octaevia picked up a wide brimmed hat as the finishing touches. It was enough to cover her eyes and the coat simple enough to give off the impression of any ordinary citizen. She grabbed the suitcase and tipped her hat to her reflection before heading out.
*Three lifelong friends have been contacted *
Two Human males and one red headed Dwarf; each receiving a letter sent with a different name on the front of the envelope. Each regarded the envelope in their own way. Two of them smiling as they eagerly opened what they believed to be a letter from an old friend. Only one out of the three was hesitant to open it, though he soon found himself reaching for a small knife and popping the fold of the envelope open.
*They were invited to meet at a location in Goldshire to share a drink and catch up.*
“I suppose it’s been a while since I’ve seen the boys…” A thoughtful expression spread across the first man’s bearded face, the dark brown hairs hiding his lips and the only proof of the smile he held was shown in the rise of his cheeks.
“Well, it’s ‘bout damn time ‘e reached out! Thought the lad ‘ad forgotten me.” The Dwarf barked out a laugh to himself, happily accepting the invitation as he quickly folded the letter back up and stuffed it away in his coat pocket.
The third stared at the letter he received, green eyes showing nothing but surprise as he scanned the letter again and again. “After all that… He wants to…” He let out a sigh, running a hand through his blonde locks of hair as he smiled fondly. “It would be nice to see them again.”
*Their connection is the bait that shall assure their guard is dropped.*
Each arrived shortly after the other. The Dwarf and brown haired man arriving from Stormwind by gryphon, the Dwarf having taken the tram over from Ironforge. The blonde did not live too far, a decent walk from his home from the eastern part of Elwynn. He stood waiting for his old friends at the entrance of the Lion’s Pride, the inn and tavern at the center of Goldshire. With their warm welcomes and tight embraces, any hesitation the blonde once felt soon melted away and he eagerly followed his friends inside.
As the three entered the establishment, they quickly grabbed a spot near the fireplace and ordered a round of drinks, what would be the first of many. In the far corner sat a Worgen, wearing a long coat and wide brimmed hat, sipping idly at a glass of wine. She kept to herself it would seem but her golden gaze trailed over toward the table of friends with an ear perked in their direction.
*Be swift, and leave no trace.*
Keep reading
6 notes · View notes