Decorative Mirrors

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Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry in Justice League (2017)

The Surprise.

There were not many times in his life that Korellan could be truly sneaky, not anymore. Not when you towered over everyone by a least a foot and had enough… noticeable traits for most to take a second look. But as he rolled over, careful not wake the sleeping bat hanging above him, Kore silently congratulated himself for a job well done. The giant gently closed his door, making his way through the Hold down to the old cells. Thankfully his bat slept like the dead during the day. Jari’s Birthday was approaching and Kore wasn’t exactly sure what to buy his little bat for it. In the years they spent in the Temple, celebrations were nonexistent. That had been for other souls not fighting on desolate wastelands. Their years in the Temple had been hard, especially on the flamboyant bat who never quite had been accepted by his peers. It’s true Jari may not have been much of a soldier but what he did give them was something far more valuable to those that were, they just… didn’t see it at the time. But the war was over, they could start building something new, have lives where they were more than tools and Kore wanted to give that to Jari. Ajarik deserved to be celebrated. Most  of the old cells had been converted into storage, but one held months of secretive work and craftsmanship. During the day while Jari slept Kore would work down at the docks in exchange for materials, namely good wood. He’d taken a few days off to start his little project, born of listening to the bat tsk and sigh in the gloaming hours.

The Centurion turned dockworker had left his work under a tarp behind some broken crates and refuse that had been shoved in there for the meantime. He let his claws reach out, feeling for the knee-busting non-magical clutter that he was blind to and worked his way back. Breathing a sigh of relief his hands found the tarp and his work still safe under it. Not much Kore could do in this life, with this body, but he found he could still work wood. Some parts where harder than others, but he found if he ran his hands over something enough he could get a good sense of it. His father’s endless repeated lessons on technique and trade apparently had sunk into his thick skull. Kore ran his hands along the larger project, the cabinet nearly as tall as he was when it was finished. Each shelf set inside tiled just a few degrees with a wooden dowel set across the face, to keep the items that would placed inside from slipping. He’d made it so tall because he knew the bat’s predilection of collecting heels. HOPEFULLY this cabinet would be big enough to house the current mass of sets that littered the bat’s room. Well one good thing his transformation was for…manual labor. Lifting the wooden case he shimmied and edged his way out of the maze before hoisting it over a shoulder with a grunt of effort. He took it up first, stopping to rest occasionally when his injuries protested. He’d been in Ajarik’s room enough times to know of the various pitfalls and hazards, like kicked off shoes usually to the left of- He still stumbled, catching himself on a patch of wall that thankfully only had a low dresser up against it. Well that was close… His hand brushed the empty space and his head tilted. Hmm, maybe that would be a good place for his second gift. The smaller had been tucked right along with the shoe rack, more intricate with carefully planned compartments and drawers, the make up holder was a true labor of love. Several prototypes ended up in the burn pile as he had experimented on what would and wouldn’t work, keeping in mind the bat-bound’s usual sight. Maybe he could hang it here….. But setting up the pieces was not the end. Time was relative to Kore but he knew damn well if he didn’t jump the portal before midday he’d never make it back to the Island to finish before Jari woke. Fancy Cakes, was perhaps the most nerve wracking and easiest part of the experience. It didn’t help he’d smacked a horn right into the door frame, making quite the first impression. But the woman who worked the counter was infinitely patient while he described what he needed. She even offered suggestion on pairing that did and did not work well, adding a few bits that she assured would go over well. A layered cake filled with fresh fruit compote. A simple icing of light buttercream topped with chocolate and artfully arranged assortment of fruits and berries. The woman even added in a few raspberry macaroons, whatever those were, and edible candied flowers. Kore had been so thankful for the care and patience he’d tipped her well enough to probably buy another. Remembering to duck on the way OUT, lest he risk a cake disaster Kore quickly made his way back to the Arcane Chamber where the Magister’s worked. Good thing about his size, most just got out of his way, and a show of his fangs with the word ‘Please’ got him a direct ticket to Tol Barad thanks to a kind, if nervous mageling. That left one more thing after he carefully set the cake box in the room. The most important, and the one he needed the most help with. Cay was supposed to get another pair of Jari’s favorite shoes, the others being unfortunately sacrificed down the gullet of a Felstalker, and the thing most distressing the bat since. Jari had loved those shoes. But seeing as Kore never ‘saw’ them…he had no way of knowing what he needed or Sun above, what color… Even if he still had his eyes he doubted he could pull it off. So he went to the one person he knew was likely to succeed. Ajarik’s Best Friend Caythaes. The priest had been a nervous ball the whole night and Kore asking to speak to him alone, away from the tavern hadn’t done those nerves any favors. But he seemed to perk once he realized what Kore was after. He’d given the pouch of gold over without a second thought, not knowing exactly something like those would cost, with a request that any left over be used to purchase some of the gregarious Illidari’s favorite make up. How Jari managed to put the stuff on while having NEVER seen himself was a Gods-damned miracle…. But one he pulled off every single day. That meant alot of make up used. Adjusting the cake on the little side table for the fourth time Kore finally pulled himself away, with the intent of hunting the bright ball of Sunshine down and see what he came up with when his claws hit something and he froze. On the low dresser which now sat under the makeup display was a box. One that wasn’t there before… Large hands felt ever detail, his head tilting this way and that as he riddled it out. It seemed to be wrapped but in two pieces. He was as careful as the claws would allow lifting the lid to feel the contents, leather…some type of hardwood, cordage and a-OH! It was the shoes! When did the little priest…? No matter. Kore put the lid back on, hands feeling around the dresser top till they clicked against a case. The make up probably. Alright. It’s all done. Nerves gnawed at his belly, more fierce and ravenous then any he had before a hunt. He… wanted to do good for Jari. Really show the smaller how much he and his friends cared. This was, after all, the first time he’d ever had a birthday celebrated. Releasing a sharp breath, and hopefully nerves, Kore left the room, closing the door firmly before making his way down the row to his to wait. Wait for the twitch and unfurling of large wings. The yawning chirp and chorus of bells. “Happy Birthday Jari.” @jinxandjingles Mentions: @kharrisdawndancer (Braedyn - Fancy Cakes) @mekandawn​

@s-en4

@jinxandjingles

CREATURES OF THE NIGHT// (ink on paper)

@jinxandjingles

Things to do for the babies!

On Friday, 4/10, Maelstrom Nightclub will be sporting the feel of The Unknown! We have an array of specialty drinks to get your mind soaring and wondrous to what else could be outside our world of Azeroth, and music curated by our very own DJ Jinx to get your body moving and exploring. While we make no claims to truly send you out of our world, we do make ones to guarantee you’ll have a starry night of entertainment. 

Maelstrom Nightclub is located in Rustberg Village, Tol Barad, and will be open from 7pm - 9pm WRA server time. We are faction neutral, so both horde and alliance are encouraged to pick up some elixirs of tongue and come down for a good night!

Kore was surprised to say the least, not that Tier had stopped him on his way to work, he rather enjoyed their chat now, but by the basket thrust into his hands as the Rendorei nervously stuttered out his explaination.

The first item that reached his claws was the blanket, soft and plush, furlike silk that teased with the promise of warmth and comfort. An rare oddity for the hunter who was known for prickly spines and spikes.

Claws clicked against the bottle, which he was careful to inspect before popping the cork to sniff the fragrance. The aroma was savored, the combination of notes a fun riddle to try and puzzle out.

But it was the third surprise he found that made his face split into a grin. Uncovering the ceramic container, the immediate smell of spices, rich juices, and wafting steam could not be mistaken. The giant was an absolute fan of the prim man's cooking and couldn't resist snagging a few, or twenty, morsels to snack on. The delightful snap of grilled vegetables, the succulent meat rubbed in capsaicin, had Kore moaning.

It was so hard to stop, but not wanting to be rude he put the lid back on to be devoured in peace once he was out of sight.

The fourth though.... Threw him.

Each gift catering to a sense he still possessed, touch, scent, taste, and all could be shared. He TRY to share the snack. But the tiny bell?

"For Jari to wear?" His bat bound lover was a riot of chimes and tinkles even at his quietest moments, a living wind chime of music. Kore held up the bell and shook it, it's soft voice a pleasing song, ment to be enjoyed without being invasive and annoying by over use.

"I see... But..." He set the basket down before taking Tier's hand in his his claws.

"I have one lover who is known for his bells and baubles. No chance for him to sneak up on me. But perhaps this might be better suited for the other, considerably more quiet one?"

He took his time looping the bracelet around and tucking it carefully under stiff cuffs so not to get in his way.

"There. Now you have your own music I can associate with you." He smiled broadly, so proud of his idea before he pulled the smaller man i to a hug.

"Thank you Aurora. It means a lot to me for you to put so much thought into something for me. I'm truly touched."

For Korellan

After much thought, a fair bit of sweating over details, and heaps of uncertainty all the same, Tiernen had arrived at what he felt- hoped- would be an adequate gift. And while he’d nervously given the massive Illidari his gift in person, that did not stop him from ensuring it came with a hand-written card attached. It was only proper.

For Korellan, on your birthday.  I chose these things because I thought you might enjoy each of them in full, without the need for second guesses or imagining. While I’m constantly amazed at everything you and Jari are, and the things you can do, I know I take for granted the things I can do without a care. My hope is that you will enjoy your birthday, and these little items, just like that. You are, undeniably, whole just as you are.  (And if I do forget and take for granted even the tiniest smile I get for this, please forgive me.)

Warmly,

Tiernen

Included in the… well, what proved to be a small assortment of packages, were: one very soft, and very large blanket for Korellan to bask in its feel; a lovely vial of massage oil, bearing an enticing, masculine blend of vetiver and spruce, with notes of tangerine; one rather elaborate platter of juicy, grilled meats as well as veggies; and finally, one dainty, silver bracelet with a single, silver bell- for Jari to wear, and for Korellan to enjoy.