http://slow.writerscafe.org/treblenink89 The original writings of author CruxPanacea en-us Copyright 2026 WritersCafe.org 1776339079 WritersCafe.org RSS Generator 15 A cool breeze tickled his arms and face. The darkness parted before him to reveal a room of white. It reminded him of the Elven temples; columns of pure white, reflecting the afternoon sun. Long, flowing sheets of the same color were draped over the openings between the archways, pushed inward by th.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272984/ It is inevitable. Each day brings us closer to the last. And yet we continue to fight against time, proving that mortality holds no power over us. There is no limit to our achievements, no restriction to our abilities. Each and every one of us was born for greatness, whether upon the battlefield or .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272983/ The room resembled an apothecary's workplace. White tiles covered the floor, walls, and ceiling. Dissection tables and tool drawers were scattered along the walls. But that's where the similarities ended, and the horrors began. It smelled of death, rightly so considering there was blood everywhere. .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272982/ Another door joining the study led back into the maze of metal walkways. After the intense heat of the burning paper, the cold atmosphere of the catwalks was almost comforting. Guro'jintal found it amusing that they had grown so accustomed to the cold, despite their backgrounds. He thought he wouldn.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272853/ The corridors were wide, but not quite enough to make their crossbows useful. There were too many corners; hell, there were too many corridors. The Trolls would be presented with a trio of paths to take, at which point another three would emerge. Luckily, Jakazul had noticed a particularly large and.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272852/ It would have been hard for anyone to get used to the new Guro'jintal. Little had changed about his personality, save his more than usual sense of calm. Hirojata felt a subtle alienation from the Troll that he hadn't felt before. But it was more because of his leader's startling appearance. The whit.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272851/ As the last of the Undead fell to the Trolls' deadly ambush, half the battle was over. But the remaining half was by far the more dangerous one. As they regrouped in the low clearing, the wyrm threw its head back and let out a roar that shook the ground. They hadn't given the ritual enough time to b.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272850/ The air was warmer here. Not by a lot, but a difference that would freeze the breath in your mouth but not shatter your teeth if you bit down too hard. But the winds that passed through the Dragonblight were often colder than anything, and if one wasn't careful, they could end up with a frozen eye. .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272849/ With a slurping sound that could have been the hacking cough of a dragon, the frozen yeti began to move. The milky-white substance that covered its body melted away, dripping in pools to the floor and beginning to steam. By the time it had evaporated, the yeti opened its eyes. They glowed blood red .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272848/ In another hour, it would be light enough to make out objects, but dark enough to obscure any fine details. And soon after, it would be dark. The Trolls and the Dwarves were perched on a low ridge of snow on the outskirts of the northern edge of the town. No houses were close by, so there was a good.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272847/ The Trolls and Kelar's tanks set out at the first trace of dawn. Today was the fifth time in Guro'jintal's stay at Northrend that the cloud cover had parted to let in the sun. As it slowly rose in the sky, the morning glow cast a golden haze over the snow banks of the Grizzly Hills. At times it was .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272846/ "Before the Lich King declared his war against Azeroth, until recently there's been small pockets of remnants of previous Northrend expeditions. Mostly Humans and Dwarves left over from the aftermath of Arthas Menethil's betrayal. They took whatever they could salvage, including livestock, and .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272844/ Even though the rattle of the steam tanks' engines were loud enough to cause a ringing in Guro'jintal's ears, it was a smooth ride atop the giant metal hulks. Every so often there would be a dip in the road that would bruise his backside, but the Troll wasn't bothered by a minute annoyance. Other th.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272843/ I've been to the furthest corners of Azeroth, and I've seen the strange things that live there. Have you ever gone head to head with a raptor that had more arms than you had fingers? Have you ever seen an over-sized frog that spat venom which boiled your eyes away, and watched your battle brother su.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272842/ Another WoW fanfic. The story picks up after the events of "Stefan Dreis, Sword for Hire" but it's not required to read to understand what is going on. This story follows Guro'jintal, Stefan's troll friend. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272841/ LegacyHis roar of outrage shook the Icecrown Glacier to the core. Ice shattered, and tall peaks fell to the ground in a shower of ice and snow. The underground tunnels of the Nerubians felt the tremors as well, causing rock and soil to loosen, along with the occasional cave-in. Large amounts of .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272520/ RedemptionStefan dropped his knees onto the cold ice of the Frozen Throne's steps. Feet under his butt, he placed his hands on his lap, waiting patiently. He should have been dead from the chill, only wearing a leather war harness that didn't cover his arms, and thin, torn pants. But the cold wa.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272519/ AscensionThe wound on his shoulder had healed at an incredible rate. His shattered ribcage had mended, erasing any sign that he had taken the brunt of a warhammer's blow. His breathing was regular, and his muscles were filled with renewed vigor. Stefan Dreis was in perfect condition. Was it Fort.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272518/ Kha'Tzeen'AzyrStefan felt squeamish as he stepped into the room. It was pitch black, and large enough so that Geraldros' globe could not illuminate the far side. Stefan asked Fineus for his torch and without a fuss the Gnome obliged. Stefan crept forward, with his back to the wall, searching for.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272517/ Another FallsAt the far end of the passage, there had been another set of stone doors that required the Nerubian artifact. They closed behind the group, properly sealing off the invading Scourge minions. Then again, they could also be sealing themselves in. Nonetheless they traveled in complete .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272515/ Living DeadStefan woke up with his head resting on someone's leg and a throbbing headache. Around him was total darkness. Thankfully, the smell had lessened. That was good. It meant he was still alive, and not the lunch of the creature. He felt the leg shift beneath him, and gently raised his he.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272513/ Darkness Beneath!The tomb smelled of death and rotting parchment. Stefan and Haydric had enjoyed their fair share of tomb raiding, but they both agreed that this was the worst, by far. The fact that it could have been older than history itself added to the disgust. The path began level from the .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272512/ What Awaits?"If these tunnels are controlled by the Scourge, how do we get to the tomb?""We don't.""What?""Not through those tunnels, at least.""Don't do that. It's not funny.""Sorry."Ara'borak chuckled mildly at.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272511/ Azjol-NerubThey must have been travelling in awkward silence for nearly an hour. All the while, Stefan kept his eyes to the nape of the Nerubian's neck, taking note of Iyana's soft grip on his waist belt. The tunnel began to widen, and a faint light was slowly growing brighter. Stefan finally re.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272510/ Back into the GloomThey had grown used to the smells of the jungle by the time they could pick out the more alien features that didn't resemble Stranglethorn or Un'Goro. There was a mint texture, as well as the scent of fresh pine. Guro'jintal told Haydric that it was more of a mystery than Un'G.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272509/ Catching UpStefan introduced Guro'jintal to everyone. The Darkspear Troll was met with warmth and welcome, save for Geraldros, perhaps. He politely refused to shake his hand, because during the encounter with the creature, he had soiled himself. Guro'jintal was not at all offended. Joined now by.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272508/ Jungle Fever, Part IIWhen Stefan had emerged from the darkness of the cave to be greeted by the bright sun and startlingly green jungle of the Sholazar Basin, it took him several minutes to believe they were still in Northrend. The thick grass and lush plant-life was such a drastic change from c.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272506/ Crossing Over"--Wow--""How--happened--""Everyone--wait--""--Alright?""Stefan? Can you hear me?"A soft hand pulled at his chin firmly. It felt incredibly warm against his skin. He didn't want to open his eyes because he was afr.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272505/ Forest of EyesOne of the hideous creatures leapt out from the circle of glowing eyes, legs outstretched and maw gaping like a giant, fanged wound. There was a loud boom as Haydric's pistol sounded off, and half of the crypt fiend's head was torn apart. It feel to the floor in mid-leap, lifeless .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272504/ They're GoneThe woodworks that Lyra had found was actually the remnants of a large stash of lumber from the surface. It would make sense that so many miles beneath the world, trees would be hard to find. They put together a decent supply of torches, the spares placed in a satchel that Molgoby ob.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272502/ The UnderworldStefan and the others were escorted by the Blue Dragonflight to the eastern edge of Coldarra. Along the frozen coast line, they found what Malygos had described; the Nerubian tunnel was a large, gaping maw that emerged from a large dune of snow, giant pillars of black rock laced in.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272500/ From a Demi-God unto a Mortal"No trouble," replied the dragon in a ghastly voice."Then where are we going?" asked Stefan, as politely as possible. He looked to his left, where Molgoby was eyeing a whelp with a sideways glance. The tiny dragon screeched at him, flying .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272498/ Coldarra"Roo--GHAK!"Molgoby had been making that terrible sound sporadically for the last hour. It wasn't his fault, there wasn't a snow mask large enough to encircle the Tauren's head and protect his face from the blizzard. As a result, snow would clump in the Tauren's mouth, and .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272497/ Warsong HoldStefan had enjoyed the hospitality of the Orcs on a number of occasions. Still, he could not grow accustomed to their unique lifestyle. Where Troll living spaces had shown traces of organization, the Orcs were beyond help. Luxury was unheard of among the green-skinned humanoids; chai.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272496/ Touch DownWhat a difference it was, Northrend. Its banks were covered in perpetual winter and its winds were forever colder than a witch's bosom; even so, the Land of the Dead was remarkably cheerful. The skies were blue and birds sang, untouched by the Lich King's long reach. As the Tide Stride.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272495/ Ghost Stories"How long?""About five minutes. Just on the edge of our vision."Stefan closed his eyes and frowned. Haydric continued to watch the stalking ship through the gloomy fog. They could only be sure it was a ship because of the familiar outline of sails and bod.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272493/ Through the FogThe air smelled of wet wood. It hung thick in the air, thicker than the sheets that were protecting him from a chilling cold that had set in. Next to Stefan, Iyana shivered. He layed a hand on her shoulder, slowly massaging her into consciousness. She protested by rolling over, bu.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272490/ The Final LegAs the ship neared the northern tip of Kalimdor, Stefan felt the temperature physically drop several degrees, and the air visibly thicken with heavy fog that made the ocean around them float in and out of view in a ghost-like trance. At one point they had come within feet of another.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272488/ Bleak PortentsStefan's eyes forced themselves open as the scent of freshly brewed coffee invaded one nostril and exited out the other. He lifted his head off the pillow, throttling his head of air with a hand. Blinking the sleep away as best he could, he groggily turned to the sleeping form of I.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272487/ The Face of the Enemy"Nerubian."Mae stated this quite dryly, after taking a minute to carefully inspect the severed head of Dresco's killer. The many, insectoid eyes, the pincers, the strangely humanoid appearance; there was no mistaking the northern descendant of the Aqir. She pus.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272485/ A Meeting at MenethilA bell's clamor rattled Stefan's skull. His head jumped off the pillow, subsequently causing a relaxed muscle to strain, and the sharp pain in his shoulder brought him into full consciousness. With a moan he sat up, rubbing the bruised shoulder."What's wrong, Stefan.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272484/ The First LegThe next week would see Stefan and the others traveling up the Western coast of the Eastern Kingdoms. Their first stop would be Menethil Harbor, where they would re-stock in preparation for the journey to Winterspring. And from Winterspring, it was another week before they touched d.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272481/ A Few Good MenThe next morning, Stefan and Iyana met up with Haydric on the docks. As the afternoon sun shined overhead, the three of them exchanged greetings and then followed Haydric down to a waiting boat of moderate size, where a group of people were waiting for them. Haydric quickly solved .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272479/ Old FriendsHe had been so close. After his prey had turned the corner, he shadowed the man's steps, ghosting along just behind him. He had seen the puddle too late, but quickly retreated between a pair of barrels. The man had wheeled around, but the shadows had made him completely invisible. Aft.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272409/ Forty Ounces and a Foot of Space"Are you still sore about it?""Shut up!"Stefan was infuriated and frightened at the same time. He normally wouldn't take such a disrespectful command like that, but the man it was coming from made the situation a bit complicated. His na.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272408/ Returning to the BayBooty Bay. Two words that entailed so much history. The centre of a kind of illegality that could put a man's life at risk. For some Azerothians, it was a rush that kept them coming back to the port city. For others, it was a way of life, one they could not escape, yet tried .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272407/ Too Many QuestionsStefan turned the Nerubian artifact around in his hands, running his fingertips along the intricate glyphs and runes that littered its facets. The cold, ice-blue thing stared back blankly. He wanted to know why. Why an Undead Mage in the Plaguelands had ties to it, why the mess.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272405/ Written in BloodIn its haste, the creature had lost its robes. In the glow of the Felwood moon, long, spindly legs whipped to and fro. A long body, similar to the centaur but with a pair of extra legs and more of an insect than a horse, flitted in and out of the tree cover. A passerby would have.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272403/ Dangerous KnowledgeStefan felt rich juices flow into his mouth as he sunk his teeth into the bear flank. Swallowing it with gusto, he cut away another slice before regarding Iyana thoughtfully."I suppose," he answered after a moment. Iyana, chewing on a piece of bear in the corner .. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272401/ A Gift and a CurseThe bell jingled as the door was pushed open. Vineus Bobblegrind rose his gray-haired head, peering through a pair of thick-lensed optics to look upon the potential customers. Over the years he had developed a technique of falling half-asleep on the counter in between guests. O.. http://slow.writerscafe.org/writing/treblenink89/272399/