As I was RPing the other night, I was thinking to myself… Why did Tris’ happiness seem wrong? So, I began writing and below is what turned out. Totally unplanned, but I have to say Tris is rather frightening. Even what she loves has been twisted. He thoughts disturbing. And Khar… Where is the gentle, calm shaman we know and love?

I didn’t expect what came out in my writing. Just like all thoughts though not all of these may come to light, but I must admit… It feels good to know she has an odd reasoning for the overly happy, pleasing, and playing dumb. The saddest part? She still has no clue that something actually -is- wrong.

- – - – -

You’re playing them?

Araatris snorted to herself as she laid back in the grass off to one side in Darnassus. Her hands were behind her head. A warpstalker raised its head to look at her at the sound.

What you do you care?

I don’t, child. I’m rather proud of you.

Her lips curved into a grin beneath the mask. High compliment coming from you. Anyway, I don’t mind taking a break. And I’d like to avoid Thar being mad. He can be harsh when he chooses to be. Too bad I have a babysitter.

And what would you do without the warpstalker, child?

Could go find Eraelan…

Why him?

Because I think he’d give me what I need. The others see me as something weak to be protected… and watched. They’re starting to look at me like him. I’m not stupid. If I’m not careful, they’ll kill me just for being me. I’m fine, but they’re concerned. I’ll heal up in a few days and then they’ll see.

Malorin was silent.

I only do it to protect them.

I know, child.

Malorin’s presence felt reassuring and it relaxed Araatris. She thought it was best to play dumb around the others. She didn’t like seeing them so agitated. So, she would act as she was expected to. She would play nice with Sedrai and Feyldrinn… for now. It made them happy. It was a shame that they couldn’t see the threat.

She would do anything to protect the Netherbane. If it meant she had to slaughter all of the Orcs, demons, and refugees, and Sentinels. No one would harm her family. Not even Xyus.

Araatris started as a large hand painfully yanked her to sit up. Kharendos frowned from where he crouched in front of her. “Hey! What?!”

“I told you that you needed to tell me where you went.”

“I forgot to leave a note. It’s not a big deal.”

“I searched for you. I had to learn where you went from someone else.” Kharendos released her wrist and reached up and untied her mask. “Troublesome mask…” His hand gripped her chin and he leaned over to kiss her ungently. “Don’t worry me like this again.”

Araatris felt her heart thudding in her chest. Not with fear, but with excitement. She chuckled as Kharendos sat next to her and pulled her against him. “As you wish, lover. As you wish.”

The warpstalker stared impassively at the couple.

Those that don’t RP with Tris as often won’t notice as much off about this as others, but the below is abnormal. An IC plot has Tris influenced to act like the below without her knowledge. To the point where she’s willing to do things she normally wouldn’t, like killing a wandering Orc. I just wanted to explain this piece. Since it could feel like the changes are a bit sudden.

Araatris looked at the body out of habit with her felgaze as she kicked him over. She wiped her bloody blades across his shirt. More than likely a worker, but he’d gotten much too close to the Site for her comfort. Much as she’d told Sedrai the night before, she didn’t suffer threats to the Netherbane. The horde had pressed close enough. She wasn’t going to just sit and watch if they stepped into her patrol area.

I really like this new side of you, brat.

Shut it, Mal. I have no idea what you’re talking about.

Really? You’re certainly taking charge of things. And the way you decided to just bide your time with that draenei.

Are you going to help me with my patrol or talk?

Malorin grinned broadly. I’ll help you however you like.

She continued her patrol without incident. Her blades cut down any demons in her path easily. Upon making it to the Site of Lessons and finding it empty, Araatris went to her resting place. She shoved the covering to the side and entered the tree hollow.

Her nose wrinkled. The scents were strong here, but at least it was quieter than outside. It seemed like everything was brighter, the sounds were louder, and the smells in some cases… overpowering. She would need to change the bedding. Araatris grinned. It’d helped her hunt though, so it was only a minor annoyance. And the hunt had felt good.

To see them dead at her feet… better.

Her eyes raked across her arm and Araatris tilted her head curiously. That welt. Did she get injured today? She hadn’t felt it. No matter. She’d simply need to wear better armor. She went to the corner and dug through her clothes setting aside several items.

The blackened leather was supple as she changed. The pants and shirt fit well and the boots seemed to be the right size. She tugged on the fingerless gloves and finally tied a black mask to cover the lower part of her face. Her face was hidden between that and the blindfold. Only the crimson locks that now hung loose over her shoulders betrayed much of who she was.

The change felt good. The clothing felt… right. In her mind, the familiar presence of Malorin felt approving.

Now… now you look like you should. Part of the darkness.

Araatris grinned. The damned should dress the part.