YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
I'm back, boils and ghouls! And just in time to celebrate the two year anniversary of this fic's inception! First off, I want to say thanks to the wishes I received since my diagnosis. I really am grateful for all of it. I just went through my sixth and final chemotherapy session. I'm recovering somewhat, still. Got sick a bit and taking anti-nausea pills to quell the riot in my stomach. Also, drinking fluids and filtering my kidneys and liver to flush chemicals outta my body. But still, I am officially cancer-free!
And what better way to celebrate my return by posting a new chapter on the story's second anniversary! Starring our favourite Dark Elf Dommy Mommy, Morathi! Why you may ask? Because my craving for dark elf mommy content is slowly drying up and I must keep the well going by making it myself. To quote PancreasNoWork: "You would need the force of ten thousand industrial strength cranes to pull my tongue out of Morathi's asshole."
Anyways, enjoy!
(Word Count: 6972)
The rat shrieked as Valkia impaled the wretched thing on Slaupnir. It's foul musk sprayed before it expired instantly. The Gorequeen expressed her disgust by retching the Skaven off her spear in one swing. Valkia's eyes were now directed towards the other vermin, now closely watched by her personnel.
"I was promised that the walls would fall!" Valkia snapped. "Yet, here they are, still standing before me while my army is painting the walls red with their own blood!"
The Gorequeen snapped one of her men to drag a skaven before her. The thing was shaking in fear, as it was in their nature when facing authority.
"E-Elf-things discover-found us! Clever and cunning things! Ruined-destroyed plans to take-steal fortress!" The skaven cried out.
Valkia roared in anger as she decapitated the rat in front of her. The other two squealed and shivered, spraying again their awful stench. Her men, meanwhile, tried their damndest not to show their fear, sweating beads underneath their closed helmets as they watched the daemon princess vent her anger on such pathetic creatures rather than themselves. A fortunate outcome greatly favored their side. The Gorequeen redirected her wrath once more to the foul vermin.
"Craven things are what you are!" She roared. "Killing you would ease my wrath, but to give such pathetic offerings to my beloved is an affront to his throne!"
Valkia grabbed the skaven by the throat and threatened, "Remove yourself from my sight and spread word to your lowly masters that the deal is off!"
Faintly pleased, Valkia cast the rat back to his partner, both of whom scurrying away to find some burrow elsewhere. Her gaze was now set upon the wall. Still, it stood arrogantly down upon her army for the past week. No matter how much manpower and daemon she could attain, the elves used their damnable magic to ensure that they would survive this battle longer. The skaven were supposed to do their damn jobs, but it seems they weren't clever enough to hide their tracks within. The Gorequeen grinded her teeth in frustration with her derailed plans.
On the other hand, it was only one fortress she was besieging. There were still other forces at the elven citadels elsewhere, and with their numbers, there was a good chance that they were successful in securing victories. For now, the Witch-King and his cohorts were her targets. Except now they have the damn witches from Ghrond.
She held her gaze on the eyesore of a tower. The top was now swirling with not only black dragons, but also dark magic to repel any that come close. Not even the mightiest Bloodthirsters could penetrate its barriers without risking banishment back to the Warp. The ebony tower was too much and she turned away in disgust.
"I'll be in my tent." Said Valkia to her men. The Norscans nodded and paid their respects before leaving her be. And rightly so, for she was in a foul mood. Valkia walked back to her tent, where the war table was set up at the center
This took a moment before Valkia smelled the scent of magic closeby. She whipped around and readied Slaupnir at the intruder. As it turned out, all she found was an old, decrepit man in dark furs and gnarly staff. His eyes were milky white, indicating blindness, yet the motion of her spear created a surprised look on his face. Though, the most damning that caught her attention was the white crow perched on his shoulder. She was not fooled by the seemingly innocuous disguise his familiar went by, for a great source of magic was abundant within.
"Who are you and what do you want, craven?" Demanded Valkia. The old man held his hands in defense.
"A-Apologies, Bride of Khorne." Said the man. "I am but a messenger of the Gods. And a humble advisor to any ear that is willing."
"None that I shall not need from the likes of you." Valkia said dismissively. "So tell me, messenger, how is it that you managed to come to me with sanity intact? I thought the other three gods left their followers drooling like idiots a while ago."
"T-That was the case, indeed." The advisor said. "But the mighty Blood God was able to sort out the madness. Not that the initial plans for takeover had been… well… entirely intact."
"Plans that you were in the midst of, I take it." Valkia stated. A look of shame showed itself on Bertrand's face and said, "As it is, I'm currently wanted in the Empire because of that event."
"Mmh…" Valkia hummed in a disparaging tone.
"Well, advisor…" She spoke mockingly. "Since you are here, what message do you bring that is so important to distract me from my own work? It must be a good one, for you know what happens to messengers like you. Especially to those who bear the mark of Tzeentch."
The elder's eyes opened comically wide and quickly answered, "I assure you, Gorequeen, that I speak on behalf of the Blood God. Ah!" Cried the advisor as his familiar pecked hard on his face. "At the moment."
A brow perked up on Valkia's grim scowl. "...continue."
"Mighty Khorne warns you of a looming threat coming your way." The advisor continued. "The Hellwalker is on the warpath. He has already defeated both Wulfrik and Arbaal in combat, leaving entire armies in disarray and retreating from their positions. Arbaal especially has been slain."
Valkia's attention was now paramount upon hearing the news. One of Khorne's mightiest chosen had fallen prey to this prophetic destroyer? Even if Valkia had been dismissive of Arbaal's questionable title, he was a formidable warrior by his own right and he earned it.
"How?" She asked, to which the man answered, "The Hellwalker overcame them with steel, strength, and a small force of elves. Both asur and druchii. Both led by Alith Anar and Hellebron."
Valkia's eyes narrowed when she heard of it. "A small alliance? Madness."
"Perhaps." The advisor noted. "But one that is deadly. And it will prove to be of great consequence should it continue so. Word has already reached out to King Malekith's ear. His mother has begun her search. The Blood God seeks to prevent this meeting. He has already sent the hounds, but they can only do so much."
"My current army is already pressing the attack on the Sorcerer-King's fortress!" Valkia argued. "I need the numbers to fulfill their purpose!"
"The Siege is second to what Khorne asks of you. This is an utmost pressing matter. Far more than you could possibly imagine." Said the old man. His words were a little too forward, for Valkia's scowl turned into a hideous glare when she felt slighted by the old man.
"Are you taking me for a witless fool, wizard?!" She snarled. "Have my efforts to honor the Brass Lord not important enough to be taken seriously?!"
"That is not what I am implying, Lady Valkia." The advisor clarified. "Mighty Khorne truly values your devotion and always thinks ever so greatly of it. But... to ignore such orders… would be devastating to the Dark Gods. He implores you to aid his forces east of here. Where the elves are riding through the Road of Skulls. Prevent it, and the expansion of Chaos shall continue unimpeded."
Valkia breathed harshly. There were too many plots on her plate. And too little resources to cover all. But this was Kharnath's will. Her beloved. So how can she refuse such a call when it is received?
The Advisor seemed to have noticed, if blindness didn't hinder his senses, and a relieving smirk seemed to have gotten Valkia's attention. In a pissed-off manner that is.
"What seems to amuse you, old crow? Have my failures been pleasing to your cowardly god? Or are there plenty more of your schemes up your sleeves?"
"Gorequeen. I didn't come all the way from the Old World empty-handed." He answered, clicking his fingers together.
The tent's flaps opened again. This time, a Khornate champion bearing his patron god's emblems and armor that would put the dwarf smiths and architects to shame. Each hand, he held axes of brass and fire, growling and burning as they hunger for flesh to cleave into. A walking fortress if there ever was one. The man saluted to the daemon princess with utter reverence, but scowled when turning his attention to the advisor, but restrained himself from cleaving the latter with his axe, much to Valkia's surprise.
"Hail, Valkia the Bloody! Gorequeen of Khorne! Bride of the Axefather!" Praised the warrior. "I am Wolfram Deathmetal! Hero-Born of the Kurgans, Doom of the Dwarfs, Ogrebane, and Foe-Hammer of the cowardly Skaven! And I bring honor and tribute to your name! Were it not for this crow's words, I would have slain him then and there and continued my pilgrimage with the Everchosen's war hosts. But if it is to come here by Khorne's decree, then I am bound to honor the Lord!"
Valkia's fiery temper had quenched like a sword submerging in oil upon those utterances. Her brow furrowed less and lips reshaping like that of an officer inspecting the discipline of her battalion.
"And what 'tributes' do you bring, Wolfram?" Asked Valkia.
"Best to show it to you..." Said Deathmetal, moving aside and gesturing to her to go outside the tent. The Gorequeen walked past him, laying eyes to several boons that flooded the camps. From the twisted and fire-forged warshrines carried on the backs of cyclopean ogres, to the savage brayherds of untamed wilds culled by the mightiest Khorngors; to daemon engines known as Skull Cannons, manned by bloodletters and ready to blast the enemy; to even the revered Flesh hounds of Khorne; and finally, the fusion of flesh and metal abominations known only as Soul Grinders: daemons who surrendered their True Names for the sake of restoring their physical forms, marching on iron legs that can mortals beneath them. All surrounded by fresh warriors and cultists bearing the Mark of Khorne on their armors. All pledging their services to her cause right before the walls of Naggarond.
The sensation of contentment quelled any outrage and irritation she had prior, replacing the scowl with a bloodthirsty grin that even the sternest dwarf would shudder from.
"Perhaps I am able to assist Kharnath, after all…" She said out loud, looking at the Bloodthirsters growing frustrated with the defenses of Naggarond's walls, followed by the furies flocking over them alongside the hounds.
(Rated M for Morathi)
Hours later… elsewhere on the road…
In any moment, the harsh winds would have proven to be a death sentence to anyone exposed to the elements. For Morathi, she didn't even register the cold thanks to an unseen layer of magic wrapping her entire body and her dark pegasus, Sulephet's; keeping both of them warm and unharmed by Naggaroth's deadly frost.
Her steed galloped across the skies, searching for the enigmatic warrior. And the other two that accompanied him, but they were secondary to her objectives. Scrying through the thick white landscape, Morathi could scour naught but predators and warbands seeking unfortunate prey who cross their paths. The sorceress didn't bat an eye and traversed the snowy plains with distant thought. It was fortunate that the blizzard upended and vanished, for it made Morathi's visions all the more easy to find the fabled man.
Thinking back on the blood hag's report in Har Ganeth, she wondered how the city managed to prevail against a savage horde filled to the brim with a daemonic host at their behest. The city would have laid waste within a fortnight. Her thoughts then veered to the strange knight. Out of the three, it had to be him, Alith was a feared man amongst the druchii, but he didn't fit the description of someone who can take on a Bloodthirster by his lonesome. Hellebron, while just as bloodthirsty as the worshippers of Khorne, was no match to face a greater daemon that embodied wrath and violence.
No, it had to be him. No one could have turned the tide and defended an entire city by himself. Let alone, fight off against an army of murderous marauders and terrible beasts.
And that enticed her search. All of the information she gained and witnessing the devastation he brought upon the arrogant corsairs within only a week, Morathi was just looking to get ahold of this absolute juggernaut of a man for herself. Rarely was there a single being who would arouse her interest. Like gold to a dragon, Morathi was on the prowl for him. Ensnare what she found, and then hoard it to herself. She was already planning all sorts of things when she had him in clutches. A few chains to keep him restrained, some runes to quell his mind, and praises whispered into his ear to keep him happy will be more than enough to keep him… domesticated.
Yes, she thought, he would be a fine specimen to her harem. No, he would be her prime consort to strike fear to any who dare threaten her and her son's rule. A prize weapon with the perks of being her toy.
(Stygia - Metal: Hellsinger ft. Alissa White-Gluz of Arch Enemy)
She broke from her thoughts as somewhere in the distance, a peculiar sight in the corner of her eye drew to her. A large tide of Flesh Hounds dashing from the north through the thick snow caught her attention. To her admission, they were splendid creatures to behold. Bestial spirits covered in fire, muscle and sinew. Their formations were more organized unlike anything she had seen and sprinted in eerie silence with an almost determined focus. She would love to own such magnificent beasts were it not for her allegiances to the Dark Prince. They were antithesis to her ideals, and not worth the stress of keeping such a rabid thing.
Throwing all thoughts of selfish desire, she silently followed the unusual behavior of the hounds chasing towards the south, clueing in on the prime objective. Obscured by the clouds, Morathi was more than safe from the danger below. All the way, she followed their path, intuition telling her to keep going. Flying just above the cliff sides where the hounds traveled through a canyon, Morathi's instincts were rewarded when they exited and discovered a dark mass riding through Road of Skulls from the east.
It was smaller than the hounds and the sounds of whinnies and shouting were a dead giveaway. It was them, alright. Already casting a scrying spell, her eyes scoped on the riders, and to her disappointment, there was only the combined force of shadow warriors and Har Ganeth riders led by Alith and Hellebron respectively, but no Doom Slayer. Was he abandoned by his peers? Or did he abandon them? Unlikely, she thought, for it was clear that this alliance wouldn't have existed for a reason.
Morathi, rather than intervene, simply indulged herself by watching from afar, letting the event unfold itself. The hounds howled as they sighted their prey. The Asur-Druchii force responded by whipping their horses to hasten as the beasts tailed them. Elves took to bow and uraithens, sending a hail of arrows back at the slobbering things. Most managed to hit their targets, falling down and trampled by the rest, but the hounds were far too numerous to take out. The more determined and ferocious of them caught up, only for the elves to fight back with steel. The few hounds who were lucky managed to pounce and pull down their prey, both rider and horse, and swarmed them with their numbers. The horde eventually circled around them save for the front. The elves fought a desperate and losing battle, trying their all to keep the dogs away from them, dwindling as the hounds coordinated attacks on the gaps and weak points, with Alith launching his arrows from his Moonbow and Hellebron lashing out with the Deathsword.
The Hag Sorceress did not lift a finger, only planning to do so when there was only Alith and Hellebron. She amused the idea of just letting the two die and reporting back to Malekith their deaths. It could make him happy and alleviated during stressful times, with Alith's especially. However, it would more than likely earn her his wrath more than anything.
It was a coin toss, really.
She watched with apathy at the dwindling party, falling prey to the endless sea of red pressing into them. Just as they were at their darkest hour, a dark blip was spotted by Morathi as it sprinted behind the hounds. A lone rider, mounted on a Cold One. Suddenly, a chain of fire bursted from somewhere before the rider launched himself into the mass. With her magic, Morathi locked and enhanced her sights.
Her breath hitched and a manic smile showed on her face as the sorceress recognized him to be none other than the Doom Slayer, jumping into the fray and killing daemons with a roaring blade before casting fire with his staves. Morathi watched with awestruck wonder as the man bravely jumped over and slaughtered the dogs with raw power and fury. Such strength and skill, she thought.
Khorne's pets, now aware of the pursuer, divided as they stayed away from him and his companions. Unsurprisingly, the surviving elves had free range to maneuver and escape with their lives. Doom Slayer, rather than group up with the others, simply continued his slaughter on the dogs of Chaos with his chain. A baffling behavior that would raise concerns from any sane person. For Morathi, sanity was a cage for the unwilling, and only the unchained can break from their prisons. This Slayer had torn his sanity like paper as he threw himself to the dogs; blasting and slashing into the packs with little thought of self-preservation. And he did it with such style in his carnage that Morathi was mesmerized by his performance. All of which topped off by a single stave that was cylindrical and bulky with a skull-like visage carved onto its side, blowing into the center of the pack. An explosion followed, leaving a horde scattered and Doom Slayer launched into the air.
Time slowed and Morathi witnessed the man soar gracefully towards the other remaining half of the horde, switching weapons to the one with a hook ornament at the end of the barrel. The hook found its target and pulled the Doom Slayer to the next. To slaughter, he went. Rinse and repeat.
Morathi, jaw-dropped and bespectacled by the visceral performance, felt her blood run hot and the hair on her skin froze with goosebumps. Not since Aenarion has she felt the exhilaration revive her cold dead heart for someone so foreign and mysterious, but nonetheless bold against evil. Her loins cried with excitement
"Yes!" She cried with joy. "Death! Oh, what beautiful death you craft! You shall have the honor to claim both my side and chambers!"
Her proclamation could not be heard within the roaring thunderclouds, save for the few Cytharai she venerates and the Dark Prince; a desire the latter find none too pleasing to hear as a whisper of dubious intent.
Morathi watched as the last of the Chaos beasts was decimated from existence by the warrior. Not far from him, the Cold One approached from behind and ran alongside the surprisingly fast Slayer, who hopped onto its back soon after. Concluding their slaughter, the Slayer regrouped with what's left of his allies. It seemed they were in the clear for now, but with Morathi's enhanced sight, it was not so.
A dark cloud was approaching them from the west. It would have appeared uninteresting if foreboding presence. But for Morathi, she could see the bodies of red and eyes burning bright fire within. Swarming en masse were furies led by hulking bloodthirsters. These gargantuans must have caught the scent of the group. No reason to conclude as to why, Morathi thought. She doubt they would pose much of a threat for the Slayer. The others, quite the opposite, as they - despite their longevity and supernatural skills - could not face such an overwhelming force.
Once fickle and apathetic to their plight, the high sorceress had enough of her viewing pleasure. Now, Morathi desired to show her power in the face of destruction. And to also show a bit of a dramatic flair with her entrance. After all, it's not everyday you can impress a stranger, she thought.
While she recited her incantations, down below did the survivors prepare for another battle ahead of them. Hellebron roared a battle cry in Khaine's name, prompting her forces to go into another battle frenzy. Alith likewise did the same, only with heroic resolve and discipline with his troops as they readied their bows. Lastly, the Doom Slayer was deciding on whether to pull out the Chaingun or the BFG; settling on the former instead.
But as the two opposing forces came to a close, lightning flashed across the skies, striking onto the head of Heartrender as it channeled the power Morathi needed to unleash unto the horde of Khorne. The halberd now glowing with unstable energy, Morathi took aim and burst forth black lightning into the direction of the swarm in a scattershot. Every strike hitting its precise target and exploding upon impact. Any other sorceress below her level would have managed perhaps a few good hits, and that is if they managed to survive from imploding in gory fashion. But Morathi reigned supreme in the ways of magic, earning praise and scorn from admirers and rivals alike for her mastery of sorcery.
A knowing smirk cascaded across her face as furies screeched in agony, while bloodthirsters tanked through the pain; flesh still falling off and pouring fiery blood from their wounds. It was not enough to kill them, but the magic was powerful enough to stagger them, crashing into the snow below. The elves and Doom Slayer had paused expressions by the sudden lightning attacks. They turned to find the source of the powers of their savior.
"Oh, don't tell me it's that bit-"
"Yes, Hellebron." Alith exasperated with the high priestess in equal distaste. "Yes, it's her."
"Who?" Asked Hayden, not understanding the pair's disgruntled reactions. The Doom Slayer, meanwhile, cut the conversation short as he wasted no time rushing into the bloodthirsters' staggered forms, not showing an ounce of focus on his companions' concerns. The marine brought out the Super Shotgun and hooked onto the closest daemon within range. The first daemon burst into flames upon contact; its last painful moments spent screaming at having its face being stabbed multiple times before the Doomblade sank into its right eye; killing it. Another bloodthirster had his left leg cleaved just as it was about to stand before Doom Slayer ran across its back and decapitated it with a burst of the Destroyer Blade in mid-air. The third stood back in time and lifted his two-handed battle axe over its head, only for his opponent to dash in the air and blood punch him in the face. Time slowed down as the bloodthirster fell back into the snow again with teeth flying out, while the Doom Slayer caught the humongous axe in his hands and slammed it into its daemonic owner's face again.
Doom Slayer stood back up and witnessed another of bloodthirsters readying their weapons with murderous intent. One held dual axes while another carried a greatsword in its hands. Cracking his knuckles, the Slayer threw himself into the one with the twin axes, landing on its face when it was ready to deliver retribution. The bloodthirster swung its weapons wildly as the marine started brutalizing its face with his fists. The daemon's panicked state inadvertently caused it to attack its fellow with his axes, angering the latter with one swing of its greatsword; bisecting it in two, from head to crotch in bloody fashion. No glory was found as the Doom Slayer had already jumped away and fired off the Meathook into its chest, throwing in a haymaker to its face on impact. The bloodthirster fell back, dropping its sword mid-fall. Landing on the ground, Doom Slayer dashed towards the sword and carried with all of his strength, aiming the blade towards the daemon now recovering. In a great feat of strength, Doom Slayer threw the sword up in the air and - in perfect momentum - threw another blood punch straight to the pummel dead center. The sword flew in the air, reaching impossible velocities right before impaling the dazed daemon into its chest.
The Doom Slayer spared little time to admire his work as one more evaded his sight. The last Bloodthirster stood up, concentrating its wrath on the former until the elves began pelting arrows against its thick skin, followed by a black bolt of lightning striking its face by the sorceress above him. Angered by Morathi's magic, the greater daemon took flight and prepared to strike her only for Doom Slayer to dash towards it, launching himself into the air with a rocket jump and pulling himself again with the Meathook, interrupting the daemon's flight and crashing them both into the ground, missing the elves below within a hair's breadth. The bloodthirster struggled and writhed in pain as the Slayer grabbed ahold of both its wings, tearing them off with inhuman strength in bloody galore. The bloodthirster remained alive but was finished off when the Slayer grabbed it by the horns and snapped its neck after, struggling no longer upon death.
Another victory scored - at the cost of significant lives - in their wake, the elves regrouped as the Slayer approached. Alith and his famed shadow warriors felt relief behind steeled gazes, while the elves of Har Ganeth began to whisper and murmur amongst themselves, growing in awe of the Slayer's abilities. Even Hellebron, most adamant of her skepticism, was completely thrown off by Alith's unique companion. It truly was as if the Avatar of Khaine was walking amongst them, she thought. Perhaps there was divinity beneath that perpetual angry helmet. Sent by the Lord of Murder Himself to walk the earth in His name.
Whatever the case, Hellebron's thoughts were broken by the sound of wings flapping and a horse's neighing, followed by the winds ceasing their blows, gathering everyone's attention to the sky. To the awe of every elf - many a male and some female in their gazes -, descending to the ground and mounted on her pegasus laid the most beautiful elf to exist. Of her admirers, only four remained unwavering to her beauty. Alith Anar who didn't hide his disdainful and contemptuous glare when she approached; Hellebron who was no different to the former, though, with little effort in putting a curtly smile. And then there was Hayden and Slayer. The former who, even if he had his body back, would have simply raised an eyebrow at this unknown but clearly dangerous woman approaching them, but also having a good guess as to what Alith and Hellebron were talking about. As for Doom Slayer, he was remotely disinterested but also wary of this strange woman's next agenda; prompting him to reload his Super Shotgun in case.
Even in this harsh winter, she seemed unaffected by frostbite as her skin was exposed to the elements in revealing gear one can find only in a heavy metal album cover. Succubus was the proper way to describe her. She had a sultry and seductive air to her that could make the most celibate of men fall over for her. Alabaster skin so perfect and flawless that not even snow ever made contact to the touch. A great mass of ebony hair, weaved and braided so intricately on top of her scalp, rose above the three massive pairs of horns that curled with purpose and power. Cold blue eyes pierced beyond the freezing winds, always looking at those that bend the knee before her. The druchii were the easiest to submit, while the Shadows of Nagarythe resisted even as their will struggled, with only the presence of Alith and their undying hatred for their dark cousins willing them back to their senses. Black glossy lips curled into an amused smirk, indulging in the attention around her, before approaching the persons of interests.
"Morathi." Said Hellebron, cold in her voice with vile contempt as she uttered her rival's name. The raven-haired sorceress uttered faint, mocking laughter in return.
"My, my, Hellebron." Mocked Morathi. "Is that any way to treat your savior? Was my hand not enough to receive a warm reception? The others seem to think so."
"Oh, please. Your contribution was… last minute. Hardly noticeable until you started a lightshow, I bet. Don't flatter yourself." Hellebron said, with an almost passive-aggressive tone to combat the High Sorceress' smugness, causing the latter to smack her lips in dismay.
"Excuses, excuses…" Said Morathi, turning her eyes on Alith. This time, with an even colder reception. "Alas, I cannot speak the same for… him."
"Pleasant to see you as well, Hag. But not really." Alith replied, causing the sorceress to bristle and turn her smug grin into a baleful glare. And somehow, it was still beautiful to any beholder. The perks of consorting with daemons. In some ways, there was amusement to be found as Doom Slayer observed. The animosity was clear, and Alith was barely hiding her revulsion and teeth underneath that dour sneer of his.
"Ugh. Such a cold opening. You could do better than that." Morathi groaned. That demeanor changed as soon as she laid eyes on the monolithic Doom Slayer. She approached with uncharacteristic haste, walking past a befuddled Alith and getting up-close and personal with his partner. Doom Slayer seemed ready to start another firefight when he saw the unexpected.
"At long last~!" She exclaimed with utter enthusiasm. "I finally have the pleasure to meet you! In the flesh, no less~!"
Doom Slayer was taken aback by her exclamation, and so did the others. Both Alith and Hellebron had looks of confusion and bewilderment drawn upon them. Hayden, likewise, seemed to show his surprise as he spoke.
"D-...Do I know you…?" He asked, mimicking the Slayer's thoughts. A sly grin from her said it all.
"Oh no, don't be silly~!" She waved off. "That would be ridiculous! Let's just say I'm an admirer from afar! But I know enough about you, tall, dark and handsome~."
"...what." Said Hayden as he processed what she just said. Doom Slayer, meanwhile, was rolling his eyes as he was mentally resigned to the torment that awaited him in the most unwanted but predictable fashion: a woman's thirst.
People - the ones that were as normal and human as they could be - worshiping him as a symbol of Hope and Living Retribution against Evil was one thing, it was another to deal with the more… suggestive ones. Doom Slayer just couldn't bear another Elena Richardson. Only this time, it had to be an evil witch who was aiming for an unsavory appetite.
Morathi gasped and said, "Oh! Where are my manners? I am Morathi. Hag-Sorceress of Ghrond. First of the Hag-Queens. Queen-Mother to the Witch-King, Malekith, and to All of the Druchii. Not to mention, the Fairest Beauty of the Worlde! Second to none, if I say so myself~!"
She emphasized the last title with a leery gaze followed by the biting of her lip. The hunger in her eyes was not lost on the Doom Slayer, getting too close for comfort as she tried to wiggle her way in.
"And you are the Doom Slayer."
"You know… me…?" Asked Hayden, Doom Slayer raising a brow in mimicking fashion.
"Word travels fast around here~." Morathi answered, "And you have built quite a reputation around here. And in only just a week~."
Morathi was doing not-so-subtle gestures like pressing her breasts together with both her arms to get his attention. "I am just so glad you would come all this way to Naggaroth. And seeing a prime specimen such as yourself up close… mmm~!"
Oh God, thought Doom Slayer. Was this really the time to do so?
To no one's surprise, the sorceress started clinging onto his right arm, where much of his skin was most exposed.
"Very impressive~." Said Morathi, wrapping her fingers around the exposed, bulging biceps; feeling the hard surface of his flesh. "Bet the same goes for what you're hiding down there~.
Doom Slayer groaned as the woman got very touchy and tried to get as much skin contact with him. Unintentionally - probably intentional -, his arm was sliding between her proud bosom as she pressed in further. There was a mischievous glint reflected in her eyes that made it clear that she was doing this purposefully to exude interests out of him.
Hayden connected to the inner sound system and spoke directly to Doom Slayer. "I am… going to be direct with you and tell you that this sort of thing she has is not my forte. So do whatever you want. However you want. I'll be sure to make an excuse."
With that clearance - not that he really needed any sort permission -, Doom Slayer pulled himself away from the sorceress, earning surprise and confusion from her.
"Wha-?"
"Ma'am." Hayden spoke up. "Given the dire circumstances, I am not remotely interested in your proposition. Nor do I have time wasted to ìndulge in your proclivities. Right now, my priorities are to meet with your king. So that Alith and I may discuss matters of importance."
Doom Slayer's body language said it all and worked in tandem with Hayden's voice, signaling his displeasure. The combined skills of both brought out one of the most amusing reactions out of Morathi. Already, she was blinking rapidly, signs of denial clear in her faltering smile.
"I-I don't understand." Morathi said with uncertainty. "S-Surely, this is some sort of jest. I'm offering you the chance of a lifetime."
"I don't even know you. Nor am I inclined to trust you. And as far as impressions go, I condemn what you and your people do to others. So no. I will not take up on your offer."
All traces of lust and pride disappeared from Morathi's face. Now replaced with all sorts of emotions in Morathi's head. Shock, outrage, anger, displeasure, grief, scorn and other terrible feelings. All in just one eye twitch.
Doom Slayer had to admit that was a not-so-bad insult. Alith probably seemed to enjo-
"Wait, why is Alith moving away? And why are the others doing the same?" He thought as he noticed the elves stepping back.
While Doom Slayer was wondering why the elves were getting so spooked, a rush of emotions blindsided Morathi like a slap to the face. Anger, shock, umbrage, melancholy, incense and other terrible feelings. Out of every unmistakable outcome, when all others would have happily agreed like idiot savants, Morathi had not expected the one thing that could wound her worse than any blade in this world.
Rejection.
A feeling so strong and terrible to cut her so deeply that she could not convey the amount of sorrow and anguish by that savage comment. Except for a lightning bolt bursting from her hand.
Doom Slayer was thrown back into the snow, crashing, but quickly rolling in motion. He stood up once and turned back to face the sorceress, whose eyes now burned with dark magic and scorn. All around, the winds immediately changed and created a vortex, trapping the survivors to face Morathi's wrath.
"So it is true?!" Cried Morathi. "You and that damned prince are here to take my son away from me?! To destroy all that we have plotted for so long?! How much did those pathetic eunuchs in Ulthuan pay you?! A thousand gold?! Millions?! Well, no amount of it will save you for what I am about to put you through!"
Doom Slayer pulled out the Super Shotgun and shot the Meathook, only for Morathi to grab hold of the tip, with dark lightning hitting her halberd and channeling through the chains, causing unbearable pain for the Slayer. Morathi's wrath knew no bounds and began to speak incantations, causing agony for everyone within earshot. Blood seeping and pouring from every orifice, followed by pained gurgles. The voice was too loud to the ear drums, bursting them from every elf's.
And then came the pop. Each head on every elf burst into a shower of blood and brain, for the blood-curdling screeches of Morathi's spellcasting were too much. And as if they were finally released upon death, whether to be sent to Ereth Khial's realm or the Dark Prince's Palace of Pleasures, their souls would be dragged and siphoned to create a powerful. Not even Hellebron and Alith were spared of the incantations, their souls wailing and weeping as they were reaped by the Sorceress Supreme herself. In under one spell, the Sorceress used it all to summon forth a star beyond the skies. The sky above twisted and warped to reveal a black hole, the void so dark that no light entered… save for one in the dead center of it. Morathi watched as the Marine scrambled to get back up, only for black tendrils she had conjured erupt from the ground and entangled his limbs. The sorceress gleefully relished the Doom Slayer's final moments, struggling with strangled screams as the light from the black pit in the sky grew larger and larger, for a red comet descended and crushed the very warrior beneath its power and weight.
The Sorceress cackled in her maddened indulgence as the skies of Naggaroth danced with lightning and Dhar. What a pity it was to chase a man, Morathi thought. But a waste to chase him this whole ti-
"Ma'am?"
Morathi blinked into existence as she was brought back to her dark fantasies. She was back to staring at the Doom Slayer, who looked expectantly but kept his weapon in hand. Behind them, the elves were sweating and worrying about the next event. Remembering where she was, Morathi could do nothing but hold her breath.
"Leave me to my thoughts." She stated, walking past the Doom Slayer, much to everyone's befuddled expressions. The sorceress disappeared into the thick and impenetrable winds, leaving only footprints soon covered by snow. Doom Slayer looked back to Alith Anar, sharing a glance followed by shrugged shoulders.
Then, a rod of lightning struck from a distance, with horrifying wails and curses that were incomprehensible to mortal ears, fortunate to not be in closing distance. Moments passed as a spectacular light show greeted them from where Morathi was presumably located. Shadows in against the light revealed the terrifying flailing and convulsing form of Morathi throwing what was essentially a temper tantrum.
Doom Slayer went back to Alith, sharing his exasperation, who was more than impressed by the former's fortitude. The same could be said of Hellebron, though, hers had a more gratified smirk to it.
"Shall we move?"
"Best we do." Alith replied to Hayden. "I can't stand being with the bitch any longer. Let's get moving."
"Too late." Hellebron added, much to their disappointment. "She's back."
And as she correctly deduced, the Hag-Sorceress had returned. This time, as Doom Slayer noted, there was neither the look of objectification towards him, nor the smug glances she gave to others she viewed as beneath. Simply an aura of cold professionalism as she approached the three. She cleared her throat and said, "Your activities and reputation have reached the ears of the Witch-King. And for that, he has sent me to retrieve you. But we all know that whatever charade all three of you are playing at will not work in your favor. And especially from me. For that, you're going to have to keep up with me. Unless you prefer to bask in the cold plains, soon to be your graves."
"Is there no other means of a shortcut?" Hayden logically questioned.
"Oh, there is." She answered, turning her back to Sulephet. "I just don't want to."
The three expressed their disapproval in various degrees. Alith and Doom Slayer, hardly different from one another, groaned with soured grimaces, while Hellebron looked ready to implode, grinding her teeth when salvation was so close in the damnable cold. As Morathi rode up on Sulephet's back, she returned another glance back at the Slayer. Her spurned interest clashing with his uncaring distrust, Morathi brushed her thoughts off and rode into the skies.
"Try and keep up! I would rather not disappoint my son if I have gone empty-handed!" She called out to the rest, prompting them to get back on their beasts of burdens. As Doom Slayer went for his, Hayden spoke into the intercoms and said, "Probably should have played along with her. But we both know that this is beneath us. And so is she."
For once, Doom Slayer agreed.
And there you have it, folks! An unstoppable thot meets immovable Chad! It's a lot shorter than I honestly desired, however, I think this is enough until I get into the next chapter. No point in adding more filler.
But that is enough, I'll say! I'm glad to have made my return! And man has there been a lot of good going on behind the scenes! For starters, on July 20th, I was informed by fellow writer Deathwing17 that I WAS HONORED WITH A TV TROPES PAGE! And damn, have I truly been blessed! This was one of the best achievements I have gotten in such a dark year! I have now joined the greats! Speaking of which, I want to thank Deathwing17 for also helping me with the ending. Hard to give Morathi an excuse to live when in the presence of Doom Slayer, which is getting close to suicidal.
And since I now have earned my rightful page, I suppose I can add a few bits about my thoughts regarding tropes that I will add in further detail in some and a few others that I politely disagree down below.
Adaptations Dumbass: While I do still stand by what I've said regarding Lizardmen getting so little fanfare when it came to their battle with the Skaven, the same also applies to non-Empire and non-Bretonnia human races. Specifically, the ones that the Dogs of War are made of.
I mean, really, you expect me to believe that the rat furries decided to go full North Korean on everyone down south? Pffft, come on Geedubs. You can do better than that.
Then again, when have you ever listened to any of us.
Anyways, with the additional lore update to Kislev and Cathay in Total War Warhammer 3, I do intend to give these unseen races a chance to survive the Skaventide in one fashion or another. Hopefully, with enough time for Creative Assembly to bring in the Dogs of War DLC. Right after the Dawi Zharr and Vampire Counts DLC.
Adaptational Name Change: Alright, this was a big regret that I wish had not been placed into when I started this fic. At the time, I was researching very little when I dabbled into Fantasy, especially when it came to geography and location names. The first one that I had focused on was the name of the Warhammer Fantasy world. I had no idea what it was called for save for being called "The Worlde" in Ye Olde English. Which sounded very unsatisfying to the ear. But being a dumbass, I decided to scour elsewhere. Namely, its then-maligned replacement: Age of Shitmar. There, I found the alternative name for it: Malleus. A cool name, admittedly.
However, had I been much less sloppy in my early days, I would have used "The Known World", "The Fated Place", or "The Mortal World" as the official name. Very much down to earth and fitting for a low/dark fantasy setting.
Hmm… *facepalm*
Anyways, you can bet your ass it won't become "The World That Was".
The Dreaded: You should mention Nagash as well, considering he's VERY much bad news for everyone else. Even the Chaos Gods.
Spared by the Adaptation: I'm not aware that Lokhir was slain by Wulfrik nor could I find anything that mentions his death, with only an anecdote saying that he was wounded, then carried off by his men and disappeared from the Elven Civil War storyline entirely at some point.
Now with all that out of the way, I would like to add my own trope!
Expies: Not much in the way but these two characters are something worth mentioning.
Gwenivar Sanguine - the Brettonian captivity under the Bloodsong's captivity, is actually based on the poor girl who got her face skinned off by Malus Darkblade in his introduction book. That piece of shit. But now, her roles are reversed! She lives but her husband dies in her place. Still, she'll get her happy ending, eventually.
Mad Yaarl Kell - the Chaos Warrior under Arbaal the Undefeated's banner is a play-on-words tribute to Majorkill and his modded model for Total War Warhammer, whose videos regarding on fixing the End Times is what inspired me to write the story in the first place. But with a dash of Doom Slayer kicking daemon asses right after beating the Ancient Gods Part 1. Part 2, of course, has left me with mixed-feelings to which I am going have to overhaul certain elements to make it less anti-climatic and more "sweet" than "bitter" when it came to ending.
My God, that ending… I just feel empty…
Anyways, that's all I have to say about the TV TROPES page! I do look forward to seeing more updates of it with chapters posted!
Moving on to other good things, if you have happened to have noticed something new about this page, I have just made an AWESOME cover art commission done on August 22nd by 3D-Vicens! And done for free, no less! Still don't know how but EEEEEEEEEEEEE!
I am glad about how it turned out! Most of it actually, but good enough! Now I can spread my shameless ship of Morathi and Doom Slayer to the whole wide world! AND NONE OF YOU CAN STOP ME! MUHAHAHAHA!
Besides that, I had another commission done by a local artist and high school friend going by mugbeararts on Instagram and MoaTwoPelts on twitter! This time, being a rendition of Archvile OC, Aeligor, who will be a central antagonist to the story in the future. For more info, be sure to check out my friend on his Twitter and Instagram accounts.
And with all that said and done, I would like to inform every that I've also updated on the Q&As for the past two chapters. I'll admit, it's quite a chore answering most of your undying questions but I do fill out as much.
I won't give out responses for the last update save for thanking everyone about my health. Especially from the Ice Goblin guy, much to my surprise. I'm over that, anyhow.
And even so, I'm still going to answer who did have some questions for me.
expert93: Thanks for the kind words. And I would love to read the read fic except the link leads to nowhere. Could you elaborate on the story's title for me? Thank you.
NANA NATSUSHI: Well, by the time I've posted this I am very much in good shape to give out my opinion. And here is what I have to say:
Had MS been something else that was NOT an over-glorified card strategy game, I would have been a little interested in it. Even then, I'm gonna have to pass on it due to already focusing on Young Justice. A shame since Marvel might have been a fitting crossover for Doom. But I will have to give that job to someone else who can.
Still, it was worth answering. Hope that fills you in.
Revliledpembroke: Well, I can't disagree on the grammar. Still have an issue on that. So your words have been. Although, I wish you had at least answered my PMs.
Other than that, no complaints.
And there you have it folks! My official return! It's great to be back and I do look forward to seeing everyone's reviews again. However, while I am fully recovered, I do not know for certain when the next chapter will come. Either I'm gonna return to the Young Justice or do another Warhammer Fantasy crossover with a certain hunter from the stars as a Halloween treat. Anyways, have a great day and a Happy Halloween! Stay tuned!