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Description

In an alternate timeline, in the world of DOTA 2, Invoker conducts a routine summoning of a new elemental. A fluke, a whim of fate, causes his summoning to cross the planar boundary to Azeroth and latch onto an unsuspecting Auraine and her spellcasting, dragging her through the ether and tossing her out on Invoker’s end. Neither of the two is particularly pleased, least of all Invoker. But Invoker feels responsible for the botched summoning, and so he allows Auraine to stay…on the condition that she behave herself. With nowhere to go and nothing to her name beyond the clothes on her back, Auraine stays.

The two barely tolerate each other initially. Auraine finds Invoker’s ego, lack of care for others, and his seemingly dour and jaded demeanor to be frustrating and worthy of her hotheaded anger. Invoker finds Auraine too sensitive, childish, and overly attached to the mortals underfoot that are scarcely worth his notice.

But Invoker realizes a surprising new source of entertainment when he discovers Auraine’s inquisitiveness. Whether it’s her unbridled excitement upon coming across a book on a new subject, or her cautious investigation of some strange sugary confection, Invoker finds himself living vicariously through her wonder…and perhaps somewhat jealous. In return, Auraine begins to grow attached to Carl.

Somehow, Auraine worms her way behind Invoker’s carefully crafted defenses and into his heart. Auraine is affectionate, and despite his better judgment, Invoker allows her in. But at what cost? He had promised himself, never again would he allow himself such vulnerability. But for all his might, all his knowledge and self-assuredness, and the losses experienced in his immortal life, he is unable to shake that part of himself that desires to be loved.

I have finished this piece as a commission for the wonderful astralfox0893 I have begun to work on a new style last month, finishing several pieces in a more painterly way that I felt helped me preserve brushwork and keep me away from overpolishing too much. I have also opted for some strong lighting conditions here, in an attempt to evoke a bit of light vs. dark split in both the artwork and the characters. The commissioner was kind enough to let me use the new style for this artwork, and hopefully it worked out well! I hope you like the final piece.
You can find more of Astral's stories at astralfox0893.tumblr.com .
Thank you for commissioning me!

Description

In an alternate timeline, in the world of DOTA 2, Invoker conducts a routine summoning of a new elemental. A fluke, a whim of fate, causes his summoning to cross the planar boundary to Azeroth and latch onto an unsuspecting Auraine and her spellcasting, dragging her through the ether and tossing her out on Invoker’s end. Neither of the two is particularly pleased, least of all Invoker. But Invoker feels responsible for the botched summoning, and so he allows Auraine to stay…on the condition that she behave herself. With nowhere to go and nothing to her name beyond the clothes on her back, Auraine stays.

The two barely tolerate each other initially. Auraine finds Invoker’s ego, lack of care for others, and his seemingly dour and jaded demeanor to be frustrating and worthy of her hotheaded anger. Invoker finds Auraine too sensitive, childish, and overly attached to the mortals underfoot that are scarcely worth his notice.

But Invoker realizes a surprising new source of entertainment when he discovers Auraine’s inquisitiveness. Whether it’s her unbridled excitement upon coming across a book on a new subject, or her cautious investigation of some strange sugary confection, Invoker finds himself living vicariously through her wonder…and perhaps somewhat jealous. In return, Auraine begins to grow attached to Carl.

Somehow, Auraine worms her way behind Invoker’s carefully crafted defenses and into his heart. Auraine is affectionate, and despite his better judgment, Invoker allows her in. But at what cost? He had promised himself, never again would he allow himself such vulnerability. But for all his might, all his knowledge and self-assuredness, and the losses experienced in his immortal life, he is unable to shake that part of himself that desires to be loved.

I have finished this piece as a commission for the wonderful astralfox0893 I have begun to work on a new style last month, finishing several pieces in a more painterly way that I felt helped me preserve brushwork and keep me away from overpolishing too much. I have also opted for some strong lighting conditions here, in an attempt to evoke a bit of light vs. dark split in both the artwork and the characters. The commissioner was kind enough to let me use the new style for this artwork, and hopefully it worked out well! I hope you like the final piece.
You can find more of Astral's stories at astralfox0893.tumblr.com .
Thank you for commissioning me!