The Death Knight, Part 1

It had always saddened me that I never remembered what my life once was. Day after day, traveling the world and fighting against the true threats of it with nothing more than a horse and a pet zombie fighting alongside me, I pondered my past life. In rare times I would get minor flashes of my home, some sign of who I was, but they made no sense. It was only worse knowing that the only connection remaining to that life, the last person who knew who I was, I had personally killed months before. Back when I obeyed his command. Back before I was freed from that damned Arthas.

Even now those days feel like a blur. The first memory I have was of those times; when I awoke in the necropolis known as Acherus, when I first became a death knight. It was there that I was prepared for a task; the destruction of the Scarlet Crusade.

In a few short days, I had laid waste to all of their armies in and around New Avalon, a feat that surprised even the Lich King. With this utter destruction of the Scarlet Crusade done, he chose to turn us to the next threat: the Argent Dawn. Little did I know what was to happen.

He sent out some of his greatest death knights, including the great Darion Mograine, who wielded the greatest threat to the Lich King for our side: The Ashbringer. He had corrupted it, of course, making it work for us instead of against.

As we assaulted Light's Hope Chapel, our numbers clearly superior, a strange thing happened; Darion could not fight. The sword itself fought against him and would not let him do anything. To make it worse, it seemed nearly impossible to fell their forces. For every one we killed, we lost hundreds of our own. How could it be possible?

All became clear, though, when the paladin Tirion Fordring appeared. We fought upon holy land. Arthas had send us to our deaths, against odds we could never win, and the Ashbringer fought against Darion for it was being cleansed. It was then that Arthas, who had not been there and had known about the land of Light's Hope Chapel, finally arrived. We were merely fodder, so he could draw out this single paladin and slay him. It then happened. Whether by the Lich King's will, by the land we fought upon, or by some other miracle, I cannot say. However, at that moment, the Lich King's pervading thoughts, his very will, left me. I was suddenly free, and from the looks of the other death knights around me, so were they; Hundreds of us had been freed from his control.

In an instant, Darion lunged at the beast, only to be knocked aside like some toy. Tirion and the warriors of Light's Hope Chapel followed, only for they too to be sent down. As Tirion rose up Arthas took hold of him in a spell, and I could tell he was grinning. However, if Darion and Tirion were both bested, what could I do?

Luckily, I didn't need to do anything. Darion arose and threw the Ashbringer, which he had realized now was being cleansed upon this land, to Tirion's hand. The sword's presence shattered the spell, and Tirion took up the blade, purified fully. His movements were swift, a blur to me, as he rushed and strike Arthas just once. He reeled back and fled immediately.

After that came the news of the Argent Dawn and the Order of the Silver Hand joining, and of Darion forming the death knights under a banner; the Knights of the Ebon Blade.

While Darion and Tirion made plans for the future, Darion sent me and the other death knights to Acherus, to rid it and create a sort of home for us. When I emerged from the battle, victorious (yet another easy win), Darion was there. He handed me a letter, saying it was from Tirion; I was to travel to Stormwind, one of the cities part of the Alliance, and to appeal to the king of Stormwind, Varian Wyrnn, to accept me in. I was to be an ambassador of sorts, along with another death knight by the name of Thassarian. I would go ahead to set things in motion.

A portal was granted to me to send me on my way. I was surprised when the guards didn't come rushing to fight us. Then again, I think there was some intimidation of a death knight calmly walking into the city. Many watched me and hurled insults at me, but none touched me even as I walked into the castle and up to the King. The guards roused to their arms, but stopped at Varian's command when I took my sword from my back and laid it in front of me.

Whatever had saved me from the Lich King's will returned, for Varian surely would've killed me himself. Instead, though, he asked why I was there. I presented him the letter from Tirion. I watched him read it twice before he looked off into the distance, speaking with himself. Whatever fear I might've had was gone, though, when I saw he had a calming smile on his face as he turned to me.

"Were it not for this letter from Tirion, you would be a stain upon my floor. Only an endorsement from one of the greatest paladins to ever live could have ensured your survival. We... We will work together against the Scourge. Against the Lich King! GLORY TO THE ALLIANCE!" These were the words he spoke to me as he placed a hand upon my shoulder. He then set the guards out, informing them to let all know of the Ebon Blade and to welcome me as a member of the Alliance.

I was about to leave when Varian called me to him again. He said he wanted me to go meet more members of the Alliance, to find those I could call as friends and find a place for myself. It was something I'd not thought of; a place in the Alliance? I had only thought to aid in Arthas' defeat, then to let myself fade into the pages of history. Varian, though, seemed to take to Tirion's letter strongly.

I had to wait in the city a few days as he sent messengers to the other leaders of the Alliance; King Magni Bronzebeard of the dwarves of Ironforge, High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind of the night elves of Darnassus, the Prophet Velen for the draenei, who had joined the Alliance only a few years before when they begun an excursion to Draenor to fight the Burning Legion, and the High Tinker Mekkatorque of the gnomes of Gnomeregan; even though they lived in Ironforge due to the destruction of their own home.

When next I saw the king, there was a small group waiting nearby. They all watched me carefully, some with looks of disgust, others curiosity. The King informed me I was to travel with this group, to fight alongside them as we fought the Scourge. It was obvious some of them were not happy about it, but they were not going to argue.

That night, as I stood out in the city streets, looking up at the clear skies, I wondered if this was a good idea. Should I really be fighting with them?

"Beautiful view, isn't it?" a squeaky voice came from behind. I wheeled around to see an armoured gnome standing there, looking up, "Can't really see this in Gnomeregan or Ironforge, something that saddens me. I guess that's why I'm not like most other gnomes."

A moment passed before I realized the gnome was from the group from earlier. He was a warrior, it seemed, one that could take a beating too from the shield I saw him wear before. Now, though, he was in regular clothes, much like myself, our armor and weapons left where we sleep.

"Name's Akeboshi," the gnome looked to be, extending a hand to me. He had a smile on his face, "And you are?"

"I... err... Milleuda," I took the gnome's little hand and gave it a shake, though I feared he might be revolted by the feel of my skin. He seemed to ignore it, though.

"Quite a name. Don't think I've ever met a night elf with such a name," the gnome had a great smile, one that seemed rather inviting. I decided to tell him.

"Not my true name, of course... I don't remember it, sadly. This is the name that... that the Lich King gave me."

"Well, you can wear it with pride then," Akeboshi nodded happily, "For it's with that name that you escaped him."

For the first time since I had awakened in Acherus, I felt myself wanting to smile yet I couldn't. It wasn't from a sickening glee of watching people die at my feet, but from something more... pure. The gnome waved his hand, motioning me to follow as he headed on towards the trade district. With nervous footsteps, I followed him.

But he didn't go where I expected. Instead, he followed along the canals, crossing bridges as we went. We travelled from the old town, where Varian had given me a temporary residence, to the docks on the far side. Once there, I watched as Akeboshi walked to a nearby high ledge and plopped himself down on it.

"This is the best view you can get in Stormwind," he smiled happily to himself as he looked out over the sea, and when my eyes looked I could see what he spoke of. The water and the sky seemed to continue on forever, a breathtaking view as the stars sparkled down to gleam upon the ocean's surface.

I followed suit and sat down beside the gnome, to his right so I didn't ruin his own view, as we stared out to the sea. A moment passed before he spoke again, "The only person who ever seems to enjoy this view with me is Furis."

"Furis?"

"Oh, I'm sorry," the gnome looked at me with an apologetic smile, "Furis is the shaman of our group. She was the female draenei."

My mind jumped back immediately, the group forming in my head. In the back of the group, standing alongside another night elf, was in fact a draenei. She had been wearing a great set of mail armour, blue in its colour. Pure energy seemed to flow from her shoulderpads, making me a bit envious as to how... bright she appeared. The armour I carried was dark and brooding, something I didn't quite like.

"She keeps us informed of what the elements think we should do. It was because of her that we decided to take you into our group."

I looked at the grizzled gnome with a bit of confusion. He didn't have to look, though, to see it. He was quite perceptive for a warrior, "Originally, we were going to turn down Varian's request. However, when the elements told Furis that we should bring you into our fold, all save for two of us voted to allow you in."

"The two that didn't were the human mage, Windstrom, and the night elf druid, Alasse," the gnome's look went a bit grim as he looked at me, "You may have an uphill battle with them. Both of them lost friends and family to the Scourge... to death knights."

"Windstrom, the blonde haired human, hailed from Lordaeron years ago. When he began his studies in magic, he was sent to Dalaran. About two months before Arthas attacked Dalaran, he had then been sent here to Stormwind, completely avoiding the devastation. He returned to Lordaeron to find everyone he had known was dead... he personally saw to freeing them all from the Scourge."

The gnome gave a sigh, looking away. He didn't like recalling the pasts of these two, it seemed. However, knowing their stories may help me out. I cannot say.

"Alasse fought alongside Tyrande at Mount Hyjal, along with two friends of hers; the closest people to her. As Archimonde made his ascent, the three of them unleashed a great fury upon the encroaching armies of the dead that brought an end to many undead and demons alike. However, the spell was ended when Kaz'rogal stormed in and threw a volley of shadow bolts at them. She was lucky to dodge, but her friends were not. They were struck down from the single blast, and all she could do was watch in horror."

I watched as the gnome shuddered a bit, "She would've died, too, if not for Thrall and Tyrande. The Horde came up from behind Kaz'rogal, their warchief throwing his most powerful spells, as Tyrande came from the front, her bow firing her arrows. She struck three into the doom guard's head, and all three seemed to become conductors for Thrall's attack. Suffice to say, Kaz'rogal fell after that."

"I had met Alasse a few days before; I had gone overseas with Lady Jaina, as I was in Lordaeron when she prepared to leave. I was asked to take her off the field to help her... cope... She's never quite been the same since."

"The situation only got worse when a third friend was killed when the Scourge first invaded two years ago. While we know what happened to the first two, they were never able to find the body for the third."

"But anyway!" the gnome climbed back onto his feet, shaking away the bad feelings with a smile, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Milleuda. I'm sure we'll do well together on Draenor."

"Draenor?"

"Yes. We're not quite ready to go to Northrend yet. Varian wants the main armies to establish bases throughout Northrend before groups like us go ahead. It'll be a month or so before we can sail out. So while we wait, the group decided we should extend further help to Outland, particularly when dealing with Skettis and the remains of Kael'thas' armies in Netherstorm."

He gave a low bow before scurrying off, no doubt to rest. I would've smiled if I had been alive, watching his short legs scamper, but that was something I still could not do.

I remained in that spot, watching over the ocean, until the sun began to rise. I couldn't see it myself, of course, but I could tell by the dimming stars. At that moment, I was compelled to get higher, to find a point where I could look upon the coming sun. My eyes darting around, finding a stack of large crates, medical supplies I surmised, beside a nearby building. I rushed over and scaled up the boxes, then when standing upon the highest I leapt up to grab the low roof. Scrambling up on top, I ran across from roof top to roof top, scaling higher and higher, until finally I stood high up top the church in Cathedral Square. My eyes gazed out in time as the sun's light broke over the mountains in the horizon and, for a moment, blinded me. It felt warm to my cold skin, and it seemed as though life itself was entering my body once again.

As I watched the sun rise higher and higher, I felt a new determination well up inside of me; I realized the words Darion had spoken days before, back at Light's Hope Chapel, and the truth of them.

" 'While our kind has no place in your world, we will fight to bring an end to the Lich King.' " I spoke the words to myself, my mind pondering them carefully. Did we really not have a place in a world we once belonged to? We were really just going to fade away once Arthas had been defeated? Something told me the answer was not what Darion thought.

"No... I won't disappear. I'll make myself a new place in this world."

With an affirming nod, I jumped down from where I stood, making my way to the ground before heading back to the Old Town. I would find some way to make a place for myself.

When finally I returned, Akeboshi was waiting outside my room, knocking on the door furiously.

"Milleuda? You OK in there? You need to wake up and get ready, we're heading out soon!" the gnome looked a bit frantic and worried, wondering if he should probably bust down the door no doubt.

"Of course I'm ok," the gnome jumped with a startled look, a hand clutching his chest as he looked at me. From frantic to severely scared in less than a second. I wasn't even able to do that when I fought for the Lich King!

He took a moment to compose himself, fixing his rather shaggy hair as he did. A moment passed by and finally he spoke, "Have you been up all night? You didn't get any sleep at all?"

I laughed to myself on the inside; clearly he had no understanding of death knights. Pushing the door open I walked into my temporary home as I began to gather my armour, "When you're half-dead, you don't really need much sleep."

Immediately I knew he was watching me curiously. He wanted to ask what I meant by half-dead. I'd tell him soon enough, but for now I needed to get my equipment on. I looked over my shoulder at the gnome, giving him a look I would hope he would understand. Lucky for me, he did.

"Oh, apologies! I'll leave you alone to change. Oh, and don't worry yet about your heavy arm; shoulderpads, bracers, gloves, helm. We're all going to get together and eat breakfast first," and with that he grabbed the door and closed it behind him. I shook my head a bit as I started to put on the rest of my equipment.

Outside, Akeboshi and the rest of the group had been waiting. Of course, I took a bit longer since I wasn't too sure how to carry my gloves, shoulderpads, and helmet all together. It had taken me a moment to figure out what to do, so I had expected some annoyed looks. The only ones I saw came from the two the gnome had told me of; the human mage and the night elf druid. As I looked at them, though, I began to feel like I recognized them. I wasn't sure how, though.

"So, ready to go Milly?" I looked down beside Akeboshi to another gnome, female this time, instantly feeling a sensation that was familiar and yet not. When looking at her attire, though, I managed to figure it out; she was a warlock. Had I looked more deeply, I would've also recognized her to be a skilled one, given the fire deep within her eyes. The nickname she gave me didn't quite sink in at first, though as I nodded my head I took notice to it. I guessed Akeboshi gave them that name.

We headed over to the nearby Pig and Whistle Tavern. Later in the day, and especially in the evening, it would be filled with drunks and people trying to drown their sorrows. However, it seemed in the morning they shaped the place up. Seems they were also aware of our group's coming, as they had everything set up for us. There were some uneasy looks when I entered, but Akeboshi was quick to take the bar owners aside and talk to them. After that, save for the animosity left by Windstrom and Alasse, everything went well. Though I didn't really need to eat, I decided to do so, just for the sake of making myself look more... mortal. I will admit, it was rather nice to eat too. I hadn't lost my sense of taste, and my stomach, despite not needing anything, was pleased at the end of the meal. What was more important, though, was what occurred during.

"So Milleuda..." Akeboshi, who was next to me as if to comfort me, began speaking, an attempt to include me in their conversations, "Mind if I ask what you meant earlier by 'half-dead?' "

My eyes didn't need to look to know that he had caught their attention too; all of their little conversations had seemed to instantly die. Not that it mattered. Perhaps explaining it would help out.

"Well... death knights are different from the regular Scourge. While the rest of the Scourge are all fully undeads, the death knights are on a different and unique level... save for the ones that are brought up from the Forsaken, we are technically only half dead. We retain a part of our living essence, to further power us, to create the hunger that causes our suffering. It is that hunger that would drive us to follow the Lich King's will, to fend it off, but it would never last, much like your own stomach."

"So... you are half dead and half alive? That sounds complicated!" the warlock spoke up again, her high pitch voice seeming to bring the others close to laughing.

"No more complicated than summoning a demon pet, conjuring a portal to another place, or firing magical bolts of energy from your hands... uhh..."

"Yunai. You can call me Yunai."

"Yunai it is. Anyway, if you are skilled in necromancy, it is a simple feat. However, there is a backside to it."

The others watch me intently, and I could tell even Windstrom and Alasse were curious. Perhaps they hoped what I was to say would present a way to strike back at the Scourge. I let out a sigh, knowing it wouldn't help them at all, "We retain some knowledge of a personality, of who we were. We can even have memories triggered. It was because of this that the Knights of the Ebon Blade were even freed, I think."

While the mage and druid slumped back, the others were all still curious. I used the time to familiarize myself with each of them; along with the five I now knew, there were four others: a female draenei, a paladin, by the name of Cyral, a male dwarf hunter who went by the name of Belen, a female dwarf priest named Cassana who, as far as I could tell, was actually Belen' betrothed, and finally a human rogue, female, whose name I never quite caught. I think it was Kess.

They also got to know me, though that isn't saying much considering I don't even know me, but it seemed to help. By the end of it, only the usual two had a distaste for me; an improvement in my book.

When all was done and we left the tavern, we made our way across the city to the Mage Quarter's, entering its central tower; we were going to use a portal to get to Shattrath City in Draenor, but the mage still required a central focus to cast properly.

Once inside the tower, in a separated room where the mages conducted their studies, Windstrom began to channel a spell. While for me it would've been an impossible task, for him it was easy in this place. When he threw a hand forward, a great portal opened before us, beyond it laid Shattrath. One by one we all filed in. Akeboshi was the last to go before me, but as I made my way the mage stopped me.

"Listen closely, death knight. I don't give a damn if you had some letter of recommendation from Tirion himself. I wouldn't care if it was from Uther! To me you are still Scourge. I intend to keep an eye on you, and I'm sure Alasse will to. If you give either of us any reason to believe you are not what you claim to be, I will make sure nothing is left of you but a pile of ashes on the ground. We clear?"

I couldn't help but smirk a bit at his audacity. He wouldn't say anything in front of the others, and I know he wouldn't do it in the middle of nowhere. Only here, surrounded by his colleagues, would he make such a threat.

"Crystal," and I moved past him, intentionally bumping into him as I stepped through the portal. I could hear him growl a bit as he followed after me. Working through him and Alasse would be difficult, but I figured I could have some fun with them for now. It'd probably be the only fun I got for a while.

On the other side of the portal, we gathered once again. I noticed immediately that several sets of eyes were upon us; members of the Aldor and the Scryers, now unified as the Shattered Sun Offensive, along with an aging human mage and... a great entity of pure Light. All were watching, and I would've been fine if not for that... thing.

As my mind seemed to focus on what was watching us, or rather me, Akeboshi was busy going over a parchment he held in his small hands; a list, it seemed.

"Ok, so along with dealing with Skettis and the blood elf armies in Netherstorm, there's also a request from Ogri'la to handle their rising demon infestation and put an end to it. I also have a notice of problems the Kurenai and the Mag'har are having in Nagrand that we should look into."

"Pft, the Mag'har, huh? Why not just leave the orcs to rot?" Windstrom scoffed at the gnome, and with it managed to bring my attention back into the fold.

"Windstrom, I've made this clear before. I will do so again. While our families and friends are part of the Alliance, WE will hold no such distinction. We will remain neutral as best as we can. Unlike you, I got to meet Thrall, their Warchief. He is an honoured bound person who would make a fitting leader within the Alliance if not for the fact he was an orc. Even if the rest of the Alliance doesn't want to, I intend to try and hold to the pact he and Jaina made."

"Yes yes, we've heard this enough times. Can we just go?"

The gnome let out a sigh, turning his attention back to the list, "The most direct problems are Skettis and the demon infestation in Ogri'la, so we should send our largest parties to these two. One or two people should be able to manage for now in Nagrand, and we don't need to worry yet on Kael'thas' remaining armies unless they move. So let's split into three groups..."

"The first group will go to Skettis. Myself, Furis, and Windstrom will deal with that. The second group will head to Nagrand. Belen and Cassana, I'll leave that to you two. The third group, heading to Ogri'la, will be Kess, Cyral, Alasse, Milleuda, and Yunai."

"Like hell I'm travelling with that thing!" the druid was quick to her words. It was quite surprising to me, considering what they stood for. Akeboshi looked up from the parchment and into her eyes, and for several moments the staring contest continued. It was ended, however, when another joined in.

"I'm sorry to intrude, Akeboshi, but if I may ask..." the human mage, the one who was standing near the being of Light, had now approached our group. As he spoke, I could feel his eyes watching me, "I know everyone in your group, but this person is new. I am a bit curious."

The warrior turned to the mage, smiling at him widely, "It's quite alright, Khadgar. I wouldn't mind telling you, but..."

The mage, Khadgar, seemed to understand immediately. He turned and quickly spoke to some of the more important looking draenei in the room, and immediately they began to usher everyone out. In the end, only our group, Khadgar, and the entity of Light remained as great doors closed around us to seal us within.

"Come. I'm sure A'dal would like to hear as well."

I watched as the two walked over to the being of Light – it must've been what the mage called A'dal – and began talking. Several times the mage would look back at me, a bit stunned. From what I could tell of their body language, the man had known about the Lich King and his death knights. No doubt he knew what I was then. A moment passed before the human looked at me, this time calling me by name, "Milleuda! Would you please come here for a moment?"

My steps were slowed, my mind hesitant. I could tell that if I got too close to that "A'dal" that it would cause me problems. However, this idea was swept away when a strange voice entered my mind. It told me not to worry, that while it was indeed a being that knew the Light well, it would ensure no harm came to me. It was a calming voice, and almost immediately the concern I had was washed away as I moved up. Before I knew it, I stood only a few feet from it, my mind more interested in looking at it than at Khadgar who now looked upon me.

"Indeed, it does seem to be true... half-living, half-dead. I had thought I'd never see one like you. And the fact that you are freed from your jailor of sorts is nothing short of a miracle."

'One of the Light, no doubt.' The voice was speaking again, though now it seemed Khadgar could hear it as well. He nodded in agreement.

"My apologies, Milleuda. I had wanted a closer look to confirm what Akeboshi had told me. Yours is an anomaly, one that I had wanted to see for myself since I had heard of it. I wonder if there is a cure for it..."

"Now now, Khadgar, let's not get into something like that yet. I'd hate to get my friends hopes up. It might be wise to go to Dalaran yourself, however, and see if they can shed more light. They have a lot more experience with the Scourge than you or I do," the gnome was quick to interject, though I had not registered what the mage had said. I was still in awe at the being before me.

"But we must be going. Much to do while we await the chance to head to Northrend."

Khadgar gave a nod, and almost immediately the doors opened up and the light of day flowed back in. As Akeboshi and myself began to walk back, the gnome would stop to look back to A'dal. He gave his head a nod and we continued back to our group as the draenei and elves of the Shattered Sun entered once again.

"Ok, new plan," Akeboshi started as we merged with the group, "Groups one and two will remain the same. Group three, however, will be minus Milleuda."

Everyone was looking at the gnome, including myself, wondering what he had planned. He looked at me with a smile, "Milleuda, I want you to go to Netherstorm and lay waste to the blood elves there. You'll meet up with some members of the Shattered Sun in a town called Area 52, and they will direct you where to attack."

"Send her off on her own? Are you sure about that, Akeboshi?" the shaman, Furis, was the one to ask. However, I could tell it was out of concern for my own well being rather than anything else.

"I'm going by A'dal's recommendation. He believes Milleuda will be able to manage Netherstorm on her own and be done before any of us are."

"It's going to take us nearly a month for our individual tasks, and Netherstorm holds the largest numbers. It does seem a bit questionable."

The gnome only smiled. "I trust in A'dal's judgement. Just in case, we can have means of easily reaching her," he gave a look to Yunai, who immediately reached into her bag to procure a pair of small, identical devices. She held one to the warrior and the other to meet, of which we both took them.

"If you have any trouble at all, Milleuda, press the button on that. It will notify myself, and we'll be able to use the signal for Windstrom to focus on you and make a portal to you."

I looked at the small device, a bit curious as to what it even was. It looked like gnomish technology, something I wasn't sure if I wanted to trust. Then again, I had little choice.

"Ok, fine, can we go now?" Alasse was harsh on her words, and immediately she, followed by Windstrom, began to head out of the building. Akeboshi gave a sigh and waved for us to move as well. Everyone else began to move, and I was about to when I could hear Alasse speak under her breath to her mage companion.

"Damn Scourge... why the hell should we even deal with this? First they took Nessa and Aranel at Mount Hyjal, then Ireth... now Yazmina is missing too while in the Plaguelands..."

I immediately froze. Yazmina was a name I would remember for all time; it was the name of a night elf I met, back before I was freed, who claimed they knew me. They told me of my past, of who I was, and tried to convince me to break free. It was her words that begun the cracking of the chain. I also remembered the name she called me. It took the group a moment to notice I wasn't moving, to which Akeboshi was the first to react. He looked at me and was about to ask what was wrong when he saw the look in my face.

"Furis, Yunai... take everyone to the World's End Tavern. I'll meet you there," I didn't really pay attention to what he said, but his orders were followed quickly. Before I knew it, the gnome had managed to lead me into a pocket of the area, where I sat down on the floor in time to place my hands upon my face to try to stop the sudden rush of tears. The gnome remained there, keeping a hand on my shoulder and giving glances to those of the Shattered Sun who looked oddly at us.

A few moments had passed before I had finally been able to pull my face free, my hands wiping at the tears; I would later on be surprised I had cried at all. I slowly looked at the gnome, and I could see from his eyes the question he wanted to ask.

"The names Alasse uttered... I recognize two of them."

"From your memories?"

I shook my head. My memories had not returned in full, "No... from someone who said they knew me..."

With another swipe at the tears on my face, I began to tell my warrior companion about the church in New Avalon, and how in a nearby prison there had been several members of the Argent Dawn. One of them was a night elf by the name of Yazmina. I was about to kill her, but my hand was stayed when she told me she knew me.

"She... she called me Ireth... she said I was like a little sister to her..."

No reply came from the gnome as he watched me for a moment, pondering my words carefully. When he finally did speak, it was not exactly what I wanted to hear, "Yazmina is a name I am familiar with... I had never met the one they called Ireth, sadly. I only knew of her name... when Kel'Thuzad invaded Azeroth about a year ago and a half ago, she was slain fighting the invasion. Shortly after, Yazmina joined the Argent Dawn to get revenge for their fallen friends. Alasse would've joined too if Yazmina hadn't told her to stick with us... We normally hear from Yazmina every few days... it's been weeks since our last contact, though..."

I nearly burst into tears again at that... I couldn't believe it, but... everything I had to go by pointed to it... I used to be known as Ireth... and Yazmina and Alasse had been friends of mine... to now be hated by someone who had cared so much...

"We won't discuss of this for now, Milleuda," Akeboshi patted me a bit, "Until we know for sure. If you were indeed Ireth, I would expect Alasse to recognize you. This doesn't seem to be the case. Don't let it weigh against you yet."

"For now, drive the names Ireth and Yazmina from your mind. It is something we can deal with in time, but not now," I gave a small nod, though it was nothing something I agreed with fully. I slowly got back up onto my feet, the gnome looking up at me with a smile once again.

"Let's get going. I'll take you to the gryphon rider so he can send you off to Netherstorm."

I nodded again and the two of us made our way out. I tried to let the memories of that day slip away, but it was not something easily done. Luckily, as I climbed onto the back of the gryphon, I realized I'd have an outlet for my frustration soon enough. The blood elves of Netherstorm waited.