Thanik and Zy

Can time really heal all wounds?

I don't know the answer to that, but I do know that some wounds run deep, and require a lot more time before they heal; and even then, would they heal completely?

In the weeks since the Lich King had turned on us, casting us away like lambs to the slaughter and forcing us to fight for our very existence, I had seen many things.  I needed to clear my head, I had known that from the start.  When I first saw Mariveaux, what a chance encounter that was, I had told her so.  She had wanted to give back the engagement ring that I had given her so long ago, but I asked that she keep it.  It was a gift, a token of my love, and I wanted it to remain with her.  There was much I needed to do to prepare myself for the times ahead.  I knew that I wanted to see her again after that night in Thrall's chamber; where I swore my life and my blade in allegiance with the Horde.

But perhaps that is not meant to be?

I didn't know.  I still don't.  I spent many days wandering the lands of Azeroth.  From the high forests of the Hinterlands, to the depths of Un'goro Crater and the sands of Silithus.  Seeking to hone my skills before I embarked on my next adventure.

These were places I had never seen before.  I was awed by the sight of the swamps and tall trees that composed Un'goro.  Never would I have thought that such an eerily beautiful place would exist just outside the deserts of Tanaris.

But everywhere I went, I was still alone.  Alone with my thoughts; mulling over things I had done, and things I had left undone.  Even the creatures that inhabited these lands gave me a wide berth, as if I were some walking plague.  Something that they didn't want near for fear that they too would be infected.

I wonder, to myself, what things would be like now had I not made the mistakes I have made.

But you are not alone, are you?

The one thing that my time in service of the Lich King had done was to suppress that voice in my head.  Now that I was free once more, it had returned; only this time there was something different about it.  Something I couldn't quite place.

Shortly after I had encountered Mariveaux, I had returned to Ebon Hold.  The once fierce stronghold of the Lich King's grasp outside of Northrend itself was now the closest thing I had to a home.  Its cold stone walls were no more comfort than a tomb, but it was the only place I could be where I was not looked down on as if I was something to be hated and feared.

From there, I had journeyed out.  The Dwarven lands of Dun Morogh were my first stop.  When I had seen all there was to see there, I ventured to the Wetlands, the Highlands of Arathi, the mountains of Alterac.  Searching for something that could bring me peace.

Eventually my journey lead me to Stranglethorn Vale.  Once a familiar land now seemed strangely distant.  The rain had started to fall, and I knew of one place I could go to dry off.  It was late, and I figured that the Salty Sailor would be nearly deserted at this point. 

I was right.  When I got there, the only patrons I found inside were a Blood Elf having an excited yet obviously slurred conversation with a large Orc in the corner.  This Orc was not like a normal Orc, however.  He was different.  He was like me.

He was a Death Knight.

"Get you a drink?"

I nearly jumped as the Troll spoke.  He had slid behind the bar behind me without my noticing.  I turned to him and accepted his offer, while making sure that my face stayed hidden inside my hood.  I knew this Troll, from before; but I couldn't place his name.  I could tell from the expression on his face that he remembered me as well, though he couldn't think of where he knew me from.  Perhaps a long forgotten scent, only now resurfacing as I stand here.

I returned my focus to the conversation at the table.  The Blood Elf and the Orc.  Talking about the War, the need for fighting, and what the Death Knight planned to do when it was all over.  The Death Knight, in turn, was saying that he would fight for as long as it was necessary.

"And what happens when the Horde no longer finds your services necessary?  What happens when they don't need us anymore?"  I said, forcing myself into the conversation.

"Then I will wait until they do.  Fighters will always be needed in this land." Came the reply from the Orc.

The Blood Elf suddenly took a new interest in me.  "Say, stranger," He said.  "I don't think I've seen you around here before.  What's you name?"

I froze momentarily.  My name.  This was Mariveaux's place of business.  Would I be known here?  Would I be welcome here?

"Dawnstrider."  I replied.  Giving only my last name might be safer until I knew who I was dealing with, and if there might be a threat here.

The Blood Elf got up from his seat and came over near the bar.  "The name's Pheonixe, but most people call me Pheo."  He said.

He looked me over for a moment, then got an excited look in his eye.  "I know someone with that name."  He said.  "You related to a Zy Dawnstrider?"

Zy...

Of all the people, in all the lands of Azeroth and beyond; I had found someone who knew my sister.

The conversation quickly steered to the fact that, to this point, I had made no attempt to contact her since my return.  I wasn't ready for it, and I knew that.  She knew I was safe, and she knew I had returned.  I knew my sister well enough to know that someone had told her about me; and that someone was probably working for her at the time.  Nevertheless, Pheo was relentless.  Insisting that I needed to go meet with her, talk to her.  Finally, I gave in.  I knew I was still not ready for this meeting, but I also knew that Pheo wasn't going to give in; even if he had to arrange the meeting himself.

When it was time for me to depart, I bid Pheo and the Death Knight a good evening.  Before leaving, I asked them to let Mari and Zy know that I had been there, and that I was doing alright.  I made mention of visiting the Kal'dorei lands, and Pheo said he would tell Zy.  I hoped that would be enough of a clue to her of my destination, but I wasn't sure.

Zy silently swore under her breath as the brush she was moving through caught on her robe, popping stitches as she moved. She always prided herself on the way her clothing looked, and she would have to remember to fix that, but now was not the time. She had a task at hand, and she was not about to let anything get in her way.

This task had formulated itself several months earlier. Her brother, already a shell of his former self but none the less “alive” and well, had visited her in Orgrimmar. She remembered the look on his face clearly and knew he was burdened by something. 

At first, he said nothing, only studying the look on her face. She, in turn, studied his features. The once prominent Elven features of his face now fading behind the decay that had taken hold. Silently, he slipped a ring off of his finger and placed it in her hand, closing her palm around it with his hands.

“I need you to keep this, keep it safe.” He said, his voice wavering slightly, but still commanding and proud.

Zy nodded slowly. “Where are you going?”

“Away. I need time to train, time to gather my thoughts.” He replied, closing his eyes and looking away for a moment.

“When will you be back?”

“I don’t know, dear sister. I may be some time, there is something I must do.” With that, he turned to leave.

“Have you told Mari where you’re going? Have you told her when you’ll return?”  She asked.

Thanik had paused, but did not turn back to face her. His shoulders slumped slightly and his head drooped. “I wrote her a letter, I just hope she gets it before she gets too worried about me. My hope is to return to her as the man she deserves, not the shell that I am now.”

“Where will you go? Who are you in such a hurry to meet?” She had asked frantically.

“Devlin. He knows something, and I intend to find out what it is.” Came his chilling reply.

And with that, he had walked off.

That was months ago.

During that time, Zy had strengthened her skills as a mage. She was particularly adept with the Fire school, using her abilities to burn down her enemies at will. When she had advanced through what her teachers had available to teach her, she was awarded the title of Magistrix, though it was a title she didn’t feel she deserved, and rarely addresses herself as such.

During the time of her training, and running various missions for the people she encountered, she never forgot the conversation with her brother. It took her some time before she finally worked up the courage to visit the Salty Sailor herself late one night, hoping to be able to catch Mariveaux before she closed down.

It was there, on the top floor of the Tavern, that she sat when Mari had caught sight of her. She seemed taken aback by the sight of Zy sitting alone in the corner, far away from anyone else. Soon after Mari had joined her at the table, Zy began to recount her last meeting with Thanik. It was there that she made a promise to her old friend.

“I will find him, Mari. Even if it takes the rest of my days.”

She had started her journey early the next day. She knew where her journey would take her first.

Devlin. Devlin Agamand. Once a proud man, Devlin now watches over Tirisfal Glades. A Lich puppet of his new master, Kel’Thuzad.

As she crept up to the farm that Devlin now presided over, Zy’s determination became more fierce. The Scourge were everywhere, and yet she strode confidently through them, looking for the man who commanded them. She knew her brother had been here, but she was equally certain that this was just the start of his journey, not the destination.

When she confronted Devlin, her questions were met only with laughter. A sinister, evil laugh.

“I know of whom you speak.” He rasped. “I told him what he needed to know, and sent him on his way.”

“And what way would that be?” Zy asked, her eyes burning with determination and hatred towards this Scourge.

“To Silverpine, of course, Master Arugal had more for him to hear; but you see, my lovely little mage, your journey won’t get that far. Your journey ends here!” With his last comment, Devlin summoned forth a horde of his minions, surrounding Zy while he retreated further into the farm, cackling madly as he went.

Zy took a deep breath and let her training speak for her. Soon the ground underneath her was alight in flame, piles of bodies surrounding her. She strode confidently back to the road where she had tied her horse. Mounting up, she turned him around and spurred him onward. Toward the Undercity. Toward the forest of Silverpine, and hopefully, toward answers.

As she rode, Zy knew deep down that Thanik wouldn’t be in Silverpine. She wondered if she would ever find him. She decided to continue on to Taren Mill. She had worked there early in her training, and had kept a few contacts. As she rode through the forest, and as the forest gave way to the foothills, she kept wondering what had made Thanik come here. Why had he made this decision?

She reached Taren Mill well after dark. She knew that the town was in a rundown state, but she didn’t care. She wanted nothing more than to sleep next to a warm fire. She knocked on the door to the inn, paid the innkeeper a few coins, and promptly collapsed in a chair by the fire fast asleep.

The morning came far too soon for Zy’s liking, but she knew she had to get up. She cursed herself for sleeping in the chair, as her muscles were stiff and sore this morning, but she didn’t care. She had work to do. A few discrete inquiries around town turned up the fact that while no one had seen Thanik specifically, many of the residents of the town had seen an increase in strange Scourge activity. Most of them reported the same thing, bands of adventurers being led North through the foothills surrounded by Scourge escorts.

This news was especially troubling. They had gone willingly. They had sought out the Scourge. Why had they done that?

Zy mounted up on her horse and followed the road to the North. She skirted through the Alterac Mountains before coming to the Southern tip of the Western Plaguelands. A shiver coursed through her spine as she thought about what had happened here during the Third War, but she drove the thoughts from her mind. She had a purpose and she would not be taken off track. She carefully navigated her way around the Alliance camp that had been set up here, making her way North through the ruins of the once mighty city of Andorhal, then she turned east.

She decided from this point it might be best to travel off the beaten path and on foot. She dismounted, whispered to her horse to wait for her at the Bulwark, and continued to the east. She made sure that she could see the road at all times, but that she was far enough from it that she could easily duck for cover if she needed to.

Walking along the road she spotted several Scourge escorting a human.  Zy was careful to not make a sound as she followed them, watching every move.  They did not speak, but moved in unison ever onward.  Not stopping to rest, and the Scourge that inhabited the lands seemed to part ways in front of them, not paying the human in their midst any attention.

Zy was suddenly aware of where they were heading.  They were moving towards the ruins of Stratholme.  She knew that Kel'Thuzad made his home floating near there in his Citadel, Naxxramas.  Quickly, but silently, she broke from the group she was following and made her way through the land towards what was left of Stratholme.  When she got there, she knew she had been right about their destination.

Zy crept through the brush silently, her eyes fixed on the scene that played out below her.  Hundreds of people of all races were here, and surrounding them were the Scourge escorts.  The Scourge were leading them, one by one, into the entrance to Naxxramas.  Most emerged similar to how they went in, some were changed drastically.  There very appearance altered by some Fel Magic that Zy was not familiar with, but all had one feature that was the same...the eyes.  Glowing an icy blue.

Zy gasped silently as she watched them come out, then gathering her courage, she followed one of them away from the Citadel.  The Scourge this time seemed to be following this Human, and he was walking as if he knew exactly where to go.  She had seen this behavior before, in the Death Knights of the Third War.

As they disappeared near Tyr's Hand, Zy fell to her knees.  She had not seen Thanik, but she now knew where he had gone.  She reached up to the ring hanging around her neck, grasping it with her eyes closed tightly.  She had given Thanik two of these rings oh so long ago.  She knew that he had always worn one, but the other he had given to Mariveaux.  She hoped that Mari still had it, because she knew in her heart that if they were ever going to get him back, they would need something that he would remember from the past.  Something that tied him to both of them.

Something that, one day, could save him.

What have I done?

I have asked myself that question many times over the past months.  What have I done?  That question seems to ring out through my head over and over.

The coolness of the morning causes my breath to fog my vision.  Damn this helmet.  It is only in the peace of the early mornings that I can truly sit and reflect on my past, and my present.  All the while wondering what the future holds.

I strain to remember my brief time free from the command of the Lich King's icy grasp.  Mental pictures, brief encounters; snippets of time that seem so long ago.  With my training now nearing its completion, my mind is not being assaulted with such ferocity anymore; and more of these memories are returning.

What brought me here?

I often find myself wondering this.  One of many questions floating through my mind, as if someone was whispering them in my ear through a dense fog.  As I look around, I see many like me.  I wonder, were they all brought here?  Did they come willingly?  Humans and Gnomes, Forsaken and Orcs, working together.  It is a chilling sight, because I know what we are working toward; and I only hope that we can be stopped.

Why?  Why am I here?  I strain to remember the fleeting images, brief glimpses of my freedom.  I wrote a letter, but to who?  Clearly I had someone that I was afraid of hurting, and I wanted them to know I would be away.  Why can't I remember who it was?  Will I ever see her again?  As I strain in the early morning light, I can almost make out a face.  Raven hair, green eyes, that beautiful smile.  Who is she?  The warm, relaxed feeling I have tells me she is obviously someone who is very important to me, why can't I remember?

I shake my head, trying to clear the fog, but the memory fades from view.  It is replaced by another image, another beautiful woman, though this one has light hair.  Her face is twisted up in concern as I hand her something wrapped in a silk cloth.  Try as I may, I cannot see what is inside that cloth.  She starts to speak as I turn to leave, but I cannot make out the voice.

The images fade away, and this time they are replaced by an old farm.  I recognize the land as that of Northwestern Tirisfal.  I am walking along, seeing many Scourge along the way, but they are not attacking me.  I come across someone standing in the trees, not far from the farmhouse I can see in the distance.  This one is different than the others around.  More calculating, more commanding.  The one in charge.  I kneel before him, saying something that gets his attention, though I can't quite make it out.  What does come through, is his voice.

"Go to Arugal in the forest of Silverpine.  He can show you the way, he will lead you onward."

I blinked, forcing the image to fade from view.  I realized that the images in my head were becoming more clear as they went on, that was a sign that the events had happened more recently.  I shift lightly in my position, glancing around once again.  The other minions are going about their business, some training, some working on their armor, others working on weapons.  And always there are new recruits joining our ranks.  Sin'dorei and Troll, Dwarf and even Kal'dorei, all coming willingly; submitting to the will of the Lich King.

But why did I come?

I tried to remember my visit to Arugal.  As I stood there in the highest room of his Keep, listening to the words he was telling me, his Sons kept watch over the keep; daring anyone to enter its walls.  Arugal spoke of magics that I had never heard of, power I never dreamed of, and places I couldn't imagine.

"We can make you whole again."  He said to me.  "Never again will you need to feel like you are being looked down on again.  Never again will you have to worry about rotting away."

All the things he said to me were those that I wanted to hear.  The master manipulator of the Scourge, but all I could think about was what he said, and where he told me to go.

Make me whole again.

It was what I had wanted all along.  To shed the appearance that I had taken on after my death, to feel whole again even if it was just a facade.

What a fool I was.

Following the directions of Arugal, and accompanied by minions of the Scourge and others like me who were coming for their own reasons, we struck out East from Silverpine into the Hillsbrad Foothills.  Years ago the site of an epic battle and now home to Forsaken and Human alike, locked in their endless ballet of war.

The pop from a nearby fire brought me out of my thoughts and back to the bleakness that is my reality.  New recruits are still pouring in.  If only they knew the pain and torment that awaited them, perhaps they would advance with swords and magic, rather than coming in with open arms; looking for a home where there is only preparation for a twisted invasion.

Was I ever like that?  I must have been.  Coming here like this was the answer to all my prayers, an illusion to call my own.  My appearance had been changed closer to what it once was, though I now looked like a dead Blood Elf rather than a rotting, unrecognizable corpse; I was not quite alive.  Magic can alter your outward appearance, but it cannot change how you perceive yourself; I see that now.  And still, I sought out the Death Knights.  I came here, falling for their falsehoods and lies.  I rejoined the Scourge, something I swore I would never do.

My thoughts returned to the raven haired woman.  I could almost make out her features now, but it was just out of reach.  Like a dream I couldn't wake from.  Though I couldn't remember her name, I know that she is important to me, and I made up my mind that I would find her again, if only to have her help me remember.  I have felt in the tasks that he has given me that High Commander Mograine is having doubts about the Lich King, perhaps he can help me break free from this place and return to the Horde.

The wind started howling, an icy bitterness that made me pull my cloak up.  Immortal as I may be thanks to the Lich King's own hand, the cold bothers me.  As the wind howled past my ears, I heard something faint; as if it was carried by the wind itself.

Mariveaux.

It came back to me.  The woman I had envisioned.  Her name came back.  Mariveaux.  I vowed then and there to do whatever it took to get back to her.  To explain what had happened, and hopefully have her help me remember my past.  Will she understand?  Will she help?  Will she turn me away?

I didn't care, I had to find out.  I would not let this curse take hold.

"I love her, Zy."

Zy nodded slowly, sitting beside me in the upper floor of the Salty Sailor Tavern in Booty Bay.  She had come there late that night to visit me from her time attempting to help the Timbermaw in Felwood.

"And how does she feel?" She asked.

"She loves me as well."

"Then what are you waiting for, Thanik?  Do you doubt her?  Do you doubt yourself?"

I shook my head. "I don't want it to appear too soon.  I don't want to rush."

That was the truth.  I know that she loves me, and I know that I love her.  There is no one else I want to be with, but I also am conscious of the appearance of rushing into this. 

Zy nodded lightly.  "I know you will do the right thing."

She rose, her robes flowing about her "For now, I must be leaving.  The Timbermaw do not like to be left waiting, and I have many tasks that I need to let them know I have finished.  Let me know what happens, though I know you will do the right thing."

I nodded and rose with her.  I walked her to the dock so she could take the boat back to Ratchet.  Once she had left, I went back to the room I shared with Mari.  I rummaged through my pack until I found what I was looking for.  The ring.  This was the ring I would use to propose to the woman I love more than anything.

But will she have you?

The voice...it has been quiet lately, why does it come up now?  Of course she will have me, won't she?

Look at you, Thanik.  Look at yourself.  The decay is getting harder to conceal, is it not?

I looked down at my hands, clenching them into fists as I sighed.  The voice was right, it is getting harder to conceal my decay, but I will not fail.  I quickly tuck the ring away and leave our home.  I make my way to the Tavern, peeking inside to see who is there.  Empty.  Good.  I made my way down the boardwalk to the docks and onto the boat towards Kalimdor.

Ratchet was a small but bustling Goblin town on the coast of the Barrens.  It was dry here, but the cool breeze coming in over the bay made it nice.  I made my way to the flight master and paid my fare.  I was heading to the Tauren homeland and their capital of Thunder Bluff.  I needed to speak to the Forsaken there in the Pools of Vision.

My flight was uneventful, and as I landed in the Tauren Capital I made my way to the Spirit Rise and down into the cave that houses the Pools.  Once there, I made my way to Archmage Shymm. 

"Archmage," I said, bowling before him, "I need your help."

He looked over to me, his golden eyes burned brightly, much more alive than I envisioned my own to be.

"What can I do for you?"

"I need your help.  I wish to stop the decay that is happening to me, so that I may be with the one I love without fear of rotting away in front of her."

Shymm rubbed his chin lightly. "What you ask is difficult.  We have not yet broken how to stop it completely, but what we can do is stop it temporarily."

I nodded at his words. "I will do anything to be with her."

"Very well," The Archmage said quietly as he gestured to the pool behind him, "Step in."

I stepped in the pool, surprised by the warmth of the waters.  He gestured for me to lay down and I did so.  Malakai Cross, a Priest in the Pools, came over to assist with the work.

"We must work quickly," he hissed, glancing over his shoulder, "The agents of the Royal Apothecary are everywhere, and they do not approve of this study."

As they chanted over me, administering something into the pool, I felt sensations crawling over my body.  Tingling at first, then warmth, then pain as it started to burn.  I resisted the urge to cry out and soon it subsided.

"It is done." The Archmage said solemnly, "but the effects will not last, Thanik.  You will need to return here more often than you have, it will get harder to do each time if you wait so long."

I thanked the Archmage and the Priest for their time and quickly made my way back to the Flight master, heading back to Ratchet.  As I flew, I looked down at my arms.  Tiny tendrils of new flesh had grown, and the flesh I already had looked much more alive.  I knew this effect wouldn't last long, but I was comforted in the fact that it had worked once again.

As I stepped onto the boat in Ratchet, heading back home, I took the ring out and looked at it.

"Soon." I muttered to myself, "Soon I will ask her to marry me."

But what will she say?

I had to admit that I didn't know, but in my heart I knew the answer would be yes.

 "You there!  Forsaken!"

The voice startled me awake.  I searched around, trying to get my bearings and clear the fog of sleep.  I was in the room that Mari rented in Booty Bay, but Mari was not there.  I smiled lightly as I remembered that she was going back to Silvermoon to train with the Warlocks and I made a mental note to go and visit her later.

"You there!  Can you hear me?"

Slowly, I turned toward the door. "What do you want?" I said coldly to the Goblin standing in the doorway.  I recognized him immediately as one of the Goblins that assisted with mail delivery.  I did not like being woken up in such a fashion.  It would be fine if it were Mari, or Zy, or Devinnola that had woken me up.  I would be happy for that, but not this Goblin.

"Your name Thanik?"

"Yes, what do you want?"  I grumbled.  It took every ounce of my being to be civil towards him and I had to remind myself that I was a guest in their town and did not want to cause trouble.

"Letter for you." He said as he tossed a letter my direction.

"Thanks." I muttered as I caught the letter, noticing immediately that it was heavier than it looked.

"Glad I could help!" He chuckled before he disappeared from the doorway, heading towards the main boardwalk of the town and back to his duties.

When he was gone, I turned my attention to the letter in my hands, noticing immediately that the envelope was bulky.  My heart sank as my first impression was that it was a gift returned to me from my beloved.  These thoughts were quickly dismissed as I turned the letter over and noticed the handwriting.  It was from Zy.

I quickly tore open the letter, instinctively catching the 2 rings as they tumbled out of the envelope.  I set them on the bed and sat down to read the letter:

Dearest Brother,
I write to you both with a happy and a heavy heart.
I am happy for you, that you have found love with Mariveaux and that she loves you.  
I do wish that you will be very happy together, and I know you will treat her well. 
I was digging through the ruins in our former home, searching for clues as to what
happened to our father when I came across these rings.  You know what they are, 
and what they mean; and I want you to have them.  Keep them safe, but know that
displaying them may cause trouble.  I do not yet know all that has happened, but
when I find something, I will let you know.
-Zy

I stared at the letter for a moment longer before turning my attention to the rings laying on the bed.  I picked one of them up and looked at it.  It was a plain ring with a seal on one side.  A seal I recognized immediately.

Dawnstrider.

It was the symbol of our family.  The rising sun over the villages of our lands.  I remembered it fondly.  It was the symbol worn by the Reagent of Goldenmist, my father, not a noble by the Council's sense of the word, but an important man to our village.  Lost in battle, or at least that's what we had assumed; but why didn't he wear his symbol with him?  And why were there two rings?

I glanced out of the doorway, toward to sun, trying to gauge the time.  I realized that if I were to see Mari, I would need to be on the next boat to Ratchet, as there was an errand I wanted to run first.  I snatched up the rings, placing one of them on my finger, and the other around my neck on a chain that I wore, careful that the placement of both would be hidden when I was dressed for battle, before leaving the small room that I was beginning to call home and heading down to the dock.

I would speak of this to Mari, and to Devinnola soon, but I wanted to see what Zy uncovered first.  Of course, I would speak of it if I was asked by either of them.  As I stepped onto the boat, I smiled lightly as I thought of my plan.  First to the Tauren Capitol of Thunder Bluff.  I had heard rumors that the herbalists there also sold flowers, and I wanted to buy some for Mariveaux, then on to Silvermoon; to the Sanctum where I knew she would be studying, where I could surprise her and be with her.

Wake up.

I was jolted awake by the thoughts in my mind.  For a moment, I couldn't tell where I was.  The room's only light being provided by the cooking stove that was slowly smouldering by the wall.  As I sat up in bed, Mariveaux stirred beside me.  I smiled down at her, thinking back on the time we have spent together.

"What is it, what's wrong?" She asked sleepily, I could tell that she was tired and I didn't want to disturb her any more than I already had tonight.

"It is nothing, my dear." I said softly.  "Please go back to sleep, there is something I must take care of."

She frowned lightly, but said nothing.  I put another log on the stove, then bent down to kiss her gently.

"I will return before morning.  I will be here when you wake up." I said softly.

"Do you promise?"

"I promise, my love." I said softly, smiling to her as I rose. 

I waited by her side until I knew she was sleeping once more before I made my way to the door, pausing once I got there to look back at her.  She is so beautiful when she is sleeping, and I am glad that I get the chance to see it.

Quickly I passed through the doorway and out to the balcony.  I paused there to ask the guard to make sure Mari was not disturbed and to glance out over the bay before pulling the red mask over my face and making my way to the flight master on the roof of the tavern.  I knew where I needed to go, and I knew it was the right thing to do.

I hopped on a Wind Rider for a quick flight to Grom'Gol basecamp.  The Zeppelins docked here, away from Booty Bay where they were safe from the wandering alliance attacker.  I made my way up the ramp and stopped at the Dock that faced North.  This was the one that would take me to Tirisfal, as close as I could get to my destination from here.  I would walk from there.

The Zeppelin arrived quickly, and the flight was uneventful.  I shuddered slightly in the chill air as I stepped off onto the tower in Tirisfal and hurried my way down toward the path that would lead me into the former human Capital.

Once inside, I followed the now familiar path towards the Orb of Translocation that would lead me to Silvermoon.  I knew my journey was nearly at an end, but I wanted to get there quickly, so that I could keep my promise to Mari.  I sped through the city as fast as I could, not wanting to spend much time here.  I could feel the eyes of the guards looking down on me, but they did not move from their post.  Only when I emerged through the gates into the Eversong Woods did I stop to catch my breath.

The Bat Master was only a few meters to my right as I emerged from the city, and once I had caught my breath I made my way there.  Catching a flight down to Tranquillien, I knew I was close to my goal.

Home.

But...it did not feel as much like home, not anymore.  My home was back in the Goblin Town.  My place was at her side.  And still, I had to do this, so that I could be with her.

I carefully made my way to Goldenmist Village.  As I entered the town once more, I found myself thinking back on the splendor it once portrayed.  One of the jewels of the land, now laying in ruin.  I quickly made my way to a familiar house...that of my former love, killed in the invasion.

I sat for a long time in quiet contemplation, trying to find the words to say what I came here to say.

"I don't know if you're out there, or if you can hear me, but there is something I need to tell you." I began softly.  "I found out from my sister that you had died, been killed much like I was, though your body was burned so that the Lich King could not raise you as he did me.  In a way, you are lucky.  Doing his bidding was horrible.  Seeing yourself doing these awful things and not being able to stop it..."

My voice trailed off, the only sound I could hear was the sounds of the wind whispering through the trees.  "I have found someone that makes me feel things that I have not felt since I was with you.  Those days are etched into my heart, and I will always remember them.  I miss you, but I need to move on.  With Mariveaux, I am happy again, I feel alive again.  I love her and I am sure she loves me.  When I am away from her, I only want to be back with her, whether alone or watching her work.  Just being around her makes me happy.  I want that.  I love those feelings and I can't bear to not have her in my life."

I sighed slightly, collecting my thoughts once more.  "I love her, just as I once loved you.  I came here tonight to say goodbye...You will always be in my mind, but my heart belongs to Mariveaux."

I sat for a moment longer, listening to the wind, before rising and slowly canting the only spell I knew.  In an instant I was transported back South, to the Salty Sailor.  I quickly went outside and glanced up at the sky.  It was still dark, and I knew that Mari would still be asleep.  I made my way back to the room she rented, nodding to the guard as I slipped quietly through the door.  I smiled slightly and pulled my mask off once I was inside.  The fire was still going, but I put another log on it just to be certain.  

Quietly I got back into bed next to Mari, wrapping one arm around her and kissing her lightly on the forehead.  Almost by instinct she cuddled up next to me, sighing slightly as she rested her head on my chest.

"You kept your promise." She said, sleepily.

"I told you I would.  I will be here with you, always my love."  I said before kissing her once more on the head and closing my eyes, drifting off to sleep.

I have to find Zy.

I had herad that she was here, in Booty Bay, but now I had to find her.  There was something I needed to speak to her about.

I scoured the town looking for her.  I knew she wasn't in the tavern, nor in the house near there as I had been in both of those places recently.  I looked through the Old Port Authority, the Blacksmith, even in the back alleys and I could not find her.

I decided to go down by the sea to clear my thoughts.  As I neared Old Man Heming's place, I could hear the voice of my sister inside.  I waited outside for her to finish her business.

She jumped slightly when she saw me as she emerged from the shack.  I pulled down my mask and smiled to her. "Are you busy?" I asked, "I could use your wisdom."

And your Council.

She smiled back to me, "For you, I will make the time, brother."  She said lightly, but I could tell that she was happy I sought her out, without using the shadows to conceal me and in the daylight, no less.

"Thank you.  Do you know of a place we could chat quietly for a moment?"

She nodded, and lead me up the boardwalks of the town and back toward the Blacksmith shop.  We continued along the path until we were away from the buildings, but not too close to the entrance to the town. 

"Tell me, what's troubling you so much that you would come looking for me?" She asked as she sat down and gestured for me to do the same.

I need your help, your guidance.

I sat down next to her gently, removing my weapons from my side and placing them in my lap.  "I...There is someone I find myself caring for, wanting to be with."

She nodded slowly.  "And what of this person?  Does she feel the same?"

"I...I think so." I replied, "But I have never asked, and she has not volunteered any clues as to her feelings, other than a quick kiss the other night, and her lingering hugs."

Zy sat back, taking in this information. "How does she make you feel, Thanik?"

I contemplated my answer for a long time before finally answering. "She makes me feel alive again, Zy.  I find myself having feelings I have not had since before the invasion...since before..." I trailed off...

Since before she was killed.

Zy's eyes suddenly got wide as she stared at me. "Does she know?  Does she know about Goldenmist?  About...her...?"

I nodded slowly. "She does.  She knows that I once had a love back home, and she knows that person was killed in the invasion.  At least, I assume she was killed.  I have not seen her since the day we fled."

Zy looked like she was going to tear up.  She quickly rummaged through her pack and pulled out a scrap of Mageweave to dry her eyes.  "Thanik?"  She said, "I know what happened to her.  I didn't want to tell you until you were ready, but I know."

I looked at Zy, and could see the sorrow in her eyes. "She is dead." I said slowly.

She nodded. "Yes, she is Thanik.  She was killed in the invasion, her body burned.  She was not raised, dear brother, as you were."

I felt a sense of relief, a sense of closure over that part of my life wash over me.

"But tell me more of this new woman, Thanik.  Do I know her?" She asked, though I could tell that she already knew the answers.

"She is beautiful and kind.  When I am around her, I feel calm and alive.  She is a very smart woman, though she too is saddened by her past.  I find myself not wanting to leave her, and I have watched over her and comforted her as she slept for a few nights."

A wave of clarity washed over Zy's face and I could tell that she knew who I was talking about.  "Be good to her, Thanik, though I know you well enough to know that you will."  She said, "If she feels for you the way you feel for her, she will let it be known in her own way."

She looked over at me, looking at my tattered armor.  "I need to get you some new clothes, Thanik.  You shouldn't have to walk around town looking like you just came from the battlefield."  She gently stood up.

"Where are you going?" I asked.

"Orgrimmar.  There is someone I must speak to.  Are you staying here?"

"Yes, I am.  This is where I need to be, for now Zy.  This is where I want to be, for her."

"I will send you some things, that is if the Goblin postmasters don't mess things up.  Look for them soon."

I nodded as she started canting a spell, when she finished, a portal opened up in front of her.  Through it I could see the bustle of the dusty Orc City.

As she stepped through, I could hear her say "Please be good to Mari, Thanik."

She disappeared and I was left staring out towards the ocean, where the portal stood only moments before.

"I will."

The Salty Sailor is a different place.

Not like most places that I have been, it is a vibrant bar in an even more vibrant town.  Here you can see Orcs and Humans, Tauren and Night Elf.  They all come here, going about their business, doing tasks set out for them by the Goblins that control the City.

I came here for a different reason.  I came here because I knew one of my dearest friends was here: Mariveaux.

Zy had told me about her leaving, and she had told me as well that same night.  Zy was upset, thinking that Mari was leaving and never coming back.  I was unsure, but I knew I had to come here to see her.

I sat in the corner one night, alone.  Mari was working and up to her usual charm but I didn't want to disturb her; so here I sat, idly fingering through a book that had been discarded on the table.

The Past.

Yes, this book told of the fall of Quel'Thalas, my homeland.  It seemed as if it was written by a survivor of the attack.

The Invasion.

I remember it well.  It haunts me.  It is the reason I stay awake at night, the reason I hide.  But I have not spoken of these times to anyone, not even Zy.

I slammed close the book and sat back in my chair.  This was not something I wanted to think of, not here.  But the thoughts would not leave.

Mari came up and said hello to me.  The bar had slowed down, so she had a chance to come up to talk.  I smiled as she sat next to me. 

She is so graceful, so beautiful.

As we started talking, it became clear that Zy had been talking to her as well.  She was clearly concerned for my well-being and I took comfort in that.

"Tell me, M'Lady, what do you remember of the Invasion?" I asked her, as I gestured toward the book.

I could see the tears in her eyes as she started to tell the tale of her and her sisters escaping Suncrown.  I didn't mean for her to relive such painful memories and I immediately wished I had not asked the question, as I did not want for her to hurt.

"I have not spoken of the invasion since my freedom." I said softly.

But I want to.

"Do you want to?" She asked, and I slowly nodded.

She quickly excused herself from her duties and lead me around the town.  She showed me the room she rented, saying that I could use it any time I wanted to get away.  We then settled on the rooftop of the Old Port Authority, overlooking the Bay.  It was a beautiful site.

After a moment of sitting there, I slowly began to speak.

"I was one of the first that was killed during the invasion, trying to save Zy.  That also meant that I was one of the first to be raised.

"You have no idea how it felt, Mari, to be turned against your own people.  Forced to do someone else's bidding, against your own will.  It was like looking at myself through another's eyes.  I knew I was doing these horrible things, but I was powerless to stop them."

I sighed lightly, before continuing "Hundreds of people were slain at my hands.  Whole families wiped out, villages destroyed.  When I go to Silvermoon now, people are afraid of me.  I see it in their eyes.  They remember, and they are afraid."

She glanced back over her shoulder at me, reassuring me that I am not the same man who committed these atrocities.  Hearing her say that was such a comfort to me.  It made me realize that there are people out there who do not judge me by past actions, rather by who I am in the present. 

"I am afraid, Mari.  Afraid that these thoughts will consume me."

But it wasn't to be.

She continued to visit the village.  First every so often, then every day.  She would walk around the buildings, each time as if seeing them again for the first time.  Her face kept showing its sadness.

She is sad for you.

I knew the voice was right.  It always was.  I didn't want to believe it, though.  I wanted to believe that she was sad for our home, our childhood, our very lives being destroyed in that invasion.  I didn't want to believe that she was sad because I could not bring myself to come out of the shadows and face her.

One day was different.

I had spoken to Devinnola earlier in Silvermoon.  I talked to her about my fears and she reassured me.  We talked for some time about that, my sister, her sisters, and family.  Talking to Devinnola really helped me, though I don't remember if I ever got a chance to thank her for it.  Once she left, I returned to Goldenmist to reflect on the past, the present, and what I hoped for the future.

It was shortly after my return that I once again heard the now familiar footsteps of the Hawkstrider that I knew was carrying my sister back to the village.  Instinctively, I slid back into the shadows and watched her.  This time, she didn't wander around like she normally did.  This time, she stopped in front of one of the houses...

Your house.

...My house?  Yes, it was my house.  I watched her intently as she looked at the house.  She stood there for a long time before sitting.  Still looking at the house, she began to say something that I couldn't quite hear.  Slowly, I crept in closer to her, approaching from behind but still concealed in the shadows.

"I know you're there, Thanik.  I've felt your presence here from the first day I came back."  Her voice was steady, never wavering.  "If it weren't for you, for your bravery, I would not be here today.  You saved my life at the cost of your own, so I'm told."

I was stunned.  I never thought the bond we shared as siblings would last until now; yet there she was, talking like she knew I was standing close enough to hear her.  I wanted more than anything to reach out to her, to hold her.

"I know you were raised by the Lich King, Thanik." She continued. "I also know that you have broken free of his control.  You and I have spoken to many of the same people.  I feel like I never lost you." She lowered her head. "I only wish you would come out to talk to me."

Talk to her.

Slowly, I reach up to the mask I wear around my face.  Something I only feel comfortable taking off around those I trust completely, and only then if those I trust are my only companions at the time.  My fingers rest on it for a moment, touching the fabric, before I slowly tug it down exposing the lower half of my face.  I silently sigh to myself, before I reach out ot her, resting my hand on her shoulder and coming fully out of the shadows.

"Zy...It has been so long, and I fear that you won't even recognize me"

She slowly reached up, resting her hand on mine and turning to gaze up at me.  "Thanik?  Is that you?" She knew the answer, but was asking to see my response.

I slowly nodded "Yes, my dear sister, it is me.  It is good to see you again"

She frowned slightly "You've been watching me, I could tell."  She slowly stood up before wrapping her arms around me in a tight embrace "I missed you so much, when I woke up in Silvermoon no one would tell me what happened."

I wrapped my arms around her tightly.  Her embrace filling me with a warmth that I had not felt in a very long time.  It felt good, felt alive. "There will be time for that later, for now it is good to feel your embrace and see you again.  Our time here is short, though.  There is much to attend to.  Return to the City, but come back here when you can.  I will be waiting." I squeezed her tightly one last time, then removed my arms from around her.  Reluctantly, she did the same.

"But..." I cut her sentance off with one finger against what remained of my lips, then replaced my mask and faded back into the shadows.  I wanted nothing more than to be with her now, to protect her, but I was still ashamed of what I had become.

I stood there, in the shadows and watched as she reluctantly mounted her Hawkstrider and slowly walked out of the village, back to the city.

I return to what the Elves call the Ghostlands often.  Memories come more freely here, away from the busy City.   I find myself drawn toward the west here.  Toward the shore, toward...

Goldenmist.

The name rings in my head before I can try to remember.  I can hear the voice more clearly here.  It is trying to tell me something, that is for certain.  Memories of the past trying to break out of the fog induced by my slavery to the Lich King.

This is your home.

I know the voice speaks the truth, even though I cannot fathom what might have happened to it.  The buildings here are in ruins, clearly decimated by a strong force.  I remember my conversation with Devinnola and I know that I got out of here alive, before the destruction, but I cannot remember what might have happened...or what role I might have played in this destruction.

I call on my training as a Rogue often when I am here.  It allows me to hide among the shadows and observe what is happening.  Other adventurers, mostly Elves but I do see the occasional Orc, Tauren, Troll, or Forsaken, come here to accomplish tasks laid out to them by the villagers in Tranquillien.  Most seem to care little for the beings they are sending to the Nether, only to return and resume their mindless activities.  I find myself wondering if I was like that...during my slavery...a term I use in reference to the mental stranglehold that the Lich King had over us.  Forcing us to do his awful bidding.

Hide!

The voice snaps me out of my thoughts and I instantly use my training to melt into the shadows.  Why am I hiding?  I do not know yet, but I trust in the voice inside me, it has never lead me astray thus far.  I do not sense any danger, but I keep on my guard, my hands instinctively rest on the hilt of the dagger and mace at my side, ready for battle.

There, on the road.

My eyes dart to the road coming from the South.  At first I see nothing except the gloom that encompases the entire region, then my ears pick up the sounds of footsteps coming over the bridge.  These are not normal footsteps, though.  They have the sound of a creature or beast.  I know from my time here that no beasts venture this far into the village.  As if they are scared of the former inhabitants.

Hawkstrider.

The sound is that of a Hawkstrider.  I had seen them in my time in the City.  Most Elves used them once they had reached a certain point in their lives.  They were a way to get around, much like the Kodo was to the Tauren.  I could hear it long before I could see it.  The Elf that was riding it was female.  Dressed in a flowing red dress.  She carried no weapons with her, but I got the feeling that she was strong enough to take on anything in this region without them.  Her hair was blonde, almost white, and her skin was a beautiful tan.

Zy.

What?  Her?  This is Zy?  I decided that I would watch to see what she did.

As she got closer, I could see her face.  Beautiful green eyes glowing softly.  She was strong, I could see that.  My mind flashed back to the last time we were together and I shuddered slightly.  She must have heard me because she stopped suddenly and turned to look right at me.  Could she see me?  I didn't think so, but I held perfectly still.  Soon, she shrugged her shoulders and turned back to looking through the ruins.

Talk to her.

No...I can't.  I couldn't bear for her to see me like this...in this Forsaken body.

She is your sister, she will understand.

No...I can't do it, not now.

As I watch her, she mounts back up on her Hawkstrider and starts to walk off down the path.  I sense that she is disappointed, but in what?  Could it be that she is disappointed that I did not show myself?  Could she sense that I was there?  She stopped just before the bridge, turning back one last time to look over the village, before nudging her Hawkstrider back in the direction she came.

Next time.

Yes...next time...

As I sit, watching as the former Quel'Dorei, now ghouls and ghosts of the former citizens of this land, I think back on my time since becoming free of the Lich King's power.  First, wandering aimlessly in Tirisfal, the former Human stronghold, performing menial tasks but gaining strength.  Once I set foot in Lordaeron, the once grand city, I felt myself being drawn to something.  I found that I was drawn, almost against my own will, to a magical Orb.  Waving my hand at it, I was suddenly transported somewhere.  I did not know where at first.  A dimly lit room that seemed to be an antechamber to something larger.  Venturing outside, I was awestruck...

Silvermoon.

A thought?  No, a voice inside my head told me where I was.  Somehow I knew it already.  The magestic fountains before me would have brought a tear to my eye, if they could have.

Home.

Wait...Home?  How could this be home?  Looking down at myself, the rotting flesh giving way to open bone on my arms.  This couldn't be home...could it?  And if this was home, what happened to me?  Did I have a family?  Where were they?

These thoughts haunted me.  I shrugged them off as I fought my way down to what was now referred to as the Ghostlands.  I remember, as I first set foot here, that I felt calm.  Strange that I would feel that way, the lands looked as if they had been ravaged by war.  The villages decimated, the people slaughtered.  Few people, it seemed, still lived here, and those that did were confined to smaller outposts.

Once, this land was rich, fertile, beautiful.

Looking around, I could not believe it.  Yet that voice...that ever present voice...

As I performed the tasks set forth to me by the residents of this land, I found myself growing ever stronger.  Often I would return to the City.  To see the sights, the people, or just to drink.  Was I drinking to forget, or to remember?  I couldn't tell.  

I had found myself comfortable in the Wayfarer's Tavern.  It was there that I met a very charming Elf named Mariveaux.  She wasn't like the others.  She treated me with respect and talked to me and listened to what I had to say.  I could tell from her demeanor that she was kind and hard working.  I spared her what silver I could as a tip.  I came here often, still do to tell the truth.  Things started to change late one night, however.

I still remember that night, though I'd had way too much to drink.  That name haunted me...Zy.  What did it mean?

It was not until much later that the memories returned to me during a conversation with Devinnola, the sister of Mariveaux, who is equally as kind hearted as her sister is.  True friends, which are hard for a Forsaken like myself to come by, and I will always treasure them.  My sister...Zy.