Gwen convulsed on the bed at the Inn, sobbing violently as unwanted memories came gushing into her head. She wasn't sure what had triggered these, it could range from a familiar smell to thinking she saw him in a crowd, or even a phrase said by a passerby. She curled up tightly, the knot in her chest threatening to burst out at any moment with each recollection that came one right after the other.
Gwen screamed, struggling wildly as two men held her by her arms, holding her back. The usual darkness and gloom of Duskwood made the occasion that much more somber.
"May the gods curse you to the Fel and back again! You people are pathetic, stuck in your prejudices!"
Tears streamed down her cheeks as a bound worgen in his feral form was escorted by six men. She met his eyes as he approached her, and he paused for moment.
"T-this isn't fair…My Andokides…M-my…" She choked as she struggled to gain her composure long enough to speak what would be her last words to him.
Andokides spoke in his gruff tones, but as he regarded her they held a soft and warm quality to them.
"Hush, love…I knew this may happen one day." He leaned his head towards her as far as his bonds would allow, and rested his forehead against hers, nuzzling her cheek with his muzzle. "I'm just sorry you have to endure this world alone after this. But, know this my love: because of you, I can die happy. You've made me feel human again, brought love to me…To both sides of me. And you taught me that there are good people in a world filled with cruelty."
At his words she sobbed, lowering her head in a defeated manner. In a sudden rush of adrenaline, she wrenched her arms free from the two men restraining her, and flung them around Andokides' neck, weaving her fingers into his rough, wild mane. She buried her face in his neck, murmuring to him.
"I don't want to continue on after this…I feel as if I may fall into pieces…"
He sighed gently and leaned his cheek against her head. "It will be hard, I know that, Nora. But you must, and please promise me this…It is easy to die for another, but I want you to live for me. I know it will be hard, but you are strong, and you have so much more to give to the world. Azeroth and the race of humans could use more of your kindness. Live for me Nora, do not let my death be in vain."
At the sound of his pet name for her, she collapsed and nodded, murmuring her promise to him. She was able to give him one final squeeze before the two men wrested her away from him, pulling her back again. She sighed, and looked into his beautiful, calm face once again, her own red and tear-stained.
"I will, my love. I will go on for you."
Suddenly, Gwen was back in the real world again, her senses returning to her as the memory faded towards the back of her mind. Her tears had subsided, but the pain remained. She looked down at the locket clasped in her hand so tightly that her fingernails had dug into her palms and the ivy leaf design had embedded itself into her skin. With the heel of her other hand she pressed it into her eyes, wiping away the tears. With her shaking hands, she carefully opened the locket. Inside it held a tiny, dried white daisy carefully sealed in glass. The other side contained a blood-red miniature rosebud, sealed safely in the same fashion. Gwen sighed, rubbing her thumb on the smooth glass as she let her mind go blank in an effort to recover from the emotional waterfall that had just happened. After what seemed like hours, she gently closed the locket, and tucked it back underneath her chemise. Groaning, she turned and rolled out of the bed. She stumbled, reaching out for the bed post to regain her balance.
Gwen slowly approached the window, crossing her arms across her chest. She stared out into the cobblestone street. Even at the late hour, Stormwind was still bustling. She watched people slip in and out of the shadows, and firelight flickering across the buildings. She rested her now aching head against the window frame, and was ready to turn around when she caught a shadow out of the corner of her eye, lurking in the dark street corner below.
She narrowed her eyes slightly, unblinking as she gazed at the humanoid shape, afraid to miss a movement. Although she couldn't see its eyes, she had a distinct feeling she was being watched. A new emotion crept up on her the longer she looked at it.
Confusion…Torment…Rage…And the feeling of ultimate suffering… The young paladin smiled to herself. If I didn't know any better, I'd say that was Andokides himself cloaked in the shadows down there. As she mused to herself she realized the emotions that her empath abilities picked up on had faded away, and the person that had been watching her had vanished.
Hmph…I have a feeling that won't be the first time I'll come across them. Gwen rubbed her eyes with the heel of her hands again, and sighing with fatigue, strode over to the dresser. After a moment of rummaging in one of her packs, she pulled out a Dreamless Sleep potion and downed it quickly, frowning as the bitter taste hit her tongue. She gently lowered the now empty vial onto the dresser, and crawled into bed, curling up into a ball. She closed her eyes as sleep quickly overcame her. Thankfully, with the help of the potion, it would be a peaceful one as she was temporarily freed from her resurfacing past.