Where I Now Belong
I had little time to adjust to my new state of being before Sylvanas and I were leaving Aruman's estate. She had decided, although pleased by how well I appeared to have been converted by her valkyr, I possessed no combat skills so I would serve as her handmaid for now. Until I learned some, at least, which she did offer to arrange for me.
Aruman seemed a little intimidated by my new form, and spoke little to me as he waved us off from his front gates. This mattered little to me now; I had eyes only for Sylvanas. I set myself the task of becoming the best handmaiden the Eastern Kingdoms, if not all of Azeroth.
Sylvanas was used to communicating with her subjects, or every so often even controlling them, through the combination of her own dark powers and that of her valkyr. This bond between the Dark lady and her servants meant that often I could anticipate her needs before she asked me to fulfil them. I was quick, efficient, and silent. I hadn't spoken a word since I pledged her my allegiance in Mirthbrook House and the trend continued during our journey South.
This didn't seem to bother Sylvanas at all. For a being so terrifying to all but a few brave or merely arrogant souls, she talked a fair amount. She recounted for me tales of the many wars of Azeroth and her part in them. I listened attentively, but my opinions and comments remained inside my own head.
When we reached the Undercity, several days of travel later, we were met with the stares of everyone we passed. Many of Sylvanas' subjects seemed confused by my presence. I imagined they must be comparing me to one of the Dark Rangers, and wondering if that was my destiny, even though I was dressed as a Blood Elf commoner.
Sylvanas, who had never bothered with a handmaiden before now, was impressed enough by my performance so far that sometimes her surface thoughts turned to me. They were the only ones I could access through our link, and only occasionally. She, too, compared me mentally to her Dark Rangers, and I learned from a stray grumble that some of her people were mistrustful of them. This, in part, explained why so many of the undead we passed looked at me with fear or… not necessarily anger, but definitely some form of hostility.
When we reached her chambers of office, on the lowest level of the city, Sylvanas ordered an undead soldier to take me to find some clothing. I hadn't noticed until she mentioned it, but my clothes were torn in several places from when I'd been attacked. It appeared Aruman had been respectful and not dared to change the clothes of a sleeping lady.
My queen attended to some matters of government while I was lead outside to a nearby merchant. I was given only a simple, inexpensive dress, but it was finer than anything I'd owned in life. The merchant gave us a small nod of respect as he sent us on our way back to Sylvanas.
I changed quickly in a side room and then re-joined the party in the main chamber of the Royal Quarter. Sylvanas was announcing her plans to fly West to Orgrimmar for a meeting of the Horde leaders. She would take myself and a small number of soldiers as a personal guard, but to show good faith her security would largely be in the hands of Orgimmar's guards.
Hearing this news startled me. I'd been her servant for only a few days and already I'd been dressed in finery, allowed into the Royal Quarter, and would soon be visiting Orgrimmar where I would stand in the same room as leaders with battle histories as long as Sylvanas' cape. Regardless of my internal monologue, however, my face remained impassive; a trait I'd picked up quickly in my new life.
The party headed for Orgrimmar would spend the rest of the day gathering any supplies needed for the journey and then depart that night. Undead didn't need to sleep and so, now, neither did I. It was something I wasn't quite used to yet, even though we hadn't stopped once to rest on the trip to the Undercity from Aruman's house.
"Have you gathered the things I asked for?"
Set in her Ranger ways, Sylvanas often appeared next to me from nowhere. It was something I had no doubt I would take longer to get used to than no longer requiring sleep.
"Uh, yes…" I reached to my belt and detached a pouch filled with herbs. "Everything's in there that you asked for."
Sylvanas nodded. "Good, keep them with you until we arrive in Orgrimmar. I'll explain their use to you then."
She turned and left to speak to one of her generals. Preparations for our journey were almost complete. Once Sylvanas gave the final word we would head North from the ruins above the Undercity and take a zeppelin to Kalimdor. She nodded to the man before her and I knew it was time. He turned to the collection of undead soldiers awaiting their queen's commands and ordered them to move out.
We made our way to the elevators as a group, myself and the undead general (whose name I'd still not asked as I found him incredibly intimidating) walking at either side of Sylvanas and a little behind her. On the surface, outside the ruins, several skeletal horses waited for us. Our supplies had already been loaded, as had any personnel that didn't need to be part of the boarding party. We mounted up and took off for the ship.
For the others, the journey across the ocean between the two continents was dull and routine. For me, however, it was a unique experience I would remember forever. I watched every tiny island that went past, even those which were merely a small mound of sand in the water. Thankfully Sylvanas spent most of the trip co-ordinating her guards and making arrangements for her activities in Orgrimmar once we disembarked. I had ample time to observe and gawk.
Eventually, though, like all things, the journey ended. The airship docked atop a towering plateau in the heart of Orgrimmar where we were immediately met by a small group of emissaries of the Warchief.
"Lady Sylvanas," the orc addressed her, "when your party is assembled we will lead you to the meeting place."
Sylvanas levelled him a cool, condescending glare. "I require no assistance in reaching Thrall's Fortress. I have been there many times to meet with the Warchief."
The orc shook his head. "That may be, my lady, but the meeting has been moved. It was decided that assembling the Horde leaders in one place would make the capital a desirable target for the Alliance. The meeting has been moved somewhere more discreet."
Sylvanas wore an expression that clearly conveyed the inconvenience this was causing her, but she issued orders to the guards around her and then nodded to the orc.
"If you will leave directions with my staff, they will gather our luggage while we follow you to the meeting place," she said.
The orc nodded. He spoke quietly to another orc standing next to him before turning to leave. Sylvanas and her guards followed him slowly on horseback. It was then I realised I had not yet mounted my own ride and quickly rectified the situation. I had to trot briskly to catch up with Sylvanas but once I did so I settled into an easy walk beside her. Our party boarded the great, wooden elevator together and descended into the city.
I didn't have much time to observe my surroundings as I took care to follow the others to the front gates of the city. Most of them knew the area well but I almost ended up lost as the path forked unexpectedly and my party disappeared around the corner before I noticed. I had been observing a vendor's wares, staring a little too long at the strange foods here. Luckily I picked the right turning on my first attempt and soon caught up with the rest of the group. After that I learned to keep my curiosity in check. I wasn't here to observe the sights; I was here on Horde business.
Outside the city gates, the orcs, who had been walking in front of us until now, mounted enormous, imposing, black wolves and the whole party began moving at a faster pace. Soon we were a decent way to the South-West of the city. Before us stood a large, stone tower. It was nondescript, and to be entirely truthful appeared abandoned, but we were assured that here the leaders and their entourage could meet in security and privacy.
Sylvanas wasted no time heading inside to meet the other leaders. Our party was the second to arrive so far. We were reportedly still awaiting the arrival of Vol'jin of the trolls and Cairne Bloodhoof of the taurens. Once all were assembled Thrall would depart Orgrimmar and join us. I felt a wave of annoyance from Sylvanas that the one who had arranged the meeting in the first place wasn't here yet, but her face remained cold and indifferent.
Although I'd been wondering what it would be like to share the same space as heroes like Thrall and Vol'jin, I hadn't thought about the leader with the most relevance to myself. We had only just entered the grand hall in the centre of the structure where the leaders would meet and discuss whatever issue Thrall had summoned them all here for, when my lady was almost assaulted by a figure I had only dreamed of meeting someday.
"Sylvanas!" called a blood elf with majestic silver hair. "What is the meaning of this?"
Never one to appear shaken, Sylvanas replied, "I believe it was intended to be a meeting of the Horde leaders. So the reason you were invited, Lor'themar, I cannot fathom."
"That is not what I meant, Sylvanas. I meant this," he growled, sweeping a hand in my direction. "By what authority do you raise one of my people for your undead legion?"
I looked between the two of them, eyes wide. Was saving my life, so to speak anyway, against some sort of treaty? I couldn't hide my worry as I waited for the answer.
"Watch your words," Sylvanas hissed. "This child came to my side of her own free will. I would expect you to remember why I respect her right to choose, even if others were not so kind to her."
Realisation dawned on Lor'themar's face. "The family that were slaughtered by the humans in the woods…" he said solemnly.
Sylvanas replied with only a curt nod.
Lor'themar backed off then, his breathing still heavy from his rage. My panic had my own breath coming in short gasps, although that was more out of habit than actual need for oxygen. I remained silent as I watched the two leaders. Not that either of them had asked for my input, but I had no idea what to say if I were to attempt to defend myself. Or rather, defend my existence, which seemed to be what the argument was about.
A few moments later, Lor'themar left without saying a word to either of us.
Sylvanas sighed. "Petulant child," she said.
Whatever she may have been thinking about the situation, the Dark Lady kept her thoughts to herself. There was barely a pause before she set about establishing her guards' positions and patrols within the building and discussing with the orcs where she would be staying.
Out of courtesy, there was a bed, but I doubted Sylvanas would be using it while she was here. Other than that the room was sparsely decorated, with a small window to the outside world being the only interesting feature – and even that only showed a desolate view of sprawling, empty Barrens.
Thankfully, I didn't have to look at the view for long. Sylvanas soon set me to work ferrying messages between her guards and organising the luggage we'd brought. It was boring, tedious work that kept me away from anything exciting that might be going on as the various leaders arrived, although as a handmaiden I'm not sure what else I'd expected. I finished just as dusk fell and went to find my mistress to ask her about my next task.
When I found Sylvanas I realised that while I'd been running around the upstairs rooms organising our things, Thrall had arrived and begun organising the other dignitaries. I stepped through the open archway into the meeting room to find them all in the midst of a heated discussion. Rather than interrupt I stood quietly to one side of the entrance and waited.
"That's impossible," stated Sylvanas. "Why would the humans be mounting an attack now?"
"You yourself saw the result of their little scouting party into my lands yourself, Sylvanas," said Lor'themar. "Or have you forgotten already?"
"No doubt a foolish general seeking glory," was the reply.
"Whatever the reason for their progression northward, the fact remains that the humans are mounting an assault. My scouts have confirmed they are reinforcing their numbers and cases like that of your murdered citizens, Lor'themar, indicate that they are scouting our defences."
Nobody seemed to have noticed my appearance. The casual way in which they discussed my family's deaths, as though we were mere numbers, sent rage simmering through my veins. The more I thought about my family, and the humans who had murdered them, the closer I came to boiling point.
Sylvanas turned, looking directly into my eyes. They widened in response. She had felt my rage. She paused to look at me for a few more moments. I could tell she was weighing something in her mind, but her thoughts were far more carefully concealed than my own.
"Gentlemen," Sylvanas began, returning to face her fellow leaders. "This is my handmaiden, Ilise."
All eyes turned to face me as Sylvanas' hand swept in my direction.
"Tell me, Ilise," she continued, "did the men who murdered your family seem as though they were scouts?"
I stopped completely, my rage momentarily forgotten as I felt the pressure of five legendary heroes examining me. I stared back at them, eyes wide and the rest of me frozen on place.
A large, green orc that I took to be Thrall smiled gently. "Don't be afraid, young one; tell us what you remember."
I cleared my throat.
"By the time I awoke there was little to see but bodies," I told them. "I only saw one man, the soldier who killed me. He called out to someone, his captain, but I can't remember the name. It did sound like they were on a mission, because the captain said they needed to hurry."
It wasn't my intention to embarrass Sylvanas, but my evidence was crucial to determining whether the humans really were invading the North. I had to tell the story exactly as I remembered it.
"Killed you?" cried the tauren, then he turned to Sylvanas. His form towered over even Thrall and must have been a formidable sight up close. "She is undead?"
Clearly, although Lor'themar had realised that Sylvanas had returned me to life, he hadn't told the others. My body had healed well enough upon resurrection that it was almost impossible to tell me apart from other blood elves. Aside from purple irises, I looked as though I was still alive.
"Lower your voice, Cairne," said Thrall.
"But it's an abomination!" replied Cairne, shouting now. "Lor'themar," he went on, turning to my former regent, "How could you permit something like this to happen to one of your kin?"
"I allowed no such thing," said Lor'themar. His voice was level and it was difficult to tell whether he was offended at the implication, pointing he blame towards Sylvanas, or something more.
"Then she steals from you! Turning your people towards her army of the damned!"
Sylvanas had been watching the others silently until now, but finally she opened her mouth to speak, eyebrows narrowed. "The only lives I take against their will are those belonging to the enemies of the Horde. Ilise chose this life rather than letting her own expire prematurely."
"And yet," said Lor'themar, "never mind seeking my permission, I was not informed at all."
Sylvanas smiled. "Ilise was raised mere days ago. Our encounter today was my first opportunity to tell you, Lor'themar, and yet you leapt on us before I could do so."
"Clever words, traitorous bitch, but even a fool could smell the deceit on them."
Sylvanas looked as though she might draw her bow and shoot Cairne there and then for his remark.
"QUIET!"
The other leaders turned to look at Thrall. Vol'jin crouched next to him, waiting patiently for the Warchief to speak.
"Bickering amongst ourselves solves nothing. Lor'themar, disputes over sovereignty can be had at a later date. For now, so long as the child gave her consent there is little that can be done about the matter." Thrall turned to me now. "Did you agree to be raised by the valkyr? Knowing what it would mean?"
I nodded, slowly but immediately. I didn't look at Sylvanas; I knew that any suggestion that I was seeking her guidance or reassurance would render my testimony useless. They wanted me to prove I was not her pawn, that she did not control my mind and actions.
Thrall nodded, Vol'jin remained impassive, but the others did not seem convinced. Still, they kept quiet.
"Thank you, now if we could return to the matter at hand…"
Just like that the spotlight turned away from me and I stood in the shadows once more. I loitered by the archway until the meeting was over, ignored by all.
After the meeting, Sylvanas and I convened in her rooms. I assumed she was going to instruct me on the use of the herbs she'd had me gather. Much to my surprise, Sylvanas offered me the bed. I needed it as little as she did, although I might be more likely to nap occasionally out of habit.
"My lady," I said. "Thank you for the generous offer but as I am only your handmaiden I'm sure I can manage."
She gave me a small smile before returning to business. "That may be so, but I will not be here much longer. I will spend the next few days visiting some of the Forsaken troops stationed throughout Kalimdor. I will return here when it is time for us to leave. In the meantime, you will stay here to safeguard my affairs."
I made to object but she stopped me with a simple hand gesture.
"Many of the other leaders will remain close to Orgrimmar for further talks with the Warchief. During this time, I want you to listen, befriend whomever you can, but most importantly keep me informed of any plots that might be made against me. I will be leaving Agatha here with you, she will aid our communication as my distance from you increases." She looked at me, eyes narrowed. "Do not fail me."
I fell to one knee. "No, my lady. I will not fail you."
As she turned to leave I remembered the herbs again. "My lady?" I asked, holding them out to her.
"Keep them," Sylvanas said. "If you suspect anyone means you harm take them from the bag and throw them at your foe."
"What do they do?" I asked.
"You will see. Don't waste them."
Within an hour Sylvanas had assembled a party and was heading out across the plains. I watched her skeletal mount kick up dust as she cantered away towards the Barrens. Just as soon as I had found a new ally, she was gone.