The tears brought Hilde out of her reverie. Her entire back burned. The clasped hands of Lady Alessandra remained just inches from her nose.

"It is our childhood that burns us with its vague shadows," she murmured. Hilde gasped, her hands jerking against the straps in a vain attempt to wipe away the tears. She felt the whisper of Alessandra's breath against her forehead. "But often what marrs us more deeply comes later. You know this. Lord Fordring told me of Christof du Holemhein rescuing you from the wilds around Andorhal, and of your fostering amongst the warlocks of Stormwind. Being given to the Scourge as a monster yourself is hardly what drives you fully in your quest. Something else must have happened."

"How do you know," Hilde hissed from between her gritted teeth.

"I cannot judge your worth unless I can see it," Alessandra answered smoothly. "My spell allows me to see your memories, even those you wish to hide from yourself. I must know that your past has no claims on you. The Crusade is all. You cannot hold back part of your heart if you wish to truly embody this path."

Hilde sensed the woman nodding. "You may begin again, Master Phu'lou."