Chapter 4

Slow Burn

Disclaimer: I do not own Warcraft, Blizzard does, I own my story and it's plot and characters.

Caution: This may just be my own voodoo vibes betraying me and all, but just as a huge reminder... READ BLIND NOSTALGIA, if you haven't already, or else you're going to be udderly confused.

As a side note: Rated M for language and gore.



"Ah, yes, and this is the planetarium, where Kael'Thas's men study the planets as well as the celestial deities hanging in the sky over Shadowmoon Valley."

"Is it open for everyone? Or only those who've been granted access."

"... I cannot say, why? There honestly is nothing to see in this dreadful sky. But, you get used to it. Netherstorm isn't any better, though, it's actually preferred in comparison."

"Can't say, never been there."

"Ah, then you certainly will. Illidan has many plans for people such as yourself."

"Oh? And why is that."

"Because, Nicholas, Illidan's creating an army to defend himself and his temple against the Burning Legion, and the fools in Shattrath. You're talented, seeking a power beyond what the amateurs in Azeroth only murmured to each other in dark alleyways in their home cities. Fel magic... is entirely different. Controlling a demon and controlling one's own strength to full potential are two different, extremely different things. It takes time. There are many books, libraries, wings of knowledge in the Tempest Keep and in the Black Temple. The mages and warlocks studying here will guide you to your full potential, to the true expanses of demonic sorcery."

I stared intently at the elf's glowing green eyes. In a way, this was a dream come true. I had wanted for years, if not longer, the knowledge that Illidan had to offer. It was risky, yes, all magic such as this was. But I did not have much to lose, not at the moment, it seemed. Despite my reluctance and anger from before, I felt extremely confident about my plans for exacting my revenge. Of course, I had plenty of time to conspire while traveling there by horseback. It took me about a week, and it was the first time I had gone beyond a few miles distance from Shattrath. The creatures of Terokkar were odd and extraordinary, all at once. Their were creatures that could phase through thin air, and attack you from behind, much like a rogue only in animal form. Wolves of a variety of species indigenous to the Outlands, Fel Orcs, demons – plenty to supply the mind with curiosity.

But there were a few landmarks that caught my eye. First, the Arakkoa villages. There were so many. Plenty that adorned the tree tops, illuminated the canopies of trees, with candlelight and the sound of ominous chanting. The bird-men wore bejeweled gowns and masks, in a tribal manner, but nothing similar to that of Trolls. There appeared to be no female form to this species, unless they themselves looked exactly like the male gender to their species. Second, the encampments of the Burning Legion scattered about Terokkar and Shadowmoon Valley. In fact, in the transition of the two areas, there is a large fortress, where Fel Orcs and other vicious looking creatures worked, building a machine of some sort. It was engineering, indeed, but a twisted version of it. It was engineering that was fueled by bloodthirstiness and Fel magic. The vile mechanics did not create gizmo's, or seemingly harmless gadgets. Rather, they built colossal monster-like machines, turrets, saw blades and there appeared to be experimentation on live subjects, thus creating human/machine abominations. It was something I could hardly imagine, how such a profession could be turned for such... well, despicable desires.

Third, there was a broad, large scale destruction of the land. Honestly, I didn't expect Shadowmoon Valley to be as... welcoming, as it certainly was. The army of the Burning Legion, well, that was expected, but the wildlife. The wildlife had been utterly brutalized by Fel Magic. There were pools of Fel energy that run about the area, fissures that spawned for miles, and bases for both the Horde, Alliance, Aldor and Scryers. Each, of course, separately placed away from each other. Twisted basilisks and Arakkoa shaman lurked about, hiding in the caverns and murks that were scattered in the area. Yes, Terokkar was indeed better in comparison, but the tranquility that it, as I was told, once held was forever lost to the Burning Legion's invasion. Fourth, I noticed the dragons in the skies of Shadowmoon Valley. Netherdrakes, as I had been soon told by the ever so considerate members of the Black Temple. These dragons were amazing, I had never seen such beings before. What I soon learned, however, was that the Fel Orcs were using these drakes as slaves, captives to do the deeds of the air transport for their dirty work. I found such an act horrid and wrong, but felt that there was nothing to be done until later, when I had more authority in the area.

But upon arriving to the Black Temple, I felt a kind of eerie, hysteric aura about the colossal building. If it wasn't the ominous Fel fire braziers that littered the steps to the guarded entrance, it was the variety of demons that turned their necks to see a feeble human walking their way. I was escorted by the succubus, Iskarei, from Shattrath. She waltzed up to me with a wicked grin on her face.

"Sorry about earlier, love. Illidan was calling for me after you left." One of her talons had come up and curled around my chin. "But don't fret. There's plenty of me to go around."

I shrugged it off as she showed me around the various wings of the temple itself. She refrained from showing me the elven sections, seeing as she wasn't allowed there. But she guided me through the section designated for demons. "I'm sure you'll fit in lovely here." Her eyes glanced upwards towards me, drinking in my frame and grinning again. "Most of us gamble often. It's... one of the ways we entertain ourselves. You see, the Succubi, Eredar and Felsworn here usually don't see battle most of the time. Wanderers who dare to come into this temple are usually held off by the naga. Their wing is to the right, when you come in from the main entrance. They're Lady Vashj's finest warriors and siren. Oh, and, in regards to the Siren naga... I'd be careful with them. They sing their devilish songs and lure you in that way. Just a bit of a warning.

"Just past the Naga wing, is the way that leads up to Illidan's chambers, as well as Kael'Thas's. The elves, as you know, train and live there. They're usually very distant towards our kind, unless they deal with our species. You know, warlocks and such. They tend to see us as fiendish beings, so don't be too surprised if they treat you like one of us."

"I'm pretty much used to their aspersions."

"Ahhh," She grinned suddenly, raising her head as if she were pondering, "and the rumor goes that you slept with one of their kind. She must have been quite the lady, to get over those lucid scars."

I suppressed a growl and clenched my fists. I knew it was just a dirty, mocking move to make me angry. Iskarei was just trying to see my reaction, so see how strong I was emotionally. It was just her mind games, a typical trick of most Succubi. Either way, she was an irritating creation, no doubt about that.

"Yes, it's true. I honestly don't give a damn about her."

"But your eyes tell an entirely different tale, Nicholas. You long for her."

"Just as much as you long for one of those Naga Myrmidons."

"Only problem in your statement, is that I lust for them so dearly. Mmm, those lusciously smooth scales. Oh! How I could drink in their passion."

I had to roll my eyes out of irritation. She was just being foolish, pushing my buttons and taunting me. "Either way, your quarters are down to the right of this hall, up the spiraled staircase. Your things have been placed there."

The next day, Iskarei showed me to the elven regions, where I had met with Illnaris, an elven mage. He showed me the observatory and the library that was used by both Illidan and the other elves of Kael'Thas. Afterwards, he took me to Iskarei, who apparently had news for me. "Illidan wanted to speak to you before you settled in, to discuss your purpose while in this temple. But after, we can do whatever you want."

"Sounds like tons of fun." I sighed, bored already by Iskarei. I nodded one last time and walked in the direction that Illidan's quarters were. Straight ahead, down the hall... Gah! This place is a maze. Who the hell makes a temple with this many corridors. As I meandered my way through the halls, I fumbled with my dagger in my cloak pocket. The hilt was smooth, gentle and the blade was sharpened. I never had to use my dagger most of the time in combat, unless I became desperate or tired out but the Fel Magick. My stamina only lasted so long against a fast enemy, or especially a clever one. For example, Erannar wasn't the clever type. I would never have to worry about having to use my dagger, because he'd be dead before he reached me, in that, we ever fought again. And if for some reason, we did fight again, I would certainly finish him off this time.

Just the very thought made me grin and I let out a soft chuckle. Yea, it'd be tons of fun to toy with him for all those comments about my scars. Heh, I'd give him a few myself, if he didn't have any already.

About ten minutes after speaking to Iskarei, I found my way to Illidan's study. The guards out front of the plainly blazoned doors asked for my name. They were two Fel Guards, tall and ferocious to anyone who had never dealt with their kind. Fel Guards were easy to manipulate, though. They were like ogres. All brawn, little brain. I replied in demonic, "Nicholas Archavon. Iskarei said that Illidan asked for me."

They nodded and let me through, opening the doors leading inside. Once inside, the doors slammed loudly behind me. From across the way, I saw Illidan leaned down on the ground muttering things. I raised and eyebrow, walking up to him. His long elven ears twitched and he looked to his side, standing up. "Ah, yes,... Nicholas. Iskarei informed me that you would be coming." I noticed that he was creating a transmutation circle on the ground. He towered over me, even when he was several feet away from where I stood. He looked entirely different than I imagined. More crazed, definitely, and more intimidating than the Aldor and Scryers believed he was. His demonic seals faintly glowed the devilish light-green. Illidan's long, tenuous horns were curled and were his most significant demonic feature, besides the large wings. "Yes, I've heard of your talent, Nicholas. A half-breed, yes?" His voice was piercing, deep and sturdy.

I nodded, "Incubus and Fel Hunter."

"Most warlocks choose to not go down the path you chose. I'm assuming it's because of your desire for power. Either way, an odd combination, indeed. Its a shame though, isn't it? Trying to deal with two creatures inside of you? The human and the demon. Did you retain most of your memories? Your personality?"

"I've been the same person all my life, same memories, same body, same mind."

"Ah, then you must have gotten lucky."

I was confused by the sudden question he had presented seconds ago. What was Illidan trying to get at? What was the real reason he wanted me here, in his temple?

"Iskarei stated you needed someone to train recruits."

"Yes, yes. Soon. I'm curious about your own inner demon." Again, I raised a brow as he beckoned for me to stand inside the transmutation circle. "Come, the demonic arts is all about experimentation. Much like the Scourge, we either test on prisoners, or ourselves."

"Ourselves? I don't see what there is to test." I hesitantly complied, standing where he asked. My gut instinct was suspicious. Illidan was a shady creature of both manipulation and megalomania. He always had something devious up his sleeve.

"Inner strength is key to growing in your knowledge. You're only a fraction higher than the basics, human. If you ever want to increase your potential, you have to meet your inner demon." And still, I was anxious about what he was going to do to me. I looked down, trying to make sense of the demonic scribbles on the ground that began to pulsate rapidly as Illidan began to chant. It took a few seconds before I felt the excruciatingly painful shocks rupture my body from the inside out. Heat swarmed my frame as if I were burning intensely in fire. I groaned and struggled as I stared at my body that began to transmute into a creation of neither Hell or Purgatory. My fingers became claws, my body expanded and broke through my Shadow weave Robe, leaving my scarred chest bare and my pants frayed and torn. I became more muscular and I felt my tendons and muscles tearing in inflammation as they grew in length. My skin became a dull orange and crimson red near my legs. I panicked at the sight and squirmed more in the magic's grasp. It was consuming my entire body, whatever he had done. I felt the Fel Magick growing inside my chest, desiring nothing more than to let it free from it's bindings.

I noticed Illidan's face turn into astonishment as he observed what was happening. My breath came coarsely when the glow on the ground fainted. I collapsed to the ground and felt exhausted. "Amazing." He finally muttered, waiting now, as if something else were going to happen. When I began to regain some strength, I tried to get up. But just as I began to feel better, the searing agony returned to my back as if something horrible was trying to be released from my upper shoulder blades. I fell forward again as the pain increased. It was like something was trying to protrude from my back until it finally exploded, blood and all flesh flying away from my frame. Groaning again, I looked over my shoulder to see two large wings drenched and dripping with blood. My eyes widened and I looked towards Illidan, muttering things even I couldn't comprehend. There was a pool of blood and bits of flesh in a puddle around me, making my stomach lurch at the smell and horridness of it all. Illidan's voice was slightly penetrating my ears, but the sound of my coarse breath was much louder... The world began to fade and I fell into darkness.



Fate is a mysterious thing. The way magic is intertwined with our everyday world, yet we never realize its presence. It hangs in the wind, in the very earth itself. The animals can sense it, though we cannot. Humans see things through Knowledge's lenses, seeing things as how they literally are. Yes, we do believe in the magic of fire and holy light, but there is another, more powerful kind of magic. And we all know that as destiny, fate, or simply luck.

Now, I've never been a lucky person. My hand of cards always led me in the wrong direction, misleading me to something horribly wrong. I guess you could say it's because I don't believe in Lady Fate. How can you believe in something such as that? A woman of light? Who enters your dreams and guides you down your path? I mean, there are plenty of far-fetched things in life... but that... well, that's a stretch. To say that everything happens for a reason is like saying that everything we do affects someone else in some shape or form. No, I believe that destiny is graspable. You can control it. It's not predestined.

But again, Fate's a mysterious thing. I never expected things to turn this way. But here I am, beginning to believe that she's real, when all my life I've been searching for my own destiny, thinking that I could find it on my own. That's entirely wrong. You think you're searching for your own destiny, but instead, it's all in her plan. She knows your going to think it at one point, that she isn't real. And again, it's all in her plan. If I didn't believe in her, I wouldn't be running to the Stables in Garadar, my blood pounding in my ears, my armor clanging loudly, and the anxiety eating my sanity away.


It had been about two weeks after I decided to chase after Nicholas the day of my supposed wedding to Erannar. Life was pretty dull, or at least I saw it through empty eyes. Yes, the world would easily move on without me, but I felt that my own personal world had collapsed in on itself. I guess you could say that it's my fault. I was the one who decided to run off to Orgrimmar, instead of Shattrath, with him. There wasn't some invisible force commanding that I go to Orgrimmar. No, I went there with my own will, and with it, I broke his heart. It's amazing how much damage one person can do to another. Whether emotionally, physically, or mentally... you can really destroy a person from the inside out. I had simply done that and I messed everything up.

I tried to make some sense out of what I was going to do from there on out. Was I going to stay in Shattrath all my life? Searching for him? Or was I going to run off into Terokkar Forest, with little idea of where I was going, or what I was doing. Although the latter idea did seem more appealing, I couldn't let the idea go that he, Nicholas, was still in Shattrath. I had to believe that he was still here, looking up at the same lonely sky, wondering where I was, what I was doing, and if I missed him. And I wanted nothing more than to see his glowing green eyes staring back at me as I looked off into the distance, wondering. But, unfortunately, things hadn't turned out that way.

After plenty of consideration, I decided that I needed to get away from Shattrath. I decided that I could go to Nagrand, the closest area, if you took the Aldor tunnel to the area. Apparently the lands there were luscious and full of life, unlike the rest of the Outlands. Of course, I needed a break from the dullness and grayish hues of Terokkar. Nagrand would be perfect. Inside the room I had paid for at the World's End Tavern, I began to gather my things and place them inside my backpack. My armor was already in place, settled heavily on my body. It would take about a week's ride to Garadar, the Mag'har and Horde affiliated town in Nagrand. There... I could start a new life. Think things over, and breathe some fresh, clean air for once. From what I had heard, Nagrand was a eye-catching land, with vivid colors and a night sky that was remarkable. Of course, I had to see it to believe it. Rumors easily could become tall tales.

Once I had gathered my things, I slung my sword across my bank, and the bag's strap over my left shoulder. I walked out of the room, paying my rent and giving the Innkeeper the key. I bought a week's supply of food and water, some rum, and went on my way. I calmly walked to the stables inside Shattrath, pleased to hear that the commotion about my disappearance had died down. However, I still kept my helm on. It took about four minutes to walk to the stables, where my demonic horse waited. Truthfully, I could call upon my horse at a seconds notice, due to it being a demon. But I ended up resisting the urge to, knowing that demon's kept Shattrath on it's toes, and a magically appearing one would freak the civilians out. The horse looked up when I approached, its eyes peering at me. I rubbed it's gentle mane and took it outside, guiding the horse to the outside world. Its thick armor rang as it moved outside and as I mounted the creature. I leaned over it and spoke, "To the Aldor Tier."

Quickly the horse began to gallop in the direction that I had commanded, riding up the various ramps of the lower city until it reached the Terrace of Light. It suddenly crouched downwards, as if the horse were going to pounce, until it kicked off from the ground and began to hover in the air. Again, we continued our course to the tunnel, ignoring the guards that yelled at us for flying in a restricted area. We zoomed through the air, speeding past the guards that watched over the tunnel, leaving them in a trail of dust and wind. It was a rather long tunnel, but once we reached the other side, I couldn't help but gasp.

Nagrand was by far, one of the most beautiful sites to see in all of Outland and Azeroth. The sky... I had never seen such a bluer one. The grass swayed delicately in the breeze, the brightness nearly blinding me. The water was crystal clear, sparkling in the rays of light. Even my horse stopped to take in the sites. I motioned for him to head towards the ground, so that we could follow the path to Garadar. Once we touched ground again, I dismounted the horse and guided myself and the creature to a shady area, where we could sit down and relax for a few minutes. I leaned back against the nearby tree's trunk, sighing calmly. I already felt better. The wildlife sprung about me soon enough, as I watched Gazelle-like creatures running on the horizon in a herd, birds flying overhead and Rhino-like creatures roaming the lands. My horse sat down beside me, leaning it's head against the grass, enjoying the earth for itself. I smiled and took out a bite to eat as I watched the world pass by.

It actually ended up taking four days to find my way to Garadar, the village of the Mag'har Orcs. I had been staying in the city for about a week before my depression seeped in again. I walked around in a daze and I felt sick. Although Nagrand was a delicate, warm place, I could not recover from the emptiness in my heart. The Mag'har did indeed welcome my presence with open arms, appreciative to see that they were not forgotten by the Horde, who were busy helping the Aldor or Scryers in Shattrath at the time. I had become acquainted with one of the shamans in the city, an young Orc woman who called herself Kora. Kora was the mate of Karrtog, who was an Orc warrior for the village. We spoke during the day, while she cooked meals or created new medicines for the wounded Orcs who would come into the village after battles or chanted spells that would empower them for the next fight. Kora explained that although Nagrand was a beautiful land, it was haunted by both the Burning Legion and the Alliance, who lived in Telredar, to the South West of Garadar. Apparently those that lived in Telredar were members of the Broken, who were Draenei, but of a more primitive society. The Mag'har themselves were much more primitive than the Orcs of Azeroth. I figured that this was because of lack of knowledge that Azeroth was constantly exposed to, and that they appreciated the old culture that their people had. I had never entirely understood the ways of the Orcs until living in the village for about a month. I had somehow assimilated myself into their society, and I was thankfully accepted fully. But still, the engulfment of their society wasn't enough to entirely dissuade my aching heart. And I was afraid of expressing to Kora my predicament.

After about a month or so of staying Garadar, she finally asked me why I had truly come to her village.

"I told you already, Kora," I began, as she placed Talbuk meat into a ceramic plate that was then placed over the fire. We were preparing dinner. She was seasoning and cooking the meat whereas I was making some bread for the warriors that would be returning that evening. All the woman and children in the village would create a portion of the meal that would be served for the warriors after a long battle. It was a large feast that all members of the village partook in, and it was also the night that I would be formally invited to become a civilian in Garadar. "I wanted to start my life over. After... after having my life entirely controlled since I was a little girl, I wanted a chance to be free of my mother's reign. So, I abandoned my chosen husband the day of the wedding, hiding out in Shattrath until they left, and he was sent to Tempest Keep."

"Yes...You did explain that the day we met. But, Elirina, there had to have been a greater reason as to why you would come here. Most travelers do not come here, and I know you are surprised by that fact."

"I wanted to get away from the rambunctious life of Shattrath, and Nagrand was closest."

"So you simply went wandering off into the middle of nowhere, in search of nothing?"

"Freedom. That's what I was looking for."

"And you abandoned your family, who was trying to force you to be another elf's mate?"

"I left my mother, not my sister. I care about my sister, Anissa, very much."

" I know you're young, and you do not want to be controlled... but, you see, it all doesn't make sense. If you were searching for freedom, and you say that you have found it... then, why do your eyes look so empty? You stare off into the distance, spacing out for at least five minutes, and then you return to reality, continuing with the task at hand. You curl up in a ball and are wide awake late in the evening, just... thinking. You just... you seem to have lost your thrill after the first few days."

I frowned, feeling exposed by Kora's explanation. I stopped kneading the bread and closed my eyes, folding my hands into my lap. "Kora... I am entirely pleased to be here, helping you all... but you are right, I'll admit it. I truly wish I could be somewhere else."

"Where?" She asked, returning the frown. "What has you down."

"I didn't run away from my family because I desired freedom... or well, that wasn't the only reason. You see, back in Azeroth, I... err, met, this human." I looked away, feeling somewhat uncomfortable that I was about to explain my traitorous behavior to someone of my faction. The hairs on my arms and neck prickled and I tried to gather the correct words to explain my thoughts. "It wasn't a chance meeting. He was searching for me, because I had stolen incriminating documents from an Alliance courier in the forests of the Hinterlands. A nearby Alliance town caught whiff that I meant to show the documents to Lady Sylvanas. So, they sent this warlock... my lover, Nicholas, to the Hinterlands to capture me. He was rather brutal, to be honest. But he... his love evolved over time. I know it seems entirely odd and forbidden... But, he did something to me. It took forever to realize it, but... we need each other. We need each other to survive. But as I was saying, we... took a ship to Stormwind, on the Nostalgia."

I sighed, looking down again. "It was this very ship that brought us together. You see, somehow, this ship was able to bend our emotions. We opened up to each other, and we told each other about our lives, what we wanted for our futures."

"Well... Elirina, did you...?"

I could only nod, feeling slightly embarrassed. "Yea, it just happened. We just...kind of fell for each other. You see, although we knew nothing of each other in the beginning, we eventually did. It was the most peculiar thing. But you see, although he knew that he loved me... I... I didn't. I was afraid of the future because I knew that it wasn't secure. I was worried that it was just a one time thing, that we would go our separate ways, and that none of it, the dreams, the long talks, the sudden passion – "

"What kind of dreams?" Kora interrupted, putting the meat down and turning to face me completely.

"I.. I'm not quite sure. Prior to the Nostalgia, we both were experiencing some odd dreams..."

"You mean the spirit world was speaking to you?"

"I don't know, Kora... He.. he called her Lady Fate."

My friend's eyes widened, and she took in a sharp breath, looking away and fumbling with the jar of spices on the table. She was silent for a few minutes and I could only stare at her and wonder what was going on in her head. After more than five minutes of awkward silence, I continued, "Kora, he let me go in Ratchet. The next day, we landed in Ratchet, where we went our separate ways. We left with bad feelings in the air. We basically had a fight. But I was a fool, I could have gone with him to Shattrath, I could have been in his arms – "

"Lady Fate, you say?"

I shrugged, "I told you, that's what he called her."

"I see... so this human, this..."

"Warlock."

"Yes, warlock... He was able to communicate with her?"

"I don't know exactly. He was the one that saw her. He was going on and on the day we left that it was destined to be, that we were meant to be together. He wouldn't stop trying to pierce my thoughts with them, trying to convince me in some silly way that she was real."

"And she is real, Elirina. Lady Fate... she's a creature that most shamans have yet to truly understand. But what we do know, is that she comes to people who will have a great impact on the future of mankind. Many shamans believe she is the one that guides our leaders on, motivating them to be strong and sturdy during difficult times."

"But what do you mean, impact on the future? Neither of us have done anything truly significant..."

"That comes in time."

"But what are you saying, is something terrible going to happen to us?"

"Oh, no...No. That is not always the case. It is possible that your lives will one day make a positive influence on the world, you never know. Don't always assume that the future is full of evil."

"Kora... I don't know what I'm supposed to do! Ignore these visions? How can I go on with my life, living this way! I don't want some ethereal being telling me how to live my life!"

"That's not her purpose...She gives hints, helps you foresee a portion of your future, that is all. She comes on her will, not when you need it or want it. Lady Fate works on her own terms."

"How can I believe this though? How can I dump my faith and emotions into something that may very well not be real?"

"That is your decision, Elirina. Even if you do not believe in her, she will still work her ways. She will come when she chooses." Kora sighed, taking the dough out of my hands and drizzled herbs ontop of the it for flavor. "Elirina, do you know where this warlock has gone?"

"I looked everywhere in Shattrath, I could not find him."

Kora nodded and looked out the window, seeing the warriors coming home in the distance. Seconds later, horns and drums rung throughout the air, signaling the men's arrival. She motioned for me to follow as we both carried our portion of the feast out towards the mats where the village people would meet, with their own offerings. Kora smiled brightly at the sight of the healthy men, noticing that there were only slight injuries to the strong, ignited spirits of the warriors. The village people cheered and the ceremony began.

After an evening's worth of merriment and dancing, I became intentionally intoxicated both literally, and mentally. Kora and her husband went home after the ceremony, the celebration of a victory in battle and my citizenship into Garadar. I was pleased to be welcomed by the townspeople, who were so empowered to make my acquaintance, and to know that the Horde of Azeroth still cared for those in the Outlands, even after the struggles and conflicts going on in both areas. I was exhausted by the time I had reached ...mmm, three mugs of alcohol? Maybe more, maybe less. Alcohol seeped into my bloodstream easily, twisting my thoughts and emotions, and usually I ended up towards the extreme side of drunkenness. I had no idea what was going on, what was crossing my thoughts and I had entirely forgotten what had happened earlier between Kora and I. It simply had slipped my mind thanks to the liquid's lusciously delicious grasp.

I ended up stumbling about until late at night, since I had shooed Kora off and told her that I was fine in some jumbled language, and for her to leave me alone. I was probably rude about it, if not slurred in tongue and vision at the time. I was laughing like an insane fool, singing and twirling around like a maniac who was simply drunk. In the outskirts of the village, I ended up tripping and colliding with the ground, where I ended up staying and curling up next to a pile of stones and brush. I huddled into a ball and fell asleep instantly, letting the darkness of night consume me... But my mind still continued to wander even as I fell into unconsciousness. My dreams took flight...

It all began in a dark, eerie forest where there was a heavy fog distorting my vision. I carefully walked through the dense air, squinting to see what laid ahead. The forest was dead silent. There were no birds, no animals, not even a rustle of the wind between the trees. The air was chilly, creating goosebumps on my forearms and my teeth to clatter loudly. The entire atmosphere of this place sent shivers up and down my spine, and the anxiety welled in my stomach, contorting and twisting my fear until I began running through the forest in spite of my lack of perception in the thick fog. As I continued running, I finally began to hear singing up ahead, and I slowed to a quiet walk. I didn't want to cause attention to myself, as I did not know what I was up against. Whoever it was, her voice was delicate and graceful, attracting my attention despite my apprehensions from before. There was a clearing up ahead, and I peered through the distance to see who it was. Up ahead, I could see a lake and a figure hovering above the water's surface, her neck craned to the sky. She spun around after recognizing my presence, smiling and beckoning me forward.

"Ah! It's about time we met, Elirina."

I blinked, standing up straight and raising a brow. Dreams were usually wacky... but I had never really experienced something of this sort. "And you are?" I asked casually, unsure of what to expect.

She glided over to where I stood, taking a full picture of who I was. I was simply wearing a dull, weather beaten dress and my hair was flat and slightly un kept. Nothing in comparison to who she was. This woman had a glow about her, a shimmery, almost translucent one that reminded me of an angel or celestial constellation in the sky. Her hair was a pale white and it fell just below her shoulders, swaying elegantly with the stagnant, non-existent breeze. Her cream colored gown exposed her shoulders and torso some, falling down to her knees, curving to her shape. It fitted her well, and I looked like a mere peasant while standing before her.

"Oh, it isn't who I am... You aren't here to find out about me." A bright smile appeared on her face, as she extended her left palm. "Come, there is so much to do in such little time. My purpose here is to help you, not for you to understand what this place is, or who I am."

I couldn't help but be utterly confused by her words, but too curious to not take the extended hand. I began to levitate along with her, and she pulled me towards the water, where we both hovered. "Fortunately, you came right on time."

"On time for what..." I questioned, with an extremely suspicious attitude. "Please, just tell me what's going on! Why am I here – "

"My, Elirina... you look so unhappy." She muttered with a frown.

" – what do you want..." I stopped in my tracks when she described how I looked. "What..? Unhappy?"

"Of course, you know it too. Don't be silly."

"Disappointed with my lot in life, yes...But I guess I can't be entirely unhappy. Plenty have it worse."

"True, plenty throughout your world have harder tasks to accomplish at this time, but their time will come. My sisters and I... we tend to make our rounds when the time is right. But here, I'm here for you. I don't care about anything else, except for taking care of you."

"But who are you... What am I here for..." I paused, gasping as panic rose from my belly. "Oh god! Don't tell me I'm dead... I didn't mean to drink that much – "

"No, no.. you aren't dead. My brother won't be seeing you for some time. Don't worry about that, we have to focus on the task at hand. Oh dear, I'm already running late..."

"Please, I'm completely clueless..."

"Oh, you're just as bad as he was! So many questions, not enough time... Sometime later, you'll find out..." She took my hand again, and she pulled us both down. I looked down, seeing a swirl of color and shapes in the crystal water. The figures were still blurry by the time she spoke again, "Be ready to take a deep breath... Mmm, most people forget to, unfortunately. Sorry in advance!"

"Wait, what... – " And before I could get a clear response, we were flying down, towards the water and I nearly forgot to take a deep breath as instructed.

The water served as a portal to another portion of my dream. I had been tossed onto the ground from thin air and I had swallowed some water in the process. I sat up, looking around to see the woman from before walking around, looking up. She now carried an unlit lantern in her hand. We were in a tiny room, and as my eyes adjusted, I noticed that it was a cell. "Where... where are we?" I asked, standing up. I brushed the dust off of my tattered dress and saw that she was beckoning for me to follow her.

"Shh... Although this is a dream, we can still be injured or worse, killed... Oh, hopefully I got the place right this time..." She trailed off, taking my hand. We phased through the cell bars and I was beyond shocked. I knew that dreams were insane, and I finally decided to just go with the flow, and deal with it. "Now, if I'm correct... Oh, why I knew she would do this to me! She probably sent me off to the wrong area..."

"Who?"

"Not important. Come on, I think it's down this corridor." She firmly shushed me from that point on. I took the time to observe my surroundings. We were indeed walking in a corridor full of cells that were all empty, unless of course you counted the piles of bones. There were torches that glowed a eerie green, unlike a normal fire. The walls were stone, Fel Iron, if I was getting my ores correct. After walking the corridor's path for about three minutes, we came to a junction of two pathways. A left and right option. "Ohh.. I think she said take the left corridor... Gah, hopefully we make it in time..."

I could only raise a brow and she pulled roughly against my wrist, dragging me nearly through the left walkway, making sure that I kept up. I had to run in order to keep up with her quick strides. I assumed that we were in a dungeon of some castle. After awhile, my legs began to tire and I became sluggish. I simply couldn't keep up with her ethereal stamina. Luckily, the woman stopped and sighed in relief. "Thank goodness... I chose the right direction." She reeled me in again, and I soon stood before a large door. "Now Elirina, I'm going to warn you ahead of time... There isn't anything we can do while in this state... – "

"In what state?"

"You're dreaming. This is your unconscious. You have no idea in reality of what's going on, other than the fact that this is a dream. You'll have recollection of the dream, if it impacts you significantly..."

"What's going on... – " I muttered, feeling anxiety well inside my stomach. I had no idea what to expect, until she pulled me through the large door to the other side. Inside, it was damp and the heavy stench of blood filled my nostrils. She let go of my hand and let me observe on my own. Cautiously I moved forward, taking a single step forward, only to feel something beneath my barren feet. Oh... God... The realization was coming over me slowly. I knelt down and hesitantly reached out with my palm to feel what was before me. Warm, moist skin that was drenched in sweat. I gasped, It's... it's a person... From behind me, the woman handed me the lantern and a light. I quickly lit the candle inside and the entire room illuminated. My eyes widened in shock and simple disgust. My hand trembled and the lantern fell to the floor, laying on its side now. A pale white hand came and covered my mouth, as I felt sick to my stomach. I was about to throw up, but I swallowed the bile and instead coughed hoarsely. I couldn't open my eyes, the image before me was far too horrid. Unfortunately, the image had been burned into my skull. It was a man, the man I so dearly loved lying before me, beaten and bleeding to death. He laid on his stomach, his back torn with two large gashes that were unattended to. His hair was matted and messy, with dried blood hanging on the strands. There was a pile of blood lying beneath him, which explained the thick smell from before. After about ten minutes of staring at the lantern in horror, I turned my head somewhat and tried to see what happened to him. As I had assumed, the gashes on his back were not from a whip, but rather as if something had protruded from his back. I dared to reached out and touch his skin again, shuddering at this clammy texture. I teared a portion of the lower portion of my dress off, creating a kind of cushion for his back, as I turned him over. I was extremely thankful to see that his face, although scarred as usual, was still intact. His eyes were shut lightly, and I began to feel the tears blur my vision. I pulled his frame into my lap and cradled him, letting loose a series of sobs and whimpering. I was unaware if the woman was still present, either way, I had plenty of questions that needed to be answered. After about five minutes of caressing his tear stained cheek, I turned to see if the woman was still there. She stood like a guard, staring at me with little emotion on her face.

"Please..." My cracked lips whispered to her. "What... what happened to him. Is he dead? How... How did this happen..."

"After he saw you on the Scryer Tier, he ran off. You know this. He ran off to the World's End Tavern, where he met up with a succubus by the name of Iskarei. Iskarei was an agent of Lord Illidan of Shadowmoon Valley. Illidan is in search of warriors, warlocks, or anyone who is disgruntled enough to fight for him against the Burning Legion and those who oppose his efforts. He is the Lord of the Outlands, Elirina. I'm sure you were told the story of Nicholas's brother, Daniel, who was recruited by Stormwind's recruits to fight in the Outlands alongside the Scryer and Aldor troops."

"Yes.. I recall."

"Nicholas came here to exact his revenge."

"You mean... this is the Black Temple?"

"Yes, Elirina. This is the dungeon of the Black Temple."

"But what happened, did they find out that he was planning to take revenge?"

"No...not exactly."

"Then what!" I demanded, clutching onto Nicholas's frame tightly. "I can't do anything to save him while I hold him in my arms, and you expect me to know just by looking at him what happened! Quit wasting my time! Tell me what the hell happened to him!"

"Iskarei stated that Illidan wanted Nicholas to progress his demonic knowledge. Illidan is a hybrid himself, as you know. Well... Nicholas did replace portions of his heart..."

"With an Incubus and a Fel Hunter's, I know."

"Well, you see... when a warlock does that sort of thing, a creature presents itself inside the warlock..."

"And Illidan brought it out of him?"

"Yes, Illidan did."

"So then he was wounded by the transformation? By the Light, it's killing him!"

"Illidan plans to draw upon this newfound power. You see, Elirina, my purpose isn't for you to find him, and for you to have your happily ever after. If Nicholas expands upon this knowledge, it's going to kill him. He knows it, but his lust is just going to be fueled by Illidan's. Illidan is experimenting with this or that, and he is simply using Nicholas a toy. Nicholas is just a big experiment in Illidan's eyes..."

"So Illidan will become more powerful through Nicholas's turmoil?"

"Exactly." She folded her arms and sighed, walking over to where I sat. "Child, if you want to save him, you will travel to the Black Temple and find a way to fix his mistakes. This is your last chance to be reunited with him. If you pass this chance up, Nicholas will surely die in these dungeons sometime soon. Your duty isn't to exactly, "kill" Illidan, it is simply to free Nicholas from his sudden addiction of power. There will be others down the road who will take Illidan's life."

"But what if I can't? What if he's so detached from me, that I cannot save him?"

"It's best to not think that way. Have a shred of faith, for you and him both." She placed her hand on my shoulder and the dream faded. I was tossed back into reality, as I woke again in Garadar, my head throbbing. I sat up, wondering what had just happened. The dream seemed so real, so life like... And I could still feel the stench of blood, his blood in the air. I rubbed my forehead and sat still, simply just staring off into space. It took maybe thirty seconds until I realized that the sun was coming up, and that somewhere deep inside the menacing lands of Shadowmoon Valley, Nicholas was laying in a cell, nearly dying from blood loss. The words, "This is your last to chance to be reunited with him" echoed in my ears and I suddenly lost the ability to think clearly. I stood up, my eyes widening and my pulse pounding in my head. I simply just began running to the stables in Garadar. My breath was sharp and coarse in the faint light of dawn on the horizon. There were a few civilians waking, many perturbed by my aroused body running off like a mad man. Kora was also awake and she stopped me in my track.

"Elirina! What's wrong..."

"Kora, I cannot talk right now... Please forgive me. I am so appreciative of your hospitality, of the village's hospitality... But I must leave." I spoke in pants as I quickly moved around the shaman, sprinting towards the stables again. Kora didn't run after me. She stood and watched me go, as I pulled my horse from it's stall. Thankfully, my backpack was still sitting beside the horse's feet, and I slung the strap over my shoulder. I tapped the horse and off we went, riding towards the ominous lands of Shadowmoon Valley. I left a stagnant life behind, off into a mysterious and untracked world. I had a purpose again, and I had to find him. I had to save Nicholas not only from his enemies, but from his own pride and curiosity. I had to save the man I loved from the brink of madness and loneliness, that I had initially instilled because of my foolish ways. And I was paying the price for it.


AN: Oh boy! This was a fun and interesting chapter to write over what, the course of a month!! Sorry, to those of you that were anxiously waiting for the next installment of this series. School's a pain. Racked up a 9k word length! Go me!

Now, to solve some questions that may be settling in your mind. Yes, I had a very difficult time imagining what a incubus and a Fel Hunter would look if you meshed them together. I simply could not picture it in my head. It was kind of like a tinier version of Illidan, only with vision, and instead of purple skin, orange and red skin. Any thoughts? I'm open to hearing your take on what that combo would look like. Also, if you had to match an in-game spell with Nicholas's transformation, I'd say it's like the Metamorphosis spell that's in the Demonology Tree for warlocks. Although, I picture Nicholas as more of a Destruction warlock (you know, Chaosbolt's are pretty much the Fel Fire that he conjures...) who happens to use a Fel Hunter instead of a Imp.

Fixed inconsistencies, thanks YCM. 3

Third, I'd love to thank Five Finger Death Punch for inspiring me through the song, "Hard to See". I don't know why, but all the grungy, metal songs somehow match with Nicholas's bad boy side. Just the guitar solo in that song is like the theme song for when Nicholas transformed in this chapter... Though, this chapter is titled Slow Burn after the song, "Slow Burn" by Atreyu. Okay, I'm being silly now.

Anyways, thanks for reading.