Word reached Silvermoon of the news from the failed operation. Nobody greeted them at the harbor, nor at Fairbreeze village. Even through the gates of Silvermoon City and in the Walk of Elders, nobody said anything around Lilth. She really just wanted to go back to her room and cry herself to sleep, but no doubt Liadrin wants a detailed explanation. Heading north back to the Blood Knight HQ, Lilth really now feels alone, perhaps "forsaken," by the lack of love and honor she once received.
The Blood Knights stationed in and outside HQ didn't bother looking at her. Making her way in and up the curved stairway up to the higher platform, only Liadrin stands in the center, next to the railing and a small brazier.
"I see you've returned Field Commander," spoke in the usual tone Liadrin always uses with Lilth. Maybe she isn't as mad as Lilth had predicted. "So what happened at the wall?"
"Everything since my unit's departure and return are recorded in here madam." Lilth hands her the rolled up written report of the incident. Hopefully Liadrin would let her go for now and review the report. Such wishful thinking was dashed when Liadrin accepted the scroll and tosses it into the small brazier.
"I want to hear what happened from you," her voice turned sour.
"I, uh, the Scourge…"
"…Yes, the Scourge had overrun the Alliance's fortifications and nearly wiped them out. There was an elite guard deployed from Ironforge that helped the survivors of that massacre escape."
"If you know that much madam, then…"
"…I'm not done yet Lilth," even Liadrin's face is as sour as her voice. "You not only sent most of your army up against a detachment force that was formed partly as a decoy by the Scourge, but you made a cover-up story about additional troops from Ironforge that were coming to bolster their forces. Furthermore, you helped the Alliance survivors escape, not killing them as ordered, and retreated when you had the opportunity to take the still functional wall. This is quite unacceptable!"
Each accusation against Lilth only made her face flinch in pain as she shoulders these burdens from the choices she made. But how? How did she know about the cover-up she had made? Darson wasn't close enough to have heard the whisper she had said to Abigail. Also, how did she know about the positions of the enemy's movements? Were there updates on the enemy movements, if so, then why didn't she receive them?
"You are quite easy to read. You should've stayed as a tool and do as you're told." Lilth looks back at her superior, showing pain and regret. "For disobeying orders, you are hereby denounced of your title and rights as Field Commander, and are hereby demoted back to private rank. Now get out of my sight."
A tear slides down Lilth's right cheek, stunned in disbelief at her fate. Why was she treated so harshly for simply wanting to save a handful of lives? Lilth wanted to run out of the building and find a quiet place to hide, but that's childish isn't? Instead, Lilth walks back down the stairs and walks out onto Farstrider's Square.
Bachi walks out from the room behind where the two were talking. Approaching Liadrin, Bachi, with a bucket of water in hand, extinguishes the brazier's flame.
"You think that was a bit too much on her. She can be emotionally unstable when a person she respects starts attacking her."
Liadrin looks back, still upset in dealing with Lilth. "I think not. She needed to hear the truth, the truth that she's only a tool. For Azeroth's sake she asks me for my opinions on things she could figure out. I'm done having to be very nice to her, being a mother to her. She cost us in losing a vital strategic position against the Alliance and an embarrassment to Thrall and the other Horde leaders. On top of that, I still think he's influencing her. Why else would a sane Sin'dorei save a handful of Alliance survivors? She's becoming too much of a threat."
"You don't like having her on a short leash?"
"I only gave her the "Valiant-Zealot" and "Field Commander" titles to keep her loyal. Those titles aren't even the official titles we use in this organization!"
"What will you do with her now then, or shall I talk with her?"
"That won't be necessary. Hmmm…Jalar," Liadrin beckoned.
"Yes?" came the crimson and black leathered hunter exiting from the same room Bachi was in.
"See to it that you "check-up" on Lilth."
"As you wish, my Lady."
Once outside, Lilth notices only Chory walking up to her. Nobody else bothered looking at her.
"Commander, I…"
"…Listen Chory, I'm no longer you're commander. I just got demoted a minute ago for failing the operation. I, I've let everybody down," her golden eyes looks down and away from Chory. Starting to walk past him, a little yank on the arm stops her. It's been a long while since she was yanked as she attempted to walk away.
"Then, let me report to you for my first and last time, madam. I think though you risked and failed the mission on a handful of Alliance members, you have spared their families the grief of losing their loved ones. You took great care of our troops, even though you were behind schedule in the hinterlands by a couple of hours. And you maximized you're efficiency with troop morale and leadership placement. You are a good leader, but a horrible one in the Blood Knight organization."
"Chory…"
"…I'm not as strong as you, but please, continue to help people."
"I will. Thank you. Goodbye."
Confused by what she meant behind that farewell, Chory loosened his grip and Lilth left, heading back to where she always heads back to. Walking back into her room, she plops herself onto her bed. The light coming in from the window radiates, yet the happiness she once felt when gazing and bathing in it didn't come back.
"Crap…I really hate being depressed," Lilth comments out loud.
"Do you regret you're decision?"
"(I don't know. I…I wanted to free you, but in order to uphold the values of the Light, I sacrificed the mission, and lost the trust I needed to free you…)"
"Do not worry young one. You did what you felt was right, and I am pleased with that. The next phase in your destiny will soon start. Be safe and rest until then…"
Next phase? What does he mean by that? Getting tired of not getting a response back, Lilth lays there, thinking. Recalling the last few years she spent in earning the trust of others, particularly those in the Blood Knight organization. She always checked on how the pieces would fall into place. She was aware that asking Liadrin for opinions seemed like she was incapable of making her own decisions, but really, Lilth got useful information out of Liadrin and those battles up until now were won with so few casualties. She has become quite capable, even independent minded with the indirect help of her superiors and the support from M'uru. After all, just as she was used by them, Lilth too, used her superiors.
At dinner time, Anastasia is cooking while Lilth was looking for a frame that would work for her finished painting.
"Hey, Lilth."
"Yes?"
"I…I heard a rumor that they're going to kick you out of the organization."
"Not surprising, Liadrin was always ruthless when she didn't get what she wants. I take it people think I'm a traitor, an incompetent leader, and a shame to the Sin'dorei?"
"…Some, yes. You still have some loyal admirers Lilth."
"Even so, I should probably be leaving this place."
Looking back at her friend, Anastasia gets upset. "And let those zealots run amok!? Listen Lilth, I hate having to siphon the essence of mana from living creatures everyday just to kick back the side effects from the fel energy. The military elites even confiscated all of what's left of the Sunwell rings. Without you, you're compassion and mercy, the people who still have trust in you, have faith in you, would become nothing more than mindless addicts under the Prince's rein."
Disbelief ran down Lilth's face as she looks back at Anastasia. True, the Prince had few alternatives to save his people, but isn't what Anastasia saying treason?
"You may think of me as a traitor as well Lilth, but I swear, I'll change this society somehow, and stop the corruption that nearly ruined what our parents worked on so hard to achieve in making Silvermoon the best and glorious city in all of Azeroth that knows compassion and mercy."
Lilth lets out a small chuckle. "You know, I can't give up whenever you start getting all emotional like that. Fine, I'll stay for now, but if the worst should happen, you know where to contact me."
Eating their fill, they rested for the rest of the day. The next day, a messenger came to Lilth's room. Reading it, Lilth is no longer part of the Blood Knights. Still feeling down from the lack of love and honor she once had, she went out and walked over to the Bazaar. Hopefully the change of scenery could do her some good.
Very few people ever go to the Bazaar, as it was much more accessible from the main gate to other destinations for people to shop in the Royal Exchange. At least the Bazaar is quiet, Lilth thought, beginning to enjoy the atmosphere. Heading over to the Auction House in the center of the Bazaar, she was among a small crowd, perhaps about fifteen to twenty.
"Oh, Madam Fin'dorei, over here," came a voice from one of the auctioneers at the western side of the auction house. Walking over there to the golden haired gentlemen wearing a violet silk shirt with sky blue linen pants and brown boots, Lilth could see something that has become rare to find these days. "I managed to get these imported Dalaran sharps. Care to purchase some?"
A small smile forms across Lilth's lips as she looks up to the auctioneer on the auction stage. "I haven't had one since I was a little girl. How much?"
"For you, five sharps for ten silver," the auctioneer smiles.
"I certainly can't pass up on that kind of a deal Jenath. I'll take five then."
Taking a bite out of her sharp that she's missed for so long, the sweet taste reminds her of that day of the Sundro' dolorei and meeting Lucian for the first time.
"Be wary Lilth, a predator has come for you. Head over to Murder Row now!"
Hearing M'uru yell in her mind startled Lilth for a moment. It isn't normally like him to be frantic. She quickly searched around, but in amongst the crowd, Lilth couldn't spot who the attacker may be. Saying goodbye to Jenath, Lilth quickened her pace and heads out east from the Bazaar and into the small alley way that got the name "Murder Row." It use to have been called "Augur's Row," but ever since rogue and warlock guilds came in after the Scourge massacre, one didn't need to guess why in how the name changed. Why Lilth is thinking about its history, she doesn't know, but just maybe, maybe it could be a rogue or a warlock with a pet minion that's stalking her, finding some peace of mind in identify the attacker.
Looking and relooking around her surroundings, Lilth still couldn't see where the attacker is hiding. Is the attacker a rogue spec in assassination? Or an imp invisibly following her, giving its master time to wall her in and strike? She shouldn't go inside any of the buildings, including the inn with the sleeping drunk next to the inn's entryway, as she could really be cornered in, and who knows what demonic or sick trap could be waiting for her inside there.
Adrenaline helps keep Lilth's mind steady, but the fatigue generated by fear is taking a toll on her senses. If only Anastasia was here, just maybe…
"Auughhh!" Lilth screams in pain. An arrow pierces through a small opening of her crimson shoulder plate armor. Pulling the arrow viciously out, Lilth casts a Flash of Light spell on her wound and Cleanse, when she notices a faint beige, transparent fluid on the tip of the arrow. At first, she felt like her limbs were going numb, but that didn't last very long when she cleansed her body.
"Very good, I have expected no less from you, Lady Fin'dorei," a voice had come in the distance.
"Where are you? Show yourself like a true…like a true Quel'dorei, and not some coward Sin'dorei!" Lilth shouted.
"Ah, so you're true colors are exposed. That makes my job much easier traitor. Fine, I don't need to hide from you to win."
Jumping down from the top of one of the buildings across from the inn, stood a tall man clad in crimson and black leather, crossbow at the ready.
"Jalar? What is the meaning in you attacking me? Did Liadrin send you?"
"I'm here to "check-up" on you. I've got a job to finish or no food and wine for me tonight, so be a good girl and stand there," Jalar spoke as he readies his crossbow at Lilth's head.
A horrified look from Lilth gives the hunter the pleasure in taking his time in aiming. What should she do? Dodge? But where and how can she prevent the next strike on the rebound? Parry? But can she really pull that off at such a close distance? Her body tenses while she can feel her limbs and her breath turning cold. Lilth tilts her head down.
"Hmph, you really are predictable as she said. I almost feel bad for doing this, but…oh well, time to join you're parents Lilth Fin'dorei," Jalar proclaimed and seriously takes aim at his boring prey.
"Ahahahahahaha…you dare threaten me Quel'dorei traitor?" A dark tone starts taking over the once scared Lilth. Tilting her head back up, her golden eyes were no more, only dark violet hue that glows with fierce intensity.
"What the fel? Just shut up and be gone!" Jalar shouts as he pulls the trigger. The arrow was dead-on on its projection, however, it didn't make its mark. Astonished, Jalar was awe with fear when she grabbed the arrow at such a close range.
Tossing the arrow down onto the ground, Lilth slowly walks up to Jalar. Fear starts to take a toll on his cool demeanor. Before Jalar could retreat, Lilth casts a hammer of light onto him. The force of the hammer didn't harm him at all, simply knocking him onto the ground, leaving him unable to move a limb.
"You shall be the first of many sacrifices for the greatest good for Azeroth. You should be honored demon to be vanquished by my hand," Lilth's face that once shown compassion and mercy was now one of hatred and torment.
Only able to see what he once thought was the prey, but now the predator, fear stricken him as he lays helpless. With a quick thrust from Lilth's crimson and orange polearm, he took his last breath. Retracting her weapon, Lilth becomes dizzy and falls unto the ground.
Regaining consciousness, Lilth, with her golden eyes returned, is horrified at what just happened. How? What happened? Did she do this? She just wanted to protect life, not end it. And here she is, sitting near a corpse with a bloodied polearm.
"Lilth, escape from here, you are not welcome amongst them," whispered M'uru's voice.
"(Oh M'uru, what have I done? I, I didn't mean too.)"
"Do not fret young one, you've yet to live for the time of destiny. Now run!"
Five Blood Knights rush out of the inn, stunned in disbelief that Jalar is slain with the culprit right there.
"We're too late comrades, he's dead," one of the knights began to talk. "Lilth, why did you do this?"
Shock and fear had taken over her, and without answering, Lilth ran out towards the north end of the Walk of Elders.
"You've got to be kidding me? She went rogue!?!" A second knight spoke flat out. "Tryiel, you contact HQ and get as many as you can find to help take her down. She has to be stopped at all costs!"
Splitting up, the chase is on as Lilth continues to run towards the main gate at the south end of the Walk of Elders. Bystanders are confused as they see Lilth running away with Blood Knights shouting at her to stop and desist. Even with her abnormal speed, Lilth soon had to stop near the outskirts of Fairbreeze Village. Sadly, there were no good hiding stops for her to find. She'll have to engage them once they get here.
It wouldn't take very long before the four Blood Knights had caught up to where Lilth was standing, catching her breath. A fierce clash began. Dodging, parrying, and countering, Lilth did what she could to wound them. Within a minute the four knights were too weak to continue fighting, giving her the chance to run again.
"Lilth Fin'dorei, stop this at once!" shouted someone from another group of Blood Knights in the near distance.
Sprinting, Lilth in a short while stops at near one of the runestones on the edge of Eversong Forest. Her heart is starting to ache from the extended running. Her panting is getting worse every time she runs this quickly. She's noticed this on some missions that required rapid response across the battlefield, but she has no allies now and no real safe place to go in this region. But she needs to find some kind of shelter, but where? An idea comes to mind.
The second wave of Blood Knights caught up with Lilth, but just as the last skirmish, they were wounded and were unable to continue to fight. Fleeing once more, Lilth enters into the Ghostlands. The Ghostlands forest use to be part of the Blackened Forest, which includes Eversong Forest, but with the corruption of the land from the Scourge invasion, the southern part of the forest is mainly dead. Hopefully here, she could find a hiding spot for now until she can set off for the place she can safely contact Anastasia. Lilth needs to avoid Tranquillien, as no doubt the Blood Knights have sent some squads on air from Silvermoon City to the small outpost, in effect cutting off her escape route on the main road.
Having entered into the dead and dying forest, Lilth began heading west, and not south to Tranquillien. Hopefully they wouldn't think of coming to Goldenmist Village. The place has been deserted and a report a few months ago stated that the place had been cleared of all undead inhabiting there. A good hiding spot. However, with mounting fatigue and more aching pains from her heart pumping too much blood than normal, she could not run anymore, nor could she jog, leaving her to walk and use her polearm as a walking stick.
Reaching the western end of the carved out chunk of land that was affected the most by the Scourge invasion, Lilth looks behind to see even more Blood Knights.
"Give it up Lilth, you can't escape from us, no matter how much stronger you are than us, you are still a mortal," yelled one of the Blood Knights as a couple of groups rushed on their chargers.
"Why can't you people leave me alone!?" Lilth shouted back at them.
Catching up to their worn out prey, the same knight that yelled across the carved out piece of land replies to her question.
"It's because you have brought shame upon our kingdom."
Remembering the kindness Jenath showed Lilth earlier, Lilth takes a few breaths before coming up with a counter. "But most of the common folk don't care about the operation. So I failed the last mission, but just because I don't get sympathy or attention from them, that doesn't mean I brought shame."
"Who cares about them? They are only simpletons that provide food and services for us, the military, the real backbone of the Sin'dorei. Your efforts ensured that they stayed loyal to us."
"How dare you! I care about them, and they're not simpletons. You zealots are all the same," Lilth summoned the courage to argue back. Feeling a bit better from resting alongside the carved wall of what once been a hill, she readies herself for combat.
"You will be dead soon enough murderer. Now atone for your crimes," the Blood Knight, along with his comrades, got off his charger and reading his weapon.
"I…I will not be killed here. I have to find Lucian!" Lilth cries out. Angelic wings made of light sprouts out of her back and spreads out wide.
Parrying this attack, dodging that attack, casting Consecration, and countering, Lilth holds her ground against ten Blood Knights. But these aren't ordinary Blood Knights, but some of the elite, the best of the best. One…two…three, some of them are knocked out and unable to continue fighting, but others hold their own and heal themselves and continue to fight ever so fiercely. Lilth's vision begins to blur the more she continues the fight, but despite her best efforts to survive, she falls down onto the ground, losing the angelic wings, and her polearm a few feet away.
Panting, the same Blood Knight that had declared in stopping her, looks over her head.
"You're finished Lilth. I've read you're diary you kept secret and I know the pains you've gone through. You may have led a sad life, but no longer shall you be a threat to our society," the knight finished speaking as he raises his claymore.
Is this the end? All Lilth ever wanted was to be accepted and loved. Anticipating the final blow, Lilth lays still, cowering on the ground. If only she had completed her painting with a title, if only she could've freed M'uru, but such regrets seem pointless now…
"Loro Kaldorei!" a shout came out of nowhere.
A couple dozen Night elves dash out from over the top of the carved hillside and encircled Lilth and the remaining Blood Knights. Seeing that they are outnumbered, the Blood Knights did not lower their weapons and soon began clashing sword against sword with the Night elves. Within several minutes, the battle is over, with the Blood Knights slain and a few Night elves slain as well.
The dizziness starts to let up a little, allowing Lilth to make out the shapes of the Night elves hovering over her. One of them starts to raise her war glaive over Lilth's neck.
"Torwe! Kalmorea ri demoloro," a shout from a short distance away sounded across the battlefield.
The night elf sheaths her war glaive. Some of them move out of the way, and a Tauren and another Night elf hover over Lilth's head. The dizziness returns in full force, and soon Lilth sees a world of blur before blacking out…