Ten years earlier...
The rebellion against the Lich King had begun. She was one of many who had left the Lich King's side. While others of her kind had flocked to the safety of Orgrimmar, Trisen had wandered Durotar, fearing what awaited her within the fortress walls. Orgrimmar scared her, as did the Horde's warchief. She had heard stories about Garrosh Hellscream. However, she knew she couldn't idle any longer. No matter how she was greeted, she had to renew her loyalties to the Horde. Garrosh Hellscream and the rest of the Horde leaders had to know she was no longer under the Lich King's influence.
Steeling herself, Trisen approached the gates of Orgrimmar. The greeting was far less than welcoming. She didn't know what she had expected, but having stones and other various objects thrown at her hadn't been it. Trisen ducked, covered her head with her arms and ran into the city. She grunted as a large rock slammed into the back of her helm. She stumbled, her foot catching on a rock. She pitched forward, falling into the dusty road. The roar of a dragon made her roll to the side.
"Get out of the way, Death Knight!" a Goblin hunter yelled.
Trisen pushed herself to her knees. A pair of black boots came into her vision. Her eyes moved upward, taking in the sight of the handsome Blood Elf mage standing over her. He wore black robes with silver trim. His raven black hair flowed over his shoulders, glowing silvery blue in the sunlight. He held out a gloved hand towards her.
"Need a hand?" he asked, his voice kind and gentle.
Trisen reached up and took his hand. The mage pulled her to her feet.
"Thank you," Trisen said.
"My pleasure," the mage replied with a smile. "Been seeing a lot of you guys around here, lately. I thought you Death Knights stuck to the Plaguelands."
Beneath her helm, Trisen's face burned with embarrassment. "It's a...really long story," she answered.
The mage tilted his head. "Mind taking off the helm? It's a little unnerving just seeing two glowing blue eyes."
Trisen reached up and carefully removed her helm. Her ponytail fell loose, the sun catching her brown hair and setting it alight with red highlights. The mage smiled.
"Much better," he said. "Finally a cute one."
Trisen's blush deepened. "Excuse me?"
The mage shrugged. "All I've seen are Tauren, Orcs, Trolls and Goblins. Haven't met any Blood Elf Death Knights. It's a nice change."
Trisen felt her face begin to burn with a deeper blush. "Well, thank you for your help," she said. "But, I have to see the Warchief."
The mage offered her his arm. "Allow me to escort you."
Tucking her helm under her left arm, Trisen shyly linked her right arm with his. The mage guided her through the dusty road. Trisen glanced around to see other citizens giving them strange looks.
"Why are you being nice to me?" she asked.
The mage shrugged. "You looked like you could use some kindness," he replied.
Trisen glanced at the ground. "Thank you," she whispered.
Out of the corner of her eye she could see the mage smile. Trisen looked up and surveyed the city. Orgrimmar was overwhelming. So many races in one place, but not as many as in Ebon Hold. Her blue eyes scanned her surroundings. She saw paladins, warriors, mages and shamans. However, there wasn't a Death Knight to be seen. Trisen wondered if she was the only one in Orgrimmar.
"Here we are," the mage suddenly spoke.
Trisen looked up to see them standing outside a large circular building.
"Grommash Hold," the mage said. "Garrosh Hellscream is inside. I assume that's who you're wanting to see."
Trisen nodded in confirmation. "Yes, it is. I feel like I have to renew my loyalties to him and the Horde."
The mage smiled and patted her hand. "Well, if you need anything, I'll be right here."
Trisen returned the smile and headed for the door. Before she entered the building, she turned around to face the mage.
"I didn't get your name," she said.
"Traylon," the mage replied. "My name is Traylon."
"My name's Trisen. Thank you for your kindness," Trisen said.
Two years later...
Trisen stood outside Grommash Hold. If her heart had been beating it would have been pounding against her ribs. There was no use in running. Hellscream would find her no matter where she ran. Trisen hung her head and closed her eyes.
"If I wasn't already dead he'd kill me," she groaned.
Taking a deep breath, Trisen put one foot in front of the other and entered Grommash Hold. The inside was dimly lit and empty, save for the haunting, looming figure of the brown skinned Orc sitting on the Warchief's throne. Trisen held her helm in her hands, shrinking into herself. Garrosh's amber eyes bore into her. If looks could kill, she'd be dead twice over.
Hellscream drummed his fingers against the arm of the throne. "You've got spine coming in here, Death Knight," he growled.
Trisen bowed her head. "I'm sorry, Warchief," she apologized, her voice small and fearful.
"I gave you the simple task of ridding our front lines of the Alliance scum," Hellscream said. "And you couldn't do that?"
"We were caught by surprise," Trisen tried to explain. "I know that's no excuse, but the Alliance were prepared."
Her dead heart dropped the instant Hellscream stood up and marched down to her. The small Blood Elf felt even smaller against the massive hulking Orc. Amber eyes glared into blue.
"You are lucky you're already dead, Death Knight," Garrosh snarled. "Those who fail the Horde and allow the Alliance to gain ground are not looked upon in favor."
Trisen heard herself whimper. Not since the Lich King had she been afraid of anything or anyone.
"If you wish to redeem yourself in the Warchief's eyes, you had better come up with a clever way of ridding the Horde of the Alliance," Hellscream said.
"As you wish, Warchief," Trisen whimpered.
"Good," Garrosh snarled. "Now, get out."
She didn't have to be told twice. Trisen turned and bolted out of Grommash Hold as fast as her legs could carry her. The sun was blinding, the heat sweltering. However, it was far better than the chill inside.
"You look like death," a voice sounded.
Trisen looked to her right and saw Traylon walking up. It looked like he was coming from the vendor's market.
"What happened?" the mage asked.
"Failed mission," Trisen replied.
Traylon winced as if he was in pain. "That's a self signed death sentence," he commented.
"Good thing I'm already dead," Trisen stated, walking away from the building.
Traylon tagged along as she started walking. "So, what are your plans, now?" he asked.
"To try and figure out a way to get the target off my back," Trisen replied. "Garrosh Hellscream is almost more frightening than the Lich King."
Traylon folded his hands behind his back. "How about a drink?" he offered. "It might help calm your nerves."
Trisen nodded and sighed. "Anything to help."
Traylon took her hand and guided her towards the inn. They walked into the small building and headed to the bar at the back. A small handful of patrons were sitting around enjoying a nice afternoon drink. Traylon led Trisen over to the bar and they sat down. The Orc bartender asked what they wanted and Traylon gave him their orders. As they waited for their drinks, Traylon decided to engage in conversation.
"The Lightwind clan is having a family reunion in Silvermoon in a few month's time," he began. "And, as always, if I fail to bring someone, Zorrion and most likely every other member of my family is going to be on my back about finding a suitable mate."
Trisen couldn't help but smirk. "Zorrion? I can't see that," she teased.
Traylon shook his head. "Just because he's my twin, he thinks he knows what I want," he grumbled.
"He's just looking out for you," Trisen told him.
Traylon gave her a pathetic, pleading look. "Trisen, please, I'm begging you," he said, folding his hands in front of him in a pleading manner. "I haven't asked you for much these last two years. But, if you could, would you please accompany me to this reunion? Just to get everyone off my back?"
Trisen was thankful the drinks had arrived. It gave her something to hide her grin behind. She took a long sip of her drink, letting Traylon simmer in his discomfort.
"Tris?" Traylon asked.
Her dead heart ignited anew at the nickname. It was the first time he had called her that, and she found she liked the sound of it. Trisen turned to look at the mage. He looked rather adorable when he was begging.
"Alright," she finally answered. "I'll join you."
Traylon let out a sigh of relief and bowed his head. "Thank you," he breathed. "Thank you, so much."
Trisen chuckled and took another sip of her drink. She hadn't met any of Traylon's family, except for Zorrion. Who knew? Maybe she would like the others. But, would they like her? Only time would tell.
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