Present day...
"I'm worried about Trisen," Traylon said. "She hasn't had a decent night's sleep in almost a month."
"I always thought Death Knights didn't sleep," Tomparis put in. "With their being dead and all."
"Watch your mouth, Tom," Rodonov snapped. "That's our sister you're talking about."
"Sister or not, it doesn't change the fact that she's dead," Tomparis pointed out.
Rodonov growled under his breath, tipping his drink glass to his lips. It was no secret that he hated being reminded of his sister's "condition". He and his brother had been reunited with their little sister after years of searching and countless dead ends. They had traveled across Azeroth chasing down leads about Trisen. From the Plaguelands to the Dark Portal.
The warlock and hunter brothers had almost given up hope of ever finding their sister. Until they met Traylon and his family during the zeppelin ride to Northrend. Trisen had been with them, unfortunately, she had no memory of them. Even now, after years of going through their younger years, Trisen still had little to no memory of her brothers.
"She's been having the same nightmare every night," Traylon continued.
"What's the nightmare?" Sairexanaris asked.
Traylon ran his finger around the rim of his glass. "Death Knights have gathered before the Lich King's throne. She walks through the crowd towards the front. Arthas sits on the throne and there's always a prisoner kneeling at the front."
"Who's the prisoner?" Yazzoo questioned.
Traylon shook his head. "It changes every night," he replied. "The first time it was Zorrion. The next it was Sai. Each night it's someone different." His eyes became haunted. "Last night it was me," he whispered.
"She fears being under the Lich King's control," Yazzoo mused.
"But, he's dead," Rodonov said. He looked around the table. "We were all there. We brought him down. Arthas is dead."
"And yet she claims she can still feel his presence in her mind," Traylon announced.
"Well, we don't know how a Death Knight thinks," Sairexanaris stated. "It's possible her claim is true. The Lich King was extremely powerful, his malice reached across Azeroth. Look at Lady Sylvanas."
"She wouldn't be the banshee queen if it wasn't for Arthas," Zorrion muttered.
"He touched all of our lives in some way," Sairexanaris said. He glanced at Rodonov and Tomparis. "Whether it was taking a loved one, or simply threatening our homes. We can't deny that Arthas was a fierce enemy. So, I wouldn't be surprised if Trisen still feels his presence."
"And she hasn't had an easy death," Tomparis added.
Rodonov looked at him. "What do you mean?"
"Well, think about it. She was a knight of death. She did whatever the Lich King told her to do. She was turned from a noble warrior who fought for honor and justice, to a cold blooded killer," Tomparis explained.
"Yes, but a lot of good has happened, too," Rodonov pointed out. "She was reunited with family, she redeemed herself in the eyes of the Horde by taking out the Lich King." He glanced over at Traylon. "She found love. Got married. I think that overshadows all the bad."
"But, it doesn't erase it," Tomparis said. "Maybe it's finally catching up to her."
"In any case, Tris needs help and she needs it soon," Traylon put in. "Or I fear something bad is going to happen."
Zorrion put a hand on his brother's shoulder. "Don't worry, Tray. We'll find a way to help Tris," he promised.
"We need to prove to her that the Lich King is dead and that she has nothing to fear," Sairexanaris said.
"How?" Traylon asked. "We don't know what happened to Arthas's body after the battle."
"The Death Knights still loyal to him must have carried it off," Yazzoo commented, taking a sip of his drink.
"So, there goes that idea," Zorrion muttered.
"We'll think of something," Rodonov said. "We took out the Lich King. We literally died doing it. If we can't figure out a way to prove to Trisen that these nightmares are just her overactive mind playing tricks on her, than we might as well join the Alliance."
"That'll never happen," Traylon declared. "I can convince her."
"Got any ideas on how?" Sairexanaris asked.
"All she needs is a distraction," Traylon said. "Something to keep her mind focused." A small smile touched his lips. "We've started talking about adopting, since Trisen can't bear children. I think it's time to start the conversation up again."
The full moon hung high over Icecrown, dancing off the ice that still kept Bolvar Fordragon imprisoned. Heavy footsteps ascended the steps, a long shadow falling over the ice prison. Strong hands reached down and shattered the ice around the crown. The tall, haunting figure placed the crown on his head; eyes burning a cold blue. Frostmourne beckoned. The fragments cried out to be reunited once again.
The true Lich King had returned.
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