I wasn't one to talk much, I admit that. I had tried to help Lana'thel as much as possible with her corporeal wounds for which she did seem thankful at last when we were about to leave her chamber. Her cuts have all closed now, I feared that her leg would need more time healing itself though, there was only so much I could do. Once I had finished with her I was completely drained. I still was, yet we were on our way back to Dalaran already, maybe I should have asked them to wait but I don't think anyone wants to stay here much longer.
It wasn't far to Crystalsong Forest. Exiting Icecrown wasn't so hard anymore now that there were no undead maniacs waiting for you around every corner. Or chilling blizzards that threaten to bury you within minutes if you don't keep moving. We didn't get too far in Crystalsong before I collapsed, absolutely exhausted. Angel caught me when my knees gave in.
"Aelana, are you okay?" Angel didn't look too worried, I think she already knew what the matter was.
"I'm fine, I am just tired after using such amounts of my magic."
It was still afternoon, late afternoon but it would not be a problem to reach Dalaran today, that is if I wasn't too tired to even stand.
"I am sorry, love, I feel like I am falling asleep any minute."
"I don't think we have anything to make a small camp here do we?" Angel mumbled.
"A campfire should be doable, there are some actual non crystal trees here, but if you are looking for shelter I am afraid we don't have any equipment with us," Shaestra responded.
Angel sighed, "I guess we will call it a day then, do you two mind sleeping out in the open?"
I nodded, "As long as you keep me warm," I smiled.
"It's like my second home," Shaestra said, "even when I am home I still go out sometimes to sleep in Eversong forest."
I looked at Lana'thel, she was still in the clothes which were used to wrap her sword in. Nora was obviously trying to cheer her up by nuzzling against her, it warmed my heart to see such compassion coming from the cat. She still seemed as if she were looking into empty space, it was scary to look at. I guess Angel would try to help her out when I was asleep.
Sleep. I didn't want to, but having Angel hug me from behind made it so enticing. Her warmth against me. I turned around and kissed her before I dozed off.
I awoke when it was dark. The warmth of both a campfire and Angel still holding on to me made awaking a pleasant experience. As soon as the fog before my eyes had cleared I started looking around. Shaestra was already asleep next to us, as was Nora, she was asleep with her head on Shaestra's legs. Lana'thel was silently looking at the campfire, I wondered what went through her mind.
Angel kissed my forehead, "how are you feeling?"
"A bit better, but I am still tired."
"Go back to sleep then."
"I will soon. Lana?"
"Hmm?" she didn't move her eyes from the campfire.
"How are you feeling?"
"I don't know," she finally looked at me, "thanks for fixing this body, I guess."
"She's still scared," Angel said, "and repulsive of how she is now, you know how I was in the beginning."
"Repulsive?" I asked, "are you kidding me? I think you look very attractive. I think it just takes a little getting used to, I know someone who had the same issues. You do realise that you would have never done the things you did if your will was your own, right?"
"Angel already told me the same thing."
"That doesn't mean it's any less true."
She started sobbing. I cringed. I didn't think I said anything wrong. I wanted to go to her but Angel pulled me back.
"Why did I even come here?" Lana'thel whispered.
My heart ached at seeing such despair, I had the same with Angel. I don't think anyone deserved to suffer as much as they both had. I looked at Angel and she released me, knowing what I felt. I went over to Lana'thel and placed my hands together on her forehead, trying to ease her pain with soothing light magic. I hugged her after she stopped crying.
"It's okay. I know why you came here. You wanted him dead, as we all did back home. But you actually had the courage to come here and face him. Thank you."
"And I ended up joining him," she convicted herself.
"No you didn't, you're not with him Lana. You. Are. Not. With. Him." I stressed every single word in that sentence hoping I could get to her. "What happened between your death and your freedom was not you. You are here with us now, and we are here to take you home."
"And what will they think of me when I return?" She asked coldly.
I released her and sat down next to her. Angel moved over and moved to her other side facing the campfire that was still spreading its warmth to me and Shaestra.
"Honestly, I don't know," Angel said, "As far as I know you were a hero before you came here to Northrend. They just didn't like the controlled version of you. I am sure there are plenty of people who would like to see you freed, though."
She sighed.
"I don't know if you wanted to hear that. It is what I believe to be the truth. People are suspicious to me because many people haven't heard of me, then suddenly I turn up looking all val'kyr and all. I don't think it will be the same for you. It may be better or worse but I am absolutely certain the regent lord will offer you protection if we show up with you."
"Whatever, the worst that can happen is me dying, again."
Poor Lana, the Lich King surely left his mark on her. She is drenched with guilt, left in a world where everything is hostile towards her because of him.
"You will be fine Lana, I'm sure, I whispered before I lay my head on Angel's lap. I glanced one more time ad the blood queen before I allowed sleep to take me away.
