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A soft light stung Judaus' eyes as his sight slowly returned to him. He winced as he forced himself upright from the cold dank ground; the sight of a bleak prison cell welcomed him, as did the large intricate runes that softly glowed around him. He recognized their structure: runes of holding. He glowered and shook his head. A simple dispel would dismantle such security, but perhaps they wanted exactly that. He tried to stand but a stiffness permeated his entire body, holding him down. As he fell onto his back, a door swung open announcing the entrance of a dark man with a loud thud. The man didn't even look at him as he set a bundle of papers down upon a lectern in the center of the room. Judaus stared back as his vision hazed a slight bit, the dull pangs of arcane withdrawal still lingering.

"Good evening. Do you have any illnesses I should be aware of?" He didn't even look to Judaus, buried in his notes. "Besides your arcane addiction. Of course. Perhaps medication? Any concerns with your heart?" The man finally looked to him. Judaus only offered a baleful glare. The man frowned. "When I ask something of you will comply. You shall not delay in your answers, you shall not consider, and above all, you will not lie."

Judaus scoffed. "You surely have those that can scour my mind with shadow magics. I sense you can do the same, so do it and be done with it." With no hesitation, the inquisitor pulled out a device that lashed out at Judaus, sending out a sharp jolt of energy, piercing Judaus' mind.

"Neural prod. One of the most unpleasant things to be conceived by the Kirin Tor. We have done so, and you and I both know that one who has learned to use shadow magic as a weapon also must use it as a shield. Your mind, my mind, cannot be reached into as such. Now, when you cooperate, you shall be rewarded. When you resist, you will be swiftly punished. Do you understand?"

He stepped out from behind the lectern and slowly approached Judaus, and as he did so, Judaus quickly cast a dispel, eradicating the runes. Ignoring the pain, he crouched to lunge at the inquisitor. His mind was too flustered and muddled to use his full arsenal of spells, but he still had the strength and sharp claws his worgen body gifted him. Alas, before he could even move an inch forward, a sharp stabbing pain rang throughout his head and another zap of the neural prod followed. His lungs struggled to draw in air as the man knelt to him, his face unfeeling and cold.

"Now, I can feel what you are thinking, as much as you will allow me, of course. I am not your enemy, nor are you mine. I put no personal stake in this, you are a task I simply must fulfill, a name upon a scroll. However, despite such a fact, I will harm you to meet the demands of my duties if I must do so and how much I will have to harm you will be entirely to your discretion. Do I make myself clear?" Judaus refused to answer. Another shock sent him crashing into the wall behind him. Swiftly, the inquisitor fastened nearby shackles onto his wrists. "Come now, Mr. Sunstroke. You suffer needlessly and it is obvious enough that you do, in fact, have a grasp of Common. Now then, do you understand?"

Judaus stared into his eyes with defiance. Every fiber of his being wanted to continue his resistance but he knew it was completely futile. "Yes." he growled.

"Splendid." He stood again, returning to his notes, immersing himself in them for a time. Judaus yanked at the shackles a slight bit, trying to irritate the man with their rattling. He looked up, causing Judaus to stop.

"Hm. Very interesting. We have searched your home and confiscated some of your journals and records. Thalassian is surprisingly easy to translate. Even helped us find some old records when you lived in Light's Bridge. You describe how you have little interest in the war between the Alliance and the Horde. That is very interesting. If such were the case you would seek a dwelling where neither of those parties resided, yet... here you are in the heart of the Alliance. Going so far as to force the affliction the Gilneans carry upon yourself. Do you not find that strange?" Judaus let out a low growl from his throat. "Unless of course, you were influenced by others to do so. Perhaps to spy for the Horde... mayhaps even the remnants of the Defias?"

"I am under no one's influence."

"Indeed? Well, that its quite remarkable. Are we all not influenced by others? Should the king feel sad, the entire kingdom weeps with him. It is a law of life. Do you intend to tell me you are that far removed from life?" The inquisitor stared at him searchingly. "Surely you didn't wish to just take a leave as a different people, a people who would slay you on sight. You were sent here by someone, and you will tell me who."

"A little goblin in my head told me to. He told me your people's women needed something pleasant to look at." Judaus lashed out in a baleful tone.

The inquisitor shook his head. "Well, of all the fabrications I have heard, few have been so colorful. I do hope you will take this seriously." He removed a small bag from a box. "But, there is no need for haste. After all, it is now time for lunch." He began eating a sandwich, leaning a slight bit over the lectern to clearly display his meal.

"The first thing you said to me was that it was evening. If that is all you can afford for a dinner then you are paid very poorly."

"Hm. Do I sense a small bit of envy in your voice, Mr. Sunstroke? After all, they have not fed you since you were brought here. Granted, you were asleep for three days, but despite that, the pangs of hunger must be agitating you. And your dependence on the arcane. I'm sure you can sense that this food is enriched with mana..." He took another sandwich from the bag and walked to Judaus. "But of course that is all irrelevant. This clearly is not suitable for supper, no sense denying yourself a proper meal... but for lunch this is quite fitting. The question is: is it time for lunch or dinner?"

Judaus sneered. "If it is not lunch here then perhaps it is on Kalimdor."

The inquisitor smiled. "Ah. An excellent answer." He handed the sandwich to Judaus, who snatch it from him and immediately ate voraciously. "This all proves, however, that truth is fluid, subjective. It matters not what time it is outside these walls, if we deem that it is time to eat lunch, then it is so. The truth is often what you believe it to be, and at other times what you decide it to be."

"Make your point."

"My point is, you may have come here to believe differently than what you were told, and that is well and good. But I need to know what you were told to believe before that, before you either sympathized with us or hid from whatever you did not want to believe."

"You chase things that do not exist. My ties with the Horde were loose at best, and I came here out of circumstance. My grasp of 'truth' is not as fragile as you believe."

"Well, at least your lies can be taken more seriously. But they are still just that: lies. You have, after all, done this many times before. When your people were proud and self-sufficient isolationists, you were told to welcome the humans with open arms, and you did so. Then the Horde took you under its wing and the Alliance was to be treated as the enemy, and you did so. And I might add that was quite remarkable - for you certainly embraced my kind when we were allies... you even took one of ours as a lover."

"Burn in the-"

"You swore allegiance to the Alliance because you believed in it. That was what you accepted as the truth. And now, the Alliance is your enemy, and that is the truth. It is purely dependent on what you believe and what your betters order you to believe. The truth is malleable, the truth is subjective. Nations create agendas, and soldiers of any fold must accept and carry out those policies whether they dwell in the realm of practicality or otherwise. It is the heart of your existence! A solider accepts that the truth changes every day and you accepted that - for you stand here now in the arms of your enemy and at their mercy. I and my betters will not accept that you came here by circumstance."

Judaus smiled wickedly. "Before you continue with your drivel; my thanks for the sandwich. Perhaps a bit dry, but let it never be said that I am ungrateful to any benevolence granted to me."

The inquisitor didn't react. "Evasive. That is to be expected."

"I prefer it to dishonesty."

"Indeed? You declared it was time for lunch when you most certainly knew it wasn't, and you claim that you have never once been influenced by a soul, and you know as well as I do that is utterly ridiculous! It is not I who is being dishonest, I have spoken of only facts, the truth!"

Judaus glared, looking away. "Twist my words all you like, you will come no closer to the truth because you do not want to see it."

"A fine way to summarize what I have been saying this entire time. In the very least, you have been paying attention." He began to gather his things. "Well, as a reward for at least doing that much, I will tell you another truth. That sandwich was poisoned. I do suppose I would expect a spy to be suspicious of such a kind gesture, but... I do not know much of how the Horde trains its agents. Perhaps later you will enlighten me." Judaus snapped his gaze back to him, his face awash in fear. "Now do not fret, it is not fatal, as I stated before, I do not wish to harm you, let alone kill you. They want you alive for the time being... but I would not count on their good graces for much longer, there is much taking place in these coming days - we only have so much time to spend on you." The man headed for the door. "Now if you will excuse me, it is time for supper. Good evening, Mr. Sunstroke."

---

Judaus laid upon the wet floor, shaking as his stomach continuously threatened to eject what little contents remained in his body yet again. The aches of his joints only worsened and his vision was cloudy. He did not know what to think - there was only the pain, and in a strange way he almost found a peace in it.

"Now now, none of that! Do I have to fetch your former lover to remind you of what you swore not long ago? Or perhaps my sister?" Judaus didn't want to hear her voice. He tried to turn over and face the wall, but she knelt down and held him still.

He struggled to speak in a pathetic rasp. "Is this what a torturous afterlife is like? People I hate trying to convince me to live?"

Beatrixe smirked. "Come now, I am here because you wish me to be here. "

"You assume far too much, Beatrixe."

"I do not have to assume. You only care enough for your life for the sake of me and my sister. You don't want to live alone anymore, no matter how much you deny it. You want a family." Her tone was playful and devious as usual.

"You flatter yourself. I want neither of your children, puppies, what have you."

"Oh, stop speaking such rubbish. You want to live to ensure me and my sister do not suffer as you have. That is foolishly noble, and you will bring yourself much pain for it. It has nothing to do with love." She placed her hands on his face, forcing him to look into her eyes. "But if that is what will compel you to survive, then it will suffice for now. This is not where you should die. Remember, you too deserve salvation."

---

The door flung open, making its usual whine. The inquisitor noticed Judaus immediately. Judaus coughed harshly as he tried to face away from him.

"Good morning. I trust you had at least some rest. After all, I had no problem conducting a reading of your memories last night. You see, the poison was not lethal, but the pain was great enough to render you unconscious. I cannot peer into your mind when you are awake, or when you are asleep, but take away those moments when you are settling into slumber, when your mind acclimates, and most everything is left open."

He paused as he set up his tools and documents. "You will be pleased to know that what I found indicates that you indeed are not a spy. As much as I question your means of hiding, you have my thanks that you have not acted against the Alliance, recently. I also sincerely apologize for the poison, as well. It is distasteful, sadistic, but I must do what needs to be done." He looked straight into Judaus' eyes. "I just want to remind you I am the only means to your release from this place. That is the truth." Judaus just stared blankly, his eyelids fighting to remain open.

"Now, as I said, I peered into your memories last night. I must say, you have lived an exciting life so far. To experience so much, I suppose, makes me envious of your lifespan. It is strange to see you in the shape of a wolf man, though. I understand the bearers of the curse can revert to their former shape? Why not do that now, since we will be reviewing the actions you took in that shape. Go on, the tarp will still cover you."

Judaus glared as his eyes were drawn to the neural prod lying on the edge of the lectern - it seemed to be posed to strike at him on its own. Taking a deep breath, as he concentrated on his true visage, his body compacted and fur receded, his bones and skin shifting and bending. Even when he had gone through the process so many times when he was alone in his home, he still found it most unsettling.

"Ah. Much better. You look civilized now. The voice was also a touch difficult to make out. I would first like to ask you about something I heard you mutter last night... Beatrixe? Who is she?" Judaus didn't respond. "It is merely curiosity, Mr. Sunstroke. There is no reason not to tell me. "

"There most certainly is."

"Enlighten me."

"The simple fact that you want to know."

"Actually, I do not want to know. I have no interest in you whatsoever, but my betters do not like empty spaces in their records, and that includes any and all persons you have associated with." Silence took over the room. The inquisitor frowned as he watched Judaus slowly bring himself to a sitting position.

"Feeling better?"

"Somewhat."

"Very good. I suppose we will come back to this later, for there are other concerns that are far more pressing. Such as the crimes you committed in years past." Judaus shot a surprised look at him. "Did I not say I searched your mind? Or have you simply decided to forget them? If so, I have in my hand here your confession. It goes on for a considerable length, so I shall summarize: you admit your guilt of treason, mutiny, aims to commit mutiny, sedition, terrorism, -"

"What is this? You lying bastard!"

"- seizure of alliance property, assault on alliance citizens and personal, sabotage-"

"This is madness!"

"Willful destruction of Alliance property, the murder of the citizens of Southshore, and torture of the farmers of Hillsbrad Fields."

"What?! I opposed the Forsaken's actions in Hillsbrad! I will not sign a single thing!"

"You WILL sign! This is not for discussion! You will sign and you will read it in front of an audience, you will beg for mercy and you will apologize to the families you harmed during your assistance of the Horde's campaign!"

"Absolutely not! This is not just! You haven't the right-"

"No. You have NO right! This is not a court, there are no judges, there is no justice, no mercy, and no hope! You will sign your name and swear an oath, and you will not leave this place until that moment!" His raised voice echoed in Judaus' ears. Without another word, the inquisitor gathered his things, leaving the confession document to dangle off the front of the lectern. "Consider those words carefully. I will return in a days time."

---

"Now, the name of your friend? I have asked three times now. I will not ask a again."

"No."

The inquisitor rubbed his eyes. Judaus smirked, the inquisitor was finding it too difficult to hide his frustration. Despite this, his tone was soft and gentle. "You must understand. This is not a game. You are expendable as we all are. You live because for now you are an asset. Your confession and official defection will encourage your kind to follow suit, no matter how slowly. But as of now, you are an asset that is costing far too much time. So let us cut to the chase."

He set up a small table in front of Judaus and placed the confession upon it. "That piece of paper is the one thing keeping you here. Not counting yourself, of course... I don't want you here any longer, and neither do my superiors. It is you who holds the key." Slowly he unshackled Judaus' hands from the wall. Seeing how they still fit his wrists snugly made him wince. It was no wonder he never moved his hands when he was a worgen. The inquisitor placed a quill in front of his face, Its soft texture inviting his touch.

"Do you not want to leave? Or are you self-destructive? Just sign and speak. That is all that is asked of you."

"Once I do I will die anyways."

"No. They do not want your death. You will not be a martyr, but a symbol. You will be encouraged to travel so all can see the power of the Alliance. You like to travel, do you not?"

"You said you speak only the truth."

"I do. As I said you will not be killed immediately, later... once you have served your purpose and you are forgotten, then yes. They will find you. It will be in the night, most likely in your sleep. Quick, quiet, painless. But that is irrelevant for the time - before that, you will be free! And think of the power you will be given, to show our citizens that there is hope in the Alliance."

"To show them the corruption. Dishonesty."

"Come now, let us not argue. We are but moments away to leaving from this bleak place. I know you want to sign. I know you can do it. Just sign and speak, and all will be made well."

Judaus looked to the man with a weak defeated face. He took the quill, slowly making his way to the small table. The confession lay in wait for him - it seemed to have a presence of peace all its own. Softly, he took it into his hands, looking it over.

The inquisitor smiled. "Most wise, Mr. Sunstroke, you will see-" He froze completely as Judaus tore the paper in half, tossing everything to the side. He met the man's gaze with rebellious eyes.

The inquisitor's eyes bore a slight bit of shock as he looked away. "I,I wish you had not done that. I truly do. I, I really wish- I have no control over what will transpire now." With a hurried pace, the man left the room. Falling back against the wall again, Judaus covered his face with his hands and began a desperate prayer.

---

The door flew against the wall, letting out a loud crash in protest. The inquisitor stormed in with a face of stern urgency.

"Now listen, blood elf. Wake up! Hear me!" Judaus barely opened his eyes as the man knelt down to him.

"Must you shout... this was the first peaceful sleep --"

"Focus! Look at me, listen! There is something you have to understand, they are doing these things to you because you are a hero! You served in many great battles, you aided the Shattered Sun Offensive, you fought alongside the Argent Crusade, you stormed the Icecrown Citadel! Despite your reclusive nature, you have a powerful presence and the Alliance needs that presence, to show both friend and foe alike that one such as you recognizes the glory of the Alliance!"

"Recognizes its fear. Denial of the truth that your petty fellowship is in a downward spiral."

"Truth is irrelevant! The people do not need truth, they need morale, signs of victory. This is not just for our gain, your people would see and a seed would be planted in their minds! Do you not want to turn them from their folly?"

"To what end? To turn them to yours?"

The inquisitor glanced away, he was obviously getting nowhere. "This is the best choice. It is not the only one, however. If you will not accept, then we will construct a posthumous confession. We will have your corpse for an illusionist to reference and your signature can easily be forged, thanks to your writings from your home. It is not as ideal without you traveling to show the world that you have been broken, and the news will not leave far from Stormwind's walls... despite all that I have been informed that it will suffice." Judaus stared straight ahead, quiet as he steeled himself.

"I can save your life." The man's tone was hushed. "I have been trying to all this time. I can do it right now, I want to, I want to help your people to convince them to come back under the shield of the Alliance. You never felt well with your kin's allegiance to the Horde. Do we not want the same thing?"

Judaus turned to the man with an indignant face. "Last night I gave much thought to what you spoke of about truth. You claim it is fluid and subjective. You realize that you gave me the perfect motivation to resist your temptations? I will not bow down to your truth and I will not bow to the Horde's, to anyone's."

"But will the truth free you?"

"It will. Every time I utter the word: No."

The man froze for a brief second and sighed heavily. Standing, he made his way to the door, ushering in two guards. "Judaramar Sunstroke, will you or will you not agree to the signing and speak a formal confession for crimes against the Alliance?"

Judaus stared him straight into his eyes, his eyes confident and piercing. "No."

The man nodded to the guards, who quickly seized Judaus by the arms. His physical strength was still too diminished to struggle.

"You fully understand that this is your final chance, after this it all ends! Do you understand?"

Judaus offered the same look as before. "I've grown truly weary of those last three words."

The man nodded again. Swiftly the guards dragged him down a hall as the inquisitor followed.

"Oh, holy Light, free him from all weakness and in your benevolent touch, comfort him.

"Deliver this soul from all evil, by deeds both past and present, from afflictions set upon him, and free him from any bond.

"Not one soul lives to their own accord and none perish to their own accord.

"In life we live in the Light and in death we die in the Light.

"Then we beseech you to heed your servant, the sheet of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock.

"Proceed him into your embrace of mercy and may his soul find eternal peace.

Amen."

Judaus' muscles tightened and his heart began to race as they dragged him into yet another dank cell. A guillotine stood in the center of the room accompanied by a man completely cloaked in black garb. The guards tossed him to the ground and immediately left, slamming the door with excessive force. Slowly Judaus looked to the tall figure before him who stared at him silently, his face veiled in darkness. He wished to taunt them in order to hide his fear, but their inaction forced his mind to go wild with speculation.

Just as Judaus was about to well up the courage to speak, they walked past him and left him alone. He slumped over, the cold cement stinging his cheek. He knew not whether things would grow worse or better. Just as he shut his eyes, the doors swung open again. Two entered behind him, accompanied by two guards who swiftly disassembled the guillotine and carried the terrible device away, leaving only a single chair. One of the newcomers stepped in front of him; a black-clawed foot greeted him.

"Sit," a feminine worgen voice commanded. Before he could even move, a strong grip seized his weary arm and pulled him up, guiding him to the chair. He looked to her face, intrigued by the dimly glowing orange eyes she possessed. She only offered a stern almost predatory glare. Glancing to the back of the room a rather unassuming man stood near the door, watching intently.

"So, have I been sent to the kennel now? Are you going to teach me to beg?" Judaus finally spoke, his voice weary.

"Change," she ordered.

"Not in front of you two. At least allow me my modes-" She gripped his neck tightly and thrusted a sharp dagger inches away from one of his eyes. He let out a heavy sigh as he morphed back into a worgen. The process seemed much easier than changing back to his true self, much to his dismay. The woman stood back, planting herself firmly in front of him with a domineering posture as if she was constantly commanding him without words. Judaus wore a defiant expression, but in truth he was growing too weary to fight for much longer.

" You were to be interrogated by another. He has been informed that his session will not take place and the one before it also did not. The situation is this: Whether or not you are a spy or a refugee of the Horde is immaterial. You still have highly sought insight into the Horde that our unit will use to our advantage, you also are just as much a Gilnean in the eyes of others as the rest of my people, so any ally is one I will use. You will join our cause and serve to prove the Gilnean people are the Alliance's strongest asset. Or you can die this very moment."

"A tough decision." Judaus scoffed.

Swiftly, the woman drew her pistol and pressed it into his head. "Then do not meditate on it long. Will you join us or die?" Judaus couldn't help but feel an amount of shock at her aggression. His gaze darted from her half bared teeth to her finger slowly inching towards the trigger. Quickly, he nodded his head, prompting her to stand down. He let out a large sigh of relief as she turned to the man.

"I'd prefer if you act quickly. I have learned master Shaw is not fond of surprises."

The man shook his head. "He is not fond of Horde being given free reign to dwell in our cities, let alone our ranks. You are well meaning to prove your people's worth to the Alliance and further unify us, but this is reckless beyond all reason."

"And your history with him will let him see past that. You already oversee much of our activities and condone many risks, Trias, this should not be a bother to you." Elling glowered as he glanced at Judaus.

"Allowing an ignorant adventurer, a member of the Alliance, to assist in the search for a missing king does not compare to this. Regardless, if you fail to keep him in check, this will compromise your operation. I will not intervene in how your carry your duty out, but after this I will not lend you my hand in any other matters concerning your little band."

"Just get it done Trias. Posthaste," she ordered, turning back to Judaus with a searching look. Without another word the man left.

"Right then. Now that you understand your position, I will not have to be so harsh with you. Nevertheless, from here on forth you are not a blood elf, but a Gilnean, and an undercover associate of the SI:7. More importantly, you are also under my command both in battle and on leave. Under no circumstances are you to change from your worgen body. You shall speak in the manner I tell you to speak, you shall wear what you are told, and if I order you to die for your homeland then you will most assuredly die. You will be watched always and the slightest disobedience will be punished with death. Do you understand?"

Judaus rolled his eyes, cursing that last sentence's existence. "Fair enough. However if you must constantly watch me, I would recommend you do not get excited when I bathe, for I am not much to see naked."

She bared her teeth slightly and sharpened her eyes. "I will return in five hours. Food, a bath and a tailor will arrive shortly. Rest, and prepare yourself for a briefing of Gilnaen history and culture. Once you leave this room, this interrogation and the records of your life before will cease to exist."

Judaus cocked his brow, tilting his head. "Briefed on culture and history? Are you not humans with fur now? I am confident I know enough of your past and mannerisms."

"Do you even know the name of our king?" she challenged him, placing her hands on her hips.

"Do you know of mine?" he shot back with a wry smile.

She shook her head turning for the door. "Enough. After you have been briefed, we will attend a meeting with our unit. Afterwards, you will retire to your home and await further orders."

"Very well. Miss...."

"Clairetta." Silently she closed the door behind her. Judaus slumped in the chair and closed his eyes as relief washed over him.

---

Judaus continuously tugged on the sleeves of his new coat, inspecting it thoroughly. It reminded him of the one a kind lady made him during the voyage to Darnassus. Practical yet elegant, He found himself growing quite fond of the Gilneans architecture and the aesthetic of their culture. He never was fond of his people's penchant for often tasteless frippery.

It suddenly occurred to him though that the Gilneans reminded him of his own people in a myriad of ways. Perhaps that is why this situation felt so comfortable him. He even felt safer walking the streets of Stormwind this night than any other time since he first set foot here, despite Clairetta looking like she wished to murder him anytime she addressed him. They suddenly stopped in front of an abandoned building deep in the heart of the city.

She spoke in hushed tones as she beckoned him to a flight of stairs that stretched to an entrance in back of the buildings second floor. "Remember this place, Cutthroat Alley. We will hold all meetings and briefings in this place."

"So, this unit of yours. Has it a name? Let me guess... the something something pack."

"Don't be so childishly droll. Any who call themselves members of a pack are not worthy of being called Gilneans. We are a people with a gift, not beasts."

"Cheered," he said in agreement as he recalled the aggravation he felt when dealing with one of the semi-feral Bloodfang worgen during an excursion to the outskirts of Silverpine.

"Cheers," Clairetta corrected him as she led him into a dark hall. It quickly lead to a balcony that looked down upon a crowd of many Gilneans, most as worgen, some as humans. They all immediately saluted Clairetta who returned the gesture.

"As you were. Tonight you were gathered to welcome another brother to our ranks. Judaus Kellton is a priest of much skill, wisdom and... wit. He is learned in the construction of machines and has adventured much after we were forced from our home and has much insight to share. He will aid our cause greatly, and you all shall take advantage of his mettle and he yours. Together we will strengthen the Alliance and take back our home land, and expand. For Gilneas!"

"Yield to none! For Gilneas!" the crowd cheered, some letting out a small soft howl. As Judaus saluted the crowd, his eyes immediately turned to a familiar face. The druidess Elrissa stood in the back of the group looking to him sternly.

"Welcome to our family Judaus. Serve with valor and cunning for the good of the motherland and the throne. Now, join with the rest. " Judaus nodded and hurriedly made his way down the steps, making his way close to Elrissa who still watched him closely.

"Now then, Judaus's arrival is most fortuitous, for we have intercepted information that details the discovery of an uncharted land south of the Maelstrom. More importantly, the King of Stormwind's own son had stowed away on a ship scouting the coast of this new land. This news has not yet reached the kings ears, so we will prepare to assign you all to various vessels and ensure that the prince is delivered back into safety by Gilnean hands. Such a prime opportunity to gain influence with our allies will likely never appear again, thus making it imperative that we succeed, even if our allies must be hindered to do so. Your orders will be prepared and delivered tomorrow night at this same time. Now return to your homes and prepare. For Greymane! For Gilneas!"

"For Gilneas!" they cheered again, quickly began to disperse, and talk amongst themselves. Judaus watched as Clairetta disappeared swiftly. He was a bit unsettled by her words - if the ship had vanished, it likely meant the Horde was responsible and that meant there was a war just waiting to begin that he would be thrown right in the middle of. A war he never wanted anything to do with. His thoughts we halted when Elrissa approached him.

"You. I do not want any of your fly remarks. Tell me where my sister has been."

"And why would I be looking after your sister? If she mentioned my skill with my hands in one of her letters she was referring to when I mended a-"

"Come off it. I shudder to think of my sister's standards but she wouldn't shag you. I know she pesters you for your books on a regular basis. Did she say anything of where she was going or doing? She had been gone from her flat in the inn where she lives. She wouldn't have just left without saying anything! Was it something you said? If you hurt her then so help me I-" she grew flustered.

Judaus growled adopting a subtle but more aggressive posture. "I haven't heard from the bird three weeks! If she is gone then it is solely by her will."

She shook her head and stomped her foot in frustration. "Blast it, this isn't like her! For all her deviancies she always writes to me, but there was no letter or note!"

"She is not a child, leave her to her own affairs."

Judaus looked straight into her eyes as she put a hand to her chest trying to calm herself. He begrudgingly felt compassion for her. "Regardless, we will not have time to find out; there is quite a task before us. Why are you here anyhow? I thought you were content mixing those terrible drinks for those worgen recently turned at the damned tree."

Elrissa glared at him intensely but her face quickly softened, for she knew Beatrixe would have to wait for now. "We have helped those that can be helped, I had no more purpose there. Here, I will continue to serve my homeland and honor my family. I will soon convince my sister to do the same eventually." Elrissa looked away "And I couldn't stand the pomp and ordacity of the Night elves any longer..."she sighed shaking her head. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have much to do. Good evening, Judaus."

"Chel- Cherrio." Judaus gave a hollow grin to try and hide his frustration with the Gilnaen colloquialism. Elrissa judgmentally cocked her eyebrow and hurriedly stormed past him. He looked to the floor and sighed. This would likely be the last night he would rest well.