Death knight!

Fheren Backstory

Seek out Azeroth.
Fheren stood near the crystalline door, he- like many of the others- had heard O'ros' suggestion, only a few had heard more than that, however, in the panic surrounding even getting into the Exodar to escape, there wasn't time to stop and consider what it had meant.
"..There you are- I was beginning to worry you changed your mind.." Ezul'ann approached the vindicator, who, upon noticing his instructor sighed shaking his head, "...I still don't understand..why we had to leave any behind." Fheren's gaze lowered, "..Wouldn't an illusion have sufficed.."
Ezul'ann placed a hand on the paladin's shoulder, shaking his head, "...Not for those monsters I'm afraid.." Ezul'ann looked back towards the naaru guiding them, motioning for Fheren to leave, "..I'll take over here. You go check on other survivors."

Fheren simply nodded, moving down the hallway, unbeknownst to either of them, the blood elves had already begun their sabotage.
The paladin entered the infirmary, helping to heal some of the more wounded draenei. It wasn't much but it had at least helped some of them...he still couldn't help but wonder however if things could have been..different. They left so many...

Eventually, as everything settled down the paladin stepped away, only paying some mind when he noticed a strange mage in the corner, she didn't seem familiar.
"Who are you?" The mage jumped slightly as if she hadn't expected to be seen, a glare showing up from yellow eyes, "...My name is Sironas. I just need to make sure we're on the correct course- for our Naaru's sake. Of course." She explained, watching the paladin quietly. A vindicator hanging around..this was not within her plans. Her allies needed this ship. And she needed to get rid of the stragglers. This was only a mere obstacle.

Fheren shook his head, "..I apologize. I'm from Karabor- your name isn't all that familiar to me I admit." The mage only shrugged, lifting a hand to shoo him away, "Good...fine. Go then."
Confused by the mage's behavior, Fheren gave a slight wave, before leaving to find his instructor. Something was odd about this-
He collapsed, the mage only smirking as he fell to the ground, "..I don't need you finding aid.." she muttered, leaving. Nothing would stand in her way now.
She signaled the sin'dorei that had come with her, to strike now. She ensured a less dangerous escape for them, leaving the draenei to hopefully perish. Any that hadn't would simply be dealt with later on.
~~
Fheren sat up, glaring at the dim purple light around him, "..? You're awake." Nus went over to check on the vindicator, gaze concerned, "...How much do you remember?"
"...A mage-" Fheren stopped, noticing the cracked walls and crystals surrounding them finally, "...What's happened?" Nus sighed, shaking her head, "...We were sabotaged. We're still finding survivors...you were out for a few weeks yourself." Fheren's gaze widened, shaking his head in disbelief, "Then...where-"
"..Azeroth. We at least made it to where we wanted to go. ...If you're upright, you should speak with Ezul'ann."

Fheren left the crystal halls carefully, still somewhat sore from...whatever happened those weeks ago.
"...Ezul'ann?" his instructor looked over his desk with slight surprise, "..Fheren. You're actually awake." Ezul'ann smiled slightly, inviting the vindicator in, "..That's good. I was hoping I could speak with you anyway."
"What about..?" Fheren's gaze flicked over to the papers on the desk, some stamped with a strange blue marking, "..Our current allies. The Alliance." Ezul'ann explained, noticing Fherens confused stare, "..What of them..?" Fheren was surprised they found allies this quickly. Ezul'ann simply motioned to the papers, "..I've been told to train paladins there." He pointed to a strange image upon one of them. A large structure, with what appeared to be teeth on its sides. It wasn't much different then..
"...We haven't entirely escaped our fate. This...threat. It's something...wrong." The exarch seemed visibly worried as he spoke, "...It looks like what was left of the Shadowmoon clan.."

"...Exactly why I'm concerned. They've only asked for aid in terms of training, however, ...they're looking for forces to help them." Ezul'ann went on to explain, Fheren nodding quietly, "...This is our home now." Fheren muttered, the cracks within the Exodar seeming somehow, much worse. There wasn't a second chance this time, there wouldn't be, "...I'd like to come." he finished, Ezul'ann seemed almost surprised by the answer, "...Are you sure?"
"..Very, we've lost enough as it is."
~~~
Fheren hadn't taken kindly to the very idea of a wooden ship over water, much less considering the elekks and their supplies that were to come with them, "..Ezul'ann..is there not another way..?"
Ezul'ann nodded, moving onto the ship carefully. Guiding his elekk, "..It's perfectly safe. Not to mention our mages are yet to establish solid portals." He motioned for Fheren to follow, the younger Draenei warily watching the boat.
He stepped on, hooves quietly thumping over the hull as he tugged the elekk's reins. The elekk took no time at all to follow the vindicator, startling a gnome as it passed nearby.

He hadn't noticed the figure watching them from above, until he hopped down, curiously watching the unfamiliar creatures that accompanied the draenei.
"How interesting..you don't see anything like this here. Not often anyway." The elf muttered, noticing Fheren's wary glare, the draenei already knew who sabotaged the Exodar- was he among them-
The elf stuck out a hand, startling the vindicator, "Call me Wavesinger! It's my job to ensure you get to stormwind safely." Fheren, nodded, still somewhat wary, "..I just hope it won't be long.." He admitted, "Aw come on! The Bravery's been at this for years. We'll be fine." Wavesinger chuckled, before tossing a treat to one of the elekks, "..That said..it may be a day or two. It's a long trip."
__
Time passed, Fheren quietly watching as the strange continent came into view, still, it was a ways off and he could not make out much of anything at this distance, Fheren was distracted by an elekks bellow, a small grey and white bird stealing its feed. "...I don't advise picking a fight here." Fheren told it, waving a hand towards the bird in attempt to shoo it away.
The bird simply gave a strange screech-like noise, flying onto the mast and out of reach, Fheren found the thing oddly amusing...apparently, they were common here.
Azeroth was the chance the Draenei needed, he knew that much.
_
By the time The Bravery had docked, the sun was beginning to set over the horizon, "Well, looks like you got here!" Wavesinger called, waving the two off, "Ah- by the way, try the inn in old town. It tends to attract less attention." The elf advised, handing Ezul'ann a map, "It may be a bit helpful until you're situated." Ezul'ann took the map, nodding towards the elf, "Thank you. We'll take that advice for now."
Fheren meanwhile carefully placed the last pack onto his elekk, turning to Ezul'ann, "We're all set. We'll want to get to the inn before it's too dark I figure." Ezul'ann nodded, Wavesinger bidding the two goodbyes a final time as they left, "Draenei hm..? I hope to see what happens next with them around." The elf mused, heading back to The bravery, preparing it for its next trip.
~
"The argent dawn?" Fheren asked, Ezul'ann confirming the question with a nod, "..Yes. They're an organization of paladins, oftentimes guards." He explained, watching as the inn came into view, "..The leader, Maxwell, seems a serious sort. Though seemed open to our joining the alliance as quickly as we did. Velen made an impression it seems."
"I'm not surprised, the Prophet predicted this some years ago..didn't he?" Fheren questioned, it was one of the visions that was spoken about often, Fheren had however wondered if the outcome was a bit different then expected.
The two arrived at the inn, which for the most part seemed comfortable, a large square room with fire lighting the wooden tables.
Fheren couldn't help but feel a bit drawn to it for some reason, hearing tales being spun as they entered, Fheren couldn't help but be at least a bit curious. Tales of dragons were far less common in draenor, regardless if they had been there or not.

"...I'm telling you, I saw it!" A human, dressed in what seemed to be plate armor exclaimed, drawing Fherens attention to the conversation. "..Those things are monsters, not even the banshee would mess with them." His friend muttered, shrugging, "Besides, the last story you told me was that there were wolf-beasts in the forests around Silverpine, You may just be letting things get to you, you don't sleep enough."
"..Regardless, I couldn't make this up even if it were exaughstion. It had wings." The first grumbled, Fheren, upon hearing that turned to face the conversation, but the warriors friend had already begun leading him out. Fheren half considered following them, however at the moment it would have done more harm then good.
~~
The next day came quickly, Fheren and Ezul'ann making their way to a large building that wasn't far from the inn. A training hall.
They entered the building, Fheren looking around quizzically, it was quite impressive. All things considered, "..I take it you two are from Azuremyst." A man approached them, Ezul'ann turning to face the stranger. He wore an eyepatch, and a relatively normal looking outfit. Aside from the tabard bearing a large sun-like shape.
"Lord Maxwell?" The exarch asked, the stranger nodded, expression shifting to one more friendly, "..I assumed as much. Thank you for offering your help on such short notice, we've needed a new instructor for a while now." Maxwell admitted, gaze shifting to the other Draenei, "...What about you then?"

"...I wish to join the Argent Crusade." Fheren stated, showing Maxwell the parchment with the image, "..You do realize what you're suggesting is dangerous. The scourge is not to be trifled with." Maxwell warned, Fheren stubbornly nodding, "..If I can prevent whatever this is..from finding the Exodar. I will."
"We spoke of this on the way here." Ezul'ann explained, as Maxwell fidgetted quietly with the parchment, "...My order is small at the moment, a new ally would be beneficial, however." Maxwell paused, watching Fheren carefully, "..I will not allow reckless decisions to be made."
~~
Time passed, Fheren found himself traveling to the plaguelands shortly after joining the Argent Crusade. The rumors of a lich and strange illness coming over the land drawing the attention of many. Including the Silver Hand and Scarlet Crusade.
The journey was long- even using a Gryphon, the creatures the alliance seemed fond of for long explorations. Other's had come with him of course, mostly other Crusaders. There were few if any other Draenei.
"..Lost in thought again?" Valok asked, guiding a hippogryph to catch up with Fheren, "Makes sense, we've only been here for a short while." Valok replied, glancing to the ground below, "Some of it reminds me of Argus, it's nowhere near the same but, it's similar all the same."

"..You lived on Argus?" Fheren questioned, he'd not known much of the world the draenei came from. Occasional stories at best.
"Yes, I was from Eredath." Valok replied, as a forest came into view, "..Looks like we're here. Come on." Fheren nodded, following the other draenei carefully. The forest they entered seemed normal enough on the surface, but as they came further in the trees seemed to become more sickly, the land dying around them, few animals even came into view, and even then it was the stray rodent or bird, "...This place...what happened..?" Fheren asked, at a loss for words, this destruction seemed almost perpetual, the only thing betraying the colors were the few signs of grass or small flowers, Valok only peered over the hippogryph quietly, seeming to be familiar with the landscape, "...This is the scourges work." He stated, motioning towards the empty ruins of a long-destroyed city, "..Andorhal itself. Where it started from what I've been told." He added, as he moved to land in a small clearing, "..Chillwind camp."

The small camp was situated near the bordering mountains and made for at least a safe place to rest in these cursed lands.
Fheren wasted no time, returning the gryphon to the flight master before heading further into the camp, seeking out the high priestess. Noticing that the argent dawn had also enlisted the help of adventurers. That would help speed things up at least.
~~
That night, a forsaken guard had left Tirisfal. A vial glowing eerily in his hand. Araj only asked a simple favor after all. He needed only a deterrent. And in trade- the forsaken would be left alone should the crusade fail. Allowed to wander as they pleased. A simple trade-off, even the queen couldn't argue much.
It wasn't far now, he mused, gaze momentarily slipping towards Andorhal. How long had it been now? many years at least. The signs had already begun fading, who knew such a quiet town could bring such havoc.
The very idea amused him.
~
"..There are more ghouls about today.." a gnome muttered, glancing towards a nearby farmstead. Fheren approached the gnome curiously, glancing towards the direction he was pointing, "..How odd- That cauldron was destroyed as well..the lich had no hold?" The draenei asked, watching the creatures stumble about, The gnome simply nodded, "..It may be a Necromancer with this much activity.." Valok mused, glaring towards the destroyed barn, "..We have supplies that will be arriving here soon..let's get them dealt with."
"..We'll cover more ground separate," Fheren admitted, watching the ghouls. They were slow and clumsy. They were at least easily dealt with if they weren't aware of their opponents.
Valok nodded towards his friend, "..Be careful regardless. We don't know what the cause is."

Fheren nodded, before wandering off, a few light spells did exactly what he assumed they would, putting the ghouls to rest. After the last one collapsed to the ground, Fheren's gaze landed on a strange figure, noticing a haunting blue glare.
"Who exactly are you?" The draenei demanded as the figure stepped forward, "...not to worry Crusader. I'm from the Bulwark...we're allies." He said, tone somewhat flat, quiet even, "...And those ghouls?" Fheren asked, the undead seemingly annoyed by this question, "The mindless beasts you mean? Nothing to be concerned over. They're dead. Aren't they?" The undead shrugged, turning to leave as Fheren warily watched, there was something...wrong here.
"...How come they didn't attack you then? I've known them to target your sort especially."

The forsaken glared, watching the draenei now, "What of it?" He reached under his cloak to retrieve a dagger, just to be safe, Fheren took a step forward, light coating his hands, "..You summoned them. Didn't you?"
Ylidrin sighed, shaking his head, "..I really didn't want to stir up more trouble y'know..think of it as a test. Go on now." Fheren shook his head, moving to block the forsaken's escape, "...I think it's best my allies know of this as well." He moved to use a flare, Ylidrin glared, cursing under his breath as he lunged towards the larger opponent suddenly, digging the dagger deep into his side, "..I tried to be kind..." He said, pulling it back and moving out of the way of the vindicator's axe, Fheren's gaze slipped to the wound's area, noticing a deep blue color begin to seep through his armor, "You should have just let things be.." The forsaken hissed, As the draenei threw him aside with the light.
Ylidrin rolled to the side, coldly glaring at the draenei, the fact he was still standing after that was annoying.

I can't let him get away, Fheren glared, moving to seal the wound in his side with the light, the forsaken having taken little time to recover took the chance to grab his sword, lunging forward to impale the draenei, Fheren's gaze widened as he collapsed forward, the forsaken pulling the blade away as blood pooled under the draenei, "...I gave you the chance to leave.." He muttered, shoving the wounded draenei to the ground as his glowing eyes began to dim, //Not yet..// Fheren tried to will himself to move, to do something, as the forsaken moved to leave, as the draenei finally fell still.
Araj had a gift for the lich king, in any case, thus securing the forsakens ever-tightening hold on the plaguelands.
__
Razuvious watched as the newly raised death knight unsteadily got to his feet, hand carefully placed on his runeblade. This one hadn't been dead long enough, regardless of the Lich King's reasoning, it'd likely revert too soon to be of any use, <Let this one break, Razuvious. It'll prove amusing enough for me.>
<You'd best know what you're up to.> Razuvious replied, somewhat annoyed. It'd be easier to just skip the hassle.

Where was this..? The draenei's gaze flicked over the dim walls around him, trying to recall what'd happened, where- <...Yet betrayed by your own kind. What else?> Fheren glared towards the instructor in front of him, "...What do you mean my own kind?" He growled, Razuvious only giving him a quizzical glare, "..I said nothing, you only heard your master death knight." he explained, this one at least seemed somewhat promising. For now.
<...Abandoned, forgotten by your own- practically handed to those you wished to avoid..> The voice continued, taunting the Draenei, as images of outland- and Ner'zhul flashed into his mind, <...The light means nothing to you now, does it? ...All you've gone through- for nothing.>
"..Well death knight? Come...Let's find you a runeblade.." Razuvious suggested, motioning for the Draenei to follow.
~
Thassarian watched as the draenei entered the tavern, a blood elf in tow, "...So you managed to keep him upright too? That's helpful." Thassarian said, grinning slightly, "You do realize that was too much of an uproar." The blood elf glared at his ally, before shaking his head, "...Nonetheless. It's appreciated Thassarian...besides..we came upon useful information."
"Oh..? What is that then?" The draenei handed Thassarian a piece of parchment, "...To cut this short, prisoners. Likely ours." He explained, glaring quietly out to the newly razed farm outside. Their work was almost done, this was sidetracking- "...We sent Plaguefist there not long ago." Thassarian snapped the draenei out of his thoughts, handing the parchment back to him, "...Why don't you check it out. Hm?" The draenei took the parchment back, confused, "..You already have someone dealing with this...we should focus on the task at hand." He argued, Thassarian putting a hand up to stop him, "...Just check, it won't take long if not. Correct?"
"..Fine then.."

The distance wasn't far, admittedly, The Chapel of Crimson Flame was also simple enough to get to, only situated on a low hill, Fheren noticed the lifeless scarlet crusade members, scattered nearby, not an uncommon sight at this point.
Now the one moving around.. He lunged forward, blade stopped as Plaguefist moved to parry him aside, "..! Sorry, the funs over." He explained, as the Draenei lowered his weapon carefully, "...What's the point of coming then? Thassarian said you may need help." The draenei retorted, Plaguefist stood there for a moment, silently, before his gaze flicked towards the run-down building beside the chapel, he understood now, "..Ah..yes- The prisoners. They're not ours, I was going to execute the last one but-" He shrugged, "..I took your fun here as it was. And the last ones real stubborn. You go ahead." He motioned to shoo the draenei off, "Return to me when it's done though. Just to be safe."
"..You're acting as if they mean anything."

Valok struggled against the ropes behind his back, attempting once more to get his hands free, those monsters, one by one they came here and now- He stopped hearing footsteps near the doorway, knowing that his time was likely up he glared in the direction the steps came from, hardly caring at this point, "Come to finish the job, haven't you, monster?"
He was already weakened from whatever poison the crusade was giving them, so simply moved to face the death knight, glare immediately shifting to horror as he recognized who it was, "....Fheren? What did they-"
"They?" Fheren growled, cutting off the injured argent crusade member, "You left me to die. It's not all that uncommon a behavior for us..is it?" he said, allowing unholy energy to gather over his sword, Valok shook his head quietly, "...You were a Vindicator for a reason, you can fight this, don't belive their lies-" He paused, noticing the shadow outside stop moving.
"What's going on in there? Hurry up!" Plaguefist ordered, knowing full well the reason why. Their informant had made this so much easier.
Fheren stood there quietly, magic ebbing over the edge of his blade. This wasn't hard so why- "...They'll kill both of us if you're much longer." Valok muttered, noticing the death knight's hesitation, Fheren glared, shifting the magic over his fingers, "..Fine.."
He placed a hand over Valoks head, letting the magic finish the job for him. Valok fell limp to the ground moments after.

<...Why hesitate.> That voice again, Fheren shook his head, annoyed, <...A lapse in judgment. I hoped he would help our cause simply.>
The draenei left the building, Plaguefist smiling slightly, "...Did you have your fun then?"
~~
Silence filled the area as Arthas left, the battle for Lights Hope chapel over.
Nothing more than a lucky break, Tirion had managed to strike down the Lich King, forcing him to flee. Fheren, like other death knights, began faltering during the battle, having little to show for all their effort.
Maxwell shook his head, watching Tirion warily, "...We're to trust them?" He questioned, Tirion giving a solemn nod, "...There's been enough death here for one day. They pose no threat as they are now."
Mograine, still regaining strength after fighting Arthas turned to the remaining death knights, opening a gate to Archeus, "Let's reclaim our home- ...then worry about what's next."
___
He stepped off the boat carefully, watching the forest, "..Want us to wait a bit?" Wavesinger asked, the elf had recognized the draenei after he returned to Stormwind. Others in tow, readjusting to the death knights was a challenge, he knew just how much damage they could cause, but he met many adventurers by this point. What was the difference between them and a warlock, really.
Fheren shrugged, "...Carry on should you need to." He said, glancing to the large crystalline structure nearby, "..If I can get any answers to...cure this. I will."
"...We'll stick around, we need supplies anyway." Wavesinger replied, moving to help tie the boat down. The draenei had been sure of this course of action even before they left. Hoping maybe, that this..O'ros could provide a clear answer on reversing this. Whoever that was.

It'd only been a year, but Azuremyst seemed to have changed a lot since they crashed, much of the rubble cleared up. Fheren watched as a group of silver deer wandered quietly nearby. He didn't fully get a chance to appreciate the scenery before...it was..quiet. Almost like Shadowmoon in some ways.
Fheren hesitated slightly, stopping on the stone path leading to the Exodar, ...Was it worth exposing it to the Scourge..?
The draenei looked down the path, it was..safe. Nothing here seemed overturned...or changed. It was healing.
He didn't notice Umbrua approaching from the woods, having taken a different path to the paved road, "..I was told you were coming." She said, approaching the death knight carefully, "...The naaru will kill you. If the guards don't." She added, as Fheren's gaze shifted, "..What makes you assume..?"

"...Most of us banished the Broken- the Krokuun, because of what happened to them, you were there. You're of the scourge...you can't return. At least, not now."

Fheren glanced towards the Exodar carefully, "...Why warn me then?" He questioned, Umbrua just carefully moving to head towards the docks, "..I was taught by the Krokuun...there are other ways." She explained, "..I can't decide your path. I can only warn you, but if you ask me. It's enough of a second chance to not be squandered." She added, moving to approach the docks, Fheren turning to follow, "...I suppose it's..not great timing right now. At least."
~
Fheren took a different ship after hitting the Stormwind docks, bidding farewell to the shaman. He decided to become involved in the war with the Scourge, he wanted to prove himself before he had decided to stay anywhere. And, in some ways. He had, he gained the trust of the frost vrykul, helped release Loa spirits, and even took up some of the battle against the Lich King.
He made it to Ice crowns citadel, but was incapacitated by Sindragosa. Regardless of the outcome, however, the Lich King did fall, freeing the death knights, and scourge of the ever-present corruption that threatened them, and though new control had taken over, Arthas was gone. The looming threat of Ner'zhul was gone as well. Leaving some time for Fheren to regain perspective. Without concern for harming others in the process, hopefully.
~~
A few years had passed, and with Deathwings fall a new island had emerged. New to all of Azeroth it seemed, Fheren was surprised to notice Ezul'ann, along with a guest within the inn he'd decided to stay at. "..Well, Ezul'ann...ah..Fordring. What brings you here?" He questioned, Ezul'ann motioning for Fheren to sit nearby, "..A favor. Actually Fheren." Ezul'ann explained, as Tirion sighed, something clearly on his mind, "...A favor indeed..one of my Paladin's needs a bodyguard." He explained, Fheren's gaze confused, "...And..you come to a death knight for this? Why not one of your own?"
"...Krihao can be...stubborn." Tirion admitted, "..And meeting you may be beneficial. She's had a difficult run-in with our Prophet." Ezul'ann added, as Fheren shrugged, nodding, "..Alright. I planned to leave soon anyway."