In the three months that had passed since his return from Northrend, he had a difficult time reassociating himself with things that he had taken for granted before he had become a Death Knight.
The world was a much darker place then he remembered and even on the brightest, clearest, of days...he struggle to muddle through his own shadows.
"Relax, brother. It will take time for you to realize your former self."
Ashenrock had been by his side since they returned. Demonstrike felt bad about taking so much time away from him. He deserved to be resting with his mate.
"It is time for me to make my way back to Stonard, Rock. I must go and serve the Blacktooth Grin. Perhaps I will find answers with their kind. Such a group of misfits...I would fit right in."
Ashenrock bellowed a laugh. "Yagyu would have you beating grots with that blade of yours in no time."
"I fear that they won't take kindly to accepting a traitor such as myself into their mitts, though." Demonstrike said sadly.
Rock put his hand on his brother's shoulder. "I shall travel with you. I don't know how much influence I still have there...but I will use whatever is left to throw my support behind you. I'm positive that the old guard will take you with open arms. From what I hear, Shadiel, Oroki, Crunck and Cailos are still heavy decision makers there. I'm sure I can convince them that you are worthy of their ranks."
Ashenrock sighed heavily. He tried to look his brother in the eyes, but Demonstrike stared at the ground.
"You never left my mind or my heart, Demonaro, even when you threatened my life. You have to work through your own issues and find yourself again. You are a death knight now whether you like it or not. You must learn to use this gift...and this is most certainly a gift...to do right by yourself. You have nothing to prove to me or to our father. Remember what our mother said. You can not dwell on the past...you can only use it to become stronger."
Demonstrike looked up this time and met his brother's gaze.
"I understand. I must seek my retribution and look to the light to guide me now. I will pray for forgiveness from the Earthmother and anyone else who would offer it. I will go and serve the Grin with the same honor and duty that you served."
Demonstrike offered a lopsided smile but then turned morose. "Understand, Rock, that my name is now Demonstrike. As long as I wield these powers that will be my name and my legacy until such time that I truly earn redemption in my own heart."
Ashenrock nodded slowly. "Let's go. We ride to Stonard today."
With that Ashenrock motioned for a Reventusk stable master. The troll came forth with a magnificent Zhevra.
"Your first step is to rid yourself of that hideous, undead, horse. If you want to get back in touch with your roots...ride instead this flesh and blood creature. Let him guide you on the road back to finding your Tauren soul." Ashenrock handed Demonstrike the reigns and the Zhevra strode confidently to Demonstrike.
"Thank you, brother." Demonstrike said, holding back tears.