The Deathknight paced the foot of the bed, eyes trained on the slumbering form that lay rigid on top of it. He moved to the side, leaning over the Warrior and pressing his palm against the man’s cheek.

 “My poor, poor brother…so weak…so fragile. A man of strength, of unbridled rage…brought down so pathetically..”

He pat the side of Allasticus’ cheek several times before rising to his full height.

“Your life has had its entertainment…stepping into your shoes and seeing what you see was quite…amusing. Your Malice lingers in the depths of insanity. I believe I enjoyed her most of all. Such devotion to suffering and pain…I had thought the old ways were gone and lost.” 

He gave a faint sigh and shook his head.

“Your little Evie is quite a thing. Adorable and meek. So trusting and blind that I could done more then just infused an item of plague upon her…” The Deathknight paused, glancing up at the rose that lay on the night table next to the bed and smirked.

“But, I cannot deny her loyalty.  Her devotion. She could be used, molded…yet you discard her for that…Highlord to twist her as he would. A pity.” He moved back to the foot of the bed and rounded to the other side, his eyes never leaving his brothers form.

 “And then there is your beloved Dagger. Only one came to see you. Came to care for you…such devotion for an asset. Such kindness and care I saw when your wild Fen was tamed at the sight of you. He fed you, read to you, did so much…for nothing. All this…while the one who was supposed to be in his place, was nowhere to be seen…"

The Deathknight’s voice trailed off as if he wanted the last few words to be remembered.

 “Your puppet is still quite loyal. I admire her for that. Such dedication without question is often bought or bribed…yet this one does so for another purpose.  This Hearstrike will serve you well in the coming months…a pity I shall miss how you will forge her.”

His tongue clicked as his hand returned to the side of his brother’s cheek, the touch almost affectionate as he stroked a set of frigid digits along the Warrior’s rigid jaw-line. “Your Spider. She is your weakness. I do hope you remember that…I do hope you remember who you are. –What- you are…what you claim to be. A warrior. A soldier. A brother.” His palm pressed against All’s face as he continued to speak, dropping to a whisper.

“Now wake up little brother. Wake up stronger. Wake up wiser. Wake up smarter. Wake up and let this world bask once more in your wretched existence. Let those around you wilt in your presence and the let them laugh when they realize your weakness.” A chill ran through his fingers, shooting deftly into his brother’s cerebellum creating a subtle yet precise shock.

  “Wake up.”

All’s eyes snapped open.