"They're different!" Yu Lin Bloodhawk shook his head. "The book she gave me mentioned an advanced kind of death runes called domination runes. They're advanced runes from the Shadowlands that can erase the memories and awareness souls had in life, leaving only what they want to preserve. These runes are also an important part of the rune system they use to create the creatures of the Shadowlands. In other words, souls entering the Shadowlands from outside may simply be materials for whatever expendable things they choose to make."
"Domination runes..." Sylvanas repeated the term, her fingertips unconsciously rubbing the limb of her Longbow, her knuckles turning faintly white. "You mean that after our people die, their souls won't merely be denied rest-they'll become materials for whatever 'expendables' those people decide to create?"
"Not 'will become.' It may be 'have always been.' That's cruel and hard to accept, but it may well be the law by which that world operates. There's little we can change." Yu Lin Bloodhawk's voice was low, as though squeezed from deep within his chest. "The book Calvira gave me may only be the tip of the iceberg. The reason she's willing to trade is that she needs 'raw materials' too."
Yu Lin Bloodhawk faced Sylvanas, his gaze resting on her still-vibrant face. "Girl, if we can reach an agreement with her so that the souls of the High Elf forebears who fell in battle can be reshaped in the Shadowlands with all their memories and awareness intact, and avoid becoming expendables as much as possible, that may be the best repayment we living people can offer our fallen forebears for their sacrifices and contributions."
Sylvanas lowered her head in silence. Those in the World of the Living could never know much about the World of the