Disclaimer: I do not own World of Warcraft or the characters in it, Blizzard owns them rightfully and are responsible if they are turned into bland and generic characters.
Dispatching the last of the undead ghouls, the young blood elf prince eyed at the tattered armour of the fallen ghoul that had the lordaeron crest on it. It's jaws were left wide open, leaving a rather disgusting and an unpleasant sight for the young prince. Mumbling an incantation to himself, the corpse of the ghoul suddenly burst into a pillar of intense flames displaying quite the fire show despite their current predicament. The ghoul's corpse (or what's left of it) gave off the smell of both sulphur and decay, such putrid stench caused the prince to stagger back in a rather dramatic way.
"Prince Kael'thas are you alright?" Upon noticing the prince's blunder, the faithful lieutenant rushed to his side almost in an instance with his shield raised and his sword unsheathed. Kael nodded in response and waved him off, he regained his composure and stood in a regal manner like the prince he is. He was well aware of the worried stares he received from his soldiers, worried that he was ambushed or any of that sort.
"I'm fine, more importantly what is the condition of the caravan?" Knowing that they would be doomed without them, the prince's urgent tone caused the lieutenant to speak in a rush tone yet calm tone to reassure the young inexperienced prince.
"The caravan is in pristine condition milord. There's no need to worry." Giving him a nod, Kael stared at the scorched outpost that is in dire need of repairs. What was once a flourishing town now became desolated ghost town, the buildings itself seems to be rotting along with the broken beyond repair gates. The thought of being in a broken human encampment massing what's left of his forces against the undead became all too real. This, this was the situation he was in right now. The once mighty and highly regarded high elves are now homeless and broken, it was almost pathetic.
Now the burden of leading his people towards a better future rest on his shoulders, Kael'thas knew that he wasn't a natural born leader though he never admitted that weakness to anyone else. This is the time where he would have to appear strong and proud for his people, and he wasn't sure if he had the courage and the strength to do so.
'I must not falter at these dark times... what lies in the end has to be better.'
"Strangers milord! They do not appear to be undead, but..." One of his soldier shouted loudly, Kael'thas immediately shifted his attention towards the direction of the soldier and was taken by surprise at what he saw.
'Night elves!? What are they doing in these parts of the land?' The prince's gaze were set on the two beautiful and voluptuous elves that stared at them warily, when their eyes met his, their eyes showed much surprise but soon they lowered their guard unconsciously and began to approach him. Though anyone could tell that they have their weapons at the ready.
"Ishnu'alah, night elves. I am Prince Kael'thas. I must admit, I'm surprised to see your kind here. But whatever is your business, I fear you will find only death and shadow in this cursed land." His tone was hushed and yet calming, his verdant spheres danced playfully around him as they started to flare their powers, almost as if they were happy to see the two night elves.
"Ishnu-dal-dieb, Kael'thas. I am Maiev Shadowsong, and this is Tyrande Whisperwind. We are hunting a powerful demon named Illidan that arrived here recently." The warden's tone were both firm and strict, her umbra crescent weapon was sharp and deadly as a glimmer of light sparkled from her blade. Judging from her tone, Kael'thas knew that the warden is not someone easily dissuaded from her objectives and goals...
'Most interesting, they are hunting a demon.' They venture so far just for this rogue demon? Clearly this Illidan they speak of is someone extremely dangerous.
"Curious, I don't know about any demon, but something has riled the undead base at Dalaran. They've been hounding us day and night. We were about to abandon this post and seek refuge on the other side of the River Arevass." Realizing that this 'Illidan' caused the undead to be so aggressive, Kael'thas was considering to aid the two night elves against it but...
'Garithos... curse that racist bastard.' Knowing he won't be please if they were late to meet him at Dalaran, Kael gave out an internal sigh and continued to observe the two Kaldorei who were watching him.
"Hmmmm. Then we shall lend you our aid, young Kael." Surprised by the priestess's generous offer, Kael only blinked in surprise and offered a small smile towards her. He certainly would need all the help he could get against the hordes of undead that threaten to ambush them from the shadows. He won't doubt their abilities as a warrior, if they venture out here alone to hunt for a demon then it is obvious that they were potent in the art of combat.
"Wait, we have no time for this! Illidan is out there somewhere!" Maiev took no effort to conceal her tone of dissatisfaction. Tyrande glared at Maiev for a split second before turning to Kael with a smile that seemed to captivate the hearts of men, or elves in this regard.
"Perhaps once your people are safe, you will help us hunt the demon we seek?" Glancing towards his men, he could see the eager looks on their faces and nods. Not just from the men but the women in his army as well, perhaps they have not seen night elves before and are eager to battle along side with them or maybe it is their common ancestry that connected them. Sighing in amusement internally, Kael gladly accepted the bargain as he realized that he does not need to take orders from a man who hated them.
"It would be an honour milady."
"Milord what about Lord Garithos? We have to meet him-" He didn't fail to notice the lack of sincerity in his lieutenant's voice. Not surprising as no blood elf would want to take orders from a man who held prejudice against their kind.
"He would just have to wait." Chuckling at his prince's words, the lieutenant immediately gather their forces and took their positions.
"Very well Kael'thas, we would aid you in escorting your caravan." Maiev raised her weapon and almost in an instant dozen of night elves warrior appeared from the nearby woods.
'Now this is interesting.' Kael only kept that thought to himself.
Throughout escorting the caravan through hordes of undead armies and through their bastion, Kael was impressed by the might of the night elves. True, he had known about them through his studies about his ancient ancestry and what had happened 10,000 years ago but to see them in flesh and with his very own eyes was all the different. The bulky mountain giants made short work on the army of ghouls as they crushed a dozen of them with one swing. The highly trained night elven archers rain a barrage of arrows towards the incoming undead forces that crumbled almost immediately. The legends are true after all, the elusive and mystic night elves are both equally beautiful and deadly. Upon seeing an outpost, Kael'thas rallied his troops and the night elves's army to stop and take much needed provisions.
"We'll stop here for provisions." The blood elven priests immediately tend to the wounds of the injured and rest of the army took their much needed rest. Kael'thas stood next to the two night elves that didn't show the slightest sign of fatigue. Maiev took off her mask and let her white hair flow freely, she shook her head lightly to get rid of the hair that clung on to her forehead. Smiling slightly at the sight of the iron-cold beauty, Kael noticed the worried and observant look from Maiev as she looked over his pitiful amount of soldiers.
"Sadly, I have only a few warriors left. The Scourge has pressed us hard these last few months." Noticing the prince's voice was cold and of hatred, the night elves gave looks of sympathy towards the prince and their people who suffered much.
"Kael, where are your high elven brethren? Do they not fight the undead as you do?" Maiev's voice was softer and more warmer, the look on Kael's face filled that was filled with anguish and pain seemed to already answered her question.
"The Scourge devoured our ancient homeland of Quel'Thalas. The once proud bloodline of my people is nearly spent. The few of us that remain now call ourselves blood elves, in homage to our murdered people." The blood elves stared at their prince and bore depressed and sad expressions. Many of them were survivors of the onslaught at Quel'Thalas. Scarred and traumatized by the horrors at what Arthas and his nightmare of an army has caused.
"I grieve for your people, Kael. But you must not allow rage and despair to poison your heart. You may lead your people to a brighter future." Tyrande's words caused Kael to stare at her with an intense expression, he gave off an audible sigh and gently ran his fingers lightly over the broken blade of Felo'melorn. He knew that what the priestess of Elune say was true, however the thirst for vengeance for his homeland and his people would always be there plaguing him, reminding him in his mind. Arthas had stole everything from him, Jaina, his homeland and even their precious Sunwell. He would be DAMNED if he won't get his revenge on that bastard.
"Prince Kael'thas I-I don't feel so well." Just when he was about to retort back to Tyrande, one of his sorceress gave out a cry of pain as she collapse on the floor, with her face devoid of color. Alarmed at what is happening, Kael rushed towards her side and knelt down as he placed his hand on her wrist and began to feel her mana depleting away from her body.
"Prince Kael what's happening?!" His lieutenant calmed the panicking elven swordsman who seemed to be attached towards the young sorceress. Kael's eyes glowed blue as he began to transfer his own mana into her body, slowly the sorceress regain back her color and began to stir up.
"Ugh... prince K-Kael?" Giving her a tired yet genuine smile, Kael helped her up and brought her back to her feet. The lieutenant let go off the elven swordsman as he went to embrace the young sorceress. Despite the heartwarming display, Kael frowned when he realized what was going on...
Their thirst for magic has started to taken their toll.
"Kael what just happened?" Maiev demanded as she stared at Kael's frowning expression, he shook his head and placed his fingers underneath his chin with his other hand supporting his elbow. Such perils awaits them now...
"It's no good... we won't last long."
"What are you mumbling about?" Tyrande stared at the young prince who approach the young sorceress that just fainted.
"You must promise me to never overextend your magic ever again, understand?" The sorceress nodded in fear at her prince's firm and authoritative tone. Kael softened his expression slightly and patted the sorceress shoulder's. She gave her thanks to the prince for saving her life along with the swordsman who bowed to Kael, much to Kael's dismay. Turning towards at the two night elves, the impatient looks on their faces were all the more amusing to Kael as he generally thought Night elves were very patient. He gave out another audible sigh as he crossed his arms, ready to give them an explanation.
"Shortly after the destruction of our homeland and our precious sunwell, we blood elves have been receiving...withdrawal symptoms. An incurable addiction for magic and our dependence on it has caused us to go "sick" and weak. There is a... a hunger now, that's hardened our hearts and so we've been cut off from our power, from our birthright! Without a new source of magic, my people would surely die." The grim tone of Kael'thas voice and the sorrow hidden in it was all the painful to hear. Tyrande stared at the young prince and his people and felt sympathy for the descendants of the highborne. While it is true that they were exiled for the reckless use of arcane magic, they still shared a common ancestry and aided them during the battle against the burning legion. It would be dishonorable not to aid them and repay their debt.
"Is that why you are heading towards the magical city of Dalaran?" Maiev's silver eyes pierce through Kael's green ones, almost begging him to tell her his next course of action.
"Yes but not for the reasons you are thinking. The alliance has fallen along side with the government of Lordaeron. Now, the surviving Lordaeron refugees is ruled by a powerful warlord by the name of Garithos who leads the last pockets of human resistance in Dalaran. I was "graced" by his presence and was ordered to report to him and to join him at Dalaran, hoping to take back the Violet Citadel from the Scourge to fortify out grip on Lordaeron. I was hoping that the Kirin Tor's might give us some answers on how to cure our magic addiction or at least how to stave off it but..." Kael manipulated an orb of arcane energy in his hand whilst speaking softly of their dire situation, it was ironic that their very source of power that gave them life and energy also became their doomed curse.
"Kael'thas the road you are choosing is both dangerous and desperate, you must never let temptations or lust for power cloud your judgement." Tyrande chided as she stared at the orb of magic that floated on top of Kael's palm, it all seemed dangerous and volatile to her.
"Milady, sometimes we don't have a choice... what would you have me to do if my choices aren't ideal?" Tyrande's downcast eyes were the only thing Kael could see as an answer.
"We should be moving soon." Maiev spoke swiftly not wanting to delay her hunt for Illidan and to prevent Kael'thas to fall deeper into depression and sorrow.
"Very well, let's get moving." As they advance through waves of undead hordes, Kael'thas felt Felo'melorn began to glow lightly as he dispatch a squad of skeleton archers with his flame strike.
'Odd, Felo'melorn has been acting strangely as of late... could it be due to the appearance of the night elves?' Kael'thas was certain that he felt a surge of power running through the ancient blade, as if something or someone was trying to communicate with him. Brushing that thought aside, they continued to march on until they were at the crossroad. Opting to save more time, they battled through the bastion of the scourge army.
After destroying the scourge's bastion with relatively ease, they quickly marched onto Pyrewood village suffering minimal to no casualties. It was almost as if the worst of the worst is behind them.
"Ah, Pyrewood Village. The River Arevass lies just beyond." The young prince gave a sigh of relief upon seeing village, the river Arevass draws near and soon his people would be safe.
"Something doesn't feel right." Maive spoke suddenly, trusting the warden's senses and instincts, Kael conjured flames from his hands and was ready for any ambush or attack. In a blink of an eye, Maiev threw three daggers with deadly precision towards the nearby forest killing three ghouls in the process. Having no time to display his admiration for the Warden's skill, Kael burned down the large section of the forest as trees starts to topple onto the undead forces.
"Damn! They were waiting for us! Protect the caravan at all costs!" The caravan were immediately pushed to the other side of the river as Kael'thas and the night elves forces drove the undead back from the bridge.
"Use the bridge as a choke point!" Crossing the bridge safely with all their forces still intact, Kael'thas created a impenetrable magic wall that kept the undead at bay after seeing everyone crossed the river safely. Together with his sorcerers, they burned the wooden bridge in a marvelous manner and cheered for joy when the clumsy undead fell into the gushing rivers, much to the Night Elves surprise.
'Despite his perilous situation he still could be so...childish?' Maiev wasn't sure what to make of it but it is certainly better than to see the Elven prince in a gloomy and depressed like state. Realizing that she had finished her task, she approached Kael who finished praising his warriors of their feat.
"Good thinking Kael, now that your people are safe. I expect you to uphold your end of the bargain." Kael nodded at Maiev words as he already expected such a demand from her. Soon he heard the sound of footfalls and saw a battalion of his soldiers rushing towards him.
"Prince Kael'thas are you well?" The captain of the outpost was clad in red armour with elven runes and words inscribed on him. He was surprise when he saw a large group of beautiful night elf women as his face turned red slightly just by the sight of them, causing the night elf warriors to chuckle at his dismay.
"Yes I'm fine, unload the caravan and make sure all of our warriors are given enough rest and food." The captain nodded and lead their forces including the night elves to their base camp as they retired to their makeshift houses and tents built by Kael'thas men.
"Queleron gather our finest men from the camp, we have a demon to hunt." The Blood Elf lieutenant nodded and went to meet with the soldiers with his helmet off revealing his long brown hair and his boyish appearance.
"Kael not that I'll deny your help but don't you have to meet your human commander?" Tyrande stared at the diligent elven workers who was carrying supplies from the caravan.
"Leave him be, I am certain that he would do just fine without our aid. Besides, I doubt that Maiev wouldn't be pleased should I not uphold my end of the bargain." Teasing her lightly, Maiev gave off a scowl and a huff as she took off her mask as soon as they reached to safety. Tyrande chuckled lightly before frowning, when she realized they Kael might not been taking this seriously.
"Kael you do realize that we are hunting a powerful demon, are you sure you want to be a part of this hunt?"
"Of course milady, you aided me with my quest and brought my people to safety, it would be unwise and dishonorable for me to not return the favour." Soon enough his lieutenant returned with a handful of his elite forces behind him, there were even two Farstriders who were all the eager to test the night elves in the art of archery.
"Come! The hunt for Illidan awaits us!" Maiev spoke a little too eagerly, Kael'thas awkwardly stared at his lieutenant and his men who only shrugged at her enthusiasm.
The word fascinating has never been more true for Kael, he was at the heart of a night elf base where a large bastion of night elven warriors were at the ready. The arrival of the blood elves caused quite a stir to the night elves, many of which were whispers about Kael's charming and handsome appearance. It was clear that they have not seen the exotic Blood Elves before.
"I see the night elves has took a liking to you prince Kael'thas." Queleron spoke haughtily as rest of the blood elven troops chuckled at his statement. Groaning lightly at his lieutenants statement, Kael gave him a friendly glare as he know that he meant it in good fun.
"Silence Queleron, I hear no shorts of whisper about you as well." Queleron smiled lightly as he observed a friend looking wisp floating around him, despite they were high elves they still held some sort of connection with the forest spirits.
'Hopefully being a blood elf doesn't break that connection...' As the prince retainer and his close friend, he would have the privilege and audacity to remind their prince of their original roots and not to abandoned their ancient ancestry.
"You look bewildered young Kael." Tyrande giggled at the look of the prince who's mouth was agape, he blushed slightly at his childish like attitude and cleared his throat to maintain his adult like manner.
"Ah yes I'm very intrigued, these treants and wisps are a familiar sight took at." Kael'thas stared at a group of wisp who were performing a show to welcome them, it was quite an adorable sight to look at in all honesty.
"Oh does Quel'thalas have forest spirits as well?" Maiev was deeply surprised by such revelation.
"Well not as enchanting and astounding as this but yes." Kael was about to approach the group of wisp when he heard the sound of galloping. Turning towards the direction of the sound, Kael saw a druid mounting on top of a stag rushing towards them in a fast pace. Just by judging by his attire, Kael knew he was someone of great power and position.
"Maiev! Tyrande! We've got to move quickly. Illidan is weaving a spell that is splitting apart the roof of the world! We must...wait- who is this young elf?" Sensing no hostility from the arch druid and instead of curiousness, Kael bowed lightly and flashed the druid his "diplomatic" smile.
"Greetings, great druid. My name is Kael'thas Sunstrider, prince of Quel'thalas and the leader of the Blood Elves. My brethren and I have have come to aid you with your hunt for this Illidan you speak of." Malfurion gave a warm smile and nodded, he was not expecting to see a descendant of a highbourne but was pleased to see a powerful ally nonetheless.
"Your aid is most appreciated Kael, now then we must move quickly to strike Illidan now! The great spirits have gave me a vision of him using the eye of Sargeras to strike the roof of the world!"
"Northrend? Why would he- no it can't be." Perplexed by Kael's sudden outburst, the three night elf leaders stared at him worriedly.
"Kael is something wrong?" Tyrande asked in a worried tone, Kael shook his head and stared at Malfurion with decisive eyes, something which the ever so observant Maiev noticed.
"Northrend is the stronghold for the Lich King of Ice crown, who Arthas serves. He is responsible for the destruction of my homeland of Quel'thalas and Lordaeron and the one would controls the scourge." Malfurion frown slightly and stared at the sky above him, is Illidan using the eye of Sargeras to strike down the Lich King?
"But why would Illidan do such a thing?"
"I- I do not know, but I think it is likely that he intends to destroy the Ice Crown Citadel..." Feeling at a lost here, Kael'thas realized that this Illidan he promised to help Maiev and Tyrande to hunt is also channeling a spell to destroy the Ice Crown once and for all, an enemy who he deeply hated.
"Kael I know this is hard on you and vengeance has filled your heart, but you have promised us to help hunt down Illidan." Despite Maiev's firm iron words, Kael could sense much hesitation in her voice, almost that she didn't exactly want to force him and his brethren to take down Illidan.
"Can't we just kill Illidan after he destroys the Ice Crown?" Queleron spoke bluntly as he stared at his prince, Kael blinked his eyes and gave of somewhat of a forced smile. Help the Night Elves to bring down the demon who will kill their most hated enemy? Seems dishonorable yet somehow it seems easier for them...
"Kael'thas if you don't want to be part of this I understand, but we need to stop Illidan no matter what. We can't let him finish channeling his spell, despite that the scourge would be undone it would have an everlasting effect on the world. It won't be just the scourge that would suffer the consequences..." Kael stared at the arch druid who smiled sadly, he gave out a sigh and looked at his people. That's right, he owe Maiev and Tyrande for save guarding his people and the caravan. Without them, the caravan would mostly be destroyed along with most of his forces who he refer them as family.
'My people at the outpost of River Arevass would die of hunger and to the onslaught of the undead forces should I have not destroy the bridge with the help of the night elves... my people are above me not my vengeance.' Finally realizing his resolve and his dedication, Kael stared at Malfurion and gave him a curt and understanding nod.
"Very well then, we will stop Illidan from casting his spell on the Lich King and end the demon's life." Maiev upon hearing such conviction from the young blood mage patted Kael's shoulders in a comforting manner and flashed a rare smile at him, knowing that it was hard for the prince to accept such harsh decision and let such opportunity for vengeance to pass. Kael was surprised by the warden's kind gesture but said nothing against it, though it made him feel honored in someways. Tyrande and Malfurion raised their eyebrow slightly upon seeing the interaction before they gave each other knowing looks.
"Well then let us organized our forces and prepare our assault." Malfurion raised his staff and with his druidic power in his grasp, he converted a small section of the forest into more than a dozen healthy looking treants.
"Outstanding!" Kael'thas couldn't hide his excitement as he stared at the living and walking treants, he closed his eyes slowly as he began to heard their whispers, he could feel their life force and even their conversations. Since when did he had such powers within him?
"They are speaking." Speaking subconsciously, Malfurion was surprised by Kael's words. Could the young prince commune with the spirits as well?
"Kael'thas you understand what they are saying?" Kael nodded as he inch closer towards the treants who backed off upon seeing Kael's burning verdant spheres which were too close for their liking. Talk about curiosity...
"A little." Maiev being impatient of such trivial matters, rallied her watchers and were in position to head out.
"We could save that for later, for now we have to focus on bringing Illidan down!" Malfurion sighed at Maiev's impatience as he sound the horn of Cenarius, mustering his army of chimeras and faerie dragons. With all their forces ready, the sound of the thundering horn being blown again, the army of elves head their way towards the Ruins of Dalaran.
Hello everyone, this is my first Warcraft fanfiction and hopefully I have done a good job at it. This story is basically what happens if Kael'thas joined the Night Elves and reside with them (Much like Worgen did) and found a solution to their magic addiction by using the reactivating the Well of Eternity to restore their Sunwell to their former glory. Since the blood elves (or high elves) have close relations to the night elves, they shared a common kinship and so I thought why not make an alternate timeline if Kael didn't have to obey the xenophobic douche bag Garithos or side with Illidan or become a madman! I really like Kael as a character when I first play the campaign and I was VERY disappointed that Blizzard pulled an Arthas on Kael and made him into a madman. So I hope this story did some justice to our handsome blood elf prince (seriously this guy gets no ladies) and he would succeed in restoring Quel'thalas to it's former glory. As for the shipping it would be Maiev and Kael'thas. (Mainly because I think they would make quite an interesting pair)
That's all, thanks for reading the story and have a good day!