Storming a heavy fortified naga base wasn't as easy as it sounds, the treacherous and vile naga had flooded the Dalaran passages and exits to prevent outsiders from entering in. It seems like they would need to create an entrance of their own should they want to storm the naga stronghold. Something which Kael'thas isn't terribly fond of. Then again, he always did had a phobia of drowning... fitting for a fire mage. His deadpanned look towards the ruined city didn't went unnoticed, many of his soldiers who journey with him ever since the horrific incident got accustomed to the prince's rather laidback and even playful nature that was rare for royalty. Not to mention his sarcastic and witty nature that draws chuckles. He softened his expression just slight and a small smile crept onto his lips. Despite the magical city he called home in ruins, there is still some charm to it, if you look at it from a distance that is.
"Prince Kael'thas, I bring an urgent report from our scouts." Queleron spoke in a strained voice, while eyeing the Violet Citadel from afar. He stood an arm's length away from Kael'thas and held his enchanted glaive tight in his hand. Their forces were strategically placed near the back entrance of the magical city, while the main force would divert the naga's attention. Many emotions were evoked inside the young lieutenant, the once proud and majestic city of the Kirin Tor is now in ruins. Infested by nagas, undeads and even demons from what he heard. He close his eyes briefly, trying to conjure up the imagine the Kirin Tor back in it's glory days. What would it look like now if the scourge didn't decided to-
"Very well, let's hear it." Snapping out of his gloomy stupor, Queleron tighten his grip on his weapon and stared at the prince with much resolve. The tone of his voice alerted Kael'thas that his retainer (and friend) is both stressed and tired. It was to be expected since he handled day to day affairs for his army. The young prince made mental notes to lessen the burden of his good friend and supervised the army himself in his leisure.
"As expected, the naga has fortified the main entrance of the dungeon and has placed protective barriers that contains magical properties around the lower dungeons. Our scouts had also received news that a human paladin is being held captive by the naga. He is currently being locked away in the dungeons of Dalaran." Maiev's skill of eavesdropping was second to none, she was surprised when she heard the report. Illidan isn't known for taking prisoners as his policy had often been death to all who oppose him. Still, this certainly turn the tides into their favour so to speak.
"How interesting." Kael'thas wasn't sure if they could afford a rescue mission considering that they need all the elvenpower they can get. However based on past experiences, he knew that a trained Paladin of the Silverhand could play a crucial part in the battle. Against an army of walking-talking fish and a demon of a Night Elf, a devoted Paladin of the Silverhand might be the key ally to victory. Maiev decided to make herself apparent to the conversation, she turned to the Blood Mage and the Archdruid who were pondering about their future ally in captive.
"If we free the paladin he might aid us in our hunt against Illidan." Malfurion wasn't surprised by Maiev's single minded suggestion, though truth to be told they need all the help they can get. A paladin might be just the ally they need to stack the odds in their favour. Malfurion stroked his beard as he nodded slowly, pretending to contemplate Maiev's decision while in reality he already made up his mind. He eyed the towering ruins with a sense of remorse. If he was more adventurous in his youth, he would have visited this place many moons ago. Now, the horrifying thought of what the undead army is capable of became all too real, as he knew the Kirin Tor's magic were one of a kind and were often uncontested. He prayed hoped that he was up to the task and is able to vanquish the menacing forces.
"Very well then, but rescuing him is not our priority." Maiev smiled slightly upon hearing it, though her mask managed to hid it away from others.
"Of course Shando." Noticing the moment is upon them, he waved his magically imbued staff to mobilize and position their army. As if on queue, flocks of chimeras gathered at the front lines with dragonhawk riders hovering the skies. Tyrannde along with the other priestesses of the moon prayed to Elune for protection as the other night elven army held their weapons tight. They wore fearless expressions but Kael'thas was no stranger to hiding your fear under a facade. He knew that feeling all too well.
"Warriors of the night! Assemble!" Tyrannde gave out a moralizing shout as she finished her prayers, the sound of the horn of cenarius boomed and the flock of chimeras joined their attacks to blast the outer walls of Dalaran. The night elven army retained their battle stances and positions, with their weapons at the ready.
"When the water level subsides, we will make our move." Malfurion very calmly stared at the gushing waters that burst out within the Dalaran ruins. The waters itself was contaminated with the sewage and waste of the Dalaran dungeons. If the hordes of amphibian armies doesn't crushed them, then the foul stench of the sewage waters will. It wasn't long before the water level had subsided and a large hole in the wall was only that remained.
"Press on my warriors! Illidan must be stopped at all cost!" With the sound of the horn being blown again, the army of elves rushed towards the naga fortress. Kael'thas could feel his heart beating along side with the sounds of footfalls, he held felo'melorn tight and rushed in head first to meet the enemy. He paid no mind to the protesting shouts of his retainer, he was the prince and of course he would lead the charge.
"Night Elven scum! Slaughter them all!" A naga myrmidon managed to slithered up to the surfaces, he screamed as the rest of it's brethren barely had a chance to react when volleys of arrows pelted them. The Night Elven armies draws closer as the sound of slithering and footfalls had became all too loud. At this point, Maiev had realized that the naga reinforcements had arrived in numerous numbers and an all out battle had just begun.
Kael'thas gracefully dodged the sloppy and poorly executed strikes of a Murloc Assasin, he twisted his blade and made short work off the ambitious amphibian. It's remains became scorched and the charred reptilian skin turned from black to ash almost instantly. It's comrades paled at the sight of their fallen brother in arms and immediately backed off upon landing their eyes on the menacing looking Felo'melorn. Reality began to hit Kael'thas when he observed the bloody battlefield, the smell of sulphur and blood became all too apparent for the young prince. Guilt started to build up in his chest when his seemingly cold blooded enemies cradled their dead brethren with anguish. Tears, anger and vengeance had filled their eyes as they ferociously roared and became enraged. It hit Kael at home as he was reminded that the naga weren't just some cold hearted and emotionless husk of a monster like the scourge, they too have emotions and feelings that made them human. Which raises they question for our young prince, did they choose to serve Illidan? Or did they did it out of survival and fear? Perhaps they were also victims of war as much as them.
'No time to question your morals Kael! They won't show mercy nor sympathy to you or your people, so why should you?' The cold commanding voice behind Kael'thas mind reminded him of their current situation. This is war, there is no room for sympathizing with the enemy. The slightest hesitation would cost you your life, no matter how skilled you are.
"Prince Kael'thas! The paladin captive!" Kae'thas turned to his subordinates and was relieved that they were unharmed. Though the naga were plentiful in numbers, their skills in combat could have been better. Still, if they were fighting in shallow waters, then it would be a completely different story. He hesitated for a moment as his eyes darted around the battlefield, it was chaotic but it seems like their forces had the upper hand. The number of the dead naga bodies far exceeds of their own, but that didn't mean that Kael'thas didn't feel any less guilty. The prince spotted Maiev in the distance, killing her adversaries with knives that were thrown with deadly precision. The warden's prowess proved to be true, her movement was swift as ever as her eyes showed no remorse for her fallen enemies.
"Maiev this way!" Maiev turned to Kael and nodded, she made her way towards him with her weapon covered in blood. She breath a sigh of relief when she reached Kael'thas, whether she was relief at the thought of Kael'thas unharmed or that she had a moment of rest from the battle, we would never know.
"Down this stairs would leads us to the imprisoned Paladin." Maiev, trusting that the Warden Guild would be safe and her absent won't prove to be too detrimental to the outcome of the battle, led the charge and signal Kael'thas men to follow the suit, to which they reluctantly agreed.
"Just follow her, it's fine." Kael'thas spoke in a casual tone, unfitting for a prince and their current predicament. The blood eleven squad gave off a chuckle as they followed the Iron Lady and her quest to free the Paladin. Kael'thas gave off a sigh and saw the opposite army began their tactical retreat into the deeper chasms. He ran a hand through his golden locks, dusting off the dirt and soot he collected from his opponents.
"Prince Kael'thas, the warden request your presence." Kael smiled wryly at the sound of Queleron's echoing voice from bellow, of course she does. He trudged down the jagged and uneven stairs, his verdant spheres providing both illumination and warmth as he entered the frigid dungeons that were home to convicts, lab experiments gone wrong and a human paladin.
'As expected the dungeon is unguarded with the battle breaking out. Still, it's not exactly the coziest of places...' Kael'thas held back an immature laugh when he saw Queleron and the "best" of his farstriders in his squad shivering from the bone chilling cold. They rubbed the arms together while chattering their teeth, compared to Maiev who was completely unaffected by the cold. Then again, she is wearing a lot of armour and clotting that provided her warmth.
Upon hearing a voice shouting for "Help!", Maiev made a mad dash towards the source of the sound. After turning a sharp corner, they found the chained Paladin who grasped his prison bars. He was in shambles and his unkempt beard was obvious to the eye, though the wholehearted smile plastered on his face was genuine when he saw the sight of elves.
"Prince Kael'thas!? I didn't expect an elven prince saving me from these foul creatures!" Kael'thas only gave a smile as that, the paladin's voice was both of a man and a child. The voice itself sounded manly and burly, but the tone was like child receiving a present for his birthday. Which was fine to him considering the paladin was grateful to his rescue.
"Neither did I good Paladin, however that's not important. For now we would have to get you out of those shackles and the steel that holds you." Kael'thas turned to Maiev as she observed the prison bars and look for the weak spot of the cellar. Wordlessly, she destroyed the prison cell with one swipe of her weapon as she aimed for bars above the cellar door. The iron bars fell apart instantly and the paladin staggered backwards in shock (as well as fear). She huffed as she examined her umbra crescent that seemed to have it's edges dulled, something which upsets her to some degree. With one last glance she turned to Kael'thas and motioned him to enlist the Paladin to their cause. The shaggy looking human stuttered his thanks to Maiev, only for the cold beauty to nod wordlessly.
"Questions later good paladin, for now would you aid us on fighting the very forces who imprisoned you?" The paladin grinned and nodded without hesitation. Kael'thas unlocked the shackles with his magic and helped the Paladin up to his feet. Queleron struggled slightly as he lift the paladin's magically imbued hammer and the steel plated armour from the weapon racks.
"You have my thanks." The male human nodded at Queleron and quickly wore his suit of armour that he had long forgotten. It was good to have the heavy piece of metal on him again, it made him feel more safer. Although Maiev kept quiet the entire time, she was quite impressed by the human's strength and spirit. No doubt he would boost the morale of the army with his chivalrous and hearty manner.
"Prince Kael'thas and friends, it would be an honour fighting alongside with you. My name is Magroth and may the light be with us and guide us to battle!" Magroth slung his well balanced hammer across his shoulders and hummed a tune, he had finally achieved both freedom and companionship. Something which he longed for ever since he was held captive. His eyes seemed to glow blue with his tome of holy spells on his offhand.
"I had forgotten some of the incantations and holy gospels of my youth." Magroth in an unashamed manner, flipped through the pages of his tome. Eyes gleamed (literally) the moment he saw the spell he was looking for, he always made sure practiced and exercise it during the aftermath of a battle.
"If you are done wasting your time flipping through that tome, then let us leave immediately. We have a rogue demon to hunt." Maiev spoke bluntly, they wasted enough time on this already and have no intention to delay the hunt for Illidan any longer. Maiev left Magroth and Kael'thas in the dust as she hastily ran back upstairs, back to the field of battle. Knowing that the rest would follow her lead.
"Aye, she's a cold one isn't she?" Magroth commented with a scratch on his beard, he wasn't sure who (or what) Maiev was but he was willing to bet she wasn't human. He turned to Kael'thas who only smiled at his remark, he got acquainted to Maiev's stone cold personality that hid her caring nature underneath.
"Well we better catch up to her then, it's best not to anger a woman. Much less one who can cut steel in half." Kael'thas chuckled lightly at Magroth's cheeky tone. They steeled themselves for a battle as they reached the dungeon surfaces. They weren't prepared at the horrifying sight of dead bodies that were piled up in front of them. Corpses of Night Elves, Blood Elves and Naga were all in the mix. It didn't help Magroth the fact that most of the Night Elf warriors were women, something which is quite uncommon for the human race.
"Wha- so much death and all of them were women..." Magroth who just had his resolve and spirits back, quickly shattered at the sight of the carnage. He gulped hard and began to frantically look for survivors who were in dire need of aid. Kael'thas maintained a cold demeanour with a scowl on his face. There was no short amount of Blood Elves as well, many of who were young and inexperienced. Some of them seemed familiar too, no, all of them were familiar faces. Kael'thas could recognized all of his fallen brethren, whether it be from sharing dinner together or during their daily affairs. The young Blood Elven prince recognized the faces of his own people. He gripped felo'melorn tight as he ignored the pent up anger started to build up inside of him. His verdant spheres danced aggressively around him, as if wanting to seek revenge for his fallen soldiers.
Margroth's look of despair and sorrow quickly shifted into one of hope and joy upon seeing a surviving Night Elf priestess. Her fingers were barely moving as a trail of blood flowed from her exposed and injured gut to the broken tiles of the floor. The battle they had here had moved on into the deeper chambers of the dungeons. No elves were spared to help heal the wounded, or bury the dead. The seasoned Paladin knelt down immediately and grasped the priestess's hand gently, he began to chant healing magic with his eyes closed and soon enough her wounds gradually recovered. She stared at Magroth with eyes of gratitude and confusion, not knowing that he was actually their ally.
"Are you alright?" She nodded wordless, wincing at the stinging pain on her abdomen. Magroth helped her up and began to look around the battlefield, they might be more survivors out here! He could save them in time, if he were to stay back and help them!
"I will stay here and tend to the wounded, there is hope that I still can save them." Kael'thas hesitated while gritting his teeth, while he admired the Paladin's dedication and his impressive rejuvenation skills, Magroth should be in the frontlines fighting along side with them. Not doing healing work! That could wait-
'By then, those who were still surviving would have bled to death...' He eyed Magroth as he carried the priestess to some place more comfortable and began to diligently look around for more survivors. With or without the prince's permission, he will help these people. Despite not knowing what race the Night Elves were, Magroth could only assumed the beautiful Night Elves were similar to the Blood Elves. A race that is not discovered by humans yet or at least, not widely known. Still, they were his comrades and he had all the right to help them.
"I- very well then, I know Maiev won't be pleased upon hearing this but I will let you do what you desire. However do aid us in the frontlines as soon as you are done Magroth." Kael'thas knew Maiev won't be pleased of the sudden change of plans, but he would bear her complains later. For now he must make haste and rejoin the army to prevent even more casualties of war. In the corner of his eye, he saw the fallen squad of farstriders that seemed to fought valiantly to the end. Their hands were still holding onto their weapons with their mouths agape. The prince and his escorts wordlessly left Magroth to his own work, already making their way towards the deeper chambers of the dungeon with heavy hearts .
Magroth stared at the darkened corridor that Kael'thas and his elven troops entered, their footfalls echoing became more distant as time passed. He took off his leather gloves and threw it carelessly on the floor, not caring if it soaked the blood of his fallen enemies. He tried his best to ignore the woeful cries of the young Night Elf priestess, who held onto one of the fallen warriors and began to shake the lifeless corpse back and forth.
His search for survivors yield no fruit as they were none, no sign of pulse, no sign of moving and no sign of life. He closed his eyes, reaching his tome and the page he marked earlier. It was worth the shot, even if it meant draining him completely. He placed his holy hammer on the floor, as a large rune inscribed with words of the light began to form on the floor, surrounding him and bathing him with brilliant light. Chanting the holy words and gospels of light, the Night Elf priestess gasped at the sight of Magroth's unique powers unbeknownst to the Night Elves. With all of the commotion happening, she failed to notice that her fallen comrades were beginning to move...
"Lord Illidan, the Night Elf forces are making their way towards here! It's only a matter of time before they breached our defenses!" Illidan was not a happy Night Elf. He gritted his teeth, the spell isn't done yet his forces were diminishing rapidly! What incompetent fools had he mustered as his forces? At this rate, their key defenses won't last long and the spell would be undone! Must he do everything himself!? The rogue Night Elf cursed at his own luck, of all the people in Azeroth, his own brother was leading the charge. The normally passive and diplomatic druid won't consider him a threat if it weren't for the spell's damage onto the world. He knew that Malfurion's abilities as a druid were potent, and could best even the mightiest of demons with or without nature by his command.
"The four of you! Continue the rite no matter the cost! The rest of you come with me." Illidan barked out his orders while twirling his twinblades in his hands with much ease, a sadistic grin crept on to his face as he look forward to fight his overachieving brother. It's been a while since they last met and he is going to give him a warm welcome. He could imagine the look of his face when he reveals his true power, power that he could not fathom and achieve! The sight of his monstrosity of a form would certainly petrified him! All he needs to do now is to-
'What's this I'm sensing? Magic? Arcane magic!? Since when did Night Elves practiced magic!?' Hypocrisy was the word in Illidan's mind, he growled bitterly as his arms were engulf by the green demonic flames he commanded. Rage consumed him as he couldn't wait to squash the Night Elven army with his powers in one fell swoop. Maiev always thought that she was better than him, that she could corner him and take him out with her so called "Warden's Guild". Oh no, he would show her the real extent of his powers alright! It would be exhilarating! Fun even! Oh how he look forward to burn those hypocrites alive...
It wasn't long however, before the army of elves had broke through their final defenses and had made their way towards the main chambers. Illidan was all but ready to spring his preemptively placed arcane trap when suddenly...
'This magic presence, it does not belong to the caliber of a Night Elf but... a Highbourne! A high elf! They have a high elf by their side?' As the army draws near, Illidan felt the raw presence of magic becoming stronger and stronger. Maybe the night elves didn't practice the "forbidden" arts of magic. Could they have enlisted the help of a high elf instead? A powerful one at that? Illidan scowled and thought otherwise, Night Elves aren't the most diplomatic race. There is no way they would befriend a highbourne at the first place, let alone fight alongside with them. Still the fact he sensed such powerful presence doesn't change the fact that someone of great power is siding with them. Illidan idly stared at his warriors that surrounded the huge magical door that sealed them off from the outside world. Looking at it now, it doesn't seemed like the door would serve useful.
'That seal on the door would have held them off, long enough for my spell to be completed. However with the help of a powerful highbourne, they could easily break the seal and interrupt the spell. Should I know sooner, I would have make a much more complicated seal!' Illidan laughed internally at his own luck, he would just have to accept his fate won't he!? His sensitive ears perked up at the sound of the elven army closing in. He hid a smirk and began to metamorphosis into his demon form. He flapped his demonic wings, almost as if he achieve freedom all over again. He cackled at the sensation of power surging through his body, all he had to do was to snap his fingers and the opposing army would decimate.
Or so he thought.
'Come then brother, show me what forces you have mustered!' His loyal but incompetent naga warriors stood a good distance away from the door, many of the mages summoned basic water elementals to help them in combat. Illidan was no fool to these tricks, as simple as they are, they proved to be potent in combat and often turn the tides of battle. He frowned slightly when he thought of the anti magic properties that the highborne has. They would just dispel their summons within seconds and made his casters obsolete. It wasn't a pleasant thought but it was one that challenge his strength and power.
'If they are that desperate for a show of force, I would be more than happy to oblige!' Soon enough, the seal on the door began to shatter and the color of the door turn from violet purple into the normal shade of rusted brown. The naga forces tensed up and draw their weapons close, the casters with their projectile magic were at the ready. Illidan conjured fel magic in his hand and had his demonic wings extend as far as they can. The door soon broke down as dust immediately followed, Illidan didn't hesitate to order out the all out attack as the casters and summoners bombarded the broken gate with all of their might.
'That should soften them up real good.' To his dismay it didn't. He widened his eyes as the dust finally settled, with a large defensive arcane shield protecting them from their attacks. Not only did it shielded them from the attacks, but they were able to maintain the shield's perfect form despite their relentless assault. Illidan was no stranger to powerful defensive magic, but this- this was is something else entirely! Highbournes aren't exactly known for their defensive magic, at least not the ones he knew.
He observe the group of casters, he recognized them as the Blood elves with the Quel'thalas insignia on them. However they also bear the Kirin Tor attire and garbs, as well as their tomes and staves. It confirmed Illidan thoughts that they were highbourne but were trained in the arts of the Kirin Tor, which is known for it's defensive arcane magic and it's control over it.
A deadly combination of power and control mingled together as one.
"Illidan! Stand your guard down and stop the spell at once! Do it, and we will spare your life." Malfurion's voice was loud and firm, the magical barrier the Blood Elves created was down as Malfurion calmly and maybe foolishly walked up to Illidan. He stood a good distance away from his demon of a brother and his forces, with only his stave grasped in his hand. The archdruid stared at him with disapproving eyes. Those were the eyes that Illidan was used to, but it still hurt nonetheless. Soon Maiev and to his surprise, Tyrannde stood next to Malfurion. He wasn't surprise of Maiev's appearance, being his jailer and the annoyance of a woman she is. Tyrannde though... why would she leave Kalimdor? Was the purpose just to hunt him down? Was it because she was responsible for freeing him that she had to clean up her own mess?! It angered and hurt him, but he tried his best not to show it in front of everyone.
"And what good would that be? The spell we channeled was meant to strike at the undead, our common enemy! My mission was to destroy the Lich King's stronghold of Icecrown! To end the suffering and to end the possible threat to our homeland! Would you want these abominations to go out of control and destroy Kalimdor? Who would bear THAT responsibility brother? YOU?!" Malfurion remained quiet as he continued to listen to Illidan's ranting, he had assumed his half night elf formed again. Whether he did it intentionally or unconsciously he didn't know, but something tells Malfurion that Illidan wants to negotiate it first. To try and convince him that he cause was justified, that the ends justified the means as they say. Malfurion would be happy if they could solve this without conflict, but when it comes to protecting the world and the nature. His responsibilities as a druid comes first.
"Illidan I know your intentions are "good" but your spell won't just destroy the Icecrown citadel. It would fracture the world itself! Separating continents, drying up seas and disturbed the balance of nature, destroying the world as we know it! Nature itself would be chaotic! Who would bear that responsibility!?" He just have to take a jab at him doesn't he? It's always have been nature this, nature that. That fool! How could he be so simple minded, so foolish, so blind!
"A small price to pay for destroying the enemy." Kael'thas stared down at Illidan, so this was the demon he promised Maiev and Tyrannde he would help to hunt. Kael'thas first impression was that Illidan seemed interesting for the better words, he wasn't just some mindless brute who craved for power but also an individual had his own cause and reasons for these so called "war crimes". Kael'thas has always, and always will be an open elf. He was willing to give anyone the benefit of the doubt before accusing them of something or a least, hate them. However Illidan's reason for destroying the Lich King remains unclear, did he have something personal against the scourge? Was he an agent of good that utilized chaotic and forbidden powers to achieve he goals? What good is being righteous and holy if it meant surrendering and bowing down to evil? What good is it if evil can never be vanquished by noble and honour-bound actions and methods? What even is justice at this point? Did Kael'thas know it anymore? Surely history is wrote by the winners, however did that same rule apply to justice itself as well?
'I know I gave my word to Maiev but this- this our chance to destroy the Lich King once and for all! To retake our fallen city and restore Quel'thalas to it's former glory!' Kael'thas knew that this was their chance, with wits and manipulation he could easily turned against the Night Elves and help Illidan to finish of his spell. The thought of the Frozen Throne being obliterated and crushed under the powerful spell was a very tempting thought. Who knows? Maybe in time, he could become Illidan's apprentice and become more powerful than ever before. Powerful enough to kill Arthas in fell swoop and bring peace and prosperity to his people! And Jaina! Oh how could he forget about sweet, sweet Jaina. She- she could finally be his, no longer under the influence of her blind love for Arthas. As for their withdrawal against magic, it might be possible that Illidan might have the solution to it. It sounds farfetch yes but it's not entire out of the question, Illidan's powers is chaotic by nature. He wasn't a naturally born demon and his transformation into one could only mean that he attain greater power from somewhere! However dark and corrupted it may be, it was still power nonetheless! Power that Kael'thas and his people could try to control over and reign supreme. It was tempting, oh yes it was. Kael'thas could imagined it now, the power he wields, Quel'thalas being restored to it's beauty with all the lesser races bowing down on their knees with beautiful Jaina by his side, as his queen! The look on Arthas's face when he drive his father's blade, Felo'melorn into his empty and soulless heart with Jaina watching coldly, no sense of pity nor love for him.
"This young elf... who are you and why have you decide to help the night elves?" Kael'thas turned to Illidan, he eyed him with great interest. His attire and raw magic presence must have gave away his royalty and status. Kael'thas walked forward, standing in front of Malfurion who narrowed his eyes. The wise sage had a glimpse of an idea on what the young prince was thinking, his grip on his staff tightened, as if saying "Kael'thas don't." Illidan softened his expression when he saw the look in Kael'thas's eyes. It was as if he saw himself when he was younger, brash, foolish, naive but also willing to give up everything just for the cause. The alarm bells in Maiev's mind rang hard, she knew that Kael'thas was a desperate elf. In terms of his ability to think straight, she fears he has none. On instinct, she stood in front of Kael, almost an arm's length from the spears and tridents that threaten her life.
"He is not your concern Illidan, now enough stalling! You and I both know who would come out as the victor if our armies were to battle, so surrender now so I can give you a swift death." Maiev growled when Illidan cackled, dismissing her as a possible threat. She would have blink right in front of Illidan and finish the job out of pure rage and annoyance-
"My name is Kael'thas Sunstrider, prince of the fallen kingdom Quel'thalas, leader of the surviving blood elves." Illidan nodded in realization, he had heard rumors of the scourge sieging the impenetrable city of Quel'thalas. No elves were spared from a peaceful death, their prized Sunwell tarnished and corrupted with their king slaughtered. Betrayed by their own people, it was something Illidan could relate to, to some extent.
"A pleasure meeting you Kael'thas, I heard about the tragedy in Quel'thalas. My deepest condolences, I too have my own agenda against the Lich king and the "trouble" he brought onto me had lead me to resort to "desperate" measures. We have ourselves a common enemy young prince, don't you agree?" Kael'thas nodded with an unsettling smile on his face, the brightly colored verdant spheres seemed docile now, almost calm. Of course Kael'thas was no fool, he knew what game Illidan was playing at and he wasn't that easily manipulated to benefit Illidan's own cause. Still, the thoughts he had prior were very tempting. He could almost taste his victory over the Lich King that was close to his reach, all he need to do was to turn sides and sacrifice a few good elves for the sake of it. The question is, could he betray the forces that safeguarded his own people? Is he willing to sacrifice his army who served him loyally and followed him in good faith? Was he willing to down the road of madness and uncertainty for the sake of power?
No
Of course not, he had already made up his mind that his people would always be his first priority before the attack on Illidan's forces. He had doubled down his cause and belief prior just so he could prevent himself from falling from grace, Kael'thas anticipated moments as tempting and tantalizing such as this were to wound up during his confrontation with Illidan. That's when he remembered the vague fond memories he and Jaina had, the irony was rich when the most memorable thing she ever said was when she chided him like a mother scolding a child.
'Kael please be rational! As the heir to the throne of Quel'thalas, you are responsible for the future of your own people. You can't just abandoned your responsibilities as crown prince and achieve what you desire! You have to think of the bigger picture and what's good for your people.' The bittersweet memory when Jaina rejected his proposal of becoming the future queen of Quel'thalas.
His queen.
And so here he was, caught between a dangerous crossroad. Yet he already made up his choice, as sweet as revenge is, he is one of the many fools who lives in Azeroth. Destroying the world as you know it just for the sake of revenge does make you looked like an asshole who deserved to be hunted down by everyone else who suffered from your actions.
Having an army of rampaging Night Elves hunting his hide day and night doesn't sound so fun either.
"You are right Illidan, we do have a common enemy." Illidan could see it now, the tides of battle turned into his favour. And to think all he needed to do was to manipulate a young and desperate blood elf-
"But the defeat of the Lich King and Arthas would come by my hands, and only my own." Kael'thas held back a laugh when he saw Illidan's visibly crestfallen look. It was a hidden trait of Kael that he loved to screw around and annoy the hell out of people, even in crucial moments such as these. In some ways, it made him very immature and childish. Illidan's look of despair didn't last very long however, he narrowed his eyes (you could tell by the movements of his blindfold) and assumed his demon form again.
"Very well then, if all of you are that desperate to fight me, then I shall deliver on your request!" Such cockiness and boldness caused our beloved Blood Elf prince to smile. He always love putting down cocky bastards. With a shift of his fingers, fel energy came pouring onto Kael'thas and Maiev. Reacting quickly Kael'thas used Felo'melorn to deflect the projectile, only for it to be absorbed into the blade itself. Kael'thas visibly paled when the disruptive energies hit his blade, that was no ordinary magic blast, it was a mana burning intensive one that weakened his abilities as a mage.
'So he does wield this sort of magic!' Barely seconds after Kael'thas's swift parry, the two armies waged war among each other. Kael'thas yelled in surprised when he felt himself being pushed to the backlines by some brute force, saving him from two zealous naga assassins who tried to finish what Illidan started.
"Kael fall back, you're not strong enough to deal with Illidan!" The archdruid quickly transform into one of the ferocious beast and pounced in front Maiev who was preoccupied dealing with enemies of her own. The normally peaceful and diplomatic druid mauled the two assailants and quickly dispatch a dozen few with a swipe of his claws. Illidan seizing the opportunity grabbed his brother's animistic form and burned him with his hands, only for Malfurion to bashed his head relentlessly, releasing him from his grasp.
"Tyrannde, kill those who are finishing the spell!" Malfurion deciding to use Illidan's own personal emotions against Tyrannde turned back into his druid form again and summoned roots and vines that ensnared Illidan's legs. The Night Elf Demon hesitated to hurt the beautiful Priestess of The Moon whom he had deep feelings for and watched on helplessly as his casters were slaughtered one by one by the merciless Priestess. Illidan in his fury, burned the roots that rendered him immobile and called upon a firestorm that showered the entire army with fire and fury, his own forces included. Hellfire came from above and below, burning alive the Night Elf forces who screamed in agony. Kael'thas was quick on his feet as he began draining the mana off Illidan hoping to interrupt his destructive spell, he stopped immediately upon realizing Illidan's powers were far too corrupted by the fel energies as it began to poison his mind.
'Feed more Kael'thas and you can become as powerful as Illidan, if not more!' The Blood Elf leader ignored the ghostly voice of his own thoughts in his mind, still not giving into the temptation for the lust of power. Deciding to fight fire with fire, Kael'thas ordered his pyromancers to redirect the scorching flames back to the demon, overwhelming him with torrent flames that he had conjured.
While succeeding in redirecting the flames back to it's caster, Illidan managed to form an immolation spell shield that completely shielded him from the torrid flames. With Illidan distracted, Tyrannde fired off one last arrow to the last of the occultist. Her mount mauled the surviving naga warrior and prowled next to Tyrannde, as if making sure she was safe from harm. The eye of Sargeras began to dissolve into thin air, without sufficient energies sustaining it's form.
"No! What have you done?!" Illidan gritted his teeth when Maiev took advantaged of his reaction to the destruction of the Eye and slashed his wings from behind. He yelled in agony and knelt down onto the floors, weakened and injured, he resumed back to his Night Elf form. His forces was defeated with the bodies of those who served him laying lifelessly on the ground.
"It's over Illidan, your vile schemes ends here." Malfurion entangled him again with his nature roots, his twinblades were taken away from him with the rogue Night Elf kneeling. The all powerful and dangerous Illidan was now helpless and defeated, his core energies was drained by his druidic brother's natural magic. It seems that his brother had created a method to drain fel energies off demons and the likes of them without endangering or corrupting the user. No doubt Furion honed that skill for months, just to prepare his encounter with Illidan.
"Illidan Stormrage, for recklessly endangering countless lives and threatening the very balance of the world, I hereby sentence you to death!" Maiev had finally reached the moment she has been waiting for, finally! No more being Illidan's warden and spending thousands of years guarding his cell! Now she could finish this once and for all! She raised her umbra crescent above her head, ready to strike down Illidan when a fork of lightning came out of thin air and struck Maiev on the chest. Her body skidded across the floor as her cries of pain as well as the glow of lightning caused the respective leaders to react. A barrage of lightning magic soon came from all sides, keeping them away from Illidan.
"Lady Vashj!" The Naga Sea Witch had came with reinforcements, she hastily dispelled the roots that held her master captive and led him back to the portal she had created. Attacks bombarded Vashj but it did little to hurt her with her Mana Shield up. Kael'thas focused his energies on closing off the abyssal portal but found himself unable to do so, the magic of the portal was far out of his reach, it was sinister and twisted. Something he haven't deal with it before, The Blood Elf prince glared at the shimmering portal that seemed to taunt him at his inability to close it.
"I hope that our paths would never cross again brother." The portal dissipated as quickly as Illidan spoke, the archdruid closed his eyes briefly at the thought of Illidan escaping again. Illidan's destruction was fueled by vengeance and lust for power, he prayed hope his brother would learn from his mistakes and stop all of this barbaric rituals. A fairy tail dream yes, but a dream he still wishes upon.
"Maiev!" Kael'thas ran to the warden's side and knelt down next to her with the rest of the clerics and priestess tending to her wounds. The Blood Elf prince sighed as he stood up, Illidan has managed to escape from their grasp. With that demon running amok with vengeance on his mind, Kael'thas was concerned over the safety of himself and his people. Hopefully that Illidan had more oppressing and urgent issues then seeking his personal vendetta against Kael'thas. He rubbed his sore shoulders and eyed Maiev's defenseless form, she should really take her helmet off. He scowled at his own thoughts and turned to the fallen shards of the Eye of Sargeras.
"The Eye is forever destroyed Kael'thas, but that doesn't mean that the Lich King won't be." Furion's voice was firm and authoritative, the Night Elf leader stood next to Kael, smiling at Kael'thas who dropped the shards carelessly.
"I know that Malfurion, the fall of the Lich King would come by the hands of my people." Furion didn't bother reminding Kael of the dark path of vengeance, knowing that it would only irritate him and caused him to be bitter. The humble druid returned back to his beloved in hopes to spend more time and rewind a little.
"Seems like I'm a bit late." Kael'thas recognized that burly voice from anywhere, he spun around and saw Magroth with his hands on top of the hilt of his hammer. The fire mage could tell the paladin was exhausted with the amount of sweat gathered on his forehead. The normally stoic and calm Blood Elves smiled at the sight of the chivalrous knight of the Silverhand. They peered behind his shoulders and was shocked to see a healthy amount of their injured comrades standing behind him with their weapon firm in their grasp.
"I hope my absence in the battle won't prove to be too taxing." Magroth chuckled at their bewildered expressions, resurrecting the dead was no easy feat but as long as their soul is pure and their spirits is just, then the Light would surely give them a second chance in life. The veteran Paladin looked around the field of battle, despite Illidan's escape, Magroth was still able to sense the presence of evil looming over him, terrible powers the beckons the souls of lustful and greedy men into road of no return.
"No, unfortunately the Demon was rescued by his treacherous lackeys just as we were to end him. Unforeseen circumstances had cost us dearly as well as Maiev suffered injuries from a coward's ambush." Magroth lowered his head and shook it slightly, and here he thought Illidan's escape was the worst case scenario.
"Is she alright?" Magroth looked around him and felt anxious with all of the whispers and judging eyes from the reclusive Night Elves, he tried his best to ignore their beauty and presence and kept his firm and hardy look.
'By the Light what are they wearing? Does that even count as armour anymore?' Again, Magroth has never seen Night Elves before.
"She will recover." Kael'thas spoke in a somewhat awkward manner, his lieutenant had left his side to gather what's left of his battalion. The seasoned Paladin took his helm off and walked next to the Blood Elf prince, heavy footsteps followed his movements.
"So where would you go now Magroth?" Magroth halted his movements, he looked at the inexperience Blood Elf before him and pondered at his options. Prior his capture, he was leading a small squad investigating the ruins of Dalaran upon receiving reports of disturbance in the dungeons. His party was slaughtered in an ambush with Naga warriors being held responsible for it, he put on a great fight but even with the power of light in his hands, he was defeated by sheer numbers. He would have accepted his fate and die a warrior's death alongside with his brothers in arms if it weren't for Illidan declaring as a prisoner of war. It has been two weeks since his capture and he wondered the fate of his homeland.
"Lordaeron or at least what's left of it, I want to gather every able man and woman to form a resistance, stationed nearby our fallen capital. In hopes of retaking back our fallen kingdom from the scourge." Kael'thas noted the lack of confidence and absolute in the Paladin's voice, which was rare considering Paladins were supposed to be a symbol of hope and complete faith.
"That would be very difficult, you do know that right?" Magroth squinted his eyes, he didn't need to be reminded. The scourge have a heavy presence in Lordaeron with the outer walls of the city guarded heavily by the dead. They fortified their grip over Lordaeron and rumors of them spreading the plague across the outer towns had also began to surface.
"I'm not giving up on my homeland young prince, and neither should you." Kael'thas resisted the urge to bark back at Magroth over his subtle jab at him, he remained calm and focus, knowing that he was as on the edge as he was, war does that to people and he shouldn't be a stranger towards it.
"I have not... I'm just seeking alternate ways on restoring it. We can't afford to needlessly kill off our own people just for the sake of regaining what's ours. The lives of my people are nearly spent and I'm not too fond on finishing what the scourge had started." The cold and harsh tone of Kael'thas tensed up the conversation, Magroth losing every sense of patience began to raise his voice.
"What do you want me to do then? Abandon my homeland and my people?" Magroth took a step forward, eyes showing anger and frustration over his inability to do anything useful.
"Arthas's forces proved to be strong and numerous, if you wish to fight them head on then by all means go ahead. I just hope that your "resistance" are able to survive the onslaught that awaits you." Kael'thas doubt that the so called resistance could hold them back, in fact they might bolster the undead army with new ranks. There was no doubt that the military might of Lordaeron had become severely crippled. Garithos might be the leader of the resistance (and maybe what's left of the Alliance) but he was a leader that no one liked, sooner or later, rebellion and coups would start to rise between their own ranks just to get rid of the egotistical and xenophobic warlord.
"They won't..." Magroth spoke more quietly, hoping that Kael'thas didn't hear him. Magroth had seen what the Scourge are capable off, they won't stand a chance against the tides of darkness that threatens their existence as a whole. Not against an army that horrifying and numerous. He merely wanted to stay behind and looked after his family, comrades and the town folk who he call family as well. Indeed, he wants to take back Lordaeron and restore the kingdom to it's former glory but that wasn't his biggest motivation in this war.
Far from it.
"Lead what's left of your people to north, to Quel'thalas. There's a small village near south of my fallen kingdom. It was once established for humans but was quickly shunned out due to political reasons that my father so gracefully made up. Lead them there so that they could be safe, I would give the word to Lor'themar, the current regent lord of Silvermoon." Magroth crossed his arms and rubbed his chin, was the prince before him serious? He was astonished at the prince's generosity and idea but that meant abandoning Lordaeron as a whole. His responsibilities as a soldier as a whole.
"Are you certain? Isn't there undead there?" Magroth didn't like the thought of unwelcome visitors popping up to greet them in the middle of the night. Still, if the town is stationed near the outskirts of Quel'thalas, then aid from the Blood Elves shouldn't be too far off.
"Few, I'm certain that the majority of the Scourge forces is stationed inside Silvermoon. Even if there are disgusting abominations popping up occasionally, I'm sure it is nothing you humans can't handle. So it should be safe if you do choose to migrate towards the village. I think it's for the best if you do so, lead your people to somewhere safe and rebuild what's destroyed. You can retake back Lordaeron on another day but not now, not when the scourge have such a heavy presence on Lordaeron. Give the innocent civilians a chance to have their normal lives back, instead of living in fear." Magroth contemplated the choices he has and frowned, he did want to search a new home for his people and family. To stop dragging young able men to join them in their cause of vanquishing evil and get them killed. He had see enough death already and the horrors of those who didn't receive a peaceful one. But what would his elders would think of him if he blatantly told him that they should abandoned Lordaeron? A coward? a traitor to the knights of the Silverhand and to Lordaeron? That was something he could never lived it down as a soldier and as a paladin.
"Sometimes Magroth, you must learn to let go of your pride and accept how things are, it isn't easy I know but I assure you that it will spare us from impending doom that awaits us." Kael'thas knew exactly what he was thinking, he seen the contemplative look before. The current leadership of the Blood Elves was thrust upon him so suddenly that he couldn't even fathom the possibility of him being a good leader. Their people's future was dark and uncertain and it was up to him to steer his people's fate to a brighter future, a glorious one.
"I- Very well then young prince, I will discuss the matters with my elders. Even if they don't approve of this, at least I have taken the courtesy to inform them first. I pray hope that our paths would cross again, if you don't mind me asking, where are you off to now prince Kael'thas? Or should I say king Kael'thas?" The Blood Elf smiled at the Paladin's ability to lighten the mood and spoke in a somewhat dejected tone when he was reminded of his real mission prior to all of this.
"Prince Kael'thas would be fine. As for your question, we were "supposed" to meet Grand Marshall Garithos and aid him on securing Dalaran and Silverpine forest from the scourge but we got involve in hunting Illidan down. He isn't the most patient man in this word and there is no doubt that he is furious of my late arrival." Magroth was no stranger to Kael'thas disdain for Garithos, he personally met the man himself back when he was just a squire and wasn't exactly too fond of him. Loud, abrasive, arrogant and plain foolhardiness, Garithos was not made to be a leader, much less one that is the last hope in retaking back Lordaeron.
"Aye, his a hard one especially for an elf. It's a damn shame that now he is currently the leader of our resistance. My elders were more than qualified for the job but due to his heritage and family status, that man oversees all resistance activities. Still, my ranks within the army isn't too shabby, I do have some diplomatic ties here and there and I would be delighted to accompany you and your merry men to meet him to smooth things out."
"That- but what about leading your people to the village?" Magroth waved him off, staring at a group of Blood Elves boldly flirting with the normally reserve Night Elves who rolled their eyes at their advances. Though anyone could tell by the genuine smiles on their faces, that they were enjoying the Blood Elves company.
"That could wait, Garithos is a hard man to deal with and you need a human such as myself to talk some sense inside him. Besides, I need to inform him of the decision to migrate to the village as well, he won't be please but if I play my words around carefully, then he would surely see it as establishing a foothold near Quel'thalas to maintain relations." Kael'thas was easily impressed by Magroth's thinking, and here he thought he just an ordinary Paladin filled with courage and faith. Clearly, Magroth had he fair deal of politics and supervising in the army.
"True, very well then Magroth-" Kael'thas was interrupted by Malfurion entering the conversation with an anxious look, he stared at Kael'thas and forged a small smile. Kael'thas raised his eyebrow inwardly and wondered at the druid's bizarre behaviour all of a sudden.
"Kael'thas a moment please?" Magroth took his queue and left the two respective elves to their conversation. He focused his undivided attention towards a group of injured soldiers waiting to be treated of their wounds. The inner spirit of Magroth ushered him to help those in need, and he did just that.
"Yes archdruid is there something you need of me?" Furion shook his head and planted his staff on the ground both literally and figuratively, with a wave of his hand thorns and vines emerged from the floor and formed a well design chair for the both of them. Kael'thas sat down without questioning what Furion does in his spare time, chances are it was spending time with Tyrannde.
"Quite the opposite really, rather it's something that I can help you." Kael'thas was puzzled, what could he possibly offered him that he needs? Food? Supplies? Advice?
"Oh?" Furion braced himself for a long conversation.
"I have discussed with Tyrannde about your current predicament and the withdrawal symptoms your kind face after the Sunwell was destroyed, and I think I might have a solution to your problem." Kael'thas couldn't believe his ears, was the druid serious? He stared at him incredulously and did his best to hide his excitement and relief, though he failed miserably. This possible solution is coming from a druid, a practitioner of nature magic, surely something good would come out of it.
"Really? Do tell me Malfurion, I would give anything to cure the hunger of my people." Malfurion calmed Kael'thas down and continued where he left off, with Kael'thas listening very carefully.
"I'm sure you have heard of how high elves were first formed?" Kael'thas nodded, if memory serves him right, it was due to the corruption of the highbourne and their banishment from the Night Elf society. Banished by none other but the archdruid before him.
"Yes I'm aware, the highbourne's desperation and lust for power had caused the legion to invade your kind. The Well of Eternity was then destroyed and the highbourne was banished to wonder on our own, carrying small amounts of the essence of the Well of Eternity. The Sunwell was then created under the guidance of my ancestors and since then we had flourish."
"Yes that is correct, half correct. The Well of Eternity was destroyed but a second was then created by none other than Illidan whom you had faced today. He had filled seven vials from the Well of Eternity and had used it to create a second Well of Eternity on Mount Hyjal. For that act of madness, Cenarius, our demigod and I imprisoned Illidan deep beneath the dungeons of Mount Hyjal with Maiev being his warden. In order to seal off the well, we had planted the World Tree Nordrassil on top of it, covering it completely to balance the chaotic nature of the well." Intriguing, Kael'thas knowledge of his ancestry had never been that deep, so he was surprise to hear about a World Tree named Nordrassil, responsible for sealing off the Well.
"Malfurion, what are you suggesting anyway?"
"Tyrannde and I had suggested that your brethren and kin are to reside at Mount Hyjal. Nordrassil's energies had harmonized with the Well Of Eternity over countless centuries, neutralizing and stabilizing the chaotic and Fel energies of the Well. If you were to draw your powers from the purified well, it could temporarily saved your people from their addiction and hunger against magic. Of course I would appoint a seer and the watchers to overlook the whole process and to observe your actions as a whole. However overtime, should the well begins to poison your mind like how your ancestors were affected, then we have no choice but to banish you all once more again." Kael'thas took in the consideration, should the Well of Eternity be in it's pure and untainted state, it could act as their grand Sunwell again. His people would rejoice at no longer feeling sick or distraught. However, Kael'thas knew best that the raw energies of the well were still foreign to them, the curiosity of the Blood Elves would had finish what their highbourne ancestors started, and that would lead to major conflict between Night Elves and Blood Elves.
"This is generous offer Furion but I would need to think over this carefully, is it possible if we use the same method Illidan used and try to purify our own Sunwell?" Malfurion shook his head, eyes coldly staring at Kael'thas.
"Absolutely not, the properties of the current Well of Eternity is different from your Sunwell. We won't know what will happen if you and your people were to draw your arcane energies from it. Residing at Mount Hyjal would serve as an experiment and a test, if the outcome is positive then perhaps I will consider your idea. However as of right now, you and your company young prince, would have to test the waters of the Well and see it's effect on your people. I don't enjoy doing this but I can't afford to have you and your kind to suffer. Especially if the affects of your suffering would cost the balance of the world." Kael'thas smiled and nodded, completely trusting Malfurion's idea.
'The Well Of Eternity can save us, can save our people! Again, we owe the Night Elves a debt.' Kael'thas was already looking forward to see this Well for himself. One that would shape the future of his proud people.