The return of a queen
It was a warm summer day. The council room in the Temple of the Moon was pleasantly cool. There was a group of people there that had gathered from all over Azeroth. Once again the Night Elves hosted the various representatives from the great factions of Azeroth. Draenei, Troll, Dwarfs and more. They were there on request of the Entwined Souls. All sat peacefully talking with one another. The differences had been set aside years ago. The war where the forces of the Horde and the Alliance fought as the Azerothian Forces had been successful against the demons that again had invaded Dreanor. Richard called for attention thanking for everyone that they came. "Please sit down." Paradrona who stood beside him continued.
"We will tell you a story of someone long ago. After that we would like to come to an agreement of a solution. Some might know this story but it might be different than the ones you grew up with." Richard took a deep breath. He wanted to start off with something funny. Unfortunately there was going to be a serious proposal at the end so he couldn't. At least he tried.
"At a time long ago, in a place long forgotten in time, a priestess of Eluna found a young girl sleeping in her temple. She was a beautiful looking girl with ember like eyes. There might have been a chance that her parents died in the local forests by a natural disaster or by wild animals. This young girl wandered then around with loss of memory and no clothes on when she stumbled upon a temple in the night. She washed herself in the well and then wrapped herself in a cloth. She was found in the temple. Some records say she was a last material gift to the world by the goddess herself and placed in her temple. The priestess adopted her. She was to have a normal childhood with the priestess before she would for fill her destiny. However it wasn't to be. People saw her as a gift so she needed to be treated differently. Eventually when she became of age to govern she was made queen by the leading class. From the day she was discovered things were expected from her. The burden became heavier when she was made queen."
Paradrona saw they had the full attention of the attended present. Some were curious and some started to think of whom they were talking about. The Quel'dorei with flaming red hair continued.
"According to the High Priestess Dejahna it was in the child's nature to be helpful and shine. When she grew up her guardians found out she had a more than natural gift to use magic. Her powers grew unmatched by anyone at the time. Truly a gift from the gods. Because she was expected to remain in her new role as queen she couldn't use her full power. So she needed to become more powerful to be able to help her people. She wanted them to live in prosperity and yet by doing all this still remain a queen. She explored deeper into the world of magic which resulted in the neglect of being among all of her people. This caused the people to split into two groups. She didn't foresee of what was to come as something changed within her and some of the Highborne to some very ancient writings. Not only her race was developing but also other races who all would benefit from their culture. Strong on the outside she was about to collapse on the inside. A change appeared perhaps due a curse or enchantment. Years passed by."
Richard stood up and looked seriously to the listeners. Some started to figure out of whose legend they were talking about. Tyrande stayed neutral but deep inside she was getting wrestles because she would make her appearance in that story.
"And then evil made its entrance. To control the queen better, so she would favor a certain group of her people more, her councilor restricted the outside world to see her. It started with the corruption of her advisors and her handmaidens widening the gap between her and the people she was to serve. It was strengthened over some generations before the elves became immortal. Eventually she was consumed herself by the deception of her councilor who had become corrupted by vanity. To make things worse he came in contact with an outside and devastating force. She now lived in her dream. Someone powerful would come for her and cleanse the world and make it perfect for her. Of course her behavior let to great monstrosities..." Richard crossed his arms and turned his back to the people.
Taking a few breaths was good enough to control the anger thinking about the losses and he turned around to face his audience. Tyrande now walked forwards to continue her side of the story.
"All know the deeds I did that eventually led to me becoming High Priestess and sovereign ruler of the Night Elves. However we were young, we might have made some mistakes for I had seen the queen as I witnessed her, selfish, willing to sacrifice others and placing herself above the people whom she was to serve. All those things went against the Mother Moon's ways. My thoughts during the war of what my Mistress had told me about of what the queen once was were different. I assumed Dejahna hadn't seen the true side of our ruler. The High Priestess told me that our Mother Moon had limited her influences on Azeroth when Azshara had been taken by the Highborne. I had a vision from the Mother Moon which I might have interpreted wrong. Perhaps I could have turned things around which might have saved more lives. That vision I received from the goddess during my captivity was not intended for me to become queen Azshara's downfall but a message to what was to become if I didn't do anything. The actual thing that did happen. The threat of the Naga could be partly my mistake. I request all of you to help us to turn the Naga back into my brothers and sisters. To restore Azshara back as queen of the Night Elves."
Tyrande had a hard time swallowing away the indifference she had faced. Over ten thousand years she hated everything Azshara was. The queen's crimes committed against life on Azeroth. She who wanted her punished now pleated for the daughter of Elune.
"To pardon all her mistakes when she's our queen again. For what she did is unforgiving yet…" Richard spoke before everyone wanted to react.
"I know that a lot of you want to get a chance to punish her and don't want to show compassion and forgive the mistakes they made as Naga. Let alone when she was part of letting lose the Burning Legion and almost the Dark Titan himself who could have destroyed our world." Richard took a deep breath and rattled on.
"However I have a deal after I explain this idea from a military aspect. Now all of us are working side by side, we restored peace on Azeroth and Dreanor, vanquishing the great threat of evil. However the queen of the Naga made a vow to have her revenge on all of Azeroth. When queen Azshara was transformed only hate and revenge speaks to her in her Naga form. Their numbers are so fast that some even got corrupted without Azshara knowing about it by the Old Fools… I mean Old Gods. So you can bet she is waiting for the right moment to strike. Now we are relatively at peace so our guards will weaken. That might be a moment for her to strike. We can neutralize this threat from the bottom of the ocean to transform her back. To let her do the role she was intended to, for filing her destiny and alongside become a strong ally to us instead of being our enemy. Let the idea grow."
Richard sat down, smiled and hoped for a disappointing reply so he could engage a debate and perhaps do some name calling. Sometimes you have an idea but the world thinks about it differently. Good thing it was that he used two approaches on the idea. One that gained support from those who wanted to show mercy and live on and the other that would see a threat eliminated. Azshara had been a big threat. She might still be. There might also be a chance she was wronged and being hated for an act of someone that shown twice that he was almost pure evil. Azshara's former councilor Xavius. After half an hour of reasoning by all parties they came to an agreement. All races sided with the Entwined Soul's motion to help Tyrande's request. Paradrona then presented the strategy of how to proceed.
The old Well of Eternity was to be rebuilt. Under the ocean floor near some coastlines debris was discovered. Fragments that had blown far from its source by the implosion of the Well creating an explosion at its edge were used to reconstruct the well. The Azerothian races worked together in creating new stones and decorations. The well however was rebuilt on the west coast of Kalimdor. The Orc's where suspicions of having a potential source of interest of the Naga close to their capital. Most of the hand full of stones that had been found was near Ogrimmar.
In a couple of weeks everything was realized. The red dragons were able to catch two high ranking Naga without loses on both side. The dragon queen herself had captured one Naga. Only a flare of Alexstrasza's magic had rendered the frightened sea creature unconscious as she scooped the Naga out of the water. They were brought to the well. One Naga was held in the well. The other was held back to observe of about what was to come. Several powerful mage's and two dragon aspects focused their magic. Queen Alexstrazsa provided a healing spell. Jaina Proudmoore used an ancient morph spell and Faradrona Windrunner casted a protection spell to finish the combined spells to reverse the process that transformed the Naga. The idea was that queen Azshara's protection spell got corrupted by fel energy throwing it off to become a morph spell. Due this strong lasting transformation in the process they were damaged within. It trapped their emotions during the cast to become their main emotion. The idea behind the set up of two important Naga was to give a credential message to the Naga queen. That was if the transformation was reversible. Phaluura had learned about the Night Elf queen from the time Richard had invited her to meet Jaina many years ago. She was curious. She was holding her god-children as she shared their excitement. The Sin'dorei twin Gwendalora and Bailien would have run over to see the Naga up close if the Draenei paladin hadn't had the two in her embrace.
A huge eagle sat on a branch observing the area. Anything that would disturb the scene would be caught by his eyes. Thudercloud in his morphed form witnessed an unimpressed blonde warlock. Incursia had her arms crossed assuming the idea would backfire. Richard was crossing his fingers just in case. He made calculations with spells for years. Although the Naga were hostile the conflicts were not in name of the queen. Always they operated with a sense of reclaiming what was once theirs. The lands the Highborne once had occupied were in ruin and were claimed by other races over the years. The creatures were considered enemies still they didn't deserve to be part of a futile experiment. Alexstrasza was impressed by the human's ideas and concerns about the prisoners. She guaranteed it would work.
Paradrona was standing behind Richard and looked with hope. She grabbed Richard from behind trying to break his concentration. Minutes passed by and then the transformation started. The Naga in the water had four arms that now merged to one pair. The membranes between her fingers receded. Her snake like tail shortened and split in two legs. The woman now somewhat staggered in the water as her blue greenish scales disappeared and a smooth violet skin covered her body. The rims on her head transformed into green hair. The captured Naga that was still chained and hadn't stopped cursing when the process had started was speechless. The casting had stopped as well. Out of the waters of the well emerged a Night Elf. The elf was tired and the process had taken her strength for the moment. Tyrande rushed into the well catching her. Moon light shined down as the priestess used her instinct to comfort the woman.
"Welcome back sister." The young woman cried as tears were showing. She looked around in fright not believing that she was no longer a Naga. There was fear in her voice.
"Please tell me. Is the nightmare over?"
The one Naga that remained was sent free to return to her queen with a message. Although she didn't use every curse word of her extended vocabulary her facial expressions never ceased hostilities. One of her six arms with force grasped the message. Like the wind she slithered towards the sea. The sea serpents that were her hair still looked towards her captures. After several days a reply came. A Naga messenger under truce delivered it at the gate of Silvermoon city. An audience was demanded with the Entwined Souls and the transformed Night Elf. The meeting place was at a palace in the underwater world of Vash'jir. Richard had read the message of the queen. His first reply was sarcastic as usual.
"Oh great excellent, finger snap really." Paradrona laughed as she had read Richard's thoughts.
"I'll work on a good protection spell. You on good hearthstones. I don't think about swimming up close to her."
Another few days passed. They waited at the top of the underwater palace the whole morning. The water was warm. The underwater current was tropical. The variety of wildlife was diverse. Richard had a good underwater breathing spell however that long did make them feel like a wrinkled old scroll. And then it happened. Naga were everywhere surrounding them but keeping their distance.
The magnificent stone buildings once were part of a thriving city. Most structures had survived time. Sea life had partly claimed some of the houses. The group consisting out of two elves and a human were swimming around what was once the main street. Even now it was impressive to Richard as he tried to picture what it once might have looked like in its full glory. The two women were more occupied with observing the Naga that although keeping their distance looked ready to attack. A big shadow appeared out of the depts. It was her alright. Swimming with great speed yet moving elegantly. It was impressive to see. It was also frightening.
"Lovely eyes" Richard said to Paradrona. Her reply was an elbow in his side. The Naga queen halted in front of them. For a moment she seemed of guard as she opened her scaly yet not unpleasant looking mouth. Her eyes drifted again and again to Richard. Finally she addressed the Entwined Souls.
"You have taken one of my handmaidens and turned her into a Night Elf. You requested to me the choice of turning us all back to the forms we were born into this world. Why?" Richard looked at her eyes on which she placed one of her six hands before them trying to look away. It might have been disinterest or might there still be something of her old self in there?
"Well your beautiful scalyness. I am Richard and this is Paradrona." The queen had heard stories about the Entwined Souls. When Richard had descended to Azeroth she had shown interest and her handmaidens collected information about the two. When she had turned herself and her Highborne into Naga her emotions were like that of Paradrona's. They could flare up like wildfire.
"Yes I already know about the famous Entwined Souls." She looked through her membrane hand at the human. He smiled at the innocent attention.
"Azshara, we are trying to transform you back into a Night Elf and your Naga as well so you can try again to for fill your destiny." Azshara became like a statue as her swimming motions were interrupted by thoughts. She even had dropped her hands and listened.
"To do the things you wanted to do. To have a couple of friends and be happy. You made great mistakes but you also have been wronged and living in a nightmare. Don't you want it to stop?" The queen got angry. Her mood changed and she raised her voice. It made the Naga swim back a little.
"You dare address me as an equal? You dare threaten me in my own domain? No one ever told me the truth. Not my counselor, not the demons, not the Old Gods and not the High Priestess." She dashed forwards grabbing Richard with her hands. He didn't make any attempt to fight back as Azshara grew in size and only needed two hands to fully incapacitate the knight. There was no way he could win and he had hopes that the old Azshara from the stories of Dejahna would prevail. She looked at his eyes. She looked angry but then calmed down. The sea snakes that served as hair also calmed down. Azshara looked to the left and grabbed Paradrona as well as she peered deep into Paradrona's blue glowing eyes. Also in the Quel'dorei's eyes she saw only truth. The queen paused and took some time to think. Her interest returned fully at taking in Richard.
Most likely her thoughts were struggling in a fight. She knew about the love between the Entwined Souls. This was part why she admired them. Facing the two she had felt something else. Was she able to make a connection with the two? Her hands felt Richard move as she looked back at Paradrona. Did she felt her mother's blessing? Azshara was well aware of her dire mistakes. Realizing her horrible behavior and her hand in almost Azeroth's destruction during the Sundering she felt it was best she leave her people. Not being a Kaldorei anymore it suited her punishment. However her subjects that she had also changed she couldn't turn back. Not only were they changed their personalities were trapped in a specific state. Even the queen that held resentment against the High Priestess that was supposed to remove the charm on her used by her evil councilor was trapped in an emotional state. Azshara hid herself in her underwater palace faraway of the people that she had wronged. She also stayed away from the Naga who she had also wronged. Her connection to them was with only a hand full of her handmaidens and councilors. In her slumbers they even misbehaved by influence of the Old Gods until Azshara would awake again. She sent Vashj years ago to the service to have their presence known. Some others showed themselves to the world in name of the Old Gods. The state of the Naga demanded revenge against the Night Elves. Azshara had failed her people again and shunned away in the debts. With the Entwined Souls her hopes of salvation was ignited of gaining her destiny.
"Even if I would use your spell to change every Naga back I will not have had my revenge. Then in a vulnerable position and body the people of Azeroth will take theirs. My Naga will turn on me as well. When all things failed I lied to them. I let a curse come over me which almost destroyed everything on Azeroth. Let alone offering myself to that monster to be his consort. He was not the one I was waiting for…" Richard and Paradrona saw the queen calm down again as she stared at Richard. Richard answered with a rock steady promise.
"We swear that if the people of Azeroth will turn on you, even if we are the only two left to protect you we will give our lives. No matter what you might turn into. Take our knight's oath." Azshara touched Richard's face with two hands aiming his face to her and looked deep in his eyes as if she was able to look into his soul. She might have and what she would see was a different kind of soul of everything she had seen in those thousands of years. It was hard for Azshara as she thought in her cursed state.
"The Night Elves turned their back to me for all I wanted to do for them. That is how they repaid me. Even the priestess of my mother had forsaken me." Richard tried to comfort her grabbing one of her now large hands.
"Tyrande didn't get a vision right. She was to act in an early stage to get you back so you could act but she was a novice and missed her chance until it was too late for all. She wasn't instructed in all the passing knowledge of becoming a High Priestess. Tyrande acted on the circumstances which was only fair. She regretted it later when I researched your full history what apparently triggered something with Elune to give Tyrande visions." Azshara was all calm and queen like once more.
"Very well Richard. Your offer… I shall… consider it." She let them go while shrinking to her normal size and looked at the Night Elf in the back ground. Azshara was glad her dear handmaiden Chrystine was save. She then looked back at Richard before she returned to the depts. All the Naga followed her after. Paradrona wrapped her arms around Richard.
"I was scared." Richard comforted his wife by pulling her in front of him.
"Don't worry. It's only natural. It all seemed too easy thou." Paradrona responded.
"Really? My heart was about to explode." They swam to Chrystine and returned to Silvermooncity.
After a week of waiting in patience another message finally came. It was just as demanding as the previous one. All were to meet at the rebuild Well of Eternity. The Naga had brought the missing parts of the original Well of Eternity in the week that had passed. Richard and his friends replaced the new stones that had been used. A select group was waiting in patience in the morning damps at the well. Azshara might have looked into their eyes. It was also vice versa. Paradrona could see remorse that day in the queen's eyes. Richard saw relief. The sun was just above the trees when the whole population of Naga emerged from the sea. Rising above them was the queen herself. Even as a Naga she was astonishing. Her scales shined from the water that was slowly sipping of her elegant snake like body. Her bust was made out of gold and resembled the curled houses of a sea creature. Her jewelry was mainly gold laid with brilliant blue sapphires, radiant diamonds and blood-red rubies. They adored her fingers, wrists, arms, neck and even the sea serpents that was her hair. Golden shoulder plates protected her upper shoulders and even there was a golden plate around her lower body. There was one piece that was silver. Several of small chains of silver with a crescent moon on the center hanged above her brow. Around her waist she wore a transparent violet veil. The Naga with banners before thousands of their kind halted while the queen advanced to meet up with the Entwined Souls.
"I have summoned all the Naga from this world and that of Dreanor. A force so fast in numbers we can sweep across Azeroth without being stopped by any one. Don't cross us. Protect me from them and don't forget your other promise. Give me your spell and I'll see my Naga change."
The dragon queen in her mortal form stood at a distance observing. She wore the same colors as Richard. Her plate only covered her lower body, bodice, shoulders and lower arms. Her transparent red cape looked more like the leathery wings of the true form she actually was. Just like the other queen she wore jewelry. Her horns were a distinguishable feature as was her red hair that sometimes seemed to be like a genuine flame. Her skin was like that as a High Elf except tanned. Her yellow glowing eyes tried to catch her sister's attention. Queen Alexstrasza whispered to her sister.
"It's all or nothing now. Richard worked hard to dig into the past to find out what had truly transpired. It was nice he came and asked for my help. With helping him Azeroth is served. Richard predicted Azshara will revive the Well of Eternity and the Elves will become immortal again." Ysera hadn't looked at Alexstrasza. She looked at the Entwined Souls who welcomed the queen of the Naga. The aspect of the Emerald Dream saw how Richard presented a scroll that contained the magic spells for the restoration spell to convert the Naga back to the forms they once were.
"It did not sit well with Malfurion. The High Priestess Tyrande wasn't able to convince him. I used my persuasion." The Life-binder grinned knowing how dominant her sister could be.
"Let us hope Richard's prediction of what Azshara shall do to continue the goddess's Elune work shall occur. Otherwise the Arch Druid would have been upset for a good reason." The Naga queen took a brief look on the spells. One of her hands waved passed the sentences written down in ancient Kaldorei. Another wave made the scroll disappear. The queen's arms and hands made motions while she looked at Paradrona before she slithered towards the well. Even if her voice was loud they did not sound demanding. A small group of Naga entered the water of the well. Her hands already had concentrated arcane magic. Most sorcerers learned fire and frost magic. The more skilled sorcerers would continue with arcane. When mastered it was devastating when used for destruction. This display was often the way of magi that had hungered for power. Azshara wheeled her most favorite magic as easy as breathing. With a small movement of her hand the magic flashed to the well where the Naga transformed to their Night Elf selves.
Where it took one aspect and two of Azeroth's most powerful mages for one person it was just Azshara for a small group. Azshara turned to Richard and placed a hand on his lower arm. She had hopes Richard was indeed her awaited friend.
"You are true to your word Richard of the Entwined Souls. Now you will see my full power in Naga form." She screamed and the well overflew. A plunge came out of the dark blue water. The stone carved edge was dark and worn out. Some arches that decorated them still contained some golden features. The High Priestess dropped on her knees and prayed to her goddess. When she was a child she heard of the beloved queen of the Kaldorei. As a novice priestess she questioned her sovereign ruler. As Mistress of the Sisterhood she saw now salvation for her monarch and had only pity for her. When Tyrande was ruler of her people with her husband the Arch Druid Malfurion Stormrage she even hated Azshara as the queen was a nightmare to her. Tyrande despised what the Highborne queen stood for and had done. She cursed at herself if people revered her as people had revered Azshara in the same way. And now Azshara displayed some of that powerful magic once again after ten thousand years. This time the High Priestess knew the word of the Mother Moon. When the woman opened her eyes she tried to calm down. The sun now stood high in the sky and on the shores now stood thousands of Night Elves all looking at the only Naga left.
Azshara was weakened. Even as a Naga her emotions were queen like always in control. Richard and Paradrona each supported one of her arms and a faint smile could be read in Azshara's expression.
"Now for me Entwined Souls escort me into the well." Her hands rested on the two. She was almost out of energy. The last cry of her nightmare could be heard. A bright light followed. A shape could be seen that was shrinking. When the light was gone the most astonishing of Night Elves that ever was and to be stood there in the well. Her skin was without any impurities. Her body was perfectly outlined and her well-formed shape would be mostly desired by men yet also by women. Her lips were full and wet. Shiny silvery locks fell over her firm breasts. It was said her eyes were yellow. When her eyelids opened a golden reflection marked her divinity. The daughter of Elune in all her glory had returned. She collapsed into Richard's arms. Tyrande noticed the queen being smaller in size. To be more like the goddess the Highborne had used magic to make Azshara as tall as Elune would be when the Mother Moon once roamed Azeroth as the White Lady.
Azshara was gaining her strength. Trying to lean on Richard she pressed herself firmly against him and kissed him. Her lips touched his gently at first until Richard felt the queen's lips exercise more pressure. Paradrona was known that she could act fierce when behavior was not to her liking. Paradrona pulled Azshara of her husband. As their eyes met Azshara had embraced Paradrona.
"Thank you for reclaiming my destiny. My friends." She seemed happy and smiled as she let go of the confused paladin.
One of her first handmaidens and best friends came with a bundle of mooncloth and golden bars. Richard and Paradrona looked at how Azshara's magic turned it all into a fitting dress. Azshara opened her hand waiting for Richard to guide her to the edge of the well. Richard and Paradrona both helped her over the edge following in helping Chrystine.
From the early times of Kaldorei civilization the elves had told legends about the Ancients. All of them were considered lost in the war against the Burning Legion over ten thousand years ago. There was a noise of flapping wings in the air. Alexstrasza looked up. It wasn't a dragon yet it was bigger than a normal bird. The dragon saw someone descending from a high altitude. Her feet had bird talons as were the wings on her lower arm. Her hair consisted out of feathers. The rest of her body was that as of a woman yet her skin was ivory white like her feathers. Her female body parts were covered by large decorative bras leaves.
The last part the Ancient glided through the air towards Azshara as sentinels lowered their bows. Aviana hovered before the Night Elf queen.
"Daughter of Elune you have returned, have returned. Elune praises the end of your nightmare and resuming your role, your role. Is there a message that I can relay, can relay?" Azshara looked up as Aviana tilted her head awaiting an answer.
"Ancient one, in time I will speak with my mother. For now there is no need for words."
"Very well Azshara, Azshara." The Ancient suddenly showered some feathers of her wings. It concentrated around Azshara's her bust which decorated her dress more. Also some feathers formed a fan which Azshara took from the air. As everyone expected the Mother of Birds to fly away when Azshara continued her walk Aviana transformed in her raven form and flew to Richard where she landed on his shoulder. The knight blew in her direction to unbalance the Ancient just to tease her. The High Priestess who would show respect looked stunned at how informal the two behaved as Avianna picked his shoulder forcing him to get the few seeds Richard carried in his pocket to feed her. Before flying off Aviana had put her wings around his face. He shrugged and almost fel backwards by her action.
Azshara waited for the Entwined Souls to escort her again. When they walked again Tyrande had approached them. As she wanted to kneel down she felt a force pulling her up. It felt like how a mother would lift up her child that had fallen. The priestess could only nod her head. The respect with how she denied others to speak to her Tyrande wanted to greet her queen. Tyrande felt very humble. When she had first met Azshara as the Highborne queen the Mother Moon's presence wasn't there. This time she felt tranquility and not just like when she prayed for the moon goddess's blessing. Now it felt if the goddess herself stood in front of her.
"Great beloved queen Azshara…" Azshara had raised her hand to silence the High Priestess.
"Dear sweet Tyrande. I am the daughter of Elune, queen of the Kaldorei. I am not a queen with a crown sitting on a throne as a conqueror that has servants that fear or worship me. I am only Azshara as I serve my subjects in the way of my mother. Greet me as a friend Tyrande." The queen raised her kind voice so all could hear her. Azshara addressed all who were there.
"I will resume my destiny and look after my people and those of the other races. I will attend to them and make them prosper. I will pay for my crimes that led to unforgiving sorrow. The High Priestess of the Sisterhood of the Moon will by my side and assist me with the words of my mother. The Entwined Souls are my dearest of friends. They do not pay homage in any kind and may treat me in any way an equal. This is my oath as your queen if you will accept." She took a bow and gracefully waved one arm while leaning forwards. Tyrande nodded her head as she would so often greet her close friends. She was followed by all the Night Elves. Tyrande gave her reply as former ruler of the Kaldorei.
"Welcome back light of a thousand moons, lead us once more." Azshara hymned a small phrase. Tyrande saw how silver light shined on her. Tyrande showed several tears of happiness as she briefly looked at Richard and Paradrona who gave both a nod to comfort her. Azshara turned around to face the Well of Eternity. For a moment she took in every inch of the structure. Whereas a normal moon well was only small compared to the ancient structure for it was very large. It looked more like a small lake. Azshara with one thought levitated a few feet above the ground. Her eyes started to glow stronger. The magi that could detect magic felt an immense flow of arcane. Faradrona watched how with ease Azshara was using it. She could hear the queen speak out loud.
"This will be my first act." She waved her hands concentrating magic and shouted the following words while casting an immense blast that vibrated with a loud noise. An emerald green light had left her hand with a curling golden glow whirling around it. "I shall destroy this tainted Well of Eternity and cleanse it so it shines Elune's light once again."
The very ground shacked and a black cloud emerged from the stones and the water. Then a bright silver light made it disappear. The stones started to glow and became like molten magma. The intense heat boiled the water. The fluid stone was reshaped and being cooled by the water. The shape of the stones had remained the same however now they were smooth as new as their natural solid color reappeared. As the water cooled down as well the color now was an azure blue. The beams of her hand changed color. Now ruby red and with a curling silver stream that seemed to be absorbed by the water. Concentrated moonlight from the sky shined brighter than the sunlight. It was soothing to the eyes. A connection to the magical core of the planet was established. A tremendous power was needed so Azshara casted for an hour yet it didn't felt force was used. Faradrona had come near and felt the flow of arcane and understood the nature of Azshara's control. Her eyes caught effect as the traces of emerald green ceased and now blue reflecting glisters sparkled bright.
Tyrande knew about the lady Faradrona's addiction to magic. She had been cured by the daughter of Elune by just standing close to Azshara's spell casting. Jaina joined the mage to see Azhara's work. With a conflict between the Horde and the Alliance a bomb was dropped on Theramore. Jaina by the explosion of the Focusing Iris of the Nexus was changed in appearance. Her once golden hair was a beautiful feature that now only bared one stroke while the rest was white. Then Jaina felt the tranquility flow through her. In the corner of her eyes she noticed something. For years as she had grabbed her hair Jaina saw silvery strings reminding her of that dreadful tragedy. Golden locks were once more blown before her sight. The two mages grabbed each other looking at a mage far more powerful than they could ever dream of. The queen of the Night Elves had returned.
All the races helped to relocate the thousands of 'new' Night Elves. Ancient sites ones abandoned or contested over were now re-inhabited. Azshara and her handmaidens and a hundred old subjects settled in the capital of her kingdom. The new Eternal Palace was constructed west of the Temple of the Moon in Darnassus. It would overview the Temple Gardens and the city. It did not sit well with Malfurion that Azshara had given back the immortality to the Nigh Elves. He came by one morning in the Temple of the Moon to have an audience with his queen. With a simple nod while leaning on his staff he greeted the queen that placed a hand on her chest while nodding and with the other arm lightly lifted a part of her dress.
"Be welcome Arch Druid Malfurion. Feel free to bring your troubles to my attention." The druid looked at the woman who he once dared to attack for his beloved Tyrande. After seeing the powers of the aspects which he only matched in an anger state in the past and recently the almost cosmic force of Azshara it almost felt if his ability was dwarfed. Humbly the druid replied.
"I still feel wronged with the Well of Eternity giving our people immortality again. I need more reassuring of the reason why? The Night Elves needed more attunement to nature. It was believed that even the Mother Moon was against the use of arcane magic." Tyrande stood bedside Azshara as she felt her husband's decision. However Azshara was performing the will of the Mother Moon. The priestess was confused and didn't want to pick a side. Her thought pictured them in a colorful garden of the temple. Azshara had touched Tyrande's face. The queen had given her serenity.
"Before I was born my mother left Azeroth with a gift. With once fleeting lives life had been harsh on my people. In the short life spans compared to time they struggled. Injuries and decease were a common sorrow. Instead of enjoying what they had life was overshadowed by greed and domination. With immortality that behavior faded and the Kaldorei lived in harmony as our wisdom accumulated and saw what was right. Magic enriched our daily lives and our prosperity was without limits. The Well of Eternity was her gift. Arcane magic and immortality came with it. I sense your worries Malfurion and they are correct. Arcane that was wrongly used distressed my mother. There will always be those that deviate from my Mother Moon's path to seek out riches and powers and care not to see others suffer for it. The other races do not live long and they may stray easier of the right path of sharing and aiding. It is to all of us to keep a close watch to prevent evil to express itself like it did with your nemesis and my former councilor. I need you, the Kaldorei need you and all the inhabitants of Azeroth need you for your kindness and wisdom." Azshara looked at the druid who was looking into his past. Seeing the choices he made and that of others. The master of The Emerald Dream had told Malfurion that forces will always be around with or without a great source of arcane magic. It crossed his mind that everyone was different. Not all could be priests or druids. He had fully chosen the way of Cenarius while his wonderful wife was devoted to the moon goddess. They did not love each other less because of it.
"Queen, you have calmed my thoughts. I consent to your decision and for future ones I will give my thoughts."
"Thank you Malfurion and give my regards to She of the Dreaming. Ysera awaits your arrival. Have the blessings of my mother." Malfurion left in content and with Tyrande at his side they walked to the exit.
Tyrande was performing some minor rituals in the temple when her adopted daughter Shandris stood beside her. The priestess stopped straightening some cloth on an altar and looked at the general who had been away with their queen to Blackfathom Deeps. When Azshara was the queen of the Naga she had few contact with her subjects. Some of her Naga were influenced by the Old Gods to work for them. The former Temple of Elune on the coast of Ashenvale Forest was to be rebuilt where some Naga under influence of the Old Gods had searched for Kaldorei power. A group of druids hidden in the tunnels that were once dug out made an attempt to kill the queen. Shandris and the queen's new elite bodyguards consisting out of sentinels had foiled their plot. Several lives were lost. Azshara resurrected all but one. Sadness filled the queen's heart that one sentinel desired to remain with her ancestors. Shandris wanted to imprison the druids for their crime however Azshara let them go. She raised the temple out from the ground so it could be restored. Her concern was telling the friends the sentinel had. Two of them were Richard and Paradrona. Times were peaceful and still Richard was saying farewell. That feeling pained Azshara. Her reign was supposed to put an end to that. This time Azshara was a cause of it. She felt ashamed.
The handmaiden lady Vathearina had been calmed when she became a Night Elf again. By the attack of the druids her Highborne pride was ignited. Shandris told her mother that she too wanted revenge. Azshara with a thought and the dead Flindrae at her knees stopped Vathearina and Shandris.
"Azshara is brining Flindrae over here. Mistress, I failed the Mother Moon, I failed Azshara. Can I be forgiven?" Tyrande looked at Shandris who was resting on a knee. How could you tell a soul that honing one's skills to protect others has reached its limits? That after a time of peace losing a life is harder on a battle hardened warrior? Tyrande knew her daughter was aware of these things however things had changed so drastically again.
"My sweet Shandris what you have shown are feelings that you care and a new friend has saved you from making a mistake. That Flindrae chose to remain in the afterlife is not because you did not care enough. I am confident that the choice for her was hard. Now you are in control. Inform Flindrae's friends. Let tranquility flow through you so they can grief." Shandris nodded. She left. The sentinel hadn't have family left. Only a handful of friends so the general's list was short. It didn't make her task less troubled.
Flindrae lay on a flowerbed. As many said their goodbyes Richard only laid down a small bag in her arms. It was filled with a food that they would filter from a mixed bag of food. Richard witnessed Flindrae smiled during those moments. Druids made the flowers grow as the body of the sentinel disappeared between them. On his way out the paladin punched the druid responsible for her death in the stomach. As the druid went down in pain Richard looked at the exit while addressing the druid who tried to overcome his pain.
"Here ends my revenge. Make your peace with Flindrae. This better had been a lesson for you because it was too expensive for me. You wanted to kill one dear friend of mine and taken the life of another that I held close." The human walked away when the Night Elf druid tried to apologize. It was Shandris that helped the druid on his feet. From her he would receive no kind words either as he stared at her cold expression in her face.
"He accepts your apology. Our queen has pardoned you so you can constipate your wrongs in freedom. Be warned. One wrong word and I will finish it after all." As the general had turned around the druid saw her hand releasing the tight grip on her moonglaive.
The next evening Tyrande wanted to perform a monthly ritual of healing at the Temple of the Moon. Azshara had invited the Entwined Souls and Chrystine to witness the normal closed ritual to start the ceremony. Being the only man Richard somewhat felt uneasy. Even if it was to girly the paladin was curious at the secluded ritual. Paradrona took him to a bench to see everything without being in the way. Tyrande smiled at him as she turned to see if all were ready. It was new for her that Azshara was taking part in the ritual. In the temple priestesses formed a circle in the circular room. They started to sing as Tyrande at the far end had picked up a ritual bowl and walked to the well in the center with the statue of Haidene. This ritual would be the replay of her first encounter with the moon goddess. At the well Tyrande lowered the bowl to fill it. The blue painted parceling with gold and silver decoration of the stars dipped the water. As the water had filled most of the bowl it was time to lift it up. Normally the High Priestess would pray to the Mother Moon to bless the water however before she began a silver light flashed through the temple.
Tyrande's mouth felt open as she saw Azshara rise in size. Her clothing had changed and wore silvery ornaments almost all over her body and addressing her with a raised arm as if reaching out.
"Present your bowl with water for I shall bless it. Water is soothing. With my love it shall heal the sick. Take it to your village." Tyrande raise the sacred bowl as the silver light started to emit from the water. Two priestesses came with a silver standard where Tyrande placed the bowl on it. Azshara had shrunk in size and looked at the Entwined Souls and caught Richard whispering to Paradrona.
"Pretty over the top, doesn't it make you want to put on a priestess robe Para?" Paradrona smiled while crawling closer to Richard.
The ritual was performed and the next stage would begin. The sentinels would guide in the sick and elderly. Several priestesses would take a cup of water from the bowl and let the sick take a sip before attending whatever it was the sick suffered. Richard who was curious came closer followed by Paradrona at his arm. Tyrande waved them over to watch her at work. Azshara herself was walking around to see how the priestesses were performing.
Among the line of sick there was a hooded woman. All cloaked in a dark brown robe she was holding a young child in her arms who was also wrapped. The people kept their distance for as she gave off a foul smell. The Night Elves had a keen sense of smelling. They knew other races could produce unpleasant odors. This scent was even worse. A priestess was hesitant of offering the cup with blessed water. She surly would wipe off the edge. When she felt her being filled with tranquility the priestess knew none other than the queen stood behind her.
Azshara stepped forwards to tend to the woman that had only eyes for her child. In her crouch position she kept sure he was wrapped up. All could hear the woman sob. Now the woman saw a silver cup presented to her when she looked up. Azshara who stood bend over held the cup with two arms and used her magic to remove the woman's hood and unwrapped the child. As the hood fell off the people were alarmed. The woman had raven black hair. It had been cut with a blunt instrument. It seemed the woman hadn't paid much interest in her own hygiene. Her face was dirt stained. One could see clearly she had suffered a lot as the tears had washed away patterns in the dirt on her skin. All her time was taken to care for her child.
Sentinels closed in as the woman was a green skinned Orc. There was peace among the races yet with Orcs the sentinels took no risk. The Orc was suffering herself from a decease unknown to her. She had heard of the healing abilities of the Kaldorei. The healers of her region were not able to heal her son or her for that matter. The woman while receiving treatment a week ago listened to the stories the old druid told. Ancient legends of the beloved queen caught her interest. Only a month ago word had reached that the queen of that specific legend had returned by the Entwined Souls. After hearing this story the woman took her son and traveled to Darnassus. There she by accident stumbled on the queue near the Temple of the Moon. Her voice had traces of serious pain as she addressed Azshara.
"Queen of the Star Children. Hear my cry. You have my life if you can cure my son." Azshara closed her eyes as she started to concentrate her energy. The woman now stared at her son. A war cry was heard through the temple. Sentinels trusted their moon glaives towards the Orc who had taken a knife and lifted it ready to strike. Azshara was still concentrating her healing yet with her thoughts she fixed the sentinels and the Orc in place. In tears the Orc pleated to Azshara.
"Let me take my life. My son was the last in life I have no one to live for." The Orc saw someone moving untroubled by Azshara's spell. For a moment she gasped for air.
"Warchief please let me allow myself to die. You will understand…" Richard had taken the knife from her hand. He smiled as he wasn't worried of what was going on and inspected the craftsmanship of the stabbing tool. That she knew from him during the last war. Richard didn't give up so easily and remained joyful even when he would be wounded, mentally hurt or facing the staggering odds.
"Sculla I don't think it is over just yet knowing Azshara. You will live to fight another day with your son at your side." Azshara's words like a whisper reached the by standers. A red beam left her hands with a green pulsing hue around it. The Orc saw herself and her son in purple flames. As it burned away her clothes she felt her pain being relieved. The fire used the decease she and her son carried as a fuel. As the flames became smaller her son radiated a golden light. Azshara stopped her casting and a silver moonlight shined bright. Sculla's eyes opened wide and she stopped breathing for a moment as she saw her son reach for her face with his tiny hands. A big smile appeared on the mother's face. Azshara stood up and waved with her hand. Her royal banner in the temple flew through the temple. By magic the cloth was separated into smaller pieces while it formed into clothing for the Orcs. Azshara didn't show any expression when Richard kissed her cheek for a miracle well done. Richard took Sculla and her son out of the temple.
Paradrona stood beside the Night Elf queen. Paradrona inspected Azshara up close.
"Are you blushing? Anyway I think where Sculla came from has troubles as well." Azshara tried to hide her darkened cheeks from Paradrona with her hand while she agreed.
"You are right. The land she occupies has been tainted. What I sensed she has buried her husband and two children to this decease. Jano was dying too. I am glad it was not too late to revive him. He was already dead when she came to the temple." Azshara waved at a handmaiden. The handmaiden stood before her queen in a flash. She gave a humble nod with her head.
"What is it you wish from me Azshara?"
"Dear Demetria, take a druid to inspect the lands, a priestess to heal anyone with illness and two sentinels to safeguard while they perform their work. I need them to go with Sculla Wolfsfang to Irontree Woods in Felwood. Will you arrange this for me?" The purple hair with red tips that rested on her shoulders came lose as Demetria tilted her upper body to make a modest but graceful bow.
"I will see it done Azshara may I be excused?"
"Yes my friend. Be blessed with my mother's love."
A year had gone by of Azshara's reign as sovereign ruler of the Kaldorei. No more the Highborne queen, nor the Naga queen, Azshara was worthy of the tile beloved queen of the Star Children to Tyrande's concern. The Mistress of the Sisterhood wanted to give a modest celebration at Azshara's palace. Compared to her previous palaces this one was small. It was more a large mansion. A large entrance would lead to a big open space. It was a private garden for Azshara to be alone. The garden was surrounded by a walk way covered by a roof. There were six ways that lead to several wings. Her private quarters, her study and library and meeting room, a guestroom, a dining hall and one wing for her sentinels and one wing for her handmaidens. All would have a balcony which would oversee the city, the sea or the Temple of the Moon. The building was made out of stone frames filled with thick wooden fillings. Tyrande was escorted to Azshara's private quarter. It was the most spacious part of her palace. With three separate balconies which could be closed with wooden frames with violet cloth. There was a small swimming pool with running water which served as her personal bath. The white marble stone was decorated with wooden frames. Her bed was spread with blue silvery sheets. It could be closed with transparent dark blue blinds. There was a small table with several of chairs around it. It was a nice place for ladies to have tea. The High Priestess walked with Chrystine through the room to the larger balcony. Azshara lay on a bed overlooking the Temple Gardens. The new Eternal Palace looked very different and it was only one fifteenth of the original. Lady Vathearina first had argued the new palace wasn't worthy. Chrystine told her that Darnassus was Azshara's whole palace. Tyrande agreed as seeing Azshara walk through the city to see her people often. Tyrande had brought moon cake cookies and a can of herbal tea. The queen was so different.
The handmaidens once stood by as submissive servants tending to her every need. They still were standing by but here they sat beside the queen enjoying the scenery with her. Chrystine made herself noticed in a humble way. Of a handful of women Chrystine had been with her for a long time. Vathearina and Vashj had been the queen's first handmaidens. They were from Highborne descend as for Chrystine had been a commoner, a peasant. Tyrande knew that she was highly favored by not only the queen but also by the Entwined Souls and Alathena. Chrystine took the can with tea and cookies from the priestess. Azshara asked her handmaidens to join her and the priestess in the small celebration. However a noise in the distance stopped their activity. Alathena as a sentinel to the queen brought the message that a building on the North side of the city had collapsed, not completely but it wouldn't last long. Tyrande excused herself and wanted to leave straight away to the scene. Azshara stopped her.
"Wait, Alathena, can you see that building from here?" Alathena quickly watched over the city.
"Yes Azshara, across ponds, there." Azshara grabbed hold of Tyrande.
"Meet us there Alathena, bring twenty sentinels that are able to handle disasters, you have my blessing." In a blink the white silver haired queen had transported herself and Tyrande over in a blink of an eye.
Azshara and Tyrande stood in front of a building. It belonged to the group of druids that had attacked the Night Elf queen's escort in the former Blackfanthom Deeps. The Arch Druid Malfurion Stromrage was disappointed in them when he heard the news. Malfurion personally scolded them and banished them from Moonglade for three moon cycles. For druids that was harsh for they were charmed by nature and Moonglade was the center of druid culture to enter the Emerald Dream for most of them.
Most druids had fled the de-stabled structure. Azshara and Tyrande rushed over. The druids that stood outside observing the building felt the tranquility that the Night Elf queen spread. They turned around and faced their breath taking monarch. They were kept from kneeling down. Their leader addressed the queen.
"Light of a thousand moons the reason why we do not know but our house shall collapse soon and there are still people inside. We need help…" The druid was ashamed to ask for aid of the woman they had despised. They had wronged her and now they needed her to order others to help them. Azshara replied.
"Then I shall act." She made a small wave with her left hand. The druids felt the earth rumble. It was not of the building. Roots emerged out of the ground and curled around the house supporting it so it wouldn't fall further. Her right hand moved blasting a way into the building. Azshara closed her eyes and concentrated while addressing the druids.
"Go help the survivors out." The druids ran in and came out with several men and women who had been injured by falling debris. Their leader spoke catching his breath.
"We believe everyone is out your majesty." Azshara bowed her head.
"Every mater contains energy, energy is magic." She opened her eyes and looked up, a signature of energy. One blast had hit the side of the roof. The boards of purple painted wood came lose and were scattered in the nearby lake. Sentinels approached on foot or on the back of a Nightsaber carrying additional priestesses. They saw their queen took one pass forwards and in a blink she was in the hole she had created. Tyrande could see her kneel. When she stood up she had a boy in her arms. She then leaped forwards of the roof. Some druids screamed but there was no need. The queen with the boy in her arms descended as slow as a feather. One of the women took the boy from Azshara.
"Thank you your highness. I shall tend to the boy." Sentinels and druids secured the building as Tyrande wanted to walk back to the palace when one of Azshara's old councilors moved in their direction. The bearded old Night Elf was a trusted advisor during the queen's time as Naga. He was one of the selected few that she would see. His decorative robe showed that he moved in a hurry. In front of Azshara he waved a bow and addressed his monarch at once.
"Please my queen. You do not have to do this someone else will trouble themselves with doing a task like this." Til'sala looked at the astonishing woman in front of him. She used to be taller in Highborne times. Her facial expressions were the same. No emotions were there. Her voice once was seductive and luring now they were warm and kind. Still it sounded tranquil. Tyrande waited to listen to Azshara's words. However Azshara answered a bit angry.
"When I was born I already was using magic. Magic that was supposed to help my people. When my guardians of the ruling class continued my upbringing when I was taken away from the priestess I eventually was made queen. I grew up in a golden cage. As a queen I was not to trouble myself with common folk. To still be able to use my magic for my people I had to become more powerful so I could finally act. When my councilor thought he could no longer restrain me he used magic. Then a curse was placed that changed me and my Highborne subjects into selfish and misguided beings. I hate myself for not having noticed my councilor Xavius and his sorcerers had become ambitious and wanted to control me. The rest is known history." The councilor touched his beard. His face looked sad. He had only known the Highborne queen and the Naga queen. Til'sala knew nothing of Azshara's childhood. Like most people change was hard.
"But your majesty, you are our queen. It will not be the same." Azshara replied with the following strong words.
"Then it will be different."
The Mistress of the Sisterhood was preparing to wake up. The sun had set and the priestess had woken up. She had washed her face and put on her silver jewelry. Some pieces were gifts from friends. Most were ceremonial decorations. On bare feet she walked to the cloth blinds that had kept the sharp rays of the sun out during the day. When she had the cloth in her hands ready to push them aside she was caught by a feeling. The priestess walked into the open and kneeled towards the crescent moon at the night sky. The Night Elves eyes had always looked glowing. It reflected light that looked like that of the moonlight. Tyrande's eyes however were illuminated by another source.
She saw a woman looking at the sky. In the tranquil scenery of an ancient shrine in a forest she witnessed two birds that were flying around each other. They took off in a big circle and then one was missing. The bird that was left flew around in the night sky in search to finally to collapse on the ground. Other birds and other animals tried to comfort her. To no avail. Then the woman came close sitting on her knees and lifted the bird but the creature turned to dust and her spirit flew around once more to find her companion. But she flew far away. The woman couldn't see her anymore. The woman placed her face in her hands and wept.
Tyrande was taken out of her trance by Malfurion.
"Hello Tyrande I wish I had come home in better times. I have some bad news." It was not only Tyrande that had a premise. Malfurion had witnessed something disturbing when he was in the Emerald Dream. It was also detected in the Eye of Ysera. The aspect herself told Malfurion to go home. Malfurion took a worried Tyrande for a walk as they discussed their signs of the future. Their walk had brought them to Azshara's palace.
The entrance faced south towards the Temple of the Moon. Malfurion was impressed by the wood works that decorated the outside. Nice colorful grass and flower patches flanked the stone stairs towards the palace entrance. Sentinels greeted the former leaders of the Kaldorei. A handmaiden had come from a quarter entrances. On her slippers she walked towards the priestess and the druid. Her ember dress was a long skirt and a top connected by golden leave like ornaments. Her long emerald green hair covered her exposed back. She was touching a necklace which she had received almost a year ago. The orange Tigerseye and purple Shadowgem were common stones that were laid in a silver and gold set of chains. Yet the gems were cut so complex that they shined as bright as diamonds. It was not the reason why Chrystine cherished her only jewelry so much. Richard had made it for her in hope he could see her with a big smile receiving the present which was blessed by Azshara. It had the opposite effect. She was in tears as she embraced him before he could step back and make himself scarce. Her thoughts focused back on Azshara's guests.
"Mother Moon be with you Mistress Tyrande and Arch Druid Malfurion. The light of a thousand moons is in her study room. Please allow me to guide you." Tyrande stopped Chrystine. The handmaiden saw the distress in Tyrande's face. She remained calm.
"I have faith that Azshara can cope with the sad news you came to deliver. I will comfort her if need be priestess."
Malfurion noticed while following Chrystine that the handmaiden tightened her grip on her necklace. They passed the quarters of the sentinels and handmaidens. At the garden in the palace the druid saw a stone wall with large openings and windows surround a tranquil field of grass. It had a stream run through it with some trees on both sides. Malfurion was impressed. In the past he hadn't seen the Highborne create something so close to nature before. It could almost have been made by druids. The garden was well taken care for by the handmaiden Demetria. After the oval shaped garden they turned left towards a multifunctional wing. It was Azshara's library and study. Also it served as a meeting room. The druid looked across the garden. Close to the handmaidens quarter was the dining hall used by Azshara and all that served her. Next to it a hallway would lead to Azshara's private quarters. Next to it there was a large alcove area that was designed as a private resting place for guests before entering the guestroom itself. The whole palace was resting on a large trunk shaped branch of Teldrassil itself.
Malfurion blinked his eyes as he saw a large white raven land in the garden on a special wooden designed standard. The three Night Elves showed their respects sensing who it was. When they opened their eyes after bowing their heads the Ancient had transformed. She smiled and waved like someone else the two knew very well. Aviana had to adjust her talons walking on the light red wooden walkways of the palace. For a moment she looked at the chance of her talons making scratches. As they didn't she followed her way to the meeting room with the three elves. The door was open. They heard Azshara address them.
"Do come closer. I am finishing a first of its kind protective wards for the corrupted area's in Felwood. The people that have settled there will see they will be more effective than the old ones we gave them." Tyrande came closer as she saw Azshara enchanting a crystal with arcane energy. She was just making a ticklish motion with her fingers. It seemed the queen also made notes as Tyrande saw a book floating in the air and a quill was writing down information. As for the others Chrystine could see Azshara's emotions. She saw the excitement disappear for the queen's experiment to help her people by the arrival of her guests.
"Welcome you have come with dire news. Please sit down and make yourself comfortable." Azshara turned to Chrystine as she had taken the crystal and placed it in a standard with her magic. It floated to the handmaiden.
"Bring this with haste to Sculla's house in Irontree Woods. I know you to be an accomplice fire mage but take our sister Alathena. I am sure she likes to venture outside of Darnassus for a mission." Chrystine had the ward in her arms as she bowed and left.
"I will give it in your name Azshara. I shall not falter to return with haste." When Chrystine was gone Azshara sat down and looked at Aviana.
"It is nice to see you as always Aviana. What brings you here Ancient one?" The white feathered entity that was offered a chair by Azshara's magic remained standing. She would tilt her head sometimes while blinking her eyes.
"My friend Azshara, I am here on behalf of your Mother Moon, Mother Moon. If you need her she comes to you as she would have done over the past centuries, past centuries." Azshara nodded as the ancient nodded in return and walked away.
Tyrande was sitting on the tip of her chair. The sight of an Ancient one just dropping by her queen relaying the word of the moon goddess was amazing for her. Even Malfurion who had been around for ten thousand years and seen demi-gods and aspects in action this was all new to him. He knew of Azshara to be older than that. It came to the two elves why they had come here. The druid tried to bring his message gently. He knew of what he was about to tell would upset the queen. Tyrande had warned him about the queen's connection. The Kaldorei queen showed no emotions unless it involved two certain persons. Tyrande recalled how Azshara had smiled out of happiness when she was her Night Elf self again and dropped in Richard's arms. The priestess had seen the queen embarrassingly blushing when Paradrona saw how Azshara was taken away by a kiss. Malfurion found no words to bring the news gently. He cleared his throat and touched his beard closing his eyes. He took a deep breath grabbing the chair's armrests.
"Please your majesty I shall bring the news to you straight. Forgive me for what I am about to say…" Tyrande noticed how Azshara's eyes became watery. The queen had an ability of sensing another person's thoughts. Azshara had felt the news concerning the Entwined Souls.
Malfurion started.
"Tyrande had a vision and I saw something in the Emerald Dream. It was confirmed by She of the Dreaming herself. For as Ysera was distressed herself about the revelation I came here today to bring you the reason why." Again the druid tried to find the right words. He was caught in her eyes. Azshara wanted to hear the troubled news from his lips clear and with no delay.
"The Entwined Souls will be separated." Azshara couldn't believe it and shook her head. Tyrande saw a tear run over the queen's face. There was a tremble in her voice.
"What?" Malfurion was sunk in his thoughts. Tyrande placed a hand on his arm to comfort him. She tried to find the courage to continue the message. The priestess herself struggled with emotions.
"Within a couple of years… Richard will be taken away… back to his own world, the world he came from…" Azshara looked angry while Tyrande continued. The hand of Malfurion found his wife's hand.
"Paradrona will be left heartbroken. She will lose all her strength to go on and die." The priestess began to cry. Tyrande left the part out that Azshara would be left devastated when both would be gone. Azshara stood up from her chair which with force was propelled against a bookcase. Her voice was angry now and struck fear in Tyrande's heart. When she had seen the queen use her magic in restoring the Well of Eternity the queen's golden eyes only illuminated.
Azshara started to levitate. Waves of pure energy came from her glowing golden eyes. Magical objects in the room were overpowered and exploded. Malfurion shielded his wife. Azshara spread her arms as tears rolled over face as the room started to fill with electricity. Her hands started to conjure fire. Her voice was angry.
"No I will not allow it." Not only had the building trembled for as the entire world tree shook as Azshara continued. As she built up her magic the forces would not allow normal voices to be heard. The queen's message was spoken physically and telepathically for all the people of Teldrassil to hear.
"The Entwined Souls shall not be separated. Their happiness together shall continue. I shall stop whoever is doing it. They shall know my wrath as the foundations of Azeroth shall tremble before my might." She lifted one hand and made a fist. One wall of the library collapsed by the energy pressed out of Azshara's hand. Sentinels in the hall had gathered and seeing their queen in rage started to pray to the Mother Moon. Malfurion took courage and stood up. All the power Azshara was mustering came with such noise the druid had to use druidic power and shouted to Azshara. Not even in the War of the Ancients had he felt her power like this.
"No Richard's disappearance will be inevitable. The Mother Moon herself can't stop it. Tempering with faith shall bring imbalance into the world." Tyrande was paralyzed with fear. She even hadn't felt this powerless since the last time she felt Azshara's might and that was only a portion. She addressed Azshara trying to calm her down. Tyrande called for protection of the Mother Moon. Silver light shined on Azshara as now the queen heard the High Priestess.
"You mustn't." Azshara turned around, calmed down and ascended to the ground, closed her arms together and looked up. Tyrande heard the change in Azshara's voice. Her voice was now filled with sorrow and fear.
"As queen I will let this tragedy take place for the sake of this world." After these words she looked down. Her left hand placed before her face to hide her shame as tears dripped from her cheeks in an endless flow.
"As their friend I will comfort them until that day will come, now leave me." Tyrande was helped up by Malfurion. A thought crossed her mind. If she had casted a prayer on the cursed Highborne Azshara when Tyrande was her prisoner the priestess could had freed the queen of her charm. Azshara could have defeated the burning legion in its track. Tyrnade felt failure. She saw the pain Azshara was in and all Tyrande wanted was to find safety just like ten thousand years ago when she was a prisoner.
"Yes Azshara." Tyrande and Malfurion backed down through the books and artifacts that lay scattered on the floor, ready to bow but before their eyes Azshara fainted and fell backwards. Malfurion was in time to catch her. When she came around she was lying on the ground supported by Malfurion. Tyrande chanting to the Mother Moon leaned over her seeing if she was alright. The queen felt ill. Her heart was struck by an unknown pain. Tyrande was cleaning Azshara's face when the queen gained her consciousness. The world tree was all calm when Azshara opened her eyes and looked for Tyrande. Azshara's voice was calm and tranquil but still in sorrow.
"Take me to the temple. I need to talk to my mother." Tyrande waved to the sentinels as she kept hold of Azshara's head. "We will take you do not worry."
The temple had been emptied of people as Azshara stood on her own feet again. Tyrande offered a drink from a cup. The queen politely declined. She asked if she looked beautiful. Tyrande had hoped Azshara was better.
"As always you shine." The High Priestess bowed lightly and watched Azshara walk to the temple. Then she looked at the moon and prayed. Malfurion saw how the queen sometimes staggered. He found it irresponsible of his wife to let Azhsara go alone. He often didn't understand the dedication to the moon goddess. They probably didn't understand some of the ways of the druids either. It was best to let it flow. Azshara had reached the stairs of the temple. Moon light shined on her renewing Azshara. Still walking in a low pace the queen had walked into the temple. Tyrande hurried to the entrance herself. The Mistress of the Sisterhood chanted as the footsteps of someone walking the upper platform of the temple indicated that Azshara reached her destination. Malfurion joined his wife as they heard someone from inside.
"Mother, I am in pain."
Soon after the words were spoken by Azshara a beam of moonlight hit the roof of the temple. Light came out every opening of the temple. The beam was as wide as the dome of the temple. The moonlight never was painful to the Night Elves. This light wasn't painful either however it was blinding. A big boom followed and Tyrande, Malfurion and the priestesses were blown back as a green fog was blown up out of the temple and then disappeared. Tyrande and the others could no longer hear the conversation that took place inside.
The queen was dressed in a white dress with golden ornaments and jewelry. The entity that inhabited the moon stood tall over Azshara. Her face looked like the mirror image of Azshara. The goddess's skin was like alabaster. Her eyes were like pure moonlight so bright. Ornaments of silver decorated her body. A large circlet was situated above her brows. Very light small blue crystals were scattered like stars over a dress so thin woven it could not been seen by mere mortal eyes. Elune radiated so much light only a select view could ever see her in her full form. Her smile was for her daughter to see.
"Azshara you have finally come to me and walk my path after all this time. I feel your pain my beautiful daughter. But this I cannot stop. I may not act in this material world. You and the High Priestess and all her sisters act on my behalf. Tyrande's visions will help you. Rest assured daughter. No matter what happens. The Entwined Souls have been connected once again and they will always cross paths. Richard will eventually die when he returns to his own world." Elune was pained by the words that hurt her daughter yet she continued trying to give her hopes. Azshara grabbed her heart and fell on her knees as the world tree shook. She looked away from her mother.
"His soul shall find its way back to Azeroth." By hearing these words Azshara slowly stood up and smiled. Azshara saw the goddess smile again.
"When he will be reborn his memory will awaken eventually in his new mortal form. You may bless him but no one he knows now may interfere in his delicate rebirth daughter. When the time is right he will get in touch with his past and with Paradrona. Remember what you have learned of what is to be. Use it wisely Azshara. Farewell daughter. And I am sorry." Azshara stood frozen in disbelieve.
Richard will die first? She took a moment to think while she brushed away her tears. Outside Mulfurion looked at Tyrande.
"I thought the title daughter of Elune was just given to elevate her status with the Highborne." Tyrande had fully believed that Azshara was the moon goddess's daughter with the new visions she had received from Elune a year ago. Azshara being able to call forth the full presence of the deity stunned even Tyrande.
"Mother Moon shows herself to our queen by Azshara's choice." Tyrande looked at how the bright light in the temple diminished.
"No, the moon goddess Elune is truly her mother."
The conversation between Malfurion and Tyrande was disrupted by the sound of sentinels calling out for help. In the night sky a large shadow glided through the branches of the world tree Teldrassil. Malfurion called out for the people to calm down. She was the grandest of her flight. The green dragon transformed in flight and an astonishing Night Elf stood in front of Tyrande and Malfurion waiting for Azshara to come out of the temple. The light completely had disappeared out of the temple and the light left back to the heavens. Azshara came walking slowly out of the temple still feeling the pain in her heart. Malfurion looked surprised at Azshara and faintly said.
"You are Elune's daughter?" Before Azshara would speak still somewhat in disbelieve of the Mother Moon's message Ysera addressed the Night Elf queen.
"I have seen Elune leave to the sky. The Emerald Dream was not complete. Queen Azshara what is the faith of the Entwined Souls? I have a desire to know now of what will happen to my friends." Azshara looked around looking for support. It was Tyrande that took her hand as a friend.
"We have to inform the Entwined Souls about what is to occur." Azshara looked at the moon and talked in a calm manner.
"Tyrande's vision will guide us what to do. The Emerald Dream will show the future of what will happen to the separation. The goddess told me about what will be after. They may be separated for a while but there is hope. They are forever connected. All will be well in due time. Send my messengers to find the Entwined Souls and tell them I have unsettling news they need to know." Azshara walked pass Ysera were her handmaidens joined their queen for a walk through Darnassus.
