Rot and Terra witnessed everything, and were outraged. Sapphire was slumped down, and held by two deathknights. Rot saw the hooded figure cup the girl's chin with his bony hand, and lean down. He said something to her, and she cringed. Rot growled, and both of the animals swam out of the water. Rot snarled, and barked madly at the figure. The head turned to the dog, and let out a hiss.
"Stupid beast."
Terra barked, and ran at him. She grasped the cloak that covered Ner'zhul's temporary body, and tugged hard. Ner'zhul kicked her away. Sapphire glared at him.
"Leave her alone."
Her father chuckled. "Of course, my daughter. I am nothing if not merciful. Slave!"
Lily came forward, and bowed. "Yes, Master?"
"Grab those creatures. I'm sure Sapphire will be more cooperative with their safety."
Sapphire looked on as the mage girl reached over for the animals. They both backed away, growling. The puppies snapped threateningly, but Lily kept coming. Rot lunged, and bit her hand.
"Ow!" Lily grabbed at Terra, and Rot pounced on the girl's hand.
Terra barked at Rot. He looked at her momentarily. There seemed to be an understanding seemed to be between her and Rot. Rot let himself be caught, and Terra bounded away. She hopped into the water, and swam away. Ner'zhul just ignored the escape.
"One is enough."
Sapphire winced, and then looked up at the hooded undead.
"Release me."
Ner'zhul stared at her, head tilted. He was gauging on whether or not she would fight again. When she met his gaze, and held it, he gestured, and Sapphire was let go. She watched the deathknights suspiciously, and this time, took her father's offered hand. She stood up, and lowered her eyes.
"What do you want, father?" She had to force out the last word. She did not really know what it meant, how her father could be two people, but she could not deny the man in front of her was her father. Somehow. She looked at the squirming Rot in Lily's arms.
"I want him. Please."
"If you do everything I tell you, then you can do whatever you want, sweet daughter. Even marry that deathknight."
Sapphire frowned, and recoiled when an arm wrapped around her shoulder. Her father's breath was cold on her skin, and he had to prod her to walk forward to a deathgate made by a deathknight. Sapphire saw Lily smirk, and tighten her grip on Rot. The puppy whimpered as the girl disappeared.
Ethan had taken awhile to break his way out of Sapphire's spell, and now they were following Sapphire's trail. She had not bothered to hide it. Low hanging branches were broken, and vines were torn. Her footprints were deep, and went in a straight line. The ground glistened from the impressions deep in the mud.
Arthas scowled as he saw Ethan bend down to look.
"The trail is clear. Get up."
"I am just checking."
Arthas growled, and plowed through the undergrowth. He almost fell into a pool of muddy water if Ethan hadn't grabbed him back with Deathgrip.
"Careful, Arthas!"
They made more cautious tracks along. Snakes slithered around their feet, and birds cried out in the tree tops.
A very large, eight legged creature sprang out from a bush. Ethan cried out, and Arthas whipped out his sword. The spider He turned to look back at the boy. Ethan frowned.
"I hate spiders."
Arthas smiled at the show of weakness. "Why?"
"When I was a kid I liked to explore, and once me and a couple of friends went into Jasperlode Mine. It was not a pleasant experience. Hate reptiles too...My brother Edmund put a snake in my bed once."
The man shook his head angrily, and frowned. "Sorry...One of your brothers was called Edmund?"
"Yes. Edmund, Franz, Jonas, and my oldest brother Adalger. Why?"
"I want to know who I made you kill...I know your mother was a Perenolde, but what was her first name?"
"...Irene. She was born to a servant that my grandfather...You know," Ethan muttered.
A bark interrupted them, and there was a splash. Terra swam over to them, barking like mad. Ethan scooped up the dog, and held up the soaked dog.
"What happened? Where's Sapphire?"
Terra whined, and licked the boy's face. Ethan looked over to Arthas.
"And here is when I wish I could understand dogs other than Ni'kua."
"Crazy bitch! Light Damn! I'm just the messenger!" Lethumo cried out, covering his head defensively.
Jaina huffed in frustration, and shot a fire ball above the night elf's head. He winced, and looked up. Jaina's throne room was where they were, and the walls were made of stone. Several faded dark marks on the walls told the Lethumo that this was not the first time Jaina had gotten angry when in the room. Then, he sighed in relief. But Jaina still ranted.
"Why did they not just wait? I could have helped! Men are so, so..."
The elf saw an opportunity. "Ignorant?"
The mage looked at Lethumo, and nodded. She collapsed into the throne, and put her hands over her face. "Completely...Oh, Lethumo, What I am to do? I can't just sit here and do nothing."
The elf shrugged. "Than stand up again and do nothing."
Jaina looked up from her hands, and Lethumo saw tears. Oh, great. He did not like it when females cried.
"Uh...There, there. How about...How about we go get some ale? That makes everyone feel better."
A sob burst from the mage. "Lethumo. Go away...That's it!"
"Eh?"
Jaina stood up, and went over to the elf.
"You! Go find Darion Morgraine. He'll be able to help."
"Fuck no, woman! I'm Scourge! I get anywhere near that place, and Darry will have my ears cut off."
"I know of a night elf woman who is single. Please? Just surrender, and tell Darion to come see me about Arthas..."
Lethumo smirked. "You had me at woman. Sure thing, my lady."
The elf left Jaina with a bow, and she was alone in the throne room. She sighed, and sat back down. She hated the throne room, but her people loved to come see her in the room to help resolve their issues. Jaina indulged them.
"Oh, Arthas..." Jaina whispered, and folded her arms.
A couple of cats came inside, and Autum followed. She smiled.
"Hello, Lady Jaina!"
The woman sighed, "Good afternoon, Autum."
"Can I try out that spell I told you about?" She asked excitedly.
"No, I just want to be alone..."
"Why?" Autum frowned. Jaina did not feel like dealing with her, but the girl would just be upset.
"Men. That's why."
"Oh, you mean Sapphire's daddy? He was so handsome. I think he was scared of me though. He wouldn't talk much...Or is he just like that with everyone?"
The woman just smiled at the young girl. "He is handsome...isn't he?"
"Yeah. Don't know why you did not marry him. And have more babies. I wonder if Sapphire was lonely without siblings. Will you two marry each other?"
The woman told herself to make sure the young mage stopped eating so much sugary things.
"Maybe. If I do not kill him first. He is so frustrating."
"Oh, well. I'm sorry. Hey, who was the cute night elf that left this room?" Autum asked eagerly.