Disclaimer: I am not the one who is owning that thing called Naruto which is really cool HAHA or even that other cool thing which is called World of Warcraft that I enjoy so much and that is cool HAHA!
Here's the next installment of The Legend of Uzumaki Naruto!
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"It is time to begin," Fandral Staghelm rumbled, letting his luminous eyes drift over everyone that had gathered in the spacious, dimly lit room. It was furnished simply, with a single, perfectly round wooden table and many chairs, all of which seemed to sprout from the moss-covered floor. Hanging above it was a single lantern, which lit the room a beautiful sparkling blue. Wisps flitted around, as if eager to observe the coming events.
A day had passed since Naruto and Kira had spoken to Tyrande Whisperwind. A day had passed since Fandral Staghelm, the Arch-Druid of the night elves, had announced that the matter would be put to the Council of Darnassus. His tone had made it absolutely clear that in doing so, their efforts would be for naught.
Naruto had disliked the elf from the moment they had met. With a stony, harsh face and eyes that seemed to reflect a cold heart, Fandral had shown to Naruto that not all night elves were as great as Tyrande and Neera. In fact, he seemed to be downright nasty. His face reminded Naruto of Hinata's father, Hiashi's face: a perfect, stony mask of someone who was wise and powerful, yet disgustingly arrogant and priggish. Naruto got the feeling that even if he could match the elf's height, his eyes would remain unchanged; he would still look down on him, no matter what.
From the way Tyrande had changed from the smiling, peaceful voice that she had used when speaking to them; to the clipped, almost venomous whisper she had used when facing Fandral, Naruto was sure that something had happened between them. Something bad.
Whatever the case, Naruto was almost glad for the Arch Druid's intervention. Fandral had aroused a powerful, burning spirit within Tyrande, something that told him she wouldn't give up until the alliance had truly come into being. He had seen this spirit earlier, when she had praised their accomplishments so far. Tyrande was easily someone he could get to like a lot. She was far easier to like than the crabby, old Sylvanas, or the harsh, stony Thrall.
After the initial meeting with Fandral, Tyrande had sent them with a note to one of the more luxurious inns in the city, telling the owner to give them whatever they wished. They were guests, had had to shown the utmost respect. She had then departed, saying that she needed to gather the members of the Council together, for the meeting would be on the following day. They would be admitted, and allowed to speak.
So they had retired to the inn (which was indeed quite luxurious, with immensely soft featherbeds, silk sheets, and an unlimited supply of food). The entire way back, Kira had worried herself almost sick about the situation with the Council. Seeing this, Kylia had whispered to Neera if there was anything around that would help ease her worry.
Neera had known the perfect thing.
"Hot springs?" Kira said, blinking.
Neera nodded. "It'll wash your worries away. You'll need to be in tip-top form if you want to be effective in the council tomorrow."
So they had gone to the hot springs, near the back of the city. It was there that Naruto, and consequently Kira and Kylia, had discovered that the baths were all mixed.
It appeared that the elves didn't hold modesty in such high regard as humans did, and were perfectly comfortable showing their perfect bodies off to all who looked (or so Neera said). When they arrived, however, it was nearly deserted. The hot springs were free to all those who wished to use them, so they had hopped right in.
Or rather, Neera, Kira and Kylia had hopped right in. They (more Kira and Kylia) had forced Naruto to wait outside, along with Tsuwabuki who hated taking baths anyways. Despite this, they had all had an enjoyable time (even Naruto, who had gotten an unintentional peek at Neera just before she had closed the screen in the changing room. He told no one, though they suspected something at the blush that lit his face all night). Neera had been right about the springs. When they had gotten out, Kira felt a lot better, and slept peacefully that night.
They awoke the next morning thanks to Neera, who had been sent to pick them up and take them back to the Temple of the Moon, by Tyrande's orders. On the way, she explained who would be there.
"My commanding officer who also leads the Sentinels, Shandris Feathermoon, will be there. She usually stays in a stronghold in Feralas, far to the south, in Kalimdor. It's where every Sentinel in training goes for the final year of their training, where she personally oversees it. She's a big supporter of Lady Tyrande, and will be of great aid to you, I think. Among others will be several of the Priestesses of Elune, all Tyrande's supporters as well. Unfortunately," she sighed, "a large contingent of the Council is made up of druids, led by Fandral. He meant what he said when he told us that he would do everything in his power to stop Tyrande. There's bad blood between them."
"Why?" asked Kira, walking alongside the night elf. "What happened between them?"
Neera shook her head. "I don't know. Lady Tyrande has never mentioned it, and nobody has thought to tell me. I think it might have something to do with the creation of Teldrassil, but I can't truly say."
Kira nodded, falling silent again. Despite her easy sleep, her worry was beginning to return. She tried to force it away. She was going to do everything she could to convince them.
She was just glad that there would be help this time.
Neera went on. "The others are simply elves among the most noble of families. They are those who have been with us for many, many years longer than the rest. They are called the Elders. They are druids, and Sisters, but have allegiance to neither Tyrande nor Fandral. They are the neutrals, so that every decision is not a perfect tie."
In the Temple, Tyrande had met them in the moonwell room, alongside a shorter elf with more greenish hair, and paler skin. Purple markings decorated her cheeks, and her eyes were lavender, and had the now familiar glowing sheen to them. She wore a set of silvery armor on her chest, and a pair of purple breeches with wispy designs embroidered all over them. She wore a thick belt, which hung low on her hips. It must have usually held many weapons.
"This is my dear friend, Shandris Feathermoon," said Tyrande, when they arrived.
The night elf bowed to them, a slight smile touching her lips. "My lady Tyrande has told me of your plan. If you had not done so much already, I wouldn't have believed it possible."
Kira smiled, "Thank you."
Shandris looked over Naruto, smiling a little. "I would very much like to see you in action, sometime. From what I hear, you an incredible warrior."
Naruto grinned. "Thanks."
"The same goes for you, little handmaiden," Shandris said, turning to Kylia. "You conceal your talents far better than any elf I have met. It would be interesting to see you fight."
Kylia blushed a little, stammering her thanks. She was not used to praise, especially from such incredibly famous people. Shandris finally settled her eyes on Tsuwabuki, and instead of speaking, just gave her a nod and a bow. Tsuwabuki did not return either, instead just flicking her tail, and raising her snout slightly. She wasn't impressed.
Shandris chuckled.
"How was your trip?" asked Neera, bowing graciously to her leader.
Shandris held up a hearthstone, smiling a little. "Short and to the point. I just arrived this morning. There was an ogre raid in Feralas, one that I had to disperse, or I would have arrived yesterday."
Neera nodded, smiling a little bashfully. Shandris was her hero, and hearing about her adventures was something she'd never get tired of. She would have to get the details later.
Tyrande then broke in. "It is time to begin. Follow me."
She then led them to the far end of the room, up a set of winding stairs to the second level, before entering the room which they now sat in; the council room. When they arrived, it was already almost completely full, the many members of the Council already in their seats, murmurs running between them of what they had been called together for. They had already attended the Council meeting that month. The appearance of the humans, however, sparked much of their interest, and as the group sat down, they were treated to many inquisitive stares and whispers.
Everything fell silent when Fandral stood, and spoke the words to begin the urgent meeting. After speaking them, his eyes went straight to Tyrande.
"Then speak, Tyrande Whisperwind. Tell us of the humans' plan. That is, after all, the reason for this sudden meeting."
Tyrande stood. All eyes snapped to her; though many did not agree with her beliefs, from the way that just by standing, she had garnered all of their attention, was testament to how much respect she commanded. It was amazing, especially to the two hopeful future leaders in the room.
"Their plan is, at this point, exceedingly simple to grasp. They are proposing an alliance. An alliance much like the last one we made with the humans, dwarves, and gnomes. However, this one differs in one aspect." Her eyes flitted across the room, as if surveying a final moment of peace. "They are proposing to ally not only with them, but with the members of the former Horde. The orcs, trolls, tauren and Forsaken."
The room exploded.
The Priestesses of Elune gasped in shock, staring with wide eyes at their leader, wondering what on earth she was talking about. The druids reacted in a variety of different ways. Some burst into guffaws of rude, booming laughter, obviously amazed that anyone could even think such a thing was possible. Others, ones less inclined to laughter, merely glared intensely at the woman, wondering what if she expected them to actually listen to such a preposterous idea.
Fandral stayed silent. His face did not change, though his eyes seemed to burn brighter, a hint of scorn displayed within them.
Tyrande suddenly slammed her hand on the table, and everything at once fell silent. Her eyes shined as brightly as the eternal moon, now, as she swept them over the Council.
"You would be wise to stay silent until I have finished. I daresay you will react differently." She turned to Kira, and gestured for her to stand. The princess of Stormwind did so, taking a deep breath as she did.
"This is Princess Kira Wrynn, son of Anduin Wrynn, and granddaughter of Varian Wrynn, both kings of Stormwind. She has come to tell you of her dream, and what she has done so far to accomplish it." She then smiled comfortingly at Kira. "Go on."
Kira nodded. She proceeded then to tell the story that she had told Tyrande yesterday, at the same, slow, methodical pace. She shortened it a great deal, leaving out more personal things that she hadn't left out in her version to Tyrande. Though she felt quite nervous, she never faltered or stuttered once. She couldn't afford to, in this position. She had to appear ever bit the confident princess that they needed to see. She did not intend for them to see a child, or a naïve little girl who could not accomplish anything. She did not intend for them to see her as weak.
By the end of her explanation, the elves had fallen completely silent, their glowing eyes staring in varying degrees of amazement at her, and Naruto too. When she finished, Tyrande scanned their faces again, and said softly into the dead silence, "Their proposition stands before us. It is now up to us, and us alone, to make this dream a reality. We await your opinions."
Nobody said anything, at first. They seemed to still be in a slight state of shock, and were trying to get their thoughts collected. What they had heard didn't seem possible, and yet Tyrande, one of their most influential and powerful leaders, fully believed in it. Some of them cast glances at Naruto, who had slumped back a little in his chair, and was looking around the room, and their reactions. Had that boy, who seemed so weak, done all of that?
Finally, Shandris stood, and spoke. She smiled at Tyrande and the humans. "I give my support. It is clear, that with all you have done, that this dream is definitely possible. I can see no better way for us to regain our connections to the outside world, and eliminate a dire threat to our existence. It seems to me to be the most logical situation."
A few members of the Council, mainly Priestesses of the Moon, nodded.
A druid, with purplish blue hair and a large moustache stood quickly. His name was Mathrengyl Bearwalker, one of the most prominent druids, and an Elder. He was as old as Fandral, and held no blind allegiance to the Arch Druid.
"I agree with Lady Shandris. With the current state of affairs, this alliance is nothing if not necessary. Perhaps, in this time of need, all races might be able to put aside their differences." He sat as swiftly as he had rose, and said no more.
Kira felt a little relief coursing through her. At least they were receptive to the idea. But of course, the real challenge, as she watched Fandral begin to move, had only just begun.
Fandral finally stood. His face was locked in a cold frown, his glowing eyes as hard as brass.
"I am curious," he said, staring deeply into not Tyrande's, but Kira's eyes. "What makes you think that we can trust these allies of yours?"
Kira stood up straight, and said slowly. "I have their words, and their honors. They share my beliefs in the need for peace. Is that not enough?"
"No," said Fandral calmly, but coldly. "It is not. Though you may trust their words, and have their honor, there is nothing to say that they might not be simply using you for their own advantage. Sylvanas particularly, is a worrisome force. She is a dangerous, and extremely cunning woman. To me it seems that this allows her to profit in many ways. The others, too, may have their own reasons."
"But you cannot prove that, Fandral," said Tyrande hotly. "And even so, no alliance is without ulterior motives. An alliance is done in the benefit of both ourselves, and everyone else. Otherwise, there would be little incentive to join, isn't that right, Fandral?"
Fandral gave Tyrande a piercing look. "That is so. But would you weight the cost of your own people's lives against the motives of others? Ones that we cannot trust, and have been enemies with in the past?"
"And allies, too!" Tyrande snapped back. "We have joined with Thrall and Vol'jin and Cairn before to destroy a common enemy! Why cannot we do it again? Hamuul Runetotem is a member of your Cenarion Circle! He and Malfurion are allies!"
"Malfurion is not here."
Tyrande stopped, almost recoiling from the intensity in the night elf's voice. Fandral had reined his anger, though his eyes still glowed like coals at the mention of Malfurion Stormrage.
He began again, his stony calm returning. "We have been allies in the past, yes, but in the present, we are not. The risks of getting involved in such an alliance are far too great. Have you forgotten our plight, Tyrande? If we were to be betrayed in such a time as this, we would be utterly destroyed."
"You won't be betrayed."
Fandral's eyes moved to Naruto's. The blonde was standing, and despite the fact that the table only came up to his chest, the force of his glare and the boldness of his words seemed to make him twice as tall.
"You won't be betrayed. You don't know those guys like I do. They were as skeptical as you are, but they are willing to give this a chance. They just want peace; a chance to make themselves safe, just like you. I give you my word that you won't be betrayed," he finished, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Your word means nothing to me," said Fandral, stonily. "Unless you can prove that they are as trustworthy as you say, then your words are meaningless."
Naruto's eyes lit with anger. If he had been in any other situation, he would have begun yelling at that point. But he knew that it wouldn't do any good, so he lowered his voice, and spoke his next words with a vehement intensity.
"The whole purpose of this thing is to put your trust in others. If you just stay here, alone, nothing will change. All of your problems, whatever they are, will just remain the same, and won't go away! Do you want that? If you just accepted help, then you could get rid of your problems a lot faster! You can't always do things by yourselves!"
Fandral scowled with everything he had. "We have done it for thousands of years, boy, and we can do it for thousands more. At every point that we have accepted outside help, it has simply made things worse off for us. Outsiders have brought us nothing but ruin and corruption. And more to the point, if we did accept the aid of this alliance, what would it bring us?"
"Medicines to heal the sick," said Tyrande. "Warriors to help train and bolster our own defenses; political allies, economic aid and things that we desperately need. He is right, Fandral. This alliance will help solve the problems that have plagued us. We need it, as much as they need us."
Fandral seemed to grow even taller than he already was. Rage heated his voice and made his eyes burn. "Need? You speak of need? Tyrande? You say that we need them? Those are the words of a weakling. Our people have survived for millennia. What need there be for us to accept the aid of those we cannot trust?
"You speak of medicine? Made by and for those who have green skin, fur, or even nothing at all! Warriors to bolster our defenses? From whom? What enemies still exist, Tyrande, that we have not crushed? Political allies, economic aid? What need have we of those? We are an independent state. We have no use for trade, or the politics of other races. You seem to forget, Tyrande, that though are problems are severe, they can be resolved in time by our—"
"We have no time!" roared Tyrande. "Whether we like it or not, change is upon us! We are no longer the eternal race, Fandral, and you must accept that! We age as they do! We get sick as they do! The only thing that separates us is appearance! What reason can you come up with not to accept their help?"
"What makes you think an alliance is even geographically feasible?" Another elf had spoken up. His hair was a deep red, and his eyes a bright orange. He was a druid. His voice was snide-sounding, almost superior. "Have you forgotten what keeps us from the mainland? Not only is this plan dangerous, but also it is nearly impossible. The storms will make it exceedingly hard for anyone to meet or trade with us, don't you think?"
Tyrande looked at him. "With an alliance, it would not be out of our reach to train better zeppelineers, as well as create many more hearthstones. Even portals would not be out of the question, given the gnome's experience."
Fandral spoke up, his voice full of fire. "We are, as of now, the most susceptible to attack. Our standing army is weak, and we are plagued by sicknesses form which we have no immunity or way of curing. Our people are disheartened, and many simply wish to remain as they are. They wish to remain in peace, away from the fighting in the rest of the world.
"We are at peace, Tyrande. Would you wish to take that away from your people? Would you wish for them to fight and die alongside those who were once their enemies; those whom they cannot trust?" His eyes then swept to Kira and Naruto.
"Do you not find it strange that they have all accepted the help of this boy? One that has little knowledge of the affairs of this world, and who should not even care about it? How can one boy have made all of this possible? And how can we trust his judgment? He is a stranger among us, and the affairs of this world are not his business. What's more, could he not simply be a reason for the other races to band together? He has already reformed the Horde, our eternal enemies. How can we trust him?"
Naruto was shaking with fury. It pissed him off that this guy was calling him the bad guy. This guy in general was pissing him off. He would have retorted, in a blind fury, but Tyrande spoke first.
"We are susceptible, yes," she said, softly. The heat was gone from her voice, but the passion was not. "But that is all the more reason. Our people are disheartened, and this is the way to bring their spirits back. This is not peace, Fandral. We are trapped. Eventually, if things do not change, an attack that we cannot stand against will come. What then? Would it not be better to have allies?
"I cannot vouch for his word," she said, pointing to Naruto. "But I trust him, for in my heart, his words are true, and his actions are pure. He is doing this because he does not want anyone else to die. I trust that what he has done in the past has been entirely for the peace and stability of this world. He, and the young princess, have traveled all this way, and risked their lives many times, in order to help bring a peace to this world that has never been seen. A peace that is within our grasp. We have much to lose, yes…but for an everlasting peace, for our children and grandchildren, and their children and so on, is it not worth the risk?"
Fandral was silent, for a time. His face lost much of its intensity, and he seemed to lapse into an almost contemplative mood. He returned to his seat, and leaned forwards, his hands clasped in front of his face. The room was silent. Fandral's druid followers watched their leader with inquisitive eyes, wondering how he was going to respond. The Sisters watched too, only it was their leader, Tyrande whom they looked upon. The four Elders, night elves who held allegiance to neither side, observed the proceedings passively. Wisps floated slowly through the air, making no noise. They seemed as captivated as everyone else, focused on Fandral and what his answer was to be. Tyrande watched the Arch Druid the whole time. Kira did too, and she prayed that Tyrande's words had been effective.
"It will never be worth the risk," he said, finally.
Tyrande's eyes lit up in fury. "How can you say that?"
The rest of the council watched the two argue. They made no attempts to interrupt either's tirade, and simply seemed intent on listening and watching. Kira wondered if it was because they had no opinion on it either way, or that they were choosing who had the better points. It was clear that rather than this being a full on Council it was more a meeting between two separate factions; the druids and the Sisters of Elune. It was less a meeting, and more a battle. As far as they were concerned, it was only Tyrande and Fandral in the room, facing off against one another in a seemingly life or death battle. There was no one else in the room.
That meant that it all depended on Tyrande.
Fandral's eyes held hers, and his face seemed to soften. "I will tell you this. As it stands, our people are beaten. We have fought more wars, and suffered more tragedies than any human kingdom in existence. We are at our weakest. I simply cannot take the risk of being betrayed. I love our people too much for that. We cannot rely on the help of others. It will bring us nothing but ruin, as it has before. We are strong in heart, and in time, we will recover and grow strong in body again. Risking everything, for people who once sought to destroy us, and against an enemy that has not shown itself for years, who might not even exist; it is too much."
At this, Kira stood, quickly. She did not look angry, but desperate. She spoke softly, her tone pleading.
"Arch-Druid Staghelm, I cannot ask you to risk the lives of your people. That is not what I intended to request. If you accept our help, we will do everything to make you grow stronger all the faster. I agree that the Lich King has not revealed himself, but the Scourge is still a threat, and with time, it will only grow to be more so. Please…this is for the benefit of everything. Help us."
Fandral stared at her a moment. Even against the need in her voice, he remained a monolith, cold and unmoving.
"You miss the point, child. It is not in our nature to accept help. We are our own, and nothing, nobody, can change that. We need to rely on only ourselves." He looked at Tyrande, then. His eyes narrowed, and his mouth became a thin line. He spoke calmly, without an edge or a hint of anger, but the words held bite nonetheless, for they struck a place in Tyrande's heart that was, and had been for some time, painfully weak and thin. A bandaged wound, which could still bleed.
"What would Malfurion think if he returned, and there were none of his people left to greet him?"
Tyrande froze. The words ripped into her heart, and she suddenly felt a loss that she had been trying to hide, trying to ignore, since Malfurion had left. The feeling bled into her body, making her shake a little. She no longer felt like she was in the council room. She was alone. The risk, however slight, suddenly seemed so horribly possible that her confidence vanished.
What if Malfurion returned, and the night elves no longer existed? What if she failed him?
She had fought alongside Thrall, Vol'jin, and Cairn in the past. Though she knew that they might not be the type to use such underhanded tactics, especially after such a long period of not warring, the possibility was still there. Thrall might have nursed a grudge against her kind, after years of war. Vol'jin, clever and cunning, might see profit in their destruction. Even Cairn, wise as he was, might see them and their selfishness as threats to the sanctity of the world and the purity of nature. Sylvanas, the shadowy and cold Banshee Queen, might cook up something; if not for just them, for the entire world. What if, even, the enemies they sought attacked them first, due to their weakness, and destroyed them before aid could even be sent?
She knew that she was jumping to conclusions. She knew that the words were having the exact effect that Fandral wanted them to have. But she couldn't help it. The thought of failing him was far too horrible to consider.
She remembered the last words he had ever spoken to her: on a night, many years ago, just before he had returned to walk the Emerald Dream again, as he was meant to.
'Protect our people, Tyrande.' He had said. It was a task that had been daunting then, and seemed all the more so now.
What if she failed that request, because of this?
A great fear rose in her at that thought. She was at a loss for words, and began to shake a little. Though the chance seemed slight, she could not get rid of that horrible thought. The knowledge that she could be the reason for her people's destruction at their weakest moment seemed too horrible to bear. She considered sitting down, and ending it there.
But then, a flash of blonde caught her eye, and she looked over to see Naruto, staring at her.
The blonde's eyes were strange to her. It was not their impossibly blue sheen, or the way they seemed to burn with their own sources. It was not their size, or their shape. It was the look in them. It was a look so familiar that she almost gasped at the sight.
It was the very look Malfurion had given her, as he said those final words.
A look of complete and utter trust.
They were filled with a respect, and the knowledge that whatever she said next, would be the right thing. A look that told her that whatever she did, he would accept it.
The fear vanished.
So she sat down and said, her voice loud and passionate, "Then let us decide. For those who wish to deny this offer of an alliance, and to remain independent, as we have in times past, raise your hand now."
Eleven hands rose into the air.
Taking a deep breath, Tyrande spoke again. "And those who wish to accept the alliance, and to join our new allies in combat against the Scourge, raise now."
She did not watch. There could be no other outcome, as nine hands rose, including her own. She lowered her head, and sat down.
"Then it has been decided. There will be no alliance. The night elves will remain alone."
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Naruto stared glumly up at the ceiling in his room. He didn't know how long he had been there, but from the soreness in his back and lethargy in his movements, it had been long. He was used to it, by now, however. Because it never got darker or lighter in this place, he had lost almost all sense of time. He guessed that was how the elves were able to live so long. If nothing changed, then you really didn't know how time passed. A year to humans probably felt like a week for the elves.
It had been, in his eyes, presumably several hours since the ending of the Council. Their purpose fulfilled, the members had returned to their prior duties. Tyrande had smiled at all of them, thanking them for their time. Those who supported her gave her comforting smiles in return. Those who did not, simply nodded. Fandral had not even looked at her.
After that, nobody had felt much like doing anything. Kira had excused herself, and with Kylia tagging along, had returned to her room, likely to sleep. Even after such a decision, Naruto had been with Kira long enough to know that she wouldn't cry over such a thing. She hadn't cried at Sylvanas' harsh tirade. She wouldn't cry at this.
It was just a minor setback.
Naruto had retired to his own room, while Tsuwabuki had loped off to explore, enjoying the freedom of the city. Naruto had a feeling that the fox was probably doing less exploring, and more seeking out the free buffet of deer, rabbits, and squirrels that they had seen at the entrance to the city.
Finally, it got to the point where Naruto could no longer sit still. He needed to do something. He sat up, pulled on his boots, and left the room. He didn't stop as he passed Kira's door, and went down the stairs and out the inn, onto the dark street. The same bluish lights that had lit the council room lit the streets; courtesy of glowing glass lanterns hanging from posts every couple of yards.
After a quick decision, he turned left and walked down the street. As he walked, he didn't think about anything; he simply enjoyed the view. He had done too much thinking lately, and that wasn't his style.
He passed few people as he walked. He noticed that most night elves he passed were solitary ones. They never walked in groups, or even in pairs. They seemed to be a rather lonely people. And that loneliness seemed self-inflicted. They seemed to enjoy being alone.
They must, he realized, considering that they had refused to make the alliance.
But what bothered him the most, he realized, was that there was little he could do. They had no enemy to fight, so he couldn't win them over like he had the last races. What's more was that despite the situation they were in (which, though Naruto didn't know the details of, seemed pretty bad considering what Tyrande and Fandral had been talking about) they didn't seem to want help. They had become too accustomed to solving things themselves, and rather than letting pride get in the way, simply didn't believe it was necessary for them to help.
He grumbled. He'd feel a lot better, he realized, if he knew what was going on. All he knew was that they were no longer immortal, and that most of their problems seemed to stem from that.
He walked on. He had no particular destination in mind, so he just walked where he felt like walking. Eventually he found his way to the Temple Gardens. They appeared empty at first, but when he stepped off the bridge that connected it to the main land, he saw that he was quite wrong about that.
Dressed in familiar white, Tyrande Whisperwind stood near the water's edge, her head tilted skyward. He didn't know what she was looking at, really, because the sky was the same eerie purple that it was everywhere else. She turned at his approach, smiling softly.
"I did not expect to see you here. Could you not sleep?"
Naruto shrugged. "Didn't know I was supposed to. I just wanted to take a walk."
Tyrande nodded. "As did I. I do enjoy walking, as it helps me think. Would you like to join me?"
Naruto nodded. Why not?
They turned away from the water, and began walking towards the other bridge, which led to another island. At first, neither spoke. Neither of them knew what to talk about. So, as they crossed the bridge, they simply enjoyed the sounds of the forest.
Finally, Naruto spoke up. "Which one is Teldrassil?"
Tyrande blinked. "Pardon?"
Naruto pointed to the trees surrounding the lake. They were absolutely massive, stretching high into the sky and were as thick around as towers. "Which tree is Teldrassil? Matthias told me that this place had a tree called Teldrassil, and I haven't seen a particularly big one so far, so…."
Tyrande chuckled. They had reached the end of the bridge, and were walking on solid ground now. She bent down and patted the solid earth.
"This one."
Naruto shot her a baffled look. "What do you mean…? Which one… wait, you mean that…!"
She nodded. "The earth you stand on is Teldrassil. The whole island is the tree that Matthias mentioned. Amazing, is it not?"
Naruto gaped stupidly for a moment, before shaking his head and saying, "But that's impossible! It looked like an island from above! Where's the trunk, and the leaves and stuff?"
At this, she gave a slight sigh, staring downwards. Naruto thought at first that he had said something to upset her, but he realized that she was not hanging her head, but merely looking down. She bent down, touching the ground again.
"The only place that they could go…beneath the sea."
Naruto stared at her, eyes wide.
She chuckled at his reaction. "There is a tale in that. It was not like this, until around eight years ago. Before then, it rose high into the sky, and could be seen for many miles around. It was a sight for all to behold, truly." A look of longing came over her, for a moment, and they fell into silence once more. When she started speaking again, her voice had become harder, more like the one she had used with Fandral.
"But that changed, eight years ago, when the naga attacked."
Naruto frowned. He had suspected something like that. But as she began to speak again, he realized something.
"They attacked without warning, after years of silence, and—"
"What's a naga?" Naruto suddenly asked, cocking his head to the side, his expression inquisitive.
Tyrande actually stopped walking, turning to stare at with wide eyes. "How can you—oh, forgive me, I forgot that you do not come from around here." She smiled a little sheepishly, a look that seemed strange on her gorgeous face.
Naruto shrugged. "Don't worry about it."
"How many races does your world have, might I ask? You deal so well with the ones in this world, could you have a bit of experience?"
"Nope, only one," Naruto said, jabbing a finger at himself. "And a coupla' freaky individuals who look like they're a totally different race," he thought, thinking of the spider-guy that had been allied with Orochimaru, the shark-faced Kisame, and Orochimaru himself. "And I'm doing this 'cause I made a promise to Kira-chan, at first at least. Now I'm doing it 'cause I've made so many friends in this world, and I'd hate to see them continue fighting."
Tyrande smiled at him. He seemed so simple, at first glance, and yet when you dug deeper, he was more complex than she had ever imagined a boy his age could be. They walked I silence for a moment longer, before Tyrande remembered his original question.
"Yes...the naga. They were once night elves like myself, thousands upon thousands of years ago, when I was still young. Back when the world was still whole, and the corruption of the Burning Legion had not yet touched this tranquil place."
"When the world was still whole?" Naruto asked again, blinking in confusion.
"The world, back then, was only a single continent, Kalimdor. In the very center, where we once lived, there was a massive lake, filled with a strange, and unique power. It was called the Well of Eternity.
"The Well of Eternity was a force that this world has not truly seen since. Its waters had many special properties, including granting us immortality and immunity to sicknesses. It also gave us phenomenal control over our own chakra, to the point where we needed almost no hand seals to manipulate it. Many flocked to its waters, reveling in the power that it gave them. One of these was a female elf named Azshara. She was the queen of us all."
"Azshara…" Naruto said. The name sounded strange to him, and hard to pronounce, too.
She nodded. "Azshara was a cruel and vain elf, who desire nothing more than everlasting power and beauty. She commanded incredible power, thanks to the Well, and though all night elves loved her, she only rewarded those who were as strong as she. They became known as the Highborne. But her desire for power grew so great, that it led her to commit an act that would lead to the eventual destruction of Kalimdor; the splitting of the world: The Sundering.
"She allied herself with the Burning Legion, and helped bring it and the corruption that came with it, into this world. It is due to her foolish actions that the state of the world is as it is. To stop this, the night elves rose up against Azshara and the Highborne in an alliance of many creatures and races; including the Dragonflights and several Demigods. In the process, however, the Well was destroyed.
"It's chaotic destruction blew apart Kalimdor, and the great continent became two; Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms of Azeroth. In the middle, where the Well once was, only a maelstrom was left; a swirling vortex in the middle of the ocean, a hole in the world.
"Rather than perishing in the destruction of the Well, Azshara and her Highborne sunk into the oceans, and whether it was the remnants of the Well, or something else, they became what are now known as naga—serpentine beasts who dwell deep beneath the seas. They bear a hatred for our kind; and it became evident in their attack eight years ago."
Naruto nodded a little, taking it all in. The corruption of power, and its effects on others, was something he was all too familiar with.
"So they just attacked you?"
She nodded. "I imagine they had planned it for many years, and at the time they struck, we were already taxed from the war against the Horde. We were confident that we could win, however. The tree gave us a natural defense against the creatures of the sea. Or so we thought, anyways. But they were not unprepared.
"They created a massive whirlpool beneath the tree. They destroyed the sea floor that it grew from, using their powers over water, and caused the sea to swallow the mighty trunk of Teldrassil. They might have done more, and swallowed the whole thing, before we interrupted and attacked them. Our druids were able to hold the tree above the water, while my Sentinels and Priestesses attacked. The fight lasted for months, and we were without aid. It took all we had, but we won. We destroyed their leader, and sent them fleeing back into the sea. But it came at a heavy price.
"Our people were injured. Many had died, and many more had been wounded with the poisons that the naga used. Many fell sick, and we found ourselves at a loss. When Fandral spoke of the loss of our standing army, and of our current weakness, the majority of the effects were from this war. Our people became disheartened, and many stopped fighting."
She shook her head in regret. "What's more was that we could no longer move off the island. We lost contact with many of the night elves stationed in Ashenvale, and Feralas, too."
"Why?" Naruto said, frowning. "Shandris-san got here all right. And what's stopping you from going to them?"
She nodded, smiling a little. "Thankfully, Shandris was right to keep a stock of hearthstones for that use. But we had, and still have, not the resources to create hearthstones for every elf in those areas." Her smile faded then.
"On your way here, you doubtlessly ran into a storm or two, did you not?"
Naruto nodded.
"Those storms are not something that we put there, or that are naturally occurring. They are the result of the naga's powerful control over the sea. They create these massive storms, which protect us from enemies, yes, but at the same time, severely hamper our ability to leave Teldrassil. This was mentioned in the Council meeting, I believe."
Naruto remembered. The snide sounding druid.
Then he frowned, kicking the ground in annoyance. "Hmph. So it's all 'cause of those guys, huh?"
To his surprise, Tyrande shook her head.
"There are many reasons. Certainly the war contributed a great amount, but many occurred before then." She sighed, reaching out to touch the branches of a nearby tree, her eyes forlorn. "This whole island is one such reason."
Naruto frowned at her. "What do you mean?"
She sighed. "Do you know what Teldrassil was designed for, child?"
Naruto shook his head. "Nope."
"It was created as a substitute for the original World Tree, Nordrassil. Nordrassil, long ago, was given to us by the spirits of nature, and was blessed by the Dragon Aspects, Nozdormu, Alexstrazsa, and Ysera. It granted us immortality and immunity to disease, and protected us. It was a gift.
"Teldrassil was not. Many, after Nordrassil's destruction, were terrified of the prospect of age, of disease, of change. Fandral Staghelm was among these, and against my beloved's wishes, he created Teldrassil as a replacement."
"But Teldrassil was not blessed. It was created out of a selfish desire to regain something that we had sacrificed for the good of this world. Instead of granting us immortality, it became corrupted; the same corruption that perverted the furbolgs of Ashenvale and Feralas: the taint of the Burning Legion. Because of that, a deep sense of shame filled those who had created it. Though it was a beautiful sight to behold, it was still tainted, unclean."
There was an edge in her voice as she said this. Naruto suddenly realized that this must be the source of her feud with Fandral. She must be still angry with him for doing what he did.
"We stopped the spread of the corruption, but it remained scarred, until the seas swallowed it all. But that shame lingers in many people's hearts; along with the fear of aging, and the sicknesses."
Naruto frowned. "Can't you guys cure the sicknesses? You must have developed a lot of things, seeing as how you're all so old."
Tyrande shook her head. "Jutsu cannot cure diseases, which are living organisms that spread constantly throughout the body. One would have to possess phenomenal control in order to fully eliminate the pathogen. Hence, liquid cures are far better and more effective. But we have grown weak in that area. Without any need for the knowledge, we stopped making records on potions and antidotes long ago. It was a foolish and vain mistake, one that shall not be repeated. We have made great strides in the last few years, and many of the diseases we can now fight as you can.
"But, whether it is because we have gone for so long without being sick, our bodies' natural defenses are weak. We succumb to sickness easily, and it consumes us far swifter than it does you. That is why it is so dire a threat to us. But it is just one of the many."
She sighed, sitting on the soft grass near the water's edge. They had not left the other island, which appeared to just be more gardens, as well as a large stone house, whose purpose Naruto didn't know.
Naruto joined her on the grass, staring up at the unchanging sky. "It seems like you guys just don't want help."
She nodded, sadly. "It does seem like that, doesn't it? As Fandral said, our people are used to doing things for themselves. I do not disagree. For thousands of years, we needed no help or intervention. We were strong and able on our own. But that is one of our defining faults, I think. We became too used to our eternity. We did not want anything to change anymore."
Naruto nodded in agreement. "Yeah. It's pretty funny that you guys are probably the oldest people on earth, and yet you're not any wiser than us."
She paused. "Yes…that might be right."
"Of course it is," Naruto said, grinning at her. He then looked up at the sky. "What you guys don't realize is that change doesn't just come in physical form or appearance or anything like that. It comes in personality and character, too. You guys seem to resist change even in those points. No matter what you go through, you guys aren't changing, aren't growing, in any way. That's what needs to change. You guys need to start acting your age, I guess."
Tyrande couldn't help it. The fact that a boy nearly ten thousand years her junior was telling her to act her age was almost absurd. She began to laugh.
Naruto huffed, frowning at her. "Hmph, I think it's good advice."
She stopped laughing, staring at him with bright, almost teary eyes. "And so do I. You are absolutely right. It is something that has been a long time coming, too. There is a need for great change in this place; I have known this for many years." She looked up into the sky, too, turning her head slightly to look at something that Naruto couldn't see.
"The great lady Elune, who shines above us always, knows this." She smiled. "Perhaps we can begin this change."
Naruto grinned. "Sounds good, I think. I bet Kira knows the way to do it already."
Tyrande smiled, looking at him. "And do you?"
The blonde grinned even wider. "Yep! It's probably something we should've done from the start."
Tyrande nodded. "Take it to the people…then, is that what you are thinking?"
Naruto grinned. "Hehe, great minds think alike!" He then stood, crossing his arms.
"If those stuffy bastards in the Council won't give us permission, then why not take it to the people who really matter! The ones who are gonna be most affected by it, right?"
The enthusiasm that the boy was displaying amused Tyrande, and at the same time gave her comfort. Yes. It was something that should have been done quite a while ago. The people were what truly mattered; her people, the people that Malfurion had charged her to protect. This was the way to do it.
She looked at Naruto with a kind, almost motherly smile on her face. And she was going to have the best kind of help, too. Someone that was as willing as she to change things. Somehow, she knew that this boy was going to be of great help, and honestly couldn't wait to begin.
She stood up finally, dusting her glittering white robe off, and turning to Naruto.
"You'd best get some rest. It is long overdue for both of us, and if what you say is true, then we have a lot of work to do tomorrow."
Naruto nodded, and they both started back. As they crossed the bridge, Tyrande, who walked a little behind Naruto, spotted something that she had not seen before.
"That blade…" she said, leaning down to inspect Magni's Pride, which was strapped to the back of Naruto's belt, more closely.
Naruto stopped, blinking at her. "What about it?"
"It is Dwarven made, is it not?"
He nodded. "How'd you know?"
She rolled her eyes. "I have seen many such weapons, in my lifetime. Who forged it? It looks superbly crafted, a weapon of great power, no doubt."
Naruto grinned. "It's called Magni's Pride. It was made by King Magni himself."
Her eyes widened considerably. "Is that so? Now that you mention it, I do recall you saying something about that in your story." She reached out, taking hold of its hilt. "May I?"
He nodded, and she drew it out, marveling at the gleaming adamantium blade. "Amazing," she said. "Its craftsmanship is absolutely flawless. I would expect no less from Magni. What is its talent?"
"Talent?" Naruto asked, frowning.
She regarded him evenly. "Yes, talent. Every Dwarven blade is crafted with more than just heat and metal. The maker puts his very heart and soul, as well as a large amount of his own chakra into the making of the weapon, and this generally grants it a talent—a special ability that somehow enhances the performance of the sword. From the way that you are staring at me, I can tell that you are not aware of what talent it possesses, correct?"
Naruto nodded, staring at the sword with surprised eyes. "Why didn't he tell me?" he asked.
Tyrande shrugged, handing the blade back to him. "It is his choice whether to tell you or not. Perhaps he wished for you to figure it out on your own. I cannot say. But given the impressiveness of the sword, I gather that the talent must be truly incredible."
Naruto stared at the sword a moment longer, his eyes inquisitive. He had been holding something that cool for so long, without even realizing it? He'd have to find out the talent now. He hated secrets, so he would work his hardest to bring out whatever talent this thing had.
They reached the main island, where the two split. Tyrande gave Naruto a gracious bow, which Naruto returned, a little awkwardly.
"I can tell," she said, looking at him with smiling eyes. "That this is the beginning of change, don't you think, Uzumaki Naruto?"
Naruto nodded, grinning at her. "Hehe, definitely. Kira-chan's dream is so close to being completed. I won't stop now!"
"Then let us part. We shall begin tomorrow. However long it takes."
Naruto nodded, thrusting his hand out, with the finger extended.
"It's a promise!"
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Done.
A different kind of battle, wouldn't you say? Them's fightin' words. I changed the Council meeting scene around a lot. No matter how I looked at it, it just seemed a debate, and nothing like a council meeting. So I just went with it like that, and hope that it makes sense.
Fandral's motives can be taken as noble, as in he cares so much for his people that he isn't willing to risk their lives by allying with orcs and Forsaken; but they can also be taken as hateful, for it is clear that he does not tolerate other races very well, and is far too focused on the might of the night elves. I like him, for some reason, even if he is a total dick. He's complex.
That should be it. Next chapter will be up soon. Everything is going to get deeper from here on in!
Seeya next week!
General Grievous
