The lyrics used in this chapter come from "The Soulforged" by Blind Guardian.
Before you ask - yes, Illidan would be able to say these things about Furion. In my version, that is.
Thus began the worst episode in my life, the true nightmare in endless night. I was being guarded by the archdruid Califax, one of Cenarius' sons. Locked below the ground, I lost my touch when was night, and when was day. At first they kept me chained to the wall by one hand and one leg. After some time, they understood I plan no escape and let me walk free in my cell. Actually, that didn't make much difference, for the cell never was big and I had nothing to do. Walking round in circles wasn't my type of entertainment. I preferred to sit in a corner and think.
Betrayer... I was betrayed. My brother was blind on the hunger that forced me to do all that. No one could understand me but my addicted brethren.
My anger for Furion slowly grew. I was ready to forgive him few days ago, but not anymore. Not after what he has done.
I was in touch with the upper world only thanks to the Watchers that brought me food. They were kind enough to tell me of what was going on. I felt like they wanted me to regret and see how they move on despite my deeds.
Firstly, I heard about what happened to the Well of Eternity I created. The druids asked the dragons for help, afraid of the Legion's return. Yes, that's when the greatest revolution in Kaldorei life took place. Alextrasza planted a huge tree on Mt. Hyjal - huge enough to cover the whole lake. Some of its roots reached me down there. My brother named it the Norddrassil - World Tree. It was to keep the Well's powers under control and protect it from being once again used. Yet no one can foresee the future, so the druids sacrificed themselves to guard the others. Nozdormu made them immortal and ageless without the powers of my Well. They had no idea that I had enough powers of my own to keep myself alive. Anyway, next was Ysera's gift. She put all the druids to sleep. They dreamt in the Emerald Dream, her domain and were well aware of what was going on. As far as I know, they once awoke when the need came.
But nevermind. Except the druids, all the female elves were left, along with my hunter brethren and the remainings of Quel'dorei. The demon hunters and Highbourne were then shunned and dreaded because of the threat they may cause. The women named themselves the Sentinels army and swore to guard the forests of Ashenvale from the possible danger. Including my addicted brethren.
As I said, those of the upper world weren't aware of me living on. Actually, they have completely forgotten about me. But I was alive, dwelling in anger and thirst for revenge. My heart fell apart, when I lost all hope for Remar coming for me.
After about five thousand years Maiev herself came with some news. The Quel'dorei are gone, she said. Fear struck me. How can this be...? Maiev has explained exactly what, when and how...
It was all cause of Remar. Yes, you're right, my beloved Remar. After those milleniums he could not resist the growing hunger. He gathered the Quel'dorei and caused a giant magical storm over the whole Ashenvale. Everyone panicked, fear paralyzing them or making them lose their minds. Furion calmed them down only by miracle, and alltogether the awakened druids managed to break the spell. The storm calmed down, and then my brother remembered that - desperate of getting rid of any magic - he announced that anyone, who shall use magic even once, shall be killed. But the Quel'dorei brethren was huge. Furion could not allow himself to take away so many lives. When Maiev told me this, my heart calmed down. Yet my twin had another way of dealing with the Highbourne...
He exiled them across the sea, to the far East. We night elves knew that out there was a land. Back before the Well's explosion the distance between Kalimdor and Lordaeron was small, so we were sometimes crossing to the other land. Now, the Quel'dorei were forced to sail next to the dangerous Maelstrom and settle on that land.
As far as I know, they made their own contry out there, on the eastern coasts of Lordaeron. Quel'Thalas... The Highbourne, now the High Elves, needed magic... and had it. The vial I once gave to Remar was used to create their own Sunwell that feeded their hunger. Unfortuneatly, it wasn't enough to grant them immortality. Remar had to die...
I still mourn the loss of my lover... Now shut up. All those years in Maiev's prison made me forget most of what I wanted to keep forever... but not him. No, not Remar. I slowly started to forget his face, but the memory itself remained.
And finally, after ten thousand years of imprisonment, I was freed. Tyrande herself, despite Furion's protest, came for me and released me. She didn't even hesitate to kill dozens of Watchers and the archdruid Califax... at first I couldn't recognise my priestess' behaviour, but no doubt it was her.
At that moment my heart, in the deepest pain I ever felt, decided to throw away the most sorrowful episode in my life. I no longer confessed that I loved Remar.
I had to put my feelings back. Another war came. I promised Tyrande that I will hunt down ay demon that appears. Yes, that's true. Once again the Burning Legion has returned - thanks to the Scourge, the undead armies of fallen kingdoms of Lordaeron and Quel'Thalas. The High Elves were doomed... Nevermind it. The undead - more accurately, the Lich Kel'Thuzad - summoned Archimonde back to the world of Azeroth.
But before I could get my hands on that son of a bitch, I faced his leutainant, the dreadlord Tichondrius. The undead prince, Arthas the human betrayer, came to me. He wished me to destroy the Skull of Gul'dan, an artifact of the powerful orcish warlock that caused the corruption of Ashenvale. With it destroyed, I'd save the forest and decrease the power of Tichondrius. Plus Arthas' master, the Lich King Ner'zhul, would also benefit on it.
I reached the Skull without many prolems. But when I wanted to strike and get rid of it, my thirst for power overcame my reason. I told myself that no one will be a match for me, if I claim the Skull's powers as my own. So I did it... and I turned into a half-demon, as you see me now.
Then Tichondrius was just another minion that needs to get his throat cut. After his death, Furion and Tyrande found me. How could I, they asked. The answer that I did it for the forest was not enough. Shan'do shouted that I'm not his brother, that Illidan would never give away his soul... My heart cried. Furion banished me from Ashenvale. So I headed towards Lordaeron, were my first lover was once exiled...
Hunger for revenge grew in me. I needed to get rid of the demons, to punish my brother. Betrayer... in truth, I was betrayed. I tried to plan something that would let me win... and then he came.
Kil'jaeden of the Burning Legion knew me very well. He gave me a task of destroying the Frozen Throne on Icecrown, and with it - kill Ner'zhul. Even now, I can't make up why did he order that to me instead of doing it himself. But nevermind. It was a hard task, and I needed help with it.
Yes, I had a good idea. Me fellow Quel'dorei were divided in two - some of them being turned into Naga, half-snake, half-night elf creatures. I summoned them, knowing that may also call Azshara, who survived thanks only to her Naga healers. Luckily, she did not come and I was free to order the Naga. Their representative, Lady Vashj, is still a faithful friend of mine. I just worry that one day they may return to their Empress, once my queen, Azshara...
Anyway, I was well aware that Maiev was on my tail all the time. She swore to return me to my prison. I and my servants tried to ignore her chase and headed ourselved towards some special islands. They were once sunken, but Gul'dan, the same warclock whose Skull I once stole, brought them back to the surface. Those islands contained a large, ancient tomb. Ages ago, the Guardian Magna Aegwynn has sealed the demonlord Sargeras beneath the ocean, right in this tomb. And now a chance for me laid there...
Sargeras' soul perished along with Medivh's death, but an artifact remained. His Eye, sealed in the tomb, was defineatly perfect for my task. Ner'zhul was a creation of Kil'jaeden, so no doubt that the demonlord's powers may kill him. I and my Naga entered the tomb with Maiev right behind us. Fortuneatly, I reached the Eye of Sargeras before that bitch reached us. Her Watchers were the only elves I could kill without any regrets. And I did so. I used the Eye to collapse the tomb over Maiev's troops, and only Maiev herself escaped.
We settled at the Dalaran ruins, south of Lordaeron. It once was the Purple City, center of magic - a perfect place to cast a spell we needed. The Naga I ordered to stop Maiev fell, for she called for my brother's aid. I had to guard my summoners on my own. Breaking the incantation could have tragical effects...
Maiev and Furion came for me. I knew that it's all my fault, but it can't be undone and I must go on. I can't give up...
The battle in Dalaran ruins was when I first heard the name Kael. I had no idea who he is or where from, I only heard the name and his voice. They both sounded so familiar, so... warm...
Khem, please be quiet. I failed to defend my summoners and the Eye of Sargeras exploded. I could no longer fight, so it was all up to my brother. He said his monologue about countless lives I killed yap-yap-yap, and that prison is not enough. Maiev was about to kill me, when Elune's grace caused a miracle. Furion said that thanks to my goddamn spell Tyrande is dead. I was shocked, but Kael straightened all up and explained, that the priestess was only swept downriver. Maiev lied, and that made my brother furious. In the goodness of his heart, he let my Naga search the river.
We found her surrouned by undead. Kael couldn't help us, for his superior awaited, but I and Furion managed to rescue the priestess. I brought her to my brother, and finally there was peace between the two of us. Only I had to flee, for I was well aware that by aiding them I disobeyed Kil'jaeden's command. I could not destroy the Throne, not now, so I desperately sought refuge back in Outland, in what remained of once beutiful Draenor.
But then Maiev found me. She used my protal and imprisoned me before Vashj and her forces joined me. If I was brough to the Watcher's camp, I'd be doomed, but fortuneatly they made it. Naga and the Blood Elves, formerly the High Elves... or the Highbourne... defeated her. I've no idea what happened to Maiev, but I haven't seen her since then.
Anyway, Vashj explained that the remainings of Quel'Thalas - at least most of them - named themselves the Blood Elves. Now, fed up with the Alliance of Lordaeron, they seek my aid. They are - as always were - addicted to magic, just as were their night elven ancestors that came to Lordaeron milleniums ago. They gave themselves to me in exchange for magic.
Alltogether we defeated the pit lord Magtheridon and his hordes of demons and demonic orcs. The Outland is since then all mine. Though empty, barren and wasted, it's now my new home, away from painful memories connected with Ashenvale and Remar...
I'd shed a tear, if I was able to... your giggles don't bother me anymore, you know that? So you can as well stop it. I was sitting in the Black Citadel of Outland, preparing a plan for the future. Kil'jaeden has found me, but gave me a second chance. I must destroy Icecrown, but had no idea how. We decided to destroy the Throne itself before Arthas reaches it. Ner'zhul the Lich King was weakened, and it was our chance...
But before we left, I had a talk with the leader of the Blood Elves. He was the same Kael I met back there in Dalaran. He told me his whole story - of Arthas destroying his homeland and killing his family on his very eyes, of Grand Marshall Garithos giving a damn on his loss and pushing him around... He confessed how much hope and strenght I gave his people. My heart and soul lit up, when he said that. Then I found out. His full name is prince Kael'thas Sunstrider. I felt like if a lightning struck me. Sunstrider... so he's Remar's descendant. My heart beat fast... that's where I know the voice from... Remar's was nearly the same.
Since then I watched, if I can still call it that way, him very closely. Setting a camp at Icecrown's base took us a few days, and before I knew it, I... Yes, I fell in love with him... It happened very fast, I barely knew him then. I guess I... well, I expected him to be another Remar... But no, Kael was different. Way different than my long lost love. He's very young as for an elf. He acted a bit childlish, I'd call it, but was also very nice and faithful to me. I yearned for love, any love... even from a child.
The camps by Icecrown were set, and as dawn came, the battle was to begin. The battle for the Frozen Throne. A violent battle for life and death. I was well aware that I may be the one to die out there, on the snow and ice... but I wanted to try. The night before I took Kael for a private talk. I had, I just had to tell him...
I confessed of everything, of how I was related to his ancestor and how much I love him. He was hardly surprised, just listened closely and nodded from time to time. Apparently he could not find words that would make a suitable answer. We simply stood there, outside our camp, on the snow, hit by the coldest of all breezes. The silence felt so uncomfortable I had to do something. I gently embraced Kael, afraid he might throw me away... he didn't. I hugged him tight, feeling like weeping with no tears... The youth told me how he feels, that I'm like a father for him... The flame of my hope died with those words, but a new light appeared, when Kael added that he wishes to return my feeling. Giggle as much as you wish, I don't care anymore. Lost your humour? Perfect.
Kael's confession filled me with new warmth and strenght. I promised that when the war ends, I'll do anything to make him love me. It felt like the happiest night of my life, the one spent with my new beloved... I haven't seen him even once, only heard his voice, felt his body against mine... It's one of the few happy memories of my life, thought black, with no images. When holding Kael so close, I fell like I could defeat anyone, Arthas, Kil'jaeden, Sargeras...
But I made a mistake, a big mistake. I and Arthas once duelled and our chances were equal, the scales perfectly balanced. Ice against fire, frost against flame... The undead managed to open the throne room first and their king rushed to the top. I reached him at the gates. Our second duel took place, both of us much powerful than before. But I was wrong to attack by Icecrown... Arthas' forces, weakened not long before, were now being restored. He even gained new powers, being so close to his master, Ner'zhul. I fell, my arm nearly cut off. See this scar? Arthas gave it to me. I was dangerously close to death, it nearing and nearing...
Arthas reached the Throne, his goal. he thought me already dead and didn't even bother to check it, concentrating on his master. I felt the extreme energy released, when those two became one. Arthas, with his destructive blade Frostmourne, sat on the Frozen Throne.
But I cared not. The cut on my chest bleeded so badly I knew my end was drawing near. Memories came, first one by one, then all at once. Even those I forgot... I saw Remar's face with my blind eyes, I saw Tyrande, Furion, the dead Cenarius... I saw Kael. Yes, and image of the elf also came. I have no idea how, and I will never find out if it was correct. But he was so beautiful, so desirable... I cried inwardly, not being able to shed tears anymore. I felt like I could only pray to my Elune, so she would forgive me all my sins and guilts...
And after, I whispered my beloved's name...
I don't wonder how it happened, but it seems like it worked as some kind of summon... Kael came. He was all alone, not caring about anything. He only wished to find me... And he did, just in time. My wound was far too big for the potions he brought, but they managed to heal me enough to survive. Kael somehow managed to take me back to our camp, supporting me on his shoulders, my blood dripping down on his armour. I heard him sob silently, but I could do nothing. I was too weak to even say any calming words...
Now, I am back here, in Draenor. It took me some time to recover from those injuries, but Kael was always with me. He slowly heals also my wounded heart, and the pain after Remar is fading. I only fear I may lose him, as I lost Remar, my eyes, my soul... I should be happy, for I have a new lover, new home, chance for redemption. Even Furion and Tyrande have forgiven me, the rest of my demon hunters is also once again accepter among our Sentinel brethren. Peace comes back to Kalimdor.
Yet no one knows what's happening to Arthas, and the Burning Legion is still out there somewhere. Kil'jaeden will surely seek to kill me... and the undead king as well. I don't know where the hope of our world lies, but mine has been found.
You know, I just remembered a poem... I have no idea where or who from I have heard it, but I had. It's so honest, true... deep. At least I find it that way. If I remembered it earlier, maybe it would push me on, give me at least some courage... Listen to this part:Each step I take,
may it hurt, may it ache,
leads me further away from the past.
But as long as I breathe,
with each smile on my bleak face,
I'm on my way to find,
back to the peace of mind.
Well, how does it sound in your human ears? I have left my past where it should be, far behind, and found new courage and hope in my beloved Kael. Only Medivh himself may know what the future holds, but I shall stand proud and strong. Somewhere out there are new ways of life, new miracles, new powers and light...
And this is it, the story of Illidan Stormrage. The story of two betrayals, lost loves, hopes, darkness and spoiled souls. The story of a corrupted demon-elf that is once again alive.
My story.
The end is far away...
Before you ask - yes, Illidan would be able to say these things about Furion. In my version, that is.
Thus began the worst episode in my life, the true nightmare in endless night. I was being guarded by the archdruid Califax, one of Cenarius' sons. Locked below the ground, I lost my touch when was night, and when was day. At first they kept me chained to the wall by one hand and one leg. After some time, they understood I plan no escape and let me walk free in my cell. Actually, that didn't make much difference, for the cell never was big and I had nothing to do. Walking round in circles wasn't my type of entertainment. I preferred to sit in a corner and think.
Betrayer... I was betrayed. My brother was blind on the hunger that forced me to do all that. No one could understand me but my addicted brethren.
My anger for Furion slowly grew. I was ready to forgive him few days ago, but not anymore. Not after what he has done.
I was in touch with the upper world only thanks to the Watchers that brought me food. They were kind enough to tell me of what was going on. I felt like they wanted me to regret and see how they move on despite my deeds.
Firstly, I heard about what happened to the Well of Eternity I created. The druids asked the dragons for help, afraid of the Legion's return. Yes, that's when the greatest revolution in Kaldorei life took place. Alextrasza planted a huge tree on Mt. Hyjal - huge enough to cover the whole lake. Some of its roots reached me down there. My brother named it the Norddrassil - World Tree. It was to keep the Well's powers under control and protect it from being once again used. Yet no one can foresee the future, so the druids sacrificed themselves to guard the others. Nozdormu made them immortal and ageless without the powers of my Well. They had no idea that I had enough powers of my own to keep myself alive. Anyway, next was Ysera's gift. She put all the druids to sleep. They dreamt in the Emerald Dream, her domain and were well aware of what was going on. As far as I know, they once awoke when the need came.
But nevermind. Except the druids, all the female elves were left, along with my hunter brethren and the remainings of Quel'dorei. The demon hunters and Highbourne were then shunned and dreaded because of the threat they may cause. The women named themselves the Sentinels army and swore to guard the forests of Ashenvale from the possible danger. Including my addicted brethren.
As I said, those of the upper world weren't aware of me living on. Actually, they have completely forgotten about me. But I was alive, dwelling in anger and thirst for revenge. My heart fell apart, when I lost all hope for Remar coming for me.
After about five thousand years Maiev herself came with some news. The Quel'dorei are gone, she said. Fear struck me. How can this be...? Maiev has explained exactly what, when and how...
It was all cause of Remar. Yes, you're right, my beloved Remar. After those milleniums he could not resist the growing hunger. He gathered the Quel'dorei and caused a giant magical storm over the whole Ashenvale. Everyone panicked, fear paralyzing them or making them lose their minds. Furion calmed them down only by miracle, and alltogether the awakened druids managed to break the spell. The storm calmed down, and then my brother remembered that - desperate of getting rid of any magic - he announced that anyone, who shall use magic even once, shall be killed. But the Quel'dorei brethren was huge. Furion could not allow himself to take away so many lives. When Maiev told me this, my heart calmed down. Yet my twin had another way of dealing with the Highbourne...
He exiled them across the sea, to the far East. We night elves knew that out there was a land. Back before the Well's explosion the distance between Kalimdor and Lordaeron was small, so we were sometimes crossing to the other land. Now, the Quel'dorei were forced to sail next to the dangerous Maelstrom and settle on that land.
As far as I know, they made their own contry out there, on the eastern coasts of Lordaeron. Quel'Thalas... The Highbourne, now the High Elves, needed magic... and had it. The vial I once gave to Remar was used to create their own Sunwell that feeded their hunger. Unfortuneatly, it wasn't enough to grant them immortality. Remar had to die...
I still mourn the loss of my lover... Now shut up. All those years in Maiev's prison made me forget most of what I wanted to keep forever... but not him. No, not Remar. I slowly started to forget his face, but the memory itself remained.
And finally, after ten thousand years of imprisonment, I was freed. Tyrande herself, despite Furion's protest, came for me and released me. She didn't even hesitate to kill dozens of Watchers and the archdruid Califax... at first I couldn't recognise my priestess' behaviour, but no doubt it was her.
At that moment my heart, in the deepest pain I ever felt, decided to throw away the most sorrowful episode in my life. I no longer confessed that I loved Remar.
I had to put my feelings back. Another war came. I promised Tyrande that I will hunt down ay demon that appears. Yes, that's true. Once again the Burning Legion has returned - thanks to the Scourge, the undead armies of fallen kingdoms of Lordaeron and Quel'Thalas. The High Elves were doomed... Nevermind it. The undead - more accurately, the Lich Kel'Thuzad - summoned Archimonde back to the world of Azeroth.
But before I could get my hands on that son of a bitch, I faced his leutainant, the dreadlord Tichondrius. The undead prince, Arthas the human betrayer, came to me. He wished me to destroy the Skull of Gul'dan, an artifact of the powerful orcish warlock that caused the corruption of Ashenvale. With it destroyed, I'd save the forest and decrease the power of Tichondrius. Plus Arthas' master, the Lich King Ner'zhul, would also benefit on it.
I reached the Skull without many prolems. But when I wanted to strike and get rid of it, my thirst for power overcame my reason. I told myself that no one will be a match for me, if I claim the Skull's powers as my own. So I did it... and I turned into a half-demon, as you see me now.
Then Tichondrius was just another minion that needs to get his throat cut. After his death, Furion and Tyrande found me. How could I, they asked. The answer that I did it for the forest was not enough. Shan'do shouted that I'm not his brother, that Illidan would never give away his soul... My heart cried. Furion banished me from Ashenvale. So I headed towards Lordaeron, were my first lover was once exiled...
Hunger for revenge grew in me. I needed to get rid of the demons, to punish my brother. Betrayer... in truth, I was betrayed. I tried to plan something that would let me win... and then he came.
Kil'jaeden of the Burning Legion knew me very well. He gave me a task of destroying the Frozen Throne on Icecrown, and with it - kill Ner'zhul. Even now, I can't make up why did he order that to me instead of doing it himself. But nevermind. It was a hard task, and I needed help with it.
Yes, I had a good idea. Me fellow Quel'dorei were divided in two - some of them being turned into Naga, half-snake, half-night elf creatures. I summoned them, knowing that may also call Azshara, who survived thanks only to her Naga healers. Luckily, she did not come and I was free to order the Naga. Their representative, Lady Vashj, is still a faithful friend of mine. I just worry that one day they may return to their Empress, once my queen, Azshara...
Anyway, I was well aware that Maiev was on my tail all the time. She swore to return me to my prison. I and my servants tried to ignore her chase and headed ourselved towards some special islands. They were once sunken, but Gul'dan, the same warclock whose Skull I once stole, brought them back to the surface. Those islands contained a large, ancient tomb. Ages ago, the Guardian Magna Aegwynn has sealed the demonlord Sargeras beneath the ocean, right in this tomb. And now a chance for me laid there...
Sargeras' soul perished along with Medivh's death, but an artifact remained. His Eye, sealed in the tomb, was defineatly perfect for my task. Ner'zhul was a creation of Kil'jaeden, so no doubt that the demonlord's powers may kill him. I and my Naga entered the tomb with Maiev right behind us. Fortuneatly, I reached the Eye of Sargeras before that bitch reached us. Her Watchers were the only elves I could kill without any regrets. And I did so. I used the Eye to collapse the tomb over Maiev's troops, and only Maiev herself escaped.
We settled at the Dalaran ruins, south of Lordaeron. It once was the Purple City, center of magic - a perfect place to cast a spell we needed. The Naga I ordered to stop Maiev fell, for she called for my brother's aid. I had to guard my summoners on my own. Breaking the incantation could have tragical effects...
Maiev and Furion came for me. I knew that it's all my fault, but it can't be undone and I must go on. I can't give up...
The battle in Dalaran ruins was when I first heard the name Kael. I had no idea who he is or where from, I only heard the name and his voice. They both sounded so familiar, so... warm...
Khem, please be quiet. I failed to defend my summoners and the Eye of Sargeras exploded. I could no longer fight, so it was all up to my brother. He said his monologue about countless lives I killed yap-yap-yap, and that prison is not enough. Maiev was about to kill me, when Elune's grace caused a miracle. Furion said that thanks to my goddamn spell Tyrande is dead. I was shocked, but Kael straightened all up and explained, that the priestess was only swept downriver. Maiev lied, and that made my brother furious. In the goodness of his heart, he let my Naga search the river.
We found her surrouned by undead. Kael couldn't help us, for his superior awaited, but I and Furion managed to rescue the priestess. I brought her to my brother, and finally there was peace between the two of us. Only I had to flee, for I was well aware that by aiding them I disobeyed Kil'jaeden's command. I could not destroy the Throne, not now, so I desperately sought refuge back in Outland, in what remained of once beutiful Draenor.
But then Maiev found me. She used my protal and imprisoned me before Vashj and her forces joined me. If I was brough to the Watcher's camp, I'd be doomed, but fortuneatly they made it. Naga and the Blood Elves, formerly the High Elves... or the Highbourne... defeated her. I've no idea what happened to Maiev, but I haven't seen her since then.
Anyway, Vashj explained that the remainings of Quel'Thalas - at least most of them - named themselves the Blood Elves. Now, fed up with the Alliance of Lordaeron, they seek my aid. They are - as always were - addicted to magic, just as were their night elven ancestors that came to Lordaeron milleniums ago. They gave themselves to me in exchange for magic.
Alltogether we defeated the pit lord Magtheridon and his hordes of demons and demonic orcs. The Outland is since then all mine. Though empty, barren and wasted, it's now my new home, away from painful memories connected with Ashenvale and Remar...
I'd shed a tear, if I was able to... your giggles don't bother me anymore, you know that? So you can as well stop it. I was sitting in the Black Citadel of Outland, preparing a plan for the future. Kil'jaeden has found me, but gave me a second chance. I must destroy Icecrown, but had no idea how. We decided to destroy the Throne itself before Arthas reaches it. Ner'zhul the Lich King was weakened, and it was our chance...
But before we left, I had a talk with the leader of the Blood Elves. He was the same Kael I met back there in Dalaran. He told me his whole story - of Arthas destroying his homeland and killing his family on his very eyes, of Grand Marshall Garithos giving a damn on his loss and pushing him around... He confessed how much hope and strenght I gave his people. My heart and soul lit up, when he said that. Then I found out. His full name is prince Kael'thas Sunstrider. I felt like if a lightning struck me. Sunstrider... so he's Remar's descendant. My heart beat fast... that's where I know the voice from... Remar's was nearly the same.
Since then I watched, if I can still call it that way, him very closely. Setting a camp at Icecrown's base took us a few days, and before I knew it, I... Yes, I fell in love with him... It happened very fast, I barely knew him then. I guess I... well, I expected him to be another Remar... But no, Kael was different. Way different than my long lost love. He's very young as for an elf. He acted a bit childlish, I'd call it, but was also very nice and faithful to me. I yearned for love, any love... even from a child.
The camps by Icecrown were set, and as dawn came, the battle was to begin. The battle for the Frozen Throne. A violent battle for life and death. I was well aware that I may be the one to die out there, on the snow and ice... but I wanted to try. The night before I took Kael for a private talk. I had, I just had to tell him...
I confessed of everything, of how I was related to his ancestor and how much I love him. He was hardly surprised, just listened closely and nodded from time to time. Apparently he could not find words that would make a suitable answer. We simply stood there, outside our camp, on the snow, hit by the coldest of all breezes. The silence felt so uncomfortable I had to do something. I gently embraced Kael, afraid he might throw me away... he didn't. I hugged him tight, feeling like weeping with no tears... The youth told me how he feels, that I'm like a father for him... The flame of my hope died with those words, but a new light appeared, when Kael added that he wishes to return my feeling. Giggle as much as you wish, I don't care anymore. Lost your humour? Perfect.
Kael's confession filled me with new warmth and strenght. I promised that when the war ends, I'll do anything to make him love me. It felt like the happiest night of my life, the one spent with my new beloved... I haven't seen him even once, only heard his voice, felt his body against mine... It's one of the few happy memories of my life, thought black, with no images. When holding Kael so close, I fell like I could defeat anyone, Arthas, Kil'jaeden, Sargeras...
But I made a mistake, a big mistake. I and Arthas once duelled and our chances were equal, the scales perfectly balanced. Ice against fire, frost against flame... The undead managed to open the throne room first and their king rushed to the top. I reached him at the gates. Our second duel took place, both of us much powerful than before. But I was wrong to attack by Icecrown... Arthas' forces, weakened not long before, were now being restored. He even gained new powers, being so close to his master, Ner'zhul. I fell, my arm nearly cut off. See this scar? Arthas gave it to me. I was dangerously close to death, it nearing and nearing...
Arthas reached the Throne, his goal. he thought me already dead and didn't even bother to check it, concentrating on his master. I felt the extreme energy released, when those two became one. Arthas, with his destructive blade Frostmourne, sat on the Frozen Throne.
But I cared not. The cut on my chest bleeded so badly I knew my end was drawing near. Memories came, first one by one, then all at once. Even those I forgot... I saw Remar's face with my blind eyes, I saw Tyrande, Furion, the dead Cenarius... I saw Kael. Yes, and image of the elf also came. I have no idea how, and I will never find out if it was correct. But he was so beautiful, so desirable... I cried inwardly, not being able to shed tears anymore. I felt like I could only pray to my Elune, so she would forgive me all my sins and guilts...
And after, I whispered my beloved's name...
I don't wonder how it happened, but it seems like it worked as some kind of summon... Kael came. He was all alone, not caring about anything. He only wished to find me... And he did, just in time. My wound was far too big for the potions he brought, but they managed to heal me enough to survive. Kael somehow managed to take me back to our camp, supporting me on his shoulders, my blood dripping down on his armour. I heard him sob silently, but I could do nothing. I was too weak to even say any calming words...
Now, I am back here, in Draenor. It took me some time to recover from those injuries, but Kael was always with me. He slowly heals also my wounded heart, and the pain after Remar is fading. I only fear I may lose him, as I lost Remar, my eyes, my soul... I should be happy, for I have a new lover, new home, chance for redemption. Even Furion and Tyrande have forgiven me, the rest of my demon hunters is also once again accepter among our Sentinel brethren. Peace comes back to Kalimdor.
Yet no one knows what's happening to Arthas, and the Burning Legion is still out there somewhere. Kil'jaeden will surely seek to kill me... and the undead king as well. I don't know where the hope of our world lies, but mine has been found.
You know, I just remembered a poem... I have no idea where or who from I have heard it, but I had. It's so honest, true... deep. At least I find it that way. If I remembered it earlier, maybe it would push me on, give me at least some courage... Listen to this part:
may it hurt, may it ache,
leads me further away from the past.
But as long as I breathe,
with each smile on my bleak face,
I'm on my way to find,
back to the peace of mind.
Well, how does it sound in your human ears? I have left my past where it should be, far behind, and found new courage and hope in my beloved Kael. Only Medivh himself may know what the future holds, but I shall stand proud and strong. Somewhere out there are new ways of life, new miracles, new powers and light...
And this is it, the story of Illidan Stormrage. The story of two betrayals, lost loves, hopes, darkness and spoiled souls. The story of a corrupted demon-elf that is once again alive.
My story.
The end is far away...