~ The unforeseen ~

~ by Anne Shard (alias Odeena Skywalker) ~

Chapter six: The decision

Several days had passed since the meeting between the Stormrage brothers, a decision about whether or not to accept Illidan's offer was yet to be made. Whereas all understood the immediate threat posed by the ralying demons, many were those who were reluctant to form an alliance with the Blood Elves and Naga. However, without help, it was unlikely that the Sentinels could last very long.

Unnoticed by the Sentinels, Illidan had left the base and taken retreat into a clearing in the forest, not too far off. He awaited the druids' decision there, meditating. He had never liked his people too much, even when he was one of them. Bound by his word, he offered them all that he could. But if they were to refuse his assistance, their foolish pride would soon be their downfall.

"Illidan."

The demon didn't turn around. He needn't do it, for it was a voice he knew all too well.

"What do you want, warden?" he asked, keeping his voice even.

"Shan'do Stormrage wants to see us both", Maiev said, coming to a stop at a reasonable distance from the demon. "Right away."

Illidan stood up. "Very well. Let us be on our way."

They walked silently for a couple of minutes, and then Maiev said, "The druids have reached a decision." She didn't seem at all too happy about it.

"They have accepted my offer?" Illidan asked despite himself.

"They chose the better of two evils", Maiev replied coldly.

"Good."

None of them said anything for the rest of the way. Eventually, they reached the Sentinels base, and found Furion Stormrage waiting for them in his hut. Illidan bowed his head in a silent greeting.

"I would have brought him sooner", Maiev said, "but it took me a while to find him. He was out in the woods."

"Maiev, Illidan is free to do whatever he pleases, as long as he causes us no harm", Furion said patiently. Maiev frowned, but didn't answer. The druid went on, addressing his brother. "Illidan, we have reached a decision. We - accept your offer. You are to go to Draenor as soon as you can, and bring back whatever forces you have. And Maiev, as his guardian, you are to accompany him."

Maiev nodded, "Very well. I will conjure my watchers at once and--"

"No, you are to go alone. I need the rest of your watchers here."

"Shan'do, you can't be serious--" Maiev began, sounding utterly outraged.

"There's no need--" Illidan tried to argue.

"This is my decision", Furion said, his voice rising to cover the other two. "Illidan, how soon can you leave?"

"Immediately, brother", the demon answered, "but--"

"I will take no arguments over this, brother. You have a fortnight. I believe that is enough?"

"It's more than I need. I will return sooner."

"Very well then. You may leave."

Maiev opened her mouth to protest, then closed it and glanced at the arch-druid, her contempt clearly showing. Furion supported her gaze firmly. Eventually, the warden looked away, and stormed out.

Illidan paused in the doorway for a moment. "Take care, brother", he said.

"You too, brother", the druid answered, sounding weary now. "Come back soon."

Illidan nodded, and then turned and exited. "The portal's energies might attract more demons." he said, as he and Maiev headed into the forest. "We need to go farther away from here."

"As if it weren't demons that you are going to conjure anyway", Maiev answered, her voice filled with hatred.

Illidan did not answer. The two made their way through the forest until they reached a small clearing. Maiev stepped back as Illidan spread his arms and opened a portal towards his world. As soon as it was done, the demon stepped through, not bothering to look back and see if Maiev was following him or not. The warden cursed inwardly, and then stepped through the portal as well. The world seemed to swirl and shatter, colors blending into each other. The last sensation Maiev had was that she was falling deeper and deeper, until all was nothing and she could see and feel no more.

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Author's Note: Err... include standard ANs here. I'm too tired to think of anything to say... School bites. Next chapter will be longer and better. Thanks for reviewing go to:

Warp da Warp Liger : I remember saying in one of my previous review responses that the FT storyline happened only until the point where Illidan conquered Draenor. This means that the duel and the events leading to it never happen. And that's that.

Destro1990: Well, a level 10 Warden's Shadow Strike is quite powerful in the game... and Maiev, being the strongest Warden ever (at least, in my opinion), should have the most powerful SS. Add to that the fact that Illidan was already weak from the battle, and you'll have a (relatively) logical explanation of how she could bring him down.