~ The unforeseen ~

~ by Anne Shard (alias Odeena Skywalker) ~

Chapter nine: Dissensions

The small group walked for what seemed to be a very long time. Maiev was becoming increasingly weary, as she had neither eaten nor slept in more than a day. The thought that she was in the middle of the desert in another world, with demons ready to strike and nobody but the vile Naga to keep her company, offered very little comfort.

"You are weary", Illidan observed in a low voice.

"I am fine", Maiev replied in the same manner.

Illidan shrugged.

"It is... cold", the warden added after a few seconds.

The demon frowned. He held out his hand, and a small, glowing sphere began to form above it. "Touch this", he said. "It will make you feel better for now."

Maiev looked at it for a few seconds. She knew now that Illidan meant her no harm, but her instincts still told her not to trust him. Reluctantly, she reached out and touched the sphere lightly. A pleasant, tingling sensation overcame her, and her tiredness disappeared. "What was that?" she asked quietly.

"A simple healing spell. I am not much of a healer, but I can say that I am self-sufficient." Maiev could have sworn that she saw him smile. "Do you feel better now?" he asked. She nodded.

"Lord Illidan", one of the myrmidons intervened. "We are close to our base now. Are you certain that this - night elf -" it seemed to spit the word "- should come with us?"

Before he knew it, Illidan's hand was wrapped around his throat. "Question my actions again", the demon hissed, "and you will not live long enough to do it a third time." He released the startled myrmidon. "She is not to be harmed in any way", he continued, his voice increasing in intensity, "or the consequences will be drastic. Is that understood?"

The Naga around him hissed their approval.

Nobody said anything for the rest of the trip. Shortly, they indeed reached the base that the Naga had spoken of. Two Tidal Guardians flanked the entrance, and strange, half organic, half mineral structures erected from the ground. Scattered amongst them were the smaller, more elegant buildings of the Blood Elves, and several Draenei huts. Despite the late hour, Naga, Blood Elves and Draenei moved everywhere. As the small group passed, many of them bowed, recognizing their lord and master. The base seemed to go quiet all of a sudden, with only faint whispers emerging here and there.

Maiev and Illidan were lead to a small, coral-like structure. A seaweed curtain hung at the entrance, and the small, pearl-like gems it was embroidered with gave low chimes from time to time. Inside were several coral chairs. Maiev and Illidan sat down.

"Word has spread of your return", the sea witch said. "A runner has been sent to summon Lady Vasj. She should be here shortly."

Illidan nodded, "Very well. Now leave us. And - have some nourishment brought for my companion", he added after thinking for a moment.

The sea witch cast him an intriguing glance, but did not protest. The curtain at the entrance gave a small chime, and then silence rose around them. Even the usual noises of the base had seemingly died out.

"It appears that your servants are not fir to aid us, after all", Maiev said grimly. "They appear to have problems of their own."

"They will do what I command them to do", Illidan replied.

"And will you command them to come with you to our world?" Maiev insisted.

Illidan did not answer.

"You gave your word", Maiev reminded him. "Your brother needs--"

"I know!" Illidan snapped suddenly. "I gave my word, and I intend to keep it", he added quietly. He stood up and started to walk towards the door.

"Illidan, wait!" Maiev called.

The demon stopped, but did not turn.

"I am... sorry", she said. "I know that this is hard for you."

Illidan gave a small sigh, and then he exited. Maiev cursed herself silently. Being all alone now, she felt even more insecure than before.

Several minutes later, a young Draenei entered the room. He nodded towards Maiev and set a tray with several strange-looking fruits on it.

"I brought you food", he said.

Maiev eyed the tray suspiciously. "What are those?" she asked.

"Food", came the reply.

Maiev raised an eyebrow. "Well... thank you", she said. The Draenei did not reply.

Maiev took one of the fruits, smelled it, and then took a small bite. It had a strange, bitter taste, but she ate it nonetheless, all the while studying the Draenei before her. He was a strange creature, she thought. However, his company was definitely more pleasant than a Naga's, she added to herself. She nodded towards him as she finished eating the last fruit. The Draenei took the tray and disappeared without a word.

Maiev leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes. Now, she had no option but to wait for Illidan's return. Several minutes later, a chime announced her that someone had entered the room. She opened her eyes. Illidan had returned, but he was not alone.

At his side was Lady Vasj.

___________

Author's Note: Whew... this chapter was particularly difficult to write. Not because of lack of inspiration, but because of improper working conditions... my lil' cousin slept over, and in the end I wrote most of this chap hidden under the blankets in my bed with a flashlight, a clipboard, a pen and chocolates at two AM. Seriously. Like always, please review! (I can't believe I only got two reviews for the last chapter! Come on, people! Come out of the shadows and review! ^_^) And thanks for reviewing go to:

HuntressWarden: Thank you! Actually, Naga have those spawning pools and... stuff like that, where they can find enough humidity to survive. At least, that's my explanation for it.

Destro1990: Yay, you finally found your boomstick! Mind if I join you? *takes out her Freakin' Huge Laser Gun of Doom* Now let's see you Ms. Spears! Bwahahahaha! And good luck surprising Furion - be sure to tell me how it went, OK? One more thing - I never would have thought about writing a Warcraft fanfic until finishing all the campaigns in Frozen Throne. And another thing - thanks again for reviewing every chapter! ^_^