~ The unforeseen ~

~ by Anne Shard (alias Odeena Skywalker) ~

Chapter ten: New alliances

Maiev tensed visibly at the sight of the Naga sea witch. On the other hand, Vashj recoiled slightly. "Lord Illidan", she said, "is this the Night Elf that you spoke of?"

The demon nodded, "Yes."

"But she is--"

Illidan put up a hand. "I know who she is, Vashj. All will be explained in due time. But now, I wish to know - how many of our forces remain?"

Vashj shook her head. "Fewer than we would have liked. We still are a considerable force, able to hold out against the demons and Mongrethod's orcs, but we are far from what we had once been."

"A lot of us are, Vashj", Illidan said quietly.

"But now, that you have returned, you can lead us to victory once more. As always, we are your to command."

"I fear it is not that simple, Vashj." Illidan sighed. "I did not return to lead you. At least, not yet. You see, there is a deed that I must pay first. And in this deed, I will require your help, should you accept to offer it."

"Ask and it will be done. Of what deed do you speak?"

"After the battle at Quel'Thalas, I was imprisoned by the Night Elves. How and why are not important at the moment. In exchange for my freedom, I offered to aid my brother and his race in their war against the remainders of the Burning Legion. At first, I thought that I can handle this on my own. However, the corruption that grips their lands is rooted deep within, and the demons are too strong for me alone. Should the Night Elves win this war with our aid, I will be free of any debt. And now I ask you - will you do this? Will you gather a strike force and come with me, to Ashenvale?"

For a few moments, Vashj remained silent, seemingly pondering the situation. Eventually, she spoke. "What you ask of us is not an easy decision to make, Lord Illidan. There has been hatred between the Naga and the Night Elves for centuries." She sighed, and shook her head. "However", she continued, "you are our master. Wherever you go, we follow. I will gather a strike force and let you know as soon as it is done."

"One more thing, Vashj."

The sea witch, who had motioned to leave, turned back hurriedly. "Yes, Lord Illidan?"

"What of Prince Kael? Where is he?"

A shadow seemed to cross over Vashj's features for a moment. "Prince Kael was injured during the battle at Quel'Thalas. Shortly after our return, he was injured again by an envenomed spear during Mongrethod's storm over our citadel. The poison - or spell - that touched him made him fall into a deep sleep, out of which we did not know how to arise him. Our healers and spellcasters have tried everything, but all we managed so far was to keep him alive. But now, that you are here..." A faint spark of hope gleamed in her eyes. "Perhaps you can help him, my Lord?"

"Perhaps I can...Where is he?"

"He is in our main encampment, not far from here. I can teleport both of us there."

"Very well, Vashj. Wait for me outside. I will be with you shortly."

The sea witch bowed her head, and then exited, making the curtain at the entrance emit a low and prolonged chime. Illidan turned to Maiev.

"Would it be all right if I leave you here?" he asked. "I can guarantee your safety, and--"

Despite her visible weariness, Maiev stood up. "I am coming with you", she stated.

"You need to rest", Illidan countered.

"I will be fine."

The demon shook his head. "Very well, Maiev. Come."

Vashj seemed quite taken aback learning that Maiev should accompany them to the main encampment. Still, she knew better than to argue with her lord's decisions. She spread out her hands, and a glowing sphere of energy surrounded the three of them. Illidan reached out and grabbed Maiev's arm firmly. The warden seemed surprised by the gesture, but did not protest. Moments later, in a flash of light, they were gone.

___________

Author's Note: New chapter! *does the new chapter dance again* And I got reviews! ^_^ Yay! ...don't get me wrong, I'm not a 'praise hunter' or anything like it, I just like to know what people think about my story. Here are the review responses:

Destro1990: Congratulations on surprising Furion! That's pretty hard... So, when do we start hunting for Britney? ^_^ ...oh, and I know the Draenei aren't exactly pretty, but they play a relatively major part in the game (for instance, I could never have finished the last two missions in the Night Elf campaign without them ^_^) and the story, so that's why I added them. Besides, it's not the look that matters, it's what's inside. Or something ^_^

darth: Umm... nope, I don't think that will happen (the 'Naga get a home in Upper Azeroth' part, I mean). As for them obeying Illidan... well, stay tuned and you'll find out if they do or not!

HuntressWarden: Well, it *could* be Lady Vashj... I'm not sure, either. No... wait, you're right. Sorry. And about the water for the spawning pools... umm... I think they use magic to get it.

drizztranger: 'Sokay, it can happen. Thanks!

tom: You mean like this? *takes Kael by one foot and throws him in the story*
Kael: Aaaaie!
...just kidding ^_^ Don't worry, Kael *will* appear in the story. Soon enough...

katylar: Kael and Vashj...? Well, here's an idea I'll think of... Thank you! (PS: What do you mean with 'get into their characters a bit more'?)

bob the builder mafia man: First, let me tell you I just *love* your penname ^_^ I'll try to make the chapters longer. And... I don't think the orcs and humans will ever appear in the fic, sorry.

PS: Forgot to say something in my Notes - review! Pretty please...? ^_^