Hello everyone, a merry Christmas to you all and I hope the New Years are just as festive. But more than that I hope that things just get back to normal.
Anyway this chapter is a long time coming, mainly because I was procrastinating, and dealing with random crap through the second half of the year. Life is not fun, and I have had to deal with so much shit that it is not funny.
But I got this out. I also have three chapters half complete for Transcendence, Are We Alone and Hand of Suffering, and I plan to finish them and post them on New Years. But for now I plan to have a nice dinner with my family and maybe relax tomorrow.
But to let you all know I plan to redo the first couple of Chapters of Transcendence just so I can mostly get those naggers about the beginning. Truth be told that was written years ago and compared to now I admit how I am handling things is different from back then. I had a different mindset back then, and while I wont change much I will make things more rational than what it is now.
Enjoy.
And to answer the review of Sayians4everI regret to say that I am not taking on anymore stories right now as I am swamped with what I have and two other stories I am helping two other authors make. So making this story would be time consuming for me and I am already struggling at times to get the stories I have out. Sorry my friend.
Transcendence
Chapter 78: Negotiations Underway
It was oddly soothing.
Moonglade was large and had a lot of open space, yet for some reason it didn't feel empty or barren. Flowers bloomed in small clusters across the ground and around every ancient trees that made up small forests around the isolated region. There was an odd hue as well, that seemed to blanket the world in a emerald light that made everything seem so much more lively.
"This place… feels so peaceful." Ichigo said, feeling a deep sense of serenity and calm, it felt so pleasing to be here.
He could actually sense spiritual energy here, it was saturating the place, he had felt it before in the Dream Bough, and near the Great Trees in the Desolace, this place had a deep connection to the Emerald Dream.
"The Moonglade is a sacred place for our people. Once it was our capital and where our people would spend much of their time when not wandering the slopes of Mount Hyjal. But recently with the creation of Teldrassil we moved our capital there, now this place is a sacred home of the Druids." Tyrande replied, leading them down a barely noticeable path through the glade.
There was not a bare path of earth to be seen. But barely noticeable moss covered stone pavers could be just noticed beneath your feet, a winding path through this shrouded forest to this gulches hidden city.
Getting to this hidden ravine had not been so hard, at least at first, they had to drop themselves off in the Felwood in the south and pass through Timbermaw Hold. Sounds simple, not so much. Felwood lived up to its name, a Fel saturated hellhole that was suffocating to be within, everything had been tainted by the demonic and if you stay too long so would you.
After that you came to a massive tree embedded in the very mountain walls that surrounded the Glade, which had been escalated into tunnels. But instead of being protected by Druids or Sentinels they decided that the local Furbolg Tribe would be better guardians for this place. What is a Furbolg? Think of a massive bear man with more manners of a bear than a man, who would likely have torn him in half had Tyrande not been present.
When he had asked why they had to go this route Tyrande had explained it in detail, the gist of it was because only Druids were welcome here. Non-Druids had to go through what amounts to a screening station, one that involved earning the Fulbolg's trust which was hard to get. Any other way of getting into the Moonglade so would be seen as aggressive, but if they pass through the Hold unscathed with the Furbolg's permission than they would not be seen as hostile invaders.
Once you were in all you had to do was take a short walk along the path towards Nighthaven, the former Elven capital.
He looked on and found that it certainly was more unique than any settlement or city he had seen that the Night Elves settled in. There was a noticeable difference in the design of the architecture that made it obvious that there was a difference in when this was constructed to some other places he had been. Ichigo recalled several classes in history back in Middle School that talked about the changes in architecture that came as Japan made advances in the Chinese borrowed designs they employed during the Haien Period.
Night Elven architecture was quite unintrusive when compared to other cultures, obvious as their entire culture was centred around harmoniously living beside nature.
It was far from the more simple and zen designs that he had seen in several Night Elf settlements before, even Darnassus didn't have anything as ostentatious as Night Haven. It was obviously the architectural designs of their people right after their separation from their Highborne ancestors, it slowly changing into the more simple and zen architecture they now use. In a way it was very similar to what Japan did during the Kamakura Period where they went towards more simplistic designs towards architecture.
That alone made him appreciate how well preserved and old this place was, likely following the Sundering this was the first city the Night Elves built.
Entering the city, they found it to be oddly unpopulated, which is a given since most of the population that once lived here has relocated. But even then there was few anywhere, Druids most of all, he would have thought more would be here to congregate. A few guards were present, roaming the streets but it didn't seem like they were needed.
Eventually they came to a large building near the edge of the city, overlooking the Lake at the ravines centre. Standing at its entrance was a tall man with silver hair and loose-fitting clothing, imposing and certainly having a very potent aura around him. Ichigo thought he could give Byakuya a run for his money with how dignified he looked, given he had ten thousand years to master that it made sense he seemed to exude an air of authority. He stepped forward and gave a formal bow.
"High Priestess, I welcome you to Nighthaven." He greeted.
"Majordomo Saturna." Tyrande greeted in kind. "I am thankful for your hasty response to my request."
"Of course, The Guardian of Moonglade is quite interested on meeting the young warrior who saved his eldest brother along with his son from Maraudon." Saturna replied, glancing his way as he spoke. "You have my thanks and that of the Druids for rescuing the Keepers from the clutches of Princess Theradras."
"Don't mention it." Ichigo replied, truthfully, he was hoping not to use that gratitude to get through the door and into here.
He wasn't above using a favor someone owed him to help but if he could keep that to a minimum he would, he had plans for how he was going to use his favor after all.
"Come, this way, Keeper Remulos will be near the Burrow Dens." Saturna informed, leading them from the city.
The short walk eventually led them to a series of buildings that were etched into the face of the mountain, likely the entrances to the Burrow Dens. Around several druids congregated, along with what appeared to be several Priestesses of Elune.
Adelina became nervous at their presence, but Ichigo placed a hand on her own to calm her down, he was here and she had nothing to worry about. As long as he was here and Tyrande he knew that she would come to no harm.
"Will we have any trouble from the Druids here?" Tyrande asked.
"No, violence of any sort is frowned upon by Keeper Remulos, if he were to witness it himself the consequences would be dire for the offender." Saturna said, giving me an actual look, he was making sure that I remembered that I was also subject to the rules here as well. "He shall be here shortly."
Ichigo didn't need to hear that, he knew the Keeper was here, he could sense the guy way off. Compared to the Keepers he had met before, this guy was stacking up to be very powerful, almost reminded him of a Captain in potency yet having an odd amount of subtlety to its presence. He always found it strange how sometimes he found spiritual forces nearby that were so calm and soothing, usually back home they were oppressive.
'Maybe everyone back home is just a tad bit too aggressive.' Ichigo mused.
He turned towards the trees and soon enough a large figure appeared, stepping through into the open, he was definitely not like the other Keepers. His skin had an aqua tinge to it, his hair was like emerald leaves and his fur coat was a deep green. He was larger as well, probably half as big again than Celebras, a powerful physique in his elven body and that of the stag.
As he walked the flowers and grass around him became more vibrant, vines around trees swelled and flowers bloomed. Even Ichigo could feel a strange sensation as he drew close, as if that power was having an effect on him as well.
"Welcome High Priestess." Remulos greeted, his words reaching their ears yet having almost no force behind them, as if the winds themselves carried his quiet utterance.
"I thank you for allow us passage Keeper Remulos." Tyrande replied, giving a respectful bow.
"It is the least I could do for you and your guests; I have much to thank him for, please come with me." Remulos said, gesturing to the side and as if to answer his motion the trees and bushes seem to part.
Ichigo saw a small hill with a moonwell, rays of moonlight fell upon it and bathed it in brilliance and left him momentarily dazed. As Tyrande moved forward he followed, coming to the edge of the well and gazing into the waters. He and Tyrande had moved close, while Saturna and Adelina hung back, this was a meeting between him and Romulus after all.
"I wish to thank you for your aid in saving my brother Zaetar, and my son, Celebras, had you not done what you did I am certain they would still be trapped within that cursed pit." Remulos said, giving a grateful nod towards him.
"No need to thank me, glad enough that some good came out of that situation." Ichigo replied. "But I am going to have to ask a favor later, so I was hoping you would be inclined to accept."
Remulos raised a brow, probably surprised with the straightforwardness of the request, most wouldn't be so open about saying that someone owed them and they expect to be repaid. But he wasn't doing this to be sly, he was being given a chance to make peace and settling this mess once and for all, he wasn't going to be disrespectful to the one guy that could help him.
"Quite strange, you could have always remained silent or been more subtle in your words, but from what I have heard of you that is not your way." Remulos stated.
"I don't do things for something in return, and even though you might feel like you owe me I am not going to use that to just get what I want. I would rather you accept what I have to say without anything saying you are obligated to help me." Ichigo replied.
Remulos nodded, he appeared impressed.
"I assume this favor has something to do with the conflict brewing in the Desolace?" Remulos inquired.
"No, what I want is not part of that." Ichigo replied, he wasn't going to waste the favor he was owed on that.
He had to save it for something more important, it was why he put a lot of effort towards convincing Tyrande that peace was possible and maybe they can settle things amicably. His words seemed to surprise both Tyrande and Remulos, he couldn't blame them, if he could stop a war from happening than this was his best bet of getting some actual support.
But as Tyrande has said before, his words would have little weight in the political aspect of this war, he may have friends, but he had no influence over the political situation. He had to leave that to the politicians.
"I want to propose a possible means of securing peace in the Desolace, not only that but also securing a long-term peace between the Night Elves and Horde." Ichigo replied.
Remulos looked intrigued for a moment, giving a hum as he crossed his arms over his chest. Even Tyrande leaned forward in anticipation, after all even he had not filled her in on the plan yet, mostly to prevent possible leaks and hindrances. The less people knew the better, especially when he didn't know who might be leaking info to Fandral.
"What do you plan to do?" Remulos inquired.
"First thing we have to do is allow the Tauren to join the Cenarian Circle." Ichigo stated.
Remulos did not seem affected, his face remained stoic, but Tyrande was surprised by the suggestion.
"Both the Night Elves and Tauren have a shared history with nature, they live in harmony with it and seek to find a perfect balance. I think that accepting them would be a natural consideration, after all Malfurion Stormrage himself took on a Student, Hamuul Runetotem did he not?" Ichigo asked.
"Yes, he did. I know of Hamuul, a gifted and wise Druid." Remulos replied. "There has been much resistance to the idea of allowing the Tauren inclusion into the Circle, some unwilling to accept their presence due to past grievances."
Ichigo remembered that, Hamuul had told him of the bad blood between the Tauren and Night Elves that dated back centuries. The cause was unknown to even Hamuul, so there was no way to really understand what had happened. But that didn't matter now.
"But I think we should look to the present, the Tauren stood beside the Sentinels in the Desolace and aided them in containing the threat made by the Highborne Nobles and the Elementals. Their aid was crucial in helping prevent further conflict and stopping things from escalating." Ichigo stated, had the Tauren and Horde not come to support them things could have gone down a lot differently.
"That may be the case, and with what I have been informed from my General there is little hostility between our forces as of late. But even so, conflict with the Horde will be inevitable if they begin taking action in the Desolace." Tyrande chimed in, that wasn't wrong either, the Tauren were only a part of the Horde and while staunch allies they did not make up the majority of the Horde. "The Tauren will still become enemies upon the battlefield should the Horde invade."
"But what if the Tauren stopped that from happening?" Ichigo asked.
Tyrande and Remulos were confused for a moment, he smiled slightly.
"You all know that Thousand Needles and Feralas are the only regions that the Tauren have settled outside of Mulgore. Those regions are currently being overrun by the Centaur, there is literally no haven for them outside of going to Mulgore, which couldn't hope to support their entire population." Ichigo stated. "They however now have a new place to call their own, the Desolace."
"…You intend for it to be resettled." Remulos stated.
"You would be asking them to die." Tyrande replied.
"Did you forget about the Great Trees? The ones connected to the Emerald Dream?" Ichigo replied, smirking. "I think you both know about how the Great Trees are spreading their power across the region. To prevent the Elemental Planes from breaching into the material world again. Well that is also having an effect on the region as well, causing it to regrow."
Remulos looked surprised, shocked even at this news, looks like he wasn't entirely informed of this development. But then something dawned on him, and a smile spread across his face, he had finally realized it as well. There was something about the Desolace that was very important, not just its location, but its importance to the Tauren people.
The Desolace was once the Tauren's sacred grounds, their go-to place for shamanistic communes, once known as Mashan'she or 'The Loom of the Earthmother'. This place was sacred to the Tauren, it was probably just as valuable to them as Mulgore was, maybe even more. If the land was being revitalized than he had no doubt that the Tauren would want to go there to be safe.
"If the Circle invites the Tauren into the order, along with helping them revitalize the entire region and restore it back to its former splendor than you can make peace. The Tauren would be given back a major ancestral ground and they would also be allowed into the Circle. They would be indebted to you." Ichigo stated.
He turned to Tyrande next.
"If you have Shandris provide aid to Thousand Needles and the Feralas in getting the Tauren out of those regions and to Mashan'she than they will be further into your debt." Ichigo stated. "The Tauren effectively will have no choice but to push the Horde away from the region."
The Tauren were deeply spiritual and would never allow their former ancestral grounds, one that they lost, to be desecrated by the prospect of war. More than that if the Tauren were accepted into the Circle, something many wanted, they would fight to prevent the Horde from ruining it for them. The Tauren would not look unfavorably on this, to have so much given to them and protected by the Sentinels would be something they could not turn a blind eye towards.
To betray them would put their status within the Circle in jeopardy and their returned new home in danger of invasion.
"That may work." Tyrande said, in thought and likely discerning the possibility of this plan's success.
"Yes, it most certainly would, the restoration of an ancient land and also a place for their people to call home in these troubling times would certainly earn the Tauren's admiration." Remulos mused. "Also, with the region being restored I am certain the Circle would be interested in being involved."
"It may not be a permanent solution, but it will keep things calm for a while until proper negotiation can be made. And during that time, you will have people on both sides vying for peace." Ichigo said.
Dragging this out too long was not a good idea, while the Horde and Night Elves might come to blows there will be people trying to instigate conflict. So getting them on board was not the important thing, instead they should focus on getting rid of their main argument towards fighting. If they did that then those naysayers would have no ammunition for their argument to go to war.
From what Jaina and the others had been able to come up with during their time in Theramore this could lead to a major peace between the Horde and Night Elves. It could see the end of lumber operations in Ashenvale if the Tauren started providing it to the orcs from their own region. If the Tauren followed through on maintaining the peace they could easily use this as a way to keep the Warsong and orc clans happy.
"We might not get the perfect conclusion to this but if we handle this right, we will be saving a lot of lives down the line." Ichigo replied.
Remulos and Tyrande looked at one another, both contemplating deeply on the issue and bouncing their thoughts off one another. There was some doubts but the benefits of this actually working out was a major improvement over their current situation, something Tyrande truly desired.
The benefits are there and the long-term results showed that if this worked, they could effectively prevent further conflict and possibly even settle the rising tensions between the Horde and Night Elves. The Warsong were mentioned several times, mainly on the contested nature of Feralas and the capture of Eldre'thalas would still cause them concern.
Along with some issues about the contested nature of the Veiled Coast between Feralas and the Desolace, something that they agreed would likely be the most difficult thing to discuss during future negotiations. But this plan was a solid one, in fact he was pleased it went as well as it did and there wasn't any great resistance to the idea from the Priestess or the Keeper of the Groove.
"I will see about inviting Hamuul Runetotem to the Moonglade to discuss the Tauren's inclusion into the Circle along with a proper summit being conducted here as well." Remulos stated.
"Then may I suggest the one to send the message along with acting as an intermediary between the Tauren and Circle being Adelina Oakwalker." Ichigo said.
He noticed all three looked surprised, Adelina most of all, gaping like a fish and unable to utter a word.
"A strange request… what reason do you ask for her to be part of the negotiations?" Remulos asked.
"Because she knows what the hell she is doing, during the Desolace Compaign she was able to convince the Green Dragonflight to help before they buggered off somewhere. Apart from that she was an instrumental part of the conflict and is known to most of the different parties. I am certain that a familiar and trustworthy individual such as her could handle this." Ichigo replied.
"There is more to this than that, you want her protected." Tyrande said.
She wasn't wrong about that, he wanted Adelina safe, currently there was no way he could do that. But unless he had someone powerful enough within the Circle protecting her and acting as his agent, along with having her taking part in a major event as well as dispelling these false accusations, he knew it would give her better protection. Staghelm could splutter and fume all he wanted, he wouldn't go against Remulos and most certainly wouldn't try something against a girl who was instrumental in making peace with the Tauren and increasing their ranks.
"This is where I am calling in that favor." Ichigo said, looking up to the Keeper.
Remulos was silent for a moment before looking towards Adelina, giving the young druid a long hard stare before he turned back.
"I wish to test her ability first, if she proves herself, I will accept with no complaint." Remulos stated.
Ichigo turned to Adelina, smirking at her.
"See, told you I was a born negotiator." Ichigo said, giving a thumbs up, he pointedly ignored the laugh that came from Tyrande and focused only on his friend.
She could only look at him confused, maybe dumbfounded, but it made it all the more humorous in his eyes. But the serious stuff was just ahead of them, if she was going to be taking a test, she had to be prepared for it. If she wasn't mentally prepared than there was no way she was going to meet the Keeper's expectations.
Three Hours Later
She was going to fail.
There was no doubt about that, what was asked of her was near impossible to achieve for one such as herself. So little experience and training, incomplete due to her teacher's constant hostility along with her lack of effort she knew that completing this task was doomed to fail.
This was a trial for Druids who wished to elevate themselves towards Archdruids. A test few could master and even passing with any reasonable results was near unheard of.
It came in three stages, each one increasingly more difficult than the last.
The test had been performed as an initiation ceremony for many Archdruids, and completing it along with doing perfect was considered to impossible to achieve. Only ancient Druids could hope to get anywhere near perfect, her own father had attempted this several times before he finally became an Archdruid.
What hope did she have?
None, but she had tried anyway, otherwise everything Ichigo had done up to this point would be for nothing. She couldn't stand there and do nothing; he was doing everything in his power to protect her and she was going to at least try and make an effort.
But she was failing, her effort leaving the flora and trees around her withering. It was a test few could master, for it required such delicate and precise control over the earth and nature that a single mistake could jeopardise the entire groove she was trying to nurture. And that is what she had been doing, constantly bringing it close to destruction with every attempt she made.
She was given as chances as she wished, but every failure compounded on her and made the shame all the more unbearable. The trees would take too much from the soil and leave the flower with nothing to nourish themselves on, they would wilt and die and the trees would eventually die as they sapped all the life from the soil.
She looked over to the edge of the clearing, standing there was Romulus, along with his Majordomo, Tyrande and Ichigo not too far away. It hurt to have them watching her, seeing her fail miserably at this test over and over again, it only confirmed her deepest and most horrible of fears. She was never going to amount to anything with what measly power she possessed.
"Hey."
Adelina jerked up, turning to see Ichigo only a few feet from her. He had his arms crossed and an impassive look on his face, it made her anxious when he had that expression, made it impossible to figure out what he was thinking.
"I cannot do this." Adelina finally said, lowering her head and turning away. "I don't know why you are just letting this happen. I can't do anything, and while it pains me to say, I just want to be away from everything."
She couldn't do what Ichigo says, she couldn't negotiate with the Horde and Kaldorei and neither could she live up to the expectations of the Circle. Her abilities were not strong or refined enough to make any sort of impact, her current strength and lack of means to improve will ensure that she will never grow into someone of considerable esteem.
"I want you to be safe." Ichigo replied. "But I can't do that, not on my own, I need to make you see that you can be more than what you think you are."
That was foolish, she knew exactly where she stood regarding her position in the Circle as well as a Druid. She was mediocre at best; her skills having barely improved over the last four years since she joined the order and all but halted after she fled from Stonetalon Peak to escape the persecution of the Masters.
"You are better off leaving me here." Adelina replied.
Ichigo would only face hardship if she was around, her presence would cause the ire of those same Masters that had tormented her to lash out against him. What respect and admiration he had accumulated from the Kaldorei would quickly evaporate as they spread malicious rumors about him and tarnish his image. All due to association.
"I don't abandon friends, especially not you." Ichigo replied, a frown creasing his brow.
"I cannot do this, even if I was a hundred years older and had been trained by the Shando himself I would not be able to complete this task!" Adelina protested. "I… I will never be able to amount to anything…"
Nothing was going to get better from here, nothing was going to improve. This is where her story ends, a sad futile attempt at a task that she had no hope in completing.
"I know you can do this, and I think Romulus does as well, he wouldn't have suggested this test if he didn't think you could do it." Ichigo replied, he didn't waver in his words, he was resolute in his belief.
How? How could he possibly know that? Had he not seen her failure time and time again? Had he not seen the scope of her abilities and what she had done in the months they had been together?
"Because time and time again I have seen what you are capable of, what you have done that goes against everything I have seen others do. You doubt yourself because of your past, what others see and believe about you, and even if you don't you are afraid of living up to that ridicule. You need to let go of that, if you don't, it will be the chains that will drag you down and keep you where you are."
He stepped forward, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"I have been in situations like this before, out of my depths and in a position where I will most certainly never have a chance. But we cannot stop, because despite that adversity there is still a chance where we can achieve what we desire. And Adelina, I know that this is your best chance, your one chance to not only move forward in your dream to redeem your parents… but also prove to yourself your own value."
Adelina lowered her head.
"I am not going to force you, this is your decision to make, but you know what happens if you walk away from this. Where it will lead you, what it had led you towards before you met me." Ichigo said.
Adelina knew that, it led her to Feathermoon Stronghold, an isolated stronghold hundreds of miles from their people and the order where she could feel safe. She ran away, fled because she couldn't handle the ridicule and torment, that was the path she chose and it was a pool of infinite misery for her. Was she going to go back to that?
"You can do this; you only have to step forward." Ichigo said. "Abandon your fear. Look forward. Move forward and never stop. Someone I respect told me those words, and I say them to you now. If you step forward now, and move without any fear I know you can achieve something so few have before. Romulus believes you can, Druantia believed, and I believe in you."
Adelina looked up, into his eyes and did not see a single ounce of doubt. But she wouldn't need to look to know, not even to hear him say it, she knew that he had nothing but complete faith in her abilities. That was the one thing she could never come to doubt.
"You have been an anchor for me in this world, the one thing that has made my time here stable, without you I don't know how I would have handled my time on Azeroth. Now it is my time for you to find your anchor, find the resolve to face everything ahead of you. Because when you find that, I know that you can make every dream you have a reality."
Ichigo turned and walked off, leaving her standing in the center of the wilting flower bed and mulling over his words. She would not deny that Ichigo has been a constant source of encouragement for her, without him she never would have achieved what she had without his presence.
She followed him from battle to battle, event to event, and never once did she think she was in over her head. Shady Rest, Redridge Mountains, Eldre'thalas and Ethel Rethor, all these conflicts, all the chaos and uncertainty, he did not falter and neither did she. His presence, it had inspired her, and she had done so much, more than she thought was possible for herself.
She helped route an army of orcs and retake a captured Keep, restored an ancient tree that housed the soul of a Primal Spirit – twice – and through it all Ichigo was involved. He had always been the one to give her the courage.
If anything, he was her stability, her anchor in the chaotic sea, and she felt assured knowing that. That no matter what he would never abandon her, never forsake her, always believe.
How could she do anything to not live up to his expectations?
She lowered her staff to the ground, closing her eyes and expanding her senses.
No more thought on failure, no more doubts, if they believe she could do this, than she must also believe.
She could sense all the life around her, in the entire glade in fact, every piece of grass and every leaf upon the branches of every tree. They felt so close she could touch them, but she knew they were far, and in spite of that distance she reached out to them.
This test was unique, for it did not test a Druid's ability to control the world around them but how to nurture it down to the finest detail. Nature is fragile and delicate, to become a paragon that defends it one must know how to handle every single individual facet of its existence. This test worked on nurturing and controlling the very flow and cycle of life in multiple flora without causing irreparable harm.
This test came in three stages.
The first involved growing six stems into trees, allowing them to reach full maturity and manipulate their growth as to not affect the flora that surround them. Take too much nutrients and energy from the soil and you strip it from these flowers as well. You need to grow these trees without causing the flowers to wilt or die.
Those same flora are part of the second test, these saplings need to reach maturity and thrive. If you avoid doing so when nurturing the trees than you have the chance to make them thrive with what nutrients that remain. But that in of itself is not enough, nature must persevere, there are no temporary or quick solutions that serve the moment. If they are to thrive, they must thrive now and in the future.
What is taken from the earth must also be returned, that is part of the third test. Beneath her feet are three Liferoot stems, they must be grown upwards and above the flowers, their leaves and fruits left to rot away and feed the soil. But these roots only grow from water sources, so she would need to improvise.
She reached out to the trees, guiding their roots through the earth and to grow out away from the groove. The large roots reached far and deep, leaving many smaller roots along the way, and close to a nearby stream. They began to grow, bark expanding out and leaves beginning to form on the ends of their branches.
The trees matured quickly, their roots extending far and deep, but they did not touch the soils beneath the flower saplings. Instead taking the rich waters of the nearby stream, those waters were more than enough to help nurture these trees. The roots pulling in the water and sharing it with the other five trees around the groove. She guided their growth, extending the canopy over the flowers, creating a twilight over the groove.
The soil had not been touched, but there were not enough nutrients within to grow the flowers, so she would need to give them some help. From the leaves of the trees she caused them the sweat and release the water stored within. The nutrient and magic rich waters of the Moonglade were perfect for cultivating all forms of life, a single drop capable of growing a plant to full maturity. She had hundreds of them raining down onto the saplings, which she now focused all her attention on growing.
Seventeen different varieties of planets existed within the clearing around her, growing them all to maturity was not so difficult. However, only two must be grown to not only maturity but germination, manipulating the growth of two different plants amongst a dozen to different stages was never easy. But it was necessary to ensuring that the Groove she was creating would have a future. Their pollen of these two planets when mixed with the flowers along the Liferoot would produce fruits that when they fell and rot would provide the soil with nutrients that would continue to renew.
With all her effort and concentrations she guided them to grow, taking extra care with the two that needed to germinate. As these flowers grew and went to seed, their pollen dispersing into the air she drew them in with a rush of air and moved onto the final stage of the trial. She began growing the Liferoot, the three stems rising into the air and growing rapidly upwards and forming an interwoven trunk that then branched out like a canopy over the flowers. The pollen moved alongside it, meeting the with flowering buds and pollenating them, and from them small greenish fruits began to form.
Adelina stopped, taking a deep breath, the strain had nearly made her collapse. She stumbled forward, nearly falling over onto the same flowers she had just momentarily nurtured to maturity. She was caught before that happened, arms wrapping around her and lifting her up before she could fall.
She was so tired, uncertain of who had lifted her up or if she had succeeded in the test. All that she could do was close her eyes and allow all the stress to melt away as she fell into a much-needed slumber.
Ichigo carried Adelina away from the small groove she had created, he had to admit it looked impressive, like something out of a renaissance paining. The trees arched over the flowers and creating a shadow over the flowers, but allowing some light through. From these trees came a small shower of water, like a mist that descended on the ground and flowers. The flowers growing rapidly and blooming, while above a dome of bark arched over and from them came green fruits that looked ready to burst.
"She did well, although there are some issues with her means of nurturing the plants, I will not pass judgement. The results are quite good, considering her age." Romulus stated, stepping forward and examining the groove that Adelina created.
"Adelina had a good teacher." Ichigo replied.
He knew that her father likely was the cause, when she recounted tales of his skill and the training she received from him he guessed that he passed on a lot of it to her. If he had even passed on an inkling of some of those skills, that means he likely taught her how to do this test. Something Romulus likely knew as well and wanted to see.
"That she did." Romulus stated. "It is a shame her father passed as did her mother, redemption of those two should have fallen into their own hands instead of their prodigy. Had she not faced such scrutiny she may have become a prodigy amongst her peers."
Ichigo didn't doubt that, Adelina was definitely above others in her bracket, Quintus had praised her on occasion for her ability. Something he did not doubt, having seen her abilities firsthand along with the awe it had inspired in others around her. Adelina was one of a kind, it was a shame she had been subjected to abuse by those meant to nurture her talents.
"Do you accept her?" Ichigo asked.
"By all rights she has the qualifications to become an Archdruid, although I will hold off on revealing such a fact until she has made a name for herself in the order. It is not uncommon for many to become jealous of others who excel so quickly without them having done anything." Romulus stated.
Ichigo could get that, if you showed off your abilities too much it tended to rub people the wrong way. He certainly had done that when he invaded the Soul Society and beat up a few Captains and Lieutenants, although in this case Adelina wasn't going around beating up Archdruids that were hostile to her. Although with some new confidence he was certain she could do that now without much holding her back.
"I will announce her position as my envoy, with this she will hold as much authority as my Majordomo in matters of diplomacy. I am certain she will make great headway, given her connection to you, there is little doubt that being a close friend to her would certainly make others more receptive to her." Romulus stated.
He didn't doubt that, people seemed to be keenly aware of who he was, but if that helped her, he wouldn't push it away and ignore it. Although the thought of having to deal with anything remotely political annoyed him, he wasn't the type of guy to care about image – to an extent. This protected Adelina, and solidified her position in the Circle, he would not complain about a few headaches if that was the result.
"When can we expect naysayers coming in to put a stop to this?" Ichigo asked.
"They are already here." Majordomo Saturna said, stepping into the clearing. "Archdruid Fandral Staghelm is here along with some Masters of Stonetalon Peak, they are demanding that Adelina Oakwalker be handed over for punishment."
Ichigo was very inclined to go over there and punch in a few faces, but Romulus likely sensed his hostility.
"Saturna, guide Ichigo and Adelina back to Nighthaven, myself and Tyrande Whisperwind will deal with Fandral Staghelm and his followers." Romulus stated. "Ichigo. Do not cause any mischief while here, I will not have a repeat of what transpired in the Burrow Dens on Stonetalon Peak."
Ichigo scowled a little, he recalled the violent flourish of that event vividly and while he did not relish the thought of losing control, he felt oddly satisfied with what he had done. Although getting involved in another, especially with Fandral Staghelm would only complicate matters, best he held his piece and skulk off into the shadows.
"This is my Groove, and I will have no violence here. Rest assured however, that no violence shall be sent untoward you or Adelina. Rest easy, your troubles are at an end." Romulus stated, turning to look at Tyrande and nodding his head, a gesture she returned.
Both of them moved off, while Ichigo turned to the Majordomo and was guided down a secluded path back to Nighthaven.
Nighthaven
Ichigo didn't really get up too much after that, putting Adelina to bed and then taking a seat and letting everything play out in the background. He didn't know how things were going with Romulus and Tyrande but in the last few hours nothing had happened. Pleasantly boring, he was grateful for that.
He was glad to have another reprieve since his little vacation to Caren's holiday home, although the difference here was that he felt he could sleep soundly. In fact, he had done just that, taken a short nap and woken up without breaking into a cold sweat. Maybe it was because of this place or something else but he felt like he was at peace and any worries he had were negligible.
"I could stay here for a while, maybe refresh my batteries." Ichigo mused.
Perhaps he could also see about looking into whatever this thing was, if it was being suppressed here than maybe he could use that to keep this thing in check until he found a way to remove it. But that would come later, he would speak with Romulus when this matter was settled, after that he could worry about himself.
He was a guest here until the negotiations were complete anyway.
"So, Jaina is on her way along with this Thrall guy?" Ichigo asked, having been informed by Majordomo Saturna about the upcoming summit.
"Yes, due to the rising tensions a summit is being held here and with haste, Romulus has blessed this meeting himself, so we can expect them to arrive within the next fortnight." Saturna stated.
That was good to hear, but it didn't give much time for any preparations, because Saturna had also told him about Adelina's role in this meeting. She would be mediating it, mainly trying to keep the sides from doing anything detrimental to the peace talks. Which might be difficult as this summit was going to have all kinds of people in it, ones who wanted peace and ones who certainly didn't want the other team getting anything out of this.
Fandral and Fahnelor were definitely going to cause problems for the,, along with anyone involved with the two of them, which sadly was a good majority. Also given Adelina's past that would be something they could use against her, or at least sabotage her ability to mediate this negotiation.
The Horde was a wildcard, although he had heard good things about the Cairne and Thrall from Jaina he didn't know if that would be enough. The Horde was made up of a lot of clans and not all followed completely or utterly. The Warsong Clan was a prime example, they were openly attacking Night Elven forces and settlements in Ashenvale despite the peace treaty. If one of their Warlords or prominent members resisted the negotiations, then problems would follow.
"What are our odds here?" Ichigo asked.
"It could go either way; this summit is meant to finalize a truce and exchange tokens of goodwill. That should smother flaring tempers, but true peace is something we likely will never have." Saturna replied.
Ichigo guessed he couldn't have hoped for anything better; they had some time ahead of them to prepare. He just hoped that Adelina was up for it, he was certain that when she woke up, she wouldn't be expecting to hear she was the emissary for Romulus and her trial by fire would be the summit between the Horde and Night Elves.
Gonna be great.
Two Weeks Later
The Summit was only hour away from starting.
"Things are progressing quickly." Jaina said, looking out over the groove from the balcony of the lodge.
A large grove had been cleared and prepared for the summit, five sets of tables and seats have been prepared for the arriving delegations. Each one for a different group that had been involved in the Desolace Campaign.
"Better if things get settled fast, if this drags on, we might lose control." Ichigo said, leaning on the railing.
"On that we could agree." Jaina responded.
She knew Ichigo's plan and what it entailed and the faster it was dealt with the more lives that would be saved. Also, it would help alleviate tension between the different parties as well, something that was very important moving forward.
"I hope Adelina is ready, these negotiations will not be easy to wade through." Jaina said.
Adelina was given the honor, if it could be called that, of leading the summit as the mediator. Something that Jaina was a little concerned about, taking charge of a peace summit between multiple groups of highly aggressive individuals was not something anyone can do. Adelina was not a diplomat, little to no experience and having not dealt with many of these different groups, and those she had dealt with were not all positive.
It was easy to say Jaina was worried.
"Romulus and Tyrande have been giving her a few pointers, also I think she should be fine." Ichigo replied. "Don't worry about this too much, I will be right beside her when she is leading this summit."
"Are you prepared to be there, with them nearby?" Jaina asked.
She knew that members of the Circle from Stonetalon Peak would be present, including several of the Masters. Ichigo over the last few weeks has become less stable, aggressive and erratic, and she had her doubts that he could keep himself in control in their presence. While his current state was much more calm than when he had left two weeks ago she knew he wasn't one to keep his emotions in check when someone close to him was being harmed.
"Don't worry." Ichigo replied, turning to look at her. "Being here for the last two weeks have helped a bit, haven't felt this calm in a long time."
Ichigo turned and moved off. Jaina wanted to trust him, but a part of her was worried about what could happen, Ichigo has had a track record of doing things unexpectedly. But she didn't speak up, there was other problems she had to be prepared for. Adelina leading this meeting was far from the most detrimental thing to come about, its attendees were going to be the worst.
As Ichigo stepped out of the room Jaina noticed Tyrande waiting at the door, beside her was Shandris and Lord Fallowmere. Ichigo gave a nod and walked off, leaving the door open for them to enter.
"Lady Tyrande, it is good to see you." Jaina said.
She had not seen Tyrande since their previous meeting in Teldrassil where she had tried in futility to convince her to make peace with the Highborne and Horde. She was glad that despite her failure to convince them herself that her hope was met.
"To you as well." Tyrande replied. "I believe you know Lord Fallowmere."
"We are acquainted, we met in the Desolace during the end of the Campaign. It is good to see you again." Jaina said, nodding towards the Lord of Stonetalon.
"To you as well." Lord Fallowmere said, stepping forward and looking out over the Groove. "It is surprising, to think that only a few weeks ago hopes for negotiations had all but died. Even more surprising that this summit is actually proceeding."
Jaina did not doubt that, the speed of this gathering was shocking, usually it was impossible to get so many important figures together on such short notice. Luckily Adelina likely spurred the Tauren here, having gone to them to invite them into the Circle as members and from there Cairne and Hamuul likely pressured Thrall to approve this summit.
"That boy is certainly unnatural in what he can do." Tyrande chimes in, stepping forward. "This was all possible because of him, his meddling is what brought us here today."
"How did he convince you?" Jaina asked, he never did tell her how he was going to convince Tyrande or how he was certain he could.
Oddly enough when she had finished teaching him how to speak and behave in a meeting and using misdirection and subtlety, he immediately told her that he wasn't going to use it. It had been an arduous two hours or teaching him the basics and, in the end, he disregarded it. He could be so infuriating at times, and this was no different as he somehow was able to convince Tyrande where she could not.
"He made me see things from a more personal standpoint, he actually made me empathize with the Highborne. Along with showing me who I was victimizing." Tyrande replied, her words were sour, likely the experience was not something she was proud of to admit.
Jaina could understand that, Ichigo did have a way to worm his way into your heart and make you see things from a different perspective. He challenges your views and actually picks out ones flaws and expands on the reason they are wrong and warp their entire viewpoint.
"He makes you see things from a more humane standpoint, less on cold facts." Lord Fallowmere clarified.
"Most of the time those kinds of talks never work, but when they do it certainly gets unexpected results." Jaina said, smiling slightly as she recalled many arguments that she had with Ichigo as he tried to convince her on a matter. "But even if he fails, he still leaves an impression, I wonder how many came here because of his actions."
There were many in the Horde that had been affected by Ichigo's actions, and most would think of him positively. It was no secret that this summit was possible because of Ichigo, and that alone made it clear that the only reason the Horde is here in such numbers and with such prominent members. Ichigo had earned a lot of favor from the Horde, possibly even more than from the Night Elves.
Because out of the Night Elves and the Horde, the latter has more people on his side, especially those in power.
"Fandral Staghelm, he will be present, along with the Masters of the Peak. How much resistance will we be having from him?" Jaina asked.
"Their presence here is likely inflammatory, most of their actions have been to demean and demonize Adelina Oakwalker." Tyrande replied.
"But there is more to it isn't it?" Jaina asked, there is no way that these Druids would go to these lengths to just harm a single girl because of her father.
Lord Fallowmere glanced towards her and gave her a look, it wasn't surprising that this didn't make sense.
"It is a power play." Lord Fallowmere stated. "Her father was a close confidant to Malfurion, enough that he was given a very important role in the Circle. A role that he trusted no one else to fulfil. He had a lot of sway in the Circle and many followers due to this trust he received from the Shando. But following his dishonor he lost much of his support."
Jaina could tell where this was going.
"And Fandral walked in and took over." Jaina replied.
"Yes, Fandral Staghelm was able to garner many followers as consequence to Khardamyr's demise and twisted the truth to lure them to his side. The loss of so many Druids and because of his actions alienated many from him, and with his death Fandral solidified his power in the Circle." Tyrande replied.
"How does alienating her do this? There is no motive to harming her other than simply lashing out due to hate towards her father." Jaina said.
"There is the possibility that Fandral is doing this out of hate, Khardamyr was responsible for a shaming towards the Archdruid several millennia ago. An act that from what I learned has made him quite embittered." Lord Fallowmere replied. "But the true motive is to prevent any remnants of Khardamyr's faction from gaining support or resurfacing."
Jaina was surprised, this torture was meant to prevent Khardamyr's group from regaining a foothold. Likely Adelina was used as an example to all who tried to side with her father, she was being used to keep his faction returning and that Fandral's faction remains strong. It was definitely a cunning plan, although it is likely this was built on the desire simply to take revenge against Khardamyr.
"So Khardamyr was the main obstacle to Fandral?" Jaina asked.
"Yes, and with Khardamyr gone Fandral no longer has any resistance to his actions and ploys." Tyrande replied. "Only Romulus has enough power to contend with Staghelm's authority, but he remains in the Moonglade, and his authority and influence can only extend so far. And with my beloved still within the Dream there is none who could challenge him."
That made it clear that Fandral Staghelm was the most powerful Druid in the Circle and from what she had seen already had a lot of influence in the rest of Kaldorei society as well. If he wanted to, he could easily sway the people's opinions and even force those that didn't believe into obeying simply to prevent themselves from being ostracized. And there was no better example than what was happening to Adelina.
"How much sway does he have outside of the order?" Jaina asked.
"It has been growing for some time, many look to him favorably for his attempts to restore our immortality along with his stances on tradition. Wishing to maintain an isolationist attitude and also pressuring further action against the Horde and their allies." Tyrande informed.
"Ironically this act is the very same one that had earned him that great dishonour that had seen him shunned within the order four millennia ago." Lord Fallowmere said. "But now people venerate him for it, and any naysayers that might have said anything no longer have a voice."
"There has been even word reaching me that he has had some sway over the Sentinels in Ashenvale that were particularly not pleased with Thycina's mistakes." Shandris stated. "It is believed that he is holding them back from providing support, likely using Adelina's presence in my fortress as some sort of bad omen."
So, he was playing with all different powers in the Kal'dorei, the man certainly knew how to manipulate people. In fact, she had heard on several occasions from Shandris that she had been struggling to receive reinforcements from Ashenvale, now they knew why. Maybe Fandral was setting up for her to fail or possibly even die in the south, something Shandris and Tyrande were likely suspecting of.
"Is it possible that Adelina was sent there as a possible excuse?" Jaina asked, having seen the kind of victimization Adelina has suffered for years it made sense she was made a scapegoat. "She keeps people away and if you fail she could be blamed for everything, just like what happened in Ethel Rethor."
"Yes, that is likely true, anything that transpired in Feralas with my forces could easily be blamed on her." Shandris agreed.
Adelina had been quickly labelled as the cause and reason for many of the negative impacts that occurred during the Desolace Campaign. Most, if not all, of the charges levelled against her were fabricated to make her appear as a traitor and instigator for the Highborne and Horde. Likely they had something like this in the works beforehand and simply gathered information about said incident and molded it to fit a narrative.
"As much as that seems likely there is more to this than I believe. Fandral is more cunning than that, and wouldn't build such a scheme without at least covering his tracks more thoroughly." Tyrande replied.
Jaina didn't know if Tyrande was being too cautious, playing one's emotions is one of the oldest forms of control there is. Controlling one's hate is easy, give them something to hate and they lose all sense of anything else, and likely as they stew in that hate the reason for it never dies. As long as they are constantly reminded, they will think of nothing else, and never question who they serve and what kind of man he is.
"You think he might still have something prepared?" Jaina asked.
"Yes, and that is why this meeting is so volatile, we do not know if one side or the other will lash out. It is without question that this Summit could end with all parties returning home to prepare for war." Tyrande stated, shaking her head. "Even I am not confident to say that this will end any other way. Regardless of Fandral's machinations or not."
"Peace can be achieved." Jaina said.
"We thought so too, after the Battle of Mount Hyjal, we made peace with the Horde. And they continued to cut down the trees of Ashenvale and fight our people. I held back on declaring war, tolerating these skirmishes within my borders. But I will not allow a second Warsong Gulch to appear in the west of Ashenvale." Tyrande stated.
Jaina knew she was serious, with how things were developing she knew that Tyrande was only humoring them in this summit. Ichigo had convinced her there was a chance to make peace, but that didn't mean that it would happen, and that chance was starting to diminishing as they learned more about the obstacles in their path. War was on the horizon, there was no doubt about that, but she hoped it would not be sparked by this summit.
Timbermaw Hold
Thrall stepped from the entrance of the Furbolg tunnel's and into the twilight of the Moonglade, he was struck momentarily by the serenity of the hidden oasis. Flecks of light seem to fall from the high canopies and illuminated all around them.
"It has been many moons since I have stepped within this place." Hamuul Runetotem said, taking in a deep breath and letting out a content sigh.
"This place puts the mind at ease, even my old bones feel as if decades of aches and strain have been taken away." Mairne Ragetotem agreed.
The Archdruid and High Shaman were members of this contingent, but they were only some of the people called to take part in the summit. Thrall turned back to see Cairne Bloodhoof and his son Baine, leading an entourage of individuals behind them.
Thrall had chosen to lead this troupe to the summit, he wished to do two things here, the first and foremost is to ensure that nothing derails the chance to end this peacefully. It was no secret that should there be any more contention between his people and that Kaldorei it would spark another war. One he did not know if he was equipped to deal with, not when he was dedicating so much towards saving his Tauren allies trapped in Thousand Needles and Feralas.
Although he feared that the Kaldorei would use the Highborne's existences as a justification to attack, and given what had been done only recently he would not blame them for taking action. Their past crimes regardless of reason would only spur the Kaldorei into action. And given that the Highborne were now under the Horde's protection that would put them in the direct firing line.
"It would seem that even the Highborne are being given the right to have a voice here." Mairne said, gesturing towards a group of three individuals.
Thrall turned, recognizing at least one of them, Codexia Fairchild, the Primalist he had met in Thunderbluff. They had spoken when she and Veles had arrived to plant a Great Tree within the Pools of Wisdom. She had also informed him of this meeting, along with what would be discussed, hence why he was intent on being here and ensuring its success.
"Who are the two with her?" Thrall asked.
"Mordent Evershade and Caelyb Greenearth." Mairne informed.
The former master of the Shen'dralar and the son of Mildreas Willowgrave, the former despot of the Highborne. Thrall had heard of them from Codexia herself, giving them praise for their actions, more so to the latter than the former, but a step above the other two who had been detained alongside Mordent following the taking of Ethel Rethor.
"Their presence here could inflame the emotions of the Night Elves, they were intent on controlling Ethel Rethor for the sake of ensuring the Highborne remained their prisoners." Mairne stated.
"A position we took from them, I am familiar with the idea of taking one's prey from the jaws of a wolf." Thrall replied, knowing fully well that with the Highborne here that things would become less stable for the summit.
The Highborne may be under the Horde's protection but that was only at the behest of the Primal Spirits, without their support they likely would not have survived regardless of who took over the city. In fact, their shared demise could have served as a better avenue to perusing peace with the Night Elves than not.
"We could see to it that the other two are brought to justice for their actions." Hamuul suggested.
Not the worst idea, they were part of the inner circle that initially caused the chaos in the Desolace, this could be broached at the summit. But he hoped that whatever comes from this that his people will be satisfied with it, too long things have gone on where there has been nothing but suffering with no relief.
If nothing comes from this, then he fears that his people will need to take action for themselves. That was something he wasn't sure if he could stop from happening.
There you have it, hoped you like the chapter and I will post the next one on New Years. Have a good Christmas all of you.
