Chapter 20

"Hmm…yes-yes. Put plug there. Power go up-high. Yes-yes." Said Ikit as he experimented with the Focusing Iris the team had acquired from Theramore. It was a good find. Yes-yes. From experiments with that tiny blue human breeder, they managed to determine that it can boost the power of anything it is in contact with, provided one knew what they were doing. With it, a simple Warpstone token can power an entire laboratory. A single bomb can have the power of thousands!

Such a grand object had Ikit's mad mind thinking of ways to weaponize it, to make the Horde and Alliance fear them. To not bully them around, yes-yes. Ikit wasn't stupid. He knew they were weak compared to the Horde and Alliance. They outnumbered them greatly, yes-yes. When war comes again between those two, they will force them to choose a side, yes-yes, regardless of their opinions on the matter. And to prevent them from forcing the group to choose a side, Ikit will create a Doomsphere! One much better than the one he deployed against Karak Angkul back at his world. With the Focusing Iris, he'll make it even more explody. More deadly. More smoky! Yes-yes!

As Ikit worked on creating his new Doomsphere, he wondered what the others were doing.

Courier

"So you managed to figure out a way to extend the duration of the stealthboys?" Asked Courier as he fiddled with a Stealthboy that Cortana and experimented on with Ikit.

"Indeed." Said Cortana with a satisfied tone. "Turns out the power of those devices degraded due to how old they are. Over two hundred years old. It's amazing how they still are able to function for so long."

"Yeah.' Said Courier. "That just shows how sturdy the U.S. made these things." Remembering Courier saying it was 2281 in his world, Cortana nodded in agreement.

"Anyway, we managed to improve the battery life of each device by redirecting some power from nonessential systems towards the stealth fields. You'll be able to use it more without any negative side effects."

"That's good to hear.' Said Courier with a smile, eager to test it out. "Got anything else to speak to me about?"

"I do, actually.' Said Cortana before speaking. "You know about Thalyssra?" Looking at Cortana in surprise, Courier nodded before she explained. "Well, I was thinking that she would make a good girlfriend for Chief. One that can be with him for the rest of his life. One that can…have a family with him. But, Chief will need some help from us in order to move towards the idea of dating the elf. Do you mind helping me with this?" Surprised to hear this, Courier spoke.

"Why do this?" Asked Courier. "Chief's a soldier and that's what he wants to be, right? Why force him to have a girl?"

"Because I'm not going to last long." Said Cortana, surprising Courier. "You see, AIs, like me, don't last long. Eventually we succumb to a disease called rampancy. It's essentially sensoary overload for AIs. We have so much data that we eventually think ourselves to death. During this time, in order to prevent death, we terminate parts of ourselves. But all this does is delay the inevitable and eventually we either self-terminate or seek ways to preserve ourselves." Hearing this, Courier looked at Cortana, unsure of what to say.

"How long?" Asked Courier. Cortana just looked down at her feet.

"Two years and counting." Said Cortana. "When that time expires, my neural pathways begin to clog my artificial matrix and, as a result, I begin making rash decision, hampering my ability to be logical, and limit my effectiveness." Courier, looking at the AI, went over to the console she was emitting from and spoke.

"Will you be a danger to us?" Asked Courier. Cortana nodded.

"Some AIs have been known to kill people if they even think they are a threat to their continued existence." Said Cortana truthfully. "While you may think I won't do it, I might. Rampancy involves a series of emotions coming to the AI. Emotions that they normally can keep under control. When I'm rampant, I might actually hurt or even kill any of you if I perceive you guys being a threat to my existence."

"Is there a cure?" Asked Courier, quiet from this declaration from Cortana. He was sure that none of the team, baring Ikit, would bring themselves to kill the AI when it came to it. Especially John.

"There have been…attempts to cure it, but all they did was delay the inevitable." Said Cortana in a defeated tone. She then turned her back from Courier, unable to look at him, something that the Courier could get. This was something that was very hard on her. The possibility of turning on friends unwittingly was something that should cause great fear amongst people.

"Does John know?" Asked Courier. Cortana just stayed silent for a few moments before speaking.

"I don't even think he suspects it." Said Cortana. "That's why I want this to happen. I want John to…find another partner that can take my place. One that can keep him safe. And to provide him comfort when he needs it. And maybe, just maybe, have a…family with him." Courier just stayed silent at this, processing all this. He could completely understand Cortana's side. Her time was nearly up and, rather than seeking a cure for her illness, she wanted to find someone that can duties similar to hers' for the one man that she cared for above all else. It was something that reminded Courier of himself at times. Helping his friends over his own desires and wants. The only problem was that Chief wasn't exactly…boyfriend material. But the fact she was still willing to try, merited Courier to help her out.

"I'll help you out with this." Said Courier, causing Cortana to look back at him with a smile. "The big guy deserves someone, right? Might as well make it the purple woman with long ears."

"Believe me." Said Cortana in amusement. "If you've seen some of their intimate moments, you would want them to be with each other."

"Oh?" Asked Courier in amusement. "What were they?" Cortana just smirked before showing him some of them. Needless to say, Courier had a big smile on his face as he watched.

Jack

Dalaran

"This is…quite nice." Said Jack as he and Vereesa were in a fancy restaurant in Dalaran. The type that looked like it would take forever to get a reservation in. But given that Vereesa was the leader of the Silver Covenant, he supposed she got top priority along with other high ranking government officials.

"I didn't want to come here." Said Vereesa, honestly as she picked on her food, some type of soup with a salad as a side. "The type of people that usually come here disgust me." She tilted her head towards a fat human couple some distance from them, eating a large, fancy dinner, laughing while doing so. "Places like this are usually filled with people I just…despise." Jack just looked at Vereesa in surprise.

"What kind of people?" Asked Jack, causing Vereesa to sigh, tilting her head to the couple again, hoping that Jack would get the hint. Looking at the couple, Jack immediately understood what she was saying. "The rich, specifically the type that just get fat and lazy while soldiers like us get sent to their deaths, watching friends and family die before our eyes." Vereesa nodded.

"It's rare for my people. Being fat is considered shameful for us, but we still had a few of amongst us like them. Not in appearance, but in personality." Said Vereesa, recalling a few arrogant and stuck up nobles in Silvermoon, back when it was the grand city it was before Arthas came. Sylvanas always called them stuck up pigs, worse than humans, behind their backs, sometimes in their face. Sylvanas, always the bold one of the Windrunner sisters. Alleria, being the most patient of them, tried her best to appease her sister and try to diffuse any situation she put herself in. Vereesa, being the youngest and therefore had little understanding on consequences, was just in awe of both of her sister's. Sylvanas for her boldness and bravery in facing bigger adults and Alleria for her ability to negotiate and calm those much older than her as well as her bravery. Just thinking about Alleria made Vereesa felt a pang of sadness. Her oldest sister was gone, likely forever, and it pained her greatly. She reconciled with Sylvanas, thank the light, at least. Though they haven't spoken much since Pandaria, Sylvanas had to make preparations for the upcoming reparations from the Alliance with the other Horde leaders, she was confident that they could, at the very least, have something that resembled their past relationship. And she had Jack and his friends to thank for that. Because of that, she would always be grateful for them.

"I see." Said Jack. "We got them in the Militia too. Politicians and pirates that are in it only for themselves or profit." Upon hearing the mention of pirates, Vereesa looked at Jack with a raised eyebrow. "Long story short, the Militia was a loose coalition of people that didn't like the IMC coming and dictating their lives. We took in anyone that had beef with the IMC. Disgruntled colonists. Pirates. Even mercenaries and murders. It was a bad time of us." Vereesa, upon hearing that, pursed her lips, in thought of this information. The Militia was so strapped for people they took in murders and pirates in their ranks? How powerful was the IMC for an organization to be forced to do that?

"I think it's time for you to tell me about yourself. About your people and your world." Said Vereesa, getting serious. Jack, knowing that she was right, nodded in agreement. It was time for someone on Azeroth to know about them. Might as well be someone like Vereesa, someone he can trust to keep an open mind on things like this.

"Alright." Said Jack. "Just don't expect me to reveal classified military stuff, okay." Vereesa nodded at that.

"I just want basic knowledge on your people." Said Vereesa. "About the IMC. Your machine. And your Militia." Jack nodded at that before looking around, making sure that no one was eavesdropping before telling Vereesa about his world. The people in it, like the IMC and Militia. He told her of the ongoing war between the Militia and the IMC. Why the Militia was formed and what the IMC did to cause it. He also told her of his family and how his mother was in hospital care permanently, something that caused Vereesa to look at him in sorrow and sympathy. He also told her of how he met BT and how they saved an entire planet from being destroyed by a superweapon, something that caused her to widen her eyes in disbelief. Seeing this, he told her that BT had a recording of it in his helmet in case she didn't believe it. After that, he told her of how he came to Azeroth with BT and how he meet his team. Upon explaining all that, Vereesa was almost visibly spinning.

"A lot to take in, huh?" Asked Jack, looking at Vereesa with some concern. Not about their date, but about her wellbeing after learning so much knowledge. Fortunately, she stopped soon and looked at him in disbelief.

"If just anyone told me all that, I would be sending them away from society." Said Vereesa, still in disbelief at what all Jack had told her. "But, considering all the things your group has, all that advanced technology, I have to see that it's the truth. But still, there are humans in other dimensions? With technology so advanced they can travel to other planets with ease? How can someone achieve so much in so little time. We elves couldn't have achieve flight in that time."

"Hey, don't sell your people short." Said Jack. "You guys got some pretty advanced stuff too. Like magic and whatnot."

"Yes, but still." Said Vereesa. "The ability to travel to different worlds. Without magic. It's…almost impossible to me." Jack just smiled at bit at Vereesa's awe before going back to eating. Eventually they ate everything, paid the bill and left for a park in Dalaran. Upon finding one, the two laid on a bench and watched as kids played around and couples having a good time with their significant other.

"It's always good to see stuff like this." Said Jack with a smile. "Always good to have a reminder why you fight, you know. So, you don't become a mindless machine. Or someone like Garrosh."

"Indeed." Said Vereesa in agreement. "I must thank you and your team. You helped me realize what I would have lost and I gone with becoming an undead. And for that, I am in your debt."

"You don't need to thank us." Said Jack. "You figured it out on your own. You didn't need us to remember your children."

"Even so, I still need to thank you." Said Vereesa. "If it weren't for you all, my sister and I would never have a good relationship ever again. Not after what I originally decided to tell her about my decision."

"Are you too good?" Asked Jack. Vereesa nodded.

"Yes, we agreed to write to each other every now and then. We're still working out the way to do so, but once it starts, I think we'll have something that we used to have when we were children." Said Vereesa, obviously happy about that.

"That's good to hear." Said Jack. "I'm happy for you. I don't know the joys of having siblings, but I do know that they're important to people if they have them."

"They are." Said Vereesa. "And I'm glad that I have a good relationship with the only family member I have left that aren't my children."

"No one else?" Asked Jack in surprise. Vereesa shook her head sadly.

"Most of them died a long time ago. The only ones left are Sylvanas and my oldest sister, Alleria. But, she's been missing for so long that I fear that she's dead." Said Vereesa in sadness. Upon seeing this, Jack placed an arm around her and pulled her in close. Grateful, she placed her head on his chest and felt his heartbeat, liking the sound.

"You're a good person, Jack. I just wish you hadn't kidnaped my kids sometime ago." Said Vereesa. Jack coughed at that, realizing that Vereesa just made things awkward.

"Yeah. To be honest, I deserve the kick to the balls you gave me." Said Jack, causing Vereesa to snort in agreement. "But, I'm glad that we moved past that. You're a wonderful woman that doesn't deserve what has befallen on her. Both from me and all other events." Vereesa smiled at that.

"Sappy, but that is part of your human charm." Said Vereesa. "Along with my late husband." Jack just nodded at that.

"If you want us to stop this date, I understand." Said Jack. "I don't want to replace your late husband. Nor do I want you to forgot someone as good as him. He doesn't deserve that." Appreciating Jack's sentiment, Vereesa lifted her head and looked at him.

"I truly appreciate your sentiment, Jack, but Rhonin would also want me to move on and be with someone else. As long as both parties are happy and satisfied with each other's company, then he would approve of me moving on and finding a new husband. Even if it as one as you." Looking at her in shock, Jack just looked at her face before placing a hand on her cheek. Allowing this, Vereesa looked into Jack's brown eyes.

"If you're truly fine with this, I guess we can go on another date, right?" Asked Jack, completely serious. Vereesa just nodded.

"How about one next week? After the negotiations with Suramar ended." Offered Vereesa. "We could talk more about ourselves and figure out if we are compatible enough for a union." Jack nodded at that.

"Okay. Let's just ditch the formal wear though. This doesn't suit me." Said Jack, tugging at the dress wear. "No offense."

"None taken." Said Vereesa. "I agree, though, you are not able to wear these types of clothing with any sort of elegance or grace. Not like Rhonin." Upon hearing that, Jack chuckled a bit.

"Your husband must be a great guy. Nice. Able to discern individuals from the people. And know how to wear a penguin suit." Said Jack. "You're extremely lucky to find someone like that Vereesa. And a testament to the challenges I have to face if I want to continue dating you and eventually marry you." Upon hearing that, Vereesa's ears twitched in amusement.

"I thank you for having such a high opinion of me." Said Vereesa, a small smile on her lips. "And you are right, you do have much to live up to if you wish to take me as your wife. Both in terms of personality and your physical abilities." Jack just chuckled at that before smiling at Vereesa.

"I guess I do." Said Jack. "Guess I do." With that, the two resumed their peaceful observation of the other people in the park, their hands touching one another.

Night

Torrington Base

"That was fucking it?" asked Courier as Jack told everyone of his date with Vereesa and how it went over dinner. "Well, I'm glad you took it slow. Lot's of guys go too fast in the first date and that's about all they get. Good for you, I guess. Still, felt like you took it a bit too slow."

"Well, I kidnapped her kids, man." Said Jack. "Don't want to start the first date with a kiss or something after pulling that stunt."

"I suppose you're right." Said Courier, looking at High Elf Archer, who nodded in agreement.

"Still, you did great!" Yelled High Elf in excitement, eyes twinkling with happiness. "Keep it up and you'll eventually get an elven wife!"

"You get pointy-ear for breeder?" Asked Ikit, incredulous. "You asking for punishment. Pointy-elves are stupid and annoying."

"We are not!" Yelled High Elf Archer, glaring at Ikit, who sneered.

"See?" Asked Ikit, pointing at High Elf, who glared at Ikit with a death stare, who just ignored it. Shaking his head at the two, Courier looked at Chief eating his food with a blank stare. Seeing this, Courier wondered how the hell he could convince Chief to going on a date. Unlike Jack, he doesn't express his emotions much nor does he seem like a great guy to date. He had admirable traits, no doubt, but most of them weren't boyfriend material. And, unless Thalyssra had an unknown sister that she had troubles reconciling with, he doubted he could do the same thing he did with Vereesa with Thalyssra. Then there's the fact that he had to deal with Chief's unwillingness to do anything but work. After the war ended, Chief had Cortana give him locations on any known locations on pirate hideouts. It was obvious to everyone that he was focusing solely on fighting, rather than doing anything else, like finding a woman to settle down with. While he admired his want to fight those that wrong the weak, he believed he had time to do both at the same time. Plus, from what he discerned of the Human Covenant War and Chief's role in it, he figured he deserved a woman to settle down with.

That and he made a promise to Cortana to get John together with Thalyssra or someone as equally as good as her.

Sighing, he began formulating plans to get John with Thalyssra. Peacefully of course.

Few days later

Suramar

"Welcome to Suramar." Said Thalyssra as she greeted team Sigma, the Horde, and Alliance diplomats. Smiling kindly at them, Thalyssra looked at them all with all the elegance and pristine that one would expect from a ten thousand year old elf. "Grand Magistrix Elisande is waiting for you with her council. She, along with the rest of Suramar, hopes to establish fruitful trades with both the Horde and Alliance."

"That remains to be seen." Said Tyrande as she was being escorted by her guards, Shandris amongst them. Since the Nightborne used to be Nightelves, the Alliance figured that sending Tyrande, who was born on Suramar, would be their best pick to establishing relations with the Nightborne. Though Tyrande was reluctant to play diplomat to the people that abandoned them when the Burning Legion invaded, she, nonetheless, obeyed the orders of Varian and left for Suramar.

For the Horde, they sent Liadrin of the Blood elves as their diplomat. Since the Nightborne were…well elves…Vol'jin thought it would be best to send their own elves as they knew what elf's like and don't like. They also knew how to be on their best behavior as well. They would have sent Lor'themar, but he was needed for the reparation talks taking place at the same time as the negotiations at Suramar, so they sent Liadrin, matriarch of the Horde's blood knights and rumored to be Lor'themar's consort, in his stead.

Sensing an opportunity to gain one ahead of the Alliance, Liadrin spoke.

"The Horde also hopes for fruitful trade with the city of Suramar." Said Liadrin, speaking smoothly as expected of all elves. "We have heard a great deal of the grand cities of the Nightelf empire. To be walking in the only functional remnant of that empire is a great honor." Sensing the honesty in her words, Thalyssra smiled at Liadrin.

"I thank you for those kind words." Said Thalyssra. "But kind words will not be enough to sway Elisande."

"Nor should they." Said Liadrin. "Words can be said by anyone, no matter how inelegant or pristine they are. What matters is that their actions." Humming at that, Thalyssra looked at Chief and smiled.

Seeing this, Chief nodded and ordered his team to take positions around Thalyssra and the diplomat parties. Having contacted her ahead of time, Thalyssra and Chief agreed to have his team be her guards as they escorted the Horde and Alliance diplomats to Elisande. As a gesture of trust, Thalyssra had it arrange that they were allowed to carry their weapons, much to the discomfort of some of the Nightwatch soldiers. Thalyssra, however, was confident that Chief and his team would not betray them and ordered it be done. Faced with the orders of the First Arcanist, the Nightwatch soldiers backed off and simply guarded the Sanctum of Order, where Elisande awaited with her council.

Once Chief took position next to her and his team took positions next to the Horde and Alliance diplomat parties, augmenting their security, Thalyssra beckoned them all to follow her to the Sanctum of Order. From there, they all began to bask in the glory that was Suramar.

Tyrande, despite hiding it well, was sort of happy that she can see remnants of her birth city again. Though the Suramar of today wasn't as glamorous as it was ten thousand years ago, it was still beautiful and a grand example of Night elf architecture. Looking at the streets and buildings surrounding them, Tyrande couldn't help but smile a bit at seeing all this again. Though she despised the Night elves of Suramar, now the Nightborne, for their cowardice during War of the Ancients, she could keep that in check during the negotiations since even the slightest of offense could seriously jeopardize the Alliance's attempt to gain some of the knowledge and goods that Suramar has. Although Tyrande was of the opinion that they didn't need resources and knowledge of the Nightborne, Varian and the other leaders in the Alliance believed otherwise. So, here she was, hoping that Varian wasn't mistaken in doing this.

Liadrin, however, was more optimistic about the Nightborne. They may have hid during the most destructive war on Azeroth to date, something that she frowned upon like Tyrande, but the fact that they were opening their doors once again to trade with the outside world made her give them the benefit of the doubt. Besides, the knowledge and resources of Suramar can prove quite valuable to the Horde. Though they'll have to share it with the Alliance, it's still better than nothing.

Walking through the streets of Suramar, Nightborne citizens began to see the envoys and Thalyssra, resulting in them whispering amongst themselves. They've heard of Elisande beginning talks with outsiders, hoping to both secure trade of food and a defensive alliance for Suramar in case some outsiders decide to attack them for their magic and land. Though some found the idea foolish, as Suramar has everything the Nightborne need and more, others were in hope that this will end well for all of Suramar.

While they all loved Suramar and are thankful for Elisande for saving them from the Burning Legion, they have walked the same streets for ten thousand years. Seen the same people for ten thousand years. Even eaten the same thing around the same amount of time. Many of them crave for something new. Something to give them excitement from the routines that they have become accustomed to and become bored with.

When Elisande announced that the barrier that had protected them for ten thousand years would finally be removed, allowing them to see the outside world, many were ecstatic for a myriad of reasons. Some of them were happy with this decision as it would finally allow the Nightborne to expand their city, resulting in them removing the single birth policy to prevent overpopulation. Others were eager to explore the world, see if it has survived the destruction of the Burning Legion, and the cultures that must have been born since their isolation. And others were just happy to see the sun and the stars once again. The barrier have prevented them from seeing such things and it pleased some to see them once again.

And now they were seeing people of the outside for the first time in ten thousand years and it made them curious. Some of them, seeing the Nightelves, wondered if they were still the dominant race on Azeroth and have rebuilt their empire. If so, would they accept them? Others, seeing the Blood elves and High Elf Archer, were surprised to see other elves, just of a pastier color and shorter. Then there were the ones that saw Thalyssra guards and were awestruck.

They all, aside from the giant rat with them, but even he wore armor that impressed them, fearsome looking armor that was so inelegant that none of their artisans would have even considered making something like those. In fact, they would shun those that would consider making such armor in the first place. Yet, Thalyssra had them as her guards and, judging from how relaxed she was with their presence, indicated that she was fine with them. Why their First Arcanist was fine with such beings was beyond them, but rumors have spread that a small group of powerful warriors had found a cure to their addiction to the Nightwell and have allied themselves with Suramar. Perhaps these were the individuals if the rumors were true.

Whatever they are, what matters was that they were all here to meet with Elisande and that today would not be something that would be forgotten.

Sanctum of Order

"So, it's true." Said Elisande as Valtrois gave her report about the Arcan'dor tree that Kel'danath planted with the help of team Sigma and the Nightelf Farodin. "The tree can truly recover us from our addiction to the Nightwell."

"Indeed it can." Said Valtrois, satisfaction in her tone. She, along with a few other Arcanists, had traveled with Kel'danath to where the Arcan'dor tree was. Though she had seen the effects herself, Elisande still wanted more confirmation that it worked and that it had no adverse effects. Upon finding it and beginning some tests, non-dangerous tests of course, on the tree and it's fruit, they confirmed that the tree's fruit can indeed cure them of their addiction to the Nightwell. And it was quite a tasty fruit too. After confirming it multiple times to ensure Elisande of the good news, Valtrois came back to give her the news. "I think it's time for us to share the good news to the rest of the populace." Elisande nodded in agreement, happy that things continued to go well for them. And with the arrival of the Horde and Alliance envoys arriving soon, she prayed that it continued to do so.

"Indeed." Said Elisande before looking at advisor Melandrus. "Melandrus, as soon as the negotiations with the Horde and Alliance are done, inform the populace that there is indeed a cure for our addiction." Melandrus nodded at that, already thinking of ways to add this to Elisande's next speech to her people.

Alas, that would have to wait as the Horde and Alliance envoys arrived in the Sanctum. Smiling at them all, Elisande appreciated the fact that they were all elves. Inferior elves, but still elves. They should know something about proper propriety and elegance.

"Welcome." Said Elisande as Thalyssra escorted everyone inside the sanctum, directing them to various podiums so they can begin the negotiations. "I am pleased to see that you all arrived here safe and sound. Tell me, how did you enjoy your view of Suramar?"

"It was an exquisite experience." Said Liadrin with a smile. "It was a grand honor to see such a jewel of the Night elf empire in all it's glory." Elisande smiled arrogantly at that. She then looked at Tyrande, the leader of the Night elves and the Alliance diplomat, eager to hear her answer.

Biting her lip, Tyrande looked at Elisande and spoke.

"I must admit, it is good to see that my home city has not only survived, but thrived." Said Tyrande, trying to keep her grudge against the Nightborne under control. "You have done much for yourselves since the War of the Ancients." Elisande smiled wider at that.

"Grand words from the night elf that has led the resistance against the Burning Legion. I had thought it was a doomed resistance, but here you are. I'm normally not wrong and I hate being so, but this occasion, I'm happy that I was. You've done well, Tyrande. Making sure the Kaldorei thrive. You should be proud of yourself." Said Elisande with a smile. Tyrande, knowing what Elisande was doing, nonetheless accepted the praise.

"Thank you." Said Tyrande. "Kind words from the Grand Magistrix of Suramar. "I hope that we can, once again, be a united people."

"Perhaps we will someday." Said Elisande. "But first, the Nightborne shall remain neutral in the affairs of both the Horde and Alliance. We see no reason to join neither side as a vassal, nor do we have any incentive to side with one side over the other. We will welcome both in our city. For all should enjoy the bountiful knowledge and goods that Suramar holds." Extending her arms out, Elisande looked at both the Horde and Alliance envoys and began the negotiations.

Meanwhile

Farthing

Tirisfal Glades

"My lord." Yelled a human Twilight Cultist member as he approached the Twilight Hammer leader, Farthing, as he was directing other members of the cult in removing all valuables in their hideout so they can move it all to their new home in Kul Tiras and Zandalar. With him was a blade of unusual design. "We found it."

It was a serrated dagger with a hilt guard that had several spikes across it. In it's hilt was a single eye that moved around, examining it's surroundings with hunger.

Upon seeing the blade, Farthing grew ecstatic. Wrenching the blade from the cult member, Farthing examined the blade closely, ensuring that it wasn't a fake. Once he confirmed it, he began to address it.

"Oh, entity within this blade, speak to me. For I bring tidings from my master." Said Farthing as he addressed the blade. After a few moments, a female voice began to speak.

"What does N'Zoth want of me?" Demanded the voice. Once it was taken from it's last resting place by Farthing's men, it peered into their minds and saw why they were taking the blade for themselves.

"I do not know." Said Farthing truthfully. "You will have to address him yourself."

"*Sighs* Very well." Said the entity within the blade. Checking to see if it can safely speak to N'Zoth in the void without drawing attention. Once it confirmed it can, it left the mortal plane and went to the void, it's birth place.

Upon entering, it could see the hellish world that was the void, adopting a feminine form there. A dark and empty place, full of hellish abominations that either give one false promises in exchange for their service or were eager to just infect and spread the void to the physical realm. Passing through several void creatures, the entity with the Xal'atath blade waited for N'Zoth to arrive. A few minutes later, a massive dark cloud, even dark then everything around the entity formed in front of it and soon, an eye formed from the cloud.

"Xal'atath, it has been too long." Said N'Zoth as the two addressed each other in the void. "I see that you are still imprisoned in the blade that Y'Shaarj imprisoned you in." Upon hearing of the other old god, Xal'atath growled.

"Bring up Y'Shaarj again and whatever you want from me will be refused." Said Xal'atath.

"Such hostility." Said N'Zoth. "No matter. I believe it would please you to know that Y'Shaarj is no more. I have drained the last of his power into my being, adding his own strength and knowledge to my own." Upon hearing that, Xal'atath paused in surprise. Sure enough, she sensed that N'Zoth was far stronger than he was when it had last met him. Scoffing in amusement, Xal'atath demanded to know what he wanted. "It's simple. I want your help to ensure our victory against the forces of Azeroth. I don't know if you know, but Yogg-Saron and C'Thun were almost free from their shackles, only to be defeated by the mortal races of Azeroth. This made me realize that, in order to win against them, we must weaken them. Weaken them to the point that they will not be able to stop us, no matter how strong their fighters are." Interested, Xal'atath spoke.

"What do you propose then?" Asked Xal'atath. Like N'Zoth she wants the corrupt Azeroth's world soul, turn it into a vessel for the void to use against the physical realm. She didn't care which old god did it, just that it was done.

"Help me do to bring Azeroth to my will and I will free you from your prison. Right now." Said N'Zoth. Xal'atath, surprised at this, looked at N'Zoth, checking to see if he was lying or not. Upon sensing and seeing that he wasn't, she demanded to know why. "Because, I see no reason to keep you locked up in that blade. Your skills are much to valuable for you to be locked up in that blade. You will be instrumental in our fight to both release me and to secure Azeroth for the void." Sensing that N'Zoth was telling the truth, Xal'atath agreed so long as she was freed now and would not be betrayed later. Swearing that he would not betray her, N'Zoth began the complex ritual needed to free Xal'atath from her prison.

In the mortal realm, meanwhile, Farthing saw the Xal'atath blade floated up by itself, pulsing with power. Seeing this, Farthing ordered the corpse of an elf woman to be brought forth.

A few seconds later, several cultists brought forth a female high elf corpse on a stretcher. She was beautiful, typical of an elf. Her long blond hair went down to her hips and her eyes, though they were closed, were blue like the ocean. It was ordered by N'Zoth for them to kill an elf woman of exceptional beauty so they can use it as a vessel for Xal'atath, the entity within the blade of the same name. When asked, N'Zoth said that Xal'atath had always been a little…vain when it comes to her looks. It was difficult, but they eventually found a high elf in the Eastern Kingdoms and killed her and dragged her corpse here in their hideout, waiting for it's host to arrive.

After a few minutes, the blade emitted a pulse that sent Farthing and the other cultists to the ground.

Shaking his head, Farthing look around to see the dead elven corpse up and about, it's pale skin going even paler to the point that it was chalk white, not unlike some Forsaken. It's blond hair turned blue and it's eyes began to glow bright blue as well. Flexing it's fingers, the body spoke.

"Hmm…the hair will need to be cut." Said the body as it moved around. "But other than that, this is a body worthy of me."

"Excellent." Said N'Zoth as he spoke to everyone present. Upon hearing N'Zoth's voice, some cultists went to the ground, screaming their devotion for him. Amused, N'Zoth nonetheless went to business. "Farthing, your cultists have done well. You should be pleased." Upon hearing the praise, Farthing bowed at N'Zoth.

"Thank you, my lord." Said Farthing. "We live to serve."

"And you will be rewarded for doing so." Said N'Zoth before speaking to Xal'atath. "Xal'atath, obey Farthing as if he was me. He may be mortal, but he knows what's he's doing. Also, once they've returned, you will obey the orders of one of my finest agents." Though she was displeased at being placed under the command of lesser beings, Xal'atath nonetheless agreed.

"Very well." Said Xal'atath. "But know this, if your Farthing does anything to incur my wrath, I will kill him."

"He will not. He's not stupid." Said N'Zoth. "He knows what's he's doing." Xal'atath just scoffed at that, but choose to believe N'Zoth. "Farthing, what happened to the team that was sent to the location I sent you?"

"They will be arriving today with your gifts, my god." Said Farthing. "Once they've arrived, we'll depart of Kul Tiras and Zandalar immediately. We will contact you once we've arrived."

"Good." Said N'Zoth. "Good. Once they have arrived, they'll be bringing in a guest with them. A guest that should augment your strength well."

"A guest?" Asked Farthing in surprise. "What kind of guest?"

"A guest that will show you what I have in store for Azeroth upon my release." Said N'Zoth ominously. "Anything else, you don't need to know. For now, just do what I have already asked of you and keep the blade of Xal'atath with you. It's…required for one of my other allies." Upon hearing that both Xal'atath and Farthing asked N'Zoth of what ally. "He…does not wish to be revealed just yet. Just know that he will be a grand help to us and that it will require much to ensure his continued cooperation." With that, N'Zoth left them all, leaving them all to wonder who this ally was and why they wanted the blade that held Xal'atath prisoner for so long.