Chapter 8
Orgrimmar
Sylvanas stood, unmoving, torn between utter confusion and extreme tension. The type of tension that one only experienced before battle, when lives were on the line.
"Who?", she asked, her grace and confidence now consumed by incredulity.
The dark ranger straightened, clearly dealing with her own stress, "Alexstrasza, the life binder, my queen. She requests an audience with you and the human, Matthew-"
"Yes, I heard you", Sylvanas interjected. She turned her head from the ranger, her mind racing. Alexstrasza? Why is she here? Why would she brazenly come to Orgimmar, straight into the heart of horde territory? And how did she know of Matt? What did she want with him? Did the alliance contact her? There were so many unanswered questions, which put her on high alert. This was a thoroughly unexpected situation, and for once, Sylvanas found herself unsure of how exactly to deal with it. If she refused to meet with her, would the dragon attack the city? She didn't want the dragonqueen anywhere near Matt. If she knows about him, is she here to take him from me?
All of a sudden, the thought that she could lose him, sent her into a mild panic. And she was disgusted with herself when she found that it wasn't just the fact that she would lose a powerful weapon. Squeezing her hands into fists, her anger that was always just below the surface, began to rise again.
"Open the gates and bring her here to Grommash Hold. Put her in the smallest meeting room, and tell her that I'll be there presently", said Sylvanas. "Also, send Tameriel to me at once."
"Right away, my queen", replied the ranger, before quickly striding out of the room.
Alone at last, she began to pace. She started thinking of strategies to kill the dragon without her destroying half of Orgrimmar in the attempt, and found that viable options were sorely lacking. She knew that Alexstrasza could have easily flown into the city. The only reason that she awaited entry at the gates, meant that it was likely true that she just wanted to talk. But why? If she refused to allow the dragonqueen to meet Matt, what would she do? Would Alexstrasza retaliate with violence? Sylvanas was in a bind, and she would have to act with wisdom, clarity, and an iron fist if necessary. There was a knock at the door and Tameriel entered.
Sylvanas turned to face her. "Tameriel, you're aware of the situation?"
"I am, my queen. The life binder is here. A completely unexpected event. What would you have me do?, she replied.
"First, put the city on high alert. Make sure all the guards are ready for a potential attack by either a dragon, the alliance, or both. We don't know for sure if she's here alone. Second, bring Matt here and wait with him. Don't tell him anything about this yet. I will meet with her first and then decide how to proceed. Guard him...keep him safe until I return."
"I'll protect him, to the death if need be", said Tameriel.
Sylvanas smiled weakly, "Let's hope that it won't come to that. Go now." With that, Tameriel gave a short bow and left the room immediately.
The dark lady stilled her racing mind, and regaining her battle trained focus and confidence, left to meet with the queen of the dragons.
Alexstrasza
Alexstrasza waited patiently at the gates of Orgimmar. She stood in her humanoid form, which resembled the high elves, her long fiery red hair softly touseled by the warm breeze. The large protruding horns sprouting from her head instantly set her apart from any elf though, and most would easily recognize her as the red dragonqueen. Even as she stood calmly, she was aware of the ever growing number of dark rangers that lined the walls of the horde city, keeping her in their sights, ready for action at a moments notice.
Suddenly, the massive gates began to swing open, creaking with an ominous sound. She smiled as one of the rangers approached her.
"The Warchief has agreed to meet with you, Life-Binder. If you will follow me, I will take you to one of the meeting rooms in Grommash Hold, where the Warchief will meet you presently."
"Of course, thank you", replied Alexstrasza, following the forsaken ranger, her steps both graceful and confident.
As soon as she entered the gates of the city, she was met with all the races of the horde, warriors and civillians both. She was the centre of attention, but not all gazes were ones of awe, some were marred by fear and mistrust.
In a short while, they reached Grommash Hold, and she was led into a small sized room. She assumed that it was the meeting room where she was to meet Lady Sylvanas Windrunner. The Warchief had obviously picked the smaller room for privacy, and it was not a room in which a dragon in humanoid form could easily change into their dragon form. The dragonqueen smiled, knowing that Sylvanas Windrunner was a clever and ultimately cautious woman, her brilliance only rivaled by her violent and unpredictable tendencies.
The door opened again, and as she turned around, Sylvanas confidently strode into the room. The two powerful women turned to face one another, the moment seeming to stretch on longer than the second or two it actually was.
"Lady Sylvanas Windrunner, Warchief of the Horde, Queen of the Forsaken, thank you for meeting me and honoring my request", she said, her head lowered briefly in respect.
"Alexstrasza, Life-Binder, Queen of the Dragons", Sylvanas offered a similar brief nod of respect, "To what do I owe the honor of your presence here in Orgrimmar, a thoroughly unexpected one at that", she replied, motioning to the table and chairs in the center of the room, "Shall we sit?"
"Yes, thank you", said Alexstrasza, sitting down. Sylvanas sat opposite, her face unreadable.
"I'm sure that your ranger already explained to you that I would like to meet the human champion that was ripped from his world, ending up in Azeroth. I believe his name is Matthew."
Sylvanas leaned back in her chair, her legs crossed, and folded her arms. "Why? What do you want from him?", she replied defensively.
Alexstrasza smiled gently, "I merely want to talk with him, that is all. A meeting of minds, if you will."
"Why should I allow such a thing? For all I know, you mean him harm."
"As you know, I love all living things. I would never try to hurt him or anyone else who doesn't harbor any ill will towards me or my kin, including the horde races."
"What about the ones who no longer have a heartbeat?", the dark lady retorted with a wry smile.
"Is he your prisoner, Warchief?", Alexstrasza asked, tilting her head.
Sylvanas froze momentarily. She understood that she had to be careful how she answered the question. If she gave the impression that he was being held against his will, an alliance army could be on it's way to Orgrimmar, for all she knew.
"Of course not. I rescued him when the alliance left him for dead. And it's not like he ever asked to leave."
The dragonqueen smiled, "Indeed."
Did she see through my lie? Does she know that when I found him, he was already dead?, Sylvanas wondered.
"If he is not your prisoner, then surely he can decide for himself. If you would be so kind as to allow him to meet with me here first, in your presence of course, and he can then choose whether to speak with me further or not", said Alexstrasza.
A flicker of annoyance shot briefly across the warchief's otherwise calm visage, but she recovered quickly. "I would consider it, if I have the word of the honorable Life-Binder, that he will come to no harm and If he agrees to speak with you alone, that you will not attempt to take him from Orgrimmar. I have his own best interests at heart, you understand."
Alexstrasza nodded, placing her hand on her chest, "You have my word Warchief."
Sylvanas stood, and after walking to the door, opened it and spoke in a hushed tone to one of the guards outside. She walked back to the table, sitting in the same chair opposite the dragon. "He will be here soon."
"Thank you", she replied.
The two women sat wordlessly. Sylvanas, stony-faced, and Alexstrasza, the epitome of calm.
The banshee queen was the first to break the awkward silence. "You will not poison him against me."
Alexstrasza was shocked to find that the undead elf's tone was unable to hide the fear and uncertainty in her voice. She made sure to keep her own facial expression neutral, but her heart softened for the dark lady. She is not completely lost to the darkness yet then. Even when shrouded in shadow, his light has spread to one so embittered and broken.
"I am here on behalf of Azeroth herself, Sylvanas", her words spoken gently, "I am not here to turn him against you or to take him anywhere. It will be his own choice whatever he decides to do. I repeat, you have my word on this."
Sylvanas' tense body visibly relaxed, and suddenly there was a knock at the door. Tameriel entered, with Matt a step behind her looking slightly bemused, and maybe a little agitated.
The Life-Binder and the Warchief both stood up from their seats immediately, as Tameriel left, leaving him alone.
Alexstrasza saw Sylvanas's face brighten almost unnoticeably for a split second when she looked at him, and she stood beside him, a little to the front, almost protectively.
Alexstrasza looked at Matt and had to stop herself from laughing outright. His blue eyes were opened wide as he looked at her, but was clearly trying not to stare at her horns or her rather skimpy attire. She felt a little sorry for him, knowing that he was from a different world, and the varied races of Azeroth would have surely been quite overwhelming for him. She always liked the way her skin felt in her humanoid form, and so she wore very little armor, exposing much of her femine charms. But, his almost comical efforts to be respectful and not to stare, was not the only reason that she had to forcefully stop herself from laughing. The surge of incredible power that he had within, was wonderous to behold, almost blissful in its beauty and potency. With her sensitivity to magic, his presence alone almost overwhelmed her. She knew then that she was right to come.
Alexstrasza extended her hand, "Hello Matthew, it's an honor to meet you. My name is Alexstrasza. I hope my appearance does not alarm you in any way. I promise you, I am a friend."
Matt looked slightly perplexed as he shook her hand, glancing at her attire, then looking at her horns again and smiled, slightly embarrassed. "Oh, you mean your horns. Not at all...they're magnificent", he replied as he perused them, adorned with golden rings and jewels. The dragonqueen's eyes brightened as she smiled. "It's nice to meet you Alexstrasza, but I'm afraid that I'm at a disadvantage here. Why did you want to meet me?"
Sylvanas stood silently, her eyes flitting from one to the other, watching intently.
"I, like many other dragons, have had dreams, visions of your arrival here."
"Dragon?...You're a dragon?", Matt looked confused. "I'm sorry, but we have stories about dragons on my world, but they're...eh, how do I put this...giant lizards, basically. Definitely...not like you!"
Alexstrasza now allowed herself to laugh. "We can change to different forms, by way of magic. I suppose that my true form is more akin to what you would view as a...giant flying lizard."
Matt looked flustered, "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to be offensive. It does explain the magnificent horns."
She waved his concerns away, "Don't worry Matthew, no offense is taken. This is all new to you, it must be overwhelming to have to adapt so quickly."
He smiled appreciatively, "Thank you for your understanding. Wow...still though...a dragon, amazing. I had a dream about dragons not long after I arrived here. So,what does a magical dragon of Azeroth want with me, Alexstrasza?"
Her face turned slightly more serious. "You have had dreams of us. I see. I was most certainly right to come here after all. We ourselves do not know all the details of why you are here. We do know that Azeroth herself is responsible for you being here. Why... is still shrouded in mystery to a certain extent, but we know that you hold the key to a great victory." Her face darkened, "Or a great disaster."
Matt looked crestfallen, "I don't understand. I don't want to be responsible for harming this world, or any world for that matter. Plus, I'll admit, my power has been growing, but not to the extent of harming an entire world."
Her eyes creased, and a smile lit up her beautiful face. "I do not believe that you will harm this world either. I can feel it. You may be struggling with a darker side of your power, but the light inside you is almost overwhelming. I feel in my soul that you will be a force that fights for Azeroth, not against it."
Matt relaxed a little and sighed, "I seem to be able to use a certain amount of magic just by thinking about it, but I don't really know what I'm doing technically."
Alexstrasza turned to Sylvanas, who retained her stony visage. "Warchief, with your permission, I'd like to discuss things a little longer with Matthew", she looked at Matt, "If that is okay with you, of course."
Sylvanas opened her mouth to speak, but Matt answered first. "Yeah, I'd love that. I need to find out more about what's going on here, and you seem to know more than most. I'd be honored to speak with you more."
Sylvanas's eye twitched as she forced a smile. "Of course, if that's what he wants."
The life-binder nodded in thanks and turned back to Matt. "Shall we take a walk outside? Relax and talk some more?"
"Sounds great, let's go", Matt replied, brightening up now. Hope was on the horizon. He would finally begin to put some pieces of this crazy puzzle together and he felt renewed as he walked out the door.
Alexstrasza began to follow him when Sylvanas spoke, her voice icy and threatening.
"Alexstrasza!"
The dragonqueen stopped, still facing forward.
"Remember what I said. You will be watched. Don't make me regret trusting you."
Alexstrasza only nodded and followed Matt out the door.
Sylvanas stood for a short moment alone, overcome with tension and a growing fury. She quickly followed, giving orders to a countless number of dark rangers on the way.
The banshee queen followed at a reasonable distance, her rangers flanking the dragon on both sides. The sun was beating down on the city, and the residents of Orgrimmar, sensing the tension in the air, left the streets almost empty. She could see Alexstrasza and Matt walking slowly together and talking, but wasn't close enough to discern what it was that they discussed. It was when they entered a large open area that rounded a corner, that she lost sight of them for less than a second. Her battle senses immediately went into overdrive and she gave the signal to her rangers to reclaim Matt. If she was overreacting, then so be it, but she felt otherwise, as a growing panic began to seize her. She gripped her uniquely ornate bow made of bone and began to run, when a gargantuan form flew over them, blocking the sun, as if night had suddenly fallen. She looked up in horror as the red dragonqueen, with a human gripped protectively in her claw, flapped her massive wings once. Night became day once again, as the life-binder sped away into the distance, becoming a blur on the horizon before anyone even registered what had happened.
Sylvanas dropped to her knees. Even if she used her banshee powers to fly after them, she would never catch the dragon. How could she have let this happen? She took the word of a supposedly trustworthy dragon, when she should have just attacked her immediately. If it wasn't for Matt, she would have done it. She dug her hands into the dust of Orgrimmar, for only the second time in her undeath, utterly frozen and dejected. Her unbeating heart feeling as if it was crushing her all the same. She looked into the bright blue sky and screamed. Some of her rangers turned away. They were all used to her rage, but they couldn't bear to hear their beloved queen's sorrow. The wind started to pick up as Sylvanas, still on her knees, dust now covering her armor, began frantically thinking of her next move. She would get him back. She gritted her teeth and dug her nails further into the dust...even if she had to kill every dragon on Azeroth.
Initiation
In no time at all, the dusty plains of Orgrimmar were left far behind and the forests of Ashenvale came into view. Alexstrasza found a large clearing in the forest, a patch that had been ravaged by war, and landed, slowly opening her massive claw and gently releasing Matt onto the forest floor.
Matt stared at her draconic form in absolute awe. Then, before his very eyes, she began to change into her elf like form, standing before him as she was in Orgrimmar.
"Wow...", was all he could manage at first.
She smiled, "Are you okay? I'm sorry that I snatched you away like that so suddenly, but it was important that we speak without interruption and that what we speak of, is for your ears only." She seemed regretful, "She will not be happy with me. I made her a promise. One which I broke, but did not wish to."
Matt's face contained a myriad of differing emotions. "She's done terrible things, but there's more to her than what most people ever see. In saying that, I don't know what she'll do if I don't go back. And honestly...", he looked at the sky and sighed, "...I can't help but be worried about her."
Alexstrasza took his hand in her own, surprising him. "That is why I believe that you are here for heroic deeds, not for destruction. All of Azeroth has given up on Sylvanas Windrunner, but you have not."
"Valeera never gave up on me, and that's what kept me going. I'm not going to give up on Sylvanas." He looked at the ground, speaking in a low voice, "I hope I see her again, even though...I'm not so sure she'd want to see me, after what I've done. I miss her."
She squeezed his hand, "You will see Valeera again." She smiled a gentle, knowing smile, and Matt couldn't help but be comforted by it. She exuded a generosity and beauty that was wrapped in such wisdom and power.
She patted his hand and let it go. "Now, we speak."
He nodded, understanding.
"You have only tapped into a base layer of your talent. The powers that you have, are similar to the rings of a tree. The bark represents the powers you have access to at this moment, but there is so much more, and that is why some of us fear what you could become. Others, like me, rejoice in the possibilities. Beyond the bark, there are many, many more rings, each one representing another level of your unlocked power. I am here to teach you how to access those latent powers."
"I'm ready!", he replied.
Alexstrasza walked over to a dead tree, it's leaves and bark completely dessicated, devoid of life. She placed her hand on the dry bark, and closed her eyes. "So much death, so much destruction. It is not just orcs and humans, elves and tauren, that lose their lives. Everyone...everything is affected, including the trees." She turned to him, "Place your hand on this tree. Bring it back to life."
Matt followed her, placing his hand on the bark as she had done. She watched as he closed his eyes, willing his power into existence. Nothing happened at first, and he became frustrated. His hand began to turn black, as thin, smokey tendrils attached themselves to the bark, sending the tree further into decay. He opened his eyes. His hope turning to bitter anger, when he saw the results of his failed attempt.
"Ahhhhhhh...", he roared, kicking the tree, "Motherfucker!" He turned to her, "It's not looking good for the heroics."
Her face remained a picture of calm. "Your frustration is understandable, but you must realize that you have used more dark energy than any other. It has become what you are used to, but it is only a fraction of who you are. Try to visualize it in your mind. Have you tried healing before?"
He exhaled slowly and remembered Thelenia. "Yeah, I managed to heal a night elf priestess, but that was before I became so tainted by this", he replied, holding his hands up, the black mist beginning to dissipate.
"Then you know what to do. Visualize your energy transforming the tree, infusing it with vibrancy, with life. Be calm, let your true self shine through." She raised her hand and pointed at the tree that was now nothing but a dry husk. "Again."
Matt turned back around and closed his eyes again, laying his hands on the tree once more. Alexstrasza watched intently. For a long while, nothing happened. Then, a soft white glow began to emanate from his palms. The wrinkled and cracked, dry bark, began to slowly knit back together. White light suddenly exploded from his body, the glowing beams streaming in all directions, and Alexstrasza gasped aloud. With her eyes, she could see more than most, and the incredible magic that she was witnessing caused her to drop to one knee, her lips trembling. She never took her eyes off him, even though the power was utterly blinding. She was the life-binder, the protector of life on Azeroth, once the aspect of life, and her empathy for all living things was well known. That is why she knew, that of all the individuals on this world, she was extremely well placed to understand what it was that she was experiencing. And what she felt, was nothing short of incredible. It was pure wonder, pure joy, pure love...pure life.
The light extinguished, and Alexstrasza stood once more. Matt was now about a hundred yards away from her and she understood why. The tree that was nothing more than a dried out, withered piece of wood, now stood as a behemoth. It's crest almost reached the low hanging clouds, it's massive branches now spreading in all directions and filled with verdant leaves. It wasn't just a tree that exhuded life, it practically exploded with it. Alexstrasza knew that he had given life to what would have been a fifty foot specimen, and transformed it into what was almost a world tree. By himself. Still thinking of her own tree ring analogy, He is only a few rings in from the bark. Astonishing.
She looked at him as he stared into the sky at his creation. Sensing that she was watching him, he turned in her direction and shouted. "Didn't expect that!"
She laughed with joy, calling him back over, and soon he stood with her once more. "We have more to do", she said smiling. Matt nodded in agreement, this time, smiling with her.
Ashenvale Forest (2 Days Later)
Shandris Feathermoon stood in her tent at the edge of Ashenvale forest. The time just before a battle was usually one of the rare occasions that she had to herself lately. It was ironic that on such an occasion where she should be preparing mentally, that her mind had become a raging storm. Creating a calm, focused battle rage was difficult when so much had happened...so much was happening at this exact moment. Anduin Wrynn, the King of Stormwind and High King of the Alliance had contacted Tyrande whisperwind. He had revealed the likely possibility that Sylvanas Windrunner had the human champion, Matthew Dawson in her possession. The fact that her own sentinels had reported his tragic death to her herself, the news came as quite a shock. Visstra and Esora were badly affected by his loss, particularly Visstra, who Shandris had always known to be a hardened warrior. She was quite intrigued by the human that had left such an impression, and Tyrande agreed.
The Alliance were planning attacks on the Horde on multiple fronts, and things were happening fast. Tyrande had ordered an assault on the horde forces in Ashenvale. The high priestess, now also the night warrior, couldn't stand the thought of her hated enemy twisting such a potentially powerful weapon against them. Shandris was secretly worried about her adoptive mother. The ceremony that changed Tyrande had given her great power, but at the cost of her gentleness and compassion. She burned now with such rage, that Shandris feared that she would never return to the woman that she had known for so long. She sighed, adjusting her armor, when a voice outside requested permission for entry.
"Come in", said Shandris. A lilac arm pushed the tent flap open and a tall, beautiful sentinel entered. "Visstra, what is it?", Shandris asked.
"We're ready General. Say the word and we can leave immediately. The Horde won't know what hit them. We can finally push them back, clear the forest of the scum and-"
"Visstra!", Shandris interrupted.
Visstra stopped, standing at attention.
"I know that we're all on edge and that we have been waiting for an opportunity to take the war to the horde, but remember that focus and calmness are as important as rage in battle. I know that there are many reasons why this is so important to you, but we don't even know for sure if Sylvanas will come herself or if she'll take him with her."
Guilt and sorrow flashed over Visstra's eyes in an instant. "He's my friend General, the thought that I left him behind, only for him to be picked up by the enemy alive and well, fills me with anger and regret...and I fear for him. He's a good man, but who knows what Sylvanas has planned for him? I can't leave him there."
"I understand, but what happened wasn't your fault. Who would have thought that he would be ressurected somehow, and not as a forsaken. We still don't know how that happened. How he's still alive is a mystery. We should be prepared for anything at this point", replied Shandris.
Visstra nodded, a hardened look in her eyes.
Shandris gave her armor one last check. "We march within the hour. I hope that we find him, for you, for the Alliance, for all of us. But Visstra...", her sharp glowing eyes met those of the taller sentinel, "If he's...different. If he has turned against us, I won't hesitate to kill him, and neither should you. Are we clear?"
Visstra's stony vissage showed no signs of disagreement, "Of course General!"
"Tell the rest to prepare for battle, and pray to Elune for our safe return. Dismissed!"
"General", Visstra saluted and turning quickly on her heels, left the tent.
Shandris sighed. Visstra's facial movements were well trained. Military trained. But the eyes were the window to the soul, and thus, were more difficult to control. And Visstra's eyes were a turbulent mess, full of emotion. She could not trust her to do what needed to be done. If Matthew had indeed turned to the other side, she would have to kill him herself.
"I hope it doesn't come to that", she sighed again, as she prepared for battle.
The Coming Storm
He stepped from the portal onto the forest floor. Ashenvale. He knew it was Ashenvale. He could smell it, could feel the leaves and twigs cracking under his hooves. He had made it. Although, the question remained whether he had made it in time. He was in Kaldorei territory and he knew that it was only a matter of time before he would be discovered. But that was fine, and the quicker, the better. He stood to his full height, his bones cracking with the movement. His muscles and tendons, still in a state of tension, stretched to their limit. The green glowing lights that served as his eyes, hidden under a loosely tied fabric, scoured his surroundings. His fervent search revealed his worst fears. His eyes uncovered what others could not see. The traces were everywhere. They were already here. He snarled, revealing his sharp teeth. He had travelled through hell and back and still, he was too late. His leathery wings unfolded in one explosive movement and Illidan Stormrage leapt into the air. He had to find the night elves before it was too late. Azeroth was in danger, and this time, he didn't know if she would survive the coming onslaught. He snarled once more, picking up speed. The burning legion had tried to destroy the planet time and again, and had failed, time and again. But this enemy was different. They were clever, more ruthless, more insidious. He had barely survived his last encounter. The people of Azeroth had to be warned, even if it cost him his life. He grimaced, disappearing over the trees of Ashenvale. He would find them before it was too late. He had to.
Sylvanas
It had been two days. Two days since that bitch Alexstrasza had taken Matt away from her. Two days of humiliation. Two days of inconsolable rage. Two days of...of pain. Sylvanas couldn't remember the last time she had felt like this, and it burned her from within. It tore at her insides and poured salt in her wounds. She had become a whirlwind of emotion, everything she had come to hate about the living. It had become impossible to contain her fury, so when her scouts brought her the news that the night elves were gathering in force in Ashenvale, it had become the perfect excuse to vent her anger. She would kill every dragon in Azeroth, but first, she would destroy the night elves once and for all. She would bathe in Kaldorei blood. She would burn down the forest, and she would lay waste to the land. Life and undeath had done nothing for her. Azeroth had never given her succor. It had only taken from her. A tragic comedy, one in which everyone was laughing at her expense. But she would remedy that. This world, this...prison, would simply not allow her one moment of happiness, and so she would bring the hammer down on it.
She perused the Horde army in front of her and smiled a wicked smile, full of ire and bloodlust. She turned to Nathanos, "Prepare to move out!"
Nathanos began shouting orders and soon the army had begun to move towards Ashenvale. Towards battle.
Ashenvale Forest
The slowly descending sun cast ominous shadows across the battlefield. It wouldn't disappear for another hour. But the orange and red light seemed to foretell the copious amount of blood that would surely be spread this evening.
The two armies had met in a standoff, as if waiting to see who would flinch first. Shandris could see Sylvanas at the head of her army, with nothing but killer intent displayed in her red eyes. She looked relentlessly, as did Visstra, for the human champion, but she couldn't find him. He wasn't at Sylvanas' side, which meant that she was either holding him in reserve or for some reason, she hadn't brought him. She turned her head to Visstra, who was flanked by Esora. Both sentinels were scouring the Horde army for any sign of Matthew. Shandris turned back to Sylvanas, pulled back her bowstring and without warning, sent an arrow flying towards the Warchief. A tauren warrior moved in front of her at the worst possible moment, and received an arrow in the head for his trouble. Sylvanas's red eyes bore into the night elf general with a burning hatred. The Horde and Alliance armies began to move. The battle had begun in earnest.
The night elf sentinels began to fire arrows in rapid bursts, as the Horde army rushed them. Bodies were peirced, and blood was strewn across the forest floor. The armies were about to clash when a shadowy figure appeared between both forces. At first nobody on either side noticed as the dark shadow began to coalesce, taking on a solid form. One became two, two became four, and suddenly more than a hundred alien figures stood, splitting the two armies. Sylvanas was the first to notice. One of the figures turned towards her. Grey, leathery skin covered a tall thin skeleton. Short, mangled and crooked wings that appeared as nothing but bone and a thin film of skin, protruded from it's back. Large black eyes bore into her own red ones. Distorted horns, uneven in length and texture, extended from it's hairless monstrosity of a head. It tilted it's head sideways, almost in curiosity, and opened it's mouth in a gruseome smile. A long wide mouth lined with needle sharp teeth leered at her. A terrible awareness overcame her. Her well honed survival skills were put into immediate effect, and in pure reflex, she began calling for her army's retreat. Her army outnumbered them by at least ten to one. She didn't know why, but she knew that whatever these creatures were, she didn't have the power to defeat them. Fear almost overcame her as she screamed at Nathanos to retreat. The attack that had barely started was over in an instant, and moments later Sylvanas Windrunner and her army had disappeared.
A ghastly aura took over the battlefield. The night elves were left alone and confronted by these horrifying creatures. Shandris could see the confusion and fear spread throughout her troops. She knew, because she could feel the dread herself, fear threatening to overcome her. The oppresive atmosphere chilled her to the bone. She had experienced a similar feeling when she had fought the legion, but this was different. She didn't know why, but she didn't just fear for her life. She feared for her entire army, such was the vile intimidation that these creatures manifested. One of them began to speak.
"We...", a distorted voice began. "Have not...", the awful tone continued, dripping with devilry. "Come...", a tremelo effect, made only for a living nightmare, finished the sentence. "In peace." He raised a long bony hand, extending a sharp, gnarled fingernail towards them. Shandris tried to resist the urge to scream, such was the horrendous aura that now covered the battlefield. Her resistance broke, as she turned to her fellow sentinels who stood stock still, pale and confused. Fear, plastered across their faces. "RETREAT, NOW!"
A black mist gushed from the creatures fingertip, the pyroclastic flow of daemonic-like power, quickly engulfed the retreating night elf army. In seconds, it disappeared, as if it had never existed in the first place. An eerie silence had returned to the forest, the creatures disappearing along with their terrible magic. A cool breeze gently rustled the leaves of the majestic oaks of Ashenvale forest, as if thankful for the return of tranquility. The evil aura had left with the ghoulish invaders. The sound of small birds beginning their evening song brought a musical majesty to an otherwise gruesome scene. The sound of large wings beating, could be heard approaching. Illidan Stormrage appeared over the treetops and quickly landed with a thud, his hooves digging into the soft ground. He stood, trembling, with anger. Anger that he hadn't made it in time. Anger that they had begun their devestating ritual. And fear. Fear that he would not be able to stop them. That nobody could. His demonic eyes took in the scene set before him. His people, although most would refuse him even that honor of calling himself a night elf, lay strewn about the forest floor. Not a bloody mark sullied their flawless bodies. If he didn't know better, he may have even believed that the entire army had stopped and lay down to sleep. But he did know better. A feral roar escaped his lips. They were dead. To the last man. To the last woman. They were all dead. He turned his head from the scene. His people may have hated him, but everything he did, he did for them. Time was of the essence. He couldn't linger here. He needed to move...now. His wings beat hard, propelling him into the air, and Illidan Stormrage left almost as quickly as he had come.
The sun began to set, sending deep orange and red streams of light between the trees, illuminating the bodies that littered Ashenvale. Shandris Feathermoon lay motionless, her head leaning sideways in the direction of the equally motionless Visstra. Her eyes remained wide open. The beautiful glow that once lit them up had been replaced by a dull, lifeless stare. Her last thoughts were of her mother. How would Tyrande deal with her death? Darkness slowly drowned the forest in black as if answering her question. As if warning of the times to come.
Ashenvale Forest (Morning)
The scent of magic infused with the crisp morning dew, was the precursor for the portal that exploded into being in the middle of the forest. He stepped through, the portal immediately closing. He moved closer, the leather boots snapping twigs, the only other sound audible in Ashenvale's serenity. He stopped at the first row of bodies. Night elves, once glorious, now lay cold, barren, abandoned by life. He kneeled down beside one of them. Taking her slender hand in his, he gently squeezed. It was so cold. A single tear fell from his eye landing on the back of her hand. With great care, he placed her hand back by her side, and stood on his feet again. He raised his arms in the air. Electricity crackled, and the air itself burned momentarily, as a radiant light illuminated the area. The glaring white, exploded, power surging in all directions. The trees swayed to and fro, rocking with the pure force of the energy. The magic washed over the sentinel army. And he smiled.
Visstra felt a wave of serenity rush through her. She tried to open her eyes, but when she did, all she could see was a brilliant white light. It almost hurt to look at it, but soon it began to dissipate. She tried again. The light was flickering now, and she could see a face staring down at her. Her heart leapt, skipping a beat. It was Matt. He smiled at her. She smiled back. And then he was gone. She tried to move, but her body felt stiff. Slowly, she eventually managed to sit up, and was greeted by the miraculous sight of the sentinel army, mirroring her own movements. Groggy. Confused. But alive. How were they alive? It was him. She smiled again and then laughed, a loud, joyful laugh. He was alive and he saved her again. And... he disappeared again. Tears fell from her bright, glowing eyes, as she smiled, "What a bastard."
Orgrimmar
Sylvanas sat brooding in her chair. What the hell had happened? It had felt as if everything and everyone was out to get her, to thwart her plans. She felt cold, emotionless. Her fury had been drained. She felt nothing. The creatures that had appeared and sent her army fleeing had destroyed what was left of her dignity. Who were they? She didn't know. She was, however, well aware that they posed a great danger to her, to everyone, to Azeroth. And yet...she couldn't even muster the energy to care.
Tameriel burst into the room without knocking. Sylvanas didn't care. She began to speak in a flurry of emotion. Sylvanas didn't care. "My Queen. Did you hear me? He's back." Sylvanas froze.
"Who...,", her voice cracked. "Who's back?" She was aware that her voice trembled.
"Matt, my lady. He's back. He's asking to see you", Tameriel blurted, seemingly extremely happy.
Sylvanas's eyes lit up with the brightest red that Tameriel had ever seen. The dark Lady stood up quickly, renewed, despite herself.
And suddenly Sylvanas cared.