Might of Lordaeron

by K2JC

The Black Dogs. A mercenary company that would rape and pillage anything they could get their hands on. Their numbers, unrivaled. There was no hope of stopping them. They will rule over all. Unfortunately, a certain Prince will not stand idly by while this injustice runs amok. The Black Dogs will learn to fear the Might of Lordaeron.

4. Might of Lordaeron Ch 4

~One Month After The Siege of Feoh~

"Everything's back to normal, my Lord." Captain Falric reported "Farmers are back in their fields. The outer gate is repaired and reinforced by the Dwarves. No sign of Black Dogs within our borders, the Dwarves' progress on the Flying Machine is still a bit slow, our veteran Footmen had been given Steel forged swords and shields, the Rifles have been growing in number as of late and thankfully not as much of drunkards like the Dwarven Riflemen. Lady Lucross sends her thanks for the battalion of Footmen and Rifles sent to reinforce Mercenary Queen Maia and Rad. She will be sending another batch of supplies by next week. All in all, just another Monday. Prince Arthas."

"Thank you, Falric. You are dismissed."

The Captain bowed before leaving the room. Once the door closed, Arthas sighed. It's been a month since the siege and everything was quiet on Feoh's end. The people were starting to return to their normal lives. But even so, the soldiers remained vigilant. They swore that they will fight to the last man if Volt decided to keep up his attacks on Feoh. Aside from that, there have been a number of citizens, young and old, showing potential in the Arcane. Jaina proposed to start a school to help these individuals control their magic and Arthas approved. There were some who eagerly wanted to learn more about magic while others were a bit reluctant, afraid of the power they wield. Arthas idly wondered how many titles Jaina would hold now that she's also the Headmaster of Feoh's Magi Academy.

The Kul'Tirans had already started addressing her as 'Lord Admiral Proudmoore' despite the war having no need of a navy nor did it ever had any naval warfare to begin with. If the soldiers of Lordaeron revere Arthas as a king, the soldiers of Kul'Tiras did the same to Jaina. They even had the city's finest tailors to make the Archmage a new wardrobe fit for a leader of Kul'Tiras (A/N: I don't know how and I'm too lazy to describe it but her new set of clothes are the one's she wear in Battle for Azeroth. That's it.) Remembering her new wardrobe reminded him of his current state of undress. He had forgone his armor and tunic and was wearing only his pants and boots. Even the open widow didn't give much air in this hot and sunny afternoon. Anyways, even the citizens of Feoh see them as King and Queen. Well, according to what Falric said at least.

'Hmm. King Arthas seem to roll off the tongue quite nicely, doesn't it?' His thoughts were interrupted when the door to his study opened.

"Are you thinking about everyone calling you 'King Arthas' again?"

Jaina closed the door behind her and leaned on the bookshelf beside the doorway. Her arms crossed with an amused look about her as she stared at the half-naked Prince. Her eyes taking in the sight as she remembered their little trysts back before their relationship ended.

"Good Afternoon to you too, Jaina. Oh!" Arthas adopted a shocked look before rising from the chair and giving Jaina an over exaggerated bow "Forgive me, your Grace. I meant to say, Lord Admiral Proudmoore."

Jaina snorted and walked over to the Prince before slapping him on the back of the head "Oh, shut up. I'm fine with Lady Jaina or Lady Proudmoore but Lord Admiral?" She shook her head "I'm not my father."

Arthas noticed her eyes and tone at the thought of her father. Her family. He knew she missed them. He missed his family too. Father and Calia. Hell, he missed Uther and his incessant nagging. They had tried to find a way back. They even asked the Goddess Incarnate if there was some way she could return them to their home but the High-Elf held no answers for them. The same could be said about the Dark Queen. When they described it to her, she said she was unfamiliar with such a thing. Soon, they stopped and focused on helping Feoh and their respective Kingdoms survive the war with the Black Dogs. They told themselves that they haven't given up yet but it still didn't hurt to have a fallout plan in case they really can't return to their home. The Prince brought a hand to her shoulder and let out a smile.

"It's alright, Jaina. We'll see them again. Someday."

She looked up at him before grabbing the hand on her shoulder "Don't make a girl a promise, if you know you can't keep it."

"Sorry to disappoint you but I intend to keep mine."

Jaina stood on her toes and the two shared a kiss. It had been a long time since they've last done this but doing it now, it felt surreal. Like the first time they did it. The two held each other closer. Jaina pushed Arthas on the desk, making the Prince sit on top of it. The Archmage then straddled the Prince and their hands began to explore each others bodies as their lips locked once more. So lost in their own little world that they failed to hear the door open as Prim entered the room.

"Prince Arthas, have your seen Lady Jai- eep!"

The two pulled back as they saw the flustered pinkette who was covering her eyes with her palms but they could clearly see her peeking through her fingers. The two swore they saw steam come out the young girl's ears as her face glowed red from embarrassment.

"I-I'm sorry! I didn't know you were in the middle of s-something!" Prim stuttered out "I-I'll just be on my way. Sorry to disturb you!"

The girl disappeared so fast that they thought she had gained the ability to Teleport. The only thing that told them she didn't was the smoke outlined in the shape of the pinkette and the sounds of running feet down the corridor. The two shared a look and a laugh before Arthas locked the door. He walked back to Jaina and picked her up and sitting her down on the table. His hand went to her belt as he looked at her with a boyish grin.

"Where were we?"

His answer was in the form of Jaina's lips enveloping his and her hand pulling on his hair.

~Line Break~

"Damn it, my back's killing me. I'm too old for this crap."

"How old are you again, Valerius?"

"Thirty-eight, Falric."

"And you think you're too old for a little manual labor? When my father was nearing his sixties, he could still lift crates twice as heavy as these."

"We're Footmen, Falric. Life expectancy is a little short for us nowadays. We're lucky that we lasted this long."

The two Captains were currently helping the Workers set down crates of food and supplies. It wasn't their job and they weren't obligated to do so but two Workers got into an accident and the two decided to help the others out of sheer boredom. Along the way, they were joined by Joan. Unfortunately for them, she wasn't there to help with the crates but rather she was there to check the contents of the crates. Valerius sighed in relief as he lowered the last crate on the ground.

"Light, why did I agree to do this?"

"I think the question is why did I agree to this? You were the one who suggested to help them." Falric retorted.

"Both of you are so childish." The Paladin called out as she held a large crate on her shoulder as if it were nothing "Look at me. Eighty-seven and still strong enough to lift this one."

"That's because you're a damn Half-Elf, woman. You age slower than we do. What I don't understand is how you can lift that weapon of yours as if it was nothing? The Prince can wield his because of the muscle he developed over the years. You, on the other, look like you work out but barely. What's your secret, Jo?"

"I'm not telling, Old Man."

Falric shook his head as he sat on a crate and took a drink from his waterskin. Another boring day, another boring week. Sure he liked the peace they have after the Siege but he was a soldier. As loath as he was to admit, he felt like an Orc. He needed something to fight.

"Captain Falric."

The Captain looked to the speaker and saw one of Lady Alicia's Knights, Eve, approach him.

"Good Afternoon, Fair Knight. Is there something you need?"

"Yes there is, Captain. New refugees are seen heading for the Outer Gate. I wanted to inform you just in case."

"Thank you, Dame Eve." Falric nodded before leaving with the Knight, intent on ignoring the bickering duo behind him. Eve walked beside him, still a little unused to the weight of her new armor even when a month had passed since she received them. Her, along with others from Alicia's personal guards, were trained like the Knights of Lordaeron. More were chosen but the majority of Feoh's Knights were female. Trained to be the symbol of respect and honor. Devoted to the people and justice. They were taught to 'Live with Honor, Die with Glory'. All these teachings were taken into heart.

The two reached the Outer Gate and climbed up the wall. Once there, a dwarf handed the two spyglasses for them to see afar. Falric looked through the scope and saw the convoy of refugees.

"Nothing seems out of the ordinary." Eve commented.

"Hmm. Maybe."

He kept observing the refugees and his eye landed on a cart that carried five, hooded figures and, what he presumed to be, a dead body under a large, sky blue cloak. What really stood out to him were their bows and armor. Something about the design poked something in the back of his mind. He felt like he had seen those before. It was then did he realize that there were long ears sticking out of their hoods.

'It can't be.' He thought in disbelief.

When the refugees reached the gate, the five hooded figures moved past the refugees and looked up at the Captain. There was no doubt about it. The Elf that stared back at him was none other than Ranger-General of Silvermoon, Sylvanas Windrunner.

~Line Break~

Sylvanas looked at the city around her as she and her group were escorted by Captain Falric to the Feoh's Castle. Every building she saw had the banners of Lordaeron and the Alliance. She saw some Dwarves coming out of an inn drunk. Last time Sylvanas checked, it was only midday. They passed by a square and saw some children playing with wooden swords and armor. A little boy, who wore a helmet too big for him and covered his eyes, ran into Sylvanas and fell to his butt whole leaving the Ranger-General unfazed. The boy struggled to get the helmet off, making the corner of Sylvanas' lips twitch upwards. She knelt down and gently pulled the helmet free from the boy's head.

The boy looked around as if noticing he was not where his friends were and saw the High-Elf looking down on him. His helmet in her hands. He would've yelled at her to give it back but stopped as he gazed at her face.

"Pretty."

This statement made one of Sylvanas' Rangers, Anya, chuckle under her breath before feeling the Ranger-General's slight glare at her. Sylvanas huffed before placing the helmet back on the boy's head.

"Here you go, boy. A good soldier knows that a helmet is just as important as his sword and shield."

The boy stared gratefully at her before doing something none of them expected. The boy ran to Sylvanas and hugged her. The Ranger-General's eyes widened at the sudden contact but didn't push the boy off her. The boy looked up at her with cute, baby blue eyes.

"Will you be my mommy?"

Anya couldn't hold it in and laughed out loud. Two of the Rangers joined in but had one hand over their mouths. The last Ranger didn't laugh but had a small smile in her face. Sylvanas looked at the boy and was about to reply when someone called for him.

"Arthur. Where are you dear?"

The boy perked up and jumped off Sylvanas' arms and ran to the young nun. The boy nearly tripped over his own two feet before stopping in front of the nun. She scooped him up in her arms and twirled. Sylvanas watched them before Falric moved beside her.

"Arthur. A good lad but behind that smile lies a boy yearning for the love of a mother and father."

"Does his family not want him?"

"No, my Lady. It's not that. The boy's father was a soldier. That's his helmet on top of the boy's head. Before we came to live in Feoh, the city was under attack by an army of men and monsters. One of the soldier's defending the city was Arthur's father. Some of the city guards told me that he gave the boy his helmet before running to battle the Dogs. Unfortunately, he died."

"And the mother?"

Falric sighed and shook his head "The mother, a young lady barely past her twenties, stayed in the house and his the boy under the bed. The mercenaries entered the house and... defiled her. When we came in and slain the Dogs, we were too late. The mother lay naked on the kitchen table with her throat slit. I found the boy holding a necklace that belonged to the mother. No child should ever had to witness such a thing. There were no other relatives when we asked and we decided to give him to the orphanage. The boy repressed his memories and is set in finding someone to adopt him. He acknowledges his father's death but any mention of his mother, Arthur ignores it." He looked at Arthur and the nun as the two walked back to the orphanage hand in hand "The boy wants to be a soldier when he comes of age. If I'm still alive when that time comes, I'll personally train him."

"If you're still alive, Captain?" Sylvanas asked with a raised eyebrow."

"I'm a Footman, my Lady. We're expected to die at some point. Getting pass our thirties, let alone twenties is a blessing and a curse. A blessing that you lived this long and a curse because you will always think that your death can come any day now. The only thing we can do is to find a good place to die. The lousy pay doesn't help either." He muttered the last part under his breath before resuming the journey to the Castle.

They entered the Castle and was led through the castle grounds, where Knights and Rifles were being trained. Sylvanas was mildly curious at seeing Human women among the ranks of the Dwarven Riflemen. They wore cloaks similar to the Riflemen but tailored for humans. Same scale armor, or leather armor, over chainmail. One dwarf was standing on top of two crates and holding out his weapon in front of rows of Riflemen and women.

"This is my Blunderbuss. There are many like it but this one is mine."

"THIS IS MY BLUNDERBUSS. THERE ARE MANY LIKE IT BUT THIS ONE IS MINE."

Sylvanas shook her head before following the Captain. Once inside the Castle's halls, she noticed that all of the castle guards wore Kul'Tiran colors and symbols. Thinking back, she did see a sign that said Kul'Tiran district somewhere back in the city.

"We're here, Lady Windrunner."

She berated herself for being lost in thought and nodded to the Captain. He was about to knock on the door when it opened and revealed a disheveled Jaina Proudmoore. She saw Falric and her face took on a deep shade of red. Her eyes found themselves to Sylvanas and her eyes widened in shock. All of the embarrassment from earlier was gone.

"Lady Windrunner!?"

"Lady Proudmoore." She replied flatly. In didn't take a genius to know what happened. She shook her head. Honestly, she didn't like being the one to break the news to the Prince and Proudmoore but someone has to do it.

"There is something important I have to tell you. It concerns the state of the Seven Kingdoms."

Jaina's eyes narrowed and nodded her to come in. She turned to Falric and said "Guard this room, understand?"

"Yes, my Lady."

Falric stood to the side in attention. It was there did the rest of the Rangers came around the corner, lifting a large stretcher with a body covered in a sky blue cloak. Jaina looked at the covered body and felt a chill run down her spine.

'I have a bad feeling about this.' She thought as they entered the room and was met by Arthas. The Prince looked at them with a raised eyebrow before his eyes widened at the sight of Sylvanas.

"Prince Arthas." The Ranger-General began "I bring ill tidings from Azeroth."

"What happened back home, Lady Windrunner?" Arthas asked. His tone of voice hard and his eyes narrowed.

"I'm sorry to say this but... Lordaeron is no more."

"What!?" Arthas jumped to his feet and moved towards Sylvanas "What the hell do you mean Lordaeron is no more?"

"It is as I said. Lordaeron has fallen. The Undead had ravaged the land and left Capital City in ruins." She replied with a straight face as the Prince stared down at her with fury in his eyes.

"How did this happen!? Where was Uther? How did he let this happen, dammit!?"

"Lord Uther... is dead."

"What?" Arthas and Jaina simultaneously asked in disbelief. Jaina could not believe what she just heard. Uther the Lightbringer. The First Paladin. Dead. She looked at Arthas whose eyes slowly made it's way to the stretcher the Rangers were holding. He walked over to it and reached a shaking hand at the cloak before pulling it away, revealing the peaceful face of Uther the Lightbringer.

Jaina walked over and gasped at the sight of Uther's body. He could've been mistaken for sleeping if it weren't for the fact that his chest did not rise and fall. She looked over at Arthas and saw him clench his fist. She moved to wrap her hand around his but he cut her off.

"What about my father?" He asked. Voice hollow.

"He is dead. His body was sent to Stormwind for a proper burial. He died holding off the Undead as Capital City was evacuated. The survivors of Lordaeron sailed west, to the lands of Kalimdor. The one who leads them is your sister, Calia Menethil, or so Lord Uther told me."

"No... It can't be true..."

~Line Break~

"No... It can't be true..."

Arthas fell to his knees in despair. He had failed them. His people, his mentor, his father, everyone. He had failed them all. Why? What had they done to deserve this cruel fate. Jaina knelt down and wrapped her arms around him. Sylvanas saw that they needed the space and ordered her Rangers to stay outside. She looked at the couple one last time before heading out and closing the door. Guess they'll have to wait a little while before telling them the rest of the news.

As soon as they were gone, Arthas finally let the tears fall. Jaina stayed silent as she hugged the man she loves. She felt tears of her own run down her face. When she and Arthas met and became friends, soon lovers, Lordaeron felt like a second home to her. She knew the land, the city, even some of the people. To hear that it was ravaged by the Undead they were tasked to stop. She could feel her heart break. But she knew what she was feeling was nothing compared to what Arthas feels. To hear that his kingdom had fallen by the Undead that he could've stopped was like a stab to the heart. But not only that, to be told that the mentor you considered as family and your father were slain by the very Undead you were supposed to stop. It felt like nothing was left to live for.

Arthas loathed himself right now. How could he save the remainder of his people if he wasn't even their to help them? How can he help Calia when he was trapped in another world? Who knows what she and the people of Lordaeron will find in this Kalimdor? How can he protect Feoh when he couldn't do anything for his people? How could he protect Prim, Alicia... Jaina?

"Jaina..." A second later, he felt the arms wrapped around him tighten "Am I worthy to protect Feoh? To fight this war and lead an army when I couldn't even protect my people? My family? How can I protect this place, a place we helped rebuild? How can I protect these people? Prim? Alicia? You? I'm weak. I don't deserve to lead nor rule."

"Oh, Arthas."

She looked into his blue green eyes and brought a hand to his cheek "You are worthy. You are strong. A little reckless but you are not weak. Don't ever say that you are weak. If you were weak and unworthy, Feoh would've been raped and pillaged by the Black Dogs. Alicia and Prim wouldn't be here right now. WE wouldn't be here right now. Don't you see? Feoh had withstand two attacks by the Black Dogs, who outnumbered us, and sent them away with their tails between their legs. Because of your strength and leadership, the people of Feoh stood strong and found their own strength. They fought and bled in the second battle because they were inspired by you. Because of you, Feoh became a beacon of hope for the people the Black Dogs oppressed. They look to you as if you were a king. The people love you, Arthas. Your soldiers adore you. Your enemies fear you. You are not weak, Arthas. You are the Might of Lordaeron. Her sword and shield. Her guiding hand. Her protector. Don't ever forget that... my love."

She leaned in and met his lips. The kiss was innocent but deep. Arthas could feel himself growing lighter as if the Light had blessed him. He wrapped his arms around Jaina and deepened the kiss before slowly pulling apart. He smiled at Jaina and the Archmage returned it.

"Thank you, Jaina."

~Line Break~

A few minutes after their kiss, the two made themselves presentable and let the Ranger-General back in. Arthas wore a professional look as he sat down by his desk and stare at the High-Elf.

"I apologize for my earlier actions, Lady Windrunner."

"No apology necessary, Prince Arthas."

"Can you tell me what happened? How Uther and my father... died. How my kingdom fell."

"Very well." Sylvanas answered with a nod "Though I can only tell you the events when the Scourge had reached Capital City."

After failing to quarantine Stratholme, Uther returned to his organization to call for reinforcements. Without Uther, the Scourge gained a massive advantage and began overwhelming city after city, town after town, village after village until they reached Capital City. King Terenas knew that Lordaeron has fallen to the Undead. On that, the Prophet had returned to once more convince the King to travel to the lands of Kalimdor. Terenas agreed but chose to stay and hold off the Undead while Capital City was evacuated. Calia Menethil was chosen by the King to lead their people in his stead. Hundreds of ships left the continent of Lordaeron as the land was left burned by the army of Undead. Uther the Lightbringer rushed to Lordaeron's aid but was too late. By the time he reached Capital City, it was already overrun by the Scourge and the body of the King was left strung up outside the entrance of the city. The First Paladin was forced to retreat but not before taking Terenas' body with him and sent him to Stormwind to buried.

Uther and whatever was left of his army sought refuge in Quel'thalas. King Anasterian Sunstrider initially refused but was convinced by Sylvanas that the addition of more troops to defend Silvermoon City would benefit them. She had sent Nathanos and a company of Rangers to warn the other Kingdoms of the Scourge. She wasn't sure if a company's worth was enough for any encounters with the Undead. Since the fall of Lordaeron, they can only assume that their numbers bolstered. It was a week after he left did the Scourge marched to Silvermoon City's doorstep, led by a Dreadlord named Mal'Ganis. The Undead overwhelmed them with horrifying numbers. If they kill one, it would only be raised back from the dead. When their warriors fell, they were brought back to life as Undead and started fighting the very warriors they fought and bled with.

Uther and Sylvanas made a last stand at the Sunwell. They fought wave after wave of Undead until the Dreadlord, Mal'Ganis, confronted them himself. There the demon revealed the fate of Lordaeron's Prince had he not disappeared.

~Flashback~

"Such a pity the boy disappeared on us. He would've made a great Death Knight. Hehehehaha."

Uther felt unbridled rage within himself. The nerve of this demon to actually utter Arthas' name in his presence. The boy was like a family to him. To hear the plot this demon had in store for the boy made his blood boil. This nearly made the First Paladin charge at the demon recklessly but stopped himself. To do so would mean turning his back on the very teachings taught to him by Archbishop Alonsus and he would never let that happen. Not in this life or the next. Taking a calming breath and a silent prayer to the Light, he glared at the Dreadlord.

"Silence your tongue, demon."

The demon sneered at the Paladin. Who does this fool think he is?

"I grow tire of your inane babblings. This is where your Path of the Damned ends, demon."

Mal'Ganis smiled and laughed before staring at the Paladin as if he was nothing "And who shall stop me? You? An old man who lost the ones closest to him. If the boy hadn't disappeared, I would've gladly watched as he will be the one to cut you down. The moment the Master is slain by the Apprentice. It would've been so entertaining to watch. Don't you agree?"

The Dreadlord laughed but was stopped as he backhanded a Frost Enchanted arrow meant for his head. He glared at his attacker as the Ranger-General and the what's left of the Farstriders ran around him, pelting him with arrows. He growled but was forced to take a step back to avoid the hammer from crushing his abdomen.

Uther did not let his assault up. He had to keep this demon's eyes on him while the Rangers attack him from the distance. The Paladin quickly casted Divine Protection on himself before taking all the damage the demon dealt him. He blocked a deadly strike from the demon's claws before punching Mal'Ganis' armored abdomen with all his strength. The blow was enough to push the demon back.

Mal'Ganis roared in anger before sending a swarm of bats at the Paladin. He then put half of the Farstriders to sleep. The other half, along with Sylvanas kept firing arrows at the demon. The Ranger-General fired Cold Arrows at the demon before feeling the strain on her mana. One of the Farstriders pulled out a dagger and moved to strike the Dreadlord in the back only for Mal'Ganis to turn around and catch her by the neck. He growled before crushing the High-Elf's neck and throwing the body at another Ranger. The Ranger was pinned by her dead comrade and Mal'Ganis took the opportunity and lunged at the downed High-Elf. He threw the dead body away before grabbing the High-Elf by the shoulders. He roared in the sky and bit the Ranger on the neck.

Sylvanas cursed as her Farstriders were getting picked off. She nocked an arrow and aimed at the back of the demon's head when someone called out her name. She looked to the speaker and saw Anya running towards her, holding two bloody daggers in her hands.

"We failed to hold the Undead off. We had to fall back but Ghouls ambushed us on the way here. I'm the only one left."

Sylvanas' grip tightened around her bow before looking at Mal'Ganis and Uther fighting. The Dreadlord roared in pain as Holy Light shined down upon him. He fell to one knee and let the Paladin close before back handing towards a tree. She looked behind Anya and saw the army of Undead running towards. The Ranger-General closed her eyes before raising her hand to the sky.

"Thori'dal."

Light shined down on Sylvanas before stars fell from the sky and struck the army of Undead. Wave after wave of stars fell from the sky and decimated the Ghouls. Sylvanas would've kept the spell up if it weren't for the fact that her mana was almost gone. She felt the drain finally get to her and the Ranger-General fell to her knees in exhaustion. The few Farstriders left quickly formed a wall in front of the Ranger-General. Firing arrows at the oncoming army of Undead.

Mal'Ganis saw the weakened state of Sylvanas and he struck. Using his wings, he lunged faster towards the downed High-Elf and prepared to sink his claws around her neck. Fortunately, he was stopped by Uther. The Paladin reached Sylvanas just in time to take the hit for her. The force of the hit fell the Paladin to his knee. The Dreadlord stood over him and Uther swung his hammer upwards. The hammer connected to Mal'Ganis' chin and threw him back a few feet away. The fighting was finally taking toll on Uther and he couldn't even cast Holy Light upon Sylvanas to heal her. He glared back at the Dreadlord and hefted the hammer in his hands.

Mal'Ganis grabbed his jaw as he glared at Uther "I grow tired of this."

He raised his hand to the sky and the clouds parted as green balls of flame fell down in front of him. The burning rocks slowly began to merge until it formed a large Infernal.

"Kill them."

The Infernal charged at Uther and Sylvanas. The Farstriders that were caught in the sleep spell had woken up and attempted to stop the gigantic summon. Unfortunately, their arrows simply bounced off the Infernal. Some even tried to stop the beast with their daggers but were simply crushed by it.

Uther looked at the Infernal then at the advancing Undead before looking at Sylvanas "I'm afraid my time has come, Lady Sylvanas."

Sylvanas looked up at him and knew that he was right. There was no way they were getting out of this alive. She pulled out her necklace and stared at it one last time before closing her eyes.

'Alleria... I'm coming home. Vereesa, please be safe. Forgive me.'

She kissed the necklace before putting it away and grabbing her bow. Her eyes landed on the dead High-Elves and glared at the Infernal.

"Selama ashal'anore."

But before she could attack the Infernal, Uther charged the summon and jumped high in the air. He raised his hammer over his head, ready to strike down the Infernal. She could see the Light shine down upon the Paladin. Her eyes widened as his eyes seem to glow a golden light and an angelic materialized begin him, mirroring his movement.

"In Lightbringer's name, have at thee!"

The hammer connected with the Internal's head, quickly followed by a flash of light so bright that Mal'Ganis could feel it burn him. Sylvanas had to cover her eyes with her arm at the sheer amount of Light. When the blight died down, the Infernal was nothing chunks of destroyed rocks. Uther stood there, eyes glowing bright before it diminished. He was breathing heavily as he stared at his handiwork. He heard the screams of the Undead and turned towards Sylvanas. It wasn't over yet. They still had an army of Undead to finish. The Light was gone and the angelic figure disappeared. Uther felt exhausted but he will not rest until the Undead are slain or until he's dead. He was halfway to Sylvanas when the High-Elf nocked an arrow and fired above him.

"Behind you!"

Uther's eyes widened and he turned around to see Mal'Ganis had flesh to the air and was diving towards him. He tried to summon the Light once more but he was too exhausted. The Dreadlord roared and had his hand outstretched, claws ready to pierce through him. Uther closed his eyes and held his head high. He did not drop his hammer but he did not move to defend himself either.

"I am not afraid."

That was the last thing Uther said as Mal'Ganis' claws pierced through armor and to his heart. The Dreadlord laughed as he pulled his hand out and grabbed the body by the neck. He raised the body high for the Farstriders to see.

"Behold, Uther the Lightbringer. Dead by my hand. This is your fate, Elves, and your fate is sealed! Slay them all my pets!" He threw the body and the hammer at Sylvanas' feet. The High-Elf glared at such desecration and nocked her last arrow before aiming at the Dreadlord. She did not care that there were only four of her Farstriders were left and that they surrounded her, keeping the Undead away from her and Lord Uther's body.

"Bash'a no falor talah."

She loosed the Cold Arrow despite knowing it would do nothing. She closed her eyes and held her head high, not noticing the purple light shining down on them before she heard Anya point it out. She opened her eyes and saw the beam surrounding them before a bright flash of light then nothing.

When Mal'Ganis saw this, he sighed in frustration. Another beam of purple light, another one vanish without a trace. He was getting tired of those purple lights but he cares not for minor annoyances. He looked at the burning city around him then to the entrance of the Sunwell. If they can't have the Lordaeron Prince as a Death Knight, then they'll settle for this Prince instead. After all, he needs the Elf angry enough to jump at anything that he thinks will help end the Scourge. The Lich King will have his champion soon enough.

~Line Break~

"...ylvanas."

"...ake up!"

"LADY SYLVANAS!"

Sylvanas shot up and grabbed the owner of the voice by the neck, her other hand went directly for her dagger and raised to strike the voice down but realized it was Anya. She let the Ranger go before sheathing her blade. The Ranger helped her to her feet before observing her surroundings. Trees, trees and more trees. Her eyes soon found themselves on the still form of Uther the Lightbringer, his weapon lay beside him. They quickly gathered around his body, Sylvanas knelt down and observed his body. His eyes were closed and if it weren't for the large, gaping hole in his chest on where the heart should be, he would've looked like he was sleeping.

Sylvanas sighed before she ordered the Rangers to take off Uther's cloak and use it to cover his body up. After this, she sent one of the Rangers to scout ahead and find out where they were. When she came back, she told them of their dilemma and of the caravan headed to Feoh. A city ruled by Prince Arthas Menethil of Lordaeron, Lord Admiral Jaina Proudmoore of Kul'Tiras and Princess Knight Alicia of Feoh. After hearing this, the Farstriders knew what they must do.

~Flashback End~

"And so here we are." Sylvanas finished. Gesturing around her.

Arthas had his eyes closed as the Ranger-General reported to him what happened. Mal'Ganis. If they ever get back to Azeroth, he will go to the ends of the earth to avenge Uther, his father, his people. They will have their vengeance. But that is for another time. What concerns him now is that Sylvanas and the Farstriders are the only Quel'dorei they've encountered. Celestine may be a High-Elf but not their High-Elf. Celestine was a Goddess Incarnate and he was fairly sure that she can't fight like the Quel'dorei. Right now, Arthas wasn't sure what to do with them. Technically, Quel'thalas isn't part of the Alliance anymore. He would've given Sylvanas a position in their Council, which consisted of him, Jaina and Alicia, but...

'Oh, damn that. The Quel'dorei thought they were abandoned by the Alliance once. I'm not going to let them think that I'll do the same to them.'

"Ranger-General Sylvanas. The Alliance have abandoned you once. I swear on my life. If you join us, you will never be left behind anymore. Even if you decline, all off you are welcome to Feoh. You will never be without a home, even if it is on this world."

"...why?"

Arthas looked at Sylvanas with a determined look in his eyes.

"When Feoh was rebuilt, I welcomed everyone who were caught in the crossfire to this city. I will not turn away those in need if I can do something about it."

"We don't need your pity." Sylvanas retorted with bitterness.

"It's not pity, Lady Windrunner. Even if Quel'thalas is just next door, I will not hesitate to welcome you here. Not once did I turn away those refugees and I'll be damned before I turn anyone away when I can help in any way, shape or form. I stand for the Light."

Sylvanas looked down and contemplated her decision. From what she heard from Falric, Arthas and Jaina were considered by the people of Feoh, Lordaeron and Kul'Tiras as the King of Lordaeron and Queen of Kul'Tiras in all but title, in Eostia at least. Princess Alicia became less active in ruling Feoh after the incident during the siege a month ago. Princess Prim wasn't much for ruling and always had Alicia take the reins.

Honestly, the Second War left Quel'thalas bitter and so was Sylvanas but when Anasterian decided to secede from the Alliance, she was against it. She suggested they tolerate the Alliance rather than pull away from them but it was for naught. Maybe Arthas was right. Both their kingdoms made a mistake. This was an opportunity to make things right. She sighed and looked at Arthas.

"We're the only Farstriders and Quel'dorei that were taken here. In this world, WE are Quel'thalas now. In Azeroth, our people fought together once and we left on bitter terms. Now we have a chance to band together once more but this time, we will not make the same mistake our predecessors made. Quel'thalas stands with the Alliance. If Lordaeron needs aid, we will not hesitate to help." She finished with a nod of her head before holding out her bow.

Arthas returned the gesture with his own and held out Light's Vengeance over Sylvanas' weapon "And if Quel'thalas seeks aid, Lordaeron will answer."

"The same can be said for Kul'Tiras." Jaina finally spoke as she held out her staff "We will do everything within our power to help our allies in their time of need. Count on it."

"FOR THE ALLIANCE!"

~One Week Later~

Captain Falric watched the procession as Lord Uther's body was buried with highest honors. The people of Feoh don't know who Lord Uther was or his accomplishments but they knew he was important to Arthas and his burial ceremony was fit for a King. It was a day after Quel'thalas joined the Alliance did Arthas had a statue of Uther made by the First Paladin's soon-to-be grave and another in the park in front of the Church of Light cathedral. Even the district was renamed after Lord Uther. Lightbringer district. Everything that had to do with the Holy Light and any from of religion was in that district. At first, there was a conflict between the believers of the Holy Light and the Goddess but surprisingly, a High-Elven Priest was the one who convinced the people to set aside their differences and let others believe what they believe.

Elrothar Longlight was one of the Priests that they came upon in Brill. After arriving at Feoh and hearing of this Goddess Incarnated the High-Elven sought to learn more about their religion. When he was asked about his Faith, he still believes and prays in the Holy Light and he is no heretic for he still follows the Three Virtues. One, Respect. He acknowledges Faith the people of Feoh for what they believe in and honor their decision. Two, Tenacity. Even when faced with people who question his faith and paint him as a heretic for believing something else, he still stands true to his beliefs in the Light. Three, Compassion. He looks beyond the differences and understands the similarities of their Faith. Through this, he shows compassion and understanding of the people of Feoh's Faith to their Goddess.

It wasn't long until he convinced the people to understand each others' beliefs and the Church of Light was built with not one complaint. The district was named as One's Faith District but after hearing Arthas' request, Elrothar and the district were happy to do what their Prince says and changed the name to Lightbringer District. The people of Feoh care not for the name. They still believe in their Goddess but they respect the Church of Light's, and the Princes, wishes and did not complain. Besides, from what they heard the Paladin was a great and noble hero and mentor to their great Prince as well.

Falric was shaken from his thoughts as he heard the tomb shut. He looked around and saw the people begin to leave, the only ones who stayed behind were Prince Arthas, Lord Admiral Jaina, Princess Alicia, Princess Prim and Ranger-General Sylvanas. Arthas said words that Falric was too far away to here but caught a bit of the end when he was a few feet from them.

"...ou always said the everyone was flawed yet the Light loves us anyway. Maybe you're right, Old Man. I never would've gotten to where I am without you. Goodbye, Uther. And may the Light guide your path. Peace."

After that, the party turned to leave. They stopped by the Kul'Tiras District to visit Jaina's Academy. The Magi Academy wasn't as large as a Castle but it was like three Arcane Sanctums were combined to form one large campus. It was lucky that Lordaeron Workers work fast. They have expanded the city of Feoh and her borders to accommodate the city's slowly rising population and the new buildings being built around the city.

After their short visit, they stopped by the Farstrider District where Sylvanas bid them farewell. The Farstrider District was simply a newly built section of the city. It was made in case more refugees showed up and the other districts were getting overcrowded. The population of the district consisted of the Farstriders and Elven refugees. Sylvanas was against it at first but relented when she heard about the refugees' plight and her promise to aid the Alliance. The Prince was right when he said he would never turn away those in need and damn him for planting those thoughts in her head. They were Elves, sure, but they were not Quel'dorei. The only problem she had in the district were the fights erupting when the Dark Elves butt heads with the other Elves for the crimes committed by the Dark Elf Queen and her monsters. The Elves blame the crimes of the Dark Elf Queen on her people despite the fact that they had nothing to do with her. The Quel'dorei always had to step in and made sure that no such quarrels escalate to violence. She was so close to disciplining the Elves herself. If they don't pull themselves together and start getting used to living with each other or the very least tolerate one another, she was going to start putting the whole district under Ranger training and drill to these Elves' heads the value of working alongside one another.

They dropped off Sylvanas and made their way back to the Castle. When they reached the Castle grounds, Prim looked up at Arthas and asked "Who was Lord Uther, Prince Arthas? Was he a Knight?"

A sad smile adorned his face before he looked at Prim to answer her.

"He wasn't just a Knight, Prim. He was the First Paladin. In our world, the Knights of the Silver Hand was an organization founded by Archbishop Alonsus Faol and his apprentice, Uther, when an order of Clerics were decimated by the Horde in the First War. The Order was made to make sure that such a catastrophe would never happen again. The Order was composed of noble knights that were taught in the ways of the Light and Clerics that were taught in the ways of Combat. Uther was appointed by Archbishop Faol as the First Paladin and was followed by four more. Together, they formed the Silver Hand."

They had reached the Castle and Prim and Alicia wanted to hear more about the Knights of the Silver Hand. Arthas chuckled at their enthusiasm and told them he would continue it in his study. When they reached his study, he sat on his desk and picked up where he left off.

"Where was I? Ah, yes. When the Order was formed, their mission was to protect the weak and smite the wicked. They were a beacon of hope for the people and the soldiers. Seeing their prowess in battle and their unyielding faith to the Light inspired the troops to fight harder than ever. It was his show of prowess and faith earned Uther the title of 'Lightbringer'. It was after the Second War did the Order started training new paladins. I was lucky enough to be trained by the First Paladin, who I would be honored to call friend but in time as family. He was there to quell my doubts when I was inducted in the Silver Hand. To this day, I always kept what he said to heart."

"What was it?" Alicia asked.

""Lad, no one feels ready. No one feels he deserves it. And you know why? Because no onedoes. It's grace, pure and simple. We are inherently unworthy, simply because we'rehuman, and all human beings--aye, and elves, anddwarves, and all the other races--are flawed. But theLightloves us anyway. It loves us for what we sometimes can rise to in rare moments. It loves us for what we can do to help others. And it loves us because we can help it share its message by striving daily to be worthy, even though we understand that we can't ever truly become so. So stand theretoday, as I did, feeling that you can't possibly deserve it or ever be worthy, and know that you're in the same place every singlepaladin has ever stood. I'll never forget that. Even to my dying breath." Arthas ended as he closed his eyes and his thoughts went to his mentor.

Jaina saw this and looked at Alicia and Prim "I think it's time you get back to your studies, Prim. And I think the Knights are getting too lax without their Commander with them, don't you agree Alicia?"

Alicia nodded while dragging off Prim who still wanted to hear more stories from Azeroth. Jaina watched them go down the corridor with a smile before closing the door. She turned her gaze to Arthas form and her smile disappeared as she saw an apparition take his place for a brief moment. Instead of her golden-haired Prince, what sat in his place was a terrifying frost covered Knight. Underneath the menacing helmet were two glowing, blue eyes. Where Light's Vengeance sat on Arthas' side was now replaced by a glowing Rune Blade that emanated a dark and terrible power. But the apparition faded away as soon as it appeared.

'The Prince's fate has been altered. The Scourge has found a new Lich King.'

She knew that voice. That was the voice of the Prophet that visited Archmage Antonidas. Before she could think on it further, Arthas walked up to her and brought a hand on her shoulder. She looked up to see his worried gaze.

"Jaina, what's wrong?"

The Archmage shook her head and held the Prince's hand with her own "It's nothing Arthas. It's nothing. Let's just go to bed and rest for the day, yes?"

She moved away from him and opened the door that led to the next room which was Arthas' bed chambers. When she looked at herself in the mirror, she was met by a different sight. Her reflection wore the saw clothes but she looked older. Dark circle under her eyes and her face was set in an expression of anger. Her hair was white with only a few strands of blonde in the front. Behind her was the sea, raging as the storm it accompanied. As soon as she blinked, she was met with her own reflection.

'The Daughter of the Sea, however, is not safe from hers. The loss of her love ones and the death of her people will unleash the beast within. Do not falter from your beliefs, Daughter of the Sea. Seek solace in your heart, your love. Lest you travel down the path of your downfall. You have been warned.'

Note to self: Never write on an empty stomach. You'll start writing random shit if you do.