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Chapter 16: New Beginnings
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Five weeks later, and the now crowned leader of Quel'Thalas - Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider was awaiting in the Imperial Hall of Lordaeron for the Alliance ambassadors to arrive, a meeting called by Prince Arthas. Kael'thas himself had stuck with the title of prince, declaring his father Anasterian the last High King of Quel'Thas, mostly out of respect for his long rule and to remind himself of not being like his father, hence the meeting.
Silvermoon and the whole of Quel'Thalas was in a sense, cut in half by the blighted path running through its land - thankfully the high elven mages, priests and a few druids were already making progress in cleansing the land alongside the human paladins. The Sunwell making it a bit easier to heal the land as well. One thing he was glad for was that Quel'Thalas wasn't cut in half in a literal sense, thanks to Lordaeron' forces driving out the Scourge and hunting down the Amani, once and for all.
Another problem now was this 'feeling of withdrawl' he had started feeling weeks ago - that the new Grand Magister of Silvermoon Rommath had been forced to find out why, as it had struck every high elf. It didn't take long and soon Rommath had reported back the awful truth - the sudden lack and cut in the Sunwell' energies had affected the high elves more physically than emotionally; like an addiction as Rommath had said it plainly and the high elf race were now feeling the effects of withdrawl.
Luckily it wasn't very bad, as the Sunwell still existed, yet now a warning and law was being issued for the high elves to cut back and conserve using magic - less they feel more sick from the withdrawl: pain, paleness and even painful spasms. None had fortunately died from it but it affected their entire civilization now - magic needed to be used wisely, not when it made live easier. Mages and magisters were affected the most, him included, since they used magic the most - luckily there were ways to ease the withdrawl: taking mana stones, proximity to a magical nexus or energy source such as Dalaran or closeness to an equal magical being.
For Kael that meant interacting with Jaina, more than usual, who stood behind him for some support and aid - she was a bit more welcoming to his advances now, for some reason, so it lightened the atmosphere around them a bit. Along that, it eased the before thumping in his head to a simple ache in his neck - atleast he didn't need to use any mana stones, you had to use them wisely as well noe, else you made your withdrawl worse. He did keep two mana stones on him though, just incase.
Across the table sat Arthas, going over a few papers from the invasion - Lordaeron had lost five-hundred soldiers and General Abbendis to their blitz, with a quarter of their forces injured as well. Both kingdoms had suffered greatly to this war: the high elves had lost half of their standing army and nearly three-quarters of the entire Silvermoon guards...and a quarter of their population. Eastern Lordaeron was still being rebuilt with one soul in two dead to the plague or the undead - in red ink was written - about 300,000 souls lost to the Scourge, a very depressive number, but it could've been much, much worse.
Sylvanas stood next to him, looking her usual healthy self, as much as one can from a full-blown invasion. Rangers, druids, priests and a few elves who weren't big magic users weren't as affected by the withdrawl as the rest - their withdrawl only causing them minor feelings of fatigue, according to Rommath it was due to them having a per say 'fall-back' from the arcane magic, be it the Light or drew their energies from nature, or minor users being satisfied by the amount of magic the Sunwell gave off now. Sylvanas having the luck of being both a natural ranger and not a mage, while also being close to a powerful Light-wielder.
Soon the silence was broken as the first ambassador arrived, from Stormwind. A young, yet armored man who bore the traits and a few scars of a hardened warrior.
"Arthas!"
"Varian!" replied Arthas in a similar gruff manner, as both men clasped their hands and shoulders together. "Still the ol' hardy veteran I see."
"Same to you, old friend!" laughed Varian, sizing up Arthas. "See you've put on a bit of muscle. That sword ain't too heavy for, ya?"
"Wanna try it?" grinned Arthas in response. "But maybe later, important business I'know."
"If you say so," replied Varian, patting an armored hand on his shoulder before taking a seat.
Soon enough the other ambassadors arrived: Archmage Antonidas from Dalaran, Admiral Daelin Proudmoore of Kul'Tiras and King Magni Bronzebeard from Khaz Modan. The last to arrive, albeit late, was Stromgarde although instead of the mighty warrior-king Thoras, they were greeted by the young Prince Galen Trollbane instead.
"I pardon for the delay...but my kingdom was going through troubled times. Our king had been just assassinated..." mourned Galen sadly.
"No offense taken - I had called this meeting, to discuss something important. Something that has threatened our very existence, while we have been divided," spoke Arthas, as he rose from his seat. "The Scourge!"
"Many of you might not know them, so let me clarify - they are a worser threat than the orcs...trolls...ogres...gnolls and murlocs..." spoke Arthas, walking around the table. "...combined!"
"They are force to which the concept of fear is equal to the brains in their head - or non-existend. An army created by the darkest magic - necromancy, and with a level of skill that makes even the elves shutter," he added. "For every undead we slay, watch out! For every warrior they kill, their numbers increase - an enemy, whose army grows, while ours die off. Their location - Northrend!"
"Then what are waiting for? Let's go get them!" spoke up Varian.
"Patience Varian. Don't get eager - I have been to that horrid wasteland: cold, freezing, a place that could drive a man insane. We'll need the support of everyone to make that happen, yet a more important task awaits first - recovery."
"Lordaeron faced against the first wave - a plague, made to kill and revive its people as undead servants; that was stopped. Then they turned towards Quel'Thalas - almost succeeding in wiping out their entire race; luckily that was stopped. We we're at WAR! Against an unknown enemy, who sought to divide us and to isolate us - and piece by piece destroy us! That can't be allowed to happen again!"
"What to you plan, Prince Arthas?" asked Antonidas.
"Disband the Alliance of Lordaeron," replied Arthas, hearing gasps and shocks at his statement, but he raised a hand to calm them. "And create a new Alliance - the Grand Alliance - not just another political, economic or military alliance born out of necessity. But a true union of our kingdoms, where we can depent on and help eachother - we share these lands, the fruits and benefits...but also the dangers and threats. We can stand united or fall divided!"
"I choose to unite and fight!" said Arthas, drawing Athe'mar. "Who will join us?"
"I will!" replied Varian, drawing his own sword and placing it on Athe'mar. "May our courage never falter."
"May our ancestors watch over us!" added Kael, adding Felo'melorn.
"Our will be as unbreakable as da' mountains!" added Magni, with his hammer.
"Wisdom guide our path!" added Antonidas, with his staff.
"And the Light shine our way!" added Daelin, with his cutlass.
All had crossed weapons with eachother, except for Galen who looked saddened at the sight.
"I...am ashamed to admit...that I might not able to join...as for in a few months my kingdom would likely soon cease to exist..." spoke Galen saddened. "...against the tide of traitors, ogres and undead who are assaulting my lands."
"You. Prince of Stromgarde! Rise!" replied Arthas to the mourning leader. "Hold your head high and your sword higher - for your people have sacrificed much for us, many life because of your peoples heroics and you should never feel ashamed! Ever! Rise up and may the people not find you wanting, for your people are always welcomed and honored here."
"As well in Stormwind!" added Varian to the heroes of Stromgarde.
"...then...may our strength...be unmatched!" added Galen, placing his blade on the pile.
"Such, lets us be know known as the Grand Alliance!" yelled Arthas.
"For the Grand Alliance!" cheered everybody in approval and sheated their weapons.
"Anything you need ol'friend - soldiers, aid. We can help you," asked Varian.
"Aye! Same from the dwarves!" added Magni.
"I'm grateful - but Varian and Magni, any forces you can spare I want directed at saving Stromgarde and its people!" replied Arthas.
"As you wish!"
"Admiral Proudmoore?" asked Arthas, turning towards the legendary seaman. "Any supplies you could spare, will be very welcomed."
"That I can!" nodded the aged Proudmoore.
"Antonidas?"
"Not to worry - I'm already planning to send aid and mages to help both Lordaeron and Quel'Thalas," replied the archmage.
"I thank all of you, for coming and for your support. Know this - if any kingdom requires aid in the future, then Lordaeron will answer!"
"As will Stormwind!"
"As will Quel'Thalas!"
"Kul'Tiras too!"
"Dalaren as well!"
"And in time, so will Stromgarde!"
XXX
Uther during the whole ordeal had been calmly watching and nodding up Arthas' words as the whole event unfold and he was shocked at what Arthas had accomplished. Managing to rally aid and support from the other kingdoms, yet also unite them under a new banner. When he explained this to Terenas a few minutes later even he was suprised.
"Twenty years...and he has united us once again," spoke Terenas, unbelieving it.
"He will be a great king. I'm now sure of it!" added Uther.
"Yes...he is," replied Terenas, in deep thought. "Dear friend...I think its time."
"Really? Are you sure?" asked Uther, suprised at Terenas' suddenness.
"Yes - I have ruled for long enough and Arthas has matured into the ruler I wished him to be. It's time these old bones retired," said Terenas, removing the crown he had worn for seventy years. "Go inform him - I am stepping down after seventy years of rule and Arthas is to be crowned the next King of Lordaeron."
"As you wish, old friend..." nodded Uther solemly, as he went to the Imperial Hall - part of him felt worried, yet a part of him felt proud. "Arthas!"
"Oh? Yes, Uther. Right away," replied Arthas, finishing his talks with Kael'thas and Varian. "I was just finishing the support and cooperation plans between our kingdoms."
"So I've heard. Listen, I have something important to tell you."
"Me as well. While Gilneas is still walled off and didn't join this meeting, as per their usual attitude, I believe a warning should be send to them. I know my father would understand the principle - even I wouldn't wish the Scourge upon Gilneas."
"What about you?" asked Uther.
"Well I-wait what?"
"You heard me right, boy," chuckled Uther.
"What do you mean?"
"Terenas has stepped down and declared you the next King of Lordaeron," replied Uther, shocking Arthas stiff. "So if you feel it so, then we can do that."
"R-really?" asked Arthas, still unbelieving it.
"Really! Your father believes you're ready for this, King Arthas," replied Uther.
"Then...I have to do something as my first role as King," said Arthas, going over to Sylvanas.
"You do that," chuckled Uther at what was about to happen.
"Sylvanas!"
"Arthas, I-OH!" replied Sylvanas, before getting embraced in a hug. "Oh! I should be hugging you for what yo-"
"Shh! Please listen," said Arthas, interupting her.
"What ar-" asked Sylvanas, before he started to speak into her ear - in Thalassian, her own tongue, short yet meaningful words. Each word causing her to blush.
"Anar'alah!" gasped Sylvanas, until she felt it. That made her gasp even louder, even more shocked from the joy. "Dalah'surfal?"
"Yes! Will you?" asked Arthas, pulling her to arms length.
"YES!" screamed Sylvanas in joy, kissing Arthas in plain-sight of the respective ambassadors, yet she didn't care if they saw or knew anymore. Only that they saw the golden ring in her finger, as she kissed him.
XXX
Deep below in the Scholomance crypt a ritual was being performed, as the remains of Kel'thuzad were in the process of being revived
"Thus serve the Lich King! Once more!" spoke Rivendare, pouring the vial of magical waters over Kel'thuzad' corpse as the necromancers and acolytes did their chanting and magic. No sooner did his bones start to set in place, the decayed flesh absorbed into the bones itself and two green orbs lit up in the empty skull.
"I am reborn, as promised!" roared Kel'thuzad, rising from his grave anew - as a skeletal mage. "And now it's time my friend, for the Lich King to be freed from his jailors."
No sooner did Rivendare hear the undead turn on the few Nathrezim enforcers in the Scholomance. Kel'thuzad and the Cult turning on the dreadlord, who had aided in the ritual.
"We've-"
"-been binding our time," chuckled Kel'thuzad, summoning up some robes around his new skeletal body - as the dreadlord was dealt with. "With Tichondrius gone, so has the only true jailor against the Lich King."
"And he's-"
"-been 'playing dead' as you might call it," replied Kel'thuzad in an amused tone, blasting a nearby dreadlord with his new powers. "The Legion would've turned on us sooner or later, so our Master decided to act first."
"What now?" asked Rivendare.
"We move, this location is becoming to dangerous to use, the humans would find us sooner or later," said Kel'thuzad.
"Northrend?"
"No! Our Master is busy there - eliminating his jailors, but he also doesn't want to lose his presence here," added Kel'thuzad. "No, we're heading to Stromgarde - our forces are already assaulting those lands. It will be perfect."
"Is it wise to reveal ourselves?" asked Rivendare.
"We're already revealed. We need a fortress - against the humans and the Legion," spoke Kel'thuzad.
"You haven't told me what this Legion is exactly."
"Don't worry, I'll explain it all on our way to Stromgarde," replied Kel'thuzad, as they headed outside with Scholomance still in uproar against the losing dreadlords.
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A/N: High elves now need to get a bit 'touchy' to not get 'sicky' from their magic-addiction. Kel'thuzad isn't a full-blown Lich, a simple yet cunning skeletal mage instead. Oh yeah and the Alliance is more united, Arthas is King and...has proposed to Sylvanas. (xD)