Chapter 1, Renewal
A formidable night elf stood tall in Ardenweald, the realm of death which contained the souls of those who devoted their life to the call of nature. The ruler of this land, the Winter Queen, stood back from the warrior, holding something aloft and gazing into the night elf's inky black eyes. Since the burning of Teldrassil, there had been no pause to Tyrande's stream of consciousness until this moment. After ceaseless fighting, she stood with a choice to make. Vengeance, or Renewal?
Tyrande knew the consequences of war. She had ruled the night elves for many years, and while the moon goddess Elune had blessed them with many strengths, this had not prevented the suffering and pain that comes with protecting your people from those who seek to harm others.
Tyrande always thought she would somehow reach a point where she would no longer feel the weight of what the night elves had lived through. That was until the warchief Sylvanas took action to massacre the innocent lives of those who lived at Teldrassil the home of the night elves and a former world tree. Tyrande carried the souls of those who died on that day, and found no comfort. Even when thinking of those who managed to survive, it led Tyrande to cry out in pain thinking how it was the most vulnerable who could not escape that day. It was an act which would break the most formidable leaders, and while Tyrande did not break, she knew she could not rest until she had brought an irrevocable end to those who had destroyed the lives of her night elves as a token in a game of war.
Tyrande's fury had drawn her closer than ever before to the moon goddess Elune. The strength bestowed upon Tyrande turned her into one of the fiercest warriors the night elves had ever seen, but such a warrior can still falter. As Tyrande's fury led her beyond the veil of death and into the realm of Ardenweald, a horrifying truth was revealed. It was here that Tyrande and Elune together that the souls of Night Elves lost in the burning of Teldrassil had not been able to make a safe passage into the afterlife. Instead they fell to the Maw, a place that only held suffering for all eternity. It was this revelation which led to the choice Tyrande had to make, as she felt a single tear role down her cheek. A tear from herself, and Elune.
The tear of a goddess is unimaginably powerful, and both Tyrande and the Winter Queen could feel the magic emanating from the tear. The Winter Queen wiped the tear from Tyrande's cheek and held it aloft on her finger.
Tyrande felt the presence of Elune fade, and sensed a magical thrumming coming from the tear. With each thrum she felt images in her head, visions of possible futures. They filled Tyrande's mind, and she knew she had a choice to make, vengeance, or renewal?
The tear could be forged into a jewel that sat atop a mighty staff, a weapon that would have the strength to carry out any task that Tyrande would have it do. It could be used to infuse a blade so powerful it would cut through any enemy before it. Any weapon imbued by the moon goddess while in a realm of death would have unparalleled power over the forsaken. No matter how strong Sylvanas became, Tyrande could ensure the few remaining night elves would never be challenged again, and true justice could be obtained.
Renewal on the other hand, what did that mean? Would Sylvanas and the Horde walk free of their crimes? Would they never receive punishment for the pain they have wrought across Azeroth? Do the night elves who perished ever receive justice?
A flash in her mind showed the thousands of night elf souls, a pit of wisps deep in an abyss of the world. Through all the screaming souls, one managed to struggle against the side of the mountain, slipping, falling, but persevering in scaling until it reached the top, where something managed to invigorate it into flying free, away from the helpless place.
Tyrande had no idea what the image meant, and it was certainly less clear than the image of domination which could so easily be hers. A certainty to rule versus a slim hope of renewal for some night elves who perished.
Tyrande made her choice, and the tear flashed. The few night elf souls that had been brought to Ardenweald were drawn to it, and in the place of the tear appeared a large seed.
Tyrande breath shook and she steeled herself, knowing that while the moon goddess had left her body, she still had her blessing and strength to carry on with her next task. Tyrande held the seed and gently whispered. "I promise you; we will grant all those who have been lost, a renewal."
"I thought the age of world trees was over…"
A piercing whistle cut through the air, and steam billowed out the chimney of a charming Pandaren hut. A wise elderly elf lifted the large bronze teapot currently wafting the sweet aroma of pearl milk tea and poured glasses for the building's occupants. This was Nozdormu, Bronze Dragon Aspect of Time. He looked tired and pensive, but he seemed happy for the company, and for the topic of conversation. As serious as the topic at hand was, it offered hard-to-come-by optimism which was sorely needed.
Tyrande raised an eyebrow. "I didn't realise you were so strict about ages Nozdormu. A bit rich to say an era has ended after taking us back in time, while we sit in a building which no longer exists."
"It seemed like a conversation you did not want others overhearing. This location often serves as a safe haven away from prying ears."
"He likes the tea!" A small cheery gnome piped up. Chromie, another bronze dragon, took the cup offered to her by Nozdormu and dropped a plate of biscuits onto the table with a clatter, ignoring Nozdormu's stern look. "Says it was never the same after the isle was attacked."
The room hummed with a thick sense of purpose as the people inside shared out the refreshments. As well as Tyrande and the two bronze dragons, the hut contained Alexstraza, the red Dragon Aspect of Life; Merithra, the green Dragon Aspect of the Emerald Dream; and Malfurion, Tyrande's partner and first of the druids. At the centre of the room was a thick wooden table, holding a large seed, the Sister's Tear. Whenever such figures assembled it was usually the sign of dire circumstances, so to have a relatively hopeful topic to discuss had everyone in a productive mood.
Alexstraza gazed at Tyrande. "Nozdormu is right, it has been many centuries since the Dragons have elected to cultivate anything as powerful as the great world trees of old. When we planted Nordrassil we hoped it would act as a safeguard, but power will always invite those who wish to abuse it."
Merithra had a thoughtful expression on her face as she snapped a small chunk off a biscuit and ate it. "That's no argument against a new world tree though. Nordrassil may have had branches taken, enemies assaulting it, but is the world worse off with it? The fact that enemies have used mortals who took advantage of the tree just means we need to be more careful about growing a new one."
"The job of safeguarding something of such power is easier said than done." Alexstraza replied. "We first created World Trees in a time when the location of Azeroth was unknown to the Burning Legion, when Old Gods were still securely locked away in Titan prisons. Who knows what adherents to the Burning Legion are lying in wait, or what remnants of the old gods could latch onto a new world tree."
Tyrande stood up, addressing the room firmly. "Excuse me, I think there must have been a miscommunication. We are not here to discuss whether to grow a new world tree." Tyrande paused. "The decision has already been made. We are only here to discuss how we best proceed with growing the new world tree."
Malfurion gazed at his love briefly, and then returned to pensively staring into his drink, his expression giving nothing away.
"I understand Alexstraza's point though." Nozdormu offered. "The planting of the world tree could have many consequences which we must be aware of before deciding to proceed. As Dragon Aspects, Alexstraza and I have seen how even the gentlest touch can have large ripples. When the Titans first appointed us to help order the developing world, even we do not know if they had any idea how chaotic life on Azeroth would become."
Merithra look to Nozdormu pointedly. "With all due respect Nozdormu, you and Alexstraza are not the only Aspects. I may not have been appointed by the titans, but that does not diminish that I am responsible for the Emerald Dream and the life carried within."
"Yeah Nozdormu!" Chromie chimed in, flashing a cheeky smile. "All your point means is that the Aspects have done a bad job of protecting the world so far!"
"All I am saying is that a fine hand is needed. When we first helped life to develop, we never could have guessed that it would be the very same life which would directly draw the Burning Legion to Azeroth." Nozdormu looked to Merithra and hesitated, but continued. "When we planted Nordrassil to safeguard the Well of Eternity, we never would have expected the night elves to attempt to grow further trees, an action which resulted in your own Emerald Dream being attacked by an old god."
Merithra flinched and looked away. Nozdormu look as if he wanted to say more, but reflected and took a drink of his tea, sighing.
"I'm sorry Merithra. A new world tree would be a blessing for all of us, and it would be an honor to help bring one into the world again. But all actions have consequences."
Tyrande stood up, looking Nozdormu in the eye. "Whatever consequences come from the new world tree; we will face head on. As Merithra says, each mistake made in the past will inform us of what to guard for. The Aspects have aided the night elves' countless times and I will forever be grateful for all you have done, but I mean it when I say the decision has been made."
Tyrande gestured to the seed in the middle of the table. "This seed contains the blessing of the moon goddess Elune. It has been imbued with powers from Ardenweald and the Winter Queen. Even now, Ysera watches over it and the future of the night elf race. Whatever you see as your duty as Aspects, this seed surpasses them."
Malfurion stroked Tyrande's shoulder, remaining deep in thought.
Nozdormu and Alexstraza almost seemed to be speaking telepathically as they silently look at each other and turned thoughts over in their mind. After a few moments, they turned to Tyrande and nodded simultaneously, as Chromie cheered and Merithra breathed a sigh of relief.
Alexstraza smiled, turning to gaze out the window. "I suppose you are right, Tyrande. This world tree shall be planted, and therefore it shall be our duty as Aspects to ensure the success of your renewal."
