It had been several days since the incident within The Dream. Revira hadn't spoken with Chroma, as she hid away in the grove whenever he went to sleep. The other green dragons said they might get Ysera to assist, but they all believed she had better things to attend to. It wasn't a false statement after all, some odd situation had led the green aspect away from the grove for some time. The other dragons may not have known, but Chroma could easily guess.
Not only that, but some weird developments were also occurring around Stormwind as well. Some delegates from The Horde had arrived to speak in the castle with Regent Bolvar Fordragon. It wasn't too odd of an occurrence for The Horde and Alliance to speak for treaties or trade agreements even as bitter rivals, but such an unexpected and quick meeting was unprecedented. Nobody even knew what the delegation was for, and it is still under wraps now.
Chroma, now Victor Duskscale, sighed as he stood guard with Marcus in the Market Square of Stormwind. It had been a long day, and the sweaty feeling under his armor combined with the constant noise of the market square made it hard for Victor to process his thoughts.
"You're moping again aren't you?" Marcus prodded next to him. "Look I understand you having a rough night and not wanting to tell me about it, but you shouldn't be like this if you said you'd be 'fine'."
"I've gotten over it haven't I?" Victor said dismissively. "I'm just lost in thought to pass the time, that's all."
Marcus's eyes narrowed in suspicion towards the half orc before sighing. "Well I can't force you can I…"
Victor paused for a moment as he slowly opened his mouth to speak. "Have you ever felt stuck between wanting to help someone with something, and realizing that it might endanger them?" he tripped over his words for a bit. "What I mean to say is, how do I choose between them hating me, or them getting hurt?"
Marcus paused for a moment, eyebrows raised as he processed his words. He crossed his arms and tapped his foot, remaining silent in deep thought.
"When I decided to join the effort against The Defias Brotherhood, my family was partially against it." his voice broke out. "My mother pleaded with me to remain safe and stay, but I wanted so badly to do something about them, that I couldn't help it." he turned towards Victor fully. "I realize in hindsight that I may have not been smart, but I don't regret my decision. I've made some friends in The Stormwind Guard after all." He sharply elbowed the half orc. "The best I can say is… just keep 'em safe if things get too hot out there. I'm sure things will turn out okay."
"I guess that makes me feel a little bit better…" Victor mumbled off. "Albeit I can tell when you're not being entirely positive about this situation."
"Well, what exactly am I supposed to say?!" Marcus countered. "Yeah Victor, your friend will hate you for the rest of time, and die a tragic death? No, I am sure it will be fine, at least you would have a better taste in friends than THAT."
Victor chuckled, "No, I don't think I have that good of taste…" he began. After all, I have you as a friend don't I?"
"Ah! Looks like you still have some fight in you!" Marcus prodded sarcastically. "How about we get drinks with everyone after we're down here?"
The half orc smiled. "Alright let's do it! Just apple cider for me though. I still have no idea how you are all able to down something that tastes that awful so easily."
"And as I said, It's not about the taste!" Marcus said. "It's about the feeling it gives you afterward, that takes your mind off of angry bosses, and crowded markets with lost adventurers asking which way the giant ass castle is."
The duo kept talking for a while before their conversation was interrupted by a large commotion at the center of the market square. A man dressed in a floofy noble ware, was trumpeting a long horn to gather everyone's attention. Breaking their confusion slightly, was the realization that he was flanked by two banner holders that held Stormwind's crest.
"Attention citizens of Stormwind!" his voice rang out loudly, amplified by magic. "By decree of the crown of The Alliance, we have come to a temporary agreement with The Horde of Warchief Thrall. We have discovered a threat in southern Kalimdor in a region known as Silithus, and have deemed it necessary to take dire action against it."
The man now had Victor's full attention. He just mentioned Silithus just now, hadn't he?! His hopes began to continuously rise.
"Starting today, a war effort will be put towards a confrontation in Silithus." the man continued. "Any volunteers may put forward supplies of food or material, and turn them into Ironforge for compensation in rewards, and pride towards helping The Alliance. Volunteers may also join the effort as a soldier for when we assault the enemy in Silithus combined with Horde forces in our newly dubbed 'Might of Kalimdor'. We thank you for your consideration and service. FOR THE ALLIANCE!"
The cheers and chants of The Alliance was also equally met by the confusion with allying themselves with The the threat truly that large to necessitate the need for The Horde's assistance? Victor meanwhile, had nothing but excitement for this chance.
"Oh no, you've gotta be kidding me!" Marcus exclaimed. "Azreroth help us all, from one danger to another!"
"Marcus, I think this is my chance!" Victor approached one of the many flyers now hanging around the market. "I can finally make it to Silithus."
"I guess I can't stop you from that huh?" Marcus replied. "You're dead set on going, but I have one question."
Victor gave Marcus a nod to continue.
"You've been trying for months and I know coincidences happen…" he prodded. "But I find it hard to believe that you don't know something about that area. What do you know Victor?"
The half orc tried processing his words, and formulating a fitting response. After all he couldn't just say he was a dragon hatchling wanting to free a dreamed up dragon, and defeat a bunch of bugs in a barrier could he? Not only did it sound quite ridiculous, but would Marcus recognize the whelp he was in Elwynn Forest?
"I heard about some danger within Silithus, that's true." Victor spoke slowly. "My friend wanted to help their family, and that's why I need to go. Those are the reasons why I must go."
Marcus' eyes narrowed towards him, judging all the words he just sprouted. His friend then sighed and began walking away, a bell sounding at the end of their shift.
"Alright then," he said. "First thing tomorrow we will get you that ticket to Silithus, I promise."
Victor gave a big smile. "Thank you Marcus!" he beamed.
The two began to stroll back to the barracks, before going out to get drinks for the night. However, Marcus was eyeing Victor with a ton of suspicion, and a hint of sadness.
"What aren't you telling me…" he mumbled under his breath.
…
Revira was currently curled up and clutching her skull as she laid down. Every so often, a blistering headache, and flashes of memories of the obelisks back in Silithus would come back to her. She groaned as it continued to hurt.
Not only that, but she couldn't get the image of Chroma out of her head. His claw gripping hers, begging her to stop. Why would she have to do that?! She was so close, her mother was so close. The voices there told her to keep going, weren't they right? Then why did it all feel so wrong, why does she want to apologize, why does she want to see that colorful idiot again?!
Her train of thought was interrupted by a presence shifting into this piece of The Dream, one that she could recognize from anywhere. She peeked out of her spot to see her grandmother Ysera making her presence known in the grove. The Aspect towered over even other adult dragons, as they all took a moment to bow their heads towards her. Ysera's eyes then flickered towards the grove she was hiding in.
Revira quickly scrambled into a position on top of a rock, and tried to play it off as she wasn't spying on her grandmother. The ancient dragon entered the grove, massive head peeking through the vine entrance to the small hut.
"Ah! Grandmother!" the green hatchling exclaimed. "So nice to see you again! What brings you back to this small grove, I thought you had pressing matters around The Dream?"
"I do Revira, without a doubt. I just wanted to visit." Ysera's body began to flicker as it shrunk, and with a flash of green light the dragon was gone. What replaced her, was a tall night elf. Her purple skin, flowing green hair, and glowing blue eyes would have perfectly disguised her among mortals, if not for the tall horns resting on her head.
After changing forms, Ysera began to speak again. "I wanted to see you because first as your grandmother, how are you feeling? Are you doing okay?"
"Y- yes! Of course!" Revira said, jolting from a momentary stupor. "I thank you for caring so much!"
"Good, and there doesn't seem to be any external injuries either." Ysera's caring mood then suddenly changed. "Now, as The Aspect of The Dream I must also ask… What exactly were you thinking?! I had believed you were warned of the dangers of Silithus, and why patience was needed concerning Merithra did I not?"
"Yet you never fully explained what was over there, and why I should be concerned!" Revira protested. "S- she's just there… and so close… we left her." her voice began to break apart. "I- I thought I could do it, and finally see her. The voices…"
Ysera rested her hand on her claw, eyes softening. "Those voices are that evil Revira. They wish to push you, twist you past the point of no return. I understand you wanted to save your mother… my daughter… but in doing so you not only endangered yourself, but your friend. What havoc do you think he would have caused if corrupted like you were almost, what danger he could have posed."
Revira shrunk at the thought of it. While most of the time, Chroma seemed nothing more than a regular whelp with a mess of colors, she couldn't deny the power he did have. Remembering when got frustrated she could swear the earth shook beneath her claws. She was never necessarily afraid of him, but a thought of that power wildly spewing forth destroying everything in its path made her shudder.
"I never intended for anything bad to happen to him." she was falling apart now. "I'm… I'm sorry, it was rash and stupid and…" realization dawned upon her. "I need to see him, I- I've been moping around here like I don't even care."
"That self realization should be your first step." Ysera consoled her. "I suggest you would speak with him the next time Chroma would appear in The Dream." she then muttered to herself aside lamenting. "Perhaps, if our own flights would have done that… Neltharion…" Ysera's attention turned back to Revira. "I would just wish you wouldn't do something that you would regret."
"I understand grandmother." Revira bowed her head in respect with newfound resolve.
"I hope I am not interrupting anything too major." a warm voice drifted into the room.
Entering through the vines was a night elf. Uniquely enough though, tall antlers stood atop his head, he had panther-like paws instead of feet, and feathers lined his arms. Amid his long, green beard, a smile was plastered on his face.
"Malfurion! Perfect timing, I was just about ready to see you." Ysera greeted him.
"I wish I could continue the positivity Ysera, but I'm afraid I have some terrible news I must speak with you about." Malfurion said gravely.
The two left the room to speak privately as Revira watched on agape. She had heard stories of Archdruid Malfurion Stormrage, but this was her first view of him in person! His sheer presence had overwhelmed her as she could sense the power of The Dream pouring off of him and while it may have not been as large as Ysera's, the fact that another could even come close to her image was enough to stun her.
Shaking off the feeling, another idea popped up into her mind. She exited her hideaway and began to follow Ysera and Malfurion. The two were speaking as they were walking, and whatever he was telling her was clearly upsetting. Revira crept closer to them, ducking between trees and bushes.
"-rrived in Stormwind, and came to an agreement." Malfurion's voice came within earshot. "Rather thankfully, the races of Azeroth are coming together to face the threat."
"That is something I can appreciate." Ysera sighed in slight relief. "This would allow the green dragonflight to push their efforts to defend The Dream, while the mortal races are occupied with the physical threat." The Aspect looked off into the grove. "Perhaps soon, we would be able to see Merithra again."
Malfurion rested a hand on her shoulder. "I have no doubt that will happen." he said encouragingly. "Your daughter has a great, unbroken spirit, and her strength will soon be rewarded."
"Thank you Malfurion, we should make our journey over to Silithus at once!" She responded.
Druidic magic began surrounding the duo as within a flash, they disappeared. Leaving nothing, but a few flowers blooming at the ground they had left.
Revira flew down to the spot where the two had left, her mind running with thoughts. Silithus had begun to open up? Mother could be out soon? Could she become real?
The green hatchling turned to see other whelps around the grove. It was the end of schooling for them, and they all began to leave The Dream, fading from this existence to wake up in the real world. She flexed her talon, squeezing her eyes shut and imagining waking up to a new Azeroth, a new day in front of her. Her eyes snapped open as she realized the plants around her had begun coiling around her, responding to her emotions as if The Dream had pitied her state.
She knocked herself on the head, and shook off the feeling. Now was not the time for moping around, she had work to do. Her family was on the line after all.