Starting from the Barrens, crossing the vast Barrens plains and the rugged Thousand Needles, and heading west, one can enter the ancient forest of Feralas, buried by the dust of history for an unknown amount of time.
During the ancient Kaldorei Empire, this place was not considered a remote area; it even served as Queen Azshara's private library and treasury, with countless Night Elves living in Eldre'Thalas and surrounding cities.
But after the Sundering, the landscape of Azeroth was permanently altered, and the once glorious Kaldorei civilization underwent earth-shattering changes. Archdruid Malfurion and Priestess of the Moon Tyrande led the surviving members of their race to Mount Hyjal, primarily operating in the areas north of Kalimdor, no longer expanding their territories.
Over time, the region of Feralas was forgotten by the Night Elves, and with a considerable amount of time having passed, the Night Elves also believed that those ancient cities had disappeared in the earthquakes, tsunamis, and land subsidence and division caused by the Sundering.
Looking at the entire continent of Kalimdor, in fact, the only elven city that could be preserved intact, apart from the Eldre'Thalas that fortunately escaped, there were indeed no other cities that could retain their ancient glory.
"However, Eldre'Thalas was not completely intact. A large number of residents and city buildings were damaged in the natural disaster, and coupled with areas polluted by the Fallen, most residents had no choice but to huddle into a small area."
"Where exactly did you learn so many ancient secrets?" Kael'thas looked at Arthas with increasing strangeness. He felt as if he was not talking to a human, but to a long-lived immortal.
Arthas merely smiled at Kael'thas's confusion. Some things could not be explained; he was simply turning the knowledge in his memory into useful resources.
Kael'thas had been curious about this question more than once or twice, but Arthas never gave him the answer he wanted. Over time, Kael'thas had become accustomed to it; he was only slightly disappointed before he began discussing how to enter this lost city.
"Eldre'Thalas has been missing from elven history for almost ten thousand years, but in recorded books, it is described as a magnificent treasure trove. Queen Azshara, as the Queen of the Empire and possibly the most powerful mage in history, would consider the items and knowledge she valued as treasures that are truly rare in the world."
Kael'thas spoke of what he had learned from books, a hint of regret in his words, "It's a pity I can't witness the ancient elven empire with my own eyes. It must have been truly spectacular."
"As 'invaders,' I think it's best if we pray we don't encounter the residents of Eldre'Thalas."
Arthas said casually, but Kael'thas did not grasp the meaning of his words, "Indeed, it's best not to encounter the original residents. If we really do… I'm afraid a group of ethereal souls will greet me. Fortunately, we still have you, a paladin; dealing with vengeful spirits should be your specialty, right?"
"Heh heh."
Compared to the talkative Kael'thas, Jaina, who was traveling with Arthas, was more interested in the Feralas forest itself. The trees here were even older and more luxuriant than those in areas protected by the Night Elves, seemingly untouched by outsiders for ten thousand years.
Moreover, while the Night Elves' way of life was close to nature, traces of human influence on the forest could still be seen, but Feralas completely exuded a wild, ancient aura.
The strange and beautiful scenery of Feralas, and its native wild animals, made Jaina truly feel the completely different customs of Kalimdor and the Eastern Kingdoms.
Previously, while defending Theramore and participating in the Battle of Mount Hyjal, Jaina had little time to properly see Kalimdor. Instead, she spent all her time in human-style fortresses, which was no different from being in the Eastern Kingdoms.
Now, having the opportunity to explore the continent was a rare chance for both herself, who was often burdened by affairs, and Arthas.
The last time he and Arthas traveled around Stormwind under the guise of "tourism" was more than three years ago.
"Tell everyone to be careful. There are many dangers hidden in the dense forests of Feralas, not only wild beasts but also Gnolls."
"Tsk, Gnolls? These guys are really everywhere." Kael'thas showed a look of disgust when he heard the name.
Gnolls are generally not very intelligent, but they are extremely barbaric and bloodthirsty, almost like the Centaur of the Eastern Kingdoms, but even more primitive. Human horror stories always involve these beast-like humanoids.
In any case, these guys are very fond of attacking human merchant caravans. Most of the time, small groups of Gnolls are just cannon fodder for the caravan guards, but once Gnolls appear in large numbers and are commanded by more intelligent shamans and leaders, it is difficult to drive them away unless it is a regular army unit.
"Caution is paramount. This is our first time entering this forest, and we don't know what exactly is inside." Arthas reminded him.
In later times, the greatest threats in Feralas were nothing more than wild beasts, Gnolls, and Gordunni Ogres, but at this time, these Ogres were still nowhere to be found and had not appeared in large numbers in the forests of Feralas. So, as long as one was a little careful, there was almost no danger to speak of.
That's why Arthas brought some people to explore the forests of Feralas at this time. If he waited a while longer, until Ogres became rampant or Naga invaded the coast, entering Eldre'Thalas would probably come at a considerable cost.
"By the way, Arthas, can you tell me more about the city of Eldre'Thalas?" Jaina was a little curious about how much Arthas knew about this elven city.
Kael'thas was originally eager to interject, but what Arthas said next completely exceeded his knowledge, leaving him only able to be a listener.
"Eldre'Thalas is actually abandoned now, but there are still some Highborne living in the city. They guard a small part of Eldre'Thalas, and I actually want to try to communicate with these ancient survivors—"
"Wait? What did you say? You said there are still living Highborne in that city?!" Kael'thas widened his eyes, almost falling off his warhorse.