The bad news is that when they want to rest, they will find that no one can replace them. Forget about vacation, they might not even have time to rest.
"Ten thousand years ago, during the Sundering, Talisra and I used the eye of aman'thul to form a shield, protecting a part of Suramar City."
"For a long time after that, the plants inside began to wither, and we lost our food source. Worse still, after losing the Well of Eternity, most of our people, including myself, suffered from Arcane Addiction. Without a plentiful energy supply, our bodies became incredibly weak."
"Talisra and I devised a method: we used the energy of the eye of aman'thul to create the Nightwell to replace the Well of Eternity. This worked well and temporarily solved the problem of our mana source depletion."
"The energy crisis was resolved, but the food crisis became increasingly severe. To survive, we were forced to start using the Nightwell's energy as a food source. This process was painful, and our skin changed from violet to a darker, nearly black color."
When Elisande spoke of this, her expression was somewhat dejected. She had done her utmost to maintain the survival of her people, but it all seemed somewhat futile—though it wasn't completely without effect, as it significantly reduced casualties and prevented total annihilation.
Arthas listened quietly, picking up his wine glass and draining it. Elisande, being attentive, poured the shadowberry wine, filling the glass to the brim.
A single bottle of shadowberry wine could sell for thousands or tens of thousands of gold coins in the Eastern Kingdoms—its value derived from its rarity—yet here, one could drink it freely.
The poor couldn't afford it, the middle class might drink it occasionally by gritting their teeth, but the top-tier nobles treated it like plain water.
The dignified Archmage, leader of the Nightborne, and noble figurehead of Suramar City, had now become a spirited young woman pouring wine!
"Continue."
"Surviving solely on the Nightwell would turn us into energy beings. At that time, the Moon Guard Family pioneered a new food source: a type of mushroom that grew rapidly under the Nightwell's energy."
"Although eating mushrooms for so long made people nauseous, we had no choice. It wasn't until three thousand years passed and the outside storms had largely subsided that we were able to contact Queen Azshara and begin somewhat normal trade."
"Initially, our relationship with the kin on Mount Hyjal was not good, but thanks to the mediation of Tyrande and Lady Vashj, we maintained trade relations. However, our long-term reliance on the Nightwell's power meant we could not leave Suramar City."
"Upon leaving Suramar City, the magic within our bodies would rapidly drain. If we couldn't return to the city in time, the Arcane addiction would consume us, turning us into Withered—mindless beings with withered bodies. Even I can only operate within the Broken Isles and cannot venture too far."
Elisande quietly recounted the past of the Nightborne, clearly explaining the causes and development. To solve this problem, the entire matter needed to be clarified: how it happened, what caused it, and revealing everything known would facilitate a solution.
Arthas suddenly thought of something and looked up into the distance.
A female elf wearing a Moon-colored Robe approached, walking in Single-Strap High Heels. The heels perfectly showcased her violet jade-like feet, and a faint smile graced her delicate oval face. Her hands rested in front of her abdomen, and she moved with an elegant gait, each step measured to a fixed proportion—neither more nor less. Such disciplined movement was pleasing to the eye and displayed the so-called noble etiquette.
Everything was geared toward aesthetic pleasure; when things looked beautiful and pleasing, the heart was happy, and the efficiency of the superior handling matters would naturally increase.
Vashj walked up, bowed, and acted with the reverence and humility of serving a Master.
"Greetings, My Lord, greetings, my two Queens."
No one else, including Elisande, was qualified to receive her bow.
"Vashj, you are dressed beautifully today. Since you are here, sit down and have a drink."
Arthas nodded slightly and motioned toward the empty seat. He showed neither wild excitement nor the slightest awkwardness. This was his wife's Chief Maid, so why feel embarrassed?
Jaina and Sylvanas also nodded in greeting, clearly indicating they knew her.
When the Alliance Army traveled across the ocean, it was the Naga forces that escorted them. They could foresee shipwrecks or storms ahead of the route and could avoid large groups of marine creatures. While offending a Water Elemental might still allow for some chance of safety at sea, offending the Naga meant never setting sail again.
Over ninety percent of Azeroth's landmass had sunk into the sea; the ocean was the primary feature, and land only occupied a tiny fraction.
"Thank you for the favor, My Lord."
Vashj sat down gracefully, looking only at Arthas the entire time. The masters she needed to serve, besides Azshara, was this man before her.
"Elisande, how do you want me to help you? Tell me your thoughts."
After the small interlude, they returned to the main topic.
Currently, the Alliance was severely lacking in Mage Forces, despite the remaining mages of Dalaran joining them. However, every single one of them wished to restore the status of the Kingdom of Dalaran and did not want to merge into Lordaeron.
Even if it was a small kingdom, they would be their own masters. If they joined the Alliance, they would have to constantly worry about others' opinions. The difference was like the seabed versus the sky.
As they got to the main point, Elisande's smile became even brighter, and her voice grew softer and more seductive.
"We seek your protection, My Lord. Queen Sylvanas's people faced a predicament very similar to ours; after losing the Sunwell, they too suffered from Arcane addiction, not only losing the ability to cast spells but also experiencing physical decline."
"It was only after you, My Lord, extended your helping hand that the situation of the Sin'dorei people gradually improved, and the side effects of the Arcane addiction were suppressed to a minimum. Although they occasionally feel some discomfort, they can resume normal lives and travel worldwide without being affected."
"Therefore, we beg for your mercy, My Lord, and ask you to grant us strength so that we may regain our freedom and no longer be trapped in this city. We possess the best Mage Forces, as well as skilled Blacksmiths and Enchanters, among other professions, who can aid your endeavors."
None of this was baseless; the example of the Blood Elves was right before their eyes, a living proof. Having seen the light, they no longer wished to humble themselves in the darkness.
No one wanted to be trapped in a single city for a lifetime. If they hadn't known how wonderful the outside world was, it would have been fine, but once they knew, the restlessness in their hearts became uncontrollable. They wanted to go out and see more, which would also improve their living environment and conditions.
Honestly, Suramar City was resource-poor, having been mined to exhaustion over ten thousand years. Now, it relied entirely on external trade to sustain itself. It looked glamorous and flourishing on the surface, but the internal distress was known only to them.
If it weren't for the depletion of resources and the lack of backup, Elisande wouldn't have had to consider bowing to the Burning Legion during The Legion Expansion.
At that time, the combined forces of the Alliance and the Horde's Combined Forces had already been defeated at the Broken Shore; countless heroes had died, yet they failed to secure victory.
Subsequent endless streams of Legion Demons surrounded Suramar City. They had only two choices: surrender or be destroyed.
Elisande chose to surrender, preferring submission over death. One could say she did it for her people, or that she was simply afraid of dying.
Now, staking everything on Arthas was because he represented their last hope. To overcome the Arcane addiction, they were willing to give up everything: wealth, dignity, and their bodies.
A System Prompt Sound sounded, and the Quest Panel changed. This was the first notification since returning from the War of the Ancients.
"The Nightborne Salvation Quest has been updated."
"Content: Travel to Highmountain to find the Tauren Tribes and learn the Endurance Aura, then travel to the Emerald Dream to learn the Power of Nature."
"Reward: All Auras combine to form the Primordial Aura, which can be bestowed upon truly devoted followers, capable of lifting symptoms like Arcane addiction, Mutation, and Whispers."
Knock, knock, knock.
Tapping his fingers on the table, Arthas reached out and pinched Elisande's cheek, making her open her red lips for inspection. He then had her stand up and turn around, examining her closely as if appraising merchandise.
Finally, he closed his eyes. Elisande, who was being handled, showed no shame; instead, she watched her Savior cautiously.
Judging by the situation, things did not look ideal. Could the Nightborne truly not be saved?
After a long wait, Arthas still did not speak.
Chief Arcanist Talisra wanted to speak, but Vashj covered her mouth, making a shushing motion.
"Shh, don't interrupt the Master's thinking, understand?"
Talisra nodded. As a Mage, one often needed to Meditate. Some problems were not easily solved, and many times, what was needed was not just a solid foundation, but a flash of inspiration!
With inspiration, solutions to troubling problems could be found.
Without inspiration, even racking one's brain would yield not a single clue.
Slowly opening his eyes again, Arthas already knew what to do, but he did not say it immediately; instead, he continued to intimidate them.
"The eye of aman'thul comes from the Titans of the Pantheon, beings on the same level as Sargeras, the Leader of the Burning Legion. Their intentions are not pure."
"Have you heard of the Six Fundamental Forces?"
Elisande shook her head blankly, completely unfamiliar with the concept.
Even Jaina and Sylvanas felt a surge of curiosity. Their husband was becoming increasingly incomprehensible and mysterious.
Fortunately, the only thing that hadn't changed was his love for them, and the prowess that sometimes forced them to rest for several days.
Vashj, however, spoke up, her voice clear and gentle, her soft words feeling like a spring breeze.
"Her Majesty the Queen mentioned only the Arcane, The Light, and The Shadow. She did not speak of the others."
Arthas picked up his wine glass, which he had already drunk from, placed it in front of her, and signaled her to drink it.
Vashj's face flushed slightly. Was this some kind of hint?
"That's right. The Arcane represents the Force of Order. The Light represents the Force of Light. The Shadow represents the Force of the Void. Fel Energy represents the Force of Disorder. Necromancy represents the Force of Death. And the final Natural Ability represents the Force of Life."
"The eye of aman'thul represents the Force of Order. You have been corrupted too severely. If this continues, even without external disaster, you will gradually be assimilated into it—to put it simply, you will turn into Primordial Dust and dissipate throughout the cosmos."
Hiss!
The Nightborne nobles collectively gasped. Lady Lilith, disregarding her dignity, immediately dropped to her knees with a thud, crawled over, and pressed her head against the Prince's feet, expressing her subservience in a posture of humiliation.
"Please, My Lord, save us! We are willing to dedicate everything to you, even if we must work like oxen or horses. We beg you for special grace, and for the sake of Her Majesty the Queen, grant a path of hope to us, your most loyal Servants."
The wider the involvement, the harder the matter is to handle—that is common sense.
Following Lady Lilith's example, the Nightborne elves present all knelt down, and even the Sword Guards stationed outside knelt down in confusion.
Elisande also stood up, not in defiance, but to follow Lady Lilith's example, kneeling and pressing her head tightly against Arthas's shoe to express her respect.
"Please, My Lord, heal us. The Nightborne are willing to submit to you and become your Slaves."
"In the name of the Queen and the Moon Goddess, we swear: if you, My Lord, cure our Arcane addiction, all Nightborne Shal'dorei will submit to you for eternity, serve you as Master, and never betray you. Should we violate this oath, may the Moon Goddess and the Queen unleash their wrath and annihilate us along with our souls."
Swearing an oath is a ridiculous act, but in the World of Swords and Magic, within the rules of the Occult, there is a specific set of doctrines.
The bright moon in the sky revealed a rare, cold clarity. Moonlight shone down, seemingly planting an imprint on every Fallen Nightborne.
Moon Goddess Elune manifested!
Jaina watched, her heart surging. Was this the benefit of her husband becoming stronger?
As a wife, she felt honored at this moment. She could also enjoy this glory. As the woman of a Deity, her heart was filled with pride!
Sylvanas was moved, feeling compassion for these distant kin. Her deep, beautiful eyes looked towards her beloved.
She felt a sense of unfamiliarity, yet also relief. The revulsion she felt back then was real; if not for her beloved Reversing the Future, she might really have become the Queen of the Forsaken, rotten and ugly.
Unfamiliarity represented mystery, but it did not create distance. Instead, she felt deep affection; when she first met Arthas, he couldn't even defeat her.
Looking at him now, he had grown into an existence she could only look up to. He had surpassed mortals, surpassed heroes, and had been promoted to a Demigod, with one foot stepping into the threshold of godhood.
She was truly lucky and relieved that she could be with him and become his spouse. No matter how powerful he was outside, at home, he was her husband, the future father of her children, and the Pillar of the Family.
Why do women all like strong men?
It is because of the sense of security that a strong man can provide, the fulfillment of dropping all defenses. Even if they lost everything, having their man meant they could get it all back.
"Get up, I promise you. Solving your problem is not something that can be done overnight. Continue the rhythm, keep dancing."
Arthas waved his hand, helped the two women up, and said something to Jaina and Sylvanas.
Afterward, he left with Elisande and Vashj. He needed information about the Broken Isles and required these local guides to lead the way.
Since the goal was clear, the first stop was naturally the Highmountain Tauren.
Before that, however, he would enjoy the night thoroughly. This was a wonderful, unforgettable night.
Watching the Archmage dance for him—was that not the ultimate embodiment of power?