Whether it was the High Elves, the Nightborne, or even the Shen'dralar who would later rely on siphoning demonic fel energy to sate their addiction, or the Highborne of Shandaral who would be driven to madness by it and foolishly provoke the Blue Dragonflight—none could escape it.
Every descendant of the Highborne, upon losing the Well of Eternity as their source of magic, inevitably succumbed to mana addiction.
After the High Elves' exodus to the East, they relied on the vial of water stolen by Dath'Remar to create a brand-new fount of power—the Sunwell.
The Nightborne of Suramar, on the other hand, used the Eye of Aman'Thul, wielded by Grand Magistrix Elisande, to create the Nightwell. Both groups were able to maintain their addiction by siphoning these new sources of magic.
But this was ultimately like drinking poison to quench thirst. Future history proved to Andreas that once they lost their respective power sources, whether Nightborne or High Elves, they would once again be consumed by the difficult-to-break mana addiction.
Thus, from a certain perspective, Andreas strongly agreed with Malfurion's decision to destroy the Well of Eternity.
It wasn't that one couldn't study the Arcane or protect their family, country, and all of Azeroth without the Well of Eternity—the emergence of human mages in the future would prove that. It was simply that the rate of progress would be significantly slower than having a "free" source of magic at one's back.
"The life essence of a Titan World-Soul... is it?"
Gazing at the battle for the stables as the dust began to settle, Andreas' eyes went a bit vacant as he recalled the origin of the Well of Eternity.
Hearing his murmur, Shandris turned her head curiously. "Life essence? What do you mean?"
"No, nothing."
Shaking his head to pull his thoughts back, Andreas changed the subject. "Now isn't the time to worry about other things. The Moon Guard outside the city must have raised their guard; we need to be fully prepared."
With Maiev moving through the battlefield to provide support, her elite combat priestesses quickly secured the area.
After the battle ended, High Priestess Dejahna led a group of priestesses to the stables to treat the wounds of Maiev and her team.
Maiev frowned as she looked at the bloodstain on her left shoulder caused by an Arcane Missile graze. The High Priestess was currently casting a spell to heal her.
"As expected of Azshara's most elite combat mage unit. Even in a desperate situation after an ambush, they still possess such tenacious fighting will."
If it weren't for Maiev's initial strike and her ghost-like support throughout the battlefield afterward, it would have been hard to say who would have won in a direct, head-on confrontation.
"Hoo-hoo~"
A grey owl descended from the sky, landing on Naisha's outstretched left arm.
Having observed the situation outside the city through "Eyes of the Beast," Naisha's brow was deeply furrowed. "High Priestess, Lady Maiev, the Moon Guard outside the city are beginning to gather at the mountain pass. Are we truly going to break through from the front?"
Maiev nodded firmly after Dejahna finished bandaging her wound. "There is only this one path to leave the Seat of the Sky. Prepare yourselves; this battle will not be as easy as the last."
"In that case."
Andreas stood up and stretched. "Let me help this time. It's the perfect chance to test the blessing I received from Elune."
Shandris immediately stepped forward to state her position. "Then I also..."
"No."
Andreas looked up to stop Shandris from speaking. "Shandris, you stay and act with the High Priestess."
"Besides me, you are the only one who knows the surrounding terrain."
"While the combat priestesses draw the attention of the Moon Guard, you will lead the ordinary priestesses away from the battlefield to find a safe place to hide. We will meet up with you immediately after the breakthrough is successful."
"But..."
Shandris appeared a bit insecure. "Can I really do it? Maybe Sister Naisha should lead the team instead..."
Naisha smiled and shook her head. "Shandris, there is no need to belittle yourself. As Andreas said, you are the most suitable candidate."
High Priestess Dejahna also kindly stroked Shandris' hair. "Child, you cannot hide under the wings of your seniors forever. Faced with the current crisis of being surrounded by powerful enemies, you must mature as quickly as possible."
"I heard that your family died at the hands of demons. Do you not wish to avenge them personally?"
"I do!"
At the mention of her family's fate, a deep-seated hatred surfaced in Shandris' eyes.
Dejahna patted Shandris' shoulder comfortingly. "Relax. Having motivation and a goal is a good thing, but do not let hatred cloud your reason. As the last of the Feathermoon family, you have an obligation to ensure your lineage continues, don't you?"
"...I understand. Thank you for the guidance, High Priestess."
Andreas saw the determination return to Shandris' eyes, and a relieved smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
As Dejahna skillfully mounted a hippogryph and adjusted the reins, Andreas bowed solemnly to her. "High Priestess Dejahna, I'll have to trouble you to look after Shandris for a while."
"As you can see, she is still quite immature. I hope you can guide her at critical moments."
Dejahna nodded with a smile. "I understand, Andreas. You, Maiev, and the others must also be careful. May Elune watch over you."
The Temple of Shimmering Moonvessel was the headquarters of the Sisterhood of Elune, housing hundreds of priestesses.
Aside from the 120 or so combat priestesses, the rest were only capable of using supportive and healing spells and severely lacked combat experience. Maiev and Dejahna naturally wouldn't let these rookies join the fray.
The fifty-plus hippogryphs in the stables would need to transport the priestesses out of the city in three waves. Fortunately, these priestesses were quite light; three to a mount was manageable.
Seeing that High Priestess Dejahna and the others were ready, Maiev wiped the blood off her moon-gladius and glanced sideways at the seemingly nonchalant Andreas.
"I'll ask one last time: are you sure you want to fight with us?"
"Sure, sure. Let's go."
"Hmph~ Don't expect me to save you if you run into danger on the battlefield."
Maiev flipped onto a black Nightsaber she had found in the stables, raising her moon-gladius high above her head. "Sisters! We must draw enough attention for the High Priestess and our other sisters to evacuate. Follow me in the charge!"
"Yes! In Elune's name!"
Watching the combat priestesses on their Nightsabers charge down the mountain path, Dejahna signaled the priestesses to take the hippogryphs into the air.
Shandris clasped her hands before her chest, closing her eyes and bowing her head in silent prayer.
Elune, please protect Andreas and our sisters so they may break through safely.
...
The Moon Guard at the various checkpoints below had already finished gathering. Nearly two hundred combat mages took the initiative to use the Arcane to alter the terrain, raising a thick earthen wall at the mountain pass.
A green-haired male Night Elf with a scar at the corner of his eye watched the dust rising from the mountain path above, a sharp light flashing in his eyes.
"They're here! By Queen Azshara's command, we must not let these priestesses break out!"
"Anti-air teams, get ready! Watch for a hippogryph rider assault from the sky!"
"Yes, sir!"
The commander took a deep breath, clutching his ornate staff and one-handed longsword, staring intently at the dust approaching them on the path.
"Come then. Betting on the name of the Moon Guard, we will stop you here!"