//------------------------------// // 25. From Calm to Storm // Story: Sunset in Azeroth // by RIPoste //------------------------------// “Thank you, King Anasterian, for your hospitality.” Archmagus Rhonin said as he bowed in gratitude, a bow echoed by Archmage Modera and two other magi whose names escaped Sunset but were no doubt important personnel who stood behind him. A small twinge of resentment rose in Sunset, who had to watch the entire event from several lines back but she quickly quashed it, as she reminded herself that it was merely her position and not her abilities that had determined her place in the current proceedings. They were in the outskirts of Quel’Thalas, far enough away from the Runestones which would disrupt their magic so that they could finally make a trip home back to Dalaran. Of course, as per tradition, it was customary for the leader of the delegation to thank the Elven King for his hospitality and make some small talk to improve the relations between the two factions. One day, she would be the one conversing with the Elven King, she told herself quietly. Still, it was clear to her that even among the apprentices, none had been deemed as important as she had been. Sunset smiled as she gently stroked a barely noticeable bulge in her robes, a reinforced pocket that contained the most recent of her treasures in this world. A small vial containing the smallest droplet of liquid imaginable. And it was not just any water, for the droplet was from none other than the fabled Sunwell. She had received this droplet during the last dinner in Quel’Thalas, where the small group who had made the pilgrimage to the fountain dined with the Elven Prince and a few other members of his household. It was at the end of the dinner where the Elven prince had coolly gifted a single vial to each Kirin Tor member at the meal, calling it a gift from his father.  The rare expression of surprise that Modera had on her face was enough to tell the flame-haired apprentice that to send out such a gift was not something that the elves commonly practiced, if at all. By the princess, even Archmagi Rhonin had jokingly said that Antonidas himself would be green with envy when he had known that members of the Kirin Tor had received such a gift, and that he was not among them. Not that Sunset would believe him, of course. In her eyes, the wizened leader of the Kirin Tor was plenty powerful already. However, it was not a sentiment shared by the elven prince, who laughed at Rhonin’s jest. Speaking of the Prince of Quel’Thalas, Sunset had heard that he would not be accompanying the Kirin Tor delegation back to Dalaran, instead opting to return to the Violet Citadel at a later date. Given the fact that he was standing beside his father and accepting the thanks from the Dalaran delegation, Sunset was inclined to believe that the rumors were true. Bringing her thoughts back to earth, Sunset Shimmer waited patiently for the final pleasantries to be exchanged. Breathing a sigh of relief when Rhonin turned and with a gesture brought a huge shimmering purple portal into being, she walked forward as the Dalaran host began to make the trip home. A small tingle on her spine caused her to turn her head and she was surprised when she found herself meeting the eyes of Prince Kael’thas, who gave her the smallest of nods before turning away to look at the rest of the procession. Well, at least she had made many powerful acquaintances here during her period of stay. Not many magi could claim to have been tutored by a Magister of Quel’Thalas while being checked on once in a while by the heir to the Kingdom. A trumpet sounded out, and the first group of magi stepped into the swirling vortex of arcane energy, vanishing deep into its depths. Sunset slowed her gait to a halt as her designated group stopped in their tracks, waiting their turn to enter the portal, only to jump a little in surprise when someone tapped her shoulders. “Master Modera!” Sunset turned and bowed, having recognized the aura of her former mentor before setting eyes on her. “Is there anything wrong?” “Nothing, Sunset.” Modera smiled, though the flame-haired girl noticed that it did not reach the older mage’s eyes. “Just a word of warning… Some secrets which you have learned here are best kept in your own mind.” What? Sunset barely had the time to process what the archmage had said before the second trumpet blasted out, causing Modera to head to the front of the group and into the portal. “What was that about?” Muttered Sunset as she followed suit with the rest of her fellow magi. Only for her thoughts to be washed away as her sight was consumed by the familiar swirling lightshow of purple arcane energy which soon faded away, revealing the nostalgic sight of the Plaza of the Violet Citadel, Dalaran. Had it really been a few months since she had last set foot in here? Sunset wondered. It had felt like years. Still, She grinned, as a group of familiar figures made their way over, it is good to be home. Kel’Thuzad watched with no small amount of anticipation from his alcove as the Dalaran Delegation to Quel’Thalas made their return in the plaza. Ignoring the procession led by Antonidas that was moving to welcome them back, he cast his gaze over the crowd of magi below, searching eagerly for one person in particular. The chance to enter the land of the elves was a rare one. An opportunity that was not offered even to Kel’Thuzad himself. In fact, it had taken a little bit of maneuvering on his own end to subtly convince the others on the council that Sunset Shimmer, who was better received by the magi, should receive the rare invitation to Quel’thalas. All so that Kel’thuzad could inch ever closer to his goal of toeing the line between life and death. A smile slowly formed upon his face as he imagined about the knowledge that his apprentice would have brought back from the land of the elves. This would be something to look forward to, especially given the... unfortunate incidents that had been occurring to his laboratories in the past few months. Soon. Kel’Thuzad decided, soon he would have results. Soon he would be closer than ever to the secrets between life and death. He was wrong. “This is it?” Kel’Thuzad could barely contain his disappointment as he observed the work before him. Three runes in a single spell, a remarkable achievement, but why work to weave three together when three separate runes could achieve the same results? Not that it wasn’t useful, of course. Layering runes atop each other possessed the advantage of making it ten times harder to dispel the magic. However, in Kel’Thuzad’s line of work, the added precaution was an unnecessary step. They were researchers, after all. They hardly needed to worry about semantics like their work being undone when they were the only ones who were working with them. He gazed upon his fidgeting apprentice, who seemed to be growing increasingly uncomfortable with his silence. Kel’Thuzad had high hopes for his apprentice. While he had his doubts about her at the start, the girl had demonstrated a superb learning curve, and possessed a strong will and ambitious mind, all perfect traits for a mage who wished to venture into unknown and perilous research. In a way, Kel’Thuzad had seen a little of himself in the girl. He had expected great progress with her by his side.  “Sunset.” She straightened when Kel’Thuzad uttered her name. “Is this all the elves taught you?” The girl hesitated briefly, giving the old magi a brief glimmer of hope that she had something else to offer, before she shook her head, dashing his expectations. “... Yes, Master.” Sunset flinched as Kel’Thuzad shot her a withering glare. Good, Kel’Thuzad noted, she should know that she had failed him. He had spent many favors and pulled countless strings to groom his apprentice into an acceptable magi who could help him achieve his goals. Unfortunately… she seemed to have fallen short.  How aggravating. Kel’Thuzad groused. All that anticipation that he had had went down the metaphorical drain. His most prized pupil had lost him months of research and progress, choosing to further her own agenda instead. Alas, just as when he thought he found a kindred spirit, Kel’Thuzad realised that he was truly alone in this world. Silence reigned in the room for a bit, before being broken by the Archmage’s disappointed sigh. “Enough, you may leave, apprentice.” Kel’Thuzad muttered waving a hand, dismissing the dismayed girl. As Sunset left the sanctum, Kel’Thuzad let out an irritable huff. Six months wasted! He quietly seethed. Then there were all those laboratories that had been destroyed. No doubt by certain rats in the Kirin Tor scurrying about.  “How annoying…” He muttered. With but a thought, the apple Sunset was holding burst into flames, reducing itself to cinders in mere moments. She had messed up… Somehow.  Somehow… Sunset knew she had messed up and there was nothing she could do about it. With a flick of her wrist, Sunset dismissed the ashes in her hand, undisturbed by the almost callous use of magic she was employing. Hardly a full magus recognized by the Kirin Tor yet made her position very precarious, especially since her position as Kel’Thuzad’s favored apprentice was in jeopardy. She needed to get back in his good graces and she had to do it soon… Or should she find anoth— Quickly, she banished such thoughts from her mind. After all, she owed far too much to the eccentric researcher. If it were not for him, Sunset would still be that naive little child who had run away from a foolish princess. But how? How could she get back in his good graces? She had already squandered an important opportunity to learn something that could aid him… and while the man had not explicitly told her his intent for her, Sunset certainly felt guilty that she had only thought about herself for the duration of her stay in Quel’Thalas… But was it fully my fault? Sunset couldn’t help but wonder before she pushed that traitorous thought away. Perhaps it would be best for her to help with his research however she could… Except that she had returned all of her contributions on that topic to him before she had left for Quel’Thalas for safekeeping. And he probably does not even want to see me now. Sunset sighed. It was not a great start to her return to Dalaran. Not a great start at all. Perhaps it would be for the best to let her master simmer down for a day and approach him the next day… Yes, that would probably work. Or so she thought. For when Sunset arrived at the entrance of Kel’Thuzad’s sanctum the next day, she found herself turned away as her master was not in. And the same for the next day. And the next. And so a week had passed since she had returned with the delegation from Quel’Thalas and her master had yet to summon her again for any other task ever since he had reprimanded her. Sunset had to summon every ounce of her self control to not immolate the door who had announced for the seventh time her master’s absence as she turned and teleported herself back to her room. Throwing herself onto her bed, Sunset let out a wordless scream of frustration. If someone had told her that her master Kel’Thuzad was a very petty man, she sure as hell would believe it now. The man had avoided her for a week already! How long was he going to be displeased at her? Granted, it might have been her fault that she did not think about his research while she was there but even then it was not like he even gave her clear instructions on what to do! She didn’t know how long she had lain there, wordlessly seething when a knock sounded on the door. “Sunset?” The voice at her door accompanied by rhythmic knocking broke Sunset out of her thoughts.  “Jaina? Is that you?” Sunset’s eyes widened. Wasn’t she with Arthas? I thought they were finalizing their… Quickly, she threw a scanning spell at the door, confirming that yes, it was indeed the blonde apprentice before swiftly deactivating the wards she had placed upon it and throwing it open. “Jaina! You’re back!” The blonde apprentice smiled as she entered the room, drawing a rare smile from Sunset herself. “Yes, I just returned from… Lordaeron.” She managed after a slight pause, “it’s good to see you, Sunset.” “Ah… Forgive me for asking but… aren’t you and… him?” Sunset left the word hanging, though it was obvious who she was referring to. “We… decided that it’s for the best.” Jaina replied hesitantly, though Sunset could still hear the slight twinge of regret in her tone and decided that she shall pursue no further. “I… see…” Sunset muttered, before drawing the blonde apprentice in for a hug, an act that clearly surprised the other girl. “I am glad to have you back… if that means anything.” “Ah… Thank you.” The other girl replied softly as she returned the embrace. Detaching herself from the hug after a while, Sunset waved a hand, conjuring up a couple of chairs, a table and a tea set before inviting the other girl to sit. As they both got comfortable, the two of them began chatting away, conversing about the recent happenings in Hillsbrad and Alterac and of what Sunset had seen in Quel’Thalas. “I must admit that I’m a little envious you got to see the Sunwell.” Jaina admitted wistfully as Sunset recounted the pilgrimage to her. “It must have been quite the experience.” “Yes… It is.” Sunset agreed, her mind darting to the small vial that she had stored away carefully. “I have seen… or felt anything like it before… It’s just… something you’ve got to see for yourself to understand.” “Maybe one day.” Jaina chuckled as she sipped the tea that Sunset had brewed for them both. It was one of the blends from Quel’Thalas that Sunset had found herself quite partial to. A pity that she would not be able to get anymore in Dalaran. “Oh, and that reminds me,” Jaina said as she set her cup down, “how are your studies?” The question instantly soured Sunset’s bright mood as she recalled the reprimand received from Kel’Thuzad a week ago. “It’s… okay, I guess?” “Okay?” Jaina frowned as she studied the other girl. “That’s good. But I do hope that he did not get you up to anything dangerous…” “Dangerous… Have you met him?” Sunset laughed, her voice bereft of humour. “Half the things I have to do need at least three layers of wards. But I think that’s just how he teaches… it’s just that…” Sunset trailed off. “Just that what?” “I… just don’t know what he wants from me…” Sunset lamented as she recalled how vague Kel’Thuzad’s instructions were, if they could even be called instructions in the first place. “He tells me something and refuses to clarify and then blames me when I got it wrong…” Sunset gritted her teeth as she ranted… Six months… She had learned from the elves for six months, only for her master to tell her that she had wasted it all when she returned. “I see…” Jaina nodded sympathetically as she placed a hand on Sunset’s own. “Well, as long as you’re safe, that’s alright.” “I suppose…” Sunset sighed. “Well, I must be going, I have a prior appointment with Master Antonidas.” Sunset blinked, then nodded, “I see. Thanks for coming.” Waving, as the blonde apprentice vanished into thin air, Sunset slumped into her chair, suddenly exhausted before she sprang up, eyes wide and alert as a sudden name registered in her mind. Antonidas. She had almost forgotten about the man and her deal with him. Raising a hand and forming a sign, Sunset quickly summoned the crystal ball that had been bequeathed onto her by the Ruler of Dalaran. A method for contacting him, Antonidas had told her, which Sunset had to use on multiple occasions, specifically those when Antonidas had demanded reports on Kel’Thuzad’s illegal activities. She reached for the ball before another thought occurred to her… Jaina… why was she suddenly so interested in my studies? Granted, the blonde apprentice had been extremely smitten with a certain prince for a time but even then, she had not really made any effort to learn more about what Sunset was working on, having been much more invested in her own work even before she had met her supposed fiance. So why the sudden curiosity? Sunset wondered as she withdrew her hand from the crystal ball. Why was she suddenly asking about things that she wouldn’t check before? In fact, even her questions were strange… Dangerous experiments in Dalaran? Why was she suddenly so concerned about that? Dangerous experiments occur on a nigh daily basis in Dalaran, with magi and complacency being an iconic duo. What if… Sunset trembled as another thought thrust itself to the forefront of her mind, Lord Antonidas told her to investigate me? Sunset cupped her hands around her mouth as she slumped back into the chair… I don’t want to believe it… but it makes sense… Her eyes widened as her breaths grew haggard. Stumbling up, she quickly ran through her options, only to discard them as quickly as she thought them up. I could contact Antonidas… No… what if he was just looking for confirmation that I was guilty?... I can’t do that and that’d be betraying Master Kel’Thuzad. Maybe I can tell Master Kel’Thuzad about everything?... But he’s already mad at me… that might make things worse… and what if he just keeps ignoring me until it’s too late? What if he used me as a scapegoat?... No, that can’t be… he wouldn’t do that… would he?... Gritting her teeth, Sunset cleared her mind and steadied her breath, having realized the panic for what it was. Useless and obstructive thoughts. As her heartbeat stabilized, she gathered her thoughts and laid out her options, taking careful time to analyze each and every one of them… And decided on a singular course of action. She would not betray her master, she owed him far too much but at the same time, she couldn’t jeopardize her position in the Kirin Tor for his sake. So that just left one option. Gesturing, she materialized another crystal ball and held it up as she spoke words of power. Soon enough, the smoke within it cleared, revealing a familiar face. “Good evening, Helcular, can you help me contact Captain Erik?”