//------------------------------// // Level 8: The Prince Returns to Silvermoon City // Story: Equestria Was Merely a Setback! // by Thunderscourge //------------------------------// A/N: Special thanks to Ketvirtas, refferee, God Of Physics, SilentMech, Quixotic Enigma, Tinee_The_TinCan, JakJak75, and nioniosbbb for your comments last chapter, and I hope to hear from you again this chapter! I am sorry for being gone a week, but as a recent journal explained, I had personal reasons for taking time off from writing. I'm back now though, and I'm thankful for all the support given! I hope you enjoy the chapter, and I equally hope to hear from you in the comments below! Trixie ended up sleeping well into the day because of how late she stayed up reading. Without Kael’s aid she was progressing very slowly in her studies, though she felt as if she was at the threshold of understanding the basics of the next spell in her book. For the time being though, she was unable to do much of anything with it, so it would have to wait until Kael could assist her. Come afternoon, only being a little after Trixie woke up, the two made their way back into the city that they previously had fled from due to its oppressive nature. With their papers from before they managed to get back in with ease, the guards basically ignoring them because of basic recognition. The innkeeper had given them directions to Mitter’meyer’s home, with the additional info that she only knew the way because of how often she needed to find someone to bring the drinking partners of Mitter’meyer and Reuenthal back there. She didn’t know where Reuenthal lived, but she sent him there with the logic that they were friends and that Mitter’meyer’s wife was nice enough to also look after him. Instead of following the path they took last time, they headed towards a section of the town on its eastern end which was named “The Royal Exchange”. A series of large residences lined the area, which appeared to be the housing units of what Trixie and Kael assumed to be nobles and well off Elves. The smallest of these houses, in fact being no more grand or large than any to be found elsewhere in the city, was the one they were directed to. The humble nature of the house contrasted greatly with the lavish and ostentatious ones to be found by it, especially since it appeared to be the only such house in the area. They would later learn that this was because it was a recreation of a house lost to the Scourge invasion, but they had no way of knowing that at the time. Upon reaching the house, Trixie moved to be the one to knock on the door. Just because it was Kael who was really beloved to these soldiers did not mean that she would let him hog all of the attention. The door was quickly opened, as if someone had been waiting for it specifically. The person to open it was a blonde woman with hair even lighter than Mitter’meyer’s more golden hair. Her soft face had similarly soft green eyes, which matched her aquamarine dress that was quite conservative in that unlike most other dresses to be found in the Blood Elves region it covered her whole body from the bottom of the neck to where its skirt ended at her ankles. The woman smiled and bowed her head slightly to Trixie, who smirked at the respect shown, “You must be Ms. Lulamoon. I am Evangelin,” the woman rose back up to her full height only to realize that diagonally behind Trixie was the other guest Mitter’meyer had said would be coming, yet she doubted would actually arrive. She quickly bowed her head fully while giving him a curtsy with her skirt, “Oh, my lord, I must apologize! I thought my husband was putting on a farce when he said you were to visit us.” While Trixie rolled her eyes at the display, given that she was the only one seemingly able to treat him like a normal being, Kael instead waved his hand to dismiss Evangelin’s gesture, “Do not worry. I am not worried about formalities.” Evangelin gratefully nodded her head before rising to gesture to the house’s entrance, “Please, come in. I just finished preparing everything.” The smell of food began to reach the noses of both Trixie and Kael, with the former feeling her stomach rumble as it remembered that it had not eaten at all that day, “Thank you, Ms. Evangelin.” With that, Evangelin led the two inside to a dining room where a large table was set up with plates upon plates of food. Bread, poultry, varied and unknown meats to Kael and Trixie, fruit, and vegetables all lined the table with some visibly still having steam rise from them. Everything appeared fresh and delicious, so much so that it may have been possible that Trixie did not notice the blonde haired man sitting at one end of the table rise up to bow. Mitter’meyer bowed to Kael, who unlike Trixie seemed to actually notice, “My lord, I welcome you to my humble home. I hope you find it and the food to your liking.” “I am sure everything will be quite fine. The smell alone is alluring. Your wife must be quite the fabulous cook.” Trixie’s response was far less polite, in that she took a seat and began preparing to eat by placing a napkin on herself, “This all looks amazing!” Evangelin smiled brightly at the enthusiastic woman before turning to also smile at Kael, “Granting you a serviceable meal is the least I can do to thank you for bringing my husband home.” Trixie began to look for utensils to eat with, only to have the until then silent Reuenthal hand her a set. He had rose along with Mitter’meyer, but his lack of speech had failed to draw any attention to him until then. Trixie sheepishly thanked him in a whisper while Kael continued the actual conversation. “It was our pleasure. It is quite disgraceful how the officials are acting here in Silvermoon, and so righting one of their wrongs was the least I could do for a man who stood up for my name.” Mitter’meyer gestured to the table and everyone took their seats, with Mitter’meyer at one end and Kael at the opposite side. Evangelin sat to Mitter’meyer’s right, with Reuenthal to his left, and Trixie sitting to his left and Kael’s right. Once seated, Mitter’meyer gestured to a nearby window with a scowl on his face, though his voice demonstrated that he was not angry at anyone present, “Are you going to confront the others here in Silvermoon who would dare besmirch your name? There are many who still adore you, despite the rumors, and it is really just a vocal minority and the major officials who are taking such a hardline stance against you.” Trixie shot Kael a look, worried about what his response might end up being, but to her relief he played it safe by making no promise. “I am afraid that will have to wait. I wish I could say more about the subject, but…” Reuenthal spoke for the first time in the conversation as he rose a hand to stop Kael, “We understand. We answer to you, my lord. Not the other way around.” Glad to be spared of having to explain himself, Kael found himself glad he had revealed some information to Reuenthal. It meant he didn’t have to give out anything else for the time being. Mitter’meyer cleared his throat and waved a hand at all the food before them, “Well, how about we eat? I do not want my wife’s delicious food to go cold and lose its taste.” No-one had a complaint to that, and the group quickly set about devouring the food prepared for them. The afternoon meal went by at brisk pace, mostly fueled by the enormous appetite Trixie possessed and her ability to eat at a far greater pace than everyone else. Kael and Trixie conveyed the details of their short journey thus far to the crowd, while Mitter’meyer traded his own story that led to him being imprisoned. His rendition of it was both parts honest and humble, and at certain points Reuenthal would add a word or two to flesh it out and reveal a feat of strength or display of character on behalf of his friend. Because of Reuenthal’s additions it was learned that Mitter’meyer’s greatest quality was his natural agility which allowed him to blitz the offenders and take them down at a speed faster than any of them could react, speed which had earned him the name of Gale Wolf on the battlefield in past years. Despite the praise spoken, Trixie found herself a little put off by the man’s eternal cold gaze. Even in the rare moments where he would appear happy, Reuenthal’s eyes were as piercing as an eagle’s. Even in moments of good cheer and lightheartedness he did not lose his composure, which felt odd to Trixie. She knew she put on an act for others, one of a confident person who was in control and prideful, but she could drop it. Given his genuine concern for Mitter’meyer, he couldn’t be solely cold, but just how deep was this façade of his? After the meal, Mitter’meyer and Evangelin would not hear of letting Kael do the dishes even though he offered to do so, so Trixie found herself helping Evangelin with them. Mitter’meyer had stayed in the dining room to entertain Kael, and Reuenthal had so graciously accepted the offer from Trixie to do them. She doubted he had ever done his own dishes, and though he seemed about to offer after Kael did, she did not want to let him be a burden for Evangelin instead of an aid. Trixie did not know how, but she felt like she knew how to do dishes. Like she knew how to be self-sufficient in some ways. After the two started and Trixie was shown where all the supplies for the washing were they only started to talk after a thought crossed Trixie’s mind, “What do you think of Captain Reuenthal?” “He is a noteworthy and distinguished soldier, and my husband’s closest friend,” Evangelin replied calmly in a manner that made it sound like she had said this line a thousand times before, as if it were pre-programmed and planned, “Why do you ask?” she asked back, the woman’s nice face showing some worry. Trixie paused to try and think about how to explain why she felt so off about the man. She didn’t distrust him, not after his displayed loyalty and his genuine care for his friend, but he did not strike her as a very agreeable man, “He seems…” she paused as she sought for the right word, only to resort to one she was growing fond of in her studies, “Cold.” Evangelin hung her head and let out a sad breath, as if she could not argue with the statement as much as she wanted to, “I do not think it my place to tell his history, but do not worry. It is not you personally which brings out that side of him,” she looked up to Trixie and frowned, “Still…” “Is there something else?” Evangelin looked back down to the dishes she was working on, “While my husband’s honor is his most noteworthy feature, as well as his biggest flaw, the Captain’s is his overwhelming sense of pride.” Pride…Trixie could sympathize with that, even if her own was false. It would explain why the Captain carried a dignified air with him despite his tragic beginnings and the issues he must face as a result of it. Evangelin continued on speaking since Trixie did not move to interrupt her, “He has gotten this far despite his unfortunate past, which goes to show how competent he is, so he has good reason for his prideful nature. I only wonder if his heart yearns for what he knows he could accomplish if only not for the prejudices our society casts on him. For what he knows he can never grasp.” That too resonated with Trixie…were there unfulfilled dreams and aspirations in the life she left behind? Regrets about what she could not accomplish no matter how much she worked or strove to achieve? “He seems quite refined. He comes from a noble background, right?” Trixie asked, not remembering if Reuenthal had said so far. She would like to know as much as she could about her allies, “His father, or at least legal father, was in quite the high position in our noble court. His mother was similarly from a good family, but given his true heritage Reuenthal has both benefitted from these connections and been plagued by them. While normal people are forced to work together and cast aside their prejudices to get through life, the upper echelons of our society are not as enlightened.” As Evangelin spoke, Trixie found herself smiling more and more. The woman appeared quite intelligent, and yet every indication pointed to her being nothing more than a homemaker. Trixie honestly did not expect to find such a deep opinion from someone who she doubted was very involved in politics, and that was why she found herself happy she supposed. A pleasant surprise. “You know, for a house wife I wasn’t expecting someone so astute. You are quite the shrewd, intelligent woman.” Evangelin placed her current dish down to give a curtsy to Trixie, “I thank you, my lady. I do try my best to support my husband, but that does not mean I am unable to have my own life and opinions.” Trixie was happy that the noble and kind man was married to a similarly nice woman, and the idea that the two would make brilliant and kind blonde offspring was also heartening. From what Trixie had seen, they would make great parents. Feeling nervous about being shown this level of respect despite being a guest, Trixie waved her head to each side, “You do not have to call me by any such title, you know. I am your guest after all.” Evangelin rose an eyebrow, genuinely curious about Trixie’s downplaying of her social status, “It is only proper to address the companion of our lord in such a manner.” “I am just some common girl with no memory who has the privilege of accompanying such a kind man. Having friends refer to me as anything more feels embarrassing.” “Oh, so you and the lord are not…” Evangelin paused to lower her voice, “Involved?” Trixie, being oblivious to all matters romantic, tilted her own head as she became the one who was confused, “Whatever do you mean? We are partners, but that does not make me a lady any more than it makes him a commoner.” “That would explain how Mitter’meyer mentioned there was only one bed…” Trixie continued to dig her proverbial grave with every word spoken, not realizing in the slightest how her words might be received, “Oh, yes, Kael and I sleep together every night. He’s quite warm, actually, though I haven’t tested if he makes a good pillow yet.” Evangelin blushing and gasping made Trixie realize that perhaps she said something odd, so she tried to find out what was odd about it all. “What? Do traveling companions not usually sleep together?” Evangelin cast her gaze to the side, her hands slowly going about cleaning another dish, “Not unless they are lovers, though I am no expert on adventures and such things. I’ve only ever known Mitter’meyer in this realm of life.” Trixie slowly placed the dish she herself had been working on down, “Oh…” she felt blood rush to her own cheeks at the thought of what Evangelin had assumed, and immediately realized why her words may have been taken the wrong way, “We’re not lovers, but what’s so wrong with sharing a bed? It saves money after all.” Realizing instantly that this rationalization made it look no better, Trixie sighed and hung her head. “I will admit I do not think I have ever traveled or really lived with someone, so this all is quite foreign to me…” she let out a small laugh at herself based on her own ignorance she demonstrated, “I suppose it could appear inappropriate to someone who doesn’t have the proper context.” Evangelin bowed her head to Trixie, “I apologize for assuming, my lady. You and prince Sunstrider just seem to get along quite well, and that is unheard of ever since he had his heart broken so many years ago.” That caught Trixie’s attention fully. It was a piece to do with Kael’s former life, as well as a huge part likely of his personal life. This was juicy information she couldn’t resist prying about, even if it perhaps was not her business. “His heart was broken?” Evangelin realized that perhaps she had said too much already and began to backtrack, “Yes, but I am not sure if he would like me to speak about it. It would be rude to speak of my lord’s personal life when he is just in the other room.” It only took Trixie a moment to find a way to rationalize a way to plead with the woman, “Please, as a favor to me? I do not want to possibly bring up painful memories for him, so the more I know the easier I can avoid such a matter.” “Well…” Evangelin sighed as she realized that perhaps this would be for the better, “I know only the basics, but there was a human woman named Jaina he met who was a student of magic. We Elves live longer lives than humans, and so while our prince was older than her they were about at the same level of maturity and in terms of lifespan he was much younger. However, this age difference was still an issue for the woman, and she instead went on to love the human prince named Arthas.” Trixie was glad that Kael likely did not have this hanging over his head. Wasn’t it the human prince who destroyed the Blood Elf kingdom? That meant that Kael lost the woman he loved to the man who would destroy his land and harm his people. To have that in his heart must have hurt more than a thousand arrows, “I see…” Emboldened by the sad look on Trixie’s face, Evangelin spoke in a whisper so that the men in the other room could not possibly hear her, “Do you want to be involved with our prince?” The question made Trixie balk instantly, her mind barely processing the question before she crossed her arms and looked away, “Kael may be quite the stallion, I am not a gold-digger. If I marry someone it will be because I find them to be agreeable, not because it will boost my status. That is an unfair, disgraceful manner of achieving fame.” “That wasn’t a no.” The truth behind that statement made Trixie’s very full stomach drop, “He is my friend, and the only person I have had since I woke up with no memories on Sunstrider Isle. Why make things complicated by thinking along those lines? I only need a companion who will aide me in my journey, who in turn I can aid in his.” Trixie’s response made Evangelin giggle before commenting again, “That sounds like an ideal marriage. A marriage is a partnership of sorts, after all.” This was a losing battle for Trixie, so she tried to find a way to drop it, “Maybe, but marriage also means having kids and the like, and I’m not even twenty…I believe. I can worry about that when I have built up a reputation and become the famous magician I wish to be.” The mention of children caused Evangelin’s face to grow stoic for a moment, which Trixie picked up on because the hostess did not have a reply right away this time. “Did I say something wrong?” Evangelin gave Trixie a sad smile before shaking her head. “No, don’t worry about it. I’m fine.” Across the house Kael and the two soldiers had continued their own conversations when the two women had left to clean up. Kael felt bad about having Trixie do it in his place, but he didn’t want to act out of his role prescribed to him by his hosts, who seemingly fully believed him to be the one and only Kael’thas Sunstrider even if his clothes were ruined and he seemed a bit out of it overall. A prince doing the dishes would seem quite odd, and while it may be charming in some ways it would possibly make them doubt him… Though, the more Kael thought about it, perhaps Mitter’meyer could be let in on the secret as well… The host broke out a bottle of wine and presented it to both Kael and Reuenthal, with the latter holding up a hand to pass on it, “As pleased as I am that you have returned, Mitter’meyer, I believe I will refrain from drinking too much. I have dinner plans tonight.” Mitter’meyer narrowed his eyes at his friend as he placed the wine bottle down with some force, “What will it take for you to settle down and stop this philandering? It’s a different girl every night!” “Statistically, I believe it is more of an average of five to six days,” Reuenthal replied with closed eyes and smile he would grow when he was in some bad situation, this time because he was being accosted for something he could realize was an issue of sorts, but not one he cared to fix or change in any way. “The fact that you can have a statistical analysis means you need to stop and settle down,” Mitter’meyer forcefully replied, his voice seeming to show that they had had this conversation many times before. Not really wanting to get in-between the two in their argument, but also having things he wanted to talk about instead, Kael cleared his throat to draw their attention, “Ahem.” Realizing that perhaps talking about Reuenthal’s nightly activities in front of his lord was not appropriate, Mitter’meyer quickly bowed, “Oh, I apologize my lord for bringing up such a topic in your presence. I just wish my good friend was as well adjusted as myself.” Kael smiled at him, not really minding because he had not been really paying attention. Instead he had been focused on the issue he had been thinking of before, and he had come to a conclusion on the matter, “Do not worry. I just wanted to ask a favor of you two.” “A favor?” Mitter’meyer replied with confusion, not knowing anything about what Kael had on his mind. Reuenthal on the other hand was more perceptive and expected something along the lines of what Kael was about to say given how he had already been informed. “Mitter’meyer, this cannot leave the room,” Kael whispered just loud enough to be heard, “I already spoke with Reuenthal on the matter, but I am suffering from amnesia.” The Knight gasped as he began to think about what that meant, “My lord…” Kael spoke up as the Knight’s sentence drifted off, “I do not know what happened to me, but here I am without any memory. If you could say whatever stories you have of me, it may help me recover some of my thoughts and return to how I once was.” “Of course. Anything for you, my lord—” A loud noise unlike any Kael could remember came from outside the building, and it made everyone turn to face the window. Reuenthal and Kael each stood up to look outside, while Mitter’meyer moved to look through a different window. Each of the three, even the stoic Reuenthal, found themselves stunned at what they saw as Trixie rushed into the room to join them, “What was that noise?” She joined Mitter’meyer by the window since the large Reuenthal and the decently tall Kael obscured the other in the room. Outside was a sight that Trixie did not expect to see at all: A elegantly robed man stood at the front of a large crowd of red skinned beings with thicker and broader features than Elves as well as similarly red eyes which blended in with their bodies, which were mostly unclothed except for armored pants and large shoulder pads. Each of the red beings also had a missing lower arm which was replaced with a blade of some kind. The only one of these unknown beings to really stand out was the one at the head of the pack, standing right behind the Elven man who was seemingly in charge. This one had a full set of armor, long black hair, and was far larger than the others around him. His own blade reflected this, and appeared far more menacing than the others standing behind him, which Trixie and Kael each assumed made him the dominant one of his group. And the man standing before him? “That’s…” Trixie gaped as she tried to understand what she was seeing. Could it really be that… From the streets emerged a man who appeared to be some kind of official given his seemingly expensive robes that held the colors of Silvermoon. He said what was on everyone else’s minds as he approached and knelt before the man in similar crimson and golden robes, “Lord Kael’thas, you’ve returned! How fortunate it is to see you again!” Standing at the front of a small army of unknown creatures was a perfect replica of Kael’thas, which made the one who had been accompanying Trixie feel intense fear. Was this the man who had been reportedly committing evil acts? If so, this was not going to go well, and if not, then it meant he himself might be seen as a fraud. The Silvermoon official rose and gestured to the men standing behind the Kael’thas from Outlands, “These red Orcs are your guests I presume?” The second Kael’thas finally addressed the man, having previously been looking around as if to observe all that has changed in his absence, “We will not be staying long, so guests is perhaps overstating it. We only seek to bring M’uru back with us, and find a person of particular interest.” Trixie rose an eyebrow. What was a M’uru? Fortunately, her question was partially answered by the official, who quickly became worried by what this Kael’thas had said, “My…my lord, M’uru grants us the power we need to survive. It is their energy that allows us all here in Silvermoon to not give in to our addictions…” The well dressed Kael’thas smirked and shook his head slowly, “I understand, but I do not care. Normally I would have only used this as a last resort, but I seek to implement plans with M’uru earlier than intended given that things have changed.” Others in the street had begun to gather around the scene, and while initially joyous at the sight of Kael’thas the crowd was beginning to grow weary and cautious. The official gasped at his lord’s apathetic statement, his surprise quickly turning to anger despite the person he was speaking to, “You have no right to take our power from us! How will we live without it?!” “Was I not the one who had M’uru brought here for you to all siphon energy from?” the Kael’thas outside asked rhetorically, “As your leader, I demand you step aside, Magistrix.” Some guards from the city and their mechanical golems came to join the Magistrix in defying the prince, “We cannot let you pass! Not as you betray our people! You promised to find a way to help us, not take back the gift you once gave us and doom us to extinction!” Seemingly disappointed, Kael’thas snapped his fingers, “Very well then. Kargath, handle the dissidents.” The once known as Kargath, the large Orc in armor behind Kael’thas, let out a guttural laugh as he stepped forward and moved passed the second Kael, “As you wish. Illidan did say to help you, so it will be my pleasure to carve up a few of these dissidents.” The name Illidan rang a bell in both Trixie’s and Kael’s mind as being the one who Kael was supposed to be working with in the realm known as Outlands…which meant that this indeed was the alternate Kael, and his flippant and cruel demeanor seemed to reveal him as exactly the villain so many had worried about him being. Kargath levied his bladed arm at the guards before him before swinging it slowly to sweep across the crowd, “If anyone has any objections to your Prince’s demand, voice them now or step aside!” “We can’t let you—” The Magistrix never spoke another word, as the blindingly fast Kargath cut him down where he stood in a single strike. The blade that formed his lower left arm severed the man’s head and half his chest in a quick, curved strike that was almost impossible to actually see. Kargath laughed as the man’s remains hit the ground, “One.” Inside his house, Mitter’meyer growled and balled his fists. He refused to believe that the man outside was his prince, especially since he had a man who was like the prince he once remembered right at hand. Who was this imposter outside, and why was he deceiving everyone? Two of the golems and two of the guards from the city moved to attack the large Orc, who happened to not be receiving any aid from his own allies. The reason for that was that it was not a fight. Kargath quickly impaled each of the two Elven guards, only to use their corpses as projectiles to fling at a rapid pace at the sentries, which broke as Elves hurtled through them as if they were launched from a cannon. “Three!” Kargath continued to count, seemingly not considering the golems as kills. Inside the house, Kael was left too shocked to know what to do. There was absolutely nothing he could do to stop the small army outside, and even those putting up a resistance were falling without any seeming chance of winning. He wanted to go and help out, but by the same token he knew such an effort would be worthless. Trixie was in the same boat, though she was growing sick from the sight of the various dismembered guardsmen and the Magistrix. The way they were butchered made her almost lose her recent meal. Not as new and untrained as Trixie or Kael though, Mitter’meyer had less reservations about going outside and aiding his comrades. He cast his gaze over to his partner as if to ask permission, “Reuenthal.” Outside Kargath slew another Elf, with his dozen or so soldiers behind him engaging some others guards and seemingly holding the upper hand in the combat, “Oh come now, I thought you Elves were stronger than this! What a disappointment your people proved to be, Prince.” Reuenthal returned his friend’s look, though he did so with a shake of the head. He was scowling though, as if the sight before him was enough to make even the cold man angry, “We will lose this fight. Those Orcs appear to be empowered by demon blood, if their odd coloration means what it did when they first became green.” Mitter’meyer slammed a hand down on the nearby table, “We can’t just sit by and watch!” Reuenthal nodded, first pointing outside to point at one Kael before pointing at the one they had been with, “Of course not, but there is an imposter parading around our city with forces that outmatch our own. It is important that we grant our real lord an opportunity to escape.” More hot blooded than Reuenthal but still intelligent, Mitter’meyer understood the Captain’s logic. They would be of no real aid and just get themselves killed if they assaulted the invaders head on, but they could accomplish a different goal if they tried, “Of course.” Unlike the two soldiers, Trixie and her partner were not anywhere near as composed at the time. While Kael was shocked by the sight of his physical double and the grossness of his actions, Trixie was beginning to feel frightened for her life. She wanted to help out the poor people being cut down by the men serving the fake prince, but at the same time she had seen firsthand how monstrous the Orc leader was and she doubted that she could even contest one of his smaller counterparts. The feeling of wanting to take action mixed with her fear made Trixie feel disgusted with herself, as she was essentially frozen from acting in any way as her mind and morality battled. As the one most in control of his emotions and mind at the time, Reuenthal was the one to make his way to the exit while beckoning the others to follow. Kael’thas might be his prince, but he would not allow his prince’s shock lead to the possibility of him being caught by these foes. They would most certainly be interested with obtaining the true Kael’thas, and Reuenthal had a feeling that the person of interest mentioned outside was none other than the one he had with him. Was it possible that the Kael with him was the fake and the other the real one? Of course, but witnessing each of them and their actions made the distinction clear in the Captain’s mind. “Come, we must go before things escalate further.” Mitter’meyer moved to hurry the stunned Kael along, only to then realize that his wife had been standing behind them all. Evangelin stood in shock at the screams and the view of the outside, causing her husband to rush to her side. “It will be okay, Evangelin, and I will be back soon. Stay inside, and stay hidden.” She nodded as she and her husband embraced. She was used to seeing him off to battle, but this was a civil war literally at their front door. “Be safe.” Kael shook himself out of his dazed state to begin evacuating the building as well. While one might be tempted to stay inside at all costs, Kael had the same worry as the Captain in that it was incredible timing that this alternate Kael appeared at the same time as him. The further he could get from him, the better. With a glance to the side, Kael noticed the similarly out-of-it Trixie falling into step beside him as they made their way to what Kael assumed was a rear exit of the house. With concern and care both, Kael gripped her hand, though the apparently shocked Trixie did not seem to grab his back. With this grip though he managed to keep her following them at a faster speed than the mentally stunned magician might otherwise have managed on her own. Reuenthal led Kael, Trixie, and Mitter’meyer to the back of the house where an alternate door rested. He swiftly threw this door open with the flick of a wrist and urged the others through, and once they were all outside and had a building in-between them and the chaotic brawl, he pulled the door shut and began to hurry past them. The path he was taking them to leave was actually in the direction of the city’s main entrance, and by hiding behind buildings they managed to escape the attention of the Orcs as they continued to battle. The sight of their comrades being cut down was making Mitter’meyer’s blood boil, but he continued behind the others as a read guard in opposite of Reuenthal’s lead. After cutting across a few yards and actually busting down some fences with Mitter’meyer’s strength and a hammer he had grabbed on the way out when neither Kael or Trixie were paying attention, they managed to circle around the conflict raging in the streets and were a few hundred feet from the front entrance to Silvermoon… …which happened to have Orcs battling the guards, who seemed to be overwhelmed as the red skinned invaders beat them savagely with rapid speed and strength far greater than their own. This did not perturb Reuenthal, who had actually seemed to expect this. The entrance of the city opened into a U shaped path, the left branch of which Trixie and Kael had taken in their first visit and the right branch they took to get to Mitter’meyer’s house. With an index finger pointing to a building nearby the entrance but partially down the path Reuenthal continued to lead the others past the second battle, “This way.” Before they could manage to slip in-between the two sites of conflict, a deep bellow called out across the road which made Mitter’meyer stop. “Is that a Blood Knight I see running away?” came the taunting voice of Kargath, who was adeptly handling two more soldiers as he watched the retreating four Elves, “What kind of Paladin runs and lets his people die so meaninglessly?” The others stopped to look back at their companion, who instead of looking angry instead had a smile on his face as his fists clenched. His face may have appeared smug and positive, but in reality it was hiding a seething rage befitting of a man who could not stand injustice or anything dishonorable. “Twelve,” Kargath shouted as he cut down his two foes, and inadvertently and possibly intentionally deciding Mitter’meyer’s mind up. The Paladin turned around and prepared his hammer, his pace slow as he began to prepare himself for battle. He was grateful he and Reuenthal had worn their full dress clothes, not that Reuenthal ever seemed to wear anything else, to the meal as a method of respecting their lord. “Mitter’meyer,” Reuenthal warned his friend. While wholly confident in the fighting capabilities of the man, he knew the danger of fighting enemies empowered by demonic energies, and he also knew history well enough to recognize the name of Kargath Bladefist, warchief of the Shattered Hand clan and former hero of the Orc Horde. Mitter’meyer shook his head as his eyes began to focus on the Orc warchief coming his way, “He’s seen us. At least this way I can buy you some time. Let me repay my debt to you all.” Kael wanted to object, as did Trixie, but neither spoke up. How could they turn down his offer when they all could die if they did not take it? Mitter’meyer and Reuenthal perhaps could combat the Orc with the giant blade for a limb, but they could also take care of the vulnerable Trixie and Kael. Understanding his friend’s decision, Reuenthal nodded and turned to leave once again, now intending to hurry twice as fast as he previously had, “Once they are safe, I will return for you.” “Take your time. I have twelve comrades to avenge.” With that Reuenthal actually grabbed Kael and tugged him for a moment, forgetting briefly in his concern for his friend about who it was he was escorting. He could not afford to allow Kael and Trixie to either stray or lag behind, and he was at least glad that the other Orcs seemed single mindedly focused on their individual battles to notice anyone else. Just before Kael could manage to look away from Mitter’meyer he noticed the man rush forward at Kargath, snarling as he approached the large Orc. Another Orc attempted to get in his way, not seeming to realize the challenge that had been levied, only to be smashed across the face with a blurred hammer strike that caused the Orc to crash and tumble before impaling theirself on their bladed arm. Kael did not get to see the next moment where his loyal subordinate actually clashed weapons with the warchief, but he hoped dearly that the man would be okay. The building that Reuenthal had gestured to before turned out to be an Inn of a similar style to the one the other two had been staying at, except this one had an exit on the other side which Reuenthal was focused on reaching. He had to push past some civilians to make a path for his group, meanwhile only offering the weak apology of, “Excuse us.” A woman in the room scoffed at the sight of him dragging someone along with him, who in turn was dragging someone along with him too, “Reuenthal, you never visit, and now you are rushing through. What is going on out there?” Reuenthal ignored them to instead push Kael and Trixie outside, at which point he pointed at a wall to their left. To their right was the area the mind controlling incident had happened, so Kael and Trixie had not yet encountered this area. It appeared to be a bazaar of some kind, though the details did not make themselves readily apparent to the two as their minds were otherwise preoccupied. “Silvermoon is not fully restored yet. Over there, through that building next to the wall, you will find a hole that a child could fit through. You will have to find a way to make it larger, but we should be grateful we have invested more in fine wine than the restoration of this city.” A large growl and a scream from nearby in the bazaar revealed that an Orc had wandered over here as well, and was currently assaulting some mages who had no idea previously what was going on. In reaction to this Reuenthal lifted a weapon similar to the one he had used the other night and pointed it at the Orc, and with the click of a finger the Orc’s body fell to the ground, blood spilling from the temple of its head, as a loud bang came from the mechanical device. Reuenthal nodded over to the other two as he once again pointed to one of the buildings which lined against the city’s wall, “Go. The Orcs will have no guards outside the city, so head south and find Fairbreeze village. From there you can secure passage to wherever you may desire to travel.” “Hold up, I’m not about to let a bounty get away!” came a voice familiar to Trixie and Kael from behind them in the Inn. The group looked back to see the Hunter from Sunstrider Isle, her face cold as she glared at Kael once again. “You again?” Trixie gasped, surprised to run into her again. Had she been staying at this Inn instead of their own? And of all times to see her… The Hunter pulled her bow out and pointed a loaded arrow at Kael, “I thought I recognized you at Sunstrider Isle. I don’t know why there are two of you, but you seem to be far less powerful than the other. People will still want your head on a pike after this though, so I bet I can get a reward for bringing you back with me.” Reuenthal did not seem very worried about the archer, instead noticing four more Orcs wandering into the bazaar. With a quick snap shot he shot the hand of the Hunter and made her drop her bow, the woman growling in pain as he gave a strong but level order to the others. “Go.” Sensing no compromise in his voice as he began to head towards the Orcs, Kael nodded and reaffirmed his grip on Trixie. “Thank you.” Trixie felt like she might not see the man, or his friend, again if this invasion of Orcs continued. This feeling that she was about to see a man go to his death made her stomach flip, and so she had trouble forming words, “Uhhh…” as Kael began to pull her away, Trixie finally managed to get out, “Don’t die, okay?” Reuenthal gave his trademark smirk caused by being in some negative situation as he prepared his weapon and began to aim it at the Orcs as the finally noticed their dead comrade and came to the conclusion that the armored soldier must be the cause, “Because the lady has asked so nicely, I will make sure to not perish in this unfortunate conflict. I only ask that she reciprocates.” The Hunter attempted to lunge at Trixie, who was closest to her at the time, only for Reuenthal to back handedly knock her down with the strength of a professional soldier. With no-one now in their way to go, Kael and Trixie ran as fast as they could to the designated point granted by Reuenthal. Neither of them focused on what actually was inside the building, and while someone inside tried addressing their sudden entrance, neither paid them any mind as they scanned it for a damaged wall. The hole was located in the back left side of the room they were in, and they each gave a small apology as they began to find a way to make the hole bigger. Trixie froze someone who tried to stop them with her first spell, only to then realize something: if she froze the structure around the small hole, she could perhaps shatter it with a strong enough strike. Her newest spell seemed to be one more geared towards damage than merely freezing, but she had not even performed it yet or learned its name. Grabbing her book from the special rope harness she had made for it while Kael was asleep, Trixie opened right to the page she had left off on. Something about it all clicked in her mind as she looked over it this time, and so while she muttered first the spell to freeze the wall she quickly followed it up with her newest spell, roughly translated to “Ice Lance”. “Gi’kor!” A large shard of blocky ice formed in the air before Trixie and flew directly where she was facing, crashing through the wall and breaking it enough to let them through. While feeling bad about damaging someone’s property, she was more worried about her life. The two escaped from the area with little difficulty after that point, and once they were a good few hundred feet into the lush forest they took a moment to stop and breathe. Given their momentary pause, Trixie decided to clear some of the air about something very important. “Kael, that guy in the city…he’s…” Trixie found herself cut off by her friend letting out a sudden, but stifled laugh. “Now I’m wondering who is the imposter,” Kael whispered, his green eyes closing as he thought about how quickly he had come across his counterpart. Was this chance or a result of the other Kael searching for him? He did not know, and he felt terrible he had to abandon his new friends because of how none of them wanted to find out. While not entirely sure about the actual credibility of one Kael versus the other, Trixie was sure of something, and she was not going to let her companion despair over his identity crisis if she could say something about it. “If Kael’thas Sunstrider was as good as we heard about, he wouldn’t do what he just did. You’re a good man, unlike that fiend, so you have to be the real one. Right?” Trixie forcefully told Kael, sounding as if she was demanding him to see things her way. In reality she was trying to convince herself as much as him, but in the end she didn’t care if he was the legitimate leader or not. She befriended him when he was just a normal Elf who was kind enough to help her after all, so she didn’t need anything more from him. For his part, Kael felt guilty for involving his friend in such an issue which otherwise would not concern her, “You know, you do not have to continue traveling with me. I’m sure it makes things more difficult for you.” Taking a hand and bringing it to the top of her chest, Trixie began to boast as her other hand found its place on her hip, “I am the Great and Powerful Trixie. I accept any and all challenges, as I am not some common plebian incapable of surmounting them.” Kael did not want to point out how they just were forced to run from a challenge of sorts, and instead decided to focus on the loyalty being demonstrated to him. He was glad to have found someone willing to share in his hardships, even if she would not just go out and say it like that. “That’s twice I’ve offered you the chance to leave, yet you’re still here.” Trixie scoffed, almost hurt that he sounded at all surprised, “Perhaps the third time will be the charm, but for now I think I will continue traveling with a prince who may one day bring me heaps of fame.” “Or infamy,” Kael joked back, his mind trying hard not to think of the clash of metal and screams just barely audible in the distance. “Details, details.” As soon as they had gained their powerful allies, they had seemingly lost them, and neither one would willingly address the issue right then and there. Such was the world of Azeroth: for as grand and entertaining as things could be, a brutal reality sat below it all, one which Trixie found herself being forced to accept after that day’s events.