Elven architecture was, in general, impressive. It mattered not if it was Night or Blood Elven. Contrary to popular opinion, Sorcerers of Tzeentch were not always piecing together schemes to topple empires. With the gift of daemonhood, immortality was something to be used to the fullest. As it was, Iruv'Tak was capable of recognizing quality work when he saw it, stopping to observe the intricate details and shapes that comprised the city of Darnassus. He had no doubt that the Night Elf Sentinels were keeping a close eye on him. He was physically abnormal when compared to other races: larger than the elves, but he was by no means an orc or troll. He lacked the obvious movement or form of a Draenai, and compared to humans, his stature was out of the question. As were Gnomes and Dwarves. The Night Elves were most certainly both puzzled and suspicious. Some were sure to draw the conclusions of him being a demon.

They wouldn't be entirely wrong.

His request to speak with the High Priestess was being processed. He had been told (rather gruffly) to remain in the city of Darnassus until a time was reached when he could meet with the ruling body of the Night Elves. He wasn't entirely sure how long it would take: he was hoping to be able to return in time for the reclamation of the Blood Elven provinces. The Night Elves might not let him go immediately, if at all. He wasn't too keen on having to break himself out, but if worst came to worst...

There was nothing they could do, really. He wasn't sure just how different in magnitudes the Night Elven powers were when compared to Blood Elven ones, but considering the Blood Elves' weakened states, it was probably a sizable difference. Regardless, they had no reliable method of containing a Daemon Prince.

Whatever the case, his entire plan hinged on not incurring their wrath. For the time being, it would be best if he abided by all standing rules and policies.

The High Priestess of Elune, Tyrande Whisperwind, stood upon a balcony overlooking a large portion of Darnassus. Decades of experience were telling her to send the Blood Elven representative back to Quel'Thalas without giving an audience. The Blood Elves were a foolish and naive people that played with powers beyond their own understanding. Of course, there was the odd sindorei that could be given respect, but they were the exception: not the rule.

Regardless, diplomatic tensions were high, and that was never good for the peoples of Azeroth. The world had years ahead before it would recover from the wrath of the Lich King. It would be better if the stigma between the many races could be subdued, and a mutual understanding gathered. From what she was told, the representative wasn't even a Blood Elf.

An unknown. That would not do.

"Latryssa." She called out.

"Milady?" The Sentinel responded.

"Have the Blood Elven Representative brought to the Audience Chamber. If the meeting over-extends into other going-ons, put them on hold as is appropriate."

"Yes, milady."

Iruv'Tak did not sit in the chair they had provided him. It was much too small and fragile for his bulk, shapeshifted or not. Instead, he chose to stand. His staff clanged on the wooden floor, resounding through the chamber from one end to another and he set it down.

A male night elf draped in wealthy garb called out to him. "State your name and title, if any." The no-nonsense tone was easily discernible.

"Iruv'Tak Nador," he paused for a moment, considering his options, "Lord Sorcerer of Silvermoon City and the surrounding Blood Elven provinces."

Another spoke. "Lord Sorcerer, define this title."

Iruv'Tak sighed audibly. "Monarch, ruler, king."

If the Night Elves weren't expecting that, they didn't show it.

"Very well. This meeting is called to order on the fifteenth day of Spring, to discuss..." He raised his eyebrows at Iruv'Tak.

"Diplomatic tension relief and... possible threats to both our kingdoms."

"I see. You have the floor, Lord Sorcerer, and may begin when ready."

Iruv'Tak cleared his mind before he spoke.

"In order to understand why I'm here, you're going to need a little backstory and an update on the going-on's in Silvermoon. I will not attempt to delude you or myself, however much we may wish the opposite. The Lich King struck a mortal blow to the Blood Elves. A people, an entire race, are going extinct. Their civilization is falling to ruin, our cities to disuse. Over half of Silvermoon City alone is completely unoccupied excepting a few insurgents."

He paused to take in their reactions before proceeding. Very little, except for the slight wrinkling of ones forehead at the words 'insurgents'.

"I have been appointed their ruler. I have brought them from the brink, but they cannot sustain themselves for long, not as they are now. There is no law, there is no order. The entirety of the governmental infrastructure has been shattered, and there is only so much one man can do. You understand what the eventual results would be."

The High Priestess spoke. "The stagnation of a culture. Or worse..."

Iruv'Tak finished. "Desperation. Tell me, High Priestess. What happens when you corner a wounded, wild sabertooth?"

Her eyes focused on him, deep with concentration. "It becomes far more deadly, resorting to measures and tactics that are infinitely more brutal than... I see where you're going with this."

"We'll finish this line of thought, then. Consider the Blood Elven people as a wounded sabertooth. Seemingly surrounded by enemies on all sides, the hostile Alliance, the distrustful Horde, and the savage Scourge. With extinction on their doorstep, to whom do the Blood Elves have left to turn?"

"The Burning Legion." Another Night Elf official spat.

Just as planned. "Precisely. I'm sure you now understand the blatantly dire predicament Azeroth is in, not just the sindorei."

The High Priestess looked thoughtful. "What would you have us do?"

"I require little. Send out a message to each and every Night Elf city. Silvermoon City has issued a total recall of all Blood Elves on Azeroth."

As he spoke, Iruv'Tak reached out mentally to test the mental shielding of the High Priestess. Surely it couldn't be all that much for him, a Daemon Prince, to infiltrate, right?

Wrong. He nearly collided face first with mental barriers the strength of which he had never seen before. It would be impossible for him to even attempt to progress further! But how did she have such strong mental shielding? He broke out of his thoughts to the sound of another official speaking.

"We will consider it. What else?"

"After the Lich King pillaged Silvermoon and the body count began to rise, something very important came to mind. What do we do with all of this extra farmland?"

The Night Elves did not seem to pick up the hint. "Explain."

"Blood Elven stock piles and granaries have reached a bursting point. We have an abundance of resources we no longer need." Not exactly a lie, with the restoration of the Sunwell and it's... peculiar new Warp characteristics the Blood Elves that had given in to the corruption no longer needed such sustenance (though it was certainly a pleasure to enjoy).

The same Night Elf spoke again. "I thought the Scourge razed the farmland and put the granaries to the torch. My contacts keep me very well informed."

"Tell your contacts to cut down on the alcohol consumption, then. I'm fairly certain I know the state of my own kingdom."

The Elf bristled at the words. That may have been too far...

Before any further problems arose, the High Priestess spoke again. "Continue, Lord Sorcerer."

"My intents are simple. The sindorei would like to make a donation to the Alliance as a whole to help those in need and dissolve diplomatic tensions."

Her mouth curved into a small smile. "That is something quite out of character for the Blood Elves."

Iruv'Tak pushed the conversation forward while he still had momentum. "Can this be arranged?"

"We'll take it into consideration. Any further matters?"

"Yes, one. High Priestess, I feel you are the only one that should hear what I have to say."

The intelligence officer scoffed. "Preposterous. I don't even know why we're listening to you anymore as it is."

"Save your breath, Hytalus." She paused. "Everyone leave the room, I shall comply with his request."

Immediately, there were cries of disbelief and even anger.

"Did I not say to leave? Or do you disobey the command of Elune's appointed?"

The group settled, and began to shuffle out with partial grumblings.

"That means you too." The High Priestess pointed to the Honor Guard Regimen.

"But my lady, it is our sworn duty to protect you at all times!"

"Elune protects me. Leave."

The detachment nodded and stepped outside the room.

"Now we can speak privately. Make it quick, I do not wish to keep the court waiting."

Iruv'Tak gathered his thoughts. Elune... No! Focus.

"There is a great enemy at our doorstep, and I do not mean only the Burning Legion. A foe far worse comes, with the power to wage a war you cannot win on your own. The forces of Chaos are making an imminent arrival on Azeroth. Servants of the long forgotten gods, Khorne, Nurgle, and Slaanesh."

"Say there is a force worse than the Burning Legion, how would you know of it's existence and it's arrival?"

Think, think quick! That's it! "Pray tell, do you recall that... dare I say, sundering of the world itself only a few weeks back?" His daemonic rebirth... Yes, an excellent diversion.

She hesitated. "Yes, yes I do..."

"That was the arrival of Chaos on your world. You must prepare. It was not arcane, nor druidic, nor even Fel."

She was silent for a time. "If these forces of... Chaos... show themselves, we will discuss this further. Until such time, I cannot make any finalized decisions. If they come to destroy us, they will find our hearts far more than prepared for whatever they can throw at us."

Iruv'Tak turned to look at her, the purple hue in his eyes locking with her green. "Destroy? No... There are some fates far worse than death."

I have so much excess inspiration right now, I think I may actually be causing myself some kind of bodily harm. I so badly need to put some ideas I have down into writing, but I would feel so guilty because I haven't really even BEGUN working on getting the plot of "We Are Legion" rolling, and I'm only beginning the second story arc to "Immaterium Interference".

BUT THE INSPIRATION, IT CALLS TO ME! Agh, 1st World Problems. I need help, what do I do? Do I put this inspiration into writing? Or do I try and lock it away for a later date in the hopes that it will remain?

Choices choices... On to the reviews!

tamagat: He's now higher in the food chain. Not exactly the right hand man of Tzeentch, but certainly a notable servant. Not an Ahriman per say, but Chaos can be finicky with it's power scalings.

Aburg76: No problem :D Hope this one satisfies. I'm rather pleased with it myself.