Chapter One: An Era of Change

It was a bright sunny day in Duskwallow Marsh, and Jaina Proudmoore was reading. It was a book about a magical theory which she had read a hundred times before and was reading again. Books had been one of the things which were difficult to import to Theramore. Even so, she liked studying and refreshing her memory. Then, just as it was getting good, she sensed darkness approaching on the nearby road.

It was a strange sort of darkness, like twilight as the last light of the setting sun shot through the mountains. Or the first light of dawn. She wasn't sure which. Either way, the sound of hoofbeats made her realize who it was in moments and she stood, closing her book with a smile. Retrieving her staff, she rushed through the woods and came out along the paved road system. One of her more recent constructions.

On the road was a man of healthy complexion, but his hair was white as snow. His armor was that of a paladin, but the road upon a skeletal horse. At his side was a gray sword inlaid with the symbols of skulls. It looked very evil, but the horror of looking at it had faded like night fades into day.

He reigned his horse to a stop and looked up at her.

Jaina considered how best to respond. 'You are three days late, Arthas.'

'The heroes are always too late, milady.' said Arthas with a slight smile. 'We always arrive just in time for the villain to gloat about his victory.'

There it was, the easy fatalism which had replaced youthful enthusiasm. She had grown to love it, and as he dismounted, she ran to him and wrapped her arms around him. Their lips met, and then they broke the kiss, still holding each other.

'I would have thought almost a year working as an ambassador to the orcs would have improved your mood.' she said.

'Far from it.' said Arthas. 'Thrall keeps them in line, if only barely. The truce holds for now. So how is the colonization of Duskwallow going?' They broke the embrace and began to walk.

'As well as can be expected.' said Jaina. 'We've been giving our military some practice by clearing out the monsters in the region. And we're giving the druids a workout making the place livable. Ordinarily, I'd make room in Theramore, but with all the people coming in there is hardly room.

'We've started growing tobacco. It works well in the soil, though it's really unpleasant to farm. I've had a lot of cases of abuse with indentured servants and their masters. I'm having to write some new laws. Oh, and the defenses you and Father put together are nearly finished. If we ever come under attack, I doubt anything will get through.'

'Ah, and has my work as ambassador improved my reputation?' asked Arthas.

Jaina looked at him with raised eyebrows. 'Are you seriously asking me that question?'

'I'm trying to get the optimism out of my system.' he admitted.

'No.' she said with a sigh. 'Frankly Arthas, after what you did, you should be lucky the alliance isn't demanding your head.'

'The alliance is in a position to demand nothing. And they know it.' snapped Arthas. 'They want the night elves to help them in the wars with the scourge, and you are their best chance for that. Besides, I'm the only one keeping the forest trolls and ogres from resurging. Killing me would alienate the New Horde.'

'You know you could at least pretend you are sorry.' said Jaina.

'Sorry?' asked Arthas. 'If I hadn't taken up Frostmourne destiny would not have been fulfilled. The dragon aspects plan would have failed. I provided an essential service and minimized collateral while I was at it. Really, I should be rewarded and thanked for not leaving the job to Tichondrius and Mannaroth.'

'Well whatever you think you deserve you're in danger of being the next Aiden Pernolde.' said Jaina, trying to keep the amusement out of her tone.

'Don't even compare me to that coward.' said Arthas. 'Aiden Pernolde was a mewling fool who sold out the Alliance on the off chance that the orcs might kill him last. He was shortsighted, honorless, and now deceased.'

'Deceased?' asked Jaina. 'Since when?'

'Since my agents in the syndicate handed him over to King Wilhelm of Strahnbrad.' said Arthas. 'I gather there was a rather spectacular hanging. Though news of it hasn't reached the alliance as a whole yet.' He paused. 'Speaking of betrayers, how is Illidan.'

'Actually, I was just waiting for him.' said Jaina. 'He has been standing of a clifftop, waiting for Lady Vashj all day.'

'Lady Vashj,' mused Arthas, 'you've often spoken of her in your letters. Do you think she can be trusted?'

'I'd rather work with her than against her.' said Jaina. 'Her naga could make serious trouble for Theramore if they put their mind to it. We're a sea power, after all. As for whether she can be trusted, I've been hard at work trying to dissuade her from targetting the night elves.

'There seems to be some long-time hatred of the night elves. They wanted to initiate a full-on crusade against their coastal villages you know.'

'And how did you talk them out of that?' asked Arthas.

'I said that murdering night elf villages might cause them to interfere in our affairs.' said Jaina. 'Pragmatism is the great redeemer of the immoral. Do you want to go see Illidan?'

'I don't see why not.' admitted Arthas.

'Betrayer…' whispered a voice on the wind.

Clouds were gathering overhead as the voice resounded in their ears. Coming to the edge of a great cliff, they saw Illidan standing at the edge. He was looking out over a sea which was rapidly becoming stormy.

'In truth, it was I who was betrayed!'

Thunder cracked overhead as Illidan's black hair blew around his violet skin. His blindfolded eyes were turned downwards. His bare chest was pumping with rage. 'Still I am hunted. Still, I am hated. Now my blind eyes see what others cannot!'

The skies darkened further as he motioned with one hand like a conductor.

'That sometimes the hand of fate must be forced!'

A bolt of lightning struck the seas, and they churned. Then out of them came the naga. Jaina had never gotten used to the creatures, though she knew she should have. Their top half was humanoid, but with the head of a crocodile for the males. Their lower regions were those of snakes. They slithered onto the shore, wielding great tridents. Behind them came the sea witches, with the bodies of snakes and the torsos and heads of beautiful women. These also had six separate arms.

Lightning flashed again, reflecting off their scales as they approached. At their head was a female naga, yet she was different from the others. She was by far the most beautiful, and her hair was snakes. In her grip was a bow and she came before them.

'All has been done as you instructed, Lord Illidan.' said Lady Vashj. 'Queen Azshara has given her blessing for your mission. You may enter the Tomb of Sageras and unearth that which you seek.'

'Excellent.' said Jaina. 'We did not want to risk an international incident. The Alliance appreciates your people's cooperation.'

'We share a common enemy, Lady Proudmoore.' said Vashj. 'Your victory is ours in this circumstance.'

'And what of my request?' asked Jaina.

'In regards to your request to establish an embassy between our peoples,' said Vashj 'the answer is no. Our homeland is kept safe through secrecy. To allow a human or any other race to set foot within it might compromise our security.

'However, we are willing to consider sending an ambassador to Theramore.'

'Excellent,' said Jaina, 'our fleet is ready. We can set out at any time.'

'Now go forth.' said Illidan as though she had said nothing at all. 'Do as I have told you. Unleash the tides of doom upon all who would oppose us.'

There was silence. Finally, Vashj spoke. 'Are you certain we cannot launch a few coastal raids upon the night elves? Burn down a few villages; we'll be in and out in a day.'

'Didn't we already discuss this?' asked Jaina with a sigh.

'Our hatred for the night elves runs deeper than the oceans.' said Vashj. 'And I was hoping to avail upon Lord Illidan to reconsider.'

'No.' said Illidan. 'Your vendetta is well known to me. However, pragmatism must come before vengeance. As of this moment, the night elves are unaware of what we are doing. Only Maiev and her watchers may prove a hindrance. And Proudmoore has seen to it that they are forbidden to pursue me.

'If you attack the night elves, it may be traced back to us, and then Maiev will be unleashed, alongside an army.'

'And the orcs?' asked Vashj.

'They have no idea what is happening here.' said Arthas. 'And they have no navy to speak of. Besides, the Warchief has problems of his own. All of Thrall's energy is now focused on maintaining peace with the Barren's Alliance. Tensions are flaring at the border.'

'While the legion is too busy regrouping in the deep desert to take any action against us.' said Illidan. 'At the moment we have no serious opposition. This must be maintained for as long as possible, at least until we have it within our grasp.'

'I understand.' mused Vashj. 'And we shall obey.'

The naga dispersed, going back into the water. There was a moment of silence before Arthas looked to Illidan. The Demon Hunter turned to face him, and blindfold met blue-green eyes in silent challenge.

'Was the lightning truly necessary, Demon Hunter?' asked Arthas, smiling wryly.

'Yes.' said Illidan.

'Well necessary or no,' mused Jaina, 'I'm hoping this mission goes without any bloodshed.'

Suddenly she heard a shuffling in the trees. Turning around, she halted before smiling. It was only an owl, sitting in the tree. Wait, owls weren't native to Duskwallow. What had brought one this far out?

It flew away, and Jaina turned her mind to other things.

Maiev Shadowsong was a formidable figure. Most night elves went clad in very little armor or clothing at all for this matter. Maiev was not most night elves. Her outfit was a suit of forged metal like that of a black night out of a fairy tale. Her mouth and her eyes were the only things visible to one who looked at her. Her black cape shrouded her movements.

'What news, Naisha?' she asked.

Naisha looked up. 'Our birds report that Illidan has taken a fleet of Alliance Ships. They have some goal overseas.'

'I see.' said Maiev. 'Order the birds to follow the fleet far enough to get their bearings. We will head to the port north of here and get some ships. From there we will set out after Illidan.'

'With respect, Mistress,' said Naisha, 'to do so would be a direct violation of the orders given by Priestess Tyrande. She was very clear.'

'I am fully aware of Tyrande's wishes.' said Maiev. 'However, since all of this is her fault, to begin with, we are going to ignore her. Come, let us rally the other watchers. We have work to do.'

Though the demonlord, Archimonde, and the Burning Legion were utterly defeated at the Battle of Mount Hyjal, much of Ashenvale Forest remained tainted by the foul demonic energies. The combined efforts of the druids and the sentinels had brought a tenuous to the northlands, but dark creatures still lurked within the shadowed woods.

In this perilous time, Maiev Shadowsong had come forth to hunt her dangerous prey. To chain him once more beneath the cold earth. That was the plan in theory.

'Mistress,' said Naisha, 'why would the humans wish to help Illidan?'

'They do not know his true nature.' said Maiev. 'To them, he must seem a valuable asset. Remember sisters, when we find Illidan we must do all in our power to circumvent the alliance. We cannot afford a war with them.'

'Yes mistress.' said Naisha.

They headed north and made their way toward a nearby village. The woods nearby were spotted with a blight that had not yet healed. Broken pillars from ancient ruins could still be seen here and there. The trees swayed in an early morning breeze, flowing through their hair. Maiev realized she had not felt the wind on her face for years innumerable. She doubted she would again, beneath her mask.

Entering through the gate into the village they found people were going this way and that. No doubt on whatever business they spent time on. They wore strange clothes, of the sort made by humans. They wore necklaces with gems on them and did not hunt for food. Rather they bought their food. They harvesting the wood from the trees, and using the money to purchase what they needed. It was a sedative lifestyle, born from a corruption of the night elves symbiosis with nature — an abomination which had become all too common. There was a fountain at the center of town — the work of humans without any of the natural beauty normally afforded to moon wells.

These were not the warriors who had driven out the demons ten thousand years ago. But those who had succumbed to the temptation of what humans called civilization. This decadence had been growing for centuries. But with the coming of the Alliance, it had become far worse.

As they walked among them the people dodged away, trying to stay out of sight. Maiev was well known to them. Her inquisitors had caught a number of night elves experimenting with magic. They had and made an example of them. It was a thankless task, but someone had to do it. Cenarius had tasked the watchers long ago with preventing the spread of arcane magic. And they had never failed.

'These people have been corrupted.' muttered an archer as they walked. 'Tied to civilization.'

'Illidan's influence at work.' said Maiev. 'If not for him, the wilds would have reigned supreme long ago. Come, let us depart this wretched place.'

They made their way beyond the gate and back into the forests. Though they were still blighted, it was far preferable. The fel was a corruption of a different sort. It could be fought and uprooted with enough effort. Civilization was another kind of enemy.

Here the ground was blighted and the trees were sick. The scent of fel energy and death was all around them. Yet even here the blight was beginning to recede, slowly but surely.

'The legion's corruption still grips the land.' Maiev said. 'Let us move on.'

'Mistress,' said Naisha, 'there is a furbolg village up ahead. Perhaps we could shelter there for a time?'

'No.' said Maiev. 'We have much to do and no time to stop. Let us move on and not trouble these simple creatures with our presence.'

As it turned out the furbolgs had mostly moved on. They found some abandoned dwellings here and there, but there were only a few of them here or there as they passed. The land here had been badly blighted, and it must have been difficult for their communities to eat.

Even so, as they made their way through the trees Maiev was ill at ease. Her senses were screaming and she felt for sure as though something would happen. An ambush would be unleashed. Satyrs would come out of the wood and battle would be joined. Yet nothing of the sort occurred and they pressed on.

Soon they were approached by a group of her watchers, along with several dryads. 'Mistress Shadowsong, we're glad to have found you. There is no sign of any trouble here. We had to calm down an angry wildkin, but other than that we've had no trouble.'

'The woods are oddly silent.' mused Maiev. 'There is something sinister to all this. Come, sisters, let us move on.'

As they pressed on. As they did Maiev reflected that she had never had a journey this long that was so safe. Could it be that peace had descended upon the forests? It was a strange concept, and she wasn't sure she liked it. Harmony led to stagnation. Soon they found yet another village.

Here Maiev saw something that horrified her. Night elves were sowing fields and planting within them grain. 'What are you doing?!'

'This?' asked the farmer. 'This watcher is a human technique for farming.'

'I know what it is!' snarled Maiev. 'Nature is not ours to command and control as we will! What you are doing is heresy!'

'The armor you are wearing is made of steel.' said the farmer. 'You combine several kinds of ore and use tools to create a material far more protective than leather. This is the same.'

'These weapons are needed to repel demons and other invaders!' snarled Maiev. 'Not for my own benefit!'

'And these plants are needed so my family doesn't starve to death.' snapped the farmer. 'Now be off with you, we have work enough to do without a self-righteous warden pretending to be my better.'

Maiev drew a dagger and drew it back. The man shrank back and she would have thrown it into his heart. However, Naisha caught the hand. 'Mistress, this will accomplish nothing.'

'…Yes,' said Maiev, 'you are right of course. Move on. And you… you had best hope that the Druids share your view on the matter.'

They moved onwards and finally came to the port they were seeking. It was surrounded by a large community of night elves, as well as a number of other races who had come to dwell by the shore. Coastal communities tended to have more variety. As they walked into it Maiev found herself in a fouler mood than ever. She approached the harbor mistress quickly. The woman shuddered as she approached. 'Mistress Shadowsong, we are honored by your-'

'Cease your flatter,' said Maiev, before she noticed something. 'where are your ships?'

'I…' The harbor mistress paused. 'They…'

'Speak up!' said Maiev.

'They were purchased!' said the harbor mistress. 'The Warchief of the Horde purchased all our ships at enough of a price so we could make a thousand more! He paid extra to have our crews teach their replacements! We're still rebuilding our vessels!'

'To what end did the orcs need such vessels?' asked Maiev.

'He didn't say.' said the harbor mistress. 'But uh… the humans say that the orcs have always been terrible shipbuilders. He might be making a navy.'

'And you have assisted him.' noted Maiev. 'You are a fool, and this may cost our people dearly in the long run. Naisha, tell our forces to move out at once. The port of Nendis lies to the north. Perhaps there we can find a ship and set sail after Illidan.'

'With respect, Mistress Shadowsong,' said Naisha, 'we have been traveling days with no rest. Perhaps we could spend the night in this place.'

'This place sickens me.' said Maiev. 'And I will wait here no longer. We move onward, and will camp in the wilds as is right for our kind.'

Naisha sighed. 'Yes, mistress.'

They pressed on for several more days. The lamentable signs of civilization were driven back around them. Soon they were walking in healthy wildlands. Then out of the trees came a party of watchers. They saluted her as they approached.

'Mistress Shadowsong,' said the watcher, 'thank Elune! You are the first of our kind we have met in the woods today in weeks. The satyrs have fled well beyond the borders into the deepest parts of the wood. Illidan- the sentinels, seems to have terrified them out of their minds.

'There hasn't been a single raid in six months.'

It was perhaps the strangest thing Maiev had ever heard. The war with the satyrs had been a part of life for so long. And now it seemed it had been won. The creatures were in terror of them, their masters destroyed, their plans undone. Tyrande might have finished them off with ease, yet something had stayed her hand.

No doubt the same madness which caused her to free Illidan. 'Well you may be of great service to me.' said Maiev. 'We are pursuing Illidan and could use your help.'

'Our blades are yours to command, mistress.' said the watcher. 'However, you and your warriors looked tired. There is a furbolg village near here. Perhaps we can take shelter there.'

Maiev realized that she was tired. Her armor felt heavier than ever, she simply hadn't noticed in her resolve. 'Yes… I think that would be wise. It will not due to attack Illidan without due preparation.' The others were tired too, lagging on their panthers.

They came to the furbolg village and found it very large. The bear creatures were busily roasting a great many deer which had been freshly caught. Others were playing instruments. It looked to be some kind of festival, but it came to a halt when they entered the clearing.

The chieftain, a large furbolg with gray hair came forward. 'Ah, welcome to our village, noble watcher. I am Chieftain Greymore. Please accept our hospitality.'

'I am Maiev Shadowsong. Your hospitality would be welcome.' said Maiev.

'We were just in the midsts of a festival.' said Graymore. 'Terrorclaw, see to it that food is brought for our guests, and let music be played throughout the night.'

As Maiev and her watchers sat down to dine, something happened. Maiev noticed several of the furbolgs were chanting something. She had heard it somewhere before, but she wasn't sure what it was. Looking to Graymore, she sipped her wine and spoke.

'Tell me, what custom is it that they are observing?'

'They are speaking the chant of light.' said Graymore.

'Light?' asked Maiev.

'Yes, we furbolgs have been connected to the light, as the humans call it.' said Graymore. 'It was the work of our savior.' He paused and looked at her. 'There is no need to keep your helmet on. These borders are well protected.'

'This… is not merely a helmet.' said Maiev. 'I'd rather not discuss it. Tell me, who is this savior?' It did not sound innocent to her.

'We have always had an innate connection to nature.' said Graymore. 'As the lands of Ashenvale were corrupted, madness began to overtake us. Yet then the one called Arthas Menethil imbued our species' holy places with the power of the light. It purged our minds of the fel corruptions and gave us clarity.

'Afterwards, the priests of the light of the Alliance instructed us in its use.'

Ah, so that was where it came from. More work by the allies of Illidan. Yet she doubted these furbolgs had any knowing part in it. 'I have met this Arthas.' said Maiev. 'I should be wary of him. He wields the very fel power which nearly maddened you.'

'We have heard similar words from the Alliance.' mused Graymore. 'It seems that there was some kind of misunderstanding in his homeland. It caused him to become their enemy. Whatever it is, however, we owe him a great debt, and we honor his name, just as we honor you.'

As the night passed Maiev found her misgivings gradually yielding. She had always liked furbolgs. Theirs was a society which had not yet been corrupted by civilization. She slept soundly and awoke the next morning with her watcher's before getting ready to go.

Graymore saw her off.

'I thank you Graymore.' she said. 'Were circumstances different I should have liked to have stayed a time, yet my duty compels me to go on.'

'Farewell, Mistress Shadowsong.' said Graymore. 'May the spirits smile upon you.'

'On you as well.' said Maiev.

Then they turned and pressed on. Naisha was silent. 'The forests seem to be healing. I am glad that the furbolgs were not wiped out. They are a pleasant race.'

'Yes,' said Maiev, 'yes they are.'

Memories of a story told to her in far darker times came back. How she had emphasized with the very person who would fall to darkness. She shook such thoughts away and pressed on. Finally, they came to Nendis. They entered through the gates and went straight to the harbormaster. He shuddered as she approached. Just why was it that everyone she met viewed her in absolute terror?

Oh right, because they were guilty and they knew she knew they were guilty. And because if she did not have a use for them she would find an occasion to have them seized for questioning.

'Mistress Shadowsong, I am surprised at your presence here.' said the harbormaster. 'We thought that you would… erm… that you were…'

'Save your breath. I require ships. Several.' said Maiev.

'To what purpose?' asked the harbor master.

'Watcher business.' snapped Maiev.

'I'm going to need more of a reason than that.' said the harbormaster. 'Priestess Tyrande-'

'Has no authority over me.' said Maiev. 'My purpose was given to me by Cenarius himself, and I will carry it out. And by that authority, I am ordering you to give me two ships.'

'We have two, but… but they are loaded with cargo and bound for Theramore.' said the harbormaster. 'The merchants-'

'Naisha,' said Maiev, 'go aboard the ships and seize them. Tell the merchants that they are transporting us now. If anyone resists you have my permission to make an example of them.'

'Mistress Shadowsong-' began the harbormaster.

'I don't care.' said Maiev, before stalking past him.

There was very little resistance on the first ship. The Watcher's had to formidable a reputation for anyone to resist them with arms. However, the captain did have a practical concern.

'Mistress Shadowsong, there isn't enough room on the ships for so many soldiers.' The captain said.

'Nonsense,' said Maiev, 'these ships were designed to carry troops in times of war.'

'Yes but… we have cargo onboard.' said the captain. 'Very expensive cargo.'

'Then dump it.' said Maiev. 'My mission is of far greater importance.'

'But… I took out a loan to buy this cargo.' said the captain. 'If I don't make a profit off this I could be ruined.'

'That does not seem like my problem.' said Maiev. 'If you were enough of a fool to put yourself in debt then you justly deserve to be beggared. It is the natural result of your trade.'

'I won't do it!' snapped a shrill voice. 'I don't know who you night elves think you are, but I'm a legitimate businessman! I won't have my ship commandeered for some namby-pamby save-the-world mission.'

Maiev looked up to see a goblin. She looked to the harbormaster. 'Why does a goblin command one of your ships?'

'He is experienced,' said the man, 'and he hasn't cheated anyone, um, he and his family came here a year ago. They haven't been any trouble, I assure you. He just… look if you compensate him for the cargo and add a little on the side he'll probably take you.'

'I have no intention of negotiating with these scum.' said Maiev.

'Don't hurt him!' cried the harbormaster. 'He's just acting according to his nature. It's not his fault!'

She approached the goblin, who eyed her defiantly. 'So, you're the one who wants to use my ship for her own ends huh? Well, I won't have it, not without due compensation. I'll take my pay in gold, the price of my cargo and something extra. We goblins don't barter, and we don't negotiate with-'

Maiev drew out a knife and put it to his throat. The goblin went very still as the razor sharp edge went near his throat. 'Ah, brute force. My one weakness... heh heh, when did you want to leave?'

'Right away.' said Maiev, before walking back to the ship.

'Well boys, my daddy always said that charity is tax deductible, so let's get to it!' said the goblin.

Naisha came up behind her. 'Mistress, do you believe we can defeat Illidan even if we find him?'

'Illidan has powerful allies,' said Maiev, 'of that there is no doubt. Now he is not just a traitor, but one who has the ear of many powers.'

They set sail in the waning hours of the day. A mist arose around them. Yet Maiev did not move from the prow of the ship as she watched the mist.

Author's Note:

Wow, can you say 'Adaptational jerkass?' Maive is ironically at her most sympathetic in this mission. However, here there is no crisis. Maive is super conservative and night elf society is changing, she comes across as a real jerk. I actually had to do some last minute changes to the last scene to keep her from seeming outright evil.

Anyway, for those of you just joining us, welcome to the Sixth Installment of the Mercyverse. It's a fairly longrunning series of fanfics. They are based on the idea that the various factions went out of their way to avoid killing without need.

The order of the fanfics chronologically is this:

Warcraft: Orcs and Humans {incomplete.}

Wrath of the Light

Mercy of the Damned

Colonization of Kalimdor

Rage of the Eternal

Turning of the Tide

Anyway, for those who have been here the whole time, I'd like to apologize for taking so long to get this thing out there. I needed a break from the Warcraft Fandom, to be honest. Even after I'd had enough of a break I couldn't think of any way to start things.

The basic problem was that Illidan was allied with the naga. And the Alliance was allied with Illidan. And the night elves were allied with the Alliance. So it was impossible for me to actually have the core conflict take place in the same way. I'm actually still working out my solution, but there comes a time when you just have to write and hope for the best.