Chapter 9 Chapter 9 The Last Farewell

Although Tyrande hoped that Jarod's wife would be properly buried, Sarah Hill's funeral was short and modest.It was all Garrod's choice: he thought Sarah Hill didn't like pomp and pomp.She's always liked a life of simplicity, and Gallaud thinks her eventual funeral will be no different.Of course, Jarod's insistence on shortening the ceremony may just be to ease the pain in his heart. Only those who knew Sarah Hill best were invited to the funeral.The High Priestess stands behind the coffin containing Sarah Hill's body.The Light of Elune cast from the dome of the temple, reflecting on Jarod's lover and Tyrande.

"It was chaotic in the beginning, and the long night was heavy;" she opened her mouth to sing, "the abyss of heaven is dark, and my eyes are dim. I beg God to lead me out of trouble; the bright moon is bright and clear, shining on me. The light lasts through the night, and my people are safe; my eyes are clear, Set my heart and soul..." What the high priestess described was not only a spiritual song sung by her people, but also a real event that the night elves had no doubt about.No one can deny that the Mother of the Moon takes special care of her people, and they are also grateful to her.

Jarod knelt at the front of the line, his eyes never leaving Sarah Hill's beautiful, almost ethereal face.She looked to him like a flawless marble statue, with a slight smile on her serene face. "Now," continued Tyrande, "we ask the Mother of the Moon to guide our sister Sarah Hill on her holy return, and may her ancestors and those who died long ago welcome her..." Garrod didn't hear anything that followed.All he could think about was his life with Sarah Hill and the mistakes he'd made along the way.He was grateful that she put up with all his flaws, though she would have been a respected priest of the moon god if she had stayed.

Tyrande raised her arms to meet the moonlight.Jarod came out of his meditation for a moment, then lost interest again. A moment later, a silver halo radiated from Sarah Hill's body, and Jarod looked up. No one else seemed to be paying attention... at least no one was responding.Jarod watched the delightful soft glow rising from his lover.It presented a vague human shape, and then gradually separated from the still body. "Sarah Hill..." Jarod murmured. He felt the figure stop and cast a faint glance in his direction.Although it was only a moment, it reminded him suddenly of other warm moments spent with his lover.Some of the scenes he hadn't recalled for hundreds of years, but now he relived them as clearly as yesterday.

Sarah Hill's soul began to curl up, turning into a small ball of light.It floated in the air for a moment, and then flew up as if being pulled by the moonlight. When the sphere came into the moonlight, it disappeared... and Jarod felt that Sarah Hill's presence disappeared with it. Jarod gasped, but luckily no one noticed him.After a while, Tyrande lowered her arms. From her expression, it could be seen that the ceremony was drawing to a close. In fact, all that remained was for her and Jarod to lead the coffin and a procession of mourners out of the temple and across the gardens to a location outside the city.And Malfurion was there to meet them with a small party of druids.

Tyrande said to the crowd. "Sarah Hill's soul has left her skin, now let this skin return to the world..." The druids lifted the corpse and placed it respectfully in a patch of grass and bushes.Two female druids lovingly adjusted Sarah Hill's position so that she looked like a dream. "Teldrassil welcomes the child," Malfurion intoned. "The world welcomes the return of this child." The archdruid raised his staff.A gust of wind blew by, and the treetops shook slightly. Sprouts sprouted around Sarah Hill's body, and then blossomed into white and golden flowers.At first they were just dotted around Jarod's lover, but as their numbers increased, they began to overwhelm her.More and more flowers bloomed, rushing over like water, and finally formed a beautiful tapestry covering the body of the night elf woman.Jarod couldn't help thinking that the scene suited her perfectly.

The last thing covered by the branches and leaves is her peaceful face.The flowers continue to shoot and sprout, forming a lush and brightly colored bush.A rich and fragrant smell hit his nostrils, making Jarod miss Sarah Hill even more. Those who visited paid him their condolences and left.Soon there were only a few people left to watch, including Malfurion and Tyrande. "The ceremony went very smoothly," said the archdruid. "We have lost eternal life, and there will be more and more funerals like this in the future." Tyrande was about to speak, but Jarod had already said what she wanted to say. "I'm honored that Sarah Hill was one of the original dead. I have to admit, it made her... her passing easier to accept." He bowed his head toward the High Priestess. "Honestly speaking, your arrangement moved me very much. It looks like Sarah Hill's soul is flying towards the Virgin of the Moon..."

Tyrande looked confused. "I didn't arrange such a thing. I'm afraid I offend you by saying so, Jarod." She looked into his eyes. "Have you seen such a thing?" "Yes, but—" "Elune favors you! I envy you, though I respect the goddess for letting this happen only between you and Sarah Hill." "This...you didn't do it?" "no." Jarod's eyes widened, but he recovered quickly.He glanced at the spectators who hadn't left yet. "I had hoped that Maiev would come." Tyrande cleared his throat. "Don't take it personally. Your sister has been through a lot, and there was a time when she and I couldn't face each other—"

The ex-guard captain frowned. "I know about it, High Priestess. She told me some of it before. I've heard other people say it too, either from friends who have known my sister and me since childhood, or from witnesses of the incident." "But only Malfurion and I, or Maiev herself, can tell you the truth of the matter..." "I-I know she was Illidan's caretaker, and then his prisoner...and suffered his humiliation." The High Priestess looked sad. "I blame myself for what happened to Maiev. I shouldn't have let her watch over Illidan for so many years."

"I should have known better than you, my love," retorted the archdruid. "He is my brother. My twin." He explained to Jarod, "When Illidan regains Freedom—after all these millennia—seems like her entire life has become meaningless. Getting him back in prison is her highest goal. Maiev is shattered." "Yes, that's exactly how my sister might react. She has a love of duty above all else." Tyrande took up the conversation again. "She was determined to hunt him down. Duty turned into obsession. Unfortunately, the circumstances were not simple; one thing after another and it turned into a catastrophe. I managed to fend off a threat and almost died from it. Maiev did not extend a helping hand, but chose to continue chasing Illidan—”

"It's better to say that she chose to sacrifice you!" Malfurion yelled furiously. "Ma! Watch your words and deeds!" Tyrande looked from her mate to Jarod. The archdruid bowed his head to Maiev's brother. "Excuse me, Jarod. I shouldn't have said that about your sister, especially now..." "I just care about the truth...no matter how horrible it is." "The truth is," said the High Priestess sympathetically, "that she told others, including Malfurion, that I was dead - swept away by a raging river - and that the culprit was his brother. Nothing matters to her but arresting Illidan and making him pay for his crimes." Jarod knew she had almost succeeded.But that plan fell apart when Malfurion saw Illidan's panic at hearing what had happened to Tyrande.Through the confession of the mage Kael'thas - who was behind the appearance of the blood elf addicted to magic - they learned of Maiev's lies.The archdruid left Maiev in place, but went with Illidan to rescue Tyrande.Since then, Malfurion felt indebted to his twin brother, and let Illidan flee to the alien world called Outland. Jarod felt a gust of cold wind blow over him, making him shiver slightly.But strangely, the Archdruid and Tyrande didn't seem to feel the chill at all.Then he realized that the chill was actually coming from within, as he realized more and more how his sister was driven relentlessly by his own sense of responsibility. "I know what happened afterwards. Even so, my sister still didn't give up," Jarod commented darkly. "She came after her, and what I know happened. During the chase in Outland, she was caught, tortured, and killed with the others—sorry, Archdruid— Killed your brother." Malfurion shook his head. "You don't have to apologize. This is what you should know—if we don't tell you, Maiev should tell you." "For a while, we all thought she was dead... just like we thought you were dead, Jarod." The high priestess said with her eyes down. "Her Watcher troops were wiped out because of her obsession. When Maiev came back, she was greeted with bitterness and doubts. Her heart was severely traumatized, but she persisted in the end. Her reply is also ours. One of the reasons for apologizing to her, Jarod. There is much to admire about your sister, and despite all that has happened, we owe her a great deal." Tyrande reached out and stroked his arm reassuringly. "It's very kind of you." Jarod moved uneasily. "If possible, I would like to stay here alone for a while." "Of course. We must go back anyway. More guests are arriving." The former coalition commander nodded. "May the summit go well." "We can only hope so." The High Priestess and the Archdruid each bowed respectfully to Jarod, then left him alone at the funeral.He watched them go, wondering if they were hiding something from him.However, none of that matters now.All he cared about was the land where Sarah Hill finally lay. Jarod knelt by the bushes.Their fragrance was so refreshing that he immediately recalled the tender moments he had spent with her.He imagined what it would be like to be with her. In the end, he finally accepted the fact that Sarah Hill had died forever and had to think about other things.Jarod Shadowsong asked softly, looking at the flowers. "Then what have I become?" Malfurion was silent until they were far away.Still, he lowered his voice. "You didn't tell the truth... at least, not the whole story. You didn't tell him about the argument between the two of you when Maiev reappeared." "It's not necessary. Maiev and I know each other well. Her devotion to her duty is unshakable. Now that she's admitted her mistake, it's over." "I'm glad it is, but why don't you tell him more?" Tyrande smiled softly. "That should be for Maiev herself to tell him." At this time, a young priestess came to them.Her anxious expression caught the attention of both of them. "High Priestess," she bowed. "Someone is coming down below...it seems to be a submarine." "A submersible. That means the gnomes are coming, too. So, it's almost full now," Malfurion said. Tyrande nodded yes. "Haven't seen the ship from Stormwind yet?" "No, High Priestess." "Understood." Tyrande sighed. "Thank you for the news. We'll go straight to the portal. Get the attendants ready for the new arrival." "As you order, High Priestess." She followed the order and hurried away. "He will come," the archdruid began. "He has to come." "That's what Shandris said... But even if Varian Wrynn will come, he will have to wait until the last moment. We can't delay the summit indefinitely without definite news." "Can't...but there's no indication he won't be here." "Lao Ma..." They don't talk about it anymore.The night elves returned to the portal, preparing for the arrival of the gnomes.The longer they waited, Malfurion and his companion looked at each other with curiosity rather than anxiety. "Could it be that one of their machines broke down down there?" the Arch Druid finally asked. "In that case someone will come up and report." "Then someone has to be able to come..." The portal suddenly flashed again.They were somewhat relieved to see the leader of the dwarves come out. But at first glance, the figure walking out of the portal was unheard of by the archdruid.It has two long, bird-like legs bent back, a squat circular cockpit, and two pairs of arms—the upper pair much smaller than the lower pair.Judging by its size and girth, the thing had a rather small head. Then, after seeing the figure clearly, Malfurion couldn't help but chuckled softly at the newcomer despite his anxiety. With a large nose and a round face, the bald gnome looked somewhat like a squat human compared with his kin, though there was no known connection between the two races.Despite his age, the dwarf was as active as a child.He wasn't tall—in fact, he was a foot shorter than Kurdran standing upright, and only a third his size.Malfurion's deduction was based on several previous meetings, because most of the dwarf's body was hidden in the strange-shaped walker.At first glance, the thing thought it was his body. The newcomer held up a pair of weird goggles on his face, and looked at the night elves with curious eyes. "High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind and Archdruid Malfurion Stormrage!" the dwarf chattered at a breathless pace. "I'm so excited to be here!" "Grand Tinker Gilbin Mekkatorque, you are our most welcome guest," said Tyrande. Gilbin tugged at his short white beard thoughtfully, then grinned.The machine carried him forward until he was within a yard of the two hosts. The huge right arm of the machine suddenly reached towards Malfurion.Although he wasn't deterred, the archdruid took a cautious step back.A three-fingered "hand" rested just inches from his chest. "Oh, I'm so sorry! I've been testing these experimental arm attachments for the newest mechachocobos! The motion controls still need fine-tuning! I just wanted to shake your hand!" Malfurion collected himself and reached out to grab the mechanical hand.The gnome flipped a lever, and the iron hand grabbed the night elf's hand. Tyrande gasped in concern, but Malfurion just shook the walker's iron hand as the High Tinker suggested.Then, its fingers released the night elf, and the arm retracted. Gilbin Mekkatorque leaned over with calm interest and asked, "How does the pressure feel? Any broken bones?" "No... not at all." "Ah, it's finally done!" Gilbin sat back with a pale face. Behind this walker, other gnomes also come out of the portal.Unlike the Great Artisan, these gnomes had all come up on foot, though all of them were wearing various engineering props and equipment that they clearly made themselves.They looked up at the High Tinker, then at the night elves. Tyrande greeted the other dwarves, and then said to Gilbin, "We have prepared food and drink...and a place for you to continue...working hard." "Excellent! We still have some equipment to bring up! Can we test it near the firing range where your Sentinels practice their archery? This Devondale has invented a new weapon that may be able to shoot fifty An arrow . . . if only it wouldn't just shoot around randomly every time." Devondale, a red-haired dwarf who was obviously much younger than most of the party, looked a little embarrassed. "I have already arranged it, Master Craftsman. If you are willing to follow these sisters..." Gilbin adjusted the joystick a few times and followed her orders.The walker followed the priestesses like a giant flightless bird.Gilbin's entourage - all of them carrying a huge clanking package - struggled to keep up with him. Tyrande looked at the gnomes and murmured, "Almost all of them are here except Stormwind." "Yes. For the sake of others, we cannot delay any longer." The High Priestess looked anxious. "Elune would not have given me that vision if it had nothing to do with the summit. Varian Wrynn must be coming soon." "we can only--" Suddenly there came a terrible noise from the direction the dwarves had come.Without hesitation, the two night elves rushed over to see what was going on. They found Gilbin and his retinue confronting Drukan and several Dark Iron dwarves.The dwarves were full of anger, and had axes and swords in their hands.Gilbin pointed the arm of the walker at the Dark Iron ambassador, but it was clear that the High Tinker hadn't intended to shake Drukan's hand. Behind Gilbin, other dwarves also pulled out all kinds of strange but dangerous machines.Even Gilbin smuggled out a weapon on his mount, which the night elves recognized as the Wrenchcalibur—a name partly because Shaped like a wrench, it holds a series of gears, pistons, runes, and levers, so it can also be used as a powerful warhammer. Other weapons were indistinguishable to archdruids and high priestesses.Some looked like flared muskets, while others looked like nothing at all.In the hands of a gnome, however, they are absolutely dangerous...even to the wielder. "—I'm going to cut your tongue out and make a sandwich!" Delukan yelled, apparently having yelled several different threats. "That ghostly machine you're sitting in is a still for dwarven spirits!" "This machine of mine is in the early stages of testing power components," Gilbin replied dryly. "It would be interesting to be able to detect the force required to tear you in two." Drukan's entourage yelled, and two of them started walking towards the gnomes.But Drukan angrily waved them back. "What does this mean?" Malfurion shouted, hoping to quickly divert the attention of both parties. The Dark Iron Dwarf didn't seem much happier to see him coming than to face the Gnome.Drukan swung his ax at Gilbin with eyes blazing. "This- this gnome is trying to kill me with his rotten toy!" "As I said, this was completely accidental!" "Shut your mouth!" Drukan took a step towards the dwarf.Seeing that this battle between the two sides is inevitable. However, a dazzling silver light lit up among them, and the dwarves and gnomes were stunned and backed away. Tyrande lowered his hands, and the radiance disappeared.She strode between Drukan and Gilbin, and said calmly, "Now, I'm sure it was a misunderstanding. The master craftsman has admitted that his work still needs some adjustments, and perhaps he still needs some adjustments before he walks into the crowd." Take this into consideration. Likewise, Master Drukan may be concerned about the safety of his surroundings, but he should understand that he is invited, and that means he has the same assurance of my husband's and my safety as any other distinguished guest. As In return, I also ask him to respect our pledge to other guests." "Yes... yes... I think I should have been more careful before I adjusted the controller," Gilbin replied.He frowned, "Although I have begun to doubt the practical value of these arm attachments..." Drukan put away his weapon and snorted. "Even we know the justice of the High Priestess and the Archdruid. It's not easy to come here. Let's leave it at that." Tyrande said to the gnomes' guide, "Sisters, I believe you are taking High Tinker Gilbin and his entourage to their lodgings?" They took her cue, and hurried away with the dwarves before hostilities resumed.At the same time, Drukan bent slightly towards the high priestess, and left with his men. "It has already begun," said the archdruid. "The illusion of harmony between the members of the alliance is gradually being lifted. Even the Dark Iron Dwarves should understand how harmless Gilbin is; Nervous." "No one wants to show weakness, my love, and it makes sense to do so even in these extraordinary times. We already know what terrible events have occurred in some areas; the arrival of all of them is a sign that, whatever happens, the Union Still united." Malfurion shook his head. "But to what extent?" She took his arm and walked towards the temple. "As for that," the High Priestess replied reassuringly. "We'll find out tomorrow. Until then, there's no need to worry too much." Malfurion frowned but said nothing.He and Tyrande walked away, but looked back at the portal one last time. But the figure he had hoped to see did not appear... and the archdruid wondered if he would actually appear.