Chapter 10 Chapter Ten Banquet

With representatives from all but Stormwind already present, Malfurion felt it appropriate to let the summit begin.In order to put the delegates in a good mood, he and Tyrande agreed to hold a banquet for all the guests.The night elves were used to dealing with these diurnal races, so they arranged the dinner at sunset in an open area near Darnassus.There are countless kinds of food and drink in front of you, and the quiet and peaceful lush forest around you. The visiting kings, envoys and their entourages gradually relax.Even Drukan, who used to eat and drink on his own ship, made an exception and accepted the food provided by the host...but first he had to let his designated taster check whether it was poisonous.

The night elf musicians played not only the music composed by their own people, but also the music loved by the various peoples represented by the guests.These pieces all have a common thread: to inspire and look forward to the future. However, there are still whispers of annoyance in private.Malfurion has already talked with several representatives, hoping to confirm his doubts about the current state of the countries.Despite the confident look on his face, every time he heard it made him more and more depressed. In the dwarf kingdom, food is becoming increasingly scarce.An ancient foe threatens the safety of an entire race.To add insult to injury, many of the dwarven tunnels that collapsed in the Cataclysm still need to be cleared.Although it has not yet reached the critical juncture, it is not far away.

The human kingdoms are also in dire need of reconstruction, some of which have disputed new boundaries.Food and shelter are common problems, and Tyrande and Malfurion have promised the night elves will do what they can to help.Members of the Sisterhood of Elune and the druids have traveled across the realms of the Alliance, using their powers to heal the wounds of people and nature. From what Malfurion had heard, it wasn't enough. But in general, this banquet has achieved the effect he wanted.Even the dwarves did not quarrel with each other, nor did the gnomes unleash any new inventions with disastrous consequences.

Malfurion sat next to Tyrande, looking at the empty spaces to his right from time to time. "Gyn says he'll be here soon," the high priestess reminded her husband. "Idrick just came with a message." "I thought I saw Idric, but I wasn't sure at the time. That was—" He paused, noticing a figure walking towards the banquet. "Strange. Who's that coming over now? Looks like—a draenei!" Tyrande squinted to follow his gaze—a gesture she'd been doing more and more lately. "That's no ordinary draenei! That's Velen!" Others also noticed the enormous figure—almost a foot taller than Malfurion—Seer Velen in golden robes and alabaster complexion. , with thick forked hooves at the end of the legs.His shoulder-length silver hair was tied into ornate braids and a matching waist-length beard.

Velen's bright blue eyes sparkled.But most notable is the bright sigil that hangs over his head, symbolizing the blessings of the mystical naaru.These naaru come from outside Azeroth, or even from another world, Outland.They are energy creatures who have an affinity with the Holy Light, and Velen is the chief prophet of the Holy Light of the Draenei.Other draenei also had the power of the naaru's blessing, but none could match this one.In fact, not only was there a holy light flowing in the seal, but a faint halo surrounded the majestic figure of the visitor from time to time... although this might just be an illusion of the eyes.

Velen looked as if out of time, only slightly wrinkled around those age-old eyes.Yet on closer inspection, there are still tiny cracks in his alabaster skin, like a statue carved eons ago.Malfurion did not know the true age of the draenei, but it was true that he was older than any living night elf. Even Drukan stood up when Velen entered the table.All the guests nodded respectfully or bowed to him.This draenei exuded a level of serenity and erudition most people can only dream of.This is not surprising, Velen is not only the leader of his people, but also a priest. The draenei raised a long purple staff in his hand, and the crystal staff pointed directly in the direction of Malfurion and Tyrande.The two large crystals and one smaller crystal at the base of the staff flash brightly briefly. "Salute to you, Archdruid and High Priestess! Please forgive me for interrupting..."

"The presence of the Prophet will never be an interruption," Tyrande replied solemnly, both to the newcomer and to the others. "Lord Velen is our friend, always welcome in Darnassus. We are all grateful to him and the draenei for supporting us in our recent battle against the demons of the Burning Legion." The pastor bowed his head. "It should be up to us Draenei to thank the Alliance for accepting it, and even to fight against the evil of the Burning Legion. Please don't take it lightly! There has never been a world that can resist the attack of demons, or more than once!"

Tyrande once again attributed this to everyone present, but still emphasized, "If it weren't for you and the Draenei family, we might not have won the final victory, Velen. This is a fact that no one can deny." "It's an honor for you to think so, but we will always be grateful to Azeroth. That's why I come here to promise you that the draenei will do whatever it takes to help the Alliance in the best way we can." everywhere in the land." Everyone exclaimed, and the night elves were no exception.Malfurion leaned forward. "Isn't your people returning to Outland? Because we thought..."

Velen smiled, as if he had expected to face this problem. "Some have been sent back to rebuild our civilization, but the rest of us will remain in Azeroth to do our duty." The High Priestess looked around at the crowd. "I thought, on behalf of everyone, I can express my gratitude for this noble act." Most other coalition representatives murmured agreement.Only the Dark Iron Dwarves didn't seem entirely pleased with the news.Velen looked very pleased with this. "Your guests are welcome," Tyrande added, immediately motioning for the waiters to take a place next to her and Malfurion.In this way, this unexpected guest will not crowd out the positions of other representatives.

"I'm happy to be with my friends. Just give me some water." Despite what he said, Tyrande sent for some food and wine.Although his announcement came as a slight surprise, the draenei were a welcome guest. The banquet settled down, and the atmosphere became more and more active.Tyrande and Malfurion exchanged a hopeful look. On their right, Kurdran, who was sitting next to Velen, let out a burst of cheerful laughter at a certain sentence from the draenei, which caught the attention of the night elves.Seeing the effect his words had on the dwarf, Prophet Velen could not help smiling.Kurdran turned to relay to one of his men what he had just heard from Velen—but then he stopped suddenly, watching warily as a group of men approached.Meanwhile, the musicians, apparently noticing the newcomer, stopped playing.

Genn Greymane has finally arrived. The King of Gilneas was accompanied by four of his men, three men and one woman.Idrik was also one of the guards, and Genn was whispering something to him at this moment. As seen before, the Gilneans looked like any other human, though Jean's bodyguards were clearly seasoned fighters.If it weren't for his confident gait, Genn would have looked like everyone else; he didn't wear much regal adornment, save for the Gilnean coat of arms at the heart of his shirt.As he entered the assembly hall, he absently touched his hand to the coat of arms.Since the fall of his kingdom, the once arrogant king has grown humble. If there's one thing that sets Gilneans apart from other humans, it's the wariness in their eyes when they walk in.Yet this is due to unruliness rather than suspicion.But this unbridled challenge is not aimed at someone present, but a challenge to the whole world. When they came to the banquet, Genn raised his hands to shoulder level.The other Gilneans stopped in their tracks, but the king took another six paces and finally stopped in front of the night elves. "I'm sorry. Some unavoidable delays." His gaze went to Velen. "You must be the Prophet Velen. I've heard a lot about you, but I didn't know you'd be here today. I'm Genn Greymane." The Prophet gave him a brief nod. "Hello, King of Gilneas. I know your story too." Tyrande and Malfurion rose to their feet.The high priestess said, "Welcome, Jean Greymane! Please come and sit beside us!" "Before that, I have something to say to everyone present." His words drew curious and nervous looks from other leaders and envoys.Malfurion fought the urge to frown. "Go ahead, Genn," said the archdruid encouragingly at last. "We'd love to listen." Malfurion's words silenced the others, though some, especially the Dark Iron dwarves, still looked wary and uneasy. The king nodded. "I'll make a long story short. Years ago, I made a terrible decision. I turned my back on the Union, thinking it was the best path for my people. It turned out to be a regrettable mistake," he said. Cleared his throat. "All I want to say is thank you all for giving me a second chance." After speaking, Genn bowed to the other guests, and then led his entourage to the table.In order not to embarrass the human further, Tyrande immediately signaled the musicians to continue playing.She also had the waiters bring food to the Gilneans quickly, and more wine and food for the other guests. The party goes on.The delegates began to chat privately, adding an unconscious seriousness to the scene.Kurdran turned sideways and said something to Twosh, causing the Archmage to frown but nod.Across from them, Drukan watched them through squinted eyes before continuing to eat.But after a moment he looked up again, and surprisingly, he was talking privately with the master craftsman. "Do you think these conversations herald hope or doom?" Malfurion whispered to his mate, his serene expression masking his apprehension. "Their lands all need restoration, as do ours. No doubt they all hope to get some assistance from others. In that sense, it will unite them... but only if they don't feel So much has to be sacrificed for it.” "What that means is that you think these conversations are both." Tyrande took his hand. "Yes, my love, unfortunately I do think so." She smiled. "But at least they're talking, so work can be done—" He noticed her eyes looking behind him. "What's wrong?" "There are two sentries trying to get our attention." The archdruid turned around pretending to be nonchalant.Wanting their attention is an understatement.Apparently it was only because of the gathering of many alliance officials that the two sentries did not rush directly to their leader.The two deliberately stayed out of sight of most people at the banquet.Both of them held weapons, and looked back from time to time, as if there was something behind them. "Stormwind, perhaps?" he asked. The High Priestess rose to her feet. "If so, judging from their posture, it will never be a good thing." He looked around at the guests at the table, then whispered. "I'll go with you." She didn't say no.As the High Priestess left, Velen looked up at her and gave her a slight nod, as if to say that if they needed his support—whatever it was—he would help. Some other guests watched them leave, but the two night elves didn't know it.They walked over slowly, and finally came to two sentinels. Only then did they realize that there were at least six sentries standing behind them, as well as Maiev with a gloomy face. Tyrande cut to the chase and said, "Let's talk." It was Maiev who answered, not the leader of the Sentinels.She stepped forward and replied, "The High Priestess...we found a body." The arch druid's face turned cold. "Take us to see." Tyrande ordered one of her most senior priestesses to visit the guests.After solving this problem, she and Malfurion left the banquet with the others. Maiev and the sentries headed straight for the temple. "It is my decision," the Chief of the Watchers told them, "that I think it is best." "You did the right thing," the High Priestess admitted. At last they came to an inner room of little use, where two sentries were guarding a veiled thing that looked like a night elf in shape. "Who is it?" Tyrande asked before anyone could wait for the temporary shroud to be pulled away. Maiev took off the helmet and tucked it under her arm, and she looked directly at Malfurion. "A Highborne. I heard, the one who reported missing." A sentry lifted the shroud to reveal the face of the corpse.As Maiev said, it was a Highborne.Malfurion recognized him immediately, too. "Serablin..." the archdruid exclaimed. "Where did you find him?" "It's not too far from where I and the other Wardens train," Maiev replied angrily. Tyrande looked serious. "He didn't die by accident, did he?" Maiev reached out and pulled the drapes further apart.The horrific gash beneath the Highborne's jaw was revealed to the two shocked night elves. "Unless he's going to slit his own throat twice - I guess the second time is just for fun" - she straightened up - "and make sure the note is still there when he falls to the ground Put it on your body." Her tone was nonchalant, as if describing the shape of a stone rather than the body of a murdered fellow man.But Malfurion and Tyrande were not surprised to hear her words: Maiev had always been meticulous and direct in the performance of her duties. "What did the note say?" the archdruid asked, feeling a chill run down his back. Maiev was already prepared.She handed him a tattered piece of parchment, half red with poor Serabrin's blood.A line of night elf characters was also scrawled on it with the mage's blood, but it used a font that had long been abandoned, which reminded people of the past.Back then Zin-Azshara was still the capital, and Queen Azshara's evil was unknown. No traitor will be spared... "Know that someone can never forgive them," Tyrande said. "But we thought they would all understand the truth, at least they wouldn't develop to the extent of such evil deeds." The archdruid turned his attention to Maiev. "Found it near your training ground?" "Yes. Either someone wants to use him as a gift, or they want to put the blame on the Watchers." Her words are not without reason.Maiev and her Wardens were not happy with the Highborne's plans to return their prodigal sons at last. "We will find out," Tyrande said, "and we must." Malfurion agreed. "More importantly, we must find and deal with the killer before things get any worse. This can't be a coincidence! This isn't just about the Highborne; it's about creating chaos during the summit." "You're right, my love. I'll let Shandris—" Maiev suddenly knelt in front of Tyrande, bowed her head and said, "Please let me find out the culprit! I know the truth better than anyone else! I have checked all the clues on the corpse and carefully inspected the area where the corpse was found! No one can do more. Leave this to me! I swear I will do everything in my power to bring to justice those who seek to incite unrest among our people!" Tyrande looked to Malfurion, who nodded.The High Priestess placed a hand lightly on Maiev's shoulder.The half-kneeling night elf raised his head and looked at her resolutely. "I can't think of anyone who is more dedicated to the welfare of our people. You take charge of this investigation, Maiev, and I wish you success." Some of the Sentinels seemed displeased with the choice, but they remained silent. Maiev looked at Tyrande as if the greatest longing in her life had been fulfilled.She stood up and saluted them both. "I'll find out, no matter what the cost!" "I still hope you will be more careful, Maiev." Jarod's sister nodded reluctantly, but there was no agreement in her eyes.Both Tyrande and Malfurion knew how dedicated Maiev was once she committed herself to a mission.So neither of them said anything to dissuade the watcher. "The Highborne will want us to return Serabrin's body," Malfurion remarked. "I think it's best for me to do this. They've already figured that other night elves would rather see them wiped from the face of Azeroth; and this isn't going to put them in a good mood." "Just do as you say." The high priestess stroked his cheek. "But you have to be careful of their people." "You know I will." Maiev lowered his head again, "With permission, I will start hunting immediately." Tyrande nodded.So Maiev put the helmet back on and left without a word. "I will send four sentries to accompany you to the Highborne," Tyrande said to her husband. "Let them carry the body." "I'd better ask a few druids to help. At this juncture, it's not a good idea to let the highborne see fully armed warriors." She knew it was a wise choice. "Are you leaving now?" "Not in a hurry. I'd like to hear Vellen's opinion on this, as well as on other matters. I didn't expect him to come, but it happened. Once everyone knows about the murder, we need his firm demeanor. Come to stabilize the situation. At that time, the suspicion among the various forces may suddenly surface." They decided to let the Sentinel stay here.Tyrande recruited two more priestesses who were proficient in the art of conservation, and asked them to keep the corpse as fresh as possible. The archdruid and high priestess hurried back to the banquet, knowing they could not wait too long before informing the Highborne of their discovery.They had worried that their absence would unsettle the other attendees, but they were relieved that everyone seemed at ease.Most of this had to do with Velen, who had left his seat to talk to the Dark Iron dwarves.Neither night elf knew what to talk about to bring the draenei and dwarves together.But Velen somehow not only distracted Delukan, but also made him laugh. "It's amazing what the Light does," Malfurion whispered to his wife. "And Velen is obviously good at diplomacy." Tyrande paused suddenly, and she saw another sentry approaching. "News again..." The sentinel saluted, and then immediately said, "High Priestess, people from Stormwind City have arrived." The news was mixed for Malfurion and his companions.Tyrande asked, "When did it happen?" "They had just disembarked when I came to deliver the message. But I couldn't find you here." The High Priestess looked at her husband. "I've told the waiter on duty at the portal to take the mission to their residence as soon as they arrive. But I have to go say hello to Varian..." Across from them, Genn Greymane suddenly raised his volume, covering the noise around him.Gene was obviously in a relaxed mood, on the one hand because of the approval of others, and on the other hand because of the dwarf ale he just drank.So he began to chat with several of Kurdran's followers about past wars with the Horde. "The key is to keep the lines tight," the king was saying as Malfurion and Tyrande walked toward Velen. "Separated, the crows will feast on our corpses! Every man knows that by cowering he might make his comrade die for his mistake, and no one wants to! We send out the Gilnean war Roar--" "That loud cry of begging for mercy will make the orcs turn away in disgust," a voice said mockingly. These words immediately had an effect on Genn Greymane.He jumped up furiously, and threw away the food and drink in front of him, completely ignoring where or whoever it spilled on.A black shadow surrounded him, and it seemed to swell and change for a moment. "Who dares to slander me and Gilneas so viciously? Who?" His furious eyes quickly swept across the faces of everyone present, trying to find the culprit.Most of them just looked back at Gene, obviously as shocked as he was by the rampant speech.A few looked around worriedly. Others, such as Malfurion and Tyrande, moved their eyes from Genn Greymane to where the speaker was standing.Malfurion took a step towards the imposing figure, but the High Priestess held him back. The King of Gilneas noticed their movements.He followed their gaze to the accuser. "you……" "And after bragging about embarrassing orcs, you undoubtedly did what all brave Gilneans do: hide away until the war is over..." Gene clearly wanted to rush forward and slit his opponent's throat.He clenched his hands to the sky, as if he had already pinched the enemy's trachea.But he stayed where he was, and only growled a few times in exasperation. But for his reaction, the newcomer only gave a contemptuous glance, and then turned to the host of the banquet more politely and bowed. "High Priestess Tyrande. Archdruid Malfurion. Nice to see you again." Varian Wrynn said calmly.