Astranaar. Admittedly, Maiev had not visited the small lake town in quite a few years before now. But that didn't make the change from a town to a city any less shocking to witness. Especially since she was given to understand that this had not been the result of years, possibly even decades of growth, but only the work of the past several months.

The old Astranaar was damn near raised to the ground by Archimonde and the Legion in their single-minded pursuit of Tyrande Whisperwind. Countless loyal Sentinels had laid down their lives to give first the townsfolk, and then Tyrande herself, the opportunity to escape. And yet… the people of Astranaar had put true to the words that a town was nothing without its citizens. The buildings themselves might have been destroyed, but the civilians had returned… and with dogged focus, rebuilt.

More than rebuilt, for Astranaar was now the center of Night Elf Civilization in all of Northern Kalimdor. Once a small town built on an island within a lake connected only to the rest of Ashenvale by a pair of bridges… the place had been transformed into an entire city in the past few months. The center island was now dominated by a large, gorgeous Temple to Elune, while all along the outer edge of the lake, buildings had sprung up, practically overnight.

Of course, with the correct druidic influence, it was possible for Night Elf buildings to sprout up overnight quite literally. All it took was a connection with Nature and a will to see it done and the trees of Ashenvale Forest would work with you so long as you weren't complacent or rude. Or so Maiev had always been told. She was not a druid herself, after all. She had never spoken to the trees and coaxed them to grow a certain way or give up some of their precious wood in the way a druid could.

Though, with the losses that the Night Elves had taken when it came to their druid population, one might wonder where the ability to create such a gorgeous city so fast had come from. But the answer was right in front of them… the Night Elves were not alone in their new Capital.

Maiev could see orcs dressed in leather robes working alongside Night Elves clad similarly, communing with Nature together in order to make growth happen at an accelerated rate. And indeed, it wasn't just orcish druids who comingled with the Night Elves of Astranaar. There were other orcs as well who were clearly less druids and more warriors, walking around wearing armor and wielding large weapons of war.

They went unhindered, and indeed caused no trouble in turn. And the orcs weren't the only non-elven race in the city either. Humans and Tauren could also be found, though in far lesser number. There were even a troll or two here or there, though they definitely had the lowest representation. That didn't surprise Maiev too much… Night Elves and Trolls had long found themselves clashing and rubbing themselves the long way.

The Trolls would claim it was because the Night Elves refused to acknowledge that they were themselves descended from Trolls eons ago. But privately, Maiev had always believed that to be bullshit. In the end, their ways of life, while similar in some ways, were just too… different for peaceful coexistence to last long. Certainly, Maiev and her Watchers had had to handle a couple of Troll Warlords in the last ten thousand years. To say nothing of what their Witch Doctors could get up to if they got the wrong sort of Voodoo going.

And yet, despite ten thousand years of experiences telling her that elves mingling with other races was a Bad Idea… Maiev doesn't find the sight as offensive as she would have thought. But then, she knew why that was, didn't she? Rognak. The Warsong Chieftain had managed to get under her skin. She actually found herself respecting the orc druid more than she cared to admit.

In point of fact, she knew deep down inside that he and his race were the impetus for all of this. Maiev's people had been slow to grow and damn near stagnant for centuries… no, for millennia. Even the destruction of Nordrassil likely wouldn't have been enough of a shock to the system to force through the cultural change they needed in order to adapt to the rapidly altered world they found themselves in.

… But the orcs were just what the Priestess prescribed, weren't they? The creatures, savage and noble that they were, did not stop for nothing. They just kept going, and in doing so they had managed to set an example for Maiev's people to follow. That wasn't to say the Night Elves were becoming subservient to these orcs, thankfully. No, the younger races still had much to learn, and Maiev's people had much to teach. But… there was something to be said about the knowledge to be learned going both ways.

Of course, she wasn't about to say any of that out loud. Stoicism was the name of the game, especially given where they were now. Standing in the upper tier of the Grand Temple of Elune erected on the site of Old Astranaar, Maiev finds herself alongside Naisha in the back, essentially out on a balcony of sorts as they watch Lord Cenarius and the Warsong Chieftain explain everything that has happened to High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind and Sentinel Captain Shandris Feathermoon.

As the two Night Elf women grow increasingly more concerned with every word that passes from the mouths of Rognak and the Forest Demigod, Maiev finds herself nudged in the side by her mate.

"Amazing, isn't it? What's been done here in Astranaar. I never would have thought it possible."

Her first impulse is to tell Naisha to be quiet, to reprimand her for speaking out of turn. But they're both far enough away that they aren't interrupting the meeting going on inside, while also close enough to hear every word. And… having almost lost Naisha up in Moonglade, Maiev finds it hard to reprimand her, even if she's supposed to be the other Warden's superior officer first and her mate second.

In the end, she just grunts and nods… the best that Naisha is going to get from her in this circumstance. Of course, she can feel her mate's mischievous energy right beside her. The little minx is going to do something to provoke her any second, isn't she? She just-

But Naisha never gets the chance, because Tyrande suddenly speaks up, the High Priestess of Elune's words managing to catch even their attention and hold it fast.

"You are correct. This situation is incredibly dire and must be dealt with sooner rather than later. Lord Cenarius, Chieftain Rognak… our resources are at your disposal. An expedition to Northrend will set out from the port town of Auberdine within the week."

That by itself was great to hear… but before anyone can really breathe, let alone speak, Tyrande continues on, her eyes blazing with poorly contained fervor.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"Seeing as this Lich King is responsible for the death of BOTH Stormrage Brothers, albeit in a roundabout way… I will be going with you. To settle unfinished business, once and for all."

THAT is what gets everyone's attention, even Lord Cenarius visibly surprised, while Rognak literally rears back in shock. Maiev, meanwhile, tilts her head, a little caught off guard by the High Priestess' audacity… but more amused than anything.

Part of her had been ready to blame Tyrande for all of it when she initially got back to the Barrow Deeps and found out that Illidan Stormrage was not in his cell. She'd always found it suspicious that the Priestess had never visited the prisoner, despite their close connection. Biding her time, perhaps? But no… Maiev's initial assessment had been incorrect, and she'd been forced to change her tune when she found out that Tyrande had actually had nothing to do with Illidan's parole. It was all Lord Cenarius and to a lesser extent Rognak in the end.

Ultimately, Maiev's heart went out to Tyrande. To lose her mate like that… and for that mate to be Malfurion Stormrage, one of their people's greatest leaders… yes, her heart went out to the other woman. Even still…

"Tyrande… High Priestess! Surely you can't be serious?! You can't possibly go… you're our people's only remaining leader. They look to you for guidance. We've only managed as much as we have in these past several months with you leading the way! If Lord Cenarius is going to Northrend, we need you here more than ever!"

Shandris Feathermoon lays it out pretty succinctly, Maiev feels. While there's no replacing Malfurion Stormrage… and the death of Archdruid Staghelm so soon after was also highly regrettable, Tyrande had done her best all the same. And looking around them, Maiev was forced to admit that the other woman had really stepped up. Then again, she'd been leading them while Malfurion tended to his duties in the Dream for much of the past ten thousand years anyways. Maybe not well… but she HAD been leading them.

And yet, Tyrande turns to her adoptive daughter and gives the Sentinel Captain a serene smile.

"You are correct, Shandris. With Malfurion's death, we lost a pillar of our people. Though… Lord Cenarius, am I correct in assuming that your departure means Broll Bearmantle has finally agreed to take on the title of Archdruid?"

The Forest Demigod nods his head as he's addressed.

"Hm, yes. It took some convincing from his daughter before his ridiculous insecurities and ultimately petty worries about not being 'good enough' were laid to rest… but he has finally accepted the title. The Night Elves have an Archdruid once more, else you are right that I would be much less inclined to volunteer myself for this trip to the Frozen North."

Maiev tilts her head to the side at that, noting how surprised Shandris looks by this new information. Still, she's quick to rally.

"That's all well and good Priestess, but even still… Broll, err, Archdruid Bearmantle can't be expected to do it all on his own!"

Once again, Tyrande remains calm. That serene smile of hers might as well have been permanently etched across her face as she steps forward and places her hands on Shandris' shoulders.

"He won't be, my dear. He'll have you to help him… because as of this moment, I am putting you in charge while I am gone. In my absence, you will handle all of my duties and responsibilities not directly pertaining to the Temple of Elune. The other Priestesses can handle the Temple Business so that you aren't overwhelmed."

Alright, now Maiev is a little amused. It's become apparent that Tyrande has thought this whole thing through… even if Shandris clearly hadn't. Eyes wide, the Sentinel's mouth opens and closes like a fish a few times before she finally thinks up a new argument.

"I-I can't possibly take your place Tyrande! I'm j-just a Sentinel Captain! Surely… surely I don't have the rank or the pull for such a task!"

And yet, even at that, the High Priestess remains unperturbed.

"You WERE only a Sentinel Captain, Shandris. But if there's anything that these last several months have taught me, it's that we grew complacent over the last few millennia. Complacent and slow to adapt, slow to advance. You have held the title of Sentinel Captain for some time now… centuries, if I remember correctly. As such, I am proud to greet you under your new title… General Feathermoon."

Oh-ho. Tyrande had covered every contingency, hadn't she? Maiev doesn't grin… but she wants to. Beside her, she knows Naisha is grinning wide enough for the both of them. This right here? This is peak entertainment, to be sure.

Though, interestingly enough… Rognak in particular jolts at the conferred title'. Hearing 'General Feathermoon' almost seems to mean something to the orc druid. Maiev doesn't know what, but she finds his reaction curious if nothing else. Shandris, meanwhile, is just frozen in place, eyes wide and mouth agape in shock. She seems torn between pleased at having her contributions to their people recognized with the promotion… and horrified at what's coming along with it.

Placing her hands on Shandris' shoulders, Tyrande gives the other woman a heartfelt smile.

"I know I can count on you, General. Together with Archdruid Bearmantle, you will be extraordinary. Our people couldn't possibly be in safer hands."

Shandris looks like she has several things she wants to say to that, but before she can, Tyrande pulls her into a hug… and in the end, the younger Night Elf simply hugs her back, looking as pale as a spectre and whimpering into Tyrande's shoulder.

-x-X-x-

Later that evening, Maiev finds herself on a different balcony entirely, high up in a tree that has been turned into temporary lodging for travelers. She and Naisha have been granted a set of rooms on the third floor, and Maiev stares out over the city that Astranaar has become, watching as even late into the evening, even with the sun set, there's still plenty of movement to be seen, people moving back and forth with magical lanterns and candles to light their way.

Suddenly, a pair of hands covers her face. Maiev reacts appropriately, reaching up and grabbing her attacker's wrists and executing a maneuver that puts HER behind THEM before they can react, locking their arms together and ultimately arresting their movement entirely. Of course, there are a number of different ways to escalate the successful counter into a proper string of disabling or even lethal attacks from there… but seeing as her attacker is her mate, Maiev doesn't go for any of them.

Naisha giggles and relaxes into her hold almost immediately, the other Warden not even trying to fight it as she rests back against Maiev's chest and lets out a happy little sigh. In turn, Maiev leans her chin on Naisha's shoulder, accepting the moment of luxury for what it is and acknowledging, at least to herself, that such moments will be in short supply very soon, especially once they set off for Northrend.

Before she can say anything, however, Naisha makes a noise of curiosity in the back of her throat.

"Oh? Look there, Maiev."

Maiev looks to where Naisha is pointing… and after a moment, makes out the form of one Shandris Feathermoon moving through the city streets. However, the more interesting thing is that she's not alone, but instead accompanied by a human woman with gold hair of all things. Maiev's eyes narrow at the sight and her lips pull into a frown.

"Hm. What is our new Sentinel General doing with a human at this time of night, I wonder?"

Naisha lets out a laugh and abruptly breaks free of a distracted Maiev's hold, though only to turn around in her arms and reach up to grab hold of her face.

"Nuh-uh. I know that tone, beloved. That's your 'I want to go snoop' voice."

Maiev narrows her eyes even further, though now she does so at her mate.

"I do not snoop. I investigate."

Naisha just grins and shakes her head.

"Sure. But there's nothing to investigate here. Save your strength for the battles ahead my love. You'll need it. Now… quit your pouting and take me to bed."

Frowning, Maiev does as she's told, drawing back from the balcony. Though not without firing back one last response.

"I wasn't pouting. I was scowling. There's a difference."

"Of course, beloved. Of course."

Hmph. She cut Naisha way too much slack sometimes. Still… in this case, her mate was right. Whatever Shandris Feathermoon was doing with that human woman at this time of night? It was none of Maiev's business.