NETHERSTORM

On the edge of reality and the Twisting Nether, was a magical storm. And bearing the brunt of that storm's deteriorating energy was a fragment of the shattered world of Draenor. The surviving locals calling this fragment as the Netherstorm.

The Netherstorm is a place of chaotic energies, where the raw power of arcane magic runs rampant. The sky above the barren landscape is filled with crackling purple energy, and flashes of lightning illuminate the craggy terrain. The air is thick with the scent of ozone and the hum of energy.

Yet despite the danger here, powerful mages and arcanists are drawn to this place, seeking to harness its abundant energy.

Farstrider Captain Lyrianna and her squad of fellow sin'dorei had been patrolling the outskirts of the Netherstorm for the past week. Always on high alert for signs of demonic activity.

And as they crested a ridge, they spotted a squad of demons escorting a transporting a large crate. Without hesitation, the Farstriders moved into position to ambush the demons.

But to their surprise, as their magic burst amongst the demons, the demons made no attempt to defend their cargo. Instead, they simply fled and disappeared into the shadows.

The patrol approached the crate cautiously, their mana shields at full strength. With the lid lifted, they found a large crystal, pulsing with a sickly green light. And on the bottom of the lid, was a short message in elven script.

Lyrianna and her squad paled after noticing, and then quickly sealed the crate back up. They all then agreed that none of them saw anything worth mentioning. And they made haste to Tempest Keep with their captured prize.

TEMPEST KEEP

Tempest Keep, located in the Netherstorm, is a magnificent fortress constructed by the invasive sin'dorei to harness the rampant arcane energy of the region. The outer shell is a shining silver, intricately detailed with glowing blue runes and adorned with countless spires and towers.

In the heart of the fortress, the Eye, glows with a brilliant blue light, pulsating with the power of arcane magic. It also served as the abode of Kael'thas, King of the SIn'dorei.

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Kael'thas spun on his heels with a disdainful air, as his concentrated firestorm left the Farstrider squad in ashes. Their pale faces before popping open the crate they had delivered him had told him all he needed to know. They knew too much.

And as for the communication crystal, it didn't hurt to expand his options. Especially considering who it was from.

Kael'thas stood in a secure dark chamber alone as he activated the crystal and patiently waited. He didn't have to wait long.

In short order, a long flat facet was filled with an imposing red-skinned visage with fiery eyes.

Kil'Jaeden smiled mirthlessly out at Kael'thas, "Kael'thas, I'm almost surprised you got ahold of my gift so soon."

Kael'thas stood silent. Kil'Jaeden, a leader of the Burning Legion, had gone to great lengths to be able to communicate with him. Which could only be interpreted one way by the experienced sin'dorei ruler.

There was an offer on the table. One the demon lord was assured he would be interested in.

Kil'Jaeden's eyes burned brighter, "It appears you already have an idea of my intentions. Very well. I'll get to the point. You want a supply of magic for your people. I'm willing to supply it.", the demon lord paused to measure the elf's reaction.

Kael'thas eyes glittered, but the sin'dorei leader managed to remain stoic in the face of the demon. It was too bad the magic source wasn't named, nor would the demon lord be foolish enough to reveal it until he took the offer, but he indeed wanted such a supply. But what would be the cost?

The demon lord chuckled in amusement, a hissing rasp. The elf hadn't shown a reaction, but he knew he had the elf's full attention.

"In return, you will serve me. Your current loyalties are misplaced are they not? Illidan has not fulfilled his promises to you I believe? It is not a betrayal, for he has already betrayed you. Your people fight for him, but in return your people are stuck out in a decaying landscape, leeching off a dying storm and whatever scraps you can get. But serve me, and I promise that you and your people will be able to freely roam without fear of your cravings.", he pierced the elf with a dark truth.

The demon had targeted a sore point with Kael'thas. He indeed felt as if he had made a poor bargain with the demon hunter, Illidan Stormrage, the longer he and his people were forced to acclimate to this world's depleting vestiges. But where would his people go from here?

Kael'thas spoke for the first time, "What does serving you entail?"

"Swear your allegiance to the Burning Legion, and all the power you could ever want will be yours. I will also see to it that you make your way back to Azeroth. Much better for your people than this shattered vista of rock. And I do believe you wouldn't mind a rematch with Prince Arthas? I have an interest in seeing that human struck down as well.",

Kil'Jaeden's displeasure flashed briefly.

Kael'thas considered the offer for a moment, weighing his options. Everything offered was something he truly desired. And was swearing loyalty to a demon that bad if he got everything he wanted, compared to his loyalty to a demon hunter that had made grand promises, but hadn't delivered fully?

A supply of power for the sin'dorei's magic addiction. Not to mention that a return to Azeroth would make his people far happier than sticking with their current situation. And to strike down Arthas...

The offer was too enticing to ignore. "Very well," Kael'thas said finally. "I will swear allegiance. What must I do?"