What is love? Young Rhonin couldn't fully understand it yet.
To stay together forever, grow old together, and never leave each other.
I don't care about the timelessness of geniuses, I only care about having had them.
The former is commendable, while the latter seems more like an excuse for some scoundrels.
Varimathras wasn't entirely right. Rhonin and Vereesa's love wasn't without consideration for the future. They overcame numerous difficulties and knew the problems they would face, but ultimately chose to be together.
Enjoying everything in front of you, without worrying about the future, even knowing that life and death may separate you in the future, your unforgettable love ultimately triumphs over any consideration of the future.
But Varimathras once again dredged up Rhonin's inner conflict.
Varimathras noticed the doubt in Rhonin's eyes and sighed, "You see, I had the chance to turn my beloved Lisa into a member of the Dreadlord race, so we could be together forever. But I didn't do it; I didn't want her to suffer that eternal pain. So what about you? What can you do for your Vereesa? Are you willing to stay with her forever?"
Rhonin seemed to be touched, and he fell into deep thought.
"I don't know. Maybe you're right, but how can I trust you?" Rhonin asked hesitantly.
"You must believe in yourself," Varimathras encouraged Rhonin. "Look at those savage Orcs, who take pride in ruthlessness and cruelty. We Nathrezim are ashamed to be associated with them, yet they are still valued by the Legion."
Rhonin knew it was a temptation, but it truly touched his heart.
Knowing full well it's a temptation, yet still unable to resist falling into it—that's the most ingenious and skillful trap.
Rhonin spent the day in a daze, not knowing how it passed. He felt confused, his thoughts were chaotic, and he was completely out of sorts. Fortunately, his assistant reminded him, preventing him from making any mistakes.
Back home, he looked at his beautiful wife, Vereesa, who still had a long life ahead of her, at least several thousand years to live.
High Elf women are never delicate noble ladies, especially the Windrunner Sisters. They have all undergone rigorous training, are willing to endure hardship, and are willing to give everything for their families.
Vereesa had her own work and responsibilities, and the tragedy of Silvermoon City tormented her.
She also takes care of the family. High Elves have long lifespans, giving them more time to study and enabling them to rationally manage their family and career.
A perfect wife, an enviable family.
And what about myself? I'm getting older every day.
The contrast in their appearances is gradually changing. In a few years, they will look like an older brother, then a father and daughter, and finally a grandfather and granddaughter.
It's a pity that their love only lasted a few decades.
What a tragedy!
Human lifespan is less than a hundred years, making all of this inevitable.
Rhonin hated that he wasn't a High Elf.
When a person is confused, they need to find someone to help them resolve their inner conflict, usually a friend or an elder.
Rhonin found Kael'thas, and the two met at a secret tavern outside Dalaran.
Rhonin first gave a brief report on the progress of the Dalaran Magic Circle. The gathering of magic power was complete, and now all that was needed was for Jaina to steal the Book of Medivh and find the key incantation on it so that Archimonde could be summoned.
Antonidas was very satisfied with Rhonin's performance and was eager to acquire the power of the Burning Legion.
Kael'thas also briefly outlined the Scourge's preparations, noting that the magical conduit to Tirisfal was complete.
With the Scourge gradually approaching Dalaran, it's clear that everything is going smoothly so far.
"I've added an extra Magic Circle that allows communication with the Legion," Rhonin emphasized. "Once we obtain the Book of Medivh and find the corresponding magic, Antonidas will be able to contact Archimonde directly."
"Do you have hope for the Burning Legion, or illusions about Antonidas?"
Kael'thas noticed Rhonin's distraction and asked with a half-smile.
"Kael'thas, I know about the tragedy in Silvermoon City, but Dalaran different." Rhonin carefully chose his words: "Antonidas is an Archmage; he's too old, and it's difficult for him to resist the temptation of power."
Kael'thas noticed the unnaturalness in Rhonin's tone, frowned, and asked:
"What's wrong? Did you and Vereesa have a fight?"
Rhonin neither denied nor admitted it; he simply lowered his head and drank his wine in silence.
Kael'thas winked, giving him a knowing look. "The Windrunner Sisters are known throughout Silvermoon City for their fierceness and assertiveness. Why take a man's words so seriously? Just give them a wide berth."
Rhonin stared blankly into space, put down his wine glass, and murmured:
"I'm thinking about what will happen to Vereesa as I grow older."
"Why would you have such an idea?" Kael'thas seemed quite surprised.
"Alright, I'll answer you. Just look at me and you'll know. We High Elves are always very devoted in love. After you're gone, Vereesa will surely miss you and raise her children alone."
Rhonin shook his head and smiled; when it came to being devoted to someone, the Elven Prince had absolutely no credibility.
Kael'thas blushed slightly, but could only force a stubborn retort, "Don't let my appearance fool you, I truly love every woman I've loved, deeply and passionately. We High Elves have always taken relationships very seriously."
Rhonin still wore a wry smile.
"Something's not right. You're definitely hiding something from me." Kael'thas abruptly changed the subject, cutting straight to the point. "Rhonin, don't tell me you couldn't resist the allure of the Legion's power either."
"How could that be!" Rhonin tried to make an excuse for himself. "I'm just not feeling well, you know me."
"No, no, someone must have said something to you."
Kael'thas's expression was unusually serious as he earnestly warned, "You must be vigilant, especially against those cunning Dreadlords. Their most common tactic is to first give you seemingly bright hope, and then personally extinguish that hope, plunging you into utter despair. The ruins of Silvermoon City are the best proof of that."
Rhonin suddenly sensed a change in the wind direction, and he had a feeling that Kael'thas knew everything.
Dalaran!
Antonidas was as happy as a child celebrating Winter Veil. He flipped through Medivh's spellbook and was completely captivated by the spells recorded within.
As expected of the Guardian Medivh, he possessed a vast collection of magic and spells, making it seem like a royal treasury. In comparison, Dalaran like a country bumpkin who had never seen the world.
"That beast guarding this book, that disgusting, man-headed dog, how dare it..." Jaina cried miserably, biting her lip, "I had to endure its bullying just to get this book."
The words Jaina was unwilling to utter deeply saddened Antonidas, who let out a long sigh.
"My child, Azeroth will remember your sacrifice today," Antonidas gently comforted Jaina.
"When Guardian Medivh loses the Burning Legion as his protector, it will be time for Dalaran to rise. I will not forget your sacrifices today. I am old, Dalaran will be handed over to you."
Antonidas suddenly noticed that the Book of Medivh contained spells for communicating with the leaders of the Burning Legion, and coincidentally, Rhonin had also built a corresponding Magic Circle. This was not part of the plan; it was a decision Rhonin made on his own.
It would be wiser to communicate with Archimonde first, get him to make promises and set conditions, and then proceed with the summoning ritual.