Deren's Grand, Grand, Grand Plan [Daily 10k, Please Subscribe]

Hearthglen.

A small-scale but exceptionally prestigious celebration banquet was held in the lord's castle banquet hall. It was held to entertain the distinguished guests from Outland—Prophet Velen and the Naaru Adal—and to celebrate the successful resolution of the Scarlet Crusade problem. King Varian, Duke Bolvar, Jaina, Deren, and the senior commanders accompanied them.

The banquet atmosphere was solemn yet warm. Varian gave a brief speech, once again thanking Velen and Adal for their selfless aid and praising the power and benevolence of the Holy Light. As always, Velen responded with gentleness and wisdom, expressing his hopes for Azeroth's future peace.

However, as the banquet drew to a close and everyone was at their most relaxed, Deren raised his glass and walked over to Velen. Seemingly casually, he made a shocking request.

"Prophet, witnessing the vast power of the Naaru and the Holy Light this time has truly been awe-inspiring." Deren smiled as he toasted him, but then his tone shifted. "It reminded me of another group of warriors, also bathed in such Holy Light, who are fighting an even harsher and more arduous battle."

Velen looked at him gently, a question in his inscrutable eyes. "Mr. Deren, you mean?"

"The Holy Light Legion." Deren softly spoke the name. His voice was not loud, but Velen's hand holding the cup paused slightly, and the gentleness on his face faded into seriousness. "And those sons and daughters of Azeroth who followed General Alleria Windrunner deep into the Twisting Nether, waging an eternal expedition against the Burning Legion."

Jaina and Varian, who had followed close behind, both looked at Deren in surprise. They knew of Alleria's Expeditionary Force, but had long believed that they had perished in Outland. There were even statues of them in the Valley of Heroes outside Stormwind City's gates.