Different Paths, Never Meeting

"Cheers!" Countless voices rang out in laughter and joy.

The Alliance camp was brightly lit and bustling, as if Stormwind City's liveliest tavern had been transplanted into this desert.

The desert's heat still scorched people's skin even after sunset. But the air no longer carried the stench of gunpowder and insect fluids. Instead, it was filled with the tempting charred aroma of roasted meat, the richness of ale, and the fresh, cloying sweetness of fruit.

Using magic, the mages produced barrel after barrel of ice and placed them around the banquet grounds, both to cool the area and to chill bottle after bottle of liquor.

This was a feast of celebration, a time for rewards.

The Goblins of The Sandbox, upon hearing that the Battle of An'qiraj had ended in victory, immediately spared no expense. Their airships urgently delivered barrels of chilled Dwarven Spirits, crates of fresh iced steaks, and even fresh seafood from the Endless Sea.

"For the Alliance! For victory! For King Wrynn!" Cheers, clinking glasses, and bold songs rose and fell without end.

King Varian personally poured drinks for the warriors, while Jaina smiled and clinked glasses with every mage. Deren sat in a quiet corner, taking occasional sips from a chilled beer.

An Elf dressed as a mage walked over and sat beside Deren.

Sargathas spoke. "Advisor Deren, it is finally over. Aren't you going to celebrate with them?"

Deren set down his glass and smiled. "This is good enough. I've always preferred keeping my emotions under control and thinking through things rationally."

"So do I. Varian and Jaina have their positions to consider, so they have to engage in the proper social functions. Back in Stormwind City, I also liked staying in the Royal Palace, where I could see Varian and Anduin whenever I wanted."