The weather today was absolutely insane. It had been sunny all morning, but just after noon, it started raining. I hated this damn place. Half the days in any ten-day stretch had weather like this. I couldn't understand how the Pandaren put up with living here.
I'm Azar. Yes, I'm the Night Elves' prince. Well, I still am, but I'm no longer involved in governing. In other words, I no longer have the authority to summon Eldre'Thalas's forces to do my bidding. That was a rule I'd set myself. A government needed rules of its own; even if there were too many and they were a pain, that was still much better than having none. For three hundred years, I'd kept my lands in excellent order. The people lived in peace and prosperity, our overall strength was formidable, and our diplomatic relations were good. The Centaurs and Quillboar to the northeast had become our vassals, while the bugs to the west stubbornly resisted. I'd turned their territory into a training ground. That dead woman to the east had no awareness whatsoever of what it meant to be a wife. I was a man, of course, but I didn't hold it against her, so our relationship was still fairly cordial. Mm, this was a first-rate realm, and I'd handed it over to my daughter Sophia. I'd always believed that those who were capable should shoulder more responsibility, and that I ought to bear the burden of my entire race. So I'd worked hard, putting everything I knew into practice and doing my best to help this disaster-plagued people become more capable of protecting themselves. But a hundred years ago, I realized that the world was fair: whenever she gave you something, she took something else away. In her presence, human effort seemed so insignificant. At least my subordinates were all right. They'd listened to what I said and stayed cautious in everything. That was how you developed quietly. But things were a little different on that woman's side. Her lackeys had gone further and further down the road to ruin. They'd conquered a vast territory and thought themselves invincible. Their diplomacy was a mess, they'd made too many enemies, and they'd begun using Arcane magic far too freely. They wanted to solve everything with Arcane magic: the more luxurious their lives, the better; the more powerful their spells, the better. Weren't they afraid of blowing themselves up? Just wait. They'd take a fall sooner or later. I was tired. I didn't want to manage things anymore, and I couldn't, either. When the woods grew large, all kinds of birds appeared. Different foods raised different Elves, after all. The day I placed the coming-of-age crown on her head with my own hands and hung my sword, Quel'Serrar, at her waist, my reign came to an end. At last, I was free. I could enjoy my life. I'd travel the world, sample the local delicacies everywhere, and romance beautiful women wherever I went. Uh... that last one might be a little difficult. It was still the ancient past, and there wasn't much worth pursuing. The most beautiful woman was already my wife. Even though our relationship had fallen apart, we still had a sweet, well-behaved daughter. I couldn't set a bad example for her.
"Saruman, I just don't get it. Why didn't you stay comfortably in Eldre'Thalas? Why follow me around? Look at how miserable this place is." Huddled in a small tent to shelter from the rain, Azar asked the Elf beside him.
"Don't be ridiculous. Do you think I don't know how comfortable my mage tower is? You tricked me with your talk about exploring the unknown world. And what has it been? Wandering from place to place? You said we'd learn about the customs and culture of different lands. All we do is walk around and eat." An Elf with white hair and a white beard grumbled.
"You can go back now, you know. No one's forcing you to stay." Azar pursed his lips disdainfully.
"I'm saving you, understand? Saving you! If I hadn't been there, you would've done something with that so-called most beautiful Troll in the world last time. I'm not against you doing that sort of thing, but you can't be that desperate. Was she really beautiful?"
"Enough talk. Get a fire going. Falco should be back soon. Guess what we're eating today?"
Yes, Falco had chosen to give up all his official duties and follow me. His reason was that he wanted to keep pursuing the martial path with me. What a good disciple. The mage Saruman—Number 9—was a first-rate homebody and a powerful fire mage. His temper was just as fiery as his magic. Saruman had barely gotten the fire going when Falco returned. Ha, we were having venison today.
"Having a mage around sure is nice. Even in weather like this, we don't have to worry about running out of firewood." As he ate the delicious barbecue, Azar started teasing Saruman again.
"..."
"Dear mage, would you mind bringing us some Hokkaido Bread and Evian Water?" No reaction? I'll keep at it, then.
"Can't you just be quiet for once?" An Elf climbed down from a hammock, apparently drawn over by the smell.
"Come on, Maiev. If you want something to eat, just say so. Don't pretend you came over because I was bothering you." When you were traveling, you couldn't go without a scout. Maiev herself had said she wanted to get out of the house and clear her head.
"Thank you for sticking up for me, Maiev, but I don't care what he says. You know how he's been a different person ever since we left Eldre'Thalas. He's gone from a nobleman to a hooligan." What a cultured person. She could insult someone without using a single vulgar word.
"Sometimes I wonder what's so great about him. Why are you so devoted to following him?" After speaking to Maiev, he turned back to Falco.
"..."
"Enough chatting. We have company." Azar suddenly dropped his joking manner and spoke solemnly.
The group stopped what they were doing and watched a figure approaching through the rain. When the newcomer drew closer, they all breathed a sigh of relief.
"Jin'rokh, what are you doing here?" Falco asked in surprise.
"Nothing strange about it. I remember you were heading south, and I wanted to go there too, so I followed you." He spoke as he walked, his manner relaxed.
"Come on in and dry your clothes by the fire. We can eat and talk." Falco ushered Jin'rokh into the tent.
"Lord the Crusher, tell us, why are you going to the Pandaren's territory? If I remember right, you've fought them before. Could it be you've got a sweetheart over there? Oh my, you'd go for a Pandaren? Your tastes are really..." Azar feigned surprise and teased him.
"No. I'm going to Thunder King Island."
"What are you going there for?" Azar immediately grew wary.
"To make a pilgrimage!"
"Then you're not welcome here. You can leave." Azar showed him the door without hesitation. None of Lei Shen's followers were any good.
Though Jin'rokh looked confused, he was a proud man. Since his host had told him to leave, he certainly wasn't going to shamelessly stick around. He stood up at once and started out. After walking a few steps, he turned to look at Azar. Seeing Azar's sharp gaze and solemn expression, he said no more and strode straight out into the rain.
"Dear uncle, you look so handsome when you lose your temper. If you don't mind, could you explain it to me? We're all excellent Elves with a thirst for knowledge." Maiev put on an lovestruck expression as she spoke to Azar, then immediately switched to a gossipy one.
"Do you really want to know?" Azar asked the other two. They answered with three leering faces and three heads bobbing up and down.
"Well, it's a long story. Let me tell it from the beginning. Hey, where's the food and wine?"
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