The Moonglade Conference

The day after the war ended, the first day of the Cataclysm era, Darnassus, main conference hall.

The leaders of every race had gathered around a round table for a meeting. Malfurion presided over it. "First, we need to discuss Gilneas rejoining the Alliance. The vote begins now."

Tyrande Whisperwind, leader of the Night Elves, said, "Agreed."

Magni Bronzebeard, leader of the Dwarves, said, "Agreed."

Mekkatorque, High Tinker and leader of the Gnomes, said, "Agreed."

Prophet Velen, leader of the Draenei, said, "Agreed."

Varian Wrynn, leader of the Alliance, looked at Genn Greymane, who stood in the center of the hall supported by Darius and Alpha, and said, "Agreed."

"Then from this moment onward, Gilneas is part of the Alliance. Please take your seat." Malfurion smiled with relief, then changed the subject with a solemn tone. "Now, let us discuss another matter. You should all have seen the devastation Deathwing has caused. This is no longer something any single faction can face alone. I propose an alliance with the Horde, so that—"

"That's impossible! You expect me to ally with those Orcs? Impossible." Bronzebeard interrupted before he could finish. The hot-tempered Dwarf had never forgotten the Orcs' brutality.

Malfurion showed no anger at being interrupted and continued patiently, "I know everyone here has a grudge against the Horde. We elves are no exception. But given the current situation, if we do not unite against Deathwing, we will all be defeated sooner or later. Just think about it—even Dalaran, that fortress in the sky, was breached so easily."

Varian spoke. "Since everyone has their own opinions, let's put it to a vote. I vote against it." Anduin watched his father anxiously from the side, wanting to say something, but Velen across from him calmed him down.

Velen said, "I sensed this crisis long ago. I also understand that our strength alone cannot stand against Deathwing. I vote in favor."

"I'm in favor as well." Tyrande spoke without hesitation. She understood the power of dragons.

"I'm against it." Magni's choice came as no surprise.

"I'm in favor." Mekkatorque said indifferently as he fiddled with the mechanical device in his hands.

As the leader, Varian had the right to two votes. The count now stood at three to three, leaving the final decision in the hands of Gilneas, the faction that had only just joined the Alliance. Everyone except Mekkatorque turned their eyes toward King Genn.

King Genn was deeply conflicted. The Horde was entirely responsible for forcing his people from their homeland, and he had lost both his wife and son. Yet this disaster threatened the whole world. Seeing Genn's hesitation, Alpha and Darius exchanged a look, both recognizing the worry in each other's eyes.

King Genn spoke. "To be honest, I am conflicted. As you all know, I hate the Horde. But as Lord Malfurion said, this concerns all of Azeroth. Therefore, I vote in favor."

Alpha and Darius had been tense when they heard the first half of his words, afraid their leader would vote against it. But when they heard the latter half, they both relaxed completely. The other leaders present were also quite surprised. After all, the one who had voted in favor was someone the Horde had put through a great deal.

Malfurion said, "Four votes to three. Then it is decided: we will ally with the Horde."

Varian said, "I agree to the alliance, but where will it be held? I will not agree to go onto Horde territory."

Malfurion said, "Don't worry. That place is safe—Moonglade. No one can make trouble there."

After the meeting ended, Malfurion went to notify the Horde about the alliance.

The Druids within Horde territory received Malfurion's message and informed Garrosh. Garrosh indicated that he understood.

"What do you think of this alliance?" Garrosh asked from the chief seat.

Thrall stepped forward and said, "I request to take part in the alliance. I want to know what that black dragon is and why it possesses such destructive power."

Vol'jin and Cairne expressed their agreement. Lor'themar Theron, the Blood Elf regent lord, said, "I know what that dragon is, but I need answers from the Alliance. I'm going too." Sylvanas looked at Theron and teased, "In such a hurry, little one? There's no need to guess. That fellow has returned."

Garrosh looked at the two of them speaking in riddles. "What do you know?"

Sylvanas said, "Warchief, for now I can only tell you its name. As for the details, ask Malfurion when the time comes. It is called Deathwing."

Knowing he would get no answer no matter how much he asked, Garrosh said to the Druids, "Tell Malfurion we agree. Where is the location?"

The Druids had expected this answer. "The Druids' holy land—Moonglade. When the time comes, we will lead the chieftains there."

Two days later, after the Alliance and Horde leaders had arranged their respective forces and plans, they set out for Moonglade.

Moonglade had twice as many guards as usual. Aside from those Druids who had fallen into slumber and could not awaken anytime soon, every other Druid had woken up. After all, this was a momentous day. The highest leaders of both the Alliance and the Horde would be coming here to forge an alliance under the Cenarion Council.

The teleportation circles lit up, and the Alliance and Horde leaders appeared one after another. Those visiting for the first time could not help marveling at the wondrous scene before them. People and animals lived together peacefully, and the grove was filled with tranquility.

It was a scene that had once been difficult to imagine, yet Alpha not only saw it now—it was unfolding right before his eyes. Looking at both sides, who had fought so fiercely only days ago, now sitting at the same table, he found it unbelievable. Especially since they were actually greeting each other.

Garrosh said, "Varian, how's your arm? Can you still lift a sword?" "Hmph." Varian took a drink and snorted softly.

"My dear Genn, how is your chest?" Sylvanas teased Greymane. Genn replied, "Have the wounds on your body healed?"

"Tyrande, are you all doing well now? Don't you want to experience the power of arcane magic again?" Theron said. Tyrande replied calmly, "Has your capital city been rebuilt yet?"

Alpha could not help but feel a headache coming on as he listened. How childish.

Malfurion interrupted all the conversation. "Enough. This is not the time for you to quarrel. You are seated at the same table for one reason only: the alliance."

Varian spoke first. "We agree to the alliance. During this alliance, we will not take the initiative to attack members of the Horde. And whenever our strength is needed, we agree to send troops in support."

Garrosh shook his head. "I was going to say the same thing, but with one condition: you cannot stab us in the back."

Bronzebeard said, "That's what we should be saying to you, you stupid Horde pigs."

"Damned Alliance dogs," said Gallywix, leader of the Goblins.

"What did you say?" Bronzebeard stood up, though his short stature gave him little intimidation.

"Enough," Varian and Thrall said at the same time. After exchanging a glance, Thrall said, "We came here to form an alliance, not to argue. Be serious." He faced Malfurion. "I want to know exactly what this dragon called Deathwing is. Why did it cause the elements to riot? An ordinary dragon could never possess such overwhelming power. We need an explanation." As soon as he spoke, everyone turned to look at Malfurion.

Malfurion looked at the leaders of every race present with a complicated expression before slowly speaking. "First, you must understand a piece of history—the history of dragons."