Wedding

The name of this continent is Northrend. Nathanos had never been there, but in his dreams he could picture it and feel the bone-chilling cold.

' Arthas! Don't go there.'

"It is an honor to see you again, Sir Uther. I remember the last time we met was when you introduced Arthas to Nathanos."

Uther frowned. Although Alleria Windrunner's tone was calm, she subtly conveyed doubt and reproach. News of Arthas's massacre of the city spread quickly, implicating many, including those Alleria cared about most. The old Paladin knew people from other countries would inquire about him, but he hadn't expected Alleria to be the first. This was understandable, though; the Hearthglen campaign might have fooled others, but not the Elf. In fact, it wasn't just him; Terenas was probably in an uproar over the Stratholme incident as well. Dalaran and Kul Tiras wouldn't stand idly by.

"I am sorry for what happened to Nathanos, Lady Alleria. To be honest, I never expected Arthas to deceive me, and I was almost in despair when I learned that Nathanos was fighting alone in Hearthglen."

The Female Elf pursed her lips, somewhat satisfied with Uther's attitude; at least he wasn't making excuses, but simply stating the facts.

"I am not here to interrogate you, Uther. In fact, I should thank you for your timely assistance in rescuing my husband."

"Your... husband?" Uther was surprised. Although everyone knew about Nathanos and Alleria's relationship, there had never been any news of them getting married.

"Yes, I'm here for two reasons: first, to complete my mission of understanding the Stratholme incident, and second, to bring Nathanos back to Quel'Thalas. This time, I plan to hold the wedding that should have happened years ago."

Uther nodded. "Indeed, Nathanos's duties have taken a toll on his personal life these past few years. I think it's time for him to get some rest."

The Female Elf smiled. After a few more pleasantries, she asked to see Nathanos. Uther told her that Nathanos was in a coma because of Arthas, but this did not deter Alleria's determination.

"He's right here. He needs you right now," Uther said, nodding to Alleria before leaving.

The Female Elf stood at the doorway, not immediately going in. She didn't know what had become of Nathanos. When she arrived in Hearthglen, she was shocked by the pervasive stench of blood in the air. Even after so many days, and despite the Silver Hand having cleaned up the battlefield, Hearthglen still felt shrouded in a blood-red twilight.

Alleria shook her head, clearing her mind. The most important thing now was to see Nathanos, stay by his side, and wait for him to wake up before bringing up the marriage. Thinking this, Alleria hesitated, a little worried about whether Nathanos would agree. After all, not long ago, right beside him, all life in a city had vanished, and that place was so close to his home.

"You... you're awake?" The moment Alleria pushed open the door, she saw Nathanos already sitting on the bed, meditating with his eyes closed. At that moment, the Female Elf smiled. The human before her looked fine, with several bandages on his body, but none of them were fatal.

Nathanos couldn't help but smile when he saw Alleria, and all the things that had been causing him panic and unease disappeared from his mind.

"Alleria." He couldn't say anything else, only call her name. The Female Elf came and embraced him tightly, kissing him passionately. She was determined to persuade Nathanos.

"I thought I would never see you again."

At this moment, both of them were qualified to say this, but it was Alleria who spoke first.

"Just a little short, my lady."

"I'm terrified, I can't even bear to think about what's happening here."

Nathanos sighed at his lover's words. It was indeed the most difficult battle he had ever fought, and even now he felt a lingering fear and was somewhat surprised that he had managed to hold out for so long.

"Nothing can stop me from returning to you, Alleria."

"I know." The Female Elf wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, held her lover's hand, and asked, "Tell me, Nathanos, please tell me what happened to you."

"It's hard to explain, but I'm willing to share."

Nathanos had so much to say, and Alleria listened calmly. He explained everything from the beginning of the mission all the way to Hearthglen, until late into the night. During this time, Alleria also shared with him the information she had gathered.

The two inevitably discussed the same issue—something called the 'Demon Lord.' The name chilled Alleria. High Elf texts described it as a demonic creature. It was also the reason Arthas embarked on his expedition to Northrend.

"What's that Demon Lord's name?"

"Mal'Ganis".

Nathanos nodded. "Kel'Thuzad mentioned him before he died, saying he was the mastermind behind all this, but things can't be that simple. I'm worried that Arthas may have already fallen into a trap, and he's all alone in Northrend."

"Alright, my love." Alleria stretched out her arms and hugged Nathanos tightly. The mere mention of Arthas filled her with disgust and contempt. "Don't mention that fallen Prince again; he slaughtered his own people and betrayed you."

"I can't blame him, Alleria. It breaks my heart to see Arthas like this. He wanted to save more people, so he chose Stratholme. But in the end, he couldn't save anyone."

"This is his choice."

"But he can't face the consequences of his choice." Nathanos breathed in the fragrance emanating from the Female Elf, the most intoxicating scent he had smelled in days. "He can't face me, and he can't face anyone else, his father and his mother. He just wants a chance to turn things around, which is why he hastily embarked on his expedition to Northrend to hunt down a terrible enemy. I don't know what his choice will bring this time."

"His Recklessness was not because he wanted to save his people, but because..."

"Hatred! Isn't that right?"

Alleria nodded affirmatively.

"You're right, but I can't help him the same way I helped you."

The Female Elf laughed, kissed his cheek again, and explained, "Because it was your love for me that saved me."

"Yes." Blood rushed to Nathanos's face. The two were silent for a while before returning to the previous topic. "I've thought about how to bring Arthas back to the way he was before, and I even found a way, but it's simply impossible."

"What is it?" Alleria was curious about what could possibly redeem the Prince whose hands were stained with the blood of innocent people.

"It's trust."

Trust? Alleria blinked, and seeing her puzzled expression, Nathanos continued, "Arthas's body is isolated, and so are his heart and soul. He senses that none of those he cares about are willing to believe him. This loneliness has transformed into a sense of crisis; he craves trust. But..."

"But that's impossible." Alleria picked up where he left off, sharing the same sorrow. "Who would truly approve of massacring the city? Those soldiers who were with him were merely following orders. So many have been sacrificed, even you almost..."

"Not bad." Nathanos lowered his head and buried himself in Alleria's arms. What drove Arthas down this path of no return? Was it Mal'Ganis, or his status as Prince? Or the weight of the crown he would one day bear? Or perhaps it was everyone, including Nathanos?

Whatever it was, Nathanos realized one thing: he couldn't do everything. It wasn't just Arthas who failed; he failed too. The Prince couldn't save his people, and he couldn't save the Prince.

"How tragic," he said to himself.

"Alleria, there's something I'd like to discuss with you."

"I also have something I'd like to discuss with you, but I'd like to hear it first, Nathanos," Alleria said hopefully, sensing something was amiss.

Nathanos looked up, placing his hands on the Female Elf's shoulders, facing her directly. He had thought for a long time; now, and ever since, he couldn't wait any longer. "Let's... have a wedding." His words fell silent. Human and Elf alike held their breath. Alleria's sapphire-blue eyes shifted from surprise to boundless joy, a smile forming uncontrollably. Nathanos suddenly understood what she meant. They both realized the other's feelings.

'You never disappoint me, Nathanos.'

'You won't refuse me, Alleria.'

At this moment, all the conflicts left them, and everything was no longer relevant to them.