The End of the Expedition
Alleria Windrunner returned to Silvermoon City as Regent, but the Female Elf no longer needed to worry. With Kael'thas and Kil'jaeden defeated, she felt a long-lost sense of relief. Although many post-war issues awaited her, she no longer needed to consider whether her decisions required the Sunstrider royal family's approval. Kael'thas had abandoned his people, and the Sin'dorei needed a new leader more than ever.
She is the only one who can do it.
In the days following the war, discussions about the future of the Sin'dorei have begun, with some saying she will become the Sin'dorei Queen. She now holds real power over all of Quel'Thalas.
Those who participated in the battle are still collecting the bodies of the dead. Perhaps it's not the right time to discuss who should lead the Sin'dorei, but the people can't wait any longer. They desperately want to know how to get through the future; they've experienced another betrayal, the one who once promised them salvation has been utterly discredited, and the Sunstrider family are no longer trustworthy.
What to do?
Now, Alleria is presiding over another ceremony, for a tragedy she sincerely hopes will not occur. The lovely sunset slowly descends, but darkness has not yet fallen; the sky above Silvermoon City is painted with vibrant colors, and a poignant echo seems to be telling a heartfelt story.
Today, she must give the people an answer.
Her child isn't here. If she could, Alleria wished that Belorell wouldn't have to bear the burden of protecting the people.
Vareesa stood behind her sister, noticing some people's surprise that Alleria was still dressed Ranger instead of the crimson symbolizing royalty. To her, Alleria was a proud and beautiful woman, filled with passion and Consecration for the people's future. At this moment, she had chosen the attire most familiar to her, rather than hastily proclaiming her rule. Her sister's actions were meant to show others that even with great power, she remained a Ranger.
With so many people gathered below the Sunstrider Court, Vareesa suspected that almost every noble member who could attend was already there. Why not? They certainly wanted to know how the Regent would treat those associated with the Sunstrider family.
"It's not that long ago," Alleria said. "The name Sin'dorei comes from a worthy Prince of the past, whose promise we chose to trust in his leadership. Some of you may say Kael'thas's actions are unforgivable, and indeed, I have nothing to say about that. We can choose to hate him, we can despise him, but we must never forget what drove our brilliant Prince to such extremes." She heard some in the crowd mention magic, others power, Alleria was pleased that there were responses. Then she continued, "Yes, perhaps there are both reasons. Magic and power—the former is what we Sin'dorei have always craved, the latter directly signifying a kingdom's strength. However, they can also corrupt." A murmur of disapproval arose, and Alleria paused, her gaze fixed on the Horde delegation in the crowd, including Braggon Bloodfist, the first Orcs to enter Silvermoon City. Clearly, they were there to confirm the Blood Elf's loyalty on behalf of their chieftain.
"Our once beloved leader has fallen. He chose demons, the powerful magic and strength they bestowed upon him. However, he underestimated the resolve of his people to resist, and he underestimated the power of this world. It has been proven that Azeroth will not yield to a deceiver. We have just won a hard-fought war..." She choked up, unable to utter another word. She paused for a long time, calming herself, before continuing, "It was a costly war; we lost many, but... their sacrifice saved us. The Sunwell has been reborn, and I believe everyone can feel it." A smile gradually spread across her face as she spoke loudly, "The winds of change have blown, Children of Blood. A war has tested us, and the Sin'dorei will not allow history to repeat itself. Though the path has been winding and unpredictable, we have still protected our land. Can the Sin'dorei regain its former glory? I do not know now, but I believe the answer will be found in the future."
"Can you lead us, Alleria?" someone shouted from the noisy crowd below. More similar shouts began to emerge.
She raised her right arm and stretched it towards the sky. "There is no King here, my people, but the Windrunner family will fulfill its eternal vow and fight for Quel'Thalas. Anar'alah belore, for the Sin'dorei!"
A loud cheer erupted from the crowd in response, Alleria entered the Sunstrider Spire amidst praise and applause, with Vareesa quietly following behind. When the noise subsided, the Ranger-General spoke, "You seem to have made no mention of how to deal with the nobles who follow Kael'thas."
"It's a hint, and if they're smart enough, they should know what to do." She returned to the inner hall and stood in the center for a long while. Things change, she thought... I'm not the same person I used to be.
A warm hand took hers, and she looked at Vareesa and smiled. She was fully prepared for the changes to come.
Clang, clang, clang, sizzle... A Goblins, shirtless, worked before an iron furnace, his sweat-drenched body reflecting the blazing firelight. His dark skin looked as if it had been smeared by smoke. The furnace burned continuously, used with fervor—day and night, almost without a moment's rest. When Thrall returned, all of Orgrimmar came to greet him, but he didn't go. His keen ears caught someone mentioning the name Garrosh Grommash. But he wasn't interested; he continued hammering the red-hot iron blocks. He worked in an abandoned hut in the Lower City. Generally, Goblins had an assistant, but he didn't need one. Only by doing it himself could he ensure that every piece of refined iron was transformed into the shape he desired.
A true engineer should not have room for error. That's what his master told him.
"Excellent, this piece of iron is perfect for making a stamping press." The Goblins paused briefly, hearing footsteps approaching. His bloodshot eyes fixed on the doorway. A familiar figure entered shortly after. The two exchanged no words; it was an Orcs who tossed a scroll of blueprints to the Goblins before turning and leaving.
Ux the Bloodspeaker remained as cautious as ever. Goblins, then opened the blueprints, his eyes widening in surprise.
"Fel Reaver? Very good... very good, I've got it." He threw the blueprints into the molten lava and watched them turn to ashes.