The Dark Portal's Situation

The bishops did not seem to care for Nathanos, and Velen worried that he might hold it against them. Fortunately, Nathanos had already returned to his quarters. His choice to remain in Auchindoun showed that he had not yet completely lost faith in the Draenei.

When Velen arrived, he found Nathanos sitting on a bench outside the residence, holding a piece or two of beast hide and stitching them together with needle and thread. Hearing the footsteps, he merely glanced up.

"Sorry to disturb you so late."

Chief Ranger Naliri stood behind Velen. Seeing that she had come as well, Nathanos understood much more and could not help but laugh.

"She's asleep. Whatever it is, make it quick."

"I'm afraid we have too much to discuss. This is not the right place."

"So even the Prophet does not trust his own people. This is your city, after all. During yesterday's conversation, one of you loudly insisted that Orcs could never infiltrate a Draenei city."

This had nothing to do with trust. Naliri strode forward angrily, stopping at Velen's right, and said with displeasure, "Not every Draenei understands the predicament we are facing. Would you reveal every secret you have to the lady inside? Unless she is your partner, surely you would hold something back from her."

Alexstrasza? The stitching in Nathanos's hands gradually came to a halt. He had indeed hidden many things from the Lifebinder. Even now, she did not know the secret of the Heart of Azeroth. Nathanos had not told her because he understood that the more secrets one knew, the more dangerous it became.

"She is not my partner." The Witherer lowered his eyes. It was strange. He was certain he had kept his heart from beating, yet his chest still felt constricted. After letting out