Hearing this, Kael'thas's brow furrowed. He naturally knew who Krasus was; after all, Kael'thas himself was a member of the Council of Six in Dalaran.
He had some understanding of the man's true identity, especially since Krasus wore the appearance of a Blood Elf—or rather, a High Elf. But why would a Red Dragon come looking for him, especially at a time like this?
"I see. Go and invite Mr. Krasus in. Tell him I am waiting for him here," Kael'thas said after a moment of reflection.
Rhodes sat to the side, impassively taking a sip of fruit wine. This was truly a case of "someone bringing a pillow just as you're getting sleepy." With Krasus's arrival, Anveena would naturally be found, as he was the one who had transformed her into a human girl. Furthermore, if Rhodes were to successfully travel back ten thousand years, Krasus would be one of his companions. Building a good relationship in advance was crucial.
"Lord Rhodes, this Krasus has a very unique identity. I should clarify something before he enters: though he looks like an elf, that is not our responsibility." Before Krasus entered, Kael'thas intended to brief Rhodes on the guest's true nature.
"I'm all ears, Kael," Rhodes said with a smile. Although he already knew the truth, he had no intention of revealing it. He couldn't exactly say, "I'm a transmigrator, I know your secret!" It was better to let Kael'thas break the news.
"On the surface, Krasus looks like one of us, but he is actually a true dragon from the Red Dragonflight, one of the five Great Dragonflights. He is one of the consorts of the Dragonqueen. His true name is Korialstrasz. During his time in Dalaran, I provided him with the identity of a High Elf mage," Kael'thas explained.
Rhodes's expression remained calm, but Jaina and Finnall were visibly shocked. They hadn't expected a member of Dalaran's Council of Six to be a literal dragon.
If Kael'thas knew, did my teacher Antonidas know his true identity as well? Jaina wondered.
"I see. To think he's from the Great Dragonflights. No wonder he vanished after Dalaran was destroyed by Archimonde," Rhodes remarked.
"By rights, the Dragonflights are not supposed to interfere in mortal affairs, but the last Scourge invasion clearly bore the shadow of the Burning Legion. Their standing on the sidelines was... difficult to believe," Kael'thas sighed. He thought Rhodes was speaking between the lines, complaining that the dragons hadn't helped during the Legion's invasion. To be honest, he was puzzled by it too; as the guardians of Azeroth, the dragons should have participated.
"Don't misunderstand, Kael. I'm not blaming the Dragonflight," Rhodes said, waving a hand. Why didn't they join? What other reason could there be? The Blizzard writers wouldn't let them! Trying to find a logical reason is a waste of time.
"That's good. The Red Dragonflight loves life and wields the most powerful life force in Azeroth. Krasus is a master among them; you two should have much to discuss later," Kael'thas nodded.
Soon, led by the guards, a middle-aged man in red robes with the appearance of a High Elf walked in. Beside him followed a human girl of about sixteen or seventeen with long golden hair.
The moment he saw the girl, Kael'thas's expression shifted to one of extreme astonishment. He felt the aura of the Sunwell emanating from her—it was as if he were looking at the Sunwell itself. How is this possible? Who is this human girl?
Rhodes, sitting nearby, was also surprised. Anyone with half a brain would know who this girl with the Sunwell's aura was: the famous Anveena. But wait, shouldn't she be in Tarren Mill living with her magically-conjured parents? Why did Krasus bring her here now?
"This... this lady is...?" Kael'thas narrowed his eyes and looked at Krasus.
Jaina and Finnall also felt the warm, pure, sun-like energy fluctuations, though not as deeply as Kael'thas. This girl was powerful; her mana was primal and pure, almost like the sun itself. Since when had such a powerful being appeared among humans?
Under the collective gaze, Anveena appeared shy, quietly hiding behind Krasus while looking at everyone with curiosity. Will I truly be free? Will the High Elves—the Blood Elves—really let me go, a fragment of their Sunwell's essence?
"Don't be afraid, Anveena. I am here," Krasus said, patting her shoulder.
"I know, teacher. I... I'm just a little nervous," Anveena whispered.
"Lord Krasus—or rather, Lord Korialstrasz of the Red Dragonflight—I expect an explanation regarding the girl at your side. I want an answer," Kael'thas demanded. This girl was wrong, entirely too "wrong." What did Krasus mean by bringing her to Quel'Thalas at this specific moment?
"Prince Kael'thas, Lord Rhodes, Lady Jaina—please forgive my unannounced visit. First, allow me to represent the Red Dragonflight in congratulating Quel'Thalas on the successful reconstruction of the Sunwell. This is not only a victory for the elves but a blessing for all of Azeroth," Krasus said, introducing himself without hiding his draconic ties this time.
He paused, resting a hand on Anveena's shoulder to reassure her. "I have come primarily for her—Anveena. Prince Kael'thas, you have surely felt the unique aura she carries. In fact, she shares a profound connection with your newly reborn Sunwell."
"I am listening, Lord Krasus."
Jaina and Finnall were equally curious. Who was this girl?
"Prince Kael'thas, as the blood of the Sunstrider court and the future King of the Blood Elves, you deserve the truth. A year ago, when Arthas defiled and destroyed the Sunwell, the most core essence of the well did not completely dissipate. It scattered. I happened upon this energy, which had already developed a faint consciousness. Out of... several considerations, I used the power of Life to shape this human body for her, giving her a complete life and emotions. I let her live peacefully in Tarren Mill, hoping she could spend her days as an ordinary girl, far from conflict."
At these words, Jaina and Finnall covered their mouths in disbelief. No way... she looks like a human, but she's the avatar of the Sunwell?
Kael'thas, however, looked as though his suspicions had been confirmed. He had guessed as much the moment he saw her.
"Lord Krasus," Kael'thas said, his voice laced with sudden irritation, "I considered our relationship to be good, and I have always treated you with respect. Why didn't you bring her to us sooner? Why choose this moment—is it because we have already repaired the Sunwell ourselves?"
Kael'thas was furious. If Krasus had brought the essence back earlier, many problems could have been solved; his race might not have suffered for over a year. The Sunwell belonged to the elves. What right did a Red Dragon have to use life magic to turn their heritage into a sentient being?
"I am sorry, Kael'thas. I kept this a secret, even from the Red Dragonflight leadership, but I had my reasons. At the time, I judged that even if Anveena's essence returned, it would not be enough to fully repair the Sunwell. Instead, her consciousness might have caused unknown risks. More importantly... she had become an independent life," Krasus argued.
"And what about our fallen Blood Elf brothers and sisters from this past year? Were their lives not lives?" Kael'thas's anger flared. "Do you realize how important this essence was to us? If you hadn't meddled with your life energy to give her a self-aware mind, how much suffering could have been avoided?"
The three flaming verdant spheres hovering around Kael'thas burned more intensely, scaring Anveena so much she hid behind Krasus, trembling.
"Calm down, Your Highness," Rhodes intervened.
"You tell me to calm down? How can I be calm? You took what was mine and turned it into a person! Why bring her back now? Because we rebuilt the Sunwell and don't 'need' her anymore? Or do you want to monopolize this essence yourself?" Kael'thas looked ready to fight. He glanced at Rhodes, expecting support. This girl was the Sunwell incarnate; even if the font was repaired, she still held a link to it. Her control over the Sunwell might one day surpass his own, threatening his rule.
The atmosphere became incredibly tense. Krasus hadn't expected Kael'thas to react with such hostility.
"No one needs to draw weapons," Rhodes said, standing up. "The Light has given me a prophecy. I have actually known about Anveena's existence for some time. This girl has a more important mission; she is, in a sense, the daughter of the Sunwell. Her power will bloom in the future to combat the Burning Legion and the shadows."
Rhodes decided it was time to play the "Holy Prophet" card again. Sometimes, being a mouthpiece for the Light was just too convenient.