"'Astral Traveler? Human?' Azshara repeated the words with keen interest, a contemplative look crossing her face—a face capable of toppling empires.
'Life from another planet... how intriguing. I have heard whispers of other worlds and races existing in the cosmos, but this is the first time I have seen one with my own eyes. Especially... in such a manner. However, as the ruler of the Night Elf Empire, I must first welcome you to Azeroth.'
As the most powerful mage in Azeroth, capable of wielding the infinite mana of the Well of Eternity, Azshara was privy to many secrets unknown to mortals. Astral travel itself wasn't entirely unheard of, but unknown worlds often signaled unknown dangers. Although she possessed the power to traverse other realms, Azshara had never personally used or researched such spells. Spatial magic was incredibly fickle; if mishandled, one could easily become lost in the endless void, never to find the way home.
Many of the Night Elf Empire's top mages had studied teleportation, but most who attempted to reach beyond the stars never returned. Azshara didn't know if they had reached another world or not; she only knew they were gone. As a ruler who possessed absolute power, wealth, and beauty, she naturally saw no reason to risk her own life in such ventures.
She noted that this race called 'Humans' shared a resemblance to the Night Elves—the facial features, the upright gait, and the smooth skin were quite similar. She was eager to learn about life on another world, and Rhodes's sudden appearance had piqued her curiosity immensely.
Her gaze swept over Rhodes once more, this time with more scrutiny, as if evaluating a rare work of art. Though he had just recovered from the indignity of falling from the sky, he stood tall. Facing her—the Light of Lights—he showed no cowardice, but rather a poised and dignified air. Combined with the sudden burst of unique power he'd used to effortlessly dispel her Arcane energy, Azshara began to set aside her initial disdain.
Strength deserved respect, even more so when it came from an otherworldly powerhouse.
'The power you carry—this "Holy Light"—is most peculiar.' Queen Azshara rose slowly from the water, her robe accentuating her perfect curves. Barefoot, she stepped across the shimmering starlight of the pool as if walking upon a galaxy, closing the distance between them.
'It seems to possess a natural quality of... holiness and purification. It is different from the Arcane I pursue, yet equally potent. Tell me, Astral Traveler Rhodes: what is your purpose in coming to my empire, and to me? Is it truly just to admire the beauty of my bath? Or perhaps... you wished for a taste of the water I bathe in?' Azshara wore a look of haughty amusement.
Her bathwater was indeed infused with the essence of the Well of Eternity, possessing miraculous magical properties. An ordinary mage could increase their power simply by soaking in it, and a single sip could rapidly restore spent mana.
Rhodes rolled his eyes inwardly. Good grief, Azshara is every bit as narcissistic as the legends say.
When he fell from the sky, he'd accidentally swallowed a couple of gulps. Pah! You think I actually want to drink your bathwater? If I'm going to drink anything, I'll take the Well of Eternity straight. Rhodes still felt a bit nauseated by the thought. This was a massive loss; I'm definitely putting this bill on the Bronze Dragon King's tab.
However, he noticed Azshara's voice carried a hint of a mental-type spell. A powerful invisible field of psychic energy began to envelop him. Had his willpower been even slightly weaker, he might have already been prostrate on the ground, spilling his deepest secrets. This Queen was no amateur; she stood at the absolute pinnacle of power in Azeroth. It was no wonder she entertained thoughts of becoming the Queen of the Burning Legion.
But honestly, Rhodes thought, if you think you're going to be the wife of a Titan, you're dreaming. It's like a human falling for an ant—it just doesn't happen.
Fortunately, Rhodes's mind had been tempered by countless trials. This level of mental illusion couldn't touch him. Meeting Azshara's gaze, his mind raced. Telling her he was here to 'correct the timeline' would be suicidal. He needed a more logical reason—one that would appeal to the ego of this proud Queen.
'Your Majesty is wise,' Rhodes said with a slight bow, performing a standard greeting used in the Alliance (or at least, the era he came from). His movements were fluid and natural, showing respect without appearing subservient.
'I travel the stars both to explore the unknown and to seek the essence of power. During my journey, I sensed Azeroth—a beautiful planet. I sensed an unparalleled source of energy, and... a ruler with a supreme understanding of the Arcane. Seeing it for myself, your empire, your palace, and even your person are indeed the incarnations of magic and beauty. As for this pool... it is an excellent medium of energy, but what drew me was the one capable of creating it and bathing within it.'
Rhodes's words skillfully complimented her power, her wisdom, and her most prized possessions—her empire and her beauty—while vaguely framing his goal as a quest for knowledge, fitting his 'Astral Traveler' persona.
The Queen's power was immense, particularly her magical reserves; her total mana was easily on par with, if not greater than, Anveena's. In a true fight, Rhodes wasn't certain he could win. (It is worth noting that the Queen before her transformation into a giant octopus was even more formidable. Azshara was arguably the most powerful mage in history; the Titanic Watchers had once even considered infusing Azeroth's soul into her body to act as its physical vessel.)
The tactic worked. A shallow smile touched her lips. Being praised by a powerhouse from another world only bolstered her confidence in her own allure. 'You have a silver tongue, Astral Traveler Rhodes. And your power is a fitting match for your words.'
'I am surprised you know the name of the Well of Eternity; it seems it truly draws many eyes. Since you have traveled so far—even if your entrance was... unconventional—I, Azshara, Queen of the Night Elf Empire, permit you to stay within my court as a temporary guest.'
'I am very interested in your world and your power. Perhaps you can show me sights... I have never seen. In return, if you satisfy my curiosity, I may gift you a vial of the Well's waters and teach you the magics of Azeroth. In exchange, of course, you shall teach me the magics of your world. What do you think of this arrangement? Do you accept?'
'It would be an honor, Your Majesty,' Rhodes smiled and bowed. 'I believe the "sights" of my world will not disappoint you.'
The initial phase was a success. He had captured her interest. The Queen was obsessed with novelty. He could use Holy Light or his Heroes of Might and Magic spells as 'otherworldly magic.' As for the sights of other worlds, that was easy. He could describe Draenor—though that felt too risky to expose to her—or better yet, Earth. He could describe modern cities and human technology.
Queen Azshara nodded in satisfaction and clapped her hands.
The crisp sound echoed through the lavish bath. Almost immediately, several beautiful Night Elf handmaidens dressed in light silk appeared at the entrance like ghosts. They were clearly well-trained, but when they saw a soaked, strangely dressed, non-elf male in the Queen's private bath, their composure wavered into expressions of shock and wariness.
Who is this guy? Why is he in the Queen's bath? Rhodes wondered if Vashj was among them—though she wouldn't be a six-armed Naga yet.
One handmaiden, seemingly the leader, stepped forward, her hand moving toward a hidden dagger at her waist. 'Your Majesty! Are you unharmed? This... what is this creature?'
Azshara waved them off with a smile. 'Do not be alarmed, Kalendrina. This is Rhodes, a traveler from the distant stars. An... interesting guest from another world. He poses no threat; on the contrary, he shall provide me with much entertainment.'
The maid bowed submissively. 'As you command, Your Majesty.' If the Queen had spoken, they would not question her.
'Go now and prepare suitable attire for him. Arrange a guest room in the side hall near my private quarters,' Azshara commanded, a smirk playing on her lips. 'From this day forth, Rhodes shall serve as my special consultant, responsible for sharing the knowledge and sights of the stars. Treat him with the utmost respect.'
'Now, bring some fruit and wine for my guest. I wish to speak with him.'
'Here, Your Majesty?' the maidens asked cautiously.
'Yes, here. You girls help Lord Rhodes change,' Azshara laughed, leaning back into the pool and inviting Rhodes to sit beside her.
The handmaidens helped Rhodes out of his wet clothes and into a fresh robe, while others brought delicacies of ancient Azeroth—fruits and wine brewed by the Night Elves.
'Taste this,' Azshara said, raising a glass. 'It is a specialty of our empire: Mana-infused wine.'"