Great Azeroth had personally ordered him to act as a bridging link to help Rhodes obtain life energy. This was a supreme honor and a testament to Azeroth's trust; he resolved not to fail her expectations and to take good care of this new Wild God—his new brother.
Tyrande immediately dismounted and bowed respectfully. "Lord Cenarius, may the moonlight forever illuminate your path."
Rhodes also dismounted from his unicorn and bowed slightly according to Night Elf etiquette. "My greetings to you, Son of Nature and the Forest. Great Azeroth guided me here to seek your aid."
Looking at the "Old Stag" before him, Rhodes was filled with emotion. Once upon a time, when he was still weak, Cenarius had offered selfless help; during the Battle of Mount Hyjal, Cenarius had nearly been slain by Archimonde. Rhodes felt a genuine fondness for this demigod.
Cenarius stood there as if he were the forest incarnate. He looked younger and more vibrant than the image Rhodes remembered from ten thousand years in the future.
"Welcome to my woodland sanctuary, Chosen of Azeroth, and Tyrande, daughter of the Moon Goddess," Cenarius said.
"Demigod Cenarius, after I obtain this powerful life energy and become a Wild God, I hope to study under you for a time—to learn how to manipulate life," Rhodes said with a bow.
"There is no need for such formality, Rhodes. It is only right that I guide you in using life energy. In the future, you will be no less than I; indeed, you shall surpass me. That is inevitable," Cenarius replied. "I feel it... within you lies a powerful life energy, a holy power, and other forces besides. This is rare among mortals. What is even more remarkable is that these forces maintain a delicate balance within you without conflict. I have never seen such a state. Perhaps that is why Azeroth chose you. You may rest here today. Tomorrow, we begin the ritual. I will take you into the Emerald Dream—not merely in spirit, but in the flesh."
A key reason a Wild God had to handle this personally was that Rhodes could not be brought into the Emerald Dream by ordinary Druids, especially not in a complete physical state. Only Wild Gods and members of the Green Dragonflight possessed such power.
"During my long journeys, I have been fortunate enough to touch the wisdom and power of many worlds. I am grateful for Azeroth's gift," Rhodes answered cautiously. "But as Azeroth said, I need a guide to help me safely accept the gift of the Life Origin and complete the sublimation of my life-tier."
"Mm. We shall talk more later. Tyrande, you may rest at the Grove of the Dreamer for now. Malfurion is waiting for you; you should go see him. As for these two sacred beasts of the forest..." His gaze lingered on "Radiance" for a moment, a hint of a smile flashing in his eyes. The magical creatures Rhodes had brought indeed possessed an incredibly dense life and natural power, as if they were holy beasts of the forest themselves.
Perhaps he should find a way to cultivate such strange lifeforms. Though the Dryads and Keepers of the Grove were his own descendants, these holy unicorns had their own merits. "Intriguing beings. Though they have... particular preferences, their essence is pure and full of life. They will be quite comfortable here."
Tyrande nodded respectfully. "Thank you for your hospitality, Lord Cenarius." She bowed to Rhodes and turned to depart to find Malfurion; they had much to discuss.
"No need to be so distant as to call me 'Demigod,' Rhodes. To me, you are not a complete stranger. Azeroth has entrusted you to me, and I shall give my all to honor that trust and destiny," Cenarius said.
"I am deeply grateful, Cenarius... Teacher," Rhodes smoothly changed his form of address, his tone more sincere. "I come from a distant tributary of time where your teachings and sacrifice once gave great help to me and my world. It is a great honor to truly follow you now and learn the mysteries of life."
Cenarius let out a knowing smile and accepted the title and the respect it carried. "Then follow me, Rhodes. You need to rest well tonight and synchronize your mind and body with this ancient forest. Your dwelling is ready, beside a Tree of Life. The aura there is most peaceful and pure, which will help you settle the various powers within you and lay the foundation for tomorrow's ritual."
Cenarius turned and gestured for Rhodes to follow. They passed through a cluster of shimmering bioluminescent ferns and arrived beneath a colossally ancient tree. Its trunk would take dozens of men to encircle, and its canopy covered the area like a dome. Countless filaments of soft white light hung from the branches like a static waterfall of starlight. At the roots, a natural hollow had formed, lined with fragrant moss and soft leaves.
"This is where you will rest tonight. The forest will guard your dreams and soothe your thoughts," Cenarius said. "I will come for you at sunrise. Remember, before the ritual begins, try to empty yourself. Listen to the wind, the water, the sound of trees growing. Feel the heartbeat of the earth beneath your feet. You must first become part of the forest to better accept the Life Origin."
"I understand, Teacher," Rhodes promised. In truth, his healing magic was already a form of life spell—often even more effective than the Holy Light, as the Light only heals while Life energy restores vitality.
Cenarius patted Rhodes on the shoulder, sending a warm, gentle wave of natural energy into him, instantly dissolving the fatigue of the journey. "Rest well, my student. Tomorrow, we shall face the soul of this world together." Cenarius then vanished into the shadows of the forest, silent as a breeze.
Rhodes entered the hollow, sat cross-legged, and emptied his mind, quietly sensing the breath of nature. The last time he visited Cenarius's home, the demigod had intended for him to sense life energy as well, but back then Rhodes relied solely on his magic books and spent his evenings dallying with the elf Caponier. Having just crossed over, he hadn't grasped the demigod's deeper intent. Now, he finally understood how strong the Life Origin was in this sanctuary.
Time flew by. As the first streak of gold-red dawn pierced the canopy of Ashenvale, Cenarius appeared by the tree. Inside, Rhodes opened his eyes. A night of deep resonance had put him in a peak state.
"Teacher, I am ready."
Cenarius looked him over with approval. "I can feel the forest's breath within you. Excellent." He reached out both hands. "Take my hands, relax, and do not resist my guidance. We shall open a gateway to the heart of the Emerald Dream."
Rhodes took his hands, and a massive surge of natural power poured from Cenarius's palms. The world rippled like water; the trees and light faded into flowing colors. Rhodes felt a strange weightlessness—different from entering as a spirit. When his vision cleared, he was back at the core of the Emerald Dream, the dwelling of Azeroth.
Cenarius knelt to pay his respects; it was his first time being allowed here, a supreme honor. After speaking with Cenarius, Azeroth signaled for Rhodes to step forward. A bridge of green life energy appeared between them.
"Step onto the bridge, Rhodes. Do not fear. Open your heart and mind to accept this gift from the world itself."
Rhodes took a deep breath and stepped onto the emerald bridge. Azeroth's massive soul projection fired a beam of emerald light into him, while Cenarius expanded his own life-domain to help Rhodes digest the power.
Every cell in Rhodes's body cheered, greedily absorbing the primal life force. His bones glowed like jade; his blood surged like rivers carrying new vitality; his muscles grew resilient and wild; his skin felt attuned to nature. At this moment, even with pure physical strength, he felt he could duel a Black Dragon.
But the change went beyond the physical. His soul was being purified and fundamentally reshaped by the Life Origin. He was transcending the mortal plane, stepping toward demigodhood. He became linked to the Emerald Dream, able to enter and leave it in physical form just like other Wild Gods.
The essence of a Wild God was being forged within him. Rhodes's heart began to beat: Thump! Thump! Thump!
Every Wild God in existence felt it: a new brother was born. A new Wild God had arrived.