Blade Dance

The army returned like a cumulonimbus cloud stretching for miles.

Vincent's team was organized as Team No.19, with no change in members, and returned to Shattrath City with the coalition forces.They had been gone for more than two weeks, and now they were walking in the Terokkar forest, but the outline of Shattrath City could not be seen.It shouldn't be.Obviously they could see the pillar of holy light, but they could see it three days ago.

"That's not right," Vincent said to Harlan.

Harlan glanced at him and knew immediately what he was thinking.

"It's not wrong to look at the beam of light, and it's impossible for a city to disappear out of thin air." He said, "It's just that we walked too slowly."

Vincent looked around.

Harlan was right.Because of the defeat, the people were depressed along the way, and the marching team was dragged a lot longer.Their faith in the Light was shaken when they realized they were under attack, lost their commander, and had to abandon the land of Hellfire Peninsula.

The atmosphere was too depressing, and Vincent wanted to start another topic.He wanted to ask questions about the Alliance and the Horde, and about the Commander.Harlan was from Shattrath City and should know more than he did.But he thought about it and let it go, because Harlan might feel uncomfortable.

"Who do you think the next commander will be?" Harlan asked.

Vincent was taken aback.Was he aware of his embarrassment?He looked at Harlan, and Harlan looked ahead.

"Vice-commander promoted to Commander. Then a second-commander is chosen among the squad leaders. I guess. Or, since we blame the alliance generals for being stodgy and second-commander Steele is also a draenei. Maybe this time the general will be replaced by our people."

"It's 'our' general." Harlan corrected him, "At least in the coalition, the Horde and the Alliance shouldn't divide you and me."

"Indeed." Vincent said.

He stared at the beam of light in the distance.

Five days later, the whole army arrived in Shattrath City.Laughter and crying intertwined filled the whole city.Harlan and Vincent bid farewell in a hurry, walked through the crowd, and went straight to the Dragon Eagle Hotel.

As expected, Joanna was waiting for him at the door.The moment he stepped through the door, she rushed forward and hugged him tightly.

"You're all right."

"I am fine."

Harlan hugged her, just hugged, wanting to do nothing.It would be best to stand motionless like this for a whole day until he got used to this familiar yet strange city again.Joanna took a small step back and looked up at him.There seemed to be waves in the green eyes, but they were quickly smoothed away.Harlan realized what she wanted to say, but eventually gave up.Joanna pressed her warm palm against his cheek, and gently stroked his dry lips with her fingers.

Harlan frowned.

"Mr. Anthenar?"

The five fingers grasping his arm suddenly tightened.So Harlan didn't turn his head to look at the door immediately, but gave Joanna a questioning look.But she didn't say a word, and she didn't even have the look of hesitating to speak anymore.

Harlan turned around, and there were two humble believers standing outside the door.The motionless standing posture is incompatible with the crowd flowing on the street.They were smiling, their eyes down to the ground.

"Archbishop Nasuen wants to see you. Please come with us."

Joanna let go of him.Harlan took one last look at her and saw her smile reassuringly.

In the center of the Holy Light Hall, Naaru fired beams of light high into the sky, and the dazzling light was not dimmed by the flames of war.The surroundings of the gods were crowded with people, each with a different expression, but they all left traces of war.Harlan followed the two believers and walked up the stairs leading to the upper floor on the side of the main hall.The upper floor of the main hall is a circle of platforms that are close to the wall. Standing on the edge of the platform, you can have a panoramic view of the lower floor.A part of the southern part of the platform extends toward the center of the entire building, and seems to lead directly to the naaru, but still keeps a distance from the naaru.At the end of the extended platform, Archbishop Nasuen, bathed in the holy light, seemed to have been waiting for a long time.

The churchgoers saluted and left, leaving Haran alone.

Archbishop Nasoun looks to be in his 70s.Delaney's facial features were stern, but the archbishop's brows showed kindness and kindness.His gaze locked Harlan's with directness but without aggression.Harlan had never been alone with him in such close quarters, and therefore seemed overwhelmed.

"Can you recall anything about your family?"

family?

"I mean Anthenar."

Harlan froze.It was as if the Archbishop spoke a language he did not understand.My mind was blank, and even a little painful.There must be a blank expression on his face at this moment.Thoughts drift to the unreachable past, but there is no destination, only wandering frantically and futilely in the boundless sea of ​​memories.

The archbishop seemed to sigh.He turned his gaze to the naaru holy light ahead.

"300 years before the Dark Portal, a part of the Highborne studied and used arcane magic under the leadership of Dath'Remar Sunstrider. This was expressly forbidden in the elven society, so they were eventually exiled by the Night Elves, and No longer able to touch the energies of the Well of Eternity. They then abandoned their ancient tradition of worshiping the moonlight and drew upon the power of the sun, creating the Sunwell, known by the new name of the High Elves."

His voice was smooth and still, a beacon on the misty sea of ​​memories.But that lighthouse exudes a light that people don't want to approach.

"However, some high elves became addicted to magic in the process of pursuing energy and went astray. Under the leadership of the high elf prince Kael'thas Sunstrider, they formed a new political group and changed their name to blood elves. The Alliance didn't trust the blood elves, and the night elves hated them even more, thinking they were crazy and corrupt, so the blood elves joined the Horde.

"As for the high elves, they have always been in a delicate position between the two camps. They have the recognition of humans. When they went south to Lordaeron thousands of years ago, many tribesmen intermarried with humans. There were political differences, and they announced the abolition of all treaties with the alliance, but they never completely left the alliance camp. At the same time, the high elves and the tribe are also closely related. Six years ago, Vereesa Windrunner led the high elves The three armies of blood elves, blood elves, and night elves joined forces to fight against the threat of trolls. The high elves, as leaders, have always been the bridge between the alliance and the Horde. But..."

The archbishop's voice gradually lowered, as if mourning for the next words.

"There are only a handful of high elves left, and they have never set foot in Outland."

His gaze suddenly shifted to Harlan: "Sorry, it's 'you'."

"I do not know."

Harlan realized that his voice was hoarse.

"So," said the Archbishop, "I couldn't contain my joy when I found you. I noticed you two years ago, but before we were in full-scale war with the Legion, I didn't think it was necessary to bother you. Now, the situation is completely different.”

He kept looking into Harlan's eyes.Harlan tried hard not to avoid his gaze, until finally he felt that his eyes had lost focus.He seemed to be forcibly dragged into another space, and that space had an air pressure that was not suitable for him to survive.Painful pressure, like a thorn in the back.

"Because of their addiction to magic, the blood elves have a darker complexion than the high elves, and their eyes are green. The high elves always maintain the appearance characteristics of blue eyes, silver hair, and white skin."

It's almost like cutting open the chest cavity of a living person to show the beating of the heart.

"The Legion is coming in a big way soon. We must be ready."

The Archbishop walked up to Harlan, looking unobstructed into those blue eyes from a closer distance.There was no longer any warmth in his tone.

"Blood and identity, responsibilities and obligations are inevitably bound together in the world we live in. All people involved in it can do is to face the reality and accept it. This is actually an honor Rare thing. Too many people want it because they don't deserve it."

Harlan met his eyes blankly.There was a tingling pain in the palm of the hand, and the nails dug into the flesh.But the bones seem to be frozen, and I can't let go of my fingers.

"We still have some time until the next expedition. Please consider it carefully. During this period of time, Deputy Commander Steele will take care of everything." The archbishop paused, and then said, "If you need it, I will also take care of it in the future." It will."

The overcast sky was a cloudy gray.The sky is getting dark and night is coming.

On the way back to the hotel, Harlan felt the eyes of the crowd from time to time.As expected, word spread quickly through the city.Any trouble can not escape people's eyes and ears.

The cool evening breeze brushed his face, and sent the coolness into his body through his clothes.The air was humid, and the dim light cast a layer of mist on the street, making the surrounding scene appear indistinct.

The last time I was in the spotlight like this...it seemed to be when I brought back the Demon Hunter.A lot has happened between then and now.After a while, the memory will be more blurred.Under the action of time, forgetting is very simple.

The past always seemed distant and strange.But now the Archbishop connects everything, the void of Outland, the dark clouds of the forest, the holy light of Shattrath City, and the fire and wine in the hotel, everything now becomes unreal.

Harlan was sure he didn't have the slightest idea of ​​being a commander, but he found himself subconsciously imagining what a burden it would be—to be pushed to the forefront of everything, to supervise the construction of the main city's fortifications, to lead army to fend off the Legion invasion, people obviously need to learn the basics about demons, and the Illidari...

enemy.

The heart beat wildly.

----------

"Are you sure this is delicious?"

"You'll know when you drink it."

Vincent looked questioningly at the honey wine in his hand, then at Harlan, and finally took a heroic sip under his threatening gaze.

"tasty."

Vincent smacked his lips and nodded exaggeratedly.He looked into Harlan's eyes and said:

"Tepid, very much like you."

Harlan glared at him.

"Where were we talking?"

"The high elf ranger Vereesa Windrunner."

"So you're a high elf?"

Harlan didn't answer.

Vincent narrowed his eyes.

"But why do you look so indifferent? Shouldn't you have a carnival? Suddenly knowing that you have such a noble status..."

"noble?"

"...and be able to command the army with awe - oh my god, that's cool - or cry? Because this identity brings up all the painful past you don't want to recall. Then laugh through tears Because we need to know how to live in the moment, and the identity of a high elf can bring you power, money, beauty, and satisfy your desires, making your life easier and embarking on a bright future."

Vincent finished talking like a cannonball, and took another sip of wine.

Harlan looked at him blankly.

"Uh, it's possible that it's not just crying and laughing, but it's the uncontrollable depression and the dilemma that seems to tear the body apart because the turning point in life came too suddenly... Well, in fact, you seem to be depressed every day .”

Harlan fell silent.He didn't know what to say.What Vincent said seemed to be ridiculed, and there were too many things in it that should be questioned or refuted, but he seemed to be right about everything.A playful sneer flashed across Vincent's face, and Harlan caught it, so he showed it unscrupulously.

"Actually, I've heard rumors about high elves too - don't think I'm from a small village - silver hair and blue eyes. But people always preconceived that there would be no high elves in Outland, so it was more or less a joke Already." He suddenly smiled, "You do have a noble aura about you, which is different from our blood elves. I agree that you are genuine."

Hearing this word for the second time, Harlan was a little impatient.He pressed the center of his brows and said, "It's not the difference between nobility and depravity, it's just the difference in belief and philosophy, or the way to gain power. Just like there has never been an absolute dividing line between good and evil."

Vincent withdrew his smile.

"Are you talking about a demon hunter?"

"Perhaps," Harlan said, "why do people think demon hunters are dirty? Because they're willing to make sacrifices, do some brutal, immoral, shady things - including to themselves - just to win the war. Powerless justice and powerful evil, nihilistic ideas and powerful power, in the end, it is very likely that no one knows which one is the truth or should be followed.”

"So demon hunters are very easy to get lost." Vincent continued his words, "Pursue power for the sake of justice, but in the end overthrow justice for the sake of power."

Harlan stared at him for a long time.Vincent turned the wine glass in his hand.

"Excuse me," he said, "I support you in following in the footsteps of the Windrunner."

Harlan stared at him in disbelief.

"I think you can make a difference."

"What do you think? These are two different things. I'm just saying that I can't be given such a heavy responsibility just because of my identity. This innate identity should never be the criterion for choosing a leader. Maybe I can ease the tension between the camps." However, as a leader, my incompetence will only make the coalition forces more vulnerable."

"I think the archbishop's thoughts cannot be denied." Vincent said earnestly, "You don't have to worry about your abilities, because you don't really need to do anything. At this moment, people just need someone to look up to. Transfer from defeat. Young, energetic, neutral, noble-born and survived people like you are the most suitable."

"Don't mention the word 'noble' again," Harlan said, "but do you understand what it means to be a leader? Or the responsibilities they bear? Even if I don't have to do anything, I'm the one who sits in the position of supreme commander. People will look up to me and be influenced by my every move. But I don’t have the talent and courage to be a leader at all, and I don’t deserve to influence anyone.”

Vincent looked at him darkly.

"May I ask if Naru, as the true leader of Shattrath City, has the talent and courage to be a leader? He just floated there motionless, unable to even say a word."

"If I can emit holy light like it." Harlan inserted his fingers into his hair and retorted wearily, "And the Naaru can speak, but you can't understand it."

Vincent rolled his eyes in response and stopped talking.He stuffed his mouth with the wine glass, squinted one eye, and looked at Harlan through the distorted glass at the bottom of the glass.The person on the opposite side frowned and looked sad, but the emotions in the blue eyes were complicated and unclear.

"That's not all the reasons, is it? At least not the most critical one."

"What do you mean?"

"You ask knowingly."

Harlan stared at him.The eyes surged up and down in one moment, and then calmed down in the next moment, reflecting Vincent's expression of relish.

The ice cubes melted in the glass with a clacking sound.

Harlan stood up suddenly.

"Forget it. If you keep talking like this, you won't get an answer."

Vincent put down his glass and stared casually at the liquid flowing down the side of the glass.He said slowly:

"You know exactly what you want."

Harlan bit his lip.

"Want and need are two different things."

"For you now they overlap. What you want, what you don't want, what you don't know you want, what you know you want but wish you didn't know."

Harlan watched him condescendingly, sucking in his upper lip.Vincent looked up, admiring his expression with interest.The eyes are the window to the soul, and the expressions that can be perfectly hidden by other facial features are often betrayed by the eyes first.

At this moment, fireworks almost burst out of the blue eyes.

"I am leaving."

Vincent was stunned.

"A decision has been made?"

"No, I'm going to run away."

"Escape? Where are you going?"

"Zangarmarsh."

Vincent touched his chin suddenly.

"So I first met you in Zangarmarsh, too. So you have another home in the swamp?"

"...No." Harlan looked at him with a tangled expression, "It's not my home, it's just a place where I can calm down. At least there won't be anyone there, and I can stay alone."

Vincent nodded.

"Okay, remember to come back. In any case, Shattrath City is the safest now. For us."

He stood up and walked around the table and chairs to Harlan, hugged him gently, patted him on the back and said, "No matter what decision you make, I will support you. Also,"

He took half a step back and grabbed Harlan's shoulder, looking him in the eye.

"I don't know you in the past, but I know that some things are very important to you. If you miss it, you won't have it again."

He smiled narrowly.

"Correction, it's important, but dangerous. One step forward will end, and one step back will also end. It's like the pastor's leap of faith, and neither choice will lead to good results."

Harlan's expression was a little dazed and sad.

"In that case,"

Vincent put two fingers on the corners of his mouth, and then pushed up, forcing a smile.

"If you have a chance, please go forward without hesitation."