“I do not know who… what I am anymore. I label myself ‘Degenerate’ because I cannot bear the thought that, somehow, continuing as ‘Sinil’ may condemn all that I held so dearly in my former life.”

Tyrande sits down, resting a hand on her former pupil’s arm, “Fear not this reincarnation of yourself child. Although no longer a direct instrument of Elune, it is obvious you still have her blessing.”

“How can you be so sure? Look at me… I am death. I am the embodiment of that which we have fought for ages, a hollow shell of a woman who once lived, reanimated and cursed with the knowledge that this body is nothing more than a prison for my soul.”

Kill

“Often what we see in ourselves is not what we truly are, but what we have decided we should be. Come with me, I want to show you something,” Tyrande states as she rises.

As she rises to follow Tyrande suddenly turns, hurling a bolt of light at Degenerate. Bracing herself, Degenerate stands solemnly, waiting for the excruciating pain and certain death that would come. She had seen this before with the undead… channeling the pure energy of Elune at one was perhaps the easiest way for a priestess to defend herself from them.

Kill

Nothing.

“You see child, you are not completely undead,” Tyrande whispers, once again turning toward her original destination and motioning for Degenerate to follow.

Stunned, and even more uncertain than before, Degenerate breathes again.

Kill

Arthas, it is time for you to leave my head. You will not regain your power over me, and soon enough I will embark upon my crusade to crush your pathetic, miserable life.

Foolish girl. You have yet to break free of my will!

Wrong Arthas, I have only allowed you to maintain this connection so that you may see that Azeroth will not fold to your desires, to your whims. In some ways we should, perhaps, be thankful. After all, you have provided a means for the people of our lands to set aside their differences and work together, to come for you, and to bring you to justice.

You think yourself clever? Let me show you something…

Degenerate’s head is suddenly filled with an image of… of Ulduar it would appear. Jeseth is there, his voice barely heard upon the roar of the wind, and yet perfectly clear in her mind… “Come! Do your worst Arthas! Pathetic, cowardly dog! I will show you where true strength comes from!” She watches as he leaps into the wind, ever so gracefully. He extends is body as much as possible, and reaches for a ledge.

“NO!” Degenerate screams, falling to her knees and startling Tyrande, who rushes to her side.

You see what happens when my will is opposed?

Sobbing, gasping for breath, Degenerate manages “Jeseth…”

Tyrande immediately understands, and begins an incantation. After a moment she stops, midstream, and her eyes open wide. “How…?” she whispers, her voice trailing off before even the next word could be uttered.

With unbridled ferocity Degenerate hisses, “I will destroy you Arthas. I will tear you apart and crush every piece of your pitiful, worthless body underfoot…” After a moment she regains her composure, and turns to Tyrande, “His death will not be in vain. My love for him reminds me of who I am, of what I was and what I can become… I will go speak with Mograine, and regroup with the others Byaghro is searching out.”

Tyrande nods, “Take comfort child, for Jeseth’s soul is free.”

Sinil. That is who I am, who I was. For Jeseth I will reclaim myself, and avenge his death. I am Degenerate no more…

 

********

Byaghro kneels before Ysera’s slumbering form.

“I cannot come to your aid yet, for I am needed here much too urgently in the wake of recent events. Thank you for your guidance Ysera, I can only hope Malfurion will be able to hold out until this battle is over, and we can rush to your aid.”

Rising, she leaps into the air and shifts into the form of a raven, flying swiftly to meet with the rest of the druids now convened.

I only hope Ysera was right when she convinced me this course was the only remaining option… and that Alexstraza does not feel betrayed when she learns of our part in Ysera’s plan.

Byaghro clears her head as she lands, stepping onto a small hillock be seen by all.

“My dear friends, my family, thank you all for coming.”

Hundreds upon hundreds of druids stand calmly together, waiting to hear Byaghro’s report. For this battle none would have their decision made for them. Each would have to make a choice, and follow that path until it has run its course. This time there are no rulers, no allegiances to any but each other.

“As you all know we are facing a growing threat, both here and in the Emerald Dream. Ysera, the Dreamer, has fallen victim to the Nightmare. Malfurion is already at work there, along with all of our brothers and sisters who still slumber, trying to find a way to save our beloved friend. We all know she chose this path to discover the truth behind the Nightmare, and we will see that plan to its completion no matter the cost.”

Byaghro pauses as she scans the faces before her.

“I come before you now, however, to relay some circumstances we were not aware of. Loken has apparently taken control of Ulduar, and though we know not of his plans we know enough to warrant it a huge threat to all of our people. Even the Aspects are concerned, and are planning to intervene. Combined with the threat we face from Arthas, I fear this is the beginning of a very dark time for all of Azeroth.”

As Byaghro relays her message the concern and fear that can be seen across the faces of all gathered quickly gives way to determination. Druids, no matter their background or differences, hold an unwavering allegiance to each other.

“The plan is to meet at the Wyrmrest Temple in a week’s time, and from there those who elect to go will begin our march on Icecrown. This path will end in destruction, hold no illusion otherwise, for either we will meet our downfall or Arthas will meet his.”

The Guardians of Cenarius have chosen. The fury of nature herself will descend upon Icecrown Citadel.

---

This Series:

1. Jeseth’s Introduction, Truth Eternal
2. Byaghro’s Introduction, Guardians of Cenarius
3. Degenerate’s Introduction, The Ebon Blade
4. Convergences (Part One)
5. Destruction (Part Two)
6. Discoveries (Part Three)
7. Loss & Repentance (Part Four)

DISCLAIMER: The events I have been chronicling are not a part of lore, based on any actual story, or even bearing any resemblance to any events in game. I am writing these purely for my enjoyment, and enjoying the story that I am creating based upon the Warcraft Universe.