Chapter 476: Refugees
We're changing, Malfurion noticed as he strode through the city of Darnassus. And that's not a good thing......
The Grand Druid knew exactly when and what caused this unwelcome change of affection among the Night Elves. Sarah Hill. They can't forget Sarah Hill......
Night Elves are able to accept death in war or accidents. But they are not yet able to accept the sickness and even death that comes with aging. Tyrande had already spoken to Garrod and had informed him about Sarah Hill's situation.
Illness is not the only problem, it is just the last straw. Garrod and his partner were already suffering from a series of mild but increasingly frequent pains. Such symptoms sounded familiar to Malfurion, and even now he felt a tingling in his shoulder.
He walked through the garden, eyeing the nearest pedestrians along the way. A gloomy atmosphere permeated them. Malfurion could guess what they were thinking; Everyone wonders if this is their fate and when it will come.
And he wasn't much better than them.
There is no escaping fate. But Tyrande has tried to get the GuΓ² Sisterhood to curb the growing fears. She also paid attention to how young races, especially humans, coped with aging and sickness. It is true that both phenomena can also cause great psychological distress to humans, but in most cases they can adapt to it. At this point, the Grand Druid and his companion agreed that their people would not be able to withstand the same test.
Malfurion forced himself to put his eyes aside. He must concentrate on the upcoming summit. Preparations have been finalized and delegates are on the way. Malfurion had high hopes for the success of the meeting, and he now had to worry about the details.
"Grand Druid Malfurion......?"
It was almost impossible to get close to the Great Druid's side without drawing attention to him, but the man who spoke did it. Luckily, Malfurion wasn't a nervous person. He just turned around, unsurprised, and lowered his head slightly to stare at the human in front of him.
The man was in the prime of life, with a wide chin and slitted eyes. He wore a large, simple brown coat, and although his hands were empty, he gestured like a warrior.
Malfurion knew him. "Idrick. β
Idrik bowed deeply, his long brown-black hair hanging forward. "If you have time today, my lord Jean Greymane would like to speak with you. β
The Grand Druid frowned. 'Actually, Idrick, I'll have to talk to him right now. Where is he?"
The human straightened up. "I told him to wait near the warrior zone, on the way to our shelter. Idrik gave a strange expression. "Honestly, Grand Druid, I think he wants you to do the same. He knew that time was short. β
"Then take me there. β
Idrik did as he was told. At this time, Malfurion noticed that the presence of this human had caused the surrounding Night Elves to be distracted, almost as much as they were worried about aging...... Although in fact Darnassus allowed humans and other members of the Alliance to enter from the very beginning of its establishment. Apparently they recognized Idrik as one of Jean's right and left men, as well as his other identities. Although this young human does not squint, it is as if there is nothing but the road under his feet. Malfurion knew the opposite; Idrik was as uneasy, if not worse, than the citizens of Darnassus.
Idric's movements are as light and silent as any Night Elf, which is not a normal human's ability. When they left the city, Idrik didn't say anything, but Malfurion knew he was relieved when he walked into the woods. It's funny how a human can feel more relaxed in the wilderness than in the city.
As usual, the trees welcome the arrival of the Night Elves. The branches swayed softly in the wind, and the leaves rustled. It is impossible for Idrik not to notice this. Malfurion waved happily at them, knowing that the trees could feel it.
Then the welcome time ended. Malfurion heard them speak in the language of the trees. He's waiting for you...... He's waiting for you behind the three pimples......
All trees have names. Most of them are incomprehensible even to the Great Druids. All the Night Elves heard was a rough explanation of what the names meant. The names of the trees were almost always depictions of their physical features, and as far as he knew, no two trees had the same name.
Malfurion recognized the three pimples, which was one of the first trees to grow in this forest...... At least a few weeks ago, when they first met, the tree was so proud to tell him. Malfurion then turned and walked towards it, and was met by Jean Greymane.
"Hail to you, King of Gilneis. The Great Druid said solemnly. "Gilneth ......," muttered the stout and gloomy man. Jean Greymane looks like a bear, albeit an old bear. He wasn't handsome, but he had a majestic appearance and piercing gaze, as well as speed for a human of his age. Unlike the Night Elf in front of him, Jean had a short, well-trimmed beard. He is slightly taller than Idric, and thus is closer to the Night Elves in stature.
King "Gilneth ......" repeated the name. "There's only one name left, Grand Druid. β
"For now!" Idrik suddenly shouted.
"We'll see. Jean glanced at him and added. "Besides, why is the Great Druid here? I'm asking you to arrange a visit to him, not dragging him to meβ"
Malfurion intervened just in time to prevent the misunderstanding between the two from deepening. "I asked him to lead the way to you, Jean. You're looking for me, and I have something to tell you. Coming with Idrik saves valuable time. β
"It's about the summit, Great Druid. β
"Of course. Gilneth was one of the most prominent reasons I initiated this summit. I hope to fulfill your people's request to join the Allianceβ"
"You mean, the demand to return to the Alliance," the King whispered bitterly. "I was foolish enough to think that Gilneth should solve his own problems by himself. β
"Jean, the werewolf curse is not something you can control! you can't-"
"It doesn't matter!" King Gilneth let out a low roar, sounding for a moment more like an animal than a human. He leaned towards the Grand Druid, and despite Malfurion's taller stature, the Night Elves felt their gaze almost equal. Jean looked bigger and wilder. "It doesn't matter! We are cursed, and will always live in curse!"
Malfurion struggled to regain control of the conversation. "We wanted to talk to each other about the summit. The first representative will arrive tomorrow. β
Jean looked a little dejected. "Yes. Summit. They now have a chance to judge me for my stupid mistakes. β
"I've been in contact with some of the representatives. They understand the necessity of time. They understand that you have regretted what happened in the past. They also appreciate what you and your people can offer. β
"Do they understand that what we offer is a double-edged sword, Grand Druid?"
The Night Elf reached out and patted the human on the shoulder comfortingly. Jean silently accepted.
"You control it far better than you think you do. What you offer is good and harmless, Jean. At least in this aspect, they had to think seriously. β
"Even Stormwind?"
"I haven't heard from them yet. Malfurion admitted. "But I have a lot of hope. The Grand Druid leaned over to him. "He's going to come to the summit. That's what I want to tell you in particular. β
"Stormwind is coming?" Idrik blurted out. "Your Majesty meansβ"
"It doesn't mean anything," replied King Gilneth first. However, there was a glint of hope in his eyes. "No...... Maybe the meaning is heavy...... If only he and I could put the argument aside. I know I'm more than willing to do it. β
"Varian, Ureon is a smart man," the Grand Druid noted. "Otherwise Stormwind wouldn't be what it is today. β
Jean finally couldn't help but laugh. "You're right. This news made me feel relieved! After all, we had a chance. Now that he's here, he's probably willing to let the old things go away with the wind. β
Malfurion took a step back. "I've got to go back to the summit. I just want to tell you that there are signs that Gilneth can be accepted into the Alliance. I hope to get your commitment to attend the summit as I said before, and I would like to show your humility and strength. β
"I'll do my part, don't doubt it, Grand Druid. Jean reached out and shook Malfurion's hand. "Once again, I assure you of the fulfillment of the consensus we have reached. It is only through this summit that we can hope to see our homeland again. β
"And I promise you, I'll make it clear to all...... Even Stormwind. β
Jean Greymane gestured to Idric, and he dodged into the woods. And King Gilneth finally nodded gratefully at Malfurion. "I know you'll do your best. It's up to you to get to where you are today, Great Druid. Jean gritted his teeth, "But you also know that from now on, it's all in the hands of one person." β
"For the benefit of all of us, he will take the necessary considerations. β
"I'm sure so, but we might as well pray to your Elune. I will not spare any possible help......" With that, the king flew into the woods.
The Grand Druid stood there in contemplation for a moment. His gaze was fixed on where Jean and Idrik had disappeared.
A large black figure leapt away from the bushes and quickly disappeared into the trees. From the height, it looks like a human form...... But that's not the case.
Unsurprisingly, the sight was slightly irritating to the Night Elves. He turned around and silently vowed to do everything in his power to help Gilneth's refugees, including making sure that the entire coalition welcomed their return.
After all, if it weren't for Malfurion, they wouldn't have been cursed. (To be continued.) )