The banquet hall within the spire had long been prepared. Unlike the boisterous feasts of humans, it was filled with elven elegance and tranquility.
Colossal crystal windows filtered the twilight of Eversong Woods into the room, where the air was thick with the scent of sandalwood and magical blossoms. The long table was set with exquisite silver cutlery and crystal vessels holding elven pastries and fruits that looked like works of art, including blue berries that emitted a starlike glow.
Kael'thas personally poured a liquid with a golden hue for Rhodes, Jaina, and Finnall—the famous Morning Dew Wine of Quel'Thalas.
"Please, taste it. This is a specialty of our homeland."
Rhodes, Jaina, and Finnall raised their glasses, nodding to Kael'thas.
"First, let me thank you again, personally, for coming. Rhodes, my friend—whether in Lordaeron, Hyjal, or Outland—you have proven your friendship and your value. This glass is to friendship, to the Alliance, and to the rebirth that is to come!"
They drank together. The Morning Dew Wine was crisp and mellow, carrying a floral fragrance. A gentle surge of magical warmth spread through their bodies, refreshing their spirits. This special brew even had a mana-restoration effect; while not as potent as a professional mana potion, it was remarkably effective.
In the pleasant atmosphere, they chatted about recent events. Kael'thas asked about the progress of Lordaeron's reconstruction and the situation in Theramore, while Jaina inquired about interesting anecdotes from the rebuilding of Silvermoon.
Once the atmosphere was sufficiently harmonious after a few rounds of drinks, Kael'thas steered the conversation toward serious business.
"Ladies, do you enjoy accordion performances? If so, I have prepared a special opera for you," Kael'thas said, looking at Jaina and Finnall.
His intention to speak with Rhodes alone couldn't have been more obvious.
"Oh! If there's a special musical performance, I'd certainly love to see it. Come, sister, join me for the opera," Jaina said, catching on immediately. She took Finnall's hand, and the two women followed a servant to the music hall Kael'thas had arranged.
Sometimes, when men need to discuss certain matters, it's best for the women to be elsewhere.
Kael'thas smiled politely and clapped his hands. Every Blood Elf maid and attendant left the room, leaving only Kael'thas and Rhodes in the vast reception hall.
"Kael, is there something you want to say to me?" Rhodes asked, draining his glass.
"Rhodes, the water from the Well of Eternity you brought is our only hope. Preparations are nearly complete. The Magisters have reinforced the seals and energy-conducting arrays at the Sunwell Plateau day and night. We are only waiting to inject that source of life."
"I will help you when the time comes," Rhodes replied. "But is there something else on your mind?"
By his estimation, this shouldn't require the sacrifice of Anveena or the Blood Elves themselves this time, and Kael'thas didn't even seem to know of that girl's existence yet.
"I'll be blunt, Rhodes. I've been thinking about how to make the reborn Sunwell... 'safer.' Or rather, more 'defensive.' The Scourge, the demons of the Burning Legion, and the shadows stirring in Azeroth are all powerful evils. I need to be prepared."
Kael'thas continued, "I've seen the power of the Light while by your side. Your mastery of it, and even that Paladin lady you brought, have shown me a new possibility. Perhaps when we rebuild the Sunwell, we should infuse it with the power of the Light. I want a Paladin force for Quel'Thalas. I might need the support of the Silver Hand for this. Can you help me?"
Rhodes was stunned. He set his glass down and looked at Kael'thas with surprise. Is history really self-correcting in this way? In the original timeline, the Sunwell indeed became a fount of both Holy Light and Arcane energy.
But in this timeline, due to Rhodes's presence, the Blood Elves hadn't left the Alliance for the Horde, and Kael'thas hadn't fled to Outland to serve Illidan. With pure Well of Eternity water, a standard Arcane restoration was the logical path—yet here was Kael'thas, proactively asking for the Light.
Rhodes realized why. The power he had displayed—specifically his Archangels—was peak combat strength in Azeroth, just a step shy of demigod status. Those two together could challenge a demigod.
Their role in killing Archimonde at Hyjal (rather than just letting the World Tree blow him up) had left a permanent mark on Kael'thas. Furthermore, the creation of the Holy Light Phoenix and the Light Elementals (evolved from Fire Elementals) had deeply moved the Prince.
If Kael'thas had a holy fountain, his permanent summons could become flying, winged Light Elementals—units comparable to Tier 5 troops with the abilities of both Priests and Paladins. It was a perfect vision.
"Theoretically, there are challenges, but it's not impossible," Rhodes spoke slowly. He knew how vital the Light was for the Blood Elves. If he didn't help, Kael'thas might eventually turn to the Draenei and the Naaru, which could bring complications Rhodes preferred to avoid.
He decided to help. His "Light" was different; because it originated from the Heroes of Might and Magic system, it didn't "infect" the user into a Lightbound state as easily as Azeroth's raw Light might.
"Light and Arcane are not absolute opposites," Rhodes told Kael'thas. "Under certain conditions, they can coexist and even strengthen one another. The key is a powerful 'medium' and precise control."
"Wonderful! I knew you would help!" Kael'thas said excitedly. "My plan is for me to lead the Arcane shaping to ensure the magical essence remains. Simultaneously, we need someone with a profound understanding of the Light to inject the purest essence into the core at the critical moment. I believe that 'medium'—that Lightbearer—must be you. Your Archangels, your Phoenix, and your Light Elementals are the perfect conduits."
"It's a bold plan, Kael. I agree," Rhodes nodded. "Tomorrow, we go to the Isle of Quel'Danas. I will summon my Archangels, the Phoenix, and roughly 200 permanent Light Elementals to assist in the reconstruction."
Rhodes figured it was better to have the Sunwell under the influence of his specific "system-based" Light than to let it be completely colonized by the Naaru. This way, the Blood Elves would birth a more "normal" Paladin order rather than the desperate "Blood Knights" of the original history.
"Thank you, Rhodes. We will succeed!" Kael'thas was elated. The idea of 200 permanent Light Elementals providing a constant source of power was staggering.
"You're welcome, Kael. You helped me when I was a nobody; now I'm returning the favor."
"I am always on your side, Rhodes. It is not the Alliance I believe in—it is you."
Later that night, Rhodes reunited with Jaina and Finnall after their opera. He shared the details of the secret conversation. Their reactions were polarized.
"Praise the Light! That is wonderful news!" Finnall exclaimed, her face shining.
"Rhodes," Jaina asked, her brow furrowed with concern, "is merging the Light into the Sunwell truly feasible? Won't there be an energy conflict?"