"A prophecy from the Light? Rhodes, you're saying you knew all along?" Kael'thas asked, his face a mask of astonishment.
Even Jaina and Finnall, standing to the side, were struck with shock. However, all three found the revelation somewhat easier to accept because Rhodes was the Son of the Holy Light. His prophetic abilities were known to be unprecedented, and every vision he had shared thus far had come to pass with unerring accuracy.
"Yes, Kael," Rhodes nodded, his gaze sweeping over the timid Anveena.
"My friend Rhodes, I need a proper explanation," Kael'thas said. "As you know, this is difficult for me to accept. My people have suffered so much; had this girl been present, we might not have even needed the grueling expedition to Outland to find the waters of the Well of Eternity. We could have restored the Sunwell then and there."
This was a significant blow to the Blood Elf Prince. He was troubled by the fact that he hadn't realized someone had taken the essence of the Sunwell and transformed it into a sentient, flesh-and-blood being.
This fact threatened the legitimacy of the Sunstrider dynasty's rule. The Blood Elves' most common phrase was, "May the Eternal Sun guide you." Their worship of the sun—and the Sunwell itself—was etched into their very bones. In a sense, this girl was the Sunwell incarnate. Her status was, in theory, higher than his own; even as a crowned king, his claim to the Sunwell could never surpass hers.
"Kael'thas, I know you are furious, but even if I had returned Anveena then, your strength at the time would not have been enough to rebuild the Sunwell," Krasus said helplessly.
Having spent years among humans and elves, the dragon had finally deduced what Kael'thas was truly worried about. He realized his previous plan had been somewhat naive; perhaps he should have hidden Anveena forever, but secrets always come to light eventually. Now, his priority was to save Anveena's life, and he hoped this "Son of the Holy Light" could help.
Krasus found Rhodes's presence fascinating. He felt as though he had met the man before, but the memory was maddeningly blurred, as if it didn't exist at all.
This suggested a disturbing possibility: his memory had been modified or sealed by a powerful entity. To seal the memories of a Dragonqueen's consort was no small feat. Who is this Rhodes, truly?
"While I was assisting you in the reconstruction of the Sunwell, the Light showed me blurred fragments," Rhodes began, starting his "prophecy" play. "A prophecy from the Great Light: the Sunwell has birthed a daughter. She was born of the waters, shaped by life, and her radiance shall pierce the gloom in our darkest hour."
Rhodes spread his arms wide. "A girl possessing the primordial power of the Sunwell will become a key combatant for Azeroth's future. She is the condensation of the old Sunwell's essence and an extension of the new well's lineage.
Forcing her to 'return' might briefly empower the Sunwell, but it would smother a vital ally in the coming fight against the darkness. She is the silver lining born from destruction—a miracle of life. Lord Krasus giving her form and consciousness was perhaps an act of destiny."
Rhodes knew Kael'thas's primary fear was his political legitimacy. Therefore, Anveena could not be the incarnation of the Sunwell; she had to be its daughter. To save the girl, Rhodes had to give Kael'thas an "out." If she represented the Sunwell itself, her status surpassed his, which was unacceptable.
"So you're saying, Rhodes, that she is the daughter birthed by the Sunwell? A key to resisting evil?" Kael'thas asked.
"Exactly, Kael. Anveena is the key. She holds the residual power of the Sunwell. If she can master it, her magical capacity won't be far off from a Guardian's.
With training, she could even become a second Guardian. And Lord Krasus is right—think back, Kael, under those circumstances, could you have truly succeeded then?" Rhodes smiled.
The others offered no objection. The power hidden within Anveena was palpable. If she grew into her potential as Rhodes suggested, the future was indeed immeasurable. Furthermore, she retained a connection to the newly reborn Sunwell, given her origins.
Kael'thas's brow finally smoothed. Rhodes's words had hit the mark. Back then, the race was in chaos, magic withdrawal was rampant, and the Scourge was at the gates. It had been a nightmare. Even with the essence, proper utilization would have been risky.
"Perhaps you are right, Rhodes. That was not the time for the Sunwell's rebirth."
Rhodes nodded, satisfied, and turned to the dragon. "Lord Krasus, your desire to protect life is admirable. But you must also understand the feelings of Prince Kael'thas and the Blood Elves. The Sunwell is the foundation of their civilization. Your secrecy created a rift of misunderstanding."
Krasus's expression softened. "I admit my error. I may have been too idealistic and overlooked the feelings of Quel'Thalas. I came here today to make amends, to be open, and to seek a recognized, safe future for Anveena."
"So, what else did the Light reveal?" Kael'thas asked, his anger largely dissipated. Defining Anveena as the "daughter" of the Sunwell effectively bypassed the political landmines.
"The Light suggests," Rhodes said with a smile, "that her identity must be recognized and protected by the Blood Elf royalty. Publicly, we cannot call her the Sunwell's daughter or avatar. However, you could adopt her as an honorary sister or ward. Furthermore, Anveena's appearance needs to change. It would be best if she looked like a Blood Elf."
"You mean for me to alter her appearance to match our kind?" Krasus asked. For a Red Dragon, such a feat was simple magic. When he first gave her life, he could have chosen any form.
"Mr. Rhodes, Teacher Krasus... but I'm a human! How can I just become an elf?" Anveena asked, confused.
"Human? Don't be silly, milady," Rhodes chuckled. "Humans are born from mothers. You are the essence of the Sunwell; you can be any race, and the most fitting is the Blood Elf. Besides, elves are more beautiful—I think you'll like it."
"Rhodes is right," Kael'thas said, taking a deep breath. "I can give you an identity, Anveena. You shall be the secret daughter of my late father—my sister. From this day forth, you are Anveena Sunstrider."
It was a perfect solution. He couldn't claim a daughter himself, so he'd attribute her to his deceased father. The avatar of the Sunwell becoming a member of the Sunstrider family was a clean political move.
"Oh, my... this is so surreal! I'm going from a normal human girl to a Blood Elf Princess?" Anveena said, overwhelmed.
"Stay calm, child. You were never human; you must understand that," Krasus said, agreeing with the plan. He raised his staff and funneled his life energy to reshape her form.
Soft red energy enveloped Anveena. Her golden hair remained, but her rounded human ears stretched into the characteristic slender points of the elves. Her stature grew slightly taller and more lithe. Her skin became alabaster, and most strikingly, her eyes flared with a brilliant, glowing gold.
The transformation left the men in the room momentarily breathless. If she had been a "90" before, she was a "100" now. There are no ugly elves, and this new form befitted a princess.
"You look much better, milady," Rhodes said with a smile.