Music: BECAUSE YOU WERE THERE  composed by Soren Sabet Sarvestany 

https://youtu.be/lwOOC2GyPCQ

The back of the chamber was dark, pitch. Within its black shroud, two demonised individuals stood.  They looked out across the harsh landscape of Mardum, through the forged window that spanned the length of the chamber at its far end.  Rivers of luminous fel crept their way through crevices and fissures driven into the barren land and bled over unforgiving, craggy mountains.  This sulphur infused land, home to the demon hunters would soon cease to be so for the two individuals standing in the shadows.

They awaited their judge and jury. The Naaru. Only beings of a higher power could grant an immortal release from its amaranthine existence, an end to the longevity which some viewed as a punishment and fewer still as a gift.  Having endured over ten thousand years, much of which he had spent incarcerated, Illidan Stormrage was ready to embrace his death.  

Certainly, prior to the days before the onslaught of the Void, Illidan had been taking measure of his life. His recent accomplishments and therefore the completion of his crusade, posed the question, was he now surplus to requirement? His answer came with the demise of a dear friend. 

The loss of Khadgar had weighed heavily on his conscience, never more so than the day before, when he attended his memorial.  Although the Archmage had only entered his circle but a few short months before, he had nonetheless come to value the man's friendship, wisdom and knowledge.  He admired Khadgar's leadership qualities, having taken time to familiarize himself with the past deeds and achievements of the man, as well as having been privy to more recent events.   

His failure to reach him in time before the portal had collapsed, was the deciding factor in his needing to end his own life.  He could not bring himself to face Sarah following the service for the Archmage, for in his failure to save the man, he had failed her too.  He was wrought with guilt.  

Without these two people, he would not have been rescued from the Vault in the Broken Isles, he would not have aided in the defeat of the Burning Legion nor would he have been instrumental in the battle with the Void.  Quite simply, without them, he would not be.  And so, he had made his decision, and contacted the Naaru, requesting they fulfil his wish. He felt it fitting to offer himself as another sacrifice.

Considering it was something which would not have been possible had the spirits from the Twisting Nether not empowered the land with their light, it was somewhat ironic that having assisted in their rebirth, Illidan now needed the Naaru to erase him from the planet.  

The light which had erupted from the clash between spirits and the Void had reached beyond the skies of Azeroth. Once the spirits were riven from their existence, their sacrifice gave life once more to a dying race - the Naaru. From beyond the reach of the Void, the celestial beings had made their way to the planet to aid in the final assault on the Lords of shadow.  

So now,  they sought out the one who had been prophesied as the saviour of Azeroth.  He had done what was expected of him. He had fulfilled his role after centuries of persecution, derision, hatred, and imprisonment.  They had heard his plea and they would award him accordingly.  Now it was time for his suffering to end.

On the upper ramp,  Kayn waited. His orders were to remain there until the deed was done. Illidan had named him as his successor. He had followed Illidan for almost fourteen years and believed in him utterly,  knowing from the outset that his goal was to defeat the Burning Legion.  He had watched him deal with blow after blow from his own people, the night elves, and also all those of both horde and alliance affiliation. His admiration had only grown as he witnessed how Illidan never wavered from his path and even later, as he learned of his infusion from the Naaru and their prophecy, Kayn's loyalty remained absolute.  

The one-time blood elf had objected to being named Illidan's successor to begin with, pleading that Illidan rethink his decision and stating that he felt unworthy of such an honour.  In Kayn's mind, there was only ever going to be one Lord of The Demon Hunters and that was Illidan himself.  But the Stormrage brother was unshakable.  He assured Kayn that he was more than capable of being a strong and powerful leader.  Finally, Kayn accepted, albeit with a deep-felt sorrow. 

The Illidari would remain as warriors and defenders of Azeroth, but Illidan himself was tired, weary of it all, he wanted, nay, ached for release.  So now, with the arrival of his executioners imminent, Illidan stood, poised, tall, proud and ready for the end.  He clasped the hand beside him. Arcaena. Utter devotion to the end,  she had opted to join him.   He tried to dissuade her, saying she had much to offer Azeroth and her impeccable fighting skills would be invaluable to Kayn.  But, she would not rescind her decision. She had said life without him was no life at all.

Turning their runecloth covered sockets to the window at the far side of the chamber, Illidan and Arcaena watched as finally, the Naaru approached. Their heavenly light trailing behind them through the night sky as they floated towards the fortress that had become home to the demon hunters, The Fel Hammer.  Arcaena's hand tightened around Illidan's. He turned his head to look at her. Darkness did not hinder his sight. "You have time to change your mind," he said softly.

Her breath caught a little. "No, Illidan. I am with you to the end, and beyond."

The mighty demon hunter smiled and after a moment he spoke again. "Thank you, Arcaena."

"For what?"

"For believing in me.  And for loving me."

Arcaena laughed a little, although he heard a suppressed sob in her voice. Tightening her fingers around his again, she quietly said, "Oh it could have been so very different, my love, had I killed you in Hellfire."

At that Illidan laughed. "Indeed. Or had Arthas finished me..."

Arcaena threw her arms around him, silencing him with a kiss. He pulled her close. She buried her head against his shoulder.

"Arcaena..."

"No! Do not speak of it. I will not change my mind. I cannot exist without you."

His embrace tightened. Since she had awakened to the true path he had taken and understood him and all he had strived for, he had always known she loved him, but it wasn't until now that he realised just how fierce her love was. He was certain, that if he could weep, his eyes would be moist at that moment. "I love you, with all of my black heart," he said, his breath caressing her ear.

"Your heart was never black Illidan, merely misunderstood. And, for the record, I love you too, my Lord." Her voice faded to a wounded whisper.

The chamber was then filled with golden light. The couple disengaged from their embrace and stood, hand in hand to face their final minutes.

Five Naaru shimmered and wavered before them. Their gossamer appearance was calming and of unequalled beauty. Each a different colour, amethyst, silver, chartreuse, cyan and their leader, gold. Their soft crystal song filled the chamber.

"Welcome," Illidan spoke with his mind.

"It is strange to be welcomed under such circumstances," the leader of the Naaru replied.

Illidan laughed lightly, a hint of vexation in its sound. Arcaena looked at him questioningly. "I dare say it is. May I ask that my wife hears this conversation too?"

"As you wish."

Illidan nodded thanks before turning to Arcaena. "You will be part of this my love. Communicate with your mind, they will hear you."

Again, she tightened her fingers around his. She looked towards the celestial beings. "I-I do not know what to call you," she transmitted.

"I am E'the," the leading Naaru informed them. "My brethren are C'eles, Aerel, Charis, and Gu'ya." Each being shimmered when they were introduced, so the demon hunters knew which one was which.

"So, E'the. Have you considered my –" A tug from Arcaena corrected him. With a winsome smile, he finished, "- our request?"

The Naaru's light flared slightly and the chimes intensified for a moment. "We have, Illidan Stormrage. We have consulted with another and we have reached our decision. Your request is granted."

Up at the top of the ramp, his lieutenant waited nervously.  Behind him, demon hunters lined the Fell Hammer all the way to the entrance,  each and every one of them aware of their leader's decision.  They would honour his wish that Kayn succeeds him, and swore to follow the blood elf as loyally as they had Illidan himself.  It was nonetheless with heavy hearts and unmitigated respect that they awaited the moment their esteemed leader drew his last breath.

In the bottom chamber, Illidan and Arcaena prepared themselves for their last moments.

"We have to inform you Illidan and Arcaena Stormrage, that this will be final and binding."

"That is what we wish," Illidan responded, inclining his horned head in respect.

"Very well. Before carrying out the sentence, I must convey our gratitude. In expelling the Void, you enabled us to exist in greater numbers again. However, know this, there will always be shadow where there is light."

"This I know. But my time is over. I have ensured a valiant and honourable leader will take my place. It has been a very long ten thousand years and I am...weary."

"We understand. You have fought valiantly, for the most part, Illidan. You lost your way for a while, and I admit your true intentions were questioned by us as well as your own people. But, it was the mortal Sarah who saw the good in you and became the catalyst in all this. She will remain the one who can aid the world when required."

The demon hunter stepped forward. "She has lost much," Illidan said, his voice betraying a tremor in its timbre. "I beg you do not put all the onus on her. Utilise my people."  

All five Naaru flared, their chimes all resounding in one sweet chorus. "Sarah will be fine, Illidan. She is strong. Stronger than you know."

"Hmm." Illidan considered.   He had no doubt she would be strong again,  but at this moment in time, she suffered greatly.   He felt such deep sympathy and tenacious remorse,  torn between remaining to aid her in her fate, or relieving her of his debilitating presence.  The latter he decided, was the kinder of the two.  "May I ask something else?" His voice still trembled. Arcaena stepped beside her husband. She could tell this was difficult for him.

"Ask." E'the said.

"When – when the spirits dispersed, did you sense him?  Khadgar, I mean?"

The celestial chimes tinkled for a moment as if the Naaru were silently consulting with each other over such a delicate question. "I am sorry," E'the replied,  "it is not something I can answer. Understand, there were hundreds of thousands of spirits, and once they quashed the Void, they fragmented as one.  It is impossible, even for us, to sense a particular spirit from all those involved."

Illidan lowered his head. His chest heaved. It had not been what he had hoped to hear, but the Naaru's explanation was credible. "I understand," he replied. "Promise me you will ensure Sarah and her son are looked after though. At least as best as you can intervene."

"That we will."

Illidan looked towards the ramp. He knew Kayn would be waiting nervously, preparing to carry out his and Arcaena's bodies after the deed was done. He turned then to his wife. "Are you ready then, my love?"

She nodded, taking his hand in both of hers. He leaned down and gave her a final loving kiss. He looked back at E'the. Taking a deep breath, he spoke, ensuring his voice was heard by Kayn. "We are ready. Do it now."    

The Naaru started to pulse, their light strengthening with each beat. Soon the chamber was blinding, awash with light.  The rays stretched out through the window across the fel-encrusted landscape, making the Fel Hammer a sparkling beacon in the darkened sky.  Beams snaked their way up the ramp and to the farther reaches of the structure bleeding into every crack and crevice of its stone walls.  All who bore witness to the phenomenon held their breath.   

Music: DESTINY OF THE CHOSEN - Immediate      

https://youtu.be/54GgiVWHK84

The beings who had once imbued him with the gift of their light now took Illidan's life.  Another sacrifice for the good of Azeroth?  But it was one that many could not fathom.  Why after all he had suffered and all he achieved since would the Naaru agree to his being erased?  A powerful leader, who many had flocked to follow, and who had valiantly led them all to victory. 

They knew he was dying,   they could hear their master's harrowing roars and Arcaena's piercing screams.  His Illidari had not expected to hear their suffering, they had hoped it would be quick and silent.  It seemed that the demise of their leader was a lengthy and torturous act. 

The song chimes of the Naaru echoed around the Fel Hammer, intensifying as if trying to block out the agonising sounds of the demon hunters in the chamber below.   All those within the building's confines were motionless,  fighting their inner battle of profound sorrow.    

Finally, after the light lessened along with the chimes, many Illidari were heard to be sobbing, some had fallen to their knees out of respect or grief, while others still, clung to each other trying to offer comfort.  The Lord of the Demon Hunters, Illidan Stormrage, had fallen silent.

Kayn was gulping air, trying with all his might to remain composed as one of the Naaru floated up the ramp to let him know it was done. He nodded and turned to beckon eight others. Following the celestial, they slowly made their way down to the once more darkened chamber. Only one other Naaru remained, E'the.  Turning at the bottom of the ramp with the eight demon hunters following, Kayn made his way to the centre of the chamber. He ordered the others to continue to the back and claim the bodies of their late master and his bride.

They moved in unison.  Suddenly they halted. Something lurked within the gloom. They glanced back at Kayn; confused, uncertain.  He stepped forward, apprehensively, his attention drawn to the back of the chamber.  

He could see an imprint in the darkness. It was an outline of a figure, tall, strong, hair flowing in the aftermath of the Naaru's force.  From the gloom, two bright specks appeared, glowing, magnifying, moving towards him.  Kayn held his breath. A moment later he stumbled backwards in utter disbelief.  

Illidan Stormrage emerged from the gloom. But, he was no longer a demon hunter. He was pure night elf; still strong and muscular but minus all the abnormalities which the demonic persona had dealt him for millennia. And once more, he possessed eyes of molten amber.

From behind Illidan a female night elf appeared. Her eyes were wide, vibrant. She stared at her hands, then her legs, touching her torso, her face, forehead. She spun around as if trying to see behind herself.  Then her eyes turned to the demon hunters in front of her. They moved aside as she walked towards Kayn. "It's me!" she said excitedly. "Arcaena!"

Kayn took a step back. "Arcaena?" he said, uncertain.

"Yes! Look at me, Kayn." She held up her hands and again touched her forehead. She started to laugh.  She turned, catching sight of Illidan, who looked equally astounded at the turn of events. Clasping her hands to her face, Arcaena laughed out loud, then it was followed by a sob, and then another one.  She ran to her husband. "I don't understand," she said.  She was inspecting his hands, his feet, his head. She ran around him. All that was demonic had vanished. Both inspected each other closely, the look of wonder written clearly on their faces.

"Neither do I!" Illidan said, his amber eyes wide and bright. The demon hunters all knelt in front of him. "No!" he said. "No, I am not your Lord anymore. Kayn is your leader." When he looked over at Kayn, he too was kneeling. "Get up Kayn!" Illidan said. "You do not bow to me anymore."

The former lieutenant rose. He inadvertently clamped his hand to his chest. Arcaena giggled.

Illidan took a moment then looked at the Naaru. "We asked for an ending..."

"And that is what you have been granted Illidan Stormrage."

"No, you do not understand..."

"It is you who do not understand. I told you we consulted with another. They asked for this to be both your ending and your beginning."

Illidan shook his head. Arcaena clasped his hand. He looked at her questioningly. She nodded back, she could still hear the Naaru.

"Who would ask this?" Illidan questioned E'the.

"The very one whose life you once saved. She remembered that you had done this very thing for a demon hunter called Tiene, and asked us to perform the same act of kindness on you and Arcaena. Her faith in you is unshakable, Illidan. "

"Sarah asked this of you? You consulted with her?" Illidan said in disbelief.

"Yes. She knew you blamed yourself for Khadgar's loss. Sarah argues that claim. She thought you may want a way out, so she spoke with us the day before you did. We then confirmed her fears.

"You said yourself Illidan, she has lost much. She does not want to lose you and Arcaena as well. She values your advice and foresight and considers you as her friends with whom she hopes to journey through the years with. Besides, you were and still are a great sorcerer. "

"What?" He was still dumbstruck by the whole thing. Arcaena tugged on his arm. He looked down at her. Her face said it all. She was ecstatic. His mouth broke into a smile.

"Enjoy your life Illidan. You are not done yet by a long shot. Now you will rise to greatness as the sorcerer you once were, if indeed not greater still. You also harnessed the powers of a mage, but then, you never were one to be restricted.  Your powers will be required soon enough. I bid you farewell."

Without waiting for a response the Naaru left, hurtling into the dark beyond.

Music: TRUE LOVE ALWAYS by Audiomachine

https://youtu.be/BajlbfjGmZg

He glanced around him. The demon hunters were still kneeling. "Get up! All of you," he said exasperated. "I am not your leader. Kayn here is." He strode over to his former lieutenant and planted a firm hand on his shoulder.  The lieutenant whimpered, the corners of his mouth twitching. "Now, all of you go and do, whatever – Kayn tells you to do."  He laughed at what he said and moved back to stand beside Arcaena.  His situation was finally starting to click into place. He then seemed to have an afterthought. "Kayn," he said, turning to face the still motionless and stunned looking demon hunter.

"Yes, my Lord," Kayn replied automatically.

Illidan smirked. Holding up his hand he pointed to the new leader of the Illidari. "You are going to have to get out of that habit," he smiled, fangs glinting in the low light of the chamber.

"Yes, my L –" The former lieutenant was becoming oddly more flustered.

Illidan shook his head. Seemed it would take time for all to adjust. "I was going to ask, may we stay here, just for tonight?"

Kayn cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably. "Of course! You may stay as long as you wish. Illidan." He bowed with heartfelt respect.

The night elf nodded, pleased. "Thank you."

Kayn signalled for the demon hunters to move back up the ramp, he followed after them, pausing long enough to look back at his former Lord and leader.  

As his shape disappeared, Illidan turned to Arcaena, grinning. He stroked her cheek, marvelling at how her skin felt now his fingers were no longer scaly nor taloned.  "I see he still likes you. Probably more so now."  He ran his fingers through the ends of her hair, before his hand cupped the back of her neck, drawing her to him. His amber eyes blazed with carnal intent.

Arcaena guffawed. Illidan's brow creased. "What?" he asked.

"Even with your amber eyes you still cannot see the obvious?"

Illidan looked quizzically at her.

Arcaena's familiar lop-sided smile stretched her mouth as she started to undo the sash around his waist.  "It was never me he hungered for, Illidan.  It was you!"