Morning sunlight streamed through the tall windows of Windrunner Manor, casting golden rays across the polished wooden floors. The air carried the scent of pine forests and distant sea breeze from the coasts of Quel'Thalas.
Inside the main hall, preparations were underway. Scrolls, books, and small enchanted tools were arranged neatly on a large table. Each item had been carefully selected by Leylin, who was currently sealing a leather satchel with a small arcane rune.
Across from him stood Jaina Proudmoore, who was watching with mild curiosity.
"You're bringing a lot of research materials for someone who says we're only delivering a message," Jaina remarked.
Leylin calmly tied the satchel strap.
"Preparation prevents inefficiency."
Jaina sighed lightly.
"You sound exactly like the old archmages."
Before Leylin could reply, footsteps echoed from the corridor. Two figures entered the room. Aminel and Tyr'ganal. Aminel carried her slender frost-etched staff while Tyr'ganal held several thick arcane tomes bound in cloth. Tyr'ganal dropped the books onto the table.
"If we're visiting Dalaran, I refuse to arrive unprepared."
Jaina raised an eyebrow.
"You're bringing books to a city full of books."
"Exactly," Tyr'ganal replied proudly. "It's only polite."
Leylin ignored the exchange and turned toward the doorway.
"Before we leave, I must inform someone."
Outside the manor, the village of Windrunner Village was already alive with activity.
Elven craftsmen opened their shops while human farmers carried baskets of produce toward the bazaar.
Children ran across the grass fields laughing loudly, their carefree voices filling the air. Near the garden walkway stood Vereesa Windrunner. She had been speaking with several villagers but turned as Leylin approached.
"Leaving already?" she asked.
Leylin nodded.
"I must travel to Dalaran."
Vereesa folded her arms thoughtfully.
"For research?"
"Partly."
He paused before continuing.
"I also have a message to deliver."
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"A message important enough to travel personally?"
"Yes."
She studied him for a moment. Vereesa had known Leylin long enough to recognize when he was deliberately withholding details. But she also trusted his judgment. Finally she sighed.
"Just don't disappear for months again."
Leylin allowed himself a faint smile.
"I will return."
Nearby, Jaina Proudmoore stepped forward.
"We shouldn't delay."
Aminel and Tyr'ganal joined them as well. Leylin then walked toward a wide clearing just beyond the village. The open space was perfect. Teleportation magic required stability and distance from heavy arcane interference.
He raised his hand slowly. Arcane energy began gathering around him. Blue light spiraled outward like ripples in water. Jaina blinked in surprise.
"Wait… you're casting—"
Leylin finished calmly.
"Mass teleportation."
Arcane runes formed beneath their feet. Dozens of glowing symbols layered together into a massive teleportation circle. Tyr'ganal's eyes widened.
"By the Sunwell…"
Even Aminel looked stunned. Mass teleportation was extremely difficult magic. Transporting a single person across long distances already required immense precision. Transporting four people simultaneously?
That required absolute control over spatial calculations. Leylin's voice echoed calmly.
"Do not resist the flow of mana."
The air trembled. A wave of power surged outward. Then—the world vanished.
For a brief instant everything became a tunnel of rushing light. Space folded. Distance collapsed. And in the next heartbeat, they appeared again.
A cool breeze greeted them. They now stood on an open hill overlooking one of the most magnificent cities in Azeroth.The towers of Dalaran rose proudly against the sky. Elegant spires of violet stone stretched upward like crystal spears.
Runic barriers shimmered faintly around the city's perimeter. Floating magical lights drifted through the air like silent guardians. Scholars, apprentices, and archmages walked the streets below, their robes displaying the symbols of the Kirin Tor.
Jaina exhaled slowly.
"Dalaran."
Even after years away, the sight of the city stirred familiar memories. Aminel gazed at the arcane wards surrounding the walls.
"Incredible… the density of magical energy here is astonishing."
Tyr'ganal looked even more fascinated.
"This place is practically a living library."
Leylin observed the city quietly. Dalaran truly was the greatest center of magical knowledge among humans. Which was precisely why he had come.
They began walking toward the gates. Several mages glanced at them as they passed. Some recognized Jaina immediately.
"Lady Proudmoore!"
"Back from Quel'Thalas already?"
Jaina nodded politely while continuing forward. Once inside the city streets, Leylin finally spoke.
"Jaina."
She looked at him.
"Yes?"
Leylin's voice remained calm.
"I require an audience with someone."
"Who?"
He answered simply.
"Archmage Antonidas."
Jaina stopped walking.
"The Archmage?"
"Yes."
She frowned slightly.
"That won't be easy. He's the leader of the Kirin Tor. His schedule is… complicated."
Leylin met her gaze.
"Can you arrange it?"
Jaina thought carefully. She had once been one of Antonidas' most promising students. That connection still carried weight. Finally she nodded slowly.
"I can try."
While Jaina headed toward the central tower to request the meeting, Aminel and Tyr'ganal remained behind with Leylin. Tyr'ganal looked around the bustling magical streets with clear excitement.
"So this is the famous city of mages."
Aminel nodded.
"The magical infrastructure alone is extraordinary."
Leylin glanced at them.
"You may explore if you wish."
Tyr'ganal brightened immediately.
"Really?"
"Yes."
Aminel looked thoughtful.
"There's much we can learn from observing their magical constructs."
Leylin nodded.
"Return here before evening."
The two elves quickly disappeared into the busy streets, eager to examine every magical tower and enchanted structure within the city. Left alone for a moment, Leylin looked toward the tallest tower rising at the center of Dalaran.
Inside that tower resided Antonidas, one of the greatest archmages in human history. Leylin knew this meeting could influence events far beyond simple academic discussion. Because the information he carried, concerned the fate of Lordaeron itself.
And perhaps, the beginning of a war that would soon engulf all of Azeroth.
The floating city of Dalaran shimmered beneath the afternoon sun. Arcane currents drifted through the air like invisible rivers, weaving between tall violet towers and rune-inscribed streets. Apprentices hurried between lecture halls, while seasoned archmages discussed magical theory beneath floating lanterns that glowed softly even in daylight.
It was a city that never truly slept. And yet, despite the constant activity, the group from Quel'Thalas found themselves moving through the streets at a much calmer pace.
Earlier that morning, Jaina Proudmoore had succeeded in arranging the meeting.
After sending several messages through Kirin Tor channels and calling upon her reputation as one of the most promising students of the archmage, she had finally secured an audience. But there was a condition.
The meeting would only take place in the evening. Which meant they had nearly the entire day to spend inside the legendary city.
Naturally, Tyr'ganal and Aminel had immediately decided where they wanted to go. The Grand Library. The largest collection of magical knowledge among the human kingdoms.
Rows upon rows of towering bookshelves stretched endlessly inside the massive structure. Magical lights floated between the shelves, illuminating ancient tomes, fragile scrolls, and enchanted manuscripts that dated back centuries.
The moment Tyr'ganal stepped inside, his eyes practically shone.
"By the Sunwell… this place is paradise."
Aminel nodded in agreement, already scanning the titles on nearby shelves.
"Human magical theory is… surprisingly extensive."
A librarian glanced at them suspiciously.
"Quiet, please."
Tyr'ganal immediately lowered his voice.
"Of course."
Within minutes, the two high elf mages had already gathered several books. Arcane geometry. Mana flow dynamics. Dimensional stability. Some theories were primitive compared to high elven teachings. Others, however, were… interesting.
Aminel flipped through one particular tome slowly.
"These humans approach arcane calculations differently."
Tyr'ganal leaned over her shoulder.
"Less refined."
"But… surprisingly creative."
Both elves exchanged a glance. Even in their brief time studying under Leylin, they had already learned to appreciate unconventional thinking.
And Dalaran clearly had plenty of that. So the two settled down inside the library to study, occasionally whispering discussions as they compared human magical theory with their own.
Meanwhile, at the residence they had rented within the city, Leylin sat quietly near a window overlooking the streets below. The room was simple. A wooden desk. Several chairs. And a small balcony that allowed the sounds of the city to drift inside.
Jaina stood near the table, watching him curiously.
"You're unusually calm."
Leylin did not open his eyes.
"I expected resistance."
Jaina frowned slightly.
"You haven't even spoken to him yet."
Leylin finally opened his eyes.
"Which is precisely why I expect resistance."
Jaina walked closer.
"Archmage Antonidas isn't unreasonable."
"I know."
Leylin's gaze turned toward the distant towers of the Kirin Tor.
"But powerful people often dismiss warnings that arrive too early."
Jaina remained silent. Something about Leylin's tone bothered her. Ever since arriving in Dalaran, he had seemed… distant.
As if he were watching events unfold from outside rather than participating in them. Finally she asked quietly,
"What exactly are you planning to tell him?"
Leylin paused for a moment. Then answered calmly.
"Enough to warn him."
"But not enough to convince him."
Jaina blinked.
"Why?"
Leylin simply stood up.
"Because he will not believe the truth."
Evening eventually arrived. The violet glow of magical lanterns illuminated the streets of Dalaran as the city transitioned into its quiet scholarly night.
Jaina led Leylin through the central district toward the tallest tower in the city. The seat of the Kirin Tor. Guards stationed at the entrance recognized Jaina immediately and allowed them inside.
They ascended several spiraling staircases before arriving at a large chamber filled with magical artifacts, floating scrolls, and arcane instruments humming softly with power. At the center of the room stood an elderly man with long white hair and flowing robes.
His presence carried immense authority. The leader of the Kirin Tor. Antonidas. He turned slowly as they entered.
"Jaina."
His voice was calm but warm.
"It has been some time."
Jaina bowed respectfully.
"Archmage."
Antonidas then looked toward the unfamiliar figure beside her.
"And this must be the guest you mentioned."
Leylin inclined his head slightly.
"A pleasure to meet you."
Antonidas studied him carefully. He had heard whispers of this young mage before. A prodigy connected with the Windrunner family. Still, he looked far too young.
"What brings you to Dalaran?" Antonidas asked.
Leylin did not waste time.
"There are undercurrents forming within the human kingdoms."
Antonidas folded his hands behind his back.
"Explain."
Leylin stepped forward slightly.
"The rebelling orcs are not the only threat emerging."
Antonidas raised an eyebrow.
"You believe the orcs are preparing for war again?"
Leylin shook his head.
"No."
"Then what disaster are you referring to?"
Leylin looked directly into the archmage's eyes.
"A catastrophe that will begin with the fall of a kingdom."
Antonidas frowned slightly.
"That is a bold claim."
Leylin continued calmly.
"It will begin quietly."
"Plagues."
"Corruption."
"And betrayal from within."
Antonidas listened patiently. But eventually he sighed.
"Young mage… if you are referring to the orc rebellions, the Alliance has already faced worse threats."
"The remnants of the Horde are fractured and weakened."
"They are no longer the unstoppable force they once were."
Leylin's expression remained unchanged.
"So you believe there is nothing to fear?"
Antonidas answered calmly.
"Not on the scale you are describing."
The room fell silent. Leylin simply nodded.
"As expected."
Antonidas studied him curiously.
"You do not seem disappointed."
Leylin turned slightly toward the door.
"I only wished to deliver a warning."
Antonidas watched him carefully.
"And if we ignore it?"
Leylin paused before leaving.
"Then I wish you luck."
Without another word, he walked out of the chamber. Outside the tower, Jaina Proudmoore caught up with him quickly.
"Leylin."
He stopped.
"You knew he wouldn't believe you."
Leylin nodded.
"Yes."
Jaina studied him carefully.
"Then why come at all?"
Leylin looked up toward the magical skyline of Dalaran.
"Because history must record that someone tried to warn them."
Jaina fell silent.
Back inside the tower, Antonidas had already moved on to another conversation. He placed a hand on Jaina's shoulder earlier and asked kindly,
"So, how have your studies been progressing?"
Jaina had answered respectfully.
"I've made significant improvements."
Antonidas smiled.
"I always believed you would."
But she had not mentioned Leylin. Not the training. Not the theories. Not the terrifying depth of knowledge she had gained. Because even she was beginning to realize something unsettling.
The world Leylin was preparing for… Was far larger and far darker than most of Dalaran seemed willing to imagine.