Chapter One: Misconceptions

Dalaran had yet to be rebuilt. Far from it, entire sections of the city were little more than ruins, infected by mutants. Such had been Archimonde's power that it had transformed some people into monsters. It was said that demons were still clinging to life in the ruins. They hunted those foolish enough to venture into the devastated city.

It was in one of these abandoned areas that Lord Garithos had chosen his meeting place. The mustached man was looking over reports and fresh from the front. As Kael'thas made is way forward he did not look up from them. Kael'thas waited a moment, annoyed by this treatment.

Finally, Garithos looked up. 'You are late, Prince Kael'thas. I thought you elves prided yourselves on punctuality.'

'It could not be helped, Lord Garithos.' said Kael. 'We ran into some night elves from across the sea and-'

'I am not interested in your fanciful excuses!" said Garithos. 'You elves are here to serve the Alliance; thus you will obey my commands to the letter. Is that clear?'

There was a sudden flaring of blue light, and Antonidas appeared before them on a black horse. His gaze was disapproving. 'And the Alliance is here to serve the Kirin Tor. You had best remember the fact, Grand Marshall. I will handle the rest of this briefing. You may go.'

'As you wish.' said Garithos.

'I apologize for that. Garithos is a competent commander but unpleasant company.' said Antonidas. 'He does not hold with the egalitarian views of the Alliance. He believes humanity to be somehow superior.'

'I gathered, old friend.' said Kael. 'How fares the battle?'

'The undead have begun a new offensive to retake Dalaran.' said Antonidas. 'Their forces marched south through Silverpine. Fortunately, Garithos was able to stop its advance near the mountains. I am told the night elves have launched an assault in that region so we may have some breathing space.'

'My men are ready to fight, Antonidas.' said Kael. 'When shall we leave for the front?'

'Unfortunately, I have a somewhat less glamorous task for you.' said Antonidas. 'Our scouts report that a second undead strike force may be on its way from the east. We need you to repair the outlying observatories so we can monitor that region.'

Kael felt his hopes sinking lower than the grave. 'Antonidas, we are warriors. Not workmen. Surely you must have someone else available for this task?'

'Unfortunately, time is of the essence, and events have stretched my mages thin.' said Antonidas. 'It isn't glorious, but someone will have to do it, and your people are talented with magic. You'll have your chance for war soon enough, I promise you.'

'I understand.' said Kael.

'There is one other thing.' said Antonidas. The areas around some of the observatories have been claimed by a number of forest trolls and ogres. Their presence there is in violation of our borders; however, our alliance with them is of some value. We cannot afford to wipe them out.'

'What would you have me do?' asked Kael, half hoping for orders to exterminate them.

Antonidas remained dead silent for a long moment. A moment that was too long for Kael's liking. '…Prince Arthas has volunteered to assist in the negotiations.'

'What?!' said Kael. 'You would have me work with that traitor? Have you lost your mind.'

''The forest trolls respect him.' said Antonidas. 'If you were to demand they leave, you might have to fight. I understand your hostility; however, I ask that you put it aside. For now.'

Kael'thas mastered himself. He'd gone out of his way to avoid meeting Arthas. Now it seems he'd have to work with him. 'As you wish.'

'He'll meet you in the south, just outside the city.' said Antonidas, then he motioned. A number of soldiers came forward, footmen and at their head was one clad in the regalia of a captain. 'This is King Wilhelm of the Kingdom of Strahnbrad. His forces will assist you in this venture.'

'King of Strahnbrad?' asked Kael'thas.

'A mere formality.' said Wilhelm, drawing off his helmet to reveal hair haired features and good looks for a human. 'It helps gives the people I protect a sense of continuity. When Lordaeron is restored I will gladly abdicate my throne to its rightful ruler.'

'Of course.' said Kael.

'Goodbye, and good luck.' said Antonidas. 'You'll need it.'

As Antonidas and his forces made their way off, Kael resisted the urge to swear. '…Let's get this over with.'

The work proceeded slowly. Kael's elves oversaw the workmen. However, the help was not so skilled and it was a source of some trouble.

'No, no, no, not like that!' said one of the engineers. 'Let me do it.'

Then he saw an old friend. Jaina Proudmoore teleported into the camp and approached, beautiful as ever. Although she had not changed much physically since last they met, she was not the same. Her posture was different and there was a sense of command and weariness about her. Kael approached and bowed his head. 'Lady Proudmoore, it has been a long time.'

'Yes, it has Kael.' said Jaina. 'Do you mind if I join you? I've always been interested in learning about how these arcane observatories worked.'

'We kept their nature a close secret.' mused Kael. 'Still, I see no harm. Engineer Astov, explain the workings of these devices.'

'Of course.' said Astov, approaching. 'You see, Lady Proudmoore, the arcane observatories uses are based on scrying spells. However, they are in truth far more useful than that. For a scrying spell only lets you look at one place at once, like looking through a portal.

On the other hand, when one uses these observatories you can see everywhere. Anything within the range of the observatory is within your gaze.'

'How can that work?' asked Jaina. 'I mean I never really studied scrying much. I was better at teleporting and elementals.'

'You sort of imbue your spirit into the stone and it becomes your eye.' said Kael. 'The stone can see everything and so can you. It is a difficult thing to explain.'

'Thank you, Kael.' said Jaina.

There was a silent pause. How to break it? 'Might I inquire as to your colonization efforts?'

'They are going well.' said Jaina. 'We've got peace with all our neighbors so we're establishing ourselves. Still, at the rate our population is growing I'm afraid that Duskwallow Marsh won't be large enough for us.'

'Have you prepared for war?' inquired Kael. She had always been too nice for her own good. 'The orcs may try to launch an offensive.'

'I don't think they will.' said Jaina. 'Thrall is different from others. But to answer your question yes actually. I mean I'm not expecting one, but Arth-' She cut herself off. '-my military advisors insisted we establish serious defenses. We have established formidable defenses on the border. He's had me make militia duty mandatory for all adults.'

Kael'thas felt himself becoming angry at that word. After all that man had done, still, he held Jaina over Kael. 'You treat him as an advisor after all he's done?'

'Arthas is much better when it comes to war than I am.' said Jaina. 'I don't think anyone can disagree with that. And… I know you don't like him, and I don't expect you to forgive him. However, he isn't a threat to us. He's already proven-'

'He's proven that we have a common enemy. Nothing else.' said Kael. 'He is using us for his own ends.'

'Or maybe he genuinely wants to see Lordaeron restored to what it once was.' said Jaina. 'He didn't mean to become the Lich King's champion you know.'

If this continued Kael'thas would become discourteous. 'Let us turn the subject away from this. These naga and night elves you have brought to our aid, I am told they have proven quite formidable.'

'Yes, but they're both reckless and bloodthirsty.' said Jaina. 'They make the orcs look tame in comparison.'

That was a strange statement that did not match up with what Kael had seen of Tyrande Whisperwind and the other. 'You're joking.'

'I wish I was.' said Jaina with a shudder. 'I've seen them do things, Kael. I know they seem really wise and benevolent but in war they are savage. What I saw them do on the field of battle… I see it in my nightmares.'

Kael'thas heard her voice and knew this was no joke. 'And the naga?'

She instantly cheered up. 'Oh, they're nice. I mean they've enslaved an entire race to their will. But overall they've proven themselves reasonable. I've had to work pretty hard to keep them from slaughtering the night elves, though.

'The trick is to appeal to their sense of pragmatism. Ideals don't really seem to mean all that much to them.'

'And this Illidan, what of him?' asked Kael.

'Well I suspect he is at least moderately insane.' said Jaina. 'He has his reasons. Even so, he is both cunning and a very powerful sorcerer. He wounded Archimonde you know.'

Kael blinked. 'Really?'

'Yes, drove his glaive right into his heel while he stooped over the World Tree.' said Jaina. 'It's a bit of a long story. Of course he became too famous and Malfurion had him exiled. I think he was afraid the night elves would lapse back into arcane magic.'

Kael was about to ask about that, but at that moment Wilhelm approached. 'Prince Kael, mutants approach!'

'Mutants?' asked Jaina.

'We'll have to continue this discussion later.' said Kael. 'To arms my brethren!'

The mutants rushed out of the streets with deformed features and slathering jaws. They crashed into the guards and battle ensued. Although it was more of a massacre. Armored and well trained, Wilhelm's footmen hacked them down with ease. Wilhelm himself stepped aside from one and beheaded it. One of his lieutenants, a black-haired woman, warded off another with her shield. Her sword ran it through.

In a minute all of the mutants were dead. Jaina looked at them with pity in her eyes. 'What happened to them?'

'In the aftermath of Archimonde's destruction of Dalaran, many who were caught in his spell.' said Kael. 'They were twisted and mutated. They are pitiful creatures, fit only to be put out of their misery.'

'Can't we help them?' asked Jaina.

'There is nothing left to help, milady.' said Kael.

'Here they come!' cried Wilhelm. 'And demons march with them!'

The demons were massive brutes, almost human in appearance. They wielded huge blades on sticks and wore helms and waded into battle like berserkers. As the battle was met a footman was cut down. Another was beaten down, yet the ranks held. Soon the mutants and demons were being pushed back.

Then many shards of ice descended to destroy the creatures. Kael summoned magic of his own and fire and flame consumed the monsters in mere moments. Then it was over.

'I've never seen this kind of demon before, Kael.' said Jaina.

'These are a recent arrival.' said Kael'thas. 'They are known as Felguards. We believe they represent part of the Legion's Auxiliary units. When we retook the city many fled into the abandoned streets. Others fled into the dungeons of Dalaran.'

'Prince Kael'thas, we've finished our work here.' said Astov.

Kael'thas turned and looked at the observatory. It rose high and white above the blackened walls. A pristine look. Would that it would spread back to Dalaran. 'That's done it. The observatory has been repaired. Let's move quickly and get to work on the others.' he looked to Jaina 'Will you accompany us?'

Sorry,' said Jaina, 'however, I've got other meetings to hold. I have to go.'

'Very well.' said Kael. 'Best of luck to you.'

Kael'thas and his warriors made their way through the blackened streets. Eventually, they came out into the surrounding countryside. Bands of brigands had become a problem here. Several times Kael had been forced to crush them to restore order. Now peace reigned for the most part.

Then he saw him. The pale haired man was waiting at the outskirts of the city, leaning against a tree. A skeletal horse was waiting by him, and a gray runeblade was held in one hand. As they approached, the man arose and looked at Kael. Kael looked at him and resisted the urge to destroy him.

'It's been a long time, Arthas.' said Kael'thas.

Murmurs broke out among the men. Arthas ignored them as he walked forward, surprise on his face. 'Prince Kael'thas? I haven't seen you since…' He halted 'You've been assigned to repair the observatories?'

'So it would seem.' said Kael.

Dead silence.

'I gather that Quel'thalas is healing well.' said Arthas.

'Those who choose to serve the demons have departed our lands.' said Kael. 'Pity I wasn't there to stop you.'

'Yes.' said Arthas. 'Perhaps we should get underway.'

Kael'thas was inclined to agree.

Their progress was quickly stopped, however. As they came to the shore they saw the wrecked and burning remains of a shipyard. The villagers who manned it were busy trying to fend off the ravenous undead. Going to their aid, Kael and his warriors purged the ghouls with ease, there were only a few.

However, it was small consolation. Many villagers were dead and his priests tended to the injured. Kael looked at the broken wrecks in frustration. 'Damn. The ships are destroyed.'

'Interesting,' said Arthas, 'the Dreadlords are usually more clumsy than this.'

'What?' said Kael.

'Dreadlords are good at corrupting individual people. They know how to sew discord on a grand scale.' said Arthas. 'However, in my experience, their tactical prowess leaves much to be desired. They have a penchant for grand gestures which betrays them.'

'What is your point?' asked Kael.

'My point is that the Dreadlords attack here was quite well executed.' said Arthas. 'They separated us from being able to move around the islands. Thus preventing us from repairing the observatories. They probably have a base somewhere in these islands.'

'Then we will destroy it.' said Kael. 'For now we'll have to find another way across to reach the outlying islands.'

At that moment there was a gleaming on the river. Kael looked up and saw many serpentine figures making their way forward. He had seen them before in passing. He nodded to their leader as she approached. 'Naga, your victories against the scourge are well known to us. Yet where is your master, Illidan?'

'We are on our own now, good Prince.' said the leader 'I am called Lady Vashj. My brethren and I come in peace, to offer you our aid.'

'And how would you assist us?' asked Kael.

'I thought you might require boats to reach the observatories you seek.' said Vashj. She motioned and around the bend came a series of vessels, pristine in nature.

'And you would give these freely?' asked Kael. 'Why do you seek to help us, milady?'

'Our two races share a common ancestry, Kael.' said Vashj. 'Now, against the Legion, we share a common peril. These boats are merely a gesture of goodwill.'

Kael could see nothing wrong with her words and no reason to refuse. 'Then I accept your offer. Thank you.'

'How did you get these?' asked Arthas.

'We stole them from a goblin shipyard some ways down.' said Vashj.

'You know one another?' asked Kael.

'We were both part of the mission to retrieve the Eye of Sageras.' said Arthas.

'Of course.' said Kael.

Vashj and her naga departed. The Alliance forces made their way onto the ships before sailing across the river. The effort took some hours and during that time no sign was seen of the undead. Kael instead observed those under his command. Wilhelm was a very competent commander, his men followed him without question.

Except for the knights, who seemed to mutter among themselves. Kael guessed that Wilhelm was not of noble stock, he fought like a footman. Which meant that the knights likely did not like serving under him. The human feudal system was always one of their weaker points.

'Tell me, Wilhelm,' said Kael, 'how do you hold authority over knights?'

'Well,' said Wilhelm 'the truth is that I didn't at first. But then I managed to rescue Princess Calia. That is to say, my men did, and she convinced all the remaining feudal lords to obey my instructions in her name.

'They don't like serving under me, but they acknowledge her authority.'

'And Princess Calia,' said Kael, 'where is she now?'

'Running Strahnbrad.' said Wilhelm. 'She has a talent for administration and I'm leaving it in her care while I fight abroad. I'm more of a soldier than a statesman anyway.'

'Have you considered abdicating?' asked Kael. 'It might simplify matters.'

'Unfortunately, it would only make things more complex.' said Wilhelm. 'Strahnbrad was an Alterac town before Lordaeron annexed it. As a result, the villagers in that region aren't fond of Lordaeron as a symbol. Or Alterac for that matter.'

'I see.' said Kael.

They arrived on the island and disembarked, and began to set up a base camp. Kael looked around at the area. The observatory was just a bit north, he could see the top of it reaching up over the trees. 'This island seems an ideal place to set up our base. It commands a clear view of all the surroundings. Still, I sense something… dark about this place.' He looked to one of his Lieutenants. 'Sanguinar, send a team of dwarves to scout out this island. Find out everything you can about the area. Once we're established here we'll seek out the observatories.'

Wilhelm had gone on ahead and returned looking worried. 'Prince Kael, it is as Lord Antonidas feared. The arcane observatory has been seized by many forest trolls. They don't look like they'll give it up without a fight.'

'Let me handle this.' said Arthas. 'I have good relations with them.'

'Hardly a surprise.' said Kael.

'The fact that you think that an insult is a testament to your ignorance, elf.' snapped Arthas. 'Now will you let me negotiate? Or would you rather start killing your allies?'

'Do as you wish.' said Kael.

Arthas made his way forward on his skeletal horse. Kael'thas followed behind alongside a troop of warriors. Soon they came within sight of the trolls who came out, carrying spears and axes and looking at them warily. Arthas reared his horse and drew his sword.

'Forest trolls of Lordaeron, I am Arthas!' said Arthas. 'Rightful ruler of Lordaeron! I demand to speak with your leader!'

A particularly large and formidable forest troll came forward. 'I be Krag'lin.' he said. 'What ya be doin in our lands, pink skins?'

'You are in violation of our treaty, Krag'lin.' said Arthas.

'Dat be just ink on a page!' said Krag'lin. 'We rule here now!'

'That ink is backed up by many nations.' said Arthas. 'By the terms of our agreement you are allowed to settle in territories you conquer. Provided there is no human presence. This area belongs to the Alliance has many settlements. Unless you intend to take on us and the scourge, I would suggest that you leave.

'Now.'

'And what if we don't?' asked Krag'lin.

'Then I think we both know exactly what will happen.' said Arthas. 'Our truce will be broken, we will tear each other apart and the Dreadlords will laugh at us. And all the trolls will blame you for your actions.

'Sometimes a defeat must be suffered for a greater victory. Zul'jin understands this. Do you?'

Krag'lin looked at the assembled Alliance host warily. Then to his own smaller force. Finally, he sighed. '…Very well. My boys will be drawing back. Take yer damn observatories, but don't come crying to us fer help when da rotting dead come fer ya!'

'You needn't concern yourself, animal.' said Kael. 'We won't.'

The forest trolls departed the island soon enough. Kael'thas watched them go with satisfaction, while Sanguinar returned. 'What news?'

'Prince Kael, we've found a large undead base to the west of our position.' said Sanguinar.

'That base must be destroyed if this area is to be secured.' said Kael 'Rally the men, we march to assault.' He looked to Arthas. 'I presume you have no objection?'

'All of my subjects evacuated the river Arevass days ago.' said Arthas. 'Those who remain are not my concern.'

'A pity, I was looking forward to returning the favor.' said Kael. 'Wilhelm, your footmen will be in front. The mortars will advance behind and destroy any defenses while you hold back the undead. Arthas…'

'I am at your disposal. For now.' said Arthas.

'You and the knights will ride in and clear out any remaining defenders. Once the spirit towers have fallen.' said Kael'thas.

'What?!' said a knight. 'We are to be commanded by this traitor?'

'Enough, we have no time for these discussions.' said Kael. 'We'll settle our differences later.'

'As you command, Prince Kael.' said Wilhelm. 'Cooperate with him men.'

Soon enough they marched west and came before the undead bastion. Many undead had been arrayed against them here. They charged forward with snarls and screams. Kael'thas raised a hand and unleashed a torrent of flame which consumed them.

'Forward!' cried Kael. 'For Quel'thalas!'

'For the King!' cried the footmen.

Battle was joined and the two forces clashed. They fought evenly, sword on claw, tooth on shield. The mortars rained fire upon Then the abominations came forward and the line began to buckle. Kael looked to Arthas.

'Move in and strike from the flank.'

Arthas and the knights rode downwards and struck the undead hard. Clearing away their lines, Kael'thas saw Arthas summoning light to heal the injured. Yet more proof that the light was nothing more than an energy source. Though Kael would never say so.

The battle lasted for some more hours as the two sides fought back and forth. The defenses were systematically demolished and eventually, the bastion had fallen completely. Lord Sanguinar approached. 'Prince Kael, we've broken the front ranks. But a large force of undead flyers are approaching our position.'

Kael'thas looked up at the approaching swarm of gargoyles and dragons. Then he raised a hand. 'I will deal with this.'

Channeling the power of his magic, he drew forth the power of a phoenix. Flames emerged in the air above him, transforming into the shape of a bird and it rushed forward like a wave of fire. The undead who faced it were utterly consumed in mere moments and the bastion fell soon after.

'We've gained control here, Wilhelm.' said Kael. 'Get the boats and let us go to secure the observatories. This was far easier than I expected.'

'Prince Kael,' said a messenger. 'Lord Sanguinar has returned.'

Kael'thas looked to Lord Sanguinar as he approached. 'What news?'

Sanguinar kneeled. 'Prince Kael. 'There is a powerful tribe of ogres to the south who have encamped on the mainland. Their leader is gigantic. If we fight them it'll be at great cost.'

'Arthas, do you also have relations with these?' asked Kael.

'Not as strong.' said Arthas. 'My association with the ogres is mostly through the forest trolls. However, I believe I can arrange their departure.'

An hour later the ogre lord towered over Arthas. The creature was almost eighteen feet tall with bigger muscles than even other ogres. It was clad in black armor and held a huge mace in one hand. Its warriors were all around it looking menacing.

'We ogres strong!' said the ogre chieftain. 'You no take lands!'

'On the contrary, we can, and we will if you oppose us.' said Arthas. 'However I'd rather avoid that.'

'We crush puny elves and humans if they fight us!' said the ogre.

'To what end?' asked Arthas. 'Your forest troll allies have abandoned you. Even if you defeat us, a new wave of undead will soon be on its way. They will wipe you out, and if you triumph over them there are other warriors.'

'What you suggest?' asked the ogre.

'The naga have destroyed many of the undead's holdings along the River Arevass.' said Arthas. 'You need only move into the lands that are now vacant. But if you don't hurry the forest trolls will claim them all.'

The ogre looked around. '…We go take new lands. This observatory broke anyway.'

With that, he and his brethren lumbered off in great numbers. Wilhelm looked at this in bemusement. 'He does realize the observatory is on the opposite side of the lake?'

'Don't argue with good fortune.' suggested Kael.

'Fair enough.' said Wilhelm.

'Wilhelm!' cried the black haired woman from before.

'What is it Sapra?' asked Wilhelm.

'We've got a large tribe of gnolls to the north.' said Sapra. 'They are very unfriendly.'

Kael looked to his unwelcome compatriot. 'Well, Arthas?'

'I have no contacts with these creatures.' said Arthas. 'However, I'll try to negotiate with them.'

They crossed over the lake again and waded ashore. There they were met by Sapra's forces and beyond them a large pack of gnolls. Their leader came forward, wielding a huge flail and snarling. 'What are you doing in our lands human? We gnolls took this land fair and square.'

'True, however, I'm afraid it will become worthless very soon.' said Arthas.

'You lie.' said the gnoll.

'Do I?' asked Arthas. 'Even as we speak a large contingent of undead is on its way here from the west. They will overwhelm everything that stands in their way. Even if you defeat us you will likely be their first target.'

'What you suggest?' said the gnoll.

'Leave now and let the Alliance and the Undead tear each other to pieces.' said Arthas. 'When the dust has settled you may well be in a position to resume your control of this region. And if not, then there is plenty of other unclaimed land and you will have kept your tribe intact.

'Unless you'd rather fight us? In which case I expect none of you will survive the day.'

The gnoll looked at Arthas, then at the assembled forces. For a moment Kael thought for sure violence would break out. Then the gnoll relented. '…We leave quietly.'

'Good idea.' said Arthas.

This was absurd. How was it that Arthas was able to have this effect on people? To convince people, he had never before met to yield before him without a fight? The ogres and trolls could be understood, for he was a trusted ally to them. However, the gnolls were another story.

This wasn't the first time it had happened. Kael'thas had observed this… talent of his in Dalaran. At the time he'd assumed it was because of King Terenas' influence, but it was clear that was not the case here. People naturally wanted to please him, people trusted him. And invariably he betrayed that trust. Jaina, the Alliance, the Scourge and the Legion.

How was this possible? However it was, the gnolls were gone soon enough. So it was a question for later. 'Well, the observatory is ours. We'll set about repairing it. By now our workers have surely finished with the one held by the trolls.'

The work was tiresome, unremarkable and boring. Kael'thas observed as things played out. He was trying to keep from making his discomfort clear. Eventually, it was finished. No sooner had it been done, and a large force of Alliance Knights approached. At their head was Lord Garithos. Kael'thas approached.

'Hail, Lord Garithos.' said Kael. 'This observatory has been repaired. We were just about to send word of our success.'

'We received ill news from the front lines.' said Garithos. 'Is it true you consorted with the vile naga?'

Oh it was going to be one of those days, was it? 'Yes.' said Kael. 'What of it?'

'They are inhuman!' said Garithos. 'And meant to be crushed like any other enemy!'

Antonidas arrived moments before. 'Enough, Garithos.' he said. 'The naga are our allies, and I will not have you slandering them. Well done, Kael. I received news that the trolls and ogres left without a fight.'

'We also destroyed an undead bastion on the central isle.' said Kael. 'It seems the Dreadlords were establishing a forward camp.'

'Excellent.' said Antonidas. 'Keep your eyes peeled though, and stand vigil over this land. I have the feeling we're about to come under attack. We'll need your sword soon enough, I expect.'

For his part, Arthas felt a twinge of irritation. Full credit was given to Wilhelm and Kael'thas. And yet the victory had been his. Without him, the two of them would have to fight three battles where here they had only had to fight one. He was well aware that the Alliance would turn on him as soon as their common enemy was defeated.

However, he did not like being ignored. 'Look at them.' he scoffed. 'You'd think he'd done all this singlehanded.'

'You can't expect everyone to forgive you just like that Arthas.' said Jaina, missing the point. 'Just try to be helpful, and they'll come around. I know they will.'

'And when will that be?' asked Artha.s 'When all my subjects are destroyed and I am an exile?'

'Just bear with them alright.' said Jaina. 'It'll be fine.'

Her unfailing faith almost made Arthas regret what he intended to do. Almost, but not quite.

Authors Note:

This fic took a while to come out. I've been looking forward to and dreading it for a while now. On the one hand, it details some of the most significant divergences from in canon. On the other hand, this means I have to change up my story.

The thing I felt most ill at ease about was putting Kael and Arthas in the same scene together. We have very little actual interaction between them in the stories. Noy after Kael catches Jaina and Arthas making out, so I didn't have much to go on.

The big problem is that Kael'thas and Arthas hate each other. But at the same time, they are not Varian Wrynn and Garrosh Hellscream. Both of them are perfectly willing to put up with working with people they hate. And they can do it without throwing a temper tantrum. Arthas followed Tichondrius' instructions to the letter with only an occasional snarky comment. Kael'thas was entirely professional in his interactions with Garithos. So I couldn't imagine the two of them shouting about how much they hated each other.

Instead, everything has to be in subtext. This is also why I like Kael'thas and Arthas. They have greater emotional maturity than a three-year-old.