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Quel'Thalas 5 years before the fall of Silvermoon.
Jaina Proudmoore stood at the shimmering gates of Silvermoon, the sunlight glinting off the elegant architecture and vibrant greenery that surrounded her.
As she made her way through the ethereal pathway leading to the throne room, she struggled to muster excitement. She was here to meet Kael'Thas Sunstrider, the enigmatic prince of the high elves, to discuss the ancient mana tombs rumored to lie scattered across Azeroth—a topic her advisors had insisted was of utmost importance.
As she was escorted to the grand chamber, she was greeted by the striking figure of Kael'Thas. His regal red robes sparkled with golden thread, and his bright glowing eyes shimmered with excitement and something else that she couldn’t quite place. “Lady Proudmoore,” he said with a polite bow, the corners of his lips curling into a slight smile. “It is so wonderful to meet you once more, you honor me with your presence.”
“The honor is mine, Prince Kael’Thas,” Jaina replied, forcing herself to match his enthusiasm. “I have heard much about your efforts to recover the ancient mana tombs. They say they hold the key to vast powers.”
“Indeed,” Kael’Thas replied, his voice smooth as silk. “The tombs contain the essence of arcane mastery, lost to time. My people are particularly drawn to the energies they contain.” He delved into an intricate explanation, detailing their significance, their locations, and the potential they had to restore his people's dwindling mana supplies when away from the sunwell. However, as he spoke, Jaina found her mind drifting.
His voice, while melodic, had an exuberant ring that made her want to stifle a yawn.
Kael’Thas continued his lecture, mentioning complex historical contexts that Jaina felt were irrelevant to the pressing issues why she had come. Jaina mentally crowded out his voice, painstakingly re-centering herself so as not to look disrespectful.
“Of course, sharing knowledge is paramount,” he said, finally pausing to gauge her reaction. “Perhaps there’s a way we could—”
“Prince Kael'Thas,” she interjected smoothly, feigning interest as a thought struck her, “the ancient mana tombs you mentioned—do they contain myths? Perhaps tales of legendary heroes?”
His eyes brightened with a hint of surprise. “Well, there are indeed stories interwoven with the tombs, excellent foundation for future research.”
An elven woman entered the throne room, Kael’Thas had to look away from Jaina to receive the messenger.
“My apologies, your majesty. Your father has summoned you to the harbor” the elven woman bowed deep and kept her chin down.
“There’s always something isn’t there.. My apologies Lady Proudmoore, I must depart.” He brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "Go explore the gardens, my Lady. I promise, we will reunite." With a heavy heart, he turned, disappearing onto the streets of Silvermoon.
Feeling relief wash over her, Jaina stepped outside, her vibrant purple kirin tor robes contrasting against the rich colors of Silvermoon. As she wandered through the lush gardens filled with luminescent flora, something pulled her attention toward a distant figure. There, beneath a golden-leaved tree, stood an elf woman unlike any she had seen before. Ethereal beauty flowed from the woman, her silver-blonde hair cascading over her shoulders, and her blue eyes sparkled like the brightest stars. Jaina’s breath hitched, drawn towards the stranger as if enchanted.
The mysterious elf wore intricate ranger armour of blue and gold that shimmered under the soft light, each movement graceful and deliberate. Jaina felt a flutter in her chest that she couldn't quite decipher – wonder mingled with an unfamiliar sense of yearning. As Jaina approached, she could see the delicate features of the elf’s face, perfectly symmetrical, with high cheekbones and lips that curved into a gentle smile that could rival the sun.
“Do you find Silvermoon to your liking?” the elf spoke, her voice like a soft dark melody wrapped in velvet. Jaina nodded, speechless for a moment, feeling as if the world had faded away, leaving only the two of them among the blossoms.
“It is… breathtaking,” Jaina finally managed, her voice a soft whisper, captivated by the elf’s powerful presence. “But it seems that I am but a passerby in its grandeur.”
The elf chuckled softly, a sound that echoed like magic in the air. “Beauty lies not just in places but in moments and encounters. You’ll find your own beauty here, Jaina Proudmoore. Do not be afraid to discover it.” Startling Jaina, How did she know my name?
With those enigmatic words, the elf took a step closer, her presence a warm embrace.
“Where did the royal princeling run off to? Leaving his honoured guest all by herself?” The elven ranger said, her head tilted slightly to the side and an everlasting smirk pulling at her lips. “He.. uh.. he had some urgent business to attend to.”
“I’d apologize for the inconvenience , but then I’d be lying. It’s a blessing in disguise.” Making Jaina giggle, the elf was not wrong, Tides Kael’Thas was a bore, eventhough she’d never admit it.
The elf glanced at the horizon where the setting sun blazed, casting long shadows before gracefully transforming into the towering shadows of night. “I must go,” she said, then with a radiant smile that lingered in Jaina’s mind,
“Wait!”
The elven woman stopped briefly, looking back at Jaina over her shoulder.
“Who are you? Forgive my bluntness, but I feel at a disadvantage since you know of me, but I know not who you are” The ranger smirked “Ranger General Sylvanas Windrunner at your service, Lady Proudmoore” Oh tides
Sylvanas bowed slightly, perfectly noble and turned and walked into the shadows of the garden. “Until next time, my Lady” Disappearing from view.
Jaina stood gaping after her, she had made a fool of herself in front of the Ranger General, a hero of legend, and one of the most powerful people in Quel’Thalas.
She hoped she could fix her blustering impression the next time.
But alas, somethings are just not meant to be, as Jaina never saw her as was again. Until after the fall of Silvermoon, but much had changed since their initial meeting…