A Nerubian's Journey

“And here is the room that you’ll be waiting in until the Council of Six is ready to see you.” said the friendly receptionist lady with a smile, gesturing to the open door that they had been led to.

Krivax followed the other Viziers as they walked passed the receptionist, a female gnome, and took a quick look around the waiting room. After seeing nothing of note aside from the enchanted cushions that had been prepared for them, he turned his attention back to the receptionist and asked her how long it would take for the Council to be ready to see them.

“I shouldn’t be very long,” said the receptionist reassuringly. “I’m sure the Council is very eager to meet you, given Vizier Hadix’s impressive performance during his duel. Once they are ready, I’ll come and get you all and bring you to the portal that leads to the Chamber of Air.”

After exchanging a few pleasantries, the receptionist quietly left and Krivax eagerly made his way over to one of the cushions and lowered himself down. It surprised him a little how well the mages of Dalaran were reacting to the duel between Hadix and Flametrail, and how much it seemed to improve people's opinion of the delegation.

That wasn’t to say that everyone treated them poorly before and loved them now, but he had definitely noticed less polite smiles and more genuine interest. Krivax supposed that it made sense that the mages of Dalaran would feel a sense of respect for magical power and knowledge.

“The enchantments of these cushions are surprisingly complex for something so… frivolous,” said Crinis, staring at her seat as she too made herself comfortable, causing Hadix to mutter something about elves.

“If this meeting goes well, then perhaps some of our own mages can learn these enchantments and apply them to our silk and weaves,” said Krivax enthusiastically, imagining the possibility of cocoons even more comfortable than what they had now. “If Dalaran is truly that much better than our people at enchantment, then there’s a lot we could gain from sending people here to learn.”

“I don’t particularly see why Azjol-Nerub would need floating silverware or obscenely comfortable cushions,” Hadix said testily.

“Even if you don’t have any interest in the enchantments themselves, I’m sure the Circle could turn them into something useful,” said Crinis.

Krivax had been surprised to see how the Vizier’s interest in Dalaran had grown over their stay in the city, and it made him feel hopeful that something productive would come from their coming meeting. After all, if she liked Dalaran and was impressed by it, then wasn’t that a good sign that there were other Viziers who would feel the same way?

“Do you believe that the results of the duel will have any effect on this upcoming meeting, Vizier Crinis?” asked Krivax, interested in the Vizier’s perspective.

“It's possible that they will be more interested in sharing knowledge, after having seen Vizier Hadix’s power firsthand,” said Crinis, her expression thoughtful. “But we already assumed that they would be interested in negotiating for a relationship similar to the one they have with the rest kingdoms of these lands.”

Dalaran was an ostensibly neutral nation that had negotiated agreements that would allow other nations to peacefully send their citizens here to learn magic. Given that the majority of the human kingdoms’ mages had studied in the city, and the crown prince of Quel’thalas himself spent most of his time in Dalaran, the benefits were obvious.

After seeing the city themselves, both Crinis and Hadix felt confident that the Circle of Viziers would agree to send people to learn in Dalaran. That was one of the reasons that caused Krivax to believe that Dalaran was one of the best hopes for cooperation between Azjol-Nerub and the Eastern Kingdoms.

“Aside from that, the most important topics of discussion will be the creation of a portal and the exchange of magical reagents,” Crinis continued after a moment of consideration.

“Do you think you’ll be able to create said portal? Even with the spatial disturbances caused by the Dark Portal?” asked Krivax curiously, knowing that Crinis had already talked about the Dark Portal and its disturbances with Antonidas and many other mages.

“If you had asked me that before we arrived, then I would not have had a good answer for you,” answered the Vizier, sounding reluctant to admit her own inability. “But now that I’ve studied the nexus of leylines that this city was built upon and seen some of the reagents they have available, I’m confident that it should not be an issue.”

“Where in Azjol-Nerub will the portal lead to?” asked Krivax.

“En’kilah, of course,” said Crinis, looking at him as if he were stupid for asking. “Where else would the portal connect to other than the most magically innovative and magically advanced city in Azjol-Nerub?”

“Most magically advanced, perhaps. But most innovative? En’kilah hasn’t made any significant innovations in centuries,” said Hadix scornfully.

“Oh? And what innovations have Kilah’kuk had to offer our kingdom over the past few centuries?”

“I wouldn’t remind you that it was one of our own that discovered the existence of the very continent you are standing on.”

“That hardly counts as anything more than luck. Innovations require skill and creativity.”

“If innovations require skill, then I suppose that explains why En’kilah has not produced any.”

Krivax ignored their argument as he waited for the receptionist to return. He had long since learned that Viziers were able to start an argument over the most innocuous of topics and had become accustomed to tuning them out.

Thankfully, it didn’t take very long before there was a knock on the door and Krivax was looking down at the tiny receptionist.

“The Council of Six is ready for you all if you’ll just come with me.”

Soon enough, the three Viziers were following behind the gnome as she led them up many flights of stairs as they ascended the Violet Citadel to eventually reach an innocuous-looking portal.

Seeing no reason to delay, Krivax offered a quick thanks to the receptionist and stepped into the portal. As soon as he shook off the momentary disorientation that always came with so quickly traveling to a new location, Krivax took a look at his surroundings and immediately knew that he was in the right location.

The Chamber of Air was a room without any visible walls, a gray stone floor with the symbol of the Kirin Tor etched into it, and a roof that looked like an open sky shifting rapidly as if time was sped up.

The various members of the Council of Six sat in comfortable chairs around the location where they had been teleported into, lacking the usual magical disguises they generally wore when meeting others. At first, the members of the Council had wanted to maintain their anonymity during the meeting, but Hadix had made it clear to Antonidas that he wasn’t interested in negotiating with mysterious faceless figures.

“Welcome, representatives of Azjol-Nerub, although we have already met, I think it's best if my colleagues introduce themselves before we begin this meeting,” said Antonidas, who was currently sitting directly to the front of them while offering them a gentle expression. The Grand Magus hadn’t argued about the matter for very long, so Krivax assumed that anonymity was not something he cared very much about right now.

“If I may, I would like to introduce myself first,” said the same elvish man that Krivax had seen yesterday during the duel. He exuded the same relaxed demeanor that Krivax had seen yesterday, and he was once again struck by the fact that this was the man who would go on to become a villain. “I am Kael’thas Sunstrider, crown prince of Quel’thalas. I must say, I was very impressed by your performance yesterday, Vizier Hadix. Arcanist Flametrail was an experienced opponent, yet you defeated him quite handily.”

“Your appreciation is noted, elf,” Hadix said dryly.

Krivax expected the prince to be annoyed by the lackluster reply, but he was surprised when Kael’thas’s expression became one of amusement instead.

“I believe such topics can wait until after we’ve finished discussing matters of actual importance,” said a middle-aged man with glassy eyes and a severe expression that made him look much more like a villain than Kael’thas. “I am Archmage Kel’thuzad. I look forward to working with your people and sharing knowledge that will benefit us all.”

Krivax knew that it wasn’t completely fair to judge a person based on their appearance or for things they have not yet done, but something about Kel’thuzad made him feel like he was looking at a dangerous person who wouldn’t mind dissecting him if he could get away with it.

“I suppose it’s my turn now,” said Archmage Runeweaver, who looked much the same as he did yesterday. “I apologize for my deception, but the knowledge of who is a member of the Council of Six is not something that is typically shared. Obviously, this is a rather unique situation.”

Krivax was a bit surprised to learn that he was a member of the Council, there was no way that he could have remembered such a minor character after all, but it made sense once he thought about it. It was in their interest to have one of their own be responsible for guiding them throughout the city and figuring them out in a less official capacity.

“I am Archmage Modera,” said the only female among the Council of Six, nodding toward them stoically as she introduced herself. “Your duel against Arcanist Flametrail was a masterful display of magical combat, and I look forward to working with you.”

Krivax didn’t know very much about her, other than the fact that she alone among those present would remain on the Council far into the future, surviving a lot that her colleagues did not… except maybe Runeweaver since he vaguely recalled him being on the Council in the future as well, but he wasn’t sure.

It was the last member that captured his complete attention, and both excited and worried him in equal measure since he now shared a room with a dragon, albeit one currently in a much smaller form.

Sitting next to Modera was another elvish man, though one with a slight build, delicate features, and silvery hair streaked with red. Archmage Krasus, otherwise known as Korialstrasz, future prime consort of the Alexstrasza, the Life-Binder and Aspect of the Red Dragonflight herself, was not a man who would blend easily into a crowd.

He was also the method through which Krivax intended to save Alexstrasza from being captured, so he couldn’t help but stare a little.

“I am Archmage Krasus,” said the elf who was secretly a dragon. “I have heard much about you all from my friends in Capital City, nerubians. I look forward to learning more about your people.”

Krivax was sure that he had heard about the nerubians from more than just a few friends in Capital City. After all, Wyrmrest Temple did reside on Northrend, and he was sure the dragons knew more about the nerubians than the people of the Eastern Kingdoms.

“Now that introductions have been made, let us move on to the first and most important topic of discussion,” said Antonidas, his tone taking on a seriousness that it lacked before. “The Magocracy of Dalaran would like to officially extend an invitation to the kingdom of Azjol-Nerub to send some of its citizens to learn in our city. This is an arrangement that would benefit both of our people greatly, and would allow for the exchange of ideas and knowledge and foster a peaceful relationship between us.”

“It would also grant you a significant amount of diplomatic legitimacy within the minds of the nations of these lands,” said Kel’thuzad, pointing out the pragmatic benefits. “Most nobles prefer to keep their heirs close, but more than a few of them send their less important children here to learn.”

“Archmage Kel’thuzad’s words are true… if distasteful,” Krasus said reluctantly. “The improvement of your reputation in Dalaran means the improvement of your reputation throughout the Eastern Kingdoms.”

“Phrase it however you like, it doesn’t change the fact that cooperation with Dalaran is entirely to their benefit,” Kel’thuzad responded while rolling his eyes.

“The exact details would need to be negotiated with the Circle of Viziers, but after seeing your city for myself, I’m sure they would be somewhat interested in your offer,” said Vizier Crinis, willing to speak up for the delegation now that they were talking about a topic that actually interested her. “However, if you truly wish for them to accept, there are a few ways that you could make the deal a little more… enticing. There are many who would view such a deal unfavorably due to the increased risk of outsiders learning our more valuable magics.”

At the Vizier’s words, Krivax mentally settled in for a long negotiation.

“Very well then,” said Antonidas, nodding as this was the result he was expecting all along. “In that case, let’s talk about the details.”

“If you were to offer us guarantees that all of your techniques in enchanting would be shared with our students, without exception, then I’m sure the Circle of Viziers would look at your offer much more favorably,” said Vizier Crinis, sounding for all the world as if the proposal she just gave was reasonable.

“Ha! How bold of you, Vizier Crinis,” said Kael’thas, chuckling in amusement. “Dalaran’s expertise in enchanting comes from Quel’thalas. Most of the city’s greatest enchanters are quel’dorei, who are given strict guidelines for what can be shared. Are you certain that you should be negotiating with Dalaran, and not us?”

“Given that you, the heir to your people's kingdom, are a member of Dalaran’s ruling council, I’m not sure that the distinction particularly matters in this case,” Crinis said sardonically. “It is entirely within your power to change those guidelines, presumably, and if only most of this city’s decent enchanters are elves, then that leaves some that are not.”

“Our mastery over enchanting is a skill that we have worked hard on to grow over thousands of years, so you must think us truly foolish if you believe that we would hand over such knowledge so easily,” said Kael’thas, pulling his gaze away from Crinis and turning his attention to Hadix. “Perhaps if you would be willing to share your knowledge of how to use geomancy with arcane magic, we could be persuaded to share a portion of what we know.”

“Hmph, not likely. While our mastery in geomancy is also something that we have grown over millennia, it is worth far more than learning how to make self-cleaning brooms,” Hadix said firmly.

“If not your geomancy, then Azjol-Nerub could also offer us information about Northrend,” said Krasus, acting to mediate between the two. “I was very interested when I heard that your people shared information about the dragons with scholars in Capital City, or maybe you might be more interested in agreeing to supply Dalaran with your people’s silk.”

The negotiations went on for quite some time, with each side doing its best to get the most favorable agreement that they could. As Krivax watched the discussions, he was suddenly very glad that Vizier Crinis had grown an interest in Dalaran and had decided to take over the bulk of the negotiations, and that nobody was expecting him to match wits with the Archmages.

That would have been an abject disaster.

Eventually, they settled on an agreement in which Azjol-Nerub would send students to learn magic in Dalaran, including some tutoring in quel’dorei enchanting. In exchange, Azjol-Nerub would send a few of its mages to offer lessons in geomancy and warding, with the understanding that they wouldn’t be sharing everything that they knew.

Valuable magical reagents that could only be found in the Eastern Kingdoms would be traded for nerubian silk and Northrend based reagents, although they would need to arrange for experts to properly value these items before they could agree on proportions.

Dalaran tried to argue for Azjol-Nerub to assist them in researching and exploring Northrend’s surface in exchange for a reciprocal agreement for the Eastern Kingdoms, but Crinis successfully argued that such an agreement would be lopsided. After all, the Eastern Kingdoms were well explored and there were many nations they could negotiate an agreement with if Azjol-Nerub found something they wanted to research.

The Council eventually sweetened the deal when Antonidas himself offered to assist Crinis in the creation of the portal to Northrend and pay for the costs associated with the ritual.

“Finally,” Krivax muttered under his breath. “I’m glad that’s done with.”

“Now that we’ve reached an agreement, all that’s left is to discuss the logistics of the matter,” said Antonidas.

Damn it…

What followed was a long discussion where they went over the logistical details of having nerubians stay in Dalaran to learn. Apparently, the nation that was sending their students would be expected to be the ones to fund their education. It made sense, the non-magical citizens of Dalaran would not exactly be happy if they were the ones being taxed to fund the education of foreigners.

This wasn’t a large issue for a nation like Azjol-Nerub, which almost had more resources than they knew what to do with.

They also discussed where the nerubians would be staying, given that they had much different body types and required significantly different living conditions compared to the other sapient races.

“Do you really believe it’s necessary for your people to have their own enclave like the elves do? I don’t disagree with you given the circumstances, but it would be quite the project,” said Modera, her expression thoughtful as she considered the issue.

“Our current accommodations are not nearly large enough to comfortably house members of the Queen or Spiderlord castes,” explained Hadix. “Besides, I’ve watched more than enough humans quiver at the sight of me to know how much our appearances unsettle you all. I’m curious about your resistance to the idea of us living in our own area.”

“Segregating you from the rest of the city is counterproductive to the goal of fostering connections between our people. I am not fond of Quel’thalas’ enclave either, although I recognize that this is for the best.” said Krasus, sounding reluctant “Still, Archmage Modera is correct to say that this will be a significant endeavor, especially if your people prefer to live underground.”

“It would be easier if we could hire workers from Ironforge,” said Runeweaver, sounding grim as he reminded everyone of the situation down south. “But given the circumstances…”

“With our assistance, that shouldn’t be much of an issue,” said Krivax, receiving a nod of agreement when he looked to his mentor. “The Jormungar make the construction of tunnels a simple matter.”

“Jormungar?”

“Enormous worm-like creatures with crystalline spines along their flanks that we use to dig out tunnels.”

“Ah…”

“With such creatures, it would indeed be much easier to dig the tunnels necessary to house our new students,” said Modera. “Although we would have to be careful about digging your tunnels into the Underbelly.”

“The… Underbelly?” questioned Crinis, her expression one of befuddlement.

“The Underbelly is an informal name for the city’s sewer system,” Kel’thuzad explained evenly. “It contains a growing slum, home to Dalaran’s less fortunate citizens, and is infested with giant rats, magical runoff from countless experiments, creatures that spawn from said runoff, and… goblins, who willingly choose to live there.”

Krivax was surprised to hear that the Underbelly was a real place. He remembered the area from the lore, but an underground sewer slum seemed like such a… ridiculous thing to exist in real life.

“If your sewers are infested with unwanted residents, then why haven’t you cleared them out?” Hadix asked curiously.

“We have, repeatedly, but as long as the conditions that created the Underbelly in the first place continue to exist, then it will simply continue to reform,” explained Runeweaver, audibly frustrated with the situation. “At this point, the Underbelly is large enough that if we were to dismantle it, the consequences would be significant. It’s simply easier to let it and those in it be, only occasionally sending exterminators down there when the vermin population grows too large and threatens to spill out onto the surface.”

That made both Viziers cringe at the plain inefficiency of it all, something Krivax agreed with but also knew not all societies were as 'structured' as Azjol-Nerub.

“One other matter that we’ve failed to touch upon is potential membership into the Kirin Tor,” said Antonidas, blatantly changing the subject. “There is much information we cannot share with those who are not members of the Kirin Tor, but such benefits come with significant responsibilities. Those that become members are expected to keep secrets, and while we would not expect anyone to act against the interests of their home nation, members of the Kirin Tor are expected to support Dalaran.”

“More specifically, Dalaran has pledged itself to assist the other nations in defeating the Horde, if they ever manage to actually stop arguing and form their little alliance,” said Kel’thuzad with a disapproving grunt. “Any of your people who join the Kirin Tor would be expected to assist in that goal.”

“Would any of your people be interested in such an arrangement?” asked Antonidas, staring directly at Hadix without any subtlety.

The Viziers glanced at each other with matching expressions of consideration before Crinis took the initiative to respond.

“That is something that the Circle of Viziers would need to discuss extensively,” said Crinis. “It would help if you were to fully explain the responsibilities that a member of the Kirin Tor would hold to your city.”

“Of course,” said Antonidas with an easygoing shrug. “Aside from the ones already mentioned, a member of the Kirin Tor would be expected to defend the city when it is attacked, perform certain administrative duties, and teach a certain amount of advanced magical classes per month. Naturally, those teaching sessions can be deferred if the individual provides progress reports of certain magical research.”

“Members of the Kirin Tor are expected to teach?” asked Krivax, unable to stop himself from glancing at Krasus.

“They are,” said Antonidas, glancing at Krivax curiously. “We have too few mages capable of teaching certain subjects, so such a system is a necessity. Why do you ask? Would you like to attend some of these lessons?”

“I would, Archmage Antonidas,” said Krivax, jumping at the opportunity. “My mentor is more than capable of teaching me what I need to know, but I would be a fool to turn down the opportunity to attend the lessons of such accomplished mages.”

More like I want to know when Krasus is teaching a lesson so that I can send a skitterer to stalk him and find out where he lives.

Krivax knew that Hadix wasn’t the type of teacher to get jealous, and would only approve of him seeking to learn more on his own, so he wasn’t concerned about his reaction.

“Very well,” said Antonidas, sounding amused by the blatant flattery. “I will arrange for you to be sent a schedule of the lessons, and be given permission to attend.”

After that, Antonidas turned his attention back to Crinis to continue his explanation of the duties of a member of the Kirin Tor. Once they were done, the Vizier nodded her understanding and promised to bring the matter to the Circle of Viziers.

Soon enough, they managed to finish discussing everything they could, and the negotiations were brought to an end. As he stepped back through the portal that would take him out of the Chamber of Air, Krivax couldn’t help but feel optimistic.

Not only had the delegation managed to negotiate a favorable agreement with another government, but Krivax had come across an opportunity to advance his personal goals.

Today was a productive day.