Hey, hope you having a lovely day! ^_^
My friend showed me your story Burning Awake, was a fun read! Hope you write more chapters for it in the future. It's rare to find a well written story with Kil'jaeden, Velen and Archimonde (poor Archi is always ignored in most stories haha) still being friends.
Cheers! :D
Oh my god hi!! I had no idea anyone had read those! I'm so glad you enjoyed what I had there so far.
Unfortunately, a while ago, as I was working on that AU, I started to realize that my characterizations of all the main characters were only very loosely based on small parts of what canon material there was for them before they were corrupt. A look at the other wonderful authors who write about them at that point will show that what I had going was, while still justifiably plausible, very different from what others seemed to see from the canon characters. Plus, being constrained to WoW's universe and the lore of the draenei held me back from some of the themes I began to want to explore. So ultimately, I renamed the characters, and began building an original universe and set of stories for them.
There is good news, though! I am still working hard on that original universe, and I have a whole lot going with it now. Tons of worldbuilding and characters, and I'm gearing up for a couple stories I'm planning to write fully. It's a huge passion project and I put a lot of time and love into it pretty regularly.
So if you're interested in hearing more about that, I'd love to DM you about it! Once again thank you so much for all the love for Burning Awake, it really means a lot to me.
All decisions have been made. All that is left is to trust that the Naaru will uphold their end of the plan. Will Velen and his followers escape from Argus, or be destroyed by the zealots of Sargeras?
(Burning Awake AU Premise and Summary)
In preparation for the aid promised by the Naaru, Velen began to inform those closest to him of his plan. He told of what they would do, and that aid would come for those who would listen. And yet he did not speak of the beings who had contacted them through the Ata'mal crystal, for he himself did not know what form their aid would take.
He'd begun to weave an intricate web of thoughts between the minds which he knew to be trustworthy, working diligently to keep the frantic activity of his followers just out of sight of those who would object. Archimonde and Kil'jaeden carefully constructed their reasons and alibis for why they were not dutifully preparing as expected; their word was trusted, and they were readily believed upon making the claim that they had matters to attend to that were simply less open.
Upon the arrival of the longest day of the year, Velen sent tendrils of thought to those he trusted, making his way to the highest peak in the land with Kil'jaeden and Archimonde by his side. The three of them had made arrangements in order for their absence to go unnoticed until, hopefully, they were safely away and out of reach
Only a short time ago, Velen had taken the Ata'mal crystal from its place. He and Kil'jaeden had spent several days fabricating a false one, so that no alarm would be sounded when it was discovered missing. It had been carved from simple rock crystal with the utmost care, and they had cast a glamor upon it so that it would glow, but it remained dead to the touch. If any were to seek this crystal's power, they would feel that it was cold, and the theft would be revealed.
The real Ata'mal crystal remained clutched tightly to Velen's chest as he and his people climbed the mountains, their strong legs and steady hooves easily finding their way up the path that they sought. And yet even with nearly everyone who the three had summoned, their numbers were still sickeningly small, only in the hundreds.
As more people arrived, they looked to the three of them expectantly and their eyes, if not their words, wondered how they could possibly escape the fate set out for them by Sargeras. Even Kaelan, Velen's young son, had asked how they would get to safety, anxious as he stood beside his mother, Nuuri. And a prickle of doubt touched Velen's heart when he had no answer to give. He could not help but question whether this plan would truly work, if it was really possible or if it was only false hope, too good to be true.
But in recalling the being who had spoken to him before, he was assured that they would succeed. K'ure, the Naaru, these beings of pure Light would come, just as they had said they would. He knew it.
In the meantime, every moment that passed meant they were closer to being discovered. And so many were not yet there.
Kil'jaeden put a hand on Velen's shoulder. "They will be here soon," he reassured, and Velen nodded. More than likely, Kil'jaeden was right. There had been no sign that anyone of hostile intent had picked up on their plans.
Just then, he caught sight of the other group of those who had followed his words approaching the mountain. He exhaled a sigh of relief, turning to welcome and greet them as they made their way towards the rest.
But despite this positive development, the same sense of intuition that had warned him of Sargeras nagged at the back of his mind again. The others were there, they could hastily make their way away so soon—
And then the crystal shot a warning through his body so strong that he fell to his knees. Kil'jaeden was there by his side in an instant and said something but it went unheard as Velen looked out at those who approached.
The stench of their true nature came crashing into his mind. He could see, or feel, or somehow sense now that they had been disguised, that Sargeras had already begun to infect those who would listen to his lies, to turn them into the man'ari he had seen in his vision. And upon sensing that they had been noticed for what they were, their veil fell, and they raced towards the gathered eredar—
Man'ari of all appearances and sick colors and abilities sprinted forth with such vicious intent to kill and destroy— and yet he and the others with him knew that the fate they would meet should they be caught by them would be even worse than death. And so with nothing else to do, nowhere else to turn, Velen gripped the Ata'mal crystal tightly and instinctively thrust it up towards the sky.
"K'ure! Help us!" he cried out, voice and mind as one.
A beam of brilliant light shot up, and then the crystal shattered. Velen flinched back as the shards cut his hand… Seven shards, each a different color; red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet. They shot into the air and sped in an arc to the ground, casting a dome of light over him and all of his people.
And at that precise instant, the closest man'ari finally reached where they stood and raced towards them— only to slam into the dome overhead and tumble backwards as if it were made of stone, though it looked only to be made of light. And yet it kept the forms of the frightened eredar safe from those outside.
Velen whirled and saw the man'ari claw and scratch and drool with unhidden loathing in their eyes upon being prevented from reaching their prey. The most powerful among them was, as Archimonde could see, for he had known him well, Ralteras. A formerly collected, intelligent and kind man, who worked as the lead of security on Argus and who he had known for so long… Now this monster, shrieking and clawing like a rabid animal at the barrier.
A deep thrum raced along Velen's nerves, so intense that it could nearly drop him to his knees yet again. And then he looked up, beholding wonder that surpassed even the glory that was the seven shards of light that surrounded them.
What at first looked like a descending star above them shone so brightly that they almost could not even bear looking at it. And yet as it approached further it became clear that this was nothing so elusive as a star in the moonlit sky, no… This was a solid structure, curves of its center adorned with impossibly massive crystals jutting out like shards of glass. This was their salvation, this would be their key, their one true hope to survive. To escape the horrific grasp of Sargeras and to live on, free of his unfathomable destruction and pain. At the sight of it, Velen wept openly and could not turn his eyes away.
I am here, as I promised I would be. Prepare to abandon this world. Prophet Velen.
At the sound of this voice, Velen extended his arms into the air as a child might in an expectation of being lifted by a loving parent into an affectionate embrace. He felt this force gently lift him into the air, and looked around to see his brothers and each of their followers being drawn upwards as well. Though in the midst of his relief and joy, he still could hear the vicious snarls of the man'ari below, enraged at being robbed of their prey so close to catching.
In only a few moments Velen saw the base of this… Vessel? That was the closest word he could put to what this was. He felt himself meet the solidness of this structure, and knelt on the floor, if it could be called that, watching as his brothers and his people were placed there as well. He expected then that this ship—metal and yet not metal, only of which he could suspect to be the essence of K'ure—would depart. But it did not yet do so, and instead, he heard the voice… K'ure's voice… whisper again.
The crystals— where there was one, there are seven. Recover them, for you will need them.
Velen leaned over the opening and extended his hands, and with shocking speed the crystals shot into his grasp, striking his palms so hard that the sting of the cuts from their previous shattering reignited. He clutched them to his chest despite the incredible heat they emitted and threw himself backwards. The opening of the ship closed as if it had never been there and then he felt his mind pulled and stretched to what felt like the edge of madness— until his senses began to settle once again just as quickly as they had unsettled, leaving him reeling.
As soon as he had the clarity to do so, he looked around at the others.
Had they done it? Had they escaped?
He turned and saw Kil'jaeden, on his knees as he gazed down at the floor and attempted to collect his thoughts from the scattered mess that they no doubt were, as everyone's were. And near him, Archimonde stood and for the first time looked thoroughly surprised at an outcome as he surveyed the room that they had been placed in… Velen breathed a sigh of relief like no other in his life. His brothers were there with him, and safe, when only a short time ago he had been so horribly close to losing them forever; his heart ached merely at the thought. And as he looked past them, at the others…
He stood the moment he saw Nuuri across the room, kneeling as she hugged Kaelan close in light of all that they had just been through. In an instant Velen was with them and embraced them both, and they embraced him in return as if they did not ever want to let him go again.
"They can't get us here, right…?" Kaelan said to his father, uncertain and still shaken after a moment together that could have either been a second or an eternity.
Velen moved to look him in the eye, hands tenderly on his small shoulders as he met his anxious gaze… All they had just seen and felt was so much, for anyone, let alone one so young.
"They are far away from us now. We are safe," he reassured gently. Kaelan's eyes welled with tears and he threw himself back into his father's arms, embracing him as tightly as his young strength would allow.
Velen looked at Nuuri, and was warmed by her smile and the light in her eyes as he moved to hold her as well; they had survived, they and their people were safe and away from the grasp of Sargeras.
Kaelan held tightly to his father, but the question weighed on Nuuri's mind as the moments passed… It was a question every mind shared, unspoken and yet unanimous.
"What will we do now?" she finally asked.
What to do now… What to do now indeed. Their homes and lives and all that they had ever known was now left behind, with nothing of their own now but the belongings in their arms, the clothes on their backs…
And each other.
"Now, we stand together," he answered, in the only certainty that remained; no matter what future could follow, they would all face it as one, united.
"We will find our way," he said as he looked into her eyes, his heart once again filled with hope. "Just as we always have."
Kil'jaeden has made his choice... But two questions still stand; what will Archimonde decide, and how will Velen bring his people to safety?
(Burning Awake AU Premise and Summary)
"What is your plan?"
And with these words, the weight of a world bled away from Velen's shoulders. He had made the right choice in the heavy risk he took in attempting to convince Kil'jaeden to side with him at all, and now he knew his old friend was not lost to him… They would find a way, he could feel it in the depths of his soul.
"We cannot speak a word of this to any but those we trust the most," Velen told him. "I fear what may happen if others learn of the choice we have made."
Kil'jaeden nodded, and he thought, and his heart sank, aware of the same deadly consequences Velen suggested in the case that their discussion be discovered. "Then I suppose we must now find a way to protect any who will follow us."
They both knew they could not fight against the likes of Sargeras. They knew that most would still follow the offer they were given, and that their world would be… Destroyed. Despair trickled into Velen's heart. There would clearly be no place to hide. But there were a few who would take the two of them at their word, forsake everything at their judgment. For them, they had to find a way. Had to flee.
But… Flee where?
As he glanced to the Ata'mal crystal, it almost seemed to pulse in its glow… Surely it was only his imagining, the depths of his hope. And yet Kil'jaeden turned to it as well, in surprise…
No, this was no trick of the mind, and before their shocked gazes, the crystal lifted from its pedestal.
Touch it, a voice said in both of their minds simultaneously, and with a surprised glance at each other, both of them did, expecting the usual warmth that it held—
And in unison they were flooded with this energy, this essence so powerful that Velen gasped and Kil'jaeden's eyes widened in surprise. It was almost blinding in its brilliance, and yet they could not bring themselves to look away. Whatever voice they had heard then spoke within them yet again;
You are not alone, Velen and Kil'jaeden of the eredar, it said, and as it spoke, the energy that coursed through them was nearly as powerful and overwhelming as the corruption that had flooded their veins during their vision of Sargeras's future. But where the vision's energy was sick and corrupt, this was whole and pure, ran through the mind like clear water and warm summer wind, like the joy of one who beheld the birth of new life or heard the laughter of a child.
We, too, have seen the devastation of the future Sargeras brings. He will destroy all that is lively and pure on this world, and countless others, obliteration beyond recovery.
Who… What… Velen could not even piece together the questions to ask in the presence of the being's glory, and Kil'jaeden's gaze remained in total shock and wonder as the crystal's light shifted, taking forms of shapes in the air that turned and swirled like orbiting stars around a galaxy's core.
We are Naaru, it spoke again, voice like the touch of beauty itself in their minds. You may call me… K'ure.
K'ure… Naaru… Velen's lips formed around the names as he whispered them aloud, as if speaking them would grant even a fraction of the sweetness and purity he beheld in their presence.
We cannot stop it… Your people have free will, the being continued. But we have heard you reach out with an anguished heart, to save what you can. And therefore, we will do what we can. We will save those among you whose hearts reject the horrors of what Sargeras offers.
What should we do? Kil'jaeden's mind spoke despite the awe that still glazed his eyes. Velen's heart was once again filled, though this time not with despair but with hope, relief and joy at the possibility of saving those who would hear their words.
Gather those who will listen to your wisdom. Go to the highest mountain in the land on the longest day of the year. Take the Ata'mal crystal with you. Long, long ago, did we give it to you; it is how we will find you again. We will come and bear you away.
For a moment, a flicker of doubt crossed Velen's heart, burning like a dark flame. These beings, whom even he had never heard of, asked them to steal their people's most sacred object, and claimed that it was they who had given it to them. He knew Kil'jaeden shared this thought… Perhaps Archimonde had the right of it, and this vision he had seen was only a manifestation of his own fear.
And yet… He knew in his heart that these ideas were only vestiges of what he wished could be, his longing desperation to keep their world as it was, in its peace before Sargeras brought his forces down upon them. They knew now what it was that they had to do, and Velen bowed his head to this power of Light before them.
Meeting again after contemplation of all that they had been shown, Kil'jaeden brought forth one point which had been weighing on his mind;
"I feel there is a chance that Archimonde could be swayed."
This sparked Velen's intrigue, and yet also his skepticism. Archimonde had been the first to readily go along with Sargeras's plans; Velen had not held out much hope of him being convinced to deny that offer of power.
"Do you recall his master, Thal'kiel, and his treachery? His meddling in demonic magics?" Kil'jaeden inquired, an idea already formed in his mind.
"I do," Velen answered, curious, and with tentative hope despite how unlikely it was that Archimonde would ever listen, or that any plan could be sound enough to even safely approach him with. A note of sadness pricked his heart at the thought.
"And these magics. They were the same as what you saw in your vision, yes?"
Velen considered this for a moment. That had been so long ago, and yet… Recalling the ordeal, it did seem to be. He could not think of how any magic could be so similar and not the same.
"I believe it was," he replied.
"Archimonde still keeps his skull," Kil'jaeden said. "We must inspect it. I fear its magics affect him."
Indeed, after Thal'kiel's death, Archimonde had commissioned his skull to be gilded and displayed as a warning to those who might follow in his traitorous footsteps. Velen had thought it to be quite an unsavory thing to do, and the practice was quite uncommon because of its barbarism, though unfortunately still not unheard of. But Archimonde would not be talked out of it.
Velen nodded. While it was perhaps expected for Archimonde to accept an offer of power, it was quite uncharacteristic of him to be so unobservant as he had been when the two had planned around him. And so unmoved by the destruction of everything he held value to in Velen's vision. No external force was affecting him overtly, they would have sensed such a thing. But something using the skull as a vessel, or a conduit… That was the only possible answer.
"We must destroy it, then," said Velen.
"Indeed."
Which left the question of how.
Shortly thereafter, the two of them met with Archimonde at his domicile, under the guise of a celebration of Argus's new era. As soon as they had requested such, Archimonde had accepted, his living space of course being the grandest of the three and which he did not hesitate to show off. Kil'jaeden had intended to request such anyways, outside of false pretenses, if he himself had accepted Sargeras's offer.
The evening, although short, felt like a small eternity with the weight of choosing which things to keep hidden in their minds. And as planned, in light of such a bright future, Kil'jaeden requested to take a look through Argus's history in the form of Archimonde's prized collections of artifacts.
The first thing to draw the eye in the room was of course the skull of Thal'kiel on its esteemed and admittedly slightly ominous pedestal, framed elegantly by hand carved ornamentation. The three all continued to speak of grand futures and powerful dreams, and Archimonde explained proudly of some of his possessions, but Kil'jaeden's attention remained calculatedly on the skull that seemed to survey the room through its empty eye sockets.
"What magnificent craftsmanship," Kil'jaeden said as he gestured to the gilded skull, once they'd reached a moment in which its admiration would be warranted.
"Only the finest of Argus," Archimonde replied, proud as always of his possessions.
"Might I examine it?" Kil'jaeden requested, as if he were interested in the fine art that its adornments were. It would not have been the first time he'd looked over the piece, for even Archimonde's praises of its craft did admittedly ring true.
As Archimonde took it delicately off its pedestal and allowed him to hold it, there came the unmistakable sensation, just as it had been in the vision, powerful, yet twisted… And almost as if it fought against his knowing touch, as if it held its own hatred, this sharp loathing of him for what he had discovered.
Velen's mind brushed his from where he stood in mock contemplation of another piece, and drew him back from his hidden shock at what he felt, only to see Archimonde watching him, a bit too intently as he held the skull— and with the same power beginning to bristle from him, so subtly and yet not subtle enough to be missed by one who knew him so well.
"Truly, one of the finest works I have seen." Kil'jaeden attempted to dispel the tension with a natural response.
"Of course. I would accept nothing less," Archimonde replied, the overt sensation fading from what Kil'jaeden felt from him… Though its disappearance did not seem to carry the same meaningful intention that nearly every action Archimonde displayed always had.
He glanced to Velen. They'd have to act soon if they were ever going to go through with this terribly ambitious plan. And with a find so alarmingly tangible, he knew they would not be given another chance.
The destruction of the skull, should it not end up working as planned, still had potential to be excusable as an action done to bring forth a new era and leave the old behind. To act so disrespectfully would be unbecoming of Kil'jaeden, and Archimonde was no fool. And yet, all would act uncharacteristically in light of such ambitious promises… Should it not work, he was certain he could talk his way out of it.
Meeting Kil'jaeden's gaze, sending his hidden request… Velen nodded. Archimonde turned away from him to look at Velen, tipped off by something— and in the instant he looked back, a short, small burst of arcane shot through the skull from Kil'jaeden's hand, enough power to run through the bone and elegantly reduce it to shards and dust.
But instead of disintegrating with grace it fractured with a horribly loud crack and dispelled this green, fire-like energy just the same as that of the vision— and Kil'jaeden flinched and cried out as it snapped against his arm and he dropped what was left of the artifact.
Archimonde's rage flared hard as the skull's precious adornments fell and he opened his mouth to snap the harshest of words— and yet before he could speak, his gaze faltered, as if the thoughts he had intended to speak of had suddenly lost their way.
Had it worked? Would he now listen? Velen's tentative hope sparked once again. Kil'jaeden clutched his burned hand, still wincing in pain.
"What. Have you done." Archimonde said, attempting to steel himself and respond to their actions, before relenting and putting a hand up to his temple, a sudden, splitting headache flaring.
"Archimonde. Are you alright?" Velen said, relief palpable as he put a hand on his shoulder.
"Do I look alright?" Archimonde replied, stepping slightly aside to reject Velen's gesture. Kil'jaeden smiled to himself despite still clutching his arm. That sounded more like the Archimonde he knew.
They all paused and collected their thoughts, the sharp ache in Archimonde's mind beginning to fade along with the burn in Kil'jaeden's skin.
"Do you see?" Kil'jaeden said, finally looking over his injury and holding his arm out so that the others could do so as well. A burn, unnatural and inflamed, his skin reddened where the energy had touched. The sickly color even crawled up small veins in his arm… Despite his concern with that alone, there were more important matters to be attended to at the moment.
"What does…" Archimonde started, then trailed off, struggling to recall. Now was the moment, now was the choice to be made, and there was no going back from whichever option was picked. Kil'jaeden glanced back to Velen, who met his gaze and nodded assuredly…
"Velen's vision." Kil'jaeden began. "It is clear now. It was no trick of the mind, as I had thought."
Soon Archimonde would understand, he had to… He would listen to reason if he was now truly himself.
Kil'jaeden continued. "Sargeras wishes to bring us power, yes. But this is the form it will take. This sickness, this corruption which has crept its way into your mind and now has burned my skin. Made you blind, even to those you know so well. Blind to us as we planned to show you this today. Blind even to your own thoughts."
Archimonde began to object, but this… He felt not as he had moments ago. Where there had stood sound plans of grandeur and achievement now lie strings of nonsense, pain and destruction laced with sick pride that drifted like cobwebs on the wind…
"Leave me be. I must think," he said finally. His words were genuine… Something within him had changed.
"All we ask is that you consider what we have been shown," Velen said to him, his words as strong as a storm, and yet gentle as a summer rain. "Do not let a promise take you from us… Do not let it take you from yourself."
This short three part story is a rewrite of the prologue of Rise of the Horde by Christie Golden, set to follow the events of the Burning Awake AU. Most of these events and characters belong to her and to Blizzard respectively.
The prosperous planet of Argus has been contacted by the great Sargeras, with an irresistible offer of knowledge and power. And yet the Prophet Velen, with his foresight, doubts that all is as it seems. Will he convince his brothers to join him in finding another way, or will they be lost to him forever?
(Burning Awake AU Premise and Summary)
The stranger's image stood before them, swathed in the swirling, wondrous hues and notes and tones of the power he radiated, voice like sweet nectar that raced hot against the blood, elegant strength apparent not only to the eyes but to the touch of the mind. And the words he spoke, proposals he spun… So exquisitely exciting, made the heart and mind race with its possibilities and promises so appealing, so perfect.
The three leaders of this world discussed amongst themselves, words spoken softly, meant for their minds alone.
“It is little enough to ask, for what he offers us,” said Archimonde, reaching out with his mind, touching the fabric of the space that surrounded them and sending through it a gentle, echoing ripple of his strength.
“Such power…” marveled Kil’jaeden, mind dwelling on the intoxicating possibilities. He smiled, strong and elegant in his contemplation of the promised future. Ever the beautiful and radiant of the three. “And he speaks the truth. What he showed us will come to pass. No one can lie in such a telling."
It was undisputed that these words held true, and that should they accept these offers, these things would indeed come to pass; the power before them could not possibly be falsified.
And yet Velen remained silent. Within his senses and his mind, there was something… Something among this series of events refused to settle.
Their opportunity was set before them so simply; all that they had to do for all of these wonderful things to become their reality was just to pledge their loyalty to this Sargeras.
And that of all of their people.
“As usual, our Velen is the cautious one,” said Archimonde. This statement, although true, and perhaps which in another time could’ve been a compliment, only really came across as condescending.
"Yes, I am the cautious one, and sometimes my caution has saved us as much as your decisiveness, Kil'jaeden, and your instinctive impetuosity, Archimonde."
Both of them laughed, and in the moment he took comfort in the sound. Until they quieted, and in the stillness, he felt the direction they had taken on the matter; from all he could sense, their minds were already made up.
The three of them had always wanted and still did want what was best for their people, and in most times, for so long, their decisions could bring the prosperity and harmony that their world enjoyed. And this offer was nothing short of all they could possibly want, an offer of so many worlds to seek and examine, so many new civilizations to contact… The eredar craved knowledge as lesser races may have sought food and drink. This proposal was all they'd ever dreamed of.
And yet…
At a loss for his own decision on the matter, split between what he saw and what his intuition sensed, Velen went to the temple which held the Ata'mal crystal once their meeting had concluded. He felt that perhaps he could find answers within this artifact; it was cherished by the eredar, in the past used for conjuration, healing, even visions as he sought on this day. It had been with them for as long as any remembered, its origins unknown to them, just as were their own.
There were others there then, seated in a circle with the crystal in its place in the center. Velen approached and, respectfully, rested a hand against the crystal, its hum soothing and warm, like a small animal nestled in the palm of his hand as he sought its guidance. Allowing its energy to flow through and into himself like water in the sand, he stepped back to the circle, kneeling as he opened his mind, heart, and senses to its power, its message.
And as his eyes closed, he saw Sargeras, and the eredar who followed him; himself, Kil'jaeden, Archimonde, multitudes of their people, and all of immense, delightful power that he knew would be more intoxicating than the strongest liquor he might taste. Their people rejoiced, praised, applauded for them so lovingly and proudly, and their voices brought warmth to Velen's heart. He looked to Kil'jaeden, smiling beside him, proud and grateful for what they had been given. They were so very hopeful for their bright future as Archimonde rested a friendly hand on his shoulder. He looked forward again at their surroundings, catching sight of himself, and—
He cried out as he looked down, his own body now gargantuan and mangled and twisted, his skin no longer lavender, but sick, blackened and burned. He looked to the others, Kil'jaeden, Archimonde… And their bodies were mutilated in the same horrific ways, skin unnaturally gray or red, their familiar essence replaced with unnatural green, liquid fire that changed their once comforting gaze into a piercing, horrid, sick force that made his stomach twist and blood run cold— but not cold, no, far from it. His blood could no longer run anything but a searingly hot that burned and pulsed like molten rock through every vein.
The word thrust itself into his mind like cold steel— Man’ari. A word for twisted, unnatural, sick things which wrought disgust, things mutilated beyond recognition. His heart dropped hard and his knees buckled under him with a thud to the ground as he searched and searched the defiled place around him for the prosperity and knowledge that Sargeras had promised, but only beheld such terror and destruction of everything around him, everything he cared for, torn apart horrifically.
And his people… Their cheers of adoration had turned to screams of rage and terror, all twisted into unrecognizable monstrosities, some torn apart or dead on the scorched earth. Among them were other beings of which he’d never seen, from brutish warriors to sneering dancing little creatures to fair and lithe and deceptively beautiful winged beings, and all present watched the destruction and pain around them not with horror or dismay, but with delight. With each step they took, the earth died underneath their feet, not only withering and destroying the plants that lived on the surface but also sucking the soil itself dry of all that had given it life.
And all of these beings, this army was led by Kil’jaeden, and Archimonde, and—may all that was pure help him—Velen. This was what would become of the proud Eredar should they throw their service behind Sargeras. Baited by the promises tailored to all they could ever want, all they strove for. Indeed they would become powerful… Strength beyond imagining, knowledge beyond his current comprehending, near godhood. And they would indeed be united with other worlds across the cosmos, but not as allies or friends or even to investigate… But to conquer and destroy and mutilate and defile all these words and all that gave them beauty, and he then realized with a sickening thought, that they themselves would see beauty in this cosmic obliteration of all they had ever held dear. And somehow he realized that this was not one world, no… This would be the shared fate of dozens, hundreds, thousands, light help him— uncountable worlds, uncountable lives torn to pieces and mangled and destroyed in this horrific conquest. Was Sargeras insane? Or was he aware of what he wrought and yet still craved it?
He opened his eyes, finally, and found himself alone in the room, floor under him once again as he ran a shaking hand over his face and found only sweat and tears in place of the blood and tainted magic he'd felt only moments ago. He looked forward at the crystal, grateful for its familiar glow and stood to collect his thoughts as they raced faster than he could sort. Was there a way to prevent this? Was there anything he could do to stop this destruction of which he could not even think of a word to come close to describing its magnitude?
The answer drifted back to him…
Yes.
He reached out with his mind to Kil’jaeden and Archimonde, and they arrived with haste at the urgency of his call. He touched his brothers with this vision, observing them as what he had seen flowed through their minds, and for a moment he knew they shared his sentiment as they beheld such horrific things. But then as this concluded, he felt their shock recede…
“You worry yourself with these visions, Velen…” Kil’jaeden said, his eyes still a bit wide from what he had seen, and yet his mind uncertain…
Archimonde nodded. "This is not a glimpse into the future that we can verify. It is only your hunch,” he followed, as if he were concurring. He seemed so… Unmoved, now that his emotions had settled back into his previous thoughts. Thoughts no doubt of tantalizing promises.
Kil’jaeden looked to Archimonde, and back to Velen, who for a moment feared deep in his heart and away from their sensing that Kil'jaeden would agree, that they would not heed his vision. Archimonde's choice on the matter had not been difficult to predict, but the rational and wise Kil'jaeden, whom Velen loved so deeply and had led so long beside… He feared even he would make his choice, and that both of his brothers would be lost to him, that in the next few moments he would withdraw his connection from them, to never share it again, never sense one another as they had for so long, and yet never long enough…
Until his mind was touched by Kil’jaeden, a sense of urgency, something that could not be conveyed here. Hope swelled in his heart, and he glanced to Archimonde, who once would have noticed Velen and Kil’jaeden’s subtle communication as clearly as one noticed night from day, and yet now he showed no sign of realizing. Perhaps he simply acknowledged it was not his place to question them. And yet, not even a curious glance.
“We must consider the good of our people above all else,” Kil’jaeden said smoothly. Archimonde nodded, perceiving agreement. But in the same words…
Velen saw hope.
He met with Kil’jaeden once again in the temple, once Archimonde had departed and returned to making necessary preparations for welcoming this great new lord. Velen remained grateful that he had been heard by at least one of his brothers.
“Your vision," Kil’jaeden spoke. His words held a depth, a weight that conveyed importance perhaps even more imperative than any other they had faced together in the past. "Do you believe it to be true foresight?”
And Velen replied, his tone and expression and mind so united behind his response that they may as well have been one. He knew just how much this answer meant, how much rested up on it.
“Yes.”
Kil’jaeden nodded and turned back to his thoughts, gaze wandering to the Ata'mal crystal as he took into account all things that he could make come to mind.
“Your vision, as your son was born. Did that not show you… Something similar?”
And with those words, a forgotten memory flooded back to Velen’s mind. At the birth of his son, a vision had come to him… An eredar, somehow twisted, or changed in ways he could not recognize. And Velen himself had held this eredar, dead or dying, in his arms and wept over him with deep sorrow in his heart. He had not had any idea what the vision had meant as it happened, and he had not had reason to think of it again since that time. And yet he saw now the nature of the eredar he had been shown.
The very same corruption, the same man’ari as those he had seen in his vision from the Ata'mal crystal.
Velen nodded as he realized. “Yes… Yes, it did." The sensation of enlightenment as these pieces lined up advocated for the truth of his statement.
Kil’jaeden acknowledged him, and then quickly the triumph of his realization was soured by now knowing he would have to face the decision before him. Sargeras had offered their people everything they had ever wanted, to lengths he could not yet even conceive of… Knowledge so valuable, power so sweet, only a word away from being within his grasp. And yet, when had he not trusted Velen? How could he dismiss such a vision, with another from years ago which showed something so similar? So deeply he longed to trust his brother, and yet so deeply he wished for Sargeras's promises to prove true.
He could not deny that it seemed as if Velen would truly never stand behind Sargeras… And though Kil'jaeden understood his deterrence by his visions, he could not help the hint of injustice that rose within him at knowing he would not stand with his fellow leaders. With him. No matter, such things could be overcome. That would not matter to him in the case that he made his choice and Sargeras's promises rang true, would it?
"And if we pledge ourselves to Sargeras? What will become of us?" said Kil'jaeden, his tone confident as it always was, and yet despite it, the pique of uncertainty still remained in his chest as he asked the question. The question on which his decision would hinge… The question on which his future itself rested.
"Then we will leave behind all that we care for," Velen answered with such deep conviction in his eyes, such heavy and grave devotion in his voice. "We will watch with pleasure in the destruction of all we now hold dear."
Perhaps it was a grandiose statement. Perhaps it did not hold the logic and reason which one would expect to behold in a situation so dire. And yet, this commitment, this sheer certainty with which he spoke… This was no matter of ego, or even of fear, it was no ghost of his imagining. This was a future that Velen could see just as clearly as the man who stood before him.
And this was the answer Kil'jaeden had needed, this was why he had asked; not for proof, or for logic. But to be shown, truly shown just how confident Velen was in his choice. A confidence deep enough to feel, deep enough to follow. A reason deeper than even the most tantalizing offers of power and knowledge.
He held Velen's gaze, looked into his eyes as he considered every option, reaching deep into his own heart for the path best followed. Not only for himself, but for every one of his people, their fates weighing heavy on his shoulders, their futures held delicately in his hands. The lives of every person, every child born after he made this decision all hinged on his choice.
The choice he'd make for them.
He sighed, letting his eyes close, and with that the division in his heart which had stirred so tumultuously at last settled on his decision. On the option set before him which he felt to be the path best for not only himself, but for every person who would follow him.
And once his eyes opened again, his confidence was renewed, his heart spoke in unison with his words, his sincerity so pure that it could not be falsified even by one such as himself;
"I stand with you, Velen." His decision was made. He would not, he could not go back, not now. And with this, he asked,
Archimonde was one of three rulers of Argus in its prime. He was bold and had a gift for finding the strengths in those around him, filling them with confidence and courage. He was described as usually having sound judgment, but occasionally being susceptible to appeals to his vanity. Velen has also described him as being instinctively impetuous.[1] Back in that time, he was incredibly ambitious, and consumed by the pursuit of power.[2] In order to become a leader of Argus, he revealed that his own master in sorcery, Thal’kiel, had a plan to stage a coup, and reported the Wakener’s plans to the planet’s current leaders, the second Duumvirate, consisting of Velen and Kil’jaeden. Archimonde himself later lead the contingent of magi who stormed Thal’kiel’s secret training grounds, killing Thal’kiel with his own blade, all in order to prove himself to the duumvirate.[3]
(Burning Awake AU Premise and Summary)
Youth
The behavior Archimonde exhibits throughout his life can have a variety of causes, most of which can be traced back to early childhood. Excessive pressure on a child to be successful[4] and never being allowed to safely fail at tasks, academic or otherwise, can introduce an anxiety towards failure and the perceived unsafety of said failure that can influence a person long after reaching adulthood.[5] This type of anxiety, or neurosis, can present itself in three ways; it can present needs that move a person towards people, away from people, or against people. In the case that a person moves against people, causing factors may include excessive admiration, lack of warmth, and overprotection. This type of neurotic behavior often causes a need for control, dominance, and most notably a need for power.[6] Archimonde falls under this category of moving against others.
Based on these factors, it can reasonably be speculated that Archimonde was raised in such a way that he could never safely fail, and was held to standards that were much higher than what was healthy for his development. The statement that he was notably intelligent[7] supports this assumption, in the sense that a person who was able to excel above others in most ways from a young age may often be forced to avoid less than proficient performance and accustomization to the experience of failure, insufficiency or even just imperfection.
Later in his development, as an adult, Archimonde went on to exhibit a strong inclination to gain power, to be in control, and a willingness to do anything it took to do so. In this critical insecurity and need to be in complete control, it can be reasonably speculated that he did not allow himself to foster healthy attachments to other people. This becomes evident during his ordeal with Thal’kiel’s coup, and his willingness to betray and even kill his own master. Statements from another Wakener clearly show that the rest of them loved Thal’kiel like a father,[8] which would lead one to expect that Archimonde, as Thal’kiel’s apprentice, would share these feelings. But as events unfold, it is shown that he was not only psychologically able to betray his master, but also to kill him,[9] and to keep his skull as an artifact for channeling magic and to be put openly on display.[10]
Archimonde’s behavior during his time as the Augari of the Conservatory of the Arcane[11] and as an instructor further exhibits evidence of the nature of his upbringing. Despite his stated talent for inspiring confidence and courage in others, he was said to expect greatness from his pupils, and was unwilling to suffer indecision, being known to reward frustration with more frustration, and punishment with more punishment. Absolute conviction was required to succeed under him.[12] Based on this method of teaching his own students, and ways that behavioral impacts of formative years can manifest,[13] it can be assumed that these actions reflect the way Archimonde himself was raised and taught.
There is not as much information given on Archimonde’s behavior as a leader of Argus and a member of the triumvirate, apart from being, by all accounts, a wise and sagacious ruler.[14] Towards the end of the time before the Legion made itself known to the eredar, a demonic presence had begun to infiltrate his mind, showing him visions of the Legion’s power,[15] influencing his decision once Sargeras contacted Argus.
Burning Awake
Fall of Argus
Once Sargeras contacted Argus, Archimonde had already been prepared to accept the Legion’s offer, having been shown visions of its destructive reign and power via a demonic presence infiltrating his mind as he slept, using the skull of Thal’kiel as a conduit.[16] However, before the offer could be accepted, as per the events of the Burning Awake AU, Kil’jaeden was convinced by Velen to doubt the claims of Sargeras.
Archimonde, however, was not swayed by this, and remained intent on taking the power offered by the Legion. Under the guise of meeting for celebration of their future, the three leaders met at Archimonde's domicile, and as planned they took this opportunity to admire his personal collection of artifacts as a look back into their past before they stepped into their future.
Upon being allowed to examine Thal'kiel's skull, Kil’jaeden, in silent agreement with Velen, suddenly destroyed it with a small burst of arcane which should have only caused it to disintegrate. Instead, it fractured and released its own burst of magic, its fel energy burning Kil’jaeden’s hand which he had been holding it with.
Archimonde was justifiably enraged by the destruction of his possession, but only momentarily. After the skull’s destruction, he found himself feeling odd, almost somewhat dazed. Upon Kil’jaeden and Velen re-explaining recent events, with emphasis on Velen's visions and their speculation that any who followed Sargeras would no longer be themselves, Archimonde tentatively agreed to go along with their plans.
Genedar
At the very beginning of the flight from Argus, Archimonde had planned to keep an eye on the Legion, verify its nature for himself, and then choose whether to betray the draenei and join the demonic ranks or to remain with them as they fled. These plans changed in short order, though, once the Legion’s leading eredar presented himself; Ralteras, a formerly studious and diligent member of the council of Exarchs, head of security, and someone Archimonde knew well. But as a member of the Legion, Ralteras was consumed by fel power and beguiled by delusions, working as nothing but a pawn, though a very efficient one, to Sargeras, as well as a slave to his own insanity. This dissuaded Archimonde from coveting the Legion’s power, to say the least.
Carrying on with life on the Genedar, Archimonde continued to teach students in the arts of magic, as he had back on Argus at the Conservatory of the Arcane. Choosing to continue to pursue the arts of the arcane himself as well over the first centuries of their journey, while Kil’jaeden and Velen focused more on the leadership of their people, Archimonde gained power and skill in magic that rivaled, or may have surpassed that of Kil’jaeden and even Velen. Despite his power and secure position as a leader of the draenei, he continued to feel as though something was missing, that he needed something more. This sense of inadequacy had been with Archimonde for most of his life, which had psychologically arisen originally as a result of his sense of insecurity within himself, and a need to guard himself from the possibility of loss of control. Naturally, he blamed his dissatisfaction on the situation the draenei were in, and the Legion for forcing them into it and taking away what they once were.
As centuries, and eventually millenia passed, Archimonde maintained his position and attitude, still dissatisfied with the lack of capabilities he and the draenei as a whole had because of the Legion's pursuit. Later, as time went on, he began to take notice of one key dissimilarity between himself and others among his people; they found fulfillment and satisfaction with their lives despite their difficult, and even sometimes hopeless situation, while Archimonde, regardless of his attempts to pursue power or skill, was never satisfied. Over time, he began to question what exactly set him apart.
With the passage of time, Archimonde gradually began to acknowledge that the differences he faced may have been within himself, rather than others, and thus began to research the topic of psychology for answers. What he found did go unacknowledged for a time; the reasons behind some of his experiences were more than what he was willing to process immediately. But after more time, he did eventually come to terms with these events, his past, and some of the reasons behind some of the things he’d done.
It was no small amount of time before he gained the willingness to open up, even only to Velen. He was of course met with nothing but support and acceptance, which to an extent surprised him, though he knew logically that it should not have. As always, the Prophet was wise and kind, providing the guidance that Archimonde needed in this difficult time.
Over the centuries, even millennia that Archimonde spent processing and healing from his past, his behavior gradually changed. Most notably, he came to recognize that his need for power was rooted in a fear of failure and sense of insecurity. From a psychological standpoint, he pursued power in order to feel in control, and therefore safe. As he began to resolve this, he also came to the realization that it was not so imperative to stay distant from other people, and that this avoidance of closeness was pathologically rooted in the belief that these relationships would stand in the way of control, and therefore safety. With time and effort in working towards resolving the tendencies rooted in his past, he gradually became more comfortable being close to others, and eventually grew to love Velen and Kil’jaeden as brothers.
Upon resolving more of his insecurities, he also began to change his methods in teaching his students. Where he previously would only accept perfection, encourage ambition, and guide his students to strive for power as he did, he transitioned to encouraging improvement, inspiring confidence, and guiding his pupils to success and fulfillment rather than ambitious gain of power. As he became a more constructive and caring teacher, some of his students began to seek his guidance in areas of their lives outside of academics, which was very common among draenei. He took this role in stride, and did his best to be there for his pupils when he could. During the later years of the Genedar’s flight, Archimonde’s students loved him like a father, and he loved them like his children, even allowing a small group of his students who had lost their families to spend the observance of Vodas together with him.
Draenor and Azeroth
Once the draenei arrived and Draenor, and later Azeroth, Archimonde naturally settled into the role of primarily handling strategy and security, as well as continuing to teach when time permitted.
Archimonde and Kil’jaeden accompanied Velen in the return to Argus on the Vindicaar, and each of them retrieved their own pieces of the Crown of the Triumvirate respectively. Along with Alleria Windrunner, Archimonde and Kil’jaeden were present for the fight against the darkened naaru L’ura within the seat of the triumvirate. As L’ura prepared their final burst of void energy, Kil’jaeden was locked in place, in its path, defending the rest of the group. Archimonde then managed to remove him from the path of the energy, saving him from a grim fate. This action narratively mirrors the risk Kil’jaeden took to save Archimonde millennia ago. Events concerning Alleria proceed as they do in canon
Vodas is a three day holiday celebrated over the longest night of the year and the days surrounding it. It originated as a celebration of the ending of the agricultural working season, after all agriculture related labor was finished for the cold season.
[List of All Argus/Draenei Holidays]
It was also an observance of the solstice, spent at home with family and friends. Traditionally, no work would be done during these three days, and homes would be decorated with many candles, to light up the longest night of the year and bring forth a bright future. As Argus advanced technologically, small candle-sized lanterns ranging from white to blue would be used in place of these candles.
Many individuals plan not to leave their homes for these three days, instead spending them inside with their families and friends, sharing meals and playing traditional tabletop games.
Tovandan was traditionally a holiday of the year's agricultural harvest, celebrated with a feast and in gratitude for abundance. In modern times, it transitioned into more of a holiday of family gatherings. On the Genedar, this occasion took back its agricultural origins.
[List of All Argus/Draenei Holidays]
Each year, before modern times on Argus, the year's harvest would be celebrated by a feast and gathering, sharing the abundance of the growing season with friends, family and community as a whole.
Later, as Argus advanced technologically, this holiday transitioned into a family oriented holiday, coming together to share a meal, celebrate each other, the abundance in their lives, and catch up with family members which were not at home as often.
On the Genedar, due to the returning necessity of agriculture, this holiday took back its roots as a feast after the harvest and larger, community wide gathering.
Akasan is a celebration of parents, mentors, teachers, and any other constructive figure in a person's life. Many give small gifts to the aforementioned people, and make a point to spend time with them, whether it be making time in their schedules or returning home for the day, or any other way one wishes to celebrate the people who helped raise them.
Dosthaan is a day of remembrance for Argus and the eredar lost to the Legion, as well as of gratitude for the help of the Naaru and the survival of the draenei.
[List of All Argus/Draenei Holidays]
This observance takes place on the date that was Argus's longest day's solstice, which is the day on which the draenei fled their homeworld.
Typically, this day is addressed by a speech from the leaders of the draenei, often speaking of the remembrance and mourning of those who were lost, then of gratitude for the survival of the draenei and the help of the Naaru, and lastly of motivation and hope for the future of their people. This serves as a reminder to never forget their origins, or lose sight of how far they've come as the years add up.
Kosaran is a celebration of the end of the cold season and beginning of the growth season, taking place on the first day of the calendar year. It is spent with communities, family and friends.
[List of All Argus/Draenei Holidays]
The first day of Argus's calendar year falls on the first day of the growth season, which is on the respective equinox. Traditionally, starting on the last five days of the year, agricultural gardens and farmland would be prepared for the growing season, and in modern times, it became common to clean one's home in preparation for the new year. The agricultural origins of this holiday returned during the Genedar's flight.
Homes are then often decorated with colorful ornamentation, including flowers, which traditionally would include the purple vaetris flower, as it could grow through the cold season and was widely available on Argus. Especially in modern times and later, many other colorful flowers were used as well. Purple flowers remained common as the tradition for this event even after the draenei fled Argus, despite no specimens of the vaetris flower remaining.
On the morning of the first day of the year, a community gathering takes place, in which the sunrise is observed and celebrated with festivities, food and companionship. During this celebration, it is common to weave/braid flowers into one's hair. This tradition is often shared by loved ones, braiding flowers into each other's hair.
Flowers are also often given as gifts during this celebration. There are traditionally aspects of flower symbolism, but this is not strictly followed, especially in modern times and later.
Kil’jaeden was a brilliant, intelligent and strong leader of Argus. He was beloved by his people, and many eredar would follow his judgment without question. In the timeline of events set in the Burning Awake AU, Kil'jaeden, along with Archimonde, reject the offer of Sargeras, instead following Velen and the draenei.
(Burning Awake AU Premise and Summary)
Youth
(This section is headcanon.)
In his youth, Kil'jaeden attended the Conservatory of the Arcane, where he gained his mastery in the arts of magic. During his time here, he met an astronomer named Taralus, who shared his love for the stars. The two became friends, studying and later training in the arts of the arcane together. After their graduation from the school of magics, the two remained close, continuing to study the stars and train together. They later pursued a romantic relationship, and by the time of the fall of Argus, had been mates for a considerable amount of time.
Leadership
Kil'jaeden was always an excellent leader of the eredar, leading alongside Velen and later Archimonde. He and Velen were very close; he thought of him as a brother,[1] and even almost as an extension of his own soul.[2] In the events of World of Warcraft's canon, Kil'jaeden joins Sargeras's Burning Legion. However, in the timeline of the Burning Awake AU, he sides with Velen, fleeing Argus and becoming draenei.
Burning Awake
Fall of Argus
(This section may be subject to change.)
Years before Sargeras contacted Argus, Velen’s son was born, and at the moment of his birth, Velen had a vision of himself holding a dying fel-corrupted eredar. He did not understand this vision,[3] and so in the timeline of events in World of Warcraft’s canon, did not tell anyone of it. In the events of Burning Awake, however, he felt an inclination to bring this vision up with Kil’jaeden, still unsure what it could mean, but showing it to him nonetheless.
Upon the Legion’s offer to the eredar, Kil’jaeden was uncertain of the validity of the vision Velen was given by the Ata’mal crystal, until he recalled the vision shared with him previously, by Velen after the birth of his son. These visions matched each other, displaying the forms of fel-corrupted eredar, despite one being from years prior. Kil’jaeden remained unsure, but was swayed enough to be hesitant in regards to Sargeras’s offer.
Archimonde, however, was not swayed by this, and remained intent on taking the power offered by the Legion. Under the guise of meeting for celebration of their future, the three leaders met at Archimonde's domicile, and at this opportunity chose to admire his personal collection of artifacts as a look back into their past before they stepped into their future.
Once allowed to examine the skull, it was evident that it was not magically inert; something had been taking place within it which Archimonde seemed to have been completely blind to. In silent agreement with Velen, Kil’jaeden destroyed the skull with a small burst of arcane which should have only caused it to disintegrate. Instead, it fractured and released its own burst of magic, its fel energy burning Kil’jaeden’s hand which he had been holding it with.
Archimonde was understandably enraged by the destruction of his possession, but only momentarily. After the skull’s destruction, he found himself feeling odd, almost somewhat dazed. Upon Kil’jaeden and Velen re-explaining recent events, with emphasis on their speculation that any who followed Sargeras would no longer be themselves, Archimonde tentatively agreed to go along with their plans.
Genedar
During his time on the Genedar, Kil'jaeden continued to lead with the rest of the triumvirate, working to support the draenei in this time of need. He remained an excellent leader, inspiring confidence and dispelling despair among his people. He was instrumental in keeping morale high among the draenei.
In the first while during the flight from Argus, life for all became much more complex, especially for the leaders of the draenei. In this time, Kil'jaeden became prone to overworking himself, beginning to grow distant from those he cared for, including Velen and other close friends. Notably, his relationship with Taralus grew strained. The two were able to repair their relationship, however, and only grew closer after that as time went on. At some point during the Genedar’s journey, they adopted a pygmy marsuul named Starlight.
During the first instance in which the draenei had to fight directly with agents of the Legion, Kil'jaeden risked his own life to aid Archimonde in combat, sustaining moderate injuries in the process. Later on, the recollection of these actions would have an impact on Archimonde's character development.
Near half way through the Genedar’s flight, the draenei made one of their many attempts to settle and start over on a suitable planet they’d located. During this time, one of Kil’jaeden and Taralus’s close friends, Taeris, and their mate Zaari, had a daughter named Daressa. Barely six years after her birth, however, the Legion caught up with the draenei once again. After their narrow escape, Daressa was left without parents, and so Kil’jaeden and Taralus opted to take her in and raise her as their own.
Draenor
(Events taking place on Draenor and Alternate Draenor have yet to be decided.)
Azeroth
(This section is a work in progress.)
On Azeroth, Kil'jaeden handles many of the political matters concerning the Alliance and their relations with the draenei.
Kil’jaeden and Archimonde accompanied Velen in the return to Argus on the Vindicaar, and each of them retrieved their own pieces of the Crown of the Triumvirate respectively. Along with Alleria Windrunner, Kil’jaeden and Archimonde were present for the fight against the darkened naaru L’ura within the seat of the triumvirate. During L’ura’s charging of their final burst of void energy which transformed Alleria, Kil’jaeden was locked in place under the weight of holding off the darkened naaru’s other attacks. He would have met a grim fate if not for Archimonde’s actions, which took him out of the path of the void energy. This event mirrors Kil’jaeden’s risk he took to save Archimonde’s life millenia ago and serves to display changes in Archimonde’s character over that time. Alleria was hit by the burst of void energy, and her story proceeds as it does in canon.
Taralus was an astronomer on Argus, skilled in arcane magics and a graduate from the Conservatory of the Arcane. In the timeline of the Burning Awake AU, he flees Argus with the draenei, becoming one of the highests ranking starseers and earning the title Grand Starseer. His fate in the timeline of World of Warcraft’s canon, outside of this AU, is rather grim. (More on this will be linked here if/when it is written and posted.)
(Burning Awake AU Premise and Summary)
Argus
Taralus’s upbringing was fairly typical for an eredar of his time. He later attended the Conservatory of the Arcane, gaining a mastery of magics as well as continuing his studies of astronomy. During his time at this school of magics, he met Kil’jaeden, who was also a student at that time, and also shared his fascination with the stars. The two became good friends.
After he had graduated, he continued to pursue his craft, publishing numerous works on the subject of space and astronomy, eventually going on to teach students of his own at the Conservatory. Kil’jaeden and Taralus remained close, sharing the pursuit of knowledge and training in the arts of the arcane. The two later pursued a romantic relationship. By the fall of Argus, they had been mates for a considerable amount of time.
Burning Awake
Genedar
Onboard the Genedar, Taralus gained the rank and title of Grand Starseer, as one of the most experienced astronomers who fled Argus. He and the rest of the starseers are largely in charge of navigation, monitoring of space, and surveying of safety. Between the many notable events of the Genedar’s flight, there were still many years out of the 13,000 year journey which were spent in relative peace. Taralus continued with his research and publishing of theories on astronomy, and later quantum physics, during these times.
During the first while on the Genedar, life for its occupants became very complicated. Taralus often became caught up in his work, spending long nights in the observatory pouring over observations and data for the safety of his people. Kil’jaeden did so as well, as a leader of the draenei, and the two of them eventually began to grow distant. However, once their distance in this time of hardship began to take its toll on them both, they were able to repair their relationship and after this, only grew closer as time went on. At some point during the earlier parts of the Genedar's flight, they adopt a pygmy marsuul, Starlight.
Later on, near midway through the Genedar’s journey, the draenei made one of their many attempts to settle and start over on a planet. During this settlement, Taralus and Kil’jaeden’s close friend, Taeris, and their mate Zaari had a daughter, whom they named Daressa. Barely six years after her birth, however, the Legion caught up to the draenei once again. Left without parents, Kil’jaeden and Taralus opted to take her in, raising her as their own.
Draenor and Azeroth
During the time the draenei spent on Draenor and Azeroth, Taralus did his part in keeping watch on the stars, as well as studying and reporting on the astronomical findings within range of the planets. He was instrumental in the journey back to Argus to put a final end to the conflict with the Legion, with both his skill in the arts of magic and his ability to find and read phenomena in the stars
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