"When we return," Soraya's voice echoed from the Nest, "I will select a troop of my finest veterans from this war for you."

Heh heh, "Thank you, Lady Soraya!" Dirtclaw let out a happy yelp, his gratitude utterly sincere. Even as a Legendary-level Warden of the horde, he was always respectful to Orion's women. He got along with everyone in the high command; even the aloof Gustalon would receive small gifts from him from time to time.

"Prepare yourselves," Arthas's voice suddenly cut in, emanating from the distant undead tower. "The Source Siphon Array will be activated in two weeks. You will be teleported out beforehand."

"As you wish!"

"As you wish!"

Dirtclaw and Soraya immediately sent their acknowledgments and began preparing for their return.

Titanion Realm, Stoneheart.

Deep within the castle, in Marina's chambers.

She stood by the open window, the evening breeze toying with the strands of hair around her ears. She gazed out at the sea of lights that was Stoneheart, her beautiful eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and longing.

"The cities on land are so different from the scenery of the sea," she mused aloud. "They have more of this... the warmth of civilization."

It was a different kind of prosperity. Stoneheart had less of the cold opulence of the deep sea courts, and more of an earnest, living energy that she found herself falling in love with.

"Do you like it?"

"I love it."

Orion appeared behind her, his hands sliding around her waist, pulling her gently against him. He inhaled the scent of the sea that lingered in her hair.

"I've already sent out the order," he murmured into her ear. "The City of the Guardian is to be renamed Marina. It is your fiefdom now. It has close ties to the Sea Race clans, and many of their people live there. I thought you would like it."

Marina nodded, graciously accepting the gift. In her few days here, she had learned that each of Orion's women presided over her own city. Now, she had one as well. It was a symbol of status, and even if she didn't care for such things, she knew she couldn't refuse it.

"But I'll be made a Warden of the horde the moment I arrive, with no merit to my name," she said, turning to meet his kiss. "I'm afraid that might cause some resentment."

"That large island you mentioned," she continued, her tone shifting, "I know the one. Give it to me. I am the right person to bring it under our control."

Orion pulled back slightly, studying her with curiosity. There was a deeper meaning to her words.

"It's a pirate haven in the Trident Sea," she explained. "A gathering place for criminals and exiles from all the great Sea Race clans. The Sea-Drake race didn't cede it to you out of the goodness of their hearts."

As a member of the Sea Race herself, she knew far more about their dirty politics than he did.

"If you were to conquer it by force, you would offend several of the major sea powers at once. Most of those criminals on the island still have connections to powerful families."

She reached up, her fingers gently tracing the side of his face. "If your people set foot on that island, conflict is inevitable. The result will be the stoneheart horde making enemies of all the major Sea Race clans. Even if they don't go to war with you, they will make life hell for any of your subjects who sail the seas. Any attempt you make to expand your influence on the water will be checked at every turn."

Her analysis aligned perfectly with Orion's own initial suspicions.

"Therefore," she concluded, "letting me, a Sea Race lord, handle the integration of Aenari Island is the best possible choice. Besides," she added, her eyes twinkling, "you're in need of new territory to expand your influence, are you not?"

He was still an arch lord. To reach for the power of a demigod, he would need vast territories and the faith of countless followers. Marina understood this better than anyone.

"We can put a pin in that for now," Orion said softly. "I'm still making preparations. But when I'm ready, you will have plenty to keep you busy." He knew what she was doing. She wanted to contribute, to earn her place and solidify her position in the horde through her own accomplishments.

"This is beautiful," she whispered, letting him kiss her again. She looked out at the moonlit city, at the distant, brightly lit plaza, and listened to the faint sounds of laughter and music drifting on the wind. The city was overflowing with life.

This is what she must have wanted to see, Marina thought, a fleeting image of her true body, Lady Seraphina, flashing through her mind. The life she was living now was likely the one the demigod had always dreamed of.

.....

Silverwood Realm, Black Tower region.

"Captain... am I dreaming?" Angel whispered, her head tilted back as she stared up at the Black Tower in the distance. At its highest point, a familiar silhouette stood against the sky.

It was the master of The Stillness, the my lord to whom they had pledged their loyalty. The great being who had promised them peace, security, and the chance to rebuild the Wood Elf race.

And now, he stood victorious atop the demonic Nest, having driven the enemy away.

"It's real, Angel," Xylia replied, her own gaze fixed on the tower. The surprise in her eyes was tempered by something deeper: reverence. "You're not dreaming."

This place had been a symbol of their deepest fears, a landmark the Wood Elves had spent years desperately avoiding. Now, the legendary Black Tower stood before them, its spire partially shattered. Their lord stood upon that broken pinnacle, looking down upon the subordinates who had rushed to join him.

Xylia couldn't imagine what kind of earth-shattering battle had taken place, but looking at the ruined tower and the scorched, barren earth surrounding it filled her with a profound sense of awe.

"Angel, perhaps we haven't found true peace just yet," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "We may have countless wars still ahead of us. But I think... I think our people finally have a safe place to live."

Tears welled in Xylia's eyes, but they were tears of hope, making her gaze exceptionally bright. "We Wood Elves can live and thrive freely in the Forest of Nature once more. Elder Aerin's choice was the right one. When I return, I will support her in re-establishing the Elder Council. The Wood Elves need her wisdom, and they need her friendship with my lord."

She turned to face the elven squad that had followed her.

"For now, our duty is to hunt down the remaining demonic monsters and search for our people still lost in the forest. The dawn has come, my friends. The morning light is upon us. Soon, the very air of the Forest of Nature will be clean again."

As Xylia poured her heart out, giving voice to the hope that had bloomed within her, Orion stood upon the tower, his mind already on the future. The conquest was over; now, the planning began.

He needed to build a new city, and it was clear to him that the strategic location of the Black Tower was a far better choice than The Stillness, deep within the forest.

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