Eye of the Beholder

Six.

Over the next two hours, the four of them debated back and forth on the best course of action. Bringing four differing opinions into the mix complicated matters, and most of the discussion was spent circumventing one another as each of them tried to make their point the most valid. Except for Eliana, who didn't have much to say about the matter at all.

It had been Malfurion's idea to recruit Illidan, but they were having trouble coming to an agreement as to how to use his abilities.

"I am fine with the idea of subduing the guards, I just do not understand how we will accomplish that," Tyrande stated.

"Illidan can subdue them, can he not?" Eliana asked.

Illidan answered with a nod. In contrast, Tyrande vehemently shook her head and said, "I do not wish to harm the guards. They are simply doing their duty to contain Brox."

"I do not intend on harming them, Tyra," Illidan replied, rather defensively.

"Well it is certain that we will need you to open the cage," Malfurion reassured his brother.

Mollified, Illidan said nothing as Tyrande shook her head again, her navy locks of hair swaying from side to side. She lifted her silver eyes to stare intently at Illidan before saying, "You promise that you will not hurt them, Illidan?"

Illidan sighed, as if he were tired of her lack of faith in his control over his abilities. "I swear, Tyrande."

Her gaze fell and she studied the floor before glancing back up at Eliana. "What do you think, Eliana? Can you see any other way we can get Brox out of there?"

Eliana started, surprised that anyone was even asking for her opinion. Her eyes shifted from Malfurion and Tyrande over to Illidan for a brief moment, before returning to meet the other woman's gaze. "I...I think if Illidan is capable of distracting the guards without harming them, as he says he is, that that would be...the best route."

Malfurion placed his hand on Tyrande's shoulder and reassured, "Whatever we decide to do, Tyrande, the guards will not be harmed."

She glanced up at Malfurion and they locked eyes briefly.

Eliana studied the two of them as they communicated their thoughts with a simple look. The conversation she had had with the other priestess echoed throughout her mind. Tyrande had confided in Eliana about her suspicions regarding the two brothers' feelings towards her. Despite what Tyrande had said at the time, their shared moment seemed to imply that though Tyrande didn't realize it right now, it seemed that she did have a preference.

From where he was standing off to the side, Illidan also saw the moment transpire and he shuffled in place, obviously uncomfortable. When Illidan cleared his throat surreptitiously, Malfurion started, breaking his eye contact with Tyrande.

The druid turned back to the group and stated, "I am going to return to the plaza and get a more accurate count of guards. I will hurry back." He raced out of the house and the wooden door slammed shut behind him.

Tyrande winced at the harsh sound before rubbing her temple. "I am going to lie down for a bit before we head out. Illidan, will you let me know when Malfurion is back and we are ready to go?"

When Illidan nodded, she shuffled up the circular staircase, the hemline of her thin robes fluttering in the slight breeze she left in her wake. Without Tyrande's presence in the room, the fact that Illidan stood not five feet from her and that they were now alone in his kitchen, hit Eliana, and she was overcome with sudden nerves. Her gaze flitted from his to the floor and she absentmindedly played with the ends of her hair, as she tried to will her racing heart to be calm.