To be honest, Rhodes was a bit overwhelmed by Azeroth's proposal. He had somehow become the lover of the world-renowned World-Soul herself.
"I'm sorry, Great Azeroth... this is such an immense honor, I don't know if I am worthy of it," Rhodes said.
"You are more than worthy," Azeroth replied. "You are the mortal I value most. It will take me ten thousand years to fully absorb this Fel energy. In the future, you will bring me the power of the Holy Light. When that time comes, I will collect all six Primal Forces to be born, and you too will attain that power, ascending to godhood alongside me. I chose you the moment I first saw you. Why? Are you unwilling to be my partner?"
Rhodes hesitated. Coming to ten thousand years in the past had left him with quite a few "debts of the heart." There was the Green Dragon Queen—though she didn't require him to be responsible, essentially having just "borrowed a seed" to sire a new generation of demigods. There was Queen Azshara; they were lovers, but both knew that if interests clashed, she wouldn't hesitate to strike him down. As for Vashj, it was merely a casual fling.
"I mean... we've only met a few times," Rhodes managed. "We haven't even had a deep conversation."
"Are you worried that I'm older than you?" Azeroth teased. "Even in a million years, I won't be much older than you. Strictly speaking, I haven't even been born yet—so you are actually the older one."
"It's not that," Rhodes explained. "It's just that in my own timeline, I already have partners—two human girls." He thought of Jaina and Princess Calia.
"Mortal lives are fleeting," Azeroth countered. "They cannot stay by your side for eternity. You might use the Green Dragon Queen's power to grant them long life, but that is not true immortality. When that blessing fades, they will still die. Only a True God is eternal."
"Great Azeroth, you aren't asking me to abandon them, are you?"
"Not at all. We can live together. Once we both transcend this universe, we can elevate them to lesser deities, like the Moon Goddess, so they may enjoy eternity with you. However, you must eventually sever the ties of lineage; your mortal children cannot live forever like you. You cannot grant godhood to endless generations."
Rhodes nodded. "I understand. My descendants will have their own paths." He figured he could still grant them ten thousand years of life—enough for any mortal.
"I'm glad you see it that way," Azeroth said. "So, what is your decision? Will you explore the universe with me?"
Rhodes realized that refusing now would be incredibly ungrateful. "It is my honor to be chosen by you. I am willing to be your eternal partner, Azeroth."
"Then the contract is sealed, my dear. We are bound in soul and essence. Since we need to build our relationship, I can manifest through Tyrande to talk with you—spiritually and verbally only, of course, as her body is not mine."
Over the next month, Tyrande allowed Azeroth to inhabit her body for thirty minutes each day. During these times, Rhodes and the World-Soul discussed magic, experienced mortal life, and traveled across ancient Kalimdor.
Other events unfolded: Illidan attempted to create a new Well of Eternity. The Night Elves, terrified of another catastrophe, branded him a traitor and sentenced him to eternal imprisonment under the watch of Maiev Shadowsong. Meanwhile, a group of Highborne—led by the first Sunstrider King—took a vial of the Well's water and sailed across the sea to find a new continent, seeking to establish a kingdom of magic: Quel'Thalas.
Finally, it was time to leave. Rhodes, Rhonin, Krasus, and the Orc Broxigar gathered at a secluded cliffside.
"Rhodes, you have finished the task the Goddess gave you," Cenarius said proudly. "I am honored to have called you my student."
"Thank you, teacher. I couldn't have reached this point without you."
Tyrande stepped forward and bowed. "Rhodes... 'Azure Scale.' Whether or not we remember these days in the future, you will always be a hero who saved Azeroth."
Rhodes visited the pregnant Green Dragon Queen one last time in her mental realm before heading to the deepest dungeon to see Illidan.
"You're going back to the 'future,'" Illidan rasped. "What am I there? A traitor? A madman?"
Rhodes went quiet. "In the future, some fear you, some hate you... and some understand your choices, even if they cannot condone them."
"Hmph. Sounds about right," Illidan replied. "I don't regret a thing. I'll see you in ten thousand years, Rhodes. I look forward to seeing the 'younger' mortal version of you then."
With the final goodbyes finished, the four travelers stood before Nozdormu, the Bronze Dragon King. A brilliant golden light enveloped them, pulling them out of the ancient era.
As Rhodes vanished, a wave of emerald light erupted from the Emerald Dream, washing over the world. It erased the memory of Rhodes and the other travelers from almost everyone. Only a select few would remember that a certain demigod once fought by their side.