Note: Ahahahaha... this chapter is dedicated to Skymia, whose recent avalanche of reviews finally pushed me off my ass to finish writing this chapter.
X
Tyr's Hand
Eastern Plaguelands
Contested Territory
Nathanos Blightcaller surveyed the bustling humans from his hidden perch on the Scarlet Basilica's highest steeple. The Scarlet Crusade – or Onslaught, or whatever it is the fools are calling themselves now – had seen their numbers severely culled during the rise and fall of the Lich King, but he was not surprised at their continued industry: mindless cattle are always diligent, in their own way.
The pathetic creatures will blindly follow their so-called leaders and holy cause until, to follow the analogy, they are led to the slaughter.
But his Queen was right: there is something here that feels… unusual. Nathanos carefully breathed in air he didn't need; there, in the cool breeze tainted by death and decay, he could smell it –
Nathanos stilled. Someone has noticed him.
He shrank further into the shadows thrown by the setting sun, using the dark to hide presence. Beyond the Basilica, on the ground, one human figure stood silently looking in his direction. Nathanos recognized the man: Saidan Dathrohan, one of the last high ranking knights of the organization.
Interesting.
X
Stormwind Castle
Stormwind
Alliance Territory
"Anticipate your target's movements," Sylvanas said, instructing Wrynn's son on how to hit a moving target. The child had not hit his mark once in almost a full half-hour, but Sylvanas found herself oddly complacent. It was impressive what one pleasurable night spent in orgy could do for one's patience.
"I'm trying to!" Andy blew out a breath, frustrated as another of his volleys failed to hit the gnomish apparatus darting to and fro the courtyard, its little mechanical arms waving a target. "Sorry," he said, sheepish, at Sylvanas' raised brow.
"No; you are guessing, there is a difference," she calmly informed him. "Watch: it moves in stops and starts, and will change direction once every seven to ten steps" – the little robot obligingly did so – "the speed of your bow should tell you that you must aim one step ahead of it." She watched him frown in concentration, his eyes sharp on the target. "Again, Andy."
The prince took a breath and in the next released three consecutive arrows. The robot fell over, three shafts sticking out of the bullseye.
Andy turned to Sylvanas, beaming. "Acceptable," was all she said.
Applause from above had them look up. Wrynn stood in the balcony attached to his study, watching them with such a soft, fond look in his eyes that Sylvanas felt vaguely offended. "Father!" his son called out excitedly. "Did you see?"
"Indeed I did. You've improved much, Andy." Then he said, "I just received a missive that the delegation from the Kirin Tor will be arriving today instead of tomorrow. I would very much like it if the two of you would be there to greet them with me."
"Will Uncle Rhonin be there?" Andy asked.
"I believe so," was the reply. The child whooped happily before grabbing Sylvanas' hand and dragging her back to the keep.
Scarcely an hour later Sylvanas stood – freshly coiffed and perfumed – in the throne room beside Wrynn and Andy waiting for their honored guests, much to the visible chagrin of various nobles and courtiers.
Andy squinted at a parchment he held. "Uncle Rhonin's handwriting is so awful. Half the words are blotted and the other half illegible! How were you able to read this Father?"
"I wasn't," Wrynn said in a dry voice, "but I divined enough to understand that he plans on arriving today at noon. Though I suppose it's equally likely that he means to pay me a boon."
Andy's mouth gaped open. "A joke! That was a joke!" His high, shocked voice carried throughout the chamber and attracted the attention of others also waiting for the delegation.
And it was then, while Wrynn laughed at his son's slack jawed look and Sylvanas mentally assessed her army's current numbers – inadequate – behind a placid face, that the Kirin Tor's portal from Dalaran opened before them.
And her sister stepped out.
Damnation.
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x
Vereesa Windrunner had, in her long and oft-colorful life, experienced a great number of unexpected events – her marriage to a hot-headed, ginger haired human mage not being the least of them – but nothing could have ever prepared her for entering Stormwind Castle to find her older sister's soul staring at her from the eyes of a human woman, standing beside Varian Wrynn like his royal bloody bride.
Fortunately quick thinking had been one of the virtues stridently instilled into the Windrunner children from a very early age, and it took less than a blink for her to decide on a course of action: she tripped her husband as he crossed the portal.
In the commotion that followed – due in large part to her sons' easily excitable natures and the simple joy they always took in laughing at their father – she was able to give Rhonin this clear message:
"Watch your step, my dear," Vereesa murmured sweetly as she helped him up, "do try not to gracelessly stumble about like you do at home."
Rhonin had barely begun to sputter his indignation before he noticed Sylvanas and immediately understood. He laughed instead, and cuffed Giramar on the head to make him quit sniggering. "Apologies for my less than impressive entrance, Wrynn! I don't think I've quite shaken off last night's drink. Algalon was defeated last night – "
"And my husband decided to carouse with the heroes who brought him down," Vereesa finished with a smile. "It is good to see you again, Wrynn, and you Anduin. You are both looking very well."
"Vereesa, Rhonin, Giramar and Galadin. It has been too long since I have had the pleasure of hosting your family." Wrynn stepped forward with an expression of slight amusement that Vereesa had not seen in a very long time indeed. "Welcome to Stormwind."
And as the necessary diplomatic forms were met, as her family was introduced to Lady Emma Grey and Rhonin's appalling handwriting blamed for the court not expecting her and her sons to be part of the party from Dalaran, Vereesa caught her sister's eye and smiled.
x
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Sylvanas considered Vereesa over the rim of her teacup. The two sisters sat alone in the receiving room attached to her bedchamber and had exchanged nothing but vague pleasantries for the last few minutes while they waited for Vereesa's powerful yet subtle privacy spell to settle.
Sylvanas had almost dropped her possession the moment she realized who it was that came through the portal – there was no hiding from blood family, after all (though she had not expected Rhonin to also be able to see through her) – but Vereesa's actions forestalled such a hasty move and she decided to see where exactly her younger sister would take this. With nothing but a glance to affirm an agreement to speak privately, they quickly and effortlessly took charge of the Kirin Tor's reception in court and soon managed to have a light lunch served and eaten, Wrynn and Rhonin sequestered with the delegates, rooms prepared for the larger than expected party, and the children shooed to the archery field to play.
"Mother would be quite proud, you know," Vereesa finally said, amusement quirking her lips, "to know that her lessons in deportment and diplomacy weren't wasted. I don't think I've ever seen court procedures move so smoothly and so fast."
"I do not remember her."
"I see," Vereesa said, not smiling now. "I had not realized that you'd lost your memories, though in hindsight it should be expected."
"I have not lost them – but most of my living years are nothing more substantial than a shadow of a dream. I do not need them; remembering serves me no purpose." Vereesa's eyes grew bright. "Do you pity me, sister?" Sylvanas was amused.
"No. Yes." Vereesa put down her cup with a clatter. "Oh I don't know. Truthfully at this moment I am only so very happy that you still consider me your sister." She bent her head and cried.
Sylvanas sipped her tea and politely looked away as Vereesa composed herself.
"I thought I had lost you too, Sylvie."
Sylvanas raised a brow, both at the sentiment and the moniker. "You do not have me now," she said baldly. "I am not Sylvanas Windrunner, not as you remember her; I have not been her for a very long time. I acknowledge our connection but do not delude yourself into thinking that holds any meaning to me and my loyalties, now."
Vereesa only laughed affectionately at these words. Marriage and motherhood must have made her soft headed, what a poor waste of a ranger.
"Here I sit exchanging civil words with you and neither of us are bleeding nor dead – relatively speaking," she said, smiling. "You've made me happy beyond measure as soon as you served me tea. I don't care one fig about what has brought you to me, like this, only that it has done so."
"You don't? You are a fool, then."
Vereesa shrugged. "The Kirin Tor is a neutral faction; what business you have here will remain between the Horde and the Alliance. As long as your plans do not infringe upon the province of the Kirin Tor or threaten the safety of my family, my husband and I will not interfere."
"And you will guarantee this?" Sylvanas asked, surprised but pleased nonetheless.
"Yes."
"Your sentiment blinds you."
"Perhaps." Vereesa grinned, blithely waving away all logic and good sense. "But I am betting on a happy ending," she murmured, "we are certainly owed one."
Sylvanas ignored the naïve mutterings of a confused mind and mentally readjusted her plans to include this new variable. She wondered how far Vereesa's affection for the memory of a beloved sister will take her. Less than an ally, but more than an enemy or passive entity – Sylvanas felt there was definite potential here, though for what she was not yet certain.
"What is it like," Vereesa asked, bringing Sylvanas back to the conversation, "playing queen consort to King Wrynn?" There was a strange teasing lilt in her voice that Sylvanas did not like.
"Satisfying."
Vereesa hummed and picked up her teacup again, doing a very poor job of hiding a sly smile. In the dark recesses of her mind, Sylvanas began to truly remember what it felt like to have a younger sibling. It felt like annoyance.
"Do not look so sour, dearest," Vereesa said, "I am very pleased you find your current position agreeable – "
"Do you think I care for your approbation?" Sylvanas interrupted, speaking over her sister.
" – considering how belligerent you were all those years ago when the human princes came to court you."
Sylvanas blinked. "What?"
"Do you not remember?" Vereesa widened her eyes in false innocence. If Sylvanas had her bow she would have shot her. "It was shortly after the Second War while Lordaeron, though severely damaged, still stood. King Terenas was wary of our – the high elves' – cooling support of the Alliance, and so brought his son and the displaced king of Stormwind to Quel'Thalas." She brushed back a lock of hair. "Supposedly it was a simple diplomatic tour, but everyone knew Terenas sought to throw his handsome young charges at the High Elven court and see if a stronger connection would be possible between the two kingdoms."
"Through marriage," Sylvanas murmured. The thin thread of disquiet she'd felt two nights ago strengthened.
"Oh yes! It was all the ladies could talk about. Many of the lesser families were quite interested in having a daughter rise to be Queen of Lordaeron – that it would be of a struggling human kingdom was no great matter – but of course Terenas had his eye on our family, with its one very eligible, very heroic and accomplished, daughter. He wanted you for his son, but…" She smiled. "Do you truly not remember, sister? Young Varian Wrynn pursued you quite, quite ardently that entire summer."
And later that night as Sylvanas lay, trembling and post-coital, across Wrynn's chest, she listened to his slowly calming heart… and remembered.
XX
LOL. Sorry no pr0n in this chapter, even though the lead up in the last chapter looked like there would lots of sexy bits here. I'll make it up with the next one.
