Chapter 11: With Arms Wide Open

Disclaimer: Gerre rergeger ergre gerg (Yes me trying to say in Gutterspeak that I don't own Warcraft!)

Genn Greymane was never a rational man, the Greymane wall perhaps being his finest example; so when he was told of the Scourge's conditions for allowing the surrender, he punched Darius in the face! A few moments later he regretted it, mainly because he understood that the demands were out of the former lord's hands… but still, he would no longer be the highest authority in Gilneas.

"I am sorry old friend, I should not have done that," he told Darius.

"I've known you for a long time Genn, I understand; however the problem we have now is how to present it to the people."

"You are right, they are not very happy with me, however, seeing as you are the leader of the 'rebellion' they would listen to you."

"Well seeing the conditions are what they are, no matter who takes the throne and rules the kingdom will have to bend the knee to king Arthas, that is unless he wishes to erase Gilneas off the map."

"You said his name was Arthas, and the princess who called him brother was called Calia, am I correct?"

"Yes, do you know them?"

"So do you, my old friend, they are Terenas' children."

"Right! I remember he had two kids, a boy and a girl, but it has been a long time since I've seen them or heard their names, so I did not associate one with the other."

"So Arthas Menethil is the leader of this new kingdom, this will not be something we can back out of if he is prepared to do that much, and you said that he was testing his sister? That is really messed up."

"I can't say I see it any other way, now there are important matters we have to discuss, namely, are you still going to be king of this kingdom?"

"What do you mean? Of course I will remain king, the capital city is called Greymane city for light's sake!"

"I just wanted to make sure; you might have wanted to give the reins to your son. Anyway, I have thought of a way that could guarantee the population's understanding when we don't try rebelling against Arthas."

"And what is that pray tell."

"It's simple; you present your daughter to the Lich King as a concubine. That way she would be a hostage that guarantees the population's compliance."

"ARE YOU SUGGESTING I GIVE MY DAUGHTER TO THAT MAD MAN?"

"Calm down Genn, and yes, if you remain king then that would be your duty, however if you decide to give the reins of the kingdom to me, then it would be my daughter who is sacrificed."

"YOU WOULD GO THAT FAR FOR THIS THRONE?"

"All I do is for Gilneas; remember Genn, you are the one who forced my hand."

"Guards, throw him out!" called the king. After the guards complied he looked at one of his aides "Have Tess brought to me."


It was fifteen minutes later that Tess was brought to her father.

She knew that her brother had returned from the negotiations but he had refused to meet with her, it was as if something really bad had happened, and that it was something concerning her, she also knew that her father was meeting with Lord Crowley, and her brother will be there; understanding all of that meant that she had to prepare herself mentally for the worst.

Arriving before her father, she noticed that her father and brother were alone, after greeting them both, and asking what they called her over for her father stared "My dear daughter, it pains me to tell you that for the good of the kingdom, you are required to become a concubine to the leader of our invaders."

"Father, you can't be serious!"

"I am my daughter, however, that is not something that the enemy requested but Crowley did, as a way to placate our people to make them feel that this vassal kingdom is on equal footing with our invaders as one of our royalty is also married to one of theirs. However, I will not force you to do it; it should be of your own free will."

"Is that why Liam refused to speak to me or even look in my direction?"

"Yes it is. It was not specified that it had to be you, but rather someone related to the ruling party, they said it as if they expect father to abdicate and have Crowley take over, if that happened then it would be his daughter, which according to him, was willing to go through with becoming a concubine."

For several minutes no sound was made, Tess was thinking of her predicament over and over, trying to find her best choice, knowing full well she didn't really have one, she would become the Lich King's concubine, and she merely had to accept it.

"I understand father, I will do what is required of me," she said resigning herself.

"Very well my daughter, we are expected to arrive at the Lich King's camp tomorrow, so we should ready ourselves."

"As you will father."


Arthas was standing in front of his sister's tent, and being refused entrance by the two elven female guards, which was driving him mad.

"What do you mean 'you can't enter'?"

"Your Majesty, Please understand, these are the princess's orders," said the first, "Please allow us to send one of her hand maidens to wake her, she is still sleeping."

"She is my sister; I've seen her in her sleepwear many times. Can I enter now?"

"My lord it isn't that, she is… um… well…" said the second one and then in a small voice continued "she isn't alone."

"She isn't alone…. And who is this brave elf in there with her?" It was plainly obvious that the Lich King was becoming more and more murderous.

"That would be me," came a feminine voice from inside following which Anveena came out of the tent.

"YOU? Of all the people you could be with, you chose my sister?"

"Well, I like her, and for your information she likes me."

"You like her; that is your answer? Just great, what else am I going to be shocked with?"

"That I haven't been a virgin for a long time," said Calia as she exited the tent.

"What!" Came the voice of both Arthas and Anveena.

"Are you forgetting I was betrothed to lord Prestor?"

"I never forgot, but you hated the man."

"True, but at some point all of a sudden I started to love him as if by 'magic', and that's when it happened. After that he disappeared this made me realize once again that I disliked him greatly."

"So… do you have any more surprises for me or can I carry on with the business I have with you?"

"No, nothing that can't wait till later."

"The scouts just informed me that Genn Greymane and his daughter are heading over now," said Arthas "and you will be the one to receive them and lead them to the mages tent, where the will both be sent before the frozen throne."

"Very well brother, but can I come along? I haven't been to your new capital city, and I really want to see it."

"Very well, you may."

"Can I go too?" asked Anveena.

"Sure why not," the king breathed out.

"Since you are sending both your sister and her lover and meeting the new concubine, then of course, I will be there with you," came Sylvanas' voice from behind him.

"Sure," said Arthas forcing a smile to his face. "And who else wants to come?"

"You are joking right?"

"Of course I am!" he answered almost out of patience.

"OK I'll ensure it's only the three of us."

"Actually Sylvanas, you are coming with me now, both you and Lana'thel are my concubines which makes your presence necessary."

"Very well, let's get going then."


"King Greymane," said Calia as she received the royal party, "How very wonderful of you to make it here today. And this must be your daughter, Tess, if I am not wrong. And Liam it has been a while."

"Ah… yes… this is my daughter, Tess, and you already know my son Liam. We came here as your brother, King Menethil requested, you are Calia Menethil, am I correct?"

"How very observant of you king Greymane. When we were introduced my brother ordered only our first names to be given because he did not want Darius and Liam here to have any misconceptions regarding the reason behind the negotiations. The alliance of Lordaeron is no more; this is a new nation, which your kingdom is to be part of. Though it is a bit early I have to say welcome to the Scourge."

The king eyed the young princess for a little while and then declined his head and said "thank you for your gracious welcome your highness."

"Oh, nonsense, don't worry about it. And Tess, it is wonderful to meet you; I just know we will be best of friends."

"The pleasure is all mine your highness," answered the Greymane princess.

"Ah! I forgot to introduce you, but your son would have probably told you about her, this to my right is Anveena, you could call her my right hand, probably you could call her both of my hands, and sometimes even my brains."

"Your highness you flatter me," said the avatar of the sun well, "But as introduced, I am Anveena Teague, aid and advisor to her royal highness princess Calia of Lordaeron. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Now that we are all introduced let us lead you to my brother, he is waiting for us, and as you might imagine it isn't polite to keep someone like him waiting."

"Please lead the way your highness," said the king.

Calia led the group to a medium sized tent that was occupied with four mages; two were elves, while the other two were undead. Tess noticed once again the lack of humans amongst the Scourge; it was strange considering that both princess Calia and the king were human. While she was lost in her thoughts, the princess was unable to hear what Calia was telling the mages, however a few seconds later, one of the undead mages created a portal.

"Come on, follow me through the portal, don't worry nothing is going to hurt you." Said the princess and then she proceeded to go through the portal.

Tess's father followed the princess of Lordaeron and behind him her brother. By the time the youngest Greymane gathered her courage, Anveena was escorting her through the portal. The first thing she noticed once she got to the other side was that it was cold; scratch that, it was the coldest she had ever felt; even the word cold did not do this place justice, this place was freezing! After gathering herself, she noticed a coat being given to her by Calia, who wore a similar coat; after putting it on she was finally able to pay attention to her surroundings.


The Frozen Throne atop Icecrown Citadel was usually a lonely place; while it overlooked the entirety of Northrend, it was usually empty save for the Lich King. Today however, things were different, because while the Lich King sat on his elevated throne, Sylvanas and Lana'thel were flanking him, sitting on his arm rests, the Banshee Queen on his right and the Blood Queen on his left and before Arthas was his sister and Anveena who guided the delegation from Gilneas.

"Greetings," Started the Lich King, "Welcome to Icecrown Citadel, the heart of Northrend and the jewel of the Scourge."

"Thank you for welcoming us King Arthas, I am Genn Greymane, King of Gilneas, and these are my children, you know Liam, my heir, and this is Tess, my youngest daughter."

"Well met, Tess; Genn on the other hand, it has been a while. I remember the day when you visited Lordaeron to inform my father that you were leaving the alliance."

"Ah, yes… indeed that was the last time we had seen each other."

"Regardless, you came here for a reason; I suggest you carry on with it."

Genn looked apprehensive, no matter how prepared he was for the actual action of swearing allegiance, he was still in essence giving up the fate of his country and putting it in the hands of another; and to make matters worse, from meeting the Lich King just now, he understood how cruel this master was going to be; and if that was not all, he was going to hand his daughter over to said man.

The Lich King kept his eye on the older king, daring him to disobey, it was obvious that the Gilnean was hesitating, however, to Arthas, that meant little, since he could easily eliminate him and have Liam replace him.

Finally, after two minutes that felt like an eternity to everyone but the two kings, Genn Greymane bent the knee.


Omake:

A huge dragon was flying in the distance breathing flame and raining destruction on the towns below; the heroes of Azeroth were failing miserably as they attempted to impede it.

"Ugh, not him again…" sighed Calia.

"Do you know who that is?" asked Anveena.

"My ex…"


A/N: Another chapter done! Beta by zzc.

And yes I was listening to Creed when I decided on the title, but hey it fits!

R&R everyone!

Slices out