Chapter 34 – Prepare to fight
They had fought the corruptions Xavius had directed at them for weeks without even reaching the entrance to the nightmare. They had been close once, but just as they were to enter before the next rush of creatures, a large satyr shadow had appeared. The sky above them had turned red as the blood Sylvanas remembered pouring from her veins in her childhood and teens when acquiring a cut. The shadow must have been at least 20 feet tall and it had ran through their entire force like a red sparkling cloud, stunning all the brave raiders for hours. Jaina still remembered how she fell to the ground. Hard, unable to move. Pain had streamed through her and she had looked for Sylvanas in desperation. The Dark Lady had fallen beside her with her eyes on her. For an hour, they had laid there, paralyzed, face buried in mud, with their sight glued to one another.
Don't give up, I am here… Jaina had tried to communicate.
I won't, Dalah' surfal. Stay with me… Sylvanas had attempted to let her know.
Finally the healers had managed to break free from the stun and cleansed the rest.
Sylvanas had flung her arms around Jaina Proudmoore and squeezed her hard. She had ran her hands down her muddy face, with her thumbs carefully over her perfectly shaped lips. She kissed her hard in relief that her beloved mage was unharmed.
"I'm okay, my queen". Jaina had embraced Sylvanas and was equally relieved that she was fine.
That same night, the flow of corruption had slowed significantly, and a few days after, hope appeared in the raiders.
"It looks like Xavius is running out of shit to send us. We can hold the invasion back with around 10 man tonight. I suggest the rest of you get a good night sleep. Tomorrow can be the day we finally enter the nightmare". Sylvanas had spoken with authority and the druids all obeyed to the wisdom of the Banshee Queen now. Because Sylvanas Windrunner had been invaluable to this battle. Even the night elves had admitted that.
"I'm exhausted, Sylvanas. I'm not sure for how much longer I can withhold this level of combat". Jaina ran the wet sponge down her left arm as she laid back in the warm, steaming water.
Tyrande had ensured that both Sylvanas and Jaina was placed in the best accommodation they could offer.
Sylvanas wrapped a towel around herself and sat down on a stool behind the bath. She grabbed a brush from the dressing table and started running it through Jaina's hair.
"I know. But we can't give up. It won't be long now until we wear down those corrupted creatures now and manage to enter the nightmare. If only the bloody Alliance had helped us, we could have been in there by now".
Jaina was silent. She silently agreed, although it felt traitorous to verbally say so.
"We can manage without them" the mage replied. "Although… I did request Vereesa's help this afternoon. I sent a raven for her, I hope you don't mind".
Sylvanas did not answer at first. But then she exhaled.
"Who will she bring?"
"Only rangers. I specifically stated there was no need for any others. We have it covered". Jaina stared down in the warm water. It was lovely having a bath after a long fight.
"Fine. But I want her safe, not at the front line". Sylvanas scoffed.
"There is no front line. There is just one huge battle of nonsense. None of this is organised. She will fight where she finds appropriate".
Sylvanas raised an eyebrow at Jaina's sharp responses.
"What is the matter? Have I done something to offend you?"
Jaina sighed. "No of course not, my love. I'm just tired that's all. I beg your pardon". She grabbed Sylvanas' hand and placed it on her cheek.
"I'm sorry, Jaina. I'm sure Vereesa and her rangers will come in useful. I just don't want to see my sister hurt. She is all the family I have left".
"I know, Sylvanas. You have a good heart". Jaina kissed the palm of the Dark Lady's hand.
"I have no heart at all…" Sylvanas suddenly pulled away.
"I didn't mean to…" Jaina started, but was interrupted by a voice outside their chamber.
"Warchief Windrunner, Senior Sergeant Grimsford wanted to notify you of his return".
"Many thanks guard, I shall be right there!" Sylvanas went to get dressed and she clothed herself in a dark purple one suit with chest and thigh silver armor.
"Sylvanas, you never told me about the errand he ran for you. What is it you have asked of him?"
"Not now Jaina". Sylvanas was stern as she brushed her lover off and left the cottage without meeting Jaina's eyes.
Sylvanas walked towards the sergeant who waited for her over by the fountain beside the main cottage in the little village. She glanced at the brave raiders fighting to push the invasion back so they could safely enter the nightmare in the morning. They were nearly there.
"My dear Banshee Queen, it is so good to see you". Senior Sergeant Grimsford glowed of excitement.
"Be quick about it sergeant. I have no time for games. Tell me the outcome, whichever it may be". Sylvanas folded her arms. This was it. Either Apothecary Jezel and Tawny had created the potion, or they had not.
Sergeant Grimsford gulped and Sylvanas did not like how his expression changed.
"NOW Sergeant. TELL ME!"
"They… They did it my lady. My dear Warchief, they did it".
Sylvanas was not sure if she was hearing Grimsford correctly. She remained silent for a long minute and it was like the winds touched her.
"They what? You better not be lying to me Grimsford, I will have your head on a spike if I find out that you…" But the Banshee Queen stopped talking as Senior Sergeant Grimsford kneeled before her and presented a flask with silver liquid content.
"You shall live out your days with joy my queen. Truly live!"
Sylvanas froze and stared at the flask in the sergeant's hands. The liquid almost danced in the glass and she could almost see how life grew inside it.
"Is this really it? Has it been tested?"
"Well... On gutter rats in Undercity my lady. None of us are worthy of this potion before you of course".
The Dark Lady touched the flask and lifted it carefully. It was small, but she could sense the power it held as it warmed her hands. Almost too hot to touch.
"I…" Sylvanas stottered. It was not often the Banshee Queen was lost for words.
"Use it wisely, my queen. The moment has to be right. And one more thing…" Grimsford said as Sylvanas looked at him.
"Please don't forget about us when your blood run through your veins again".
Senior Sergeant Grimsford bowed and left Sylvanas to it. She quickly hid the flask in her pocket for safe keeps.
"WARCHIEF!" Sylvanas reacted and sprinted towards the druid who had shouted her. He was lightly wounded and the Dark Lady glanced at the ongoing battle in the background.
"Give it 10 minutes, and we should be ready! But it has to be quick, so gather your troops!" He returned to bear form and ran back into combat. Sylvanas responded swiftly and ran towards her and Jaina's cottage.
"Sister!" Vereesa wrapped her arms around Sylvanas as the Banshee Queen opened the door to her chambers.
"Vereesa, my dear. Did you arrive by portal?"
Vereesa Windrunner nodded and smiled at her. Sylvanas looked at Jaina who waited in the background.
"I am happy you are here sweet sister. We have to act now. One of the druids told me it is a matter of minutes. Gather everyone and bring your rangers. And Vereesa…" Sylvanas exhaled.
"Yes, Sylvanas. I will be careful". Vereesa smiled again before she left the cottage in a rush.
"Is it really happening?" Jaina grabbed her staff and pulled her purple, hooded cloak up.
"It's now or never my dear". Sylvanas stepped forward and pulled Jaina towards her.
"Last time we battled together in a vital moment like this, it all went so wrong. Promise me we will still be together after!" Sylvanas tightened her grip around Jaina.
"Of course. It's different this time, I promise. And I have this for good luck". Jaina said as she pulled out the amulet Sylvanas had given her before the battle at the Broken Shore.
"It didn't bring much luck last time". The Dark Lady sighed as she touched it.
"It will this time". Jaina kissed her.
War chants started outside and the both of them stepped out.
"FOR AZEROTH!" The druids shouted. The chosen 40 raiders were gathered and ready. Tyrande stepped forth.
"We will fight with honour and bravery to defeat this monstrosity. We shall save my beloved husband and return him safely".
The druids applauded Tyrande and Sylvanas stepped forward with her own message.
"For the forsaken!"