I had given the Elves the same story, making certain to keep the details relatively light unless pressed.
I had taken some time to think about how a standard magic user could manage to overcome a master like Dar'Khan.
Then it came to me, why not just use the occasion where I almost managed to do just that?
Admittedly I had not expected the spellcraft used against me, and I almost didn't recognize what its purpose was.
Then I remembered something, a shadow of a memory.
Felendren's father. my father, bragging about his hand in the creation of an array while he was working under the Grand magister.
He had been so proud of himself, our family had celebrated that entire night.
I had only caught a glimpse of it from his tome, but It was enough.
It had been difficult to say only the truth, but the fact that those things had actually all happend, if in a different order than I let on, gave me enough room to confirm my own story.
It would have been a shame if I hadn't, being caught in the deceit would have hurt my reputation at the very least, and shorn apart my plans before they even began at the worst.
"Shall we talk business then?"
Time to see what my gamble won. Lor'Themar nodded.
"You've earned the good will of my people human, you have my ear."
I smiled.
"I'm not certain what you've heard regarding my countries inception, but we are trying to rebuild over a decade of neglect and bloodshed."
Lor'Themars face gave little away, but considering our peoples recent history he can sympathize.
"We have no intention of establishing ourselves as a member state of the Alliance or the Horde. Westfall has no interest in involving themselves in the war at this time."
Lor'Themar motioned to an elf in the corner, who began writing as we spoke.
"In order to see my lands built into what they should be, and not just another puppet state, I've been working to see trade established with as many peoples as I can. Our wealth is not insignificant, but at present we have little means of restoring whats been spent."
He seemed to realize where I was going with this.
"As unfortunate as it is, I couldn't help but notice the condition of the land your people just reacquired, thousands of acres of decimated farmland, unlikely to be restored for years, perhaps decades to come."
The elf grimaced, but allowed me to speak on.
"While the farmlands of Westfall have been damaged by the Defias to say the least, we do have an abundance of fertile land, and even now farmers are streaming in to establish themselves a new life and a new home."
I'm familiar with this problem as well. Mage food can only take you so far when you have a country to feed.
"Damaged as it is we will soon have enough of an abundance to begin trading, and as our two nations exist on the same continent the transport of the food will be far less expensive."
The elf's hand rose up to stroke a well maintained goatee.
"I would be inclined to agree with you, but as you are well aware the majority of my peoples ships have been stolen by the wretched pirate clans."
I nodded. "Indeed it has, but with Horde support I'm certain it'll only be a few short months before the pirates are pushed away from the easy target your coasts represent right now."
"We are currently working on putting together something like a trade fleet, and if you haven't enough ships for proper trade before then I'm certain some sailors would be willing to travel to the elven lands, they are still renowned for their beauty.
I shrugged. "Besides, our trade interests extend far beyond food alone."
His brow rose.
"Goblin engineering, Dwarven smithing, both of those things and several more could be acquired by individuals on either side of this war. Given enough time to grow it could be quite lucrative."
He motioned for me to continue.
"As it is however I have little means to reach out to the horde. I understand your current position within the Horde is relatively new and largely undecided, however I would have you establish my peoples neutrality to the warchief."
He hummed. "I see no reason I cannot bring it to Thrall's attention, though I fear it will have little affect on opinion regarding your nation."
I grinned.
"Maybe, but I hear this 'Thrall' is a reasonable sort, even considering the past humans and orcs hold. If an ally, even a tenuous one, vouches for us he will listen."
Thrall was an orc with a relatively soft disposistion regarding humans. His very first friend was a farmgirl if I remembered correctly.
"If my position is still in question after that I would hope our participation in Outland will be enough to sway his mind."
I sighed.
"I'm afraid I'm a poor mind for politics, I simply wish to see my people safe, both from those who would seek to harm them, and the poverty that consumed so many of us. If it doesnt trouble you I'd like to return to my home and prepare for the war in Outland."
Lor'Themar chuckled.
"Not at all! To be honest I've always been more suited to the battlefield than words. I'm certain our advisers can work out the exact particulars, We can have a portal put together once you've been given your prize."
I rose a brow. "My prize?"
"Yes, We put a sizable bounty on Dar'Khans head some time ago, and considering your aid in the last battle, we added what we could to it as a sign of good will."
I frowned. "Theres no need to-"
"Nonsense! My people are safe for the first time in months and the scourge has been all but pushed out of Quel'Thalas. We put a kings bounty on the traitors head, and who better than a king to take it?
I sighed. "I'll make sure to use it well, then. How much gold is Westfall to expect?"
The Elves were one of the wealthier peoples around before the scourge struck, and with so many members of the nobility dead I imagine quite a sum went directly into the cities Coffers.
Lor'Themar smirked. "Enough."
