Chapter 26: The Summit

It was weird being back in Pandaria. The last time he'd been here hadn't especially been a happy memory, but as the smell of wild jasmine and green tea leaves blew across the breeze he couldn't help but smile, remembering some of the happier times. His first real taste of freedom, and survival. The first time he told the world to screw itself and did what he thought was right.

And had almost died for it.

He smiled to many Pandarans he passed, who in turn greeted him warmly, but watched his father with wary eyes. Many of the Pandarans of Pandaria were still wary of them and Anduin could hardly blame them.

They followed a woman in a light flowing robe, more appropriate for the heat than what Anduin was wearing. He had forgotten how hot it was here compared to Stormwind. He loosened his collar and rolled up his sleeves.

"Both sides have their own tents on either side of the court." The Pandaren, Jia, explained to them as they walked. "For now we have soldiers making sure people are staying on their respective sides. Of course all weapons have been confiscated."

Anduin knew that would happen. His Father had left Shalamayne back on the ship much to his chagrin, but Anduin had brought his mace and surrendered it in a sign of good faith. It was more decorative then anything really, he was better with daggers than a mace.

As they walked towards the Alliance camp, draped in blue and gold, Anduin couldn't help but try to get a glance across at the red and black camp of the Horde. He scanned the crowd of Undead, Goblins and Orcs trying to find the hulking figure of Baine Bloodhoof, but if he was here he wasn't out in the open. He let out a disappointed sigh. He had hopped the Tauren was here, he was looking forward to seeing him.

"You were right." His father grunted beside him, reading a scroll as they walked.

Anduin turned his attention back to his father, "About what?"

"Who they brought." Varian closed it and turned to stare at the Horde camp. The fact that he only gave a mild look of distrust rather than glaring with open hostility showed real growth. "Windrunner, Saurfang, and Baine. And Vol'jin, obviously." His father walked up to the large tent, opening it and stepping in, Anduin behind him.

The tent was sparsely decorated in the Pandaren Style, two simple beds and trunks with some things they had brought, a bright orb of light in the ceiling and a table in the middle for them to use for meetings.

"Is Tyrande here, yet?" Anduin asked.

His father collapsed into his bed, "Taking a portal. She should be here soon. Moira's ship should arrive within a few hours as well. Hopefully things go smoothly between Tyrande and Saurfang."

"She can keep a level head." Anduin defended.

"Either way." Varian continued, "I'd like it if you were in the negotiations with us."

Anduin blinked, stunned. He felt his face warm and he stood up a bit straighter, "Of course, Father. It'd be an honour."

It was nightfall by the time they were set to begin negotiations. A large tent had been set up in the middle of the celestial court, with Pandarans guarding all around. Anduin wondered where the Celestials themselves had gone, as they weren't present. He was a bit upset, he would have liked to see them again.

His father and him walked towards the tent with Tyrande, who looked as radiant as usual, and Moira, who's hair was pulled into her signature buns, covered in gold and iron and wearing a plated robe with the sigil of ironforge on her chest. She was looking around with a curious look on her face, but Anduin could only think about how hot she must be under those robes.

His father had explained how the negotiations would work. First they would create a more solid action plan, hammering out terms amongst themselves. Then, if it didn't dissolve into an all out war, they would present these terms to the representatives who would then vote on whether or not to implement them.

He looked back at the Alliance camp. There was a large bonfire set up with maybe two dozen people and pandarans milling around. He knew Addy was probably there and he tried to get a flash of her red hair, but before he could they had arrived at the war tent, and he turned back.

He walked in behind his father, almost wincing at the tense air inside. His father stiffened a bit, and Anduin could see him hands flexing, instinctively looking for a weapon.

The Horde had already arrived. Vol'jin was crouched over the war-table, the tent not quite tall enough for his enormous height. Baine was standing beside him, and he sent Anduin a small smile and a nod that Anduin returned.

He didn't see Windrunner at first, but as he turned he could see her leaning against one of the poles holding up the tent. Her arms were crossed and she watched them all enter with a frown on her face and burning red eyes. Anduin saw her eyes flicker to him for a second, staying perhaps a moment longer than everyone else, before she turned her attention back to his father.

Vol'jin stood up as straight as possible as they walked in, giving them a polite nod, "King Wrynn." He spoke respectfully to his father but there was a tiny glint of suspicion in his eyes, "I am glad you be willin' to speak with us today."

Varian nodded back at him, "Warchief. I feel we have little choice at this point."

Vol'jin nodded solemnly, his eyes scanning over towards the other Alliance members. "Prince Anduin, High Priestess, Queen Moira, welcome."

Anduin nodded back to him, knowing that he didn't have the place to speak yet.

He could vaguely remember meetings like this when he was younger. Back when he was King for a short time. Mostly during the Outland campaigns. Truthfully it was Bolvar who did most of the negotiations but he had to be there. He winced a the memories, not liking how so many members of the Horde had known him when he was so young. It was probably due to those meetings that lead to so many of them seeing him as a weak, ineffective leader.

"We should get started." Varian move to stand opposite to Vol'jin, "It's already dark out."

Vol'jin nodded, pulling out several scrolls and placing them on the table as the summit began.

Addy sat near the large bonfire they'd set up, poking at embers with a stick. While the daytime had been overly hot the nights were cool. The air was wet and the coolness of it clung to her. But the fire made her feel better.'

Her eyes flickered towards the tent in the centre of the court, wondering how it was going. It had been about two hours at this point. She'd seen Anduin enter with his father at the start. He had turned to look towards the campfire and she had waved, but she didn't think he saw her.

She cracked her neck, looking around the camp. There were a bunch of Pandarans milling around with the soldiers who weren't asleep on the ship, and the other representatives. There was a dwarf and gnome pair chatting on a nearby log by the fire, and there were actually two goblins laughing with some of the soldiers, which she assumed were from Ratchet or Gadgetzan judging by the Steamwheedle tabards they wore.

She wasn't sure who the other Westfall representative was. She had looked around, trying to find someone wearing the colours of the Militia, but if they were around she hadn't seen them yet.

"Miss Fairchild?"

Addy blinked back to the present and turned to see who had spoken to her, only to leap to her feet immediately, her face burning red in embarrassment as she straightened her dress earnestly.

"Highlord!" She cried in surprise, blinking as Tirion Fordring stood in front of her. Her eyes flickered to the handle of the sword strapped to his back. The Ashbringer, "I didn't know you were here."

The Highlord seem a bit amused by her formality, "It's alright, Miss Fairchild, Tirion is fine. And yes, the Argent Crusade was invited as a neutral party to help tensions."

Addy tried to relax a bit, but it was hard having such a legendary Paladin standing right in front of her. She swallowed as she looked towards the war-tent where the leaders of the Horde and Alliance were still speaking, "Shouldn't you be in there?"

Tirion looked over, "I have a representative in there, I find such tensions...tiring. Besides, I wanted to speak with you."

Addy stared at him blankly for a few moments, before she stuttered out, "Er- Why?"

Again the Highlord chuckled, moving to stand beside her, staring at the bonfire, "I've been working with Father Samuel, your mentor, correct?"

Addy nodded slowly, wondering where this was going.

"I don't know if this summit will work out or not." Tirion admitted to her, his eyes flickering back to the tent, "I find the idea that Windrunner would allow Alliance into her lands quite unlikely. However, either way the Argent Crusade will be travelling to Tanaris after this, to defend the Caverns of Time."

Addy nodded again, remembering what Anduin had told her about them. Defending them seemed pretty paramount.

"Father Samuel has offered his assistance." Tirion continued, "He'll be coming with us."

"What?" That surprised Addy. She hadn't been sure what she would do after the Summit. She figured she would continue her training, perhaps going to Ironforge to continue the defence there. But Tanaris...

"You are not required to come with him." Tirion continued, "If you don't wish too. I believe he will speak to you about such matters. But I wanted to talk to you first, to extend an invitation for you to accompany us."

Addy stared at him blankly, her heart beating a mile a minute. A personal invitation from Tirion Fordring to accompany the Argent Crusade? To fight along the best and brightest Paladins Azeroth had to offer? How could she turn down an offer like this?

"I..I'm honoured." Addy stuttered, her face red. She wished she could be more composed, but her brain was going a mile a minute.

"You do not need to go." Tirion assured her with a friendly smile, "I believe Father Samuel was worried you may be scared off by such a venture."

Addy puffed up a bit in annoyance, "I'm not scared."

"Oh no." Tirion chuckled lightly, "That's not what he meant. I believe he said you have people who may miss you."

A stab of cold entered her chest and it was all she could so not to look towards the war tent. Samuel was right. If she went to Tanaris she wouldn't see Anduin again for...who knows how long. Weeks...Years...She had no idea how long she would be gone.

She swallowed. This is what she had been afraid of. Getting too close that leaving would make everything worse. She used to thrive by herself. She didn't miss anyone, she lived on her own for months at a time, growing grapes, making her crappy wine. She never missed anyone then, except maybe Gryan.

She swallowed a lump in her throat, wringing her hands. At the very least she should talk to him before she left. That was the polite thing to do, wasn't it? Gryan had always said she wasn't very polite.

"Can I...er...Can I think about it?" She asked the Highlord, a bit scared he would be made and take back the invitation.

But instead he just smiled and nodded his head, "Of course. Me and Father Samuel will be leaving the day after tomorrow once the summit is over."

Addy nodded, before his words caught up with her, "Wait, Father Samuel is here?"

The Highlord nodded, looking confused, "You didn't know?"

Addy forgot her nervousness instantly annoyance taking over, "That rat bastard!" She hissed, before blushing and turning to the Highlord, "By your leave, Highlord."

Tirion laughed, "Miss Fairchild, I'm a Paladin not a king. You can probably find him on the other side of the Alliance camps."

She flushed once more, giving a strange curtsey, before turning and rushing off into the camp.

Addy found him near the tents for the soldiers, laughing along with a few of the men from the ship around a much smaller fire. They weren't drinking, but one of the soldiers, a woman, was sitting on a barrel of what she assumed was ale.

"Is this a party?" Addy asked jokingly.

Several of the soldiers jumped to their feet in respect, but Father Samuel just snorted, leaning back on his log and crossing his legs in front of him.

"Addy." He greeted her, "Bout time you came around."

"Nice of you to inform me that you're here." She mock glared at him, but a smile was tugging at her lips. It had only been a couple weeks but she missed the older man, even if he made it his mission to keep her as sore and bruised as possible.

He didn't respond to that, instead pointing at her, "You been practicing?"

Addy tried not to blush. She had been, but not as much as she should have been. She had been spending too much time with Anduin.

"I have." She said instead, not entirely lying.

The look he gave her suggested that he didn't believe her, but he nodded. Addy winced, knowing he would be taking it out on her during their next practice.

"This your apprentice, Sam?" One of the solider's asked. He was an older man, maybe the same age Gryan had been. His hair was pure white and log, braided back and tied with a solid leather band with bronze designs on it.

Sam nodded, and then motioned to a spot on the log beside him. Addy tip toed around the fire and sat down next to him, happy to have someone to talk too.

She motioned towards the barrel, "What's with the beer?"

The three solider exchanged looks and Samuel chuckled. She had a feeling she had entered in the middle of a conversation.

The woman who had been straddling the barrel grinned at her, her long blond hair tied back and wearing the plated armour of stormwind, "It's for afterwards."

The third man was standing a bit further back, young and baby faced with short hair and a rat face. He snorted at her, crossing his arms, "It's not going to happen."

Addy frowned looking between them, "I don't understand."

Father Samuel leaned forward, grabbing a log with his bare hands and shifted it through the fire, "There used to be summits like this all the time, back in the day. They were extremely common during the Outland campaigns, maybe ever two months or so. They happened during the Northrend campaigns as well, but as tensions grew they eventually slowed. When Garrosh became Warchief they stopped altogether."

That long. Addy flickered her eyes back to the tent. She had a feeling it wasn't only Garrosh that caused the end of these meetings. King Wrynn's hatred of the Horde was legendary, and his temper even more so.

"And there hasn't been a single one?" Addy frowned, "Since Northrend?"

"There's been letter's." Samuel shrugged, "And some more informal meetings, but nothing like this no."

Addy felt a bit worried, but then shook her head. Both sides wanted this. It was a good idea.

She shook her head and looked at the barrel, "And the ale?"

Samuel chuckled, "Well back then, negotiations ended one of two ways. Either they failed, and everyone went home a bit more sour then before. Or they succeeded, in which case-"

"-We party." The young female solider spoke up, a grin crossing her face, "Horde, Alliance, everyone converges on the middle and there's a party all night to celebrate. It's awesome."

The rat face'd man scoffed, "How would you know? You've never been to one of these things."

"Maybe no." She snorted, "But you ever seen a Troll drink? Trust me, this is gonna be a hell of a party."

"If there even is a party." Rat face smirked at her.

Addy frowned, "Why wouldn't there be? It seems like everyone is on the same side here."

"The leader's, sure." Rat face rolled his eyes and Addy gritted her teeth in annoyance, "But it comes down to the people, right? I don't know about you but I can't imagine the forsaken be all too thrilled with having humans running around on their ground."

Samuel pushed a log over in the fire, "You'd be surprised. Fear can make people do things they'd never have thought of before."

There was a moment of silence as they all thought about the ramifications of the Legion's invasions on their homes.

"Addy." Sam motioned his hand out to the older man to his left with the braided beard with a grin, "This is Captain Thornton, the other Westfall Representative."

Addy turned to Thornton, studying him for a few moments, trying to see if she recognized him.

He held out a hand for her to sake, his face friendly, "You Durand's girl?"

Addy winced for a moment at the mention of her grandfather and nodded, "Yeah, that's me."

He nodded, "Good man your grandfather. Fought with him during the second war, good sailor that man."

Addy just nodded, wishing she knew him back, before he was brought low by the death of her mother.

Samuel turned to the woman straddling the barrel, "This is Major Stamm."

The woman gave her a friendly salut and Addy nodded her head with a smile. The woman was light hearted and friendly and made her feel more comfortable with the group.

"And this is Lieutenant Erler." He motioned to the rat faced man leaning against the tree. He gave her a greasy grin and she just grimaced back at him.

"Nice to meet you." Addy hoped she sounded more sincere than she felt.

There was an awkward moment before rat face chuckled, leaning up off the tree, "Come on folks, let's get out of here and explore a bit. I doubt they're going to be done in there anytime soon."

Anduin wasn't sure how long they had been at it. At some point he had sat down, resting his head in his arms on the table in exhaustion.

They had sorted out the details of Tanaris and the Barrens easily enough, the Steamwheedle were very accommodating. Apparently demon invasions were bad for business. Who knew?

Ironforge had been relatively easy to work out. Moira had been very calm and collected, but Anduin could see her lips tighten whenever Vol'jin spoke to her. He knew there had always been tensions with the trolls, but as he suspected she kept a cool head. She had come a long way from the young Queen who had kidnapped him for leverage.

Westfall had been a headache. But considering the fact that it was abandoned and burnt at the moment the main issue had been its closeness to Stormwind.

Which lead back to the current issue.

"I propose a five hundred meter perimeter." Saurfang suggested, "Around the northern gate."

His father looked as exhausted as him, "There's a good chance that the attacks will be focused on that gate in the future. If the alliance can't go there to help defend then there's no purpose of them going to Aszhara at all."

"Then maybe they shouldn't." Saurfang growled back.

Anduin sighed, lifting his head. Things were getting tense, and they hadn't even started discussing Hillsbrad yet, which was sure to be the worst of the night.

"How about this." He finally spoke, making everyone turn to him. He was sure that most of them had forgotten he was even there. "Five hundred meter perimeter, unless there is an attack. Then the alliance can help defend however..." He trailed off, the words he was about to speak feeling dirty in his mouth, "We make it clear that any Alliance attempting to enter the city during these invasions are forfeit."

There was a silence, and Anduin could see Saurfang and Vol'jin discussing it with glances. His father was pursing his lips, but there was a small nod that suggested that he agreed with this idea. Anduin prayed that there would be no deaths from this, but it would assure the Horde that any civilians that tried anything were acting on their own and not with instructions from the king.

Saurfang sighed, giving a rough nod, "Very well."

In the corner a scribe started to write this down upon the very contract that they would all sign should this venture be successful.

Vol'jin walked towards his table and Anduin couldn't help but wonder why they didn't have a larger tent so the Warchief could stand up straighter. He had forgotten how tall they were.

"And now, Hillsbrad." The Warchief spoke lowly and the tension in the room surmounted to the highest levels. Anduin wished they had dealt with Hillsbrad first, but he understood why they hadn't. If things got dirty early on it could have ruined the chance of the rest of the negotiations going well.

Anduin turned to look at his Father, who's face had contorted like he had taken a bite out of a lemon. Sylvanas looked no better, her eyes flashing red and her face darkening. Anduin could see her fists clenching by her side, no doubt reaching for a bow that wasn't there.

He stopped himself from nudging his father. They had discussed this before leaving. Come up with a plan that would hopefully work to dispel some of the tension.

Varian sighed, "We propose allowing Alliance fighters into Hillsbrad, and only Hillsbrad in order to help with Legion attacks, however..." He gritted his teeth, "In respect to Lady Sylvanas'...control of the land, we will block Worgan and Gilnean Humans from joining the war effort in that area."

Anduin could see one of Sylvans' eyebrows raise in a mockery of surprise. Anduin knew she would prefer that no Alliance set foot above Thandals Span, but he hoped that her being here meant she would be willing to bend a bit.

"In return for this" Varian continued, "All we ask is that you leave our dead where they are...dead."

Anduin once again watched the Banshee queen. She didn't look unpleased by this request. Judging by the looks on the other Horde leader's faces it was something she likely received a lot. Anduin knew that often Alliance forces who fought against her were raised to join her army. He didn't think it would be a huge chore for her to sustain while they were temporarily allied.

Sylvanas leaned forward off the pile and started to walk towards the table for the first time, "I do not worry about the Gilnean's your Majesty." She spoke his father's title with a mocking lilt that made him tense, "I highly doubt anyone under Greymane would dare lift a finger in aid of me or my people. What I am more concerned about are those under your control that still claim my lands as their own. People who might use this opportunity to take my peoples lands back for the Alliance."

Varian shook his head, "Any Alliance attempt to reclaim Hillsbrad would be pointless. We don't have the means or resources to hold any land there and you know that." He stood up straighter, "The very fact that we're having this meeting is proof that these invasions by the Legion supersedes any other conflicts we may have. I'm not going to waste the lives of my men and women trying to reclaim land I can't even use when the gates of hells are literally upon us."

There was a scattering of nods around the room. Vol'jin stood up as straight as possible and gave Varian an appreciated nod, "Well said High king

Sylvanas still looked unimpressed. Finally she spoke up, "I will agree to your terms, only if you add a stipulation that any Man or woman who was born in those lands, is not to return to them, even to defend them from the legion."

Varian looked annoyed, and Anduin pursed his lips. Addy wouldn't be happy about that.

The High king sighed, "I will agree to these terms during the course of the Invasions, and as long as this contract holds. I made no indefinite promises."

Sylvanas squared her jaw, but a moment later a single nod was given towards Vol'Jin and everyone in the room let out a breath of air.

The negotiations had been completed

Addy was actually thrilled to do a bit of exploring around the court. They couldn't go too far due to being weaponless but from their spot they could see the sea and the animals, some of which she had never seen before. She saw a python as big around as her, strange yaks and even a leopard of some sort.

Samuel had to hold her back a few times as she rushed forward to see things a bit closer, and at one point she had to heal a rash that formed on her legs from some kind of poison ivy. But it was fun. Eventually though they grew tired and started to walk back to the camp.

"Durand used to make some of the best damn wine in Lordaeron." Thornton sighed as they walked, a dreamy look on his face, "His daughter, your mother, was a damn fine wine maker herself. Could have taken over if she hadn't fallen in love with that merchant boy. I never saw her after she moved to Stratholme and, well..." He cleared his throat.

Addy felt a bit awkward. She wasn't sure what she was supposed to be feeling here. Probably sad and nostalgic. But while she was sad her grandfather was dead she wasn't sure she missed him. Maybe she missed the way he used to be when she was a child. Her parents she had no memory of and had a hard time feeling much of an emotional connection to them.

Instead she just cleared her throat, "Well I made shit wine, but I was the only person in Westfall that did."

The group chuckled, even Rat Face who had come around to them a bit and loosened up as they walked.

They entered the lit up area of the court. Addy looked at the tent in the middle, wondering if they were almost done in there.

"I tell you." Major Stamm spoke as she walked behind them, "Screw wine, there's nothing as good as Kungaloosh. I tried it back when I was stationed here on Pandaria and one time this fire mage..."

She trailed off and Addy looked up wondering what had caught her attention.

The group stopped as they realized they were approaching another group who were walking in the opposite direction as them. As the group approached Addy could feel her companions stiffen and a thick air of tension came over them.

She wasn't sure what the cause was, and frowned for a moment. But as the group came closer she very quickly realized what the issue was.

Instead of elbows there was little more than bone and a few ligaments holding everything together. Some of them had strips of mismatching skins and patches where parts of them was missing. One of them walked with a bit of a limp and Addy realized they had a peg foot on one of their legs.

The group of forsaken seemed to notice them as they approached, and they also slowed down. They didn't seem hostile, mostly wary, and both groups were tense, waiting for the other to respond.

Addy chewed her lip, looking at her companions. She didn't want a fight right now. Sam seemed okay but was also watching their companions nervously, especially Thornton who had tensed up immediately. Addy remembered that he had fought in the second war. Had he fought in the third war as well?

But the tension was broken a moment later by one of the forsaken taking a step forward and squinting. "Thornton?" The undead asked, a strange echo to his voice, "Is that you?"

Captain Thornton tilted his head and then Addy saw all the tension leave him in one wave as he spoke in disbelief, "Merek? Is that you?"

And then the rest of the tension broke like a damn as the undead Merek came forward and clapped Thornton on the back.

"Light it's good to see you." Merek spoke. The man was slightly more put together than the other undead, his face seemed mostly intact but from the knees down he was nothing but bone. "I was never sure if you made it out alive."

Thornton chuckled, "I suppose I'd look more like you if I didn't."

"True, true." Merek laughed.

The two groups merged into one as they set off towards the camp. Addy studied the undead in interest, having never met one before. One of them grinned at her, a mouth with very few teeth and Addy raised an eyebrow, unimpressed.

Merek nodded his head towards the centre of the court, "Come on, negotiations finished about five minutes ago."

That perked up Major Stamm who beamed at him, "Is there gonna be a party?!"

Merek laughed loudly at that and Addy wondered if he would fall apart. But instead he just shook his head, "Civilian votes first. From what I heard they worked out a contract for the various borders that will be opened, but we still need to vote on it."

Addy poked her head forward, "Are you voting for Hillsbrad?"

Merek winked at her, "Sure am. Me and Arete over there."

He pointed his thumb over to a tiny undead woman so short that Addy hadn't even noticed her. The forsaken beamed at her but there was a weird blankness in her eyes that unnerved her a little bit.

"Are they calling us in now?" Thornton asked.

Merek nodded, a wide grin at them, "Pretty quick here. Think they probably want to get this thing over with as soon as possible."

"Here, here." Father Samuel grumbled in agreement as they walked towards the war tent.

Addy suddenly felt nervous. Everyone seemed friendly enough, but what if the vote failed? What would they do without the help of the Horde?

She swallowed the lump in her throat as they walked, praying silently that everything would turn out okay.

A/N: I finally caved and split this chapter in two. Originally this chapter and the next one were gonna be one big chapter but it was getting out of hand.

Sorry about the long wait. I have a new job and I work three weeks on one week off so I haven't had as much time to write, and then classic came out which has been taking up all my time. But now im on my week off and Classic is down for a few hours for updates so I figured I'd actually update this story.

Addy doesn't exist in Classic, obviously, but if you find Amary or Artemis on Alliance or Allison on Horde on Bloodsail Buccaneers, those are my classic children.

The Next chapter is almost probably halfway done already so I'm hoping to get them finished asap.

Until Next Time

-Amary