Chapter 16 – Negotiations

The next day, Jaina woke up alone in throne room. She rubbed her eyes and looked around her and quickly found a little scroll with a red bow tying it together. Still naked from last night's extravagance, she rolled over and untied the scroll:

My dear Jaina,

I had to leave for Orgrimmar early this morning as Vol'jin would only accept my visit first thing today. I suggest you travel to Stormwind via a portal as soon as you are ready, this matter is more than urgent. I received information from Vereesa in the early hours that the Burning Legion is heading for the Broken Shore, which I suspect will become our battle front. Please hurry my love, I want you and my sister unharmed from this scourge. We must end it sooner rather than later.

Stay safe.

- Sylvanas

Jaina sighed as she had hoped to wake up next to her lover. However, she knew Sylvanas was right, she had to go now. Varian probably did not even know the extent of everything yet unless Khadgar had already contacted him. Somehow, Jaina doubted that as she was sure the Archmage had enough on his hands in Dalaran. She got up, got dressed and summoned a portal. A few seconds later she stepped into the portal and instantly arrived in Stormwind Palace.

"Oh thank the old God's, JAINA!" Varian ran towards her and embraced her, to Jaina's surprise. "I was so worried as to what that monster of a forsaken had done to you! Archmage Khadgar wrote to me begging for help to rescue you, I was just preparing my squires!" Jaina could feel frustration boil inside her. Sylvanas had done everything but hurt her and Jaina was sick to death of everyone thinking that the Banshee Queen would treat her badly. She took exhaled suppressing her irritation. "Varian, old friend. This is not how it looks. Lady Windrunner is not hurting me nor is she holding me captive against my will". Varian looked at her not entirely comprehending what Jaina was saying. As Jaina read his confused expression she decided she might as well call a spade a spade. "Lady Windrunner and I are in love. And we need the Alliance's help to exterminate the Burning Legion from the lands of Azeroth". Varian Wrynn struggled to take in what he had just been told and stared at Jaina silently in disbelief. Jaina knew this must come as a shock to Varian. She understood how ridiculous it must have sounded. Her and Sylvanas Windrunner in love. It was almost comical, but it was the purest truth.

"What has that filthy corpse done to you, Jaina? What kind of spell has she cast on you? This isn't you talking. Let our healers have a look at you, they can relieve you from her dominance". Jaina rolled her eyes. "Varian! You are not listening to me! THE BURNING LEGION IS BACK! Forget about my love life, I do as I please. I have given her my heart and that without her trying to take it. She would never hurt me and she would protect me with her own life". Varian was overwhelmed with horror by the words Jaina was spilling. "She couldn't protect you with her life, she doesn't have one. She is DEAD! Oh, what has she done to you sweet, Jaina…" He reached over and stroked her cheek. Jaina thought she might know why he reacted so strongly. It was not simply an Alliance – Horde issue. Nor the fact that she was the leader of the Kirin Tor. She had for a long time suspected that Varian was rather fond of her in more than a friendly way.

"Varian, the only thing she has done to me is make me feel safe. Please… I love her". Varian quickly removed his hand from her cheek and Jaina took a deep breath. "We need your help. The Legion is headed for the Broken Shore. Sylvanas is meeting with Vol'jin as we speak. We expect their support and I expect yours. We cannot let our feuds with the Horde get in the way of liaising against the Burning Legion. If we want to keep Azeroth, this is the only way!"

Varian was still trying to come to terms with Jaina's love for the Banshee Queen. He sighed. "I will never understand, Jaina. But as the leader of the Kirin Tor is requesting my help, I have no choice but to aid her in this battle. I will prepare my best men and forces and set off for the Broken Shore…" He raised a finger. "If the Horde fights by our side". Jaina felt the cold shoulder Varian was now giving her. It was unfair she thought. She was a grown woman doing as she pleased. She did not need these strong men like himself and Archmage Khadgar caring for her wellbeing like she was a delicate little flower. She had Sylvanas Windrunner. The most powerful woman and ranger in the whole of Azeroth.

"Thank you Varian. Your support will not go unnoticed. I am sure Vol'jin will appreciate the collaboration". Varian scoffed as he turned his back on Jaina and walked away. Supposedly, Jaina had gotten what she could out of this meeting. She headed for the Royal Library of Stormwind as there was something in particular she wished to learn. She was staying here in Stormwind until they could gather at the Broken Shore and unite their army with the Horde.

"NAME?!" A kor'kron guard shouted from the tower at the gates of Orgrimmar. "Sylvanas Windrunner, Banshee Queen of the Forsaken. Former Ranger-General of Silvermoon. I seek the Warchief, he is expecting me". A chime went through the air as the gates were ordered to open. The Dark Lady stepped inside and was guided to Warchief Vol'jin. Some of Orgrimmar's citizens were still sceptical of her and her faction and glared at her as she walked the paths. Whispers could be heard like hissing in the wind but Sylvanas did not care. If only they knew… If only they knew how she had conquered the heart of the Alliance's most powerful mage. If only they knew that she had the power to utterly destroy the leader of the Kirin Tor with a few words if she wished to. Sylvanas smirked and looked town as she followed the kor'kron guards. But she would never. She would never hurt Jaina. However, just the thought of that kind of power over a human being, and a meaningful one for their number one enemy, still fed the darkness inside her. But she would never…

"Windrunner…". Vol'jin sat on his throne and firmly looked at Sylvanas as she nodded at him in respect. "Warchief. I have come to plead your assistance. The Burning Legion has returned". Gasps and whispers filled the room. "Why you say dat, Windrunner? How you know?" Vol'jin clenched his fist. "I paid my sister a disguised visit in Dalaran. They attacked. Archmage Khadgar was nearly killed". Sylvanas thought it sounded better if she was visiting her sister rather than Jaina. If the Horde found out she was weak for Lady Proudmoore she would lose all of the little respect she had managed to establish. Vol'jin looked at her and hummed as he was thinking. "Warchief, the Alliance will aid the Horde in battle at the Broken Shore if we send our troops. There is no way we can fight this scourge alone. We don't have the men or power". "Is dat so Banshee Queen…" Vol'jin murmured.

Seconds later Thrall came running in and he looked distressed. The shaman panted and his facial expression reflected that of horror. "Warchief! It is true, they are here! The invasion has started!" They all ran outside to find a large black object in the sky, constantly shooting out green fel bombs and demons were already slaying creatures in the Barrens. "Please, Warchief". It was not a word Sylvanas used often. "Accept the coalition with the Alliance. We have no other choice". Sylvanas turned to Vol'jin who for the first time could sense worry in her expression. Vol'jin inhaled and put his fist to his chest. "I pledged my all to da Horde, and I will keep dat word. Gather all da army! WE FIGHT!" Applause and shouting exploded in Orgrimmar and Sylvanas shouted: "FOR THE HORDE!" There was nothing more she wanted this moment in time than to exterminate this plague and send the Burning Legion to the depths of hell.