Chapter 23 – And so it went on

A/N: Long chapter! I worked quite hard on this and I feel very content with it. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Comments you may have are very welcome and appreciated :) I read them all and they are very motivating.

And so it went on. Days passed, and Jaina regained her strength. The powerful mage had returned to full health and she reported to Warchief Windrunner's chambers where the Banshee Queen also kept her office running. Sylvanas had been awfully formal, but Jaina had played along. Jaina knew their love had perished, but still she accepted her delicate imprisonment in some sort of hope that Sylvanas would turn around and apologize. However, that obviously did not happen.

Five weeks went, and their plans to defeat the Legion were ongoing. Attacks had required rigorous preparation and sufficient maintenance of the defense had been vital. The legion had been offensive and they seemed to be quadrupling every minute of every day. With Gul'dan pulling the strings, there was no rest for the wicked. While the brave forces of Orgrimmar fought day and night, Sylvanas and Jaina caught very little sleep as they thoroughly calculated every move the Horde made on the Broken Isles.

Jaina had written the Kirin Tor and informed them she was withdrawing as their leader. She had not lied when saying she was currently in Orgrimmar. But she left out the part about assisting the Warchief instead of her own kind. Vereesa was the one who replied her and she secretly wished Jaina good luck as she must have known what was going on. What she did not know was that things between her and Sylvanas were as dead as the Banshee Queen herself. Vereesa asked no further questions in case information landed in the wrong hands and Jaina would rather not speak of it with anyone. She kept things to herself and portrayed a brave, confident face.

The Banshee Queen's foul mood continued. One day, she had witnessed Sylvanas almost lose it with Senior Sergeant Grimsford, but Jaina had managed to stop her right before she was about to strike the poor Sergeant with her fist. Clearly unhappy about Jaina's interference, Sylvanas had reacted by screaming like a manic banshee at first, but when she saw Jaina's petrified expression, she had punched the wall instead and ran outside. The Dark Lady was more like herself than ever and it frightened Jaina at times. It was impossible to predict what mood she would be in and who she would unleash her anger at. Everybody involved in the planning process attempted to keep a low profile in case the Warchief was in a vile mood. Senior Sergeant Grimsford had pulled Jaina aside after she saved him from being struck by Sylvanas and thanked her deeply. Jaina had replied it was nothing like what he had done for her whilst trapped in the dungeons. She had mentioned Orasha for him and begged for her release, but there was nothing he could do; it was up to the Warchief.

It was late, and Jaina approached her Warchief as night fell upon Orgrimmar. She could simply not sleep knowing Orasha had to spend another night in that awful dungeon. "Warchief…" Jaina stepped inside Sylvanas' chambers. "Yes, Proudmoore, what is it?" Jaina had gotten used to not even be addressed as a lady by her anymore. Sylvanas had dropped her to the bottom of the formal hierarchy, yet she had kept her on as her partner in war for whatever reason. The Banshee Queen did not even look up. She sounded vicious even saying such a general sentence. Jaina swallowed. "There is an orc, my queen. In the dungeons. May I please ask you for her release? She was good to me". Sylvanas stopped writing, but did not look at Jaina. "Orasha what?" "Orasha Lonefang, my queen. Please, Garrosh imprisoned her without reason. She is no threat to the Horde, she will return to the Frostwolf clan and live her life". Sylvanas' eyes narrowed. "I don't know if you know, Proudmoore, but the Forsaken are not the greatest fan of Frostwolf orcs…" Jaina knew it was a long shot, but she had to try. "My queen, please. Orasha has done you or the Forsaken no harm. Release her and she might become an asset to your Horde". "Is that so Proudmoore…" Sylvanas tapped her index finger on her desk continuously. "Very well, I trust your judgement. I will have Sergeant Grimsford escort you down into the dungeons with the keys. I know how close you two are". The snarky way she worded the last sentence sent shivers down Jaina's spine. It was hard to even imagine the Sylvanas she had made love to. It was not the same person. The person she stood before was vindictive and wicked. The woman she had loved was good, brave and kind. However, Jaina took what she could get and Sylvanas had, to Jaina's surprise, granted Orasha's release. "Thank you, my queen. She will not disappoint you".

Senior Sergeant Grimsford bore a torch to light up the way for himself and Jaina down into the dungeons. Being back there made Jaina want to cry. It truly was the most awful place she had been. "Our queen is not herself lately". Sergeant Grimsford suddenly stated. Jaina, on the contrary, thought Sylvanas was more like herself than ever, frankly showing her true undead side. "I don't know about that Sergeant. But whatever it is, I don't like it. It is hard to work with someone so… Angry". Sergeant Grimsford sighed. "She bears a burden nobody can imagine, my lady. She has continuously fought for acceptance of the Forsaken. Suddenly, she has been appointed to lead a Horde that have previously placed great distrust in her. She is destined to avenge Vol'jin and destroy the legion who once robbed her of her life. Not only that, but I can tell she does not know how to handle your presence. All she knows is that she does not want you gone". Jaina frowned in slight disbelief. "Well I don't know how to respond to that, but I truly wish I could reverse time to before Vol'jin and Varian died. It was different then". "I know, my lady".

Sergeant Grimsford stopped outside Orasha's cell. Orasha was curled up in the corner and Jaina spotted tears on the brave orc's face. The young mage kneeled before the cell. "Orasha, dear. I have come to get you out". Orasha had not even noticed their presence as she twitched and confusingly looked around her, clearly frightened. "Orasha , it's okay! It's Jaina. Jaina Proudmoore". Orasha finally met her sight and a flush of relief changed her expression when she saw a friendly face. "Jaina, is that really you?" Sergeant Grimsford unlocked the cell and left the door open for the orc to exit. "Come, we are going to see the Warchief. Orasha looked worried. "The Windrunner Lady? Is she going to be kind to me?" Jaina shuddered. "If you show willingness to cooperate, she will pardon you for whatever Garrosh put you here for". Orasha reluctantly stepped out of the cell. "I trust you with my life Lady Proudmoore. Thank you, I owe you everything I have". Orasha made Jaina smile. She truly was a genuinely nice person.

"Warchief. This is Orasha Lonefang". Jaina gave Orasha a nudge and the frightened orc warrior stepped forward. Sylvanas looked up from her documents and studied Orasha. "Miss Lonefang. I have heard a lot about you". Her tone was not snarky, but Jaina still detected the patronizing tone. Orasha kneeled in front of her warchief. "I feel privileged to serve such a worthy Warchief, my lady. Whatever you may need, I can do it". Sylvanas smirked as if she almost got a high from Orasha's pleading. Jaina inhaled, hoping Sylvanas would behave. "Rise my warrior". Orasha stood up, but she kept her sight to the ground out of respect. Sylvanas rose from her chair stepping down on floor level and looked at Orasha with serious eyes. Then, she suddenly put her hand on the orc's shoulder. "I would like to appoint you leader of my Horde's Third Squire. I hear Proudmoore tell me you have quite some experience in exterminating unwanted beasts. Orasha face lit up. "My Warchief… I… I am honoured. I will not disappoint you!" Sylvanas nodded and gestured for Senior Sergeant Grimsford to accompany Orasha out of the chambers.

Jaina smiled at Sylvanas. "Thank you my Queen. That was truly kind of you". Sylvanas scoffed. "Come on Proudmoore. You know I only did it for you". She turned her back at Jaina who suddenly felt embarrassed. "Well, I thank you regardless". Jaina was headed out as Sylvanas' snarky voice suddenly changed. "Proudmoore, wait". Jaina froze and turned around meeting Sylvanas' eyes. "Do you still have the amulet I gave you?" Sylvanas' looked down, finding it awkward to ask. Jaina frowned as it was an item she had not thought of for a while. "Yes, my queen. How so?" "Good. Keep it safe for me will you?" Sylvanas sat back down and cleared her throat as she continued her duties. Jaina was confused as to why Sylvanas had asked about it. Did it mean she cared about her or the amulet? But she knew better now than to question it. Instead, Jaina swallowed and wearily looked at Sylvanas before replying. "Of course, my lady. It is one of my most treasured keepsakes". Before Sylvanas could answer, Jaina left the room, leaving Sylvanas with an open mouth, unable to reply.

Sylvanas watched as the gorgeous young mage she had called Dalah'surfal left the room. She longed for her. It hurt like hell every day. Her anger was a result of her emotions that she could not control. Sylvanas knew that everything she had done was wrong. Ever since she decided to leave Varian to die, she had lost control of the little bit of good Jaina had brought out in her. Not even the thought of her dear sister Alleria could make her suppress her anger now. Most of all, she was angry with herself. The more she wanted to be nice to Jaina and the harder she longed for her, the more evil she became. She would have even physically hurt Senior Sergeant Grimsford had it not been for Jaina stopping her. Normally, she saw no wrong in violence towards her minions and servants, but Sergeant Grimsford had become her right hand. Without him, Sylvanas would have nobody loyal to trust.

It burned inside her like a flame, just like it had the night they made love in front of the fireplace in Undercity's throne room. Her love for Jaina was still as real and present as it had been from the start. But it was buried underneath all her darkness and she did no longer know how to bring it to the surface after all her mistakes. She had hoped that things would solve itself by keeping Jaina in Orgrimmar to work with her against her will, but on the contrary, it had made things worse. Sure they were talking, but she had been nothing but mean to the beautiful mage she so dearly adored. She was certain Jaina had no feelings left for her at this point. But Sylvanas had heard Jaina right, the amulet was one of her most beloved keepsakes. Not that it should have, but it planted a seed of hope in Sylvanas that there was still a petite share of Jaina's heart that had feelings for her.

Another week went by and Sylvanas' mood improved significantly. Although Jaina had no idea why this was, it made her happy. She had also been able to see Orasha on a daily basis and it felt wonderful having someone to talk to. She never told Orasha, or anyone else for that matter, she was being held in Orgrimmar against her will. However, Jaina was no longer sure this was the actual truth. As the Warchief's mood improved, her motivation for destroying the legion by Sylvanas Windrunner's side became stronger and more potent. They already spent all their time together planning the next attack on at the Broken Isles, but more efforts went into the details of the defense as they finally experienced success at the Broken Shore. The Broken Shore could now fully function as a base for further attacks, and as the Horde and Alliance had made temporary amends despite all the recent events, they continued to work together.

To celebrate their victory at the Broken Shore, Sylvanas arranged a feast for all their forces back in Orgrimmar. It was a lively feast to say it was The Dark Lady who had organized it. There were all kinds of dishes one could imagine: cured meats, roasted vegetables, braised steaks and shanks, bread loafs. Everything. And there was alcohol; a lot of it! Jaina had never taken Sylvanas for a heavy drinker. She knew she could eat and drink, compared to other undead that could not. The feast took place in the joyful inn where a long table with benches on each side had been set up. Tavern music was playing, the warriors danced with their wives, others drank, laughed and exchanged stories. Jaina was, to her surprise, quite enjoying herself as she was seated next to Orasha who had also been invited as part of welcoming her to her new position as leading warrior of the Third Squire. Her and Jaina talked and laughed at a goblin who, seemingly, had had too much to drink and was happily wobbling around the floor swinging his jug of ale. Even Jaina had had quite a lot to drink. It made the feast more enjoyable. She kept letting her sight wander over to where Sylvanas was sat, at the table end with Senior Sergeant Grimsford by her side. Sylvanas did not look back at her, at least not to what Jaina noticed.

As Jaina was eating and drinking some more, Orasha nudged her. "Who is that one there?" Orasha nodded towards a beautiful high elf with auburn brown hair, dark lips and bright, blue glowing eyes that just entered the room. Her attire was a red, rogue-ish jumpsuit with a hooded cloak folded down on her shoulders. Her knee high boots revealed the high elf's gorgeous thighs and great long legs. She was a wonderful sight for the eye, but Jaina already felt jealousy and anger flare up inside her. "That is Helitha Sunborne. A slutty rogue Warchief Windrunner calls on when she is bored". Jaina's tone was sour and full of despair. She had never been the jealous type, but this elf had bedded Sylvanas when Jaina was the one who should have been with her. "Are you okay, Jaina? You don't seem to like her very much?" Orasha put her hand on Jaina's shoulder. Orasha did not know anything about Jaina and Sylvanas. It had been too painful to talk about for Jaina down in the dungeons, so she had left it out. "I'm fine, but no, I don't like her". Jaina scoffed as she watched Helitha approach Sylvanas, laying her arm around the Dark Lady's shoulder and whisper something in her ear as she sat down beside her. It was clearly well received because Sylvanas smiled and gave the rogue a dirty smirk. Jaina was almost sure she saw Sylvanas' hand reach down under the table to feel Helitha up. It made Jaina feel sick, so she shook her head and looked the other way, grabbing her wine and downing the glass. Orasha looked at Jaina. "My lady, I know it's not my place, but I'm not blind. You have eyes for Warchief Windrunner, don't you?" Jaina closed her eyes hard and opened one as she gave Orasha a smile. "Is it really that obvious?" Orasha chuckled. "Jaina, dear. Anyone with eyes in their forehead would be able to tell from miles away". Jaina filled her glass with more wine as she laughed. "Fuck sake, I can't believe it. After all she has done, I still fancy her. Look at her, she clearly does not care about me at all. She is practically groping that elf right in front of me!"

It was true, Sylvanas was flirting intensely with Helitha for everyone to see. The high elf looked amazing and she was truly tempting. But Sylvanas kept glancing Jaina's way, hoping the sorceress would look. Because if she looked, and then seemed upset, Sylvanas would get the confirmation she needed. She had to know if Jaina still cared. "Come on babe, take me away from this boring party". Helitha stroked Sylvanas' neck. Sylvanas let out a scoff. "Not yet dear, you will have to wait for the good stuff". Sylvanas drank a stronger drink than most of the others. She had moved on to the homebrewed dark rum from Valley of Honor, in the attempt to feel something else. But all she felt was lust and longing for the beautiful, blonde, young human further down the table. Sylvanas thoughts galloped in her head. Come on Jaina, look this way. Get mad, get angry, get sad. Just give me something… It was risky, but Sylvanas moved on to plan B. Slowly she reached for Helitha's cheek and pulled her in for a deep kiss. Men beside them howled and cheered. Sylvanas broke away from Helitha who was biting her lips and looking at her flirtatiously. In the corner of her eye Sylvanas noticed Jaina quickly turning her head away, saying something to her orc friend Orasha.

"I'm sorry Orasha, I can't watch this. Besides, I'm too drunk for this shit". Jaina rose from her seat, a little unsteady on her feet from the alcohol. "Do you want me to walk you to your chambers, my friend?" Orasha grabbed her hand. "No, it's fine Orasha, I just need to sleep it off before I incinerate that whore of an elf. Good night, enjoy the feast". Jaina left the party and set off for her chambers.

"That bitch…Elf… infiltrator…" She mumbled drunkenly as she was just about to enter her chamber. Her hand touched the handle, but someone vehemently slammed her body against the wooden door, before she could open it. Jaina was too drunk to scream, so her reaction was to let out a pathetic yelp instead. One hand held her's tight together, against the door above her head, that was pressed forcefully against the door. The person's other hand carefully slid under her robe and up against her bare thigh. Jaina froze and was just about to attempt an arcane explosion when a cold pair of lips touched her left ear and whispered: "I still want you… Dalah'Surfal…". Teeth lightly bit her earlobe and Jaina's eyes widened, the words making her inhale sharply. Just as she was about to respond, she was released and Sylvanas Windrunner was gone before Jaina managed to turn around.