Chapter 33 – A journey home and beyond
Birds were singing cheerfully and the sun peaked through the clouds on the blue sky. Animals grazed in the open fields, sniffing for fresh straws. It looked as if it was going to be a beautiful day in Stormheim.
Sylvanas scoped the landscape around her and looked down at Jaina who was still asleep. She pulled the mage's robe over her so her nude body would not be cold. She slowly stroked the beautiful, pale skin of the lady she so passionately had made love to last night.
"Wake up dear". Sylvanas whispered.
"Mmmm…" Jaina groaned and slowly sat up wrapping her robe around her.
"What a beautiful morning". The young sorceress rubbed her eyes as she got dressed.
"Indeed it is" Sylvanas said and got up, helping Jaina tie her robe and kissed the back of her neck.
"I suppose we should have a little talk". Jaina turned, facing Sylvanas. "While we are still in private".
"Suppose so…" Sylvanas glanced at the fields behind Jaina. It was never truly green in the ancient lands of Stormheim, but it seemed as if the autumn had set in for real now.
"Sit back down then". Jaina dragged Sylvanas to the floor. "You go first, you have the most to answer for".
Sylvanas sighed. "Well if you read my letter you know all of it. I have nothing more to say".
"Nothing?"
"Nope". Sylvanas stared down into the thick haze covering up the depths of landscape beneath the cliffs.
Jaina crinkled her nose. She was at least hoping Sylvanas would expand on the bizarre deal she had made with Helya. Sylvanas Windrunner was not easy to get anything out of. But Jaina knew better than to pressure her to explain. Especially now that they had just been reunited.
"Okay fine. I will talk then. About the Emerald Nightmare".
Sylvanas trembled lightly as Jaina mentioned the nightmare. One of her greatest fears was, in fact, to be trapped inside it. As if she was not trapped enough already in this dead body, she did not want to be a resting, breathing corps.
"What about it?" The Dark Lady mumbled.
"It's getting stronger. I have experienced it myself. When I went after you, I travelled via portal from Orgrimmar to the Thunder Totem in Highmountain. But it was a corrupted portal. If it hadn't been for the mages at the Thunder Totem, I could have been lost in the abyss forever.
"WHAT?" Sylvanas turned to Jaina, now paying full attention. Her eyes narrowed and stared hard at the young mage.
"Thank you, finally you're listening because I'm not finished!" Jaina frowned at Sylvanas' shocked face. It was like the Banshee Queen refrained from querying it because she would not like the answer.
"Xavius nearly got me in that portal. He even managed to physically hurt me. Lucky for me, the mages were well trained to sense and deal with corrupted portals. They pulled me out just in time. And I had good healers tending to my wound".
Rage boiled inside Sylvanas. She could have lost her dear Jaina to the nightmare. The one good thing in her miserable life. To a disgusting satyr. "Xavius…" Sylvanas murmured, almost growled quietly.
"This isn't all. On our journey to Halls of Valor we stopped for an overnight stay at Talonrest. Me, Dafar, Pierce, Paris and…" Jaina paused for a second and swallowed hard.
"Who?" Sylvanas looked at her, awaiting a name.
"Ayawa. Ayawa Lightsinger. A priestess. Lady Liadrin sent her to Highmountain as she was weaker than the other healers at the battle front in Suramar. But she discovered her true powered on our short journey. That she is, in fact, a shadow priest". Jaina for some reason smiled as she spoke of Ayawa. Sylvanas raised an eyebrow, sensing something iffy, but left it alone.
Jaina cleared her throat. "Anyway my point is, that night at Talonrest, the nightmare hit us hard. Imps invaded the camp and the toxic, red mist spread everywhere. Only me, Dafar and one other tauren druid managed to break free from it. The others are now in an unsettling sleep, trapped in the nightmare. It was horrible Sylvanas". Jaina looked away and sighed. Sylvanas inhaled deeply and thought long and hard.
"We need to go to Val'sharah". The Dark Lady got to her feet.
"What? Why?" Jaina stumbled to her's.
"Reports have clearly identified the Emerald Nightmare to stem from a corrupted source in Val'sharah. The only way we can recover the resting bodies is to aid the druids there to defeat it. Xavius must die, once and for all". Sylvanas started walking before Jaina got another word in.
"We ride in an hour. Inform Dafar we will be going back to the Forsaken Foothold and we can arrange a portal from there". Sylvanas had a cold angry look about her. Jaina had seen it once before, when she thought that she had voluntarily engaged in the kiss with Varian Wrynn. But this time her anger was directed at Xavius, not her. He had tried to hurt her and Sylvanas was going to make him pay.
"Together". Jaina said and grabbed Sylvanas' hand, pulling herself close to her lover. "Together we shall exterminate that satyr and take back what belongs to the druids of Azeroth". Jaina lightly kissed her beloved. "I look forward to fighting by your side, my queen". The Banshee Queen looked down on the beautiful human mage and nodded. "Together".
After hours of continuous riding, they finally reached the Forsaken Foothold. They had called at Talons Rest on their way, ensuring the resting bodies were well kept. Jaina had insisted on bringing Ayawa with them, so they had. Carrying the three of them, Dafar was absolutely exhausted when they reached their destination. He collapsed as they arrived, shapeshifting back to his tauren self. Healers rushed to his aid and immediately tended to him and the resting body of Ayawa.
"Make sure they get the best of care!" Jaina demanded and the healers nodded.
"It will be okay friend". She said as she gave Dafar a pat on the back. She watched as he stumbled into a tent with the healers and Ayawa was carried away.
"MY QUEEN!" Nathanos Blightcaller came running to meet his ruler. "It's so good to have you back. We have been so lost without you".
Sylvanas snorted and looked down on Nathanos who was almost kissing her feet.
Too much appraisal…
"Looks like you've been just fine. Rise Nathanos, don't be so dramatic. Now, where are my advisors, we need a meeting".
Nathanos rose to his feet a little embarrassed over being so pleased seeing his queen. "Of course, I will call the meeting, my queen".
Later that night, the Banshee Queen's most trusted advisors and raiders gathered around the bon fire. A couple of undead had even arrived from Orgrimmar by portal to make the meeting. Senior Sergeant Grimsford was one of them and he looked thrilled to be in the presence of his queen once again.
Sylvanas stood before her advisors with her cold face and bold attitude. She glowed of authority and her assertive strength silenced everyone around her. No words were needed to set the standard of this meeting.
"Servants!" Sylvanas chilly voice froze everyone. "We are gathered here tonight to discuss the Emerald Nightmare. You are not to speak, unless asked, nor are you to believe your opinion will be valued in any way even if you do. Remember the role of your existence. You serve the Banshee Queen. If you waste my time, I will make sure you pay".
Several gulps were to be heard around the fire, but nobody dared to break the silence. Even Jaina felt frightened by her lover's speech.
"Tomorrow, we will arrive Val'sharah and we will aid the druids there in exterminating the Nightmare. Nothing more, nothing less. If anyone experience any discomfort, you report to myself or Senior Sergeant Grimsford". The Sergeant grinned by the sound of his name. Oh how he loved to serve his queen.
That night Jaina remained fairly quiet about Sylvanas' orders. She laid next to the Banshee Queen in one of the Foothold's many tents, thinking about their upcoming journey. She had only just gotten Sylvanas back. She tightened her grip around the Dark Lady, not wanting to let her go.
"What are you thinking?" Jaina's whisper broke the silence.
"About what? The nightmare?" Sylvanas answered.
"Yeah, about the nightmare. What is the plan of action?"
Sylvanas took a long minute, wondering what to answer.
"We are going to defeat Xavius. End of". Her reply was adamant.
"How? The nightmare has never been this strong".
"I have a plan. You trust me, don't you?" Sylvanas kissed Jaina's forehead.
Trust the Banshee Queen again… Jaina closed her eyes and re-imagined Sylvanas riding away from the Broken Shore leaving the King of Stormwind to die a horrible death. But dwelling on this had no purpose, it was a thing of the past.
"Of course I do..." the young mage replied hesitantly.
"Then it will all be alright". Sylvanas' confidence was reassuring. Ironically, Jaina felt so safe when with the Banshee Queen. Untouchable. It had come with a price. Her bonds with the Alliance were broken, but her coalition with the Horde strengthened. Perhaps it was better this way. An escape from all the duties that had rested on her shoulders for so many years. Being captivated by Sylvanas Windrunner made her feel free. She smiled as she dozed off.
The next day, they got ready at the break of dawn. All mages, including Jaina, prepared portals leading to Val'sharah. They had notified the druids of their arrival and once everyone had passed through, Tyrande had been there to welcome them all. To Sylvanas' surprise, she was unusually hospitable. It was not every day an army of undead soldiers set foot on sacred kaldorei grounds.
"It's Malfurion". The priestess cried. "He is physically IN the Nightmare. He became obsessed with killing Xavius and so he entered the nightmare. I am out of options. We have searched for the entrence for months without luck. Only my husband knew the location. You must help him!" Tyrande's eyes landed on Jaina who reserved herself slightly at the back. Tyrande had sensed it and the reason instantly.
"Jaina, old friend. We have been through a lot together in the past, I know you. I would never judge you or who you love. We cannot choose these things. Me and my husband have always aided you in battle. To me and my people you will always remain an ally. And now…" Tyrande inhaled sharply to hold the tears back. "Now I need your help".
Jaina stepped forward and embraced Tyrande.
"We shall not let you down. We will find Malfurion and bring him back to you unharmed. You have my word!" She held the night elf tight by her shoulders and gave her a reassuring shake.
Later that afternoon the undead army, Sylvanas and Jaina were seated around a long table in one of the cottages together with the druids that had been chosen for the nightmare encounter. Sylvanas felt many eyes resting on her, making her slightly uncomfortable. Their stares judged her and saw her as the one who had corrupted an innocent, once Alliance sworn, Kirin Tor mage. Jaina conversed deeply with Tyrande who had also joined them. Sylvanas glanced at the two of them from across the table thinking about the events the two of them must have shared. A sting of jealousy hit her so she cleared her voice and turned to Senior Sergeant Grimsford who loyally sat by her side.
"Sergeant, may I see you outside for a minute". The sergeant obeyed and intrigued he followed his ruler outside.
A breeze rustled Sylvanas' grey blonde hair as she watched the sun set over the mountain side. Magical colours filled the sky and it made her appreciate the beautiful surroundings of Val'sharah. It was a tropical, yet cool environment surrounded by deep jungle.
Sylvanas felt a slight nudge in her left side and it snapped her out of her thoughts.
"You wanted to see me, my queen". Sergeant Grimsford bowed before her.
"Yes. Take this". Sylvanas fished out a vial from her pocket. The sergeant's eyes widened and had he had a lower jaw, it would have dropped to the ground. He studied the silvery coloured dust particles that danced inside the glass container. The Dark Lady placed it carefully in his skeleton hands and folded it into his fist.
"I want you to deliver this to Apothecary Jezel and Tawny. They will know what to do with it".
"How… How my Lady? How did you acquire it? I thought Lady Proudmoore warned you about saving the Val'kyr's remains?" Sergeant Grimsfold tightened his grip around the vial containing the fallen Val'kyr dust.
"She did. And I didn't gather it. Pierce and Paris did. So technically, I did nothing wrong". The Banshee Queen closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
"Okay… Although… It's just…" The sergeant stuttered.
"I am unsure if Lady Proudmoore will see it that way, my dear queen. She seems to love you the way you are. Isn't that enough?"
Sylvanas' nose flared at the sergeant's words. Normally, she would have probably lost her temper when her servants challenged her. But instead she cracked her neck and counted to ten, imagining Jaina's calming voice in her ear.
"Sergeant"… Sylvanas started. "If you had a chance to feel blood run through your veins again and hear your heart beat while your living, breathing skin prickled with sweat. Would you not?" Her eyes glared at the poor sergeant, piercing his.
"Well… Yes".
"Yes? If you deliver that, you may be able to do just that. It's a one-in-a-million chance this will work Grimsford. But if it does, my resurrection will not just mean another chance at life for me. It will free us all. From this curse". Sylvanas stroked her dark, dead skin with her left index finger.
"You shall all be resurrected. Together, we will rise again, Sergeant. My people shall no longer be Forsaken. We shall be respected!" She clenched her fist.
Senior Sergeant Grimsford glorified his queen and worshipped her by kneeling before her.
"Your will is my duty, my queen. We shall always follow you. In death and in life".
Sylvanas smirked and selfish power fed her darkness. "Of course you will, you are my progenies".
Inside, Jaina was still talking to Tyrande. The two had reminisced all their adventures and memories together. Tyrande and Malfurion had assisted Jaina more than once and Jaina was beyond grateful. She assured Tyrande that she was more than happy to finally give something back. As they were chatting, a male nightelf druid tapped Tyrande's shoulder and whispered a message in her ear. The high priestess turned to Jaina.
"Will you excuse me for a minute?"
"Of course". Jaina smiled and nodded. On returning her sight to the others in the room, she noticed Sylvanas' seat was empty and started looking around for her, but there was no sign of the Banshee Queen. Jaina turned to an undead woman who was seated beside her.
"Did you seen where The Dark Lady went?"
"Outside, my lady. With the sergeant".
Jaina raised an eyebrow and headed outside. "Thanks".
In the door opening Senior Sergeant Grimsford appeared and attempted to avoid eye contact with Jaina as he passed her.
"Erm, sergeant?"
"Ohhh, Lady Proudmoore! I didn't… eeeeh… see you there!" The sergeant bowed before her and fiddled with his fingers.
"What is going on? Why are you looking nervous?" Jaina had seen the sergeant like this once before when he attempted to hide his queen's plans for going to Stormheim.
"I… eeeh. I have errands to run, my lady". Before Jaina could question him further the sergeant made his escape.
Not far from the cottage Jaina spotted Sylvanas and studied her from a distance. As the moon appeared and shone upon the Banshee Queen it was almost as she sparkled in a dark blue, silvery colour. Her hair moved with the wind and her armor perfected her figure. Jaina's heart unexpectedly raised at the sight of the beautiful undead elf and she gasped slightly.
"I can sense you, my love. No matter how far away you stand from me. Especially when you are worried".
Jaina twitched and blushed as she realised Sylvanas knew she was watching her without even turning. The young mage walked up behind her lover and embraced her.
"What is the matter Jaina?" Sylvanas stroked the soft, living, human hands folded over her chest.
"What are you not telling me?" Jaina whispered.
"Probably a lot. Depends what you are referring to?" Sylvanas replied and turned around. The sweet smell of her beautiful Jaina Proudmoore filled her nose.
"The sergeant looked suspicious. What is it? I know something is up". Jaina met Sylvanas' deep red eyes.
"I have asked him to return to Orgrimmar for an errand, that's all".
"What kind of errand?"
"Just an errand".
"Sylvanas, I'm serious. What are you not telling me?"
"Nothing, will you leave it alone, Jaina? It's just an errand. It's my business".
"I swear to the old Gods Sylvanas, if you…"
However, Jaina was prevented from finishing the sentence as a loud scream filled the air. Out of nowhere, red, oozing lethal creatures grew from the plants and trees around them and druids came running out of houses and cottages in the village. Sylvanas automatically threw her arms around Jaina to protect her and Jaina shielded them as a tree branch wacked them over their heads. Tyrande appeared from the woods and ran into the open middle field. Her sight turned to the sacred world tree as its trunk burst open with satyr corruption and toxins radiated around them.
"The nightmare has burst and a channel has opened. It's exploding with corruption and satyr magic. We have to fight. Push them back to control the invasion!"
Obeying the command of the high priestess, the fight began.
"Guess we found the entrance!" Sylvanas said as she grabbed her bow and fired an array of arrows at the taunting creatures.
As Jaina channelled a rain of frost bolts, she knew it had started. The raid on the Emerald Nightmare had commenced.
A/N: I have also been working on a Heroes of the Storm femslash one shot which I am uploading soon! Keep an eye out :D x
A/N UPDATE: Heroes of the Storm one shot is out now! Nova x Valeera. Go check it out! ^^
