Chapter 37 – Who is she now?

A/N: One year ago, I started this story. Sometimes, longer periods may go by when it is not updated, but I will never give up on it until I feel like it is completed. Enjoy the anniversary chapter :-)

Jaina opened her eyes feeling disoriented and drowsy.

Where was she?

Her blurry vision improved after some seconds and she could look around her clearer.

She was in her chambers in Undercity.

She shot up. Scared.

Had she dreamt? Were those visions part of the process? Was she… Was she… Was she converted?!

Jaina closed her eyes too afraid to look and tried to feel if anything was different.

She did not feel different, but then she did not know what it felt like to be undead.

That's when she felt her heart raise. The adrenaline had flushed through her and blood streamed throughout her veins.

She stood up from her bed and ran to look in the mirror.

Back at her stared a pair of azure blue eyes. She touched her soft human skin and exhaled in relief. A smile creeped up on her and a single tear fell down her heated cheek as she let out a chuckle.

She was alive and human.

But if she was not dead. Then… Could it really be?

"Sylvanas… Alive?" she whispered to herself.

Memories came back to her slowly, she must have fainted shortly after Sylvanas had… She could barely think of it. How long could she have been in her room?

A sudden knock on her door made her jump.

"Ye… yes?"

The door opened and in came Tawny.

"Lady Proudmoore, what are you doing out of bed, get back in there!"

She hassled Jaina back into her sheets and ruffled and tumbled the bedding around her.

"Tawny, I feel fine, you have to tell me about what happened!"

Tawny froze like it was forbidden to speak of.

"No".

"No?"

"I said no!"

Tawny stared bluntly at her.

Jaina raised an eyebrow and examined Tawny's face. Tawny was just like Senior Sergeant Grimsford: a terrible secret keeper.

"She is alive isn't she?" Jaina exclaimed.

Her eyes widened in hope.

Tawny did not respond, although her mouth twisted as if she wanted to puke out an entire story.

"I KNEW IT!" Jaina laughed and slammed her palms at her cheeks. The happiness rushing through her was indescribable.

"How?! How did it happen? How can she be alive? I have to see her!"

"You have to stay here. Orders". Tawny mumbled.

It gave Jaina a sudden unsettling feeling.

"Okay well I wish to speak with Senior Sergeant Grimsford". Jaina said, her voice a little shaky.

"He is unavailable".

"Is he with Sylvanas?"

"He has duties".

Tawny turned to leave.

"I will tell Dark Ranger Velonara that you are awake. She is responsible for you now. In the meantime, rest some more".

Tawny shut the door with a cold force.

Jaina was surprised by her behaviour as Tawny had always been good to her. Why would she not tell her more about Sylvanas?

Jaina refused to stay in bed that was for sure. She got up and looked around her. She was only in a night gown, so a bath and fresh clothes seemed like a good start.

When she was tended to her sanitary needs, she retrieved her cloak and tied it around her, pulling the hood up. She had gotten around Undercity before, she could do it again.

Upon placing her hand on the door handle it was pushed down and the door opened. Only, it was not Jaina who pushed it opened.

"Good, you're awake!"

"Velonara, I…"

Jaina took a few steps back trying to hide the fact she was going to sneak out.

"Yes, you were going to sneak out, I'm not a fool Lady Proudmoore". Velonara closed the door behind her.

Jaina just sat down on the nearest chair without saying a word. Dark Ranger Velonara was a woman with authority and on some levels, she reminded her of Sylvanas.

"We have to talk. And sadly, I was granted the task to do so with you".

With a frown, Jaina straightened up and pricked her ears.

"Sylvanas is alive, yes". Velonara sighed.

Jaina did not know what to say. Having it fully confirmed was more than she could have ever dreamed of. She smiled.

"So, does she know I'm awake? When can I see her?!" Jaina rose from her chair in excitement. Just the thought of seeing Sylvanas, holding her, feeling her…

"You can't".

Jaina's stomach sank.

"Excuse me?"

"She does not want to see you".

Jaina stared bluntly at the dark ranger. First she could not believe it. Then she started laughing hysterically. Velonara raised an eyebrow and stared at Jaina like she was insane.

"Okay that's a good one Velonara. She doesn't want to see me. If it's a surprise for me or something else great she's planning for me then tell her I cannot wait. I just have to see her". Jaina smiled but it faded quickly and Jaina started wondering if Velonara was telling the truth.

"I am serious Lady Proudmoore. A gryphon has been ordered for you. We have contacted Khadgar and it has all been arranged. You are travelling to Dalaran. Tonight".

Speechless, Jaina remained staring at Velonara.

"But, there has to be some kind of mistake. She would want to see me. She loves me. I was ready to fucking die for her. Not only that, but be turned for her!"

Velonara sighed and her sight faded towards the floor.

"I am sorry Lady Proudmoore. The Dark… I mean… Queen Sylvanas has given the orders. I cannot go beyond my command and let you see her".

"I won't accept it! Do you understand how many questions I have right now?! Like… Who is she now?!" Jaina desperately pleaded for answers, but Velonara just licked her lips and looked away.

"Orders have been given. You are leaving".

"I AM NOT!" Jaina planted herself back down onto the chair.

"If you do not leave willingly, you will be removed from Undercity with force, Lady Proudmoore. Do yourself a favour and keep your dignity".

With that, Velonara left Jaina in her chambers, crushed and confused like never before.

Velonara entered the throne room respectfully and bowed.

"How did she take it?

"She says she refuses to leave, my lady".

"Just see to that she leaves".

Velonara nodded and glanced up at her queen who sat behind her desk. It had been a long time since last time she had sat there.

"She was begging to see you".

Sylvanas sighed and her heart pounded, making her feel startled. The feeling of a raising heart was unfamiliar and it made her feel queasy.

"I can't see her. Not yet".

"But why, my lady, simply seeing her and explaining would probably…"

"You know why, Velonara. Do you think that me explaining will keep her away. If anything, it will glue her to me. And I won't have it".

"Of course, my queen".

"When it comes to her… I…" Sylvanas closed her eyes.

"My heart knows no boundaries".

Velonara cleared her throat.

"I'm sure Lady Proudmoore will understand".

"She won't. But I don't care. Just make her stay away from me".

"Yes, my lady. By the way, not that it is any of my business but…"

"Speak". Sylvanas tapped her fingers on the wooden desk.

"She also asked who you were now. Do I answer at all?"

Sylvanas stiffened. Who was she now? The Banshee Queen or the Dark Lady did not seem appropriate anymore. Neither was she a Ranger-General. If she was still the Warchief of the Horde she had no idea about, she had more pressing issues.

"Just… Tell her I am still me".