Chapter 43 – Final preparations
Sylvanas opened her eyes and rubbed them slowly. The stone walls of her throne room were moist from damp and room was cold as usual, so she pulled her silk covers to her and shivered lightly. Frankly, she missed not being cold. And she missed not being dominated by rash emotions. As she laid in her bed, it surprised her how many things she suddenly missed with undeath…
A knock.
"Yes, enter!" Sylvanas sat up and wrapped her silk covers around her bare shoulders.
"Pardon, my Lady but ehh…" Senior Sergeant Grimsford carefully stepped into the throne room and fiddled with his hands. Sylvanas knew this look. Whenever he was having a hard time articulating something, it was usually bad news. Or something else she would not be pleased with.
"Sergeant… Today would be good". Sylvanas kissed her teeth and pulled her covers tighter around her.
"Well… Someone is here to see you, my Queen. But ehhh… I am not sure you wish to see them".
"Eugh, if it some faction leader from the Horde just tell them to leave. I have no energy to deal with Lor'themar, Baine or anyone else today".
"Actually, my queen… It is Lady Proudmoore".
Sylvanas' heart stopped.
"What?"
"She is here, Warchief".
"But… But why?" Sylvanas was shocked and confused. What was she doing here? She had told her they needed time apart. It had only been one day? Did she want to get back together?
The Sergeant shrugged.
Sylvanas bit her lip and thought long and hard.
"Tell her I need to get dressed and then she can meet me in here. I will let you know when to fetch her down. See to that she is comfortable in the meantime".
Senior Sergeant Grimsford nodded and left the room.
Sylvanas got up and walked to the large mirror beside the fire place. She looked in it, studied her nude self. She glowed. But as she ran her index finger past the front of her neck, she instantly felt imperfect.
Nobody else than Senior Sergeant Grimsford knew. But she had an ugly, bumpy scar right across her throat where Xavius had slit it. She had hid it well from everyone, nobody knew it had remained after her resurrection. She bore no evidence from Arthas' sword, thanked be the Sunwell. But she certainly did not want Jaina to see this.
The Warchief washed up and got dressed in black and violet armor, pulling her purple hood over her head. It felt strangely good to be back in her dark ranger attire, she felt like herself again. However when she studied her own reflection, she did not recognise the person staring back at her. It had been too long.
Neatly, she tied an indigo coloured ribbon round her neck, disguising her awful scar. Upon folding the ribbon carefully into a bow, she twisted a lock of her golden hair around her index finger and let it fall over her shoulder.
She was ready for Jaina. She called Grimsford.
"Send her in".
It took a few minutes. Sylvanas bit her lips nervously and turned her back to the door, tapping her foot in the stone floor of the throne room. What could Jaina possibly want?
"Sylvanas?" Sylvanas inhaled sharply and closed her eyes. Just the sound of the mage's sweet voice made her tremble.
She took a couple of deep breathes and turned around.
Jaina stood before her with her hands tucked to her chest.
Sylvanas looked beautiful, Jaina could scarcely contain herself as her heart pumped hard and fast at the sight of the high elf.
But suddenly, her insecurities set in. She opened her mouth to speak, but not a word came out. She wanted to say that she loved her, that they should just be together, work it out. But what would Sylvanas say? Jaina had turned away harshly, how could she expect Sylvanas to just be okay with all that? She realised she had not thought this through. She could not bear to be turned down. Not now. Not after everything they had been through. Besides, she was not good for her.
Sylvanas waited patiently for Jaina to speak, but the young mage did not. Had she come here to yell at her some more? Patronise her? It certainly did not look good. Though she wanted to pull Jaina into her arms, she feared rejection and humiliation. She was not ready to deal with more than she already had. Her emotions were running crazy. She had to protect herself.
"Why are you here, Jaina?" said Sylvanas broke the silence in a cold tone.
Jaina bit her lip. As she had feared, maybe their relationship was beyond repair.
"I… We… The Forsaken have been called to battle". Jaina blurted and immediately wondering herself what she was on about. Her mouth twitched in worry.
"Battle? What battle?" Sylvanas raised an eyebrow.
"As the Warchief of the Horde I presume you are informed that we are ready to break the Nighthold. Therefore, you and the Forsaken are expected to join our forces".
Sylvanas frowned. She had no idea. Was the battle against the Legion really that far along? She had been so caught up in her own agenda, she did not even know what her own Horde was doing. The feeling of guilt flushed in over her. Another new and unnecessary feeling, Sylvanas thought.
"What about the other Horde races?" Sylvanas queried.
"They have already accepted the call" Jaina lied. She knew Liadrin was assembling the blood elves, but she had no idea what the other Horde races were up to.
"Is that so…" Sylvanas continued to trip her foot in the stone floor.
Jaina's eyes wandered as she attempted to avoid Sylvanas'. That was when she glanced over at the fire place and swallowed hard. It was almost as if she could see the pair of them entangled in each other in front of the flames. Just like they had been that night before their relationship took all the turns that had led them here. She imagined herself stroking Sylvanas' neck softly with her fingers while closing in on her lips.
"Jaina?" Sylvanas said, staring at her.
"Huh?" Jaina said, startled.
"Why did you come here in person to tell me? Surely, you could have sent a raven? Or a servant?" Sylvanas crossed her arms, feeling a little uncomfortable. She did not really want Jaina gone, but she felt like she should not see her either.
Jaina blushed as her cheeks were already slightly heated from reminiscing their steamy encounter.
"I… It was too urgent, it could not wait. We are due to attack tomorrow morning. Can we expect you to attend with your forces?" She said boldly.
Sylvanas Windrunner stared long and hard at Jaina Proudmoore.
"That is all you want? My army?"
"Yes".
Another long pause.
"Fine. Give me an hour to assemble them. You can wait with the book dealer, he will entertain you I'm sure. Grimsford will take you".
Sylvanas opened the door and called the Sergeant who came in and bowed before them both.
"Show Lady Proudmoore to book dealer Salazar Bloch and gather our forces. We are headed for Suramar. Gul'dan will pay for what he has done to our world. And Sergeant…"
Senior Sergeant Grimsford looked up at his queen with big yellow eyes.
"You're in charge while I am away. And should I perish in battle, I trust you to rule in my name".
His jawless face widened into a smile so fierce his drool made a puddle on the floor. For the first time in his undead life, the Sergeant could not contain himself.
"My Queen, I am not worthy, but I shall give my all!" Being named the heir of the Forsaken was probably the greatest honour he could ever experience.
Jaina however, swallowed a ball of tears that built up in the back of her throat. Last time, it had been her. She had been named heir. The pain and fear came rushing back to her and she had to bite her lip hard not to cry. That was why she had turned away Sylvanas. That and so many other things. Why was she here? She loved her. Sylvanas was all she could think about when they were apart. But when faced with her, the million reasons why they should stay apart returned. Why was it so… hard…
The Sergeant bowed again he lead Jaina out of the room. The young mage glanced at her as she left. As the door closed behind them, Sylvanas sighed in relief and walked back over to the mirror.
She realised her heart was beating fast as she tied her ribbon tighter around her neck.
"Stupid heart… beating". She grumbled as she walked over to her desk.
She looked at the drawer where she kept all her old letters from Jaina. She used to keep other things there too. But as she had softened, she had given all her treasures away to the people that meant the most to her. Jaina had her sapphire amulet that Alleria had given her. Vereesa had her's and Alleria's coins. She knew they would be safe with them. She had given them a piece of her soul each.
She opened the locked drawer with the rusty silver key she always carried with her. As she opened the drawer, a tear ran down her face. Sylvanas quickly wiped it away and fished out the stack of letters, fourteen in total. Opening a random one of them she read in silently to herself:
Dear Lady Windrunner
This is my second letter, perhaps the first raven I sent did not reach you. Or perhaps you ignored it. But can you ignore us? Did you not feel what I felt? I am aware we only shared one night, but we have a connection. You sent me away so abruptly, we did not have a chance to talk. Did I do something wrong? Am I, Jaina Proudmoore, not good enough for the Dark Lady? Let me show you I can handle you. I am not afraid of us. Let me take care of you.
Yours truly,
- Jaina Proudmoore
Sylvanas let it fall to the floor and she opened another.
Dear Lady Windrunner
I cannot stop thinking about you. Did you poison me? I feel infected with you. It's unsettling. How can I possibly feel this way about you?! You are not even responding to me! I tried to let it go, but I fear I cannot. If you do not wish to speak with me no more, please grant me the curtesy of an explanation. I will keep waiting for your raven. Just a letter will do. Please.
Yours,
- Jaina Proudmoore
The desperation in Jaina's letters was unbearable. Sylvanas could still remember how hard it was to not respond. Was this the same situation? Jaina coming back to her, supposedly for her army. Sylvanas attempting to stay away. Were they really doing this all over again?
Sylvanas scooped the letters together again, tied them together with a leather thread and threw them back in the drawer, kicking it shut. She buried her head in her palms.
"My queen".
The Sergeant was back.
Sylvanas sighed. "Yes?"
Lady Proudmoore is with the book dealer. I left her unattended, I assumed that would be okay.
"Yes, she does not need to be watched…" Sylvanas mumbled and rose from her chair.
"I have to tell you something my lady. I was meant to tell you last night, but you were so exhausted and then today this came up. But now I am afraid it cannot wait any longer".
Sylvanas looked at the Sergeant. He did not look anxious. More sad.
"Nathanos Blightcaller was found dead in his cell about a few days ago. I am afraid someone has interfered with your punishment for him, my lady".
Sylvanas swallowed and did not speak for a minute.
"How?" she asked the Sergeant.
"Stabbed. Do you wish for me to find the guilty?"
Sylvanas kissed her teeth and took a deep breath.
"No. Good riddance. Now, can you please take care of gathering my rangers for me while I prepare some stuff in here?"
The Sergeant nodded and left to carry out his orders.
Sir Nathanos Blightcaller. Perished. For a split second, Sylvanas had been sad. They had been so close in the past. Until he betrayed her. The thought of him attempting to execute Jaina for all of the Forsaken to see enraged her. If his corpse had been in front of her this very moment, she would have spat on it.
Sylvanas sat back down at her desk, pulled out a blank note and dipped her quill pen in purple ink. Dear Senior Sergeant Grimsford she started.
Jaina looked around her. Never before had she seen so many strange books. Some were even so old and dusty they reminded Jaina of the forbidden section in Stormwind library.
"Ehhheheheh.. you wish to buy? Trade?" Book dealer Salazar Bolch rubbed his hands and pointed to some of his finer pieces.
Jaina cracked a careful, fake smile.
"I am just looking thank you. The Dark… I mean, Warchief Windrunner sent me here to wait".
The book dealer's smile faded slightly.
"Ohhh how nice of our queen to send you my way. But I truly think I have something that may interest you".
Jaina doubted it, but she watched as the forsaken man in the red linen shirt tripped further down the aisle and skimmed through a shelf of books with green backs.
"AH!" The man exclaimed and pulled out a small book with golden letters on the front together with a picture of what Jaina could only presume was a real human corpse. She raised an eyebrow.
"Here. For Lady Proudmoore especially!" He bowed and handed her the book.'
The living dead and how to help them, the cover read.
Jaina felt slightly queasy looking at the picture of the dead human, but the book dealer had peaked her interest.
"So… What is this about?" Jaina turned the book over, but it had no other writing than the title on its cover.
"If you wish to learn more about our queen, this is your chance. I am on the side that supported you, Lady Proudmoore, so I thought I would offer you my knowledge". Salazar Bloch bowed again.
"What do you mean, supported me?"
"Your crowning as the queen of the Forsaken. Not everyone around Undercity was pleased with our queen's decision on that".
Jaina shivered just hearing about it.
"I am aware…" She mumbled.
"Thank you for the book, Sir Bloch".
The book dealer chuckled.
"Oh please, my lady, I am no Sir. Call me Salazar".
Jaina smiled back.
"I do not know if our dear queen knows this, but…"
"Yes?" Jaina stepped closer, intrigued.
"After that day, of her own resurrection… Things have not been the same in Undercity. It is very tense around here. The people opposed to your crowning were furious when Nathanos was jailed. They were planning to release him. That is why us who still worship our queen had him killed".
Jaina's eyes widened. Nathanos Blightcaller was dead?
"Sir Blightcaller is dead? When did this happen?"
"About a week ago, my lady. I will not reveal the killer as we wish to protect their anonymity. But I want you to know we will never abandon our queen and that we will continue to work against these rebels to protect her".
Jaina felt a little dizzy. A rebellion in Undercity was not good news and in the worst case, it could mean Sylvanas' life was in danger.
"Salazar. I need you to do me a favour, if I may ask such of you".
"Of course. The successor of the Dark Lady will always have mine and many other's support at her hand".
"I need you to be my eyes and ears, and I want you to report to me directly. Send a note, every week. Send it with the Sergeant. He is trustworthy. And do not tell a soul, especiallynot the Warchief. I need to know what is going on here. Sylvanas must not be harmed".
Jaina stuck her new book into an inside pocket of her robe. At least Sylvanas would be coming with her so she did not have to worry about her safety for now.
"Thank you".
Just as Salazar nodded, Senior Sergeant Grimsford appeared.
"The queen is ready for you, my lady".
Gathered in the War Quarter stood Sylvanas Windrunner with her dark rangers. Jaina quickly counted about one hundred of them.
"My lady". Sylvanas nodded at Jaina.
"I present to you my finest rangers. They will not disappoint your cause".
Sylvanas' formal tone felt strange, but Jaina would not have known how to talk to her otherwise either.
"Excellent. It is getting late, so we shall leave at once".
The young sorceress started channelling a massive portal, large enough to transport around ten people at the time.
"Go, now!" Jaina shouted as it took a lot of energy keeping a portal of this size open.
Sylvanas commanded her rangers ahead.
Only seconds later, they all stepped safely onto the grounds of the rebel camp in Suramar.
"You made it!" Tyrande Whisperwind greeted them. Jaina hugged her friend.
"I promised you. And I brought reinforcements". She turned to Sylvanas who nodded.
"This is wonderful. And the breach in the Nighthold is still unattended by their guards. We strike at sunrise. Come, we are just finalising the details".
Sylvanas and Jaina followed Tyrande into the large tent.
Archmage Khadgar flinched when he saw Sylvanas Windrunner in all her high elf glory.
"La… Lady Windrunner?"
"Not recognising me Khadgar? Relax, I'm still dead inside". Sylvanas said in a condescending tone and tilted her head.
"Sylvanas!" Jaina whispered and slapped her right arm lightly. Althought she had to bite her lip not to let out a giggle.
Sylvanas rolled her eyes. "I am here to help".
"Sylvanas Windrunner! It is an honour to finally meet you!"
Out stepped First Arcanist Thalyssra and she grabbed Sylvanas' hand.
Jaina introduced them. "Sylvanas, this is First Arcanist Thalyssra. She is leading the Nightfallen. They are to thank for this opportunity of taking down Gul'dan".
Sylvanas shook the First Arcanist Thalyssra's hand.
"The honour is mine, First Arcanist. I am truly pleased with the work you have done here. The Horde could do with people like yours".
Khadgar snorted in the back, but brushed it off as a cough when people's head turned in his direction.
Thalyssra smiled. "Come, we have some final preparations to be made. And you have to taste our famous archwine".
That evening and a couple of glasses of archwine later, only Sylvanas and Jaina remained in the tent. The formations had been decided and the course of action were finalised. Jaina stood studying the map of the Nighthold validating the decisions they had all agreed on that night.
"Then, if we attack this way it will be more effective because of the..." Jaina's words simply drowned in her ears as Sylvanas stood behind her. She was so close to the young mage that she could smell her sweet scent. Sylvanas studied the young mage's skin and how her blond hair laid over her shoulders. She breathed in, struggling. She had to bite her lip, her heart was beating so fast. She just wanted to lean in and run her lips softly up Jaina's neck and fold her arms around her. If only she could...
"Sylvanas?"
"Huh?" Sylvanas gulped a little startled, having not heard a word.
"Pay attention please! This is important!" Jaina snapped as she turned around.
"Sorry..." Sylvanas muttered, not quite finished letting her eyes drift across Jaina's face. Her azure blue eyes grew big as they met her own glowing sapphire coloured high elf ones.
Jaina felt a sting in her chest. Were they having a moment? Sylvanas looked at her intensely and deeply, could this mean she wanted to...
"What?" Jaina almost whispered as her eyes wandered down to Sylvanas' cherry lips.
Sylvanas sighed, but not in relief. They could not do this. She had to stay away from Jaina. She was toxic to her, she would only end up hurting her. She knew it was not what Jaina truly wished for. She had made that clear had she not?
The Warchief swallowed hard and forced her eyes away from Jaina, much to Jaina's disappointment.
"I was just..." Sylvanas cleared her throat. "I was just thinking that it would be better if our attack came from this side instead". She grabbed one of the figures on the table and moved it to change the strategy. Not that she even knew if what she changed it to was better or worse.
"Oh... yeah, okay, probably..." Jaina responded in a low tone.
"I got to go see the Forsaken troops now. As they don't sleep they will train all night. To catch up".
"Yes I guess that's a good idea".
Sylvanas nodded and stepped outside the tent. It was a strange feeling thinking about going into battle without kissing Jaina this time. It hurt more than a thousand swords in her chest. What if something happened to her and it was the last time she had the chance to kiss her.
Jaina glanced at the map. This was it, the moment they had waited for and worked for almost a year. She could not believe it had been that long. But yet she felt sad. Despite Sylvanas being there, she always dreamed she would be right by her side when this moment came. They worked hard for this moment, together.
Suddenly, someone grabbed her wrist and pulled her around. Soft lips locked onto her's and Jaina closed her eyes.
She knew those lips.
God how she had missed those lips. Only, they were warmer and softer. Sylvanas Windrunner tasted better than ever. She had finally been granted a kiss from the living version of the love of her life. Their lips parted and while Jaina still kept her eyes closed, absorbing the moment, Sylvanas squeezed her hand hard.
"For good luck". Then she left.
