Jaina Proudmoore's Attempt

The cold, stagnant air clung to the pouring sweat on everyone's brows, and the restlessness had begun to effect on whatever coherent and rational thought remained amidst the mess of hysteria and panic. Everyone in the room with me had been pacing, resting and doing what they could to gather their thoughts, all while trying to supress their anxiety for the potential consequences they face should we fail.

This will undoubtedly be the toughest challenge that all of Azeroth will have ever faced in it's history. Ironic to consider that our world has been ravaged by the likes of hellish demons, corrupted titans, undead plagues, eldritch abominations and alien invaders. And most of all, it has suffered decades of war between two hypocritical races that fought for so long, they had pretty much forgotten what they would do after they had won.

All of this turmoil the world had healed from.

And this was what it came down to.

This would determine the final fate of the world.

Convincing the most pissed off banshee in existence not to be pissed off at us…

My hopes and faiths have never been challenged as they have been now.

Nevertheless, everyone had been deciding who should go first, and who would be most likely to appeal to her in the most genuine way. Despite her history of her allies betraying her, I was lead to consider Sylvanas to recognise a liar from the most minor details. We had considered the things that had angered Sylvanas the most and what company would be best to discuss such matters with her.

And there was little that infuriated her more than the mere mention of a certain name.

The name of the man who killed her.

Arthas.

"Sylvanas is probably more comfortable than ever before to be talking about him" Jaina proposed as she paced back and forth in the middle of the room with us watching. "Are you certain that we want to start our negotiations on what is probably the worst note?" Thrall questioned, likely knowing better than most how Sylvanas would respond to discussing the villainous death knight.

"No" Lor'themar spoke up, drawing everyone's attention as he stood.

"This might be a good idea" he began explaining, "The pair of them share the most history with Arthas out of all of us, and appealing to Sylvanas's hatred for him might help us". Jaina solemnly nodded, but I could tell she had something to say in opposition to the idea. "It would be for the best, if not for one thing…" she confessed as she hung her head, "… I honestly… don't… hate Arthas… even after everything he did".

"And besides" I interjected as they both turned to me, "We're trying to show Sylvanas that we're not hateful. Talking about hating someone might not be the best place to start". The collective sighs of disappointment filled my ears, and a crude mix of satisfaction and despondency. I wish I hadn't dragged the group back to square one, but it was nessicary to ensure we come in with the utmost strength.

"No" Jaina spoke up, "I'm ready to go in to see her". Everyone looked at her with uncertainty, though she explained "Sylvanas will want to know us for who we really are, and she won't want us practicing what to say or she will think we're lying". The leaders were silent as she added "I've wanted to know her for who she truly is… And always have, to be honest…". She nodded to herself in assertively, "Out of all of us… I believe in my heart that she will want to see me first".

I had no rebuttal, and her logic seemed sound enough for the rest of the other leaders as well. With our blessings and our prayers, we have given our permission and she prepared herself for the encounter. With a nervous breath, she entered the dark chamber as we watched on, her form slowly disappearing into the darkness as we remained to bide out time and await her return.

Jaina gingerly entered the foreboding chamber, shook by the darkness and the current absence of the infamous elven spirit. She had suspected that Sylvanas was watching her from somewhere outside the chamber, but the uncertainty of it all started getting to her. The mist tossed and swirled elegantly like a white ocean in a black void.

But soon, the mist began behaving strangely, gravitating towards the ceiling as a faint light descended into the chamber. Though the ominous glow, Jaina could see a humanoid figure slowly emerge, finally becoming the Banshee Queen herself. She was staring at Jaina with a curious look, likely intrigued by the fact that Jaina had gone first. But the pair new not to dwell on such irrelevant matters, and Sylvanas was ready to begin the negotiations.

"It's curious" Sylvanas remark in a soft tone, "You and I almost share a kindred history". Sylvanas held paced slowly toward Jaina and passed her left, "And yet this is the first time we have properly met". Jaina had a clear idea of what she was referring to, and she had to admit that it was rather strange that they hadn't regarded eachother in any fashion despite the events of the Third War. "I suppose our story was never meant to be shared beyond a common enemy" Jaina shrugged indifferently, wanting to maintain a calm exterior for as long as she could.

Sylvanas paused and tilted her head to the side as she looked upon the blonde mage, "I would've once made it a point to avoid familiarity with my enemies and their associates. No offense". "Um… none taken I suppose" Jaina awkwardly complimented, somewhat unprepared for Sylvanas' uncharacteristic regard for manners. But as she considered this, Jaina was startled by Sylvanas passing behind her, before stopping abruptly. It made Jaina feel like a soldier being assessed by a drill instructor, a life she had personally feared and avoided for her whole life.

"But that doesn't mean I've been blind to your actions and their effects" the undead ranger hissed.

And now it has begun.

Jaina hung her head and was silent, contemplating what to say next. Unlike what she had semi-expected, Sylvanas waited patiently for her response. Jaina felt like she owed her for this courtesy.

"There are a number of things I regret... and would take any opportunity to take back" she confessed, and she likely wore her welling guilt on her face as Sylvanas regarded her. "But as time goes on…" she continued as her tone darkened, "I begin to question if enemies I've made since then… deserve that courtesy at this point". Sylvanas gave a soft, short laugh before frowning with her eyes gently shut.

"I understand that feeling" she confessed solemnly, "There are a hundred times where I wish I had done something differently". It alienated Jaina to hear the great and terrible Sylvanas speak so remorsefully and criticise herself as she had. The banshee clanged her fist half-heartedly, "But it's almost as if… the world could've been anything beyond one destiny". She looked towards the young mage with vulnerable eyes, "For all of us".

Jaina, somewhat confused, asked "What makes you say that?"

Suddenly, Sylvanas began pacing the room with a burst of fervour, muttering aggressively "It feels like nothing good was ever planned for me, and there was nothing I could do to change that". She swung her arm as it cut through the mist, like a blade slicing flesh. "People within the Alliance have become accustom to a single idea" she spat, "If it's used against me, then it's not evil". She stopped and turned to point at Jaina with glowing, expectant eyes, "You cannot tell me that you have not noticed such things".

Jaina was left speechless.

This was the first time in this whole conversation that had no clue what to say.

And adhering to her plan, she decided that the best response was an honest one.

"I have no comment" was all she could say.

The banshee simply shrugged in response, shaking her head and muttering "No matter". Jaina remained silent as Sylvanas continued, "You haven't put in the most effort to avoiding the same attitude… but you still escape judgement for your own ill-doings". She gestured to herself with a pointed spectral finger, "But me… there was nothing I could do to make up for the things I did, and nobody wanted me to try. They won't forget what I did like they forgot what you did!" Her arm limply dropped her side and Jaina was greeted with an unnerving smirk, the undead queen sneering "And they were very quick to forgive you… it seems almost… disingenuous".

Jaina's eyebrow raided confusedly, "Disingenuous?"

Sylvanas tilted her head and elaborated, "Yes, Disingenuous. Here meaning 'It was out of convenience of the situation that you were welcomed back so warmly, because there was already someone everyone was angry about'". She raised her pointed finger at the stiffened human sorceress, growling "If I hadn't already been everyone's lightning rod, you would not have been regarded nearly as graciously".

Jaina's eyes widened in realisation and immediately responded with appointed finger and stern look, "I know what you're saying… and it's not true". She swung her arms outward dismissively and clarified "I've only ever done what I think is the right thing to do" with rugged breath and a shivering form, "I regret much of it now and I look back on my mistakes with disgust". She sighed and composed herself, "But that's all they've ever been… mistakes".

Sylvanas wordlessly gazed upon the visibly stressed sorceress and sneered, "Oh no. It goes far beyond that… at least from what I've come to learn". Jaina once again was left confused by Sylvanas's vague statement, but Sylvanas was quick to explain what she meant. "I have a confession to make" Sylvanas said, "The truth is… I had spent much of my time as the banshee Queen studying and learning about Arthas and Lordaeran history". Jaina's eyes narrowed suspiciously as Sylvanas clarified "I learned a lot of Arthas' history. I was looking for ways to hurt him or bring him down". Oddly, Sylvanas seemed to grow rather timid as she rubbed her hands together, "I had often considered using you against him… but would always decide against it".

Jaina should've had every reason to feel terrified, having been considered for such a disgusting ploy and having her personal life violated for such reasons. But instead, she couldn't help but wonder if working with Sylvanas against Arthas may have been for the best. She didn't have time to consider this for long, as Sylvanas spoke once more.

"Do you remember the destruction of Stratholme?" She inquired somewhat cattily, "Truly you shining hour, I must say". As the ghostly ranger chuckled at the expense of the baffled mage, she continued "Admittedly, I would've agreed with what Arthas did… had I not known what would come of it". She turned away from Jaina and folded her arms with her head tilted back, "Which is more than I can say for your decision".

"What? I wasn't even there" Jaina corrected, only to be silenced by a suddenly turn of Sylvanas's head and a pair of glowing red eyes piercing her soul. "That's my point!" she spat viciously, "Arthas, your beloved man, was angered and confused. But he was going to do the only thing you could do!" She sifted towards the flustered mage, lecturing "But when your lover would've need you most. When he had only one chance to be saved from his resulting fate! What did you do?" Jaina was left without a coherent thought in her head, unable to answer before Sylvanas answered for her.

"You ran away".

Jaina froze.

Her heart ceased to beat for what seemed like a thousand years.

She felt the intense urge to collapse forward. Whether to hurl or to gasp for air, she couldn't tell.

Ran away.

Ran away.

It was such an ugly way to describe what she did.

Before she had realised it, Jaina realised she had fallen and rested uncomfortable atop her kneeling legs, trembling with her arms folded in her lap. Sylvanas leaned down and stared coldly into her eyes.

"Think of all the things you could've prevented then and there. Arthas becoming the Lich King, the murder of his father…" she stated before pausing for a moment as her words got caught in her throat, "Him killing me… and my people". She inhaled sharply and clenched her fist, but her growing twisted smile offset her apparent frustration. "It's pretty safe to say that something could've happened at some point around that time that could've prevented all that " she muttered, "It's almost as if everything that happened to me and Arthas is entirely-".

"My fault" Jaina spoke softly, almost meekly.

Those painful eyes. Poisoning her spirit and sucking all the warmth from her flesh.

Is this how it feels to be Forsaken?

"Every ally you have ever made, you have turned your back on at one point or another; your father, the Kul Tirans, your beloved Arthas, Dalaran's arcanists, and even the entire Alliance during the Legion's invasion! The moment they needed you the most!" Sylvanas's voice rose as she listed these example before softening. "And not once… not a single time in all your life have you ever needed to compensate for any of that!"

In a burst of anger, Jaina slapped her lap and sprung to her feet, yelling "And what about the people you've turned your back on?! What treacheries have you compensated for?!"

Why did she say that?

This was not helping.

But it was too late. Sylvanas had already processed what she had just heard, and Jaina had never felt more scared for what would happen next.

"You call me a traitor, do you?" Sylvanas looked genuinely offended, this moment of rage rivalling even her most unbridled grudges and hatreds. She spoke through clenched teeth "The Alliance really have poisoned your mind, haven't they?" She drew a deep breath and barked "I… have never… betrayed anyone! Not in my life… not in my undeath… NEVER!" This final word had knocked Jaina backwards and almost off her feet with its sheer force.

"But…" Jaina stammered nervously, "You… must have…"

"If I were even half the monster you think I am… think of what would've happened?! Think about that, you pathetic little girl!" the enraged ranger exclaimed. "The Sin'Dorai would've been left to starve and suffer… The Horde leaders would've been left to die at the Broken Shore" she declared, "I was even willing to put faith in Garrosh when others had sought his removal from power". Sylvanas frowned as she glared at the terrified mage, "You see, little girl. I do not like the Horde, I do not respect the Horde… But loyalty is everything to me!"

"So tell me, wise and courageous sorceress" Sylvanas sneered sarcastically, leaning into the defeated Jaina's face. "Was turning against the Horde even your own intention from the start?" Sylvanas questioned, "Or was it done to appease those Alliance warmongers and to… 'Protect yourself from responsibility'?"

It was over.

There was nothing left to say.

Nothing she could say to salvage the conversation.

Sylvanas' opinions were cemented, and Jaina had found herself agreeing with them for good measure.

Defeated and humiliated, Jaina stood up and turned around as Sylvanas' patiently watched on. She was definitely not excited to explain her failure to the other leader and what would come next, but she held the hop that one of the other leaders would be more successful. Besides, after her recent epiphany and the words of the elven spectre, she felt she had owed herself the repercussions of at least one of her numerous failures.

"Jaina…" she heard from over her should, flinching in fright as Sylvanas stood beside her. "I have a request to make" she said in a hushed tone as Jain's eyes fought back the urge to shed tears. "I would like to see Genn Greymane next" she requested, "I have… much I wish to discuss with him right now". Jaina hadn't the state of mind to question this or consider the problems that may arise from this, and simply offered a slow nod of compliance.

The pair stared at eachother for a short moment, and Jaina found Sylvanas' eyes began to wander over her face and her body. A slight raised eyebrow was Sylvanas only other gesture, but Jaina was too scared of angering the Banshee Queen to move or leave before she was finished. When she seemed to have finished, she looked into Jaina's eyes and offered and small smile.

"That's the one thing I can't blame Arthas for" she said, "You really are quite beautiful".

Without another word, Sylvanas slowly dissipated into the darkness, her form merging with the fog and leaving the dumbfounded mage with a swirling sea of emotions.


Just to clarify. This story is taking place in-between the attack on Lordaeran and the journey to Kul Tiras and Zandalar, so the events after Assault on Lordaeran won't be mentioned here because they haven't happened. This also means Jaina's attempt at a redemption arc in Boralus isn't here either, which I'm fine with because it was terrible anyway.

Anyway, like usual, I hope you enjoyed reading.