Disclaimer: I own nothing here, again - Blizzard does - except the Blademaster Tashiroth.

Chapter 2: Solitary Journey

The next day, Orgrimmar

"Are you certain you want to do this, noble Warchief?"

Although nowhere as impressive in size, bulk and physical strength as the Warchief, the Blademaster by the name of Tashiroth was still a strong and competent warrior - and, nothing else, enough firmness in his sole-ponytailed, 5' fleetfooted frame to make his disdain for anything known well enough to those who heard him. Speaking in a firm, disagreeing deep tone, this was one of those times Tashiroth used that ability if nothing else - that, and the fact that he was effectively standing between Thrall and the door to his personal quarters as if to block him if Tashiroth remotely could.

Unfortunately for Tashiroth, and the Blademaster knew that well, there was nothing else he could do to dissuade Thrall from his course of action save using words - as such, Tashiroth only resolved to get as much in as possible before Thrall either finally lost his temper or simply pushed past him, or both. Perhaps it is his human upbringing at work here, like it or not, Tashiroth sighed inwardly, maintaining that firm, disagreeing look otherwise, but the Warchief admittedly can be a little...unreasonable in regards to Jaina Proudmoore, especially after...that. Can't begrudge him for it, though; she wasn't supposed to have been killed, but somehow she was anyway. That does not mean I can agree with the Warchief on this. "I must let you know, with all due respect, that I wholeheartedly disagree with-"

"It's noted, Tashiroth. I know what I must do." Was Thrall's response, without anger - any he felt for Tashiroth's disdain and zealousness, curse it for standing against him now, was restrained enough - and with a nod of acknowledgement to confirm Thrall's words. But otherwise Thrall did not budge, only waiting for Tashiroth to move aside. "I can always order you to stand aside, but I must ask of you to trust me on this."

Thrall had made up his mind and he was not going to let anyone talk him out of it.

As much as the others do not understand, it had to be done, for himself and Orgrimmar...but, Thrall surmised, probably more for himself. A small part of him agreed with Tashiroth on how selfish he was probably being here, but that part was easily overwritten by the urge to see this through, to see Jaina one last time.

"I wish I can, Warchief, and I will obey if it is your order to, but-I must protest, as to wander into Human lands, especially now, is the equivalent of suicide! Even if it is to honor Jaina Proudmoore, it is far too dangerous at the moment. Perhaps we should wait another week, at least, and then we can properly arrange an envoy to send our condolences..." Tashiroth frowned, only faltering a step back. "But it is too risky now for what you plan to do, Warchief. You are too important."

"In another week they will have fortified their positions and convinced themselves to slay any of our people that remotely approaches their border. I do not have another week, Tashiroth. I have to do this now." Thrall shook his head, his voice rising; sometimes, this was the only way to convince Tashiroth, prodigy and student of Nazgrel after the Battle of Hyjal, from arguing, and by now Thrall had been admittedly used to it. Tashiroth wasn't a Blademaster and diligent study, and hadn't been chosen by Nazgrel - the mightiest warrior of the Frostwolf Clan until Thrall bested him years past - as a prodigy, for nothing.

He loathed ordering Tashiroth aside as he knew what Tashiroth was doing had only what he thought were Thrall's best interests in mind, but Thrall was beginning to become convinced that he'll have to do that eventually, anyway. "It has to be done."

Tashiroth nodded, but noted the slip: Why wouldn't the Warchief have another week?

"You should at least have a proper escort that can guard you from harm."

"Out of the question, Tashiroth. The repercussions of that are too great."

Thrall bit back. He was beginning to grow angry. Tashiroth winced very slightly, noting that this argument wasn't helping Thrall's temperament any; Thrall had probably been restraining himself a lot more here, over Jaina's death and then this, than Tashiroth had seen in other Orcs around him, and while Tashiroth had to respect Thrall for his restraint it didn't suit either of their purposes.

The Warchief held back the urge to sneer; Tashiroth was indeed not helping, and his arguments were only serving to fight what he had carefully thought about ever since the news arrived. Thrall wouldn't deny that his decision to head to Theramore alone was more or less an instinctive decision, something he strongly felt he had to do for Jaina - partially - but Thrall was far from insane and he was thoroughly convinced of that. He had thought this carefully enough, knew how it had to be done. Tashiroth was only tearing that reasoning apart, piece by piece, to little avail.

And soon, Thrall knew he'll have to do something to stop this. He crossed his arms pointedly. "If we take a warband or even a sizable escort onto Theramore's shores, the Humans will consider this an act of war, Tashiroth, regardless of what we try to say, especially after the deaths of two of their leaders that we caused. To have the Humans attack us again upon sight of us will not accomplish what I am setting out to do. No, Tashiroth, if I go alone, the Humans will at least hear me out; they will have to, and I can handle myself easily enough in the worst case."

Embarassing guilt surged in Tashiroth, causing the Blademaster to lower his head; he had indeed not thought of that, and had to give Thrall credit that he had indeed more foresight on this, despite being unreasonable otherwise, than Tashiroth thought. Still, he had to do something.

Then, Tashiroth knew, and Thrall inwardly thanked Tashiroth for understanding.

"Then, noble Warchief, I ask that you at least allow me to guard you personally."

Thrall blinked; he didn't expect Tashiroth would ask this. Thrall knew, after all, that while his people will escort him to Theramore Isle if he ordered it, nobody would voluntary go there alone if given the choice. Tashiroth was probably serious, but Thrall needed to make sure. "You, Tashiroth?"

"Your wisdom shames me, and I can see your reasoning," Tashiroth replied, bowing politely, trying not to sound sarcastic and succeeding with difficulty. He still didn't completely understand why Thrall felt he had to do this now, but he knew Thrall knew what he was doing, after all. "But you are still too important to lose, Warchief. If you will not take an escort, at least allow me to guard you alone. If the Humans do attack you, I can give you a chance to escape and return with reinforcements."

I can only hope it doesn't come to that in the end, Thrall frowned, and beckoned for Tashiroth to stop bowing. Tashiroth straightened himself. It would ruin everything once and for all.

"Very well, I grant you permission to accompany me on this journey, Tashiroth. But we will have to set off immediately. Nazgrel and Master Drek'Thar will watch over affairs in Orgrimmar until my return; I shall not be absent long, in either case." Thrall nodded and, finally satisfied, Tashiroth stood aside and bowed once more in thankfulness.

"Lok Tar Ogar, Warchief. I thank you."

At least with Tashiroth guarding him, the Blademaster satisfied himself by thinking, if anything does go awry on this endeavour, Tashiroth could at least remedy this somehow. If the Humans of Theramore Isle do attack the Warchief, after all, Tashiroth frowned, disdain returning in his mind, I doubt Jaina will be able to do anything to stop them this time. The Warchief cannot be lucky always, even blessed by the Spirits as he is...

Making the final preparations on his journey a few steps away, checking his equipment, Thrall was oblivious to Tashiroth's thoughts as he was enveloped in his own.

For Jaina's sake and mine, I certainly hope things don't come to that.

A few hours later, Dustwallow Marsh

Getting to Dustwallow Marsh, from Ratchet, had been the easy part of the journey; either Theramore had not recovered sufficiently to patrol the waters around the Marsh, or that they had not thought to care, Thrall and Tashiroth had found themselves relatively unmolested for much of the journey. That was hoped for; Thrall because this meant they would not draw unnecessary attention to themselves, Tashiroth because this meant it was less likely that an entire battalion would await them the moment Thrall stubbornly sets foot onto Theramore Isle.

But both knew in unison that the journey would only get more difficult.

Striding side-by-side in the dark, almost lightless marsh and forest to the northwest of Theramore Isle, Thrall purposeful in his stride and Tashiroth vigilant in his own, both were almost inconspicuous in their march, determined not to attract attention to themselves unless they seriously had to. Of course, both were prepared enough for otherwise; Thrall's black-plated armor and warhammer were as snugly close to him as possible, and Tashiroth's blade was raised readily, prepared to defend the first blow struck from either Human or beast.

Neither warrior held any illusions that things would move smoothly, especially when Thrall finally reaches his destination. Thrall never expected the Humans to forgive him, not did he expect Jaina to; he was practical enough to know that things never were that easy, of course, nor was forgiveness what he sought in the first place, why he was so willing to head to Theramore for this despite the risks.

Thrall could only wonder, though, what would come of this after it was all over. He wasn't even sure if he would survive it.

"Pardon my insolence, Warchief, but I would like to ask a question of you." Tashiroth suddenly piped up. Thrall's sight didn't stray to Tashiroth, cautious out of habit.

"Speak freely, Tashiroth."

"What do you hope to accomplish by attending Jaina's funeral?"

The question only served to surprise Thrall very slightly. "Why do you ask?"

"If I may continue to speak freely-"

"Which you may," Thrall retorted crossly. Where was Tashiroth going with this?

"-Then I shall do so, noble Warchief, if you will forgive my insolence: I still do not see the purpose to this journey. You know very well how the humans feel towards us, especially with Jaina Proudmoore dead. They will not hesitate to kill you again, and the chances of mending relations between Durotar and Theramore now are next to non-existent." Tashiroth continued, his tone now more bold given permission. "Why, Warchief, do you persist despite all this? Is Jaina Proudmoore truly worth this journey for you?"

For a moment, the marsh around them silent as he was, Thrall gave no reply; he trudged on forward as he always had, betraying no emotion, as if he had to think over Tashiroth's question carefully as Thrall always had for most of Orgrimmar's other concerns. Tashiroth waited, continuing vigilantly, knowing that if Thrall was willing to let him ask freely and knowing Thrall in general, the Warchief was going to answer without circling as most other Humans would; if Thrall had perished in Jaina's place - Spirits, may that never be so - and Tashiroth had asked Jaina that same question, he would expect her to hesitate or avoid the question altogether.

Thrall, Tashiroth was confident, would never avoid anything.

Inwardly, Thrall indeed did wanted to answer Tashiroth's question - he had expected one would ask, if Thrall was willing to make the journey in the first place - but the silence was due to the fact that, in reality, Thrall didn't know how to give an answer that didn't seem utterly ridiculous to Tashiroth. How could Tashiroth understand, Orgrimmar aside, how Thrall felt for Jaina's plight, for his loss? Jaina was Thrall's friend, but it didn't necessarily mean she would automatically be Tashiroth's friend, either, or Rexxar's or Rokhan's; What Humans saw in friends tended to be different than what Orcs saw in their own. Would Tashiroth see it? Was it even right or even acceptable to his own people?

Thrall's head lowered wistfully at thoughts of the Human sorceress, so brave and loyal, of one of the few true friends Thrall had in this world before her passing.

There, Thrall sighed, I've admitted that Jaina is my true friend.

At least I consider her as my friend...

A pause in Thrall's thoughts.

...I wanted to consider her my friend.

Thrall knew ever since Mount Hyjal that he hadn't made the wrong choice in wanting to call Jaina his friend; it had been so easy to revert to normal patterns as mortals tended to do after the Burning Legion's defeat, but Jaina had held firm, remembered. She didn't even want to lead, but she continued to do so. That had obviously been the end of her, Thrall sneered with a tinge of bitterness that Tashiroth noted, but what Jaina had done in her life made Thrall proud to befriend her - to associate with her, even. And there, Thrall had his answer.

Straightening himself, he turned briefly to Tashiroth and gave the Blademaster a square, certain look. "Your insolence, if any, is forgiven, Tashiroth." Thrall replied. Tashiroth nodded mutely. "And yes, Tashiroth, Jaina Proudmoore is worth this journey. Honoring her this last time is, at least for me. I do not expect you to understand."

And so, Tashiroth concluded mentally, the thoughts possibly too insolent for Thrall to forgive if he had voiced them, Warchief Thrall is willing to risk his life, even sacrifice it, to see and honor the Human sorceress? It is foolish, but yet reasonable and honorable at the same time, I must admit, and if these are the Warchief's sincere thoughts, I will trust in them. The question is, will the Humans agree with and trust the Warchief as well?

Tashiroth nodded in acknowledgement anyway. "Then I trust your judgment implicitly, Warchief."

Thrall sighed, shaking his head as the two Orc warriors continued their stride in momentary peace. "I'm not asking you to do that, Tashiroth. It is admittedly difficult to accept for you."

"And yet," Tashiroth continued, and Thrall pursed his lips tighter at his words. "You believe in your honor and friendship with the sorceress so much that you are willing to put your own safety in danger to pay your respects. Your honor shames mine, noble Warchief. If I do not trust your judgment now, what kind of retainer will I become in the future?"

Silence again.

"...Thank you, Tashiroth, for understanding, but this is my journey; any mistakes will be my own fault, and I do not want you risking your life on my account if this is so." Thrall stated, trying one more time to be stern - it needed to be done, since if Thrall knew Tashiroth well enough the Blademaster was going to give his life to fend off the Humans if matters went awry. Jaina had already perished because of Thrall; the Warchief certainly didn't need Tashiroth to do that as well. "Should I fall, you will retreat to Orgrimmar, with your life, by any means necessary and aid Nazgrel in preparing our defences. Am I understood, Tashiroth?"

"But Warchief-"

"Am I understood?"

Tashiroth bit his jaw and nodded in reluctance, his form sagging slightly. "I shall obey, Warchief."

"Very well." With that, neither warrior said anything more, only continued to keep their pace through the Marsh towards Theramore Isle. Above them, the sun was slowly beginning to set; when it does, Thrall frowned, it would be time. He would give his life to do this, Thrall told himself; he was prepared to, almost. Still, the Warchief didn't hope matters would deteriorate into open combat once Thrall and Tashiroth reached Theramore Isle, at least without having a chance to honor Jaina; To have matters do so would not only be a disgrace to her memory, but also a regret Thrall would probably be haunted with for the remainder of his life even if he was alive.

Thrall shook his head mirthlessly. He didn't come all this way to be turned back without, and Thrall was somehow going to accomplish the journey without aggrevating the Humans even more, if he and Tashiroth could help it. Doing so wouldn't be easy - possibly impossible - but Thrall would at least give it a try; Thrall felt almost surely that, had she been alive and himself dead, Jaina would bravely give it her all to keep the truce going, if not honor him as he intended to do for her now.

He wanted so much to see her, this last time, even if the Humans she ruled over didn't want to see him in Theramore anymore...

Ahead of Thrall and Tashiroth, Theramore Isle began seeing a sunset that would bring an end to the tragic chapter, one way or not, and the Warchief was by then determined firmly to play his role in it - And possibly, to Tashiroth's chagrin, perhaps only death and the Human sword would put a stop to that by then. Thrall was too determined and held in honor - and loss for his friend - to do any less...