Reviews:

Guest 1: That is a great historical reference and deserves all the praise, and yeah while she might not be Empress in the future she was sure to be a powerful Countess.

Guest 2: By the structure of the Alliance and Horde the Empire is almost incompatable (But Blizzard is full of historically inept people, some of whom im sure even fell for the "Rome isn't real" tik tok and believed it) Their militaries are based entirely on the (failed) tactics of the late 60s and 70s or whatever current event catches Blizzard's eye...always failing to ask the question "why" why didn't lone soldiers with shields stand alone blocking all them arrows, why did guns start out widely dispersed but then get clumped close and closer together etc.

The Horde and Alliance organization is great for wide front total war engagements (debatable on specific battles) but their organization when it comes to "small war" (see "how the Ottoman empire grew so big") and limited war aka the vast majority of wars before the concept of total war was introduced, well even in their own universe they REALLY suck at it. Gilneas being a perfect example as the Forsaken had to use Blight that's leathal to their own troops to fight a kingdom that was in the middle of collapse with its own citizens tearing themselves appart and the Forsaken already having every other advantage as well being fully equipped and trained soldiers fighting civilians they outnumbered.

But where there's some spots the Empire and the others will shine...their are othet parts where their blatantly inferior. So if the Alliance can see past that then yay, but if not then a lot of people are going to die almost half as pointlessly as if the canon Saurfang in command.

Guest 3: Pointing figers at the snake men are we...yea wacist.

Guest 4: The Wildhammers would certainly want to get their hands on those Griffins, but the nature of Imperial Griffins they might want to cross breed.

Guest 5: All of those are decent suggestions, of course the Empire's current year and a number of other factors will impact all of them and their ability or lack of, to participate...or if they even care.

Onix121: Typo, the system requires you to put the title in multiple times and you cannot copy paste.

JiggyliFAP: Except her older Borther by the time they could have rightfully had the family portrait painted would have been 7 years after the incident where Franz (then illegitimate son) was expected to duel a fully trained and veteran Elector Count who had taken him hostage as a young man, meaning Franz son who already looks to be in his 20s in the painting would have been at youngest be seventeen at the time of the painting which we know the earliest year that painting can be due to the fact that Franz didn't legitimize or legally recognize the existenceof his family until 2512 because political BS, and he has entirely Golden Blond Hair in fact with the younger sister's birthday and his own in question, and the only knowledge we have to go by being that Franz and his mistress were rolling in the hay well before he was even asked to try and become Emperor, she could legit be the young woman at the Empress's side, but that's still somewhat unlikely. Still with the exception of two helmeted men in the painting, all the subjects in it have Blond Hair with the Empress' being the darkest in color being a sandy blond, Basic Genealogy for the Son to have such Golden Blond with a sandy Blond mom, is astronomical especially if then the sister really is the other teenaged/early 20s woman whose hair is also golden blond...and then the little most likely to be the princess subject of the painting being so blond it's almost white.

and there is no doubt Dwarves are going to be causing a ruckus. For all we know they can pull a china and claim that since the other world's Dwarves identify as Dwarven they are subject to the laws of the High King in Karaz-a-Karak. Or they could recognize the foul boy as being not a dwarf...and thus demand reimbursement or Grudge is final...but then again the Dawi presented are not Imperial Dwarves and thus not residents of Altdorf and not beholden to upkeep the Grudges of those other lesser Dwarves.

Dragon King of the West: It's already blatant they know even what's on the other side of the portal. Meanwhile what Shandris has seen is now going to make a lot of difference on what happens in the future.

OscuroSignore-51: "Imma kill em" "who sir" "Don't know, but I'll kill em!" Then Shandris has so much to sift through at the moment.

As for the next part. How dare you question the ten second rule! it is totally applicable at all times, take the light for example, only one of the Naaru tried corrupting someone before that period and that one is totally the only overly self righteous and evil Naaru, the others totally aren't just as corruptive but more subtle. Honestly when it comes to corruption, how excessively dependent WoW has made the world dependent on a small handful of Alliance characters is just staggering and almost a insult to people's intellect. especially when at first they put actual effort into their corruption plotlines, but by Burning Crucade they just gave up entirely and started the "oh im evil now because a flash of light reskinned my character model, oh you beat me so I'm purified" hell warcraft a strategy game put loads more effort into its one off purification mission than the majority of WoW's corruption plots after Burning Crusade...at least Deathwing had a actually good corruption plot by some miracle, because they somehow managed to fuck up Arthas' plot even after the majority of his story had been concluded and all we had to do was challenge, fight and kill him...and then the ruined it again after his story had already been done and burried for years.

Ironwall: At least Marrienburg existed after the High Elves were done.

DragonANGL: Thus why people stopped taking WoW's and Age of Sigmar's end of the world seriously. Those worlds didn't explode, they just had some severe damage done. With Dreanor being the one that actually comes close to being destroyed which is ironic since it wasn't the legion behind that one. There's also a reason why no one takes anything from Age of Sigmar seriously and its the same as with Blizzard, they don't even have respect for the death of characters nor the destruction of lands or planets, so why should we care when they pretend that such things should matter.

Dreanor as outland was well written since it was a Orcs portal spells that broke the planet up and we weren't shown "the end of the world" just that the portal suddenly closed, and we were allowed back to visit the remains almost immediately after showing that the world wasn't dead, just reshaped and dying. As for Argus besides being a special case it's still a huge facepalm especially when a certain red boi whose totally not a expy for 40ks Magnus goes "I sacrifiedmy world" "wow bro you got to keep your world? and here i thought you were part of a army of evil whose job is to destroy those things." And then GW's cheap "nah look we know we deathstar exploded it and said the entire universe was destroyed in the explosion but look it's perfectly OK."...well there's a reason fan enthusiasm for that wasn't as high as GW had hoped.

While AoS still clearly outperfoms WHFB (with its ten million percent higher marketing and support budget) its still dramatically outperformed by TWW and the books and stories tied to WHFB are still outselling AoS books. When it comes to story people generally like for the stakes to have meaning rather than forced meaning, thus why Shadowlands was such a flop on the emotional story notes and why BFA's N'zoth ending was also such a huge slap in the face and flop as well, people were just handed events, told they were somehow important to it, and never given anything to connect to...well besides a 'totally bot lootbox system'

Hakuryuu: Whatchutalking about willis? *nervously editing chapter because i thought Fonubar died in 2515* Naaaah see no mistakes, none whatsoever...ha..hahahahahahahaha *eyes twitching*

The Knights Panther are currently under Countess Elise Krieglitz-Untern so even if Grand master Werner von Kriegstadt himself doesn't attend if she does the Sentinels of Darnassus might still be graced by their order.

And a meeting with the schools is bound to happen. Gregor Martak meanwhile is probably out wandering as he's not yet the head of thr Amber Wizards. But Gelt is sure to appear.

As for glimpses of the other realm, well that's going to be a little more indirect and coming a wee bit later.

Jak23: Ah the Dwarves and Elves hate one another, all is right in the world and we have no fears. *Alliamce memeber provides evidence of Elves and Dwarves getting along* "WE MUST IMMEDIATELY PANIC!"

I'm honestly honestly suprised that no one's called his subtle magic flex he pulled during the meeting. But yeah, Teclis when considering his mastery of magic on Mallus it would take someone at Cadgar or Medivh's power to match him. On Azeroth he'd still come across as very powerful even with the significant nerf Warp Magic users are currently suffering on Azeroth. But as for Slaan, their race for the most part is individually weaker than Teclis, but certainly their big name bois crush him with their fsa toad pope cheeks that keep slapping cuz they magic so thicc. But still it usually is the Slaan as a whole that are huge big boy magic rather than each individually...like Azeroth gathers 40 mages and gets a army eating firestorm. you gwt 40 slaan mages and you get FF7 meteor. But getting 40 Slaan together is like getting fourty fans of legends of the galactic heroes together in a single room...there might not even be that many in existence...Slaan maybe LotGH fans, nah impossible ;).

micelzod: Oh the Shit is deep, and a lot more complex than any fan of just one series or the other thinks. Because both sides have plenty of idiots who can make things infinitely Worse for no fucking reason whatsoever...*glares at Manfred stopping him from doing suicide by stabbing living embodiment of an entire wind of magic he had just been warned would detonate with more power than a Tzar bomb.

Gives followup glare to everyone associated with Shadowlands who by sheer stupidity rather than brilliant planning almost ended the world.


Truth and Lies


The first three days of Shandris' visit to Altdorf passed without incident, She and her two subordinates spent their time planning restudying the Empire Provinces, getting to know the city and of course Inspecting the two hundred Sentinels that had come with the General. But then on the fourth day as they read through lists of known Mercenary Companies and Knight Orders, or chapter houses whose service they could purchase and how to find the money to get all of them, the announcement came.

Teclis had given up his right to first meeting with Shandris to the Dwarven ambassador Mordin Harginsson, and Mordin Harginsson immediately sent a runner to 'insist strongly, not demand, yet' that Shandris immediately come to meet with him. The Empire humans about Shandris, particularly those near the Dwarven Embassy, at least those not gawking at the sight of the Kaldorei General, were each warning her to be wary for the Diplomat was in a bad mood. Then Shandris reached the section of the city housing the Dwarves embassy, only to be stopped right outside of it by a seperate Dwarf with a pair of brutish looking guards at his side.

"I know you're on your way to see this stuck up arse. Problem is, he's digging without his pick, see Teclis gave up his right there to meet with you first, to ALL the Dwarven Holds. Thats why a good friend of mine and I prepared a Beer Hall just for you and us, with open invitation to good ol' Mordin if he bothers to ever read it of course." The Dwarf standing before her stated uncrossing his rather muscular and exposed arms.

"And why should I trust this?" Shandris asked caught off guard by the Dwarf's presence and strange insistance.

In response the Dwarf only scoffed at her before checking on his shoulder at the Embassy behind him. "I, Rugni Garilsson, swear by my latest shipment of Bugman's XXXXXX and my kegs of Bolgan's Finest that I am not trying to decive you...hell I'll even let you see the label yourself and crack the casket open for you."

Shandris still took the wary approach with these Dwarves. Warnings about their behaviors, and memories of Dwarven Rogues keeping her eyes keen for deception. "And your friend?" The General insisted.

"You mean Dern Ketilsson? That Grey beard's Hold might not be important in the Karaz Ankor, but you're not getting many of the Holds to talk to you in this city without him." The Stout Dwarf stated, and Shandris was faced with a dilemma. The Dwarf diplomat had come across as vitally important, yet this other Dwarf is dismissing him and offering what was likely to be even better returns. She had also read about their grudges, thus making the decision harder, does she slight Mordin, or does she possibly slight the multitude of other Dwarves all representing other Dwarven city states?

Fortunate would save Shandris from incident here as the gate of the Embassy opened as the red faced grumpy Dwarf from when Shandris arrived opened it only for the Dwarf to immediately explode into yelling. "Rugni!? You wretched two timing Elgi lover! You're trying to steal my guest! You're trying to screw me out of what I am owed!"

As Mordin Harginsson stormed out of the building punching the air and blustering and fuming, Rugni instead laughed accepting a punch in the face from the other Dwarf. "Ahahaha, So you didn't read the invitation. We invited every Dwarven diplomat to this seperate meeting so that way it's not wasted."

"You under-dealing scum! Your tounge is just as twisted as an Elgi's!" The other Dwarf shouted, but Shandris put herself between the pair.

"Listen I'm going to this second meeting, but I'm coming to speak with you, Mordin Harginsson, not these other Dwarves as they weren't the ones who sent for me." The General negotiated calming the Dwarf as the scene was slowly gaining a small crowd of observers. So assured Mordin Harginsson, Shandris Feathermoon and Rugni Garilsson walked to the Dwarven Beer Hall, though Mordin grumbled and complained the entire way.

Upon the groups arrival in the Beer Hall Shandris found herself in a room with a low ceiling enough that with her ears raised they would scrape on the ceiling. The room was dark and poorly lit even in the middle of the day and lanterns with soft lights were needed to keep the room lit enough to see. Waiting inside Dern Ketilsson and four other Dwarves, likely other ambassadors, sat about a single table waiting for Shandris and the two Dwarves at her side.

While Shandris and Mordin took their seats the Dwarf glowered at the other Dwarves. "You all took all the time and effort to try and steal this meeting away from me and drag it here. So what do you lot of dishonest fools want?" At Mordin's accusation the other Dwarves bristled some looking to nearly explode in wrath.

But before any of the Dwarves could act mugs frothing with Beer were slammed down, some splashing out drink onto the table. Almost all the Dwarves present sniffed then turned to the one who put down the Drinks seeing a Dwarven Woman passing out more of the mugs and even roughly planting one infront of Shandris and Rugni holding a keg with the letters 'BF' on its side.

"Hey hey hey! Beers are down, down your fill and no fighting, now we talk and negotiate." Rugni proclaimed and most of the Dwarves dived for their drinks. While everyone drank Shandris figured the Beers were necessary and started on her own beer.

As those present drank Rugni began. "Well we did cause Mordin here more than his far share of stress over this. So I say he should get first say on what the topic of negotiations should be. Particularly since everyone else present here except for Zakalgrac Shatterbrand comes from west of the World's Edge Mountains. And if Mordin is making a fuss about seeing these Elgi-kin to negotiate it must be for something important." As he spoke Rugni poured beer into his mug and finished by taking a drink.

"That or he let his ego get the better of him." One of the other Dwarves snidely remakes earning some chuckles from all the table, and a glare from the Dwarf in question which made Shandris chuckle more taking another drink of the Beer. She wasn't sure what it was, but everything about these Dwarves seemed all right, she might not love them, but they were plenty fun and the drink was great.

Mordin stood up. "Thats damned right! I've got plenty of issue!" Then the Dwarf stared at Shandris. "There is a second Portal, correct?" The Dwarf demanded.

"Yes." The Sentinels General answered easily befofe downing her mug and gesturing for a second, earning loud cheers and excitement from the table.

"Do you know where that portal is?" The Dwarf then asked his tone ever serious.

"Whhhatchu madter about tha...We tink it's on the other side of da big mountain, a place with lots of doggies. But why you...whyyy soooo serious?" The General slurred now sipping on her second drink while the other dwarves at the table looked on with a mix of all types of smiles.

"Damn it Rugni! This is serious and your bringing Bolgan's Finest into the mix? General? General would the Horde start arming the Skaven with new weapons?" Shandris both heard and didn't hear Mordin ask as she sipped more from her second drink the world a little strange...but everything was alright, she felt great, also she had been to Brewfest and certainly knew her limits and they were well beyond a single drink, she had even drunk a couple dwarves under the table once.

"Of coouuuurzzze the Horde would...would do what'chu said. The Sk...skeev...the Rat People, flew the Horde flaaaaaag in, in the fight. Soooo they Horde now. And Horde helps Horde." It was all so obvious and these Dwarves are Dwarves. Dwarves with really good Beer. So why didn't they already know all this again?

"So this Horde is supplying the Skaven with aid and weapons. And Skaven have been moving troops and weapons through the World's Edge Mountains hitting southern Caravans and assaulting holds on their path. Even Belagar Ironhammer has reported new weapons and renewed pushes against his position in Karak Eight Peaks and is sending letters asking for more reinforcements. So I was going to determine the truth and report to all the Karaz Ankor of the truth. This Horde has been supplying and aiding our enemies." Mordin stated to the other Dwarves, many of whom started grumbling or talking of grudges. Meanwhile Shandris just enjoyed sipping on her drink.

As the men talked of books and grudges the Dwarven maid grabbed Shandris' attention talking about some Alliance Dwarf, her daughter and a grudges to be settled. Shandris didn't understand but five gold marks made the issue go away. Meanwhile the Dwarven men's discussion and grumbling got more and more heated, as Shandris' second mug slowly emptied.

And from there Shandris' memory of the events ended, but her awakening among several of the Dwarves in a Altdorf cell within the Imperial palace left her for a shock. Later reports confirmed that a barely conscious Shandris lead on by several incredibly drunk Dwarves had tried to storm the Imperial Palace to 'settle a couple grudges' before setting off with the Imperial armory in order to 'invade those bastards with the stupid no meaning symbol out in the Dark Lands to make them stop being right bastards' which Shandris doubted she said that but the Dwarves were very insistent that she had been the one to say it.

Needless to say a unarmed and incapable of standing under their own power Night Elf, and some unarmed, and highly uncoordinated and inebriated Dwarves were even less than an issue for the Reiksguard. Instead the Knights had chosen to detain the group for their own protection and safety and done so also to hide the Kaldorei General and the Ambassadors from the public eye.

Fortunately for Shandris when she woke an astonished, and she suspected very disappointed, Uydron Dusktree sat outside the cell where he had been using his power to treat the hangovers of those in the cells as they woke up. The Druid just gave a look to his general before asking, "So how did the negotiations go?"

Shandris could feel a ounce of embarrassment. Most of the day, even before meeting with the Dwarves was a in a haze now, and she ccouldn't even recall the slightest detail from before then. Instead Rugni Garilsson then laughed speaking up. "She did great. We have no real power over the Throngs of our Kings, but certainly with our advice and a few good words for your Alliance then they might be willing to help you at least retake your portal, but most likely it will be a grudge against the Horde and Skaven which will see us take their damned portal. I'm unsue what's happening at it, but several weeks ago something happened there that resembled a battle. If your Alliance is willing to help us, we would certainly be happy to coordinate an attack." The Dwarf cheered before looking over to a sleeping Mordin. "But pretend I didn't say that so Mordin can officially tell you when he wakes up. Told him the ninth Mug was too many. Seeing you almost finish a second Mug was quite impressive. But I'll remember to use the lighter stuff next time." And with that the Dwarf broke out laughing opening and stepping out of the unlocked cell as a Reiksguard escorted him out of the palace.

Shandris just looked on with confusion before pointing to the leaving dwarf as an answer to her subordinate's question.


The Pioneers marched north with little to disturb them, they had camped out outside of the city of Kislev only to early the next day be taken by Boyar Dyalov Androniki north. Days later the Boyar's territory met the Pioneers and the Mercenaries marching with them.

Within a large village that served as the center of Dyalov's power Kyn'ra and the other Pioneers soon found themselves at the center of the town's gossip and scrutiny. Many of the inhabitants even taking to performing rites to defend themselves and arming themselves to fight the Azerotheans. Still with their Boyar's order and reassurances, at very least none of the people present attacked any of the Pioneers.

However the Pioneers were forced to sleep outside. Kislev, while no Northrend, even in the summer had very cold nights and many of the less prepared among the Pioneers had already been suffering illnesses brought on by the cold. Combined with the constant magical healing and exhaustion the request was almost torture for theose who were not prepared. Then the verbal abuse form the town began.

The Pioneers were supposed to simply wait in the town until the scouts had returned with fresh reports on the Norscan Barbarian tribes that the Pioneers were destined to destroy. Instead Kyn'ra now found herself trying to negotiate with the townsfolk themselves for the good of her followers.

"Please, we come from Azeroth another world, we're not mutants or cultists. Rather we've come to save your world from them." Kyn'ra tried to reason with the elder woman sitting in front of her. However the Elder while calmer than the townsfolk about her was currently waving talismans and runes between herself and Kyn'ra while chanting mantras.

The woman wouldn't match Kyn'ra's gaze, and refused to respond beyond intensifying her chants. "Will...you...please listen!?" The Renegade Kaldorei asked trying to move to match her eyes with the elderly woman.

"You may have twisted Dyalov to your dark purposes Daemonette but Lady Lubmila is devout in her faith with Dazh. The flames have always been well kept under her watch, keeping the darkness at bay and your darkness shall not enter here! So be Gone! Go back to your dark realm of Azeroth!" A man at the old woman's side passionately proclaimed.

"Again we are not aligned with the Dark Forces of the North, we're marching against them. My Goddess Elune commanded it for the sake of saving Azeroth against their Dark threat because after you the followers of Chaos will surely march for Azeroth next. So please just allow us a warm night's rest and let us buy some provisions. " Kyn'ra pressed pleading with the townsfolk still.

"You dare try to lie to us in the face of Lady Lubmila's protective prayers!" The man at the elder's side roared picking up a axe taking several steps towards Kyn'ra.

"Stop!" A dry withered voice exhaled from the elder. The single word stopping the man from charging to his death by Kyn'ra's hand.

The Old woman still refused to meet Kyn'ra's eye instead gazing at Eekizz Switchpickle to her side. "There is some truth to what this woman says. I feel no darkness polluting the souls of those following after her."

"Like I said my mission is divinely granted by Elune, goddess of the Moon of Azeroth." Kyn'ra responded.

"But there is a perversion of the truth taking place here. Take your things and march north for the sake of your lie, dark one. You are not welcome in our homes, though we will take your coin and try to sooth the discomfort of your people before their deaths." The old woman continued, age and experience filling and shaking her voice.

Kyn'ra sighed before looking to the Gnome at her side. "This seems like a fair compromise. They can hold to their prejudice, but we can still get what we need. Im sure once we break enough of these dark forces for them they'll change their tune." Kyn'ra reasoned aloud to her nodding companion as the elderly woman's chanting continued and intensified.

"Here me Dark One. You think you serve your master, yet you serve only your own grief and hate." Suddenly the woman proclaimed snapping Kyn'ra's annoyed attention to the old closed minded bigot.

"Listen here..." Kyn'ra began but saw that the woman was rocking in place her lips locked in constant prayer and her eyes rolled up into her skull, so instead the Night Elf looked on in astonishment.

"You think the Light of your master reaches you at Night and so you walk into the darkness without concern. Ye blind child. You know not of the depths you have sunk, the unblinking eyes that watch you as you sink into their darkness. You continue on with no knowledge of which way shall take you back to the light and arrogant of your own purity. But while lost and doomed, I warn you thus, while all shall be naught but death about you, you shall not see death until scales envelope you ans you cry out the truth of what you have become." The old woman then seized in her seat shaking violently as the men about her tended to their elder.

Eekizz Switchpickle looked up to his leader a worried expression on his face. "What was that about?"

Kyn'ra carefully studied the woman, her elven features carefully forced into a more neutral expression as she kept any emotion from showing. "Nothing but a seizure from old age and failing health, pushed through the lense of a religious fanatic. One full of nothing but suspicion for someone who is different."

Kyn'ra and Eekizz left as the elder shook until suddenly in a single great seize stopped moving. The Pioneers had supplies to purchase and once the scouts returned Eekizz would find a suitable place in Norsca for the Pioneers to set up their base while eliminating the Marauder Tribes.


Two days after Shandris had woken up a cell inside the Imperial Palace of Altdorf the Empire's various representatives had arrived and an Imperial runner came to where the General lurked in her room to announce 'The first day of the Electoral Council of the Empire and Alliance'. Hearing this Shandris Feathermoon steeled herself and prepared to leave her room for the first time since leaving the Imperial Jail cell.

She hadn't been hiding, the General kept assuring herself, she had nothing to be embrassed about. She just felt it was better for her futute negotiations if she waited there and didn't engage in any more behaviors that could put her image at risk. And certainly this decision was made long before she recieved a formal apology from the Imperial Court for the fictional Pamphlettering presenting the notion that Shandris had lead a rebel band of drunken Dwarves to storm the Imperial Armory with the intent to use the Cannons to hold Altdorf hostage until her demands were met.

No matter the decisions or the causes of them, Shandris had remained preparing for this day reading everything she could get her hands on, which unfortunately wasn't much. And over those two days she spent preparing herself, looking over her presentation carefully choosing everything she would wear and carry to ensure that she came across as both the foreign Alliance, and Darnassian General but also as a approachable representative that they would be willing to deal with rather than be repulsed by.

The General found herself on this day wearing a mixture of her light field armor, well cleaned and with added embellishments placed on by one of the only remaining Dwarves who didn't follow Kyn'ra's Pioneers North. Of course this armor left more skin exposed than what those of the Empire would accept on certain parts of the body, their particularities when it came to where exposed skin was or wasn't allowed to be shown still confused the General. So she wore a combination of a short shoulder cape and a long skirt with a open front, something Aethalas assured her was a 'waist cape'. This would at least make the General look acceptable for the Imperials while being both functional and not requiring signifcant effort to add to her atire outside choosing materials and patterns which would complement Shandris' look.

So dressed Shandris was escorted by a Palace attendant to a outdoors garden which had bee prepared with a wide number of tables serving from meeting tables, to simple dining tables and buffet tables. Reiksguard Knights marched the outer perimeter of the Garden and some who wore more ornate armor with various lurals exposed wafted through the moderate crowd exchanging pleasantries and partaking of the party like atmosphere while also making it clear they were there officially as guards.

On one side of the Garden on a raised deck a pair of men played a variety of tunes, some energetic and upbeat others more slow and somber on a pair of Cellos, their bow strings already frayed from the effort and intensity of some of their songs. As the pair of cellos played Shandris walked into the garden witnessing a multitude of different humans in distinct clothing either talking with one another or watching as she approached.

First to catch Shandris' eye was the Elector Count of Wissenland, Emmanuelle von Liebwitz who was wearing her own distinctive hat and red and black dress. The woman was talking to another important, and seldom seen, woman of Wissenland, the Magisterix of the Amethyst Order of the Empire Elspeth Von Draken. Shandris could see past Wizards cloths and Coif to see that the Wizard was closely watching her with her sunken dark eyes.

Elsewhere Alberich V Haupt-Anderssen, looking barely the two years older than Anduin he was, stood wearing simple Green and Yellow attire was locked in deep discussion with both a Dwarven ambassador and several Knights including one who stood by silently by using hand gestures, small signs and an aid at his side to communicate with the other present. That would have been Grand Master Lavarro San Andera of the Knights of Morr whom apparently were not only the Empire, but perhaps this entire world's foremost best Knights for putting down the Undead, virtual Paladins when it came to battling the Undead.

Besides them also stood Countess Elise Krieglitz-Untern whom Shandris only recognized thanks to the intense briefings of Aethalas. The Countess was added to the list of people that Shandris should prioritize as she unofficially controlled the Panther Knights. And the Panther Knights were apparently the largest Knight Order in the Empire.

After them came Helmut Feuerbach wearing the Yellow and Red of Talabecland though the man instead wore armor to this occasion seemingly ready for conflict, of what nature Shandris wasn't certain but she noted to herself to be wary of the man, he wasn't as much of a priority as Wissenland or Averland but both Uydron and Aethalas agreed that his province should probably be a better choice for hiring a main body of troops who could mix well with the Alliance's doctrines than Stirland.

Then there was the last and most obvious of the Elector Counts. Wearing bright yellow with black and green highlights and feathers half as big as he was, Marius Leitdorf was currently locked in a rather loud and heated debate on the dramatic issue of if Halflings from Azeroth would eat the Moot Halflings for him. While some exasperated others tried to prevent the count from exploding into a full on tirade, Hans Leitdorf Grand Master of the Knights of Sigmar's Blood and Brother of the Mad Count, as well as the Emperor's Champion Ludwig Schwarzhelm both stood by ready to deescalate any situation that the Mad Count could cause.

Aethalas told Shandris that it was her conclusion that for all the trouble they were Averland was still worth while to seek out for military aid as their flexibility might just mesh well with the Alliance's current war doctrines, and she thought that besides the archers and huntsmen of Talabecland the soldiers of Averland might also best work with the Sentinels. Still Shandris was worried even more by that man's behaviors, which now included pouring a drink on his brother in protest of a counter argument, would make those negotiations risky.

Lastly mixed among the various nobility and representatives that Shandris didn't recognize were a number of individuals Shandris was told she should absolutely seek to have on the Alliance's side by the end of this 'Electoral Council' though more for the purposes of having powerful forces behind them rather than for providing a Army for the Alliance upon her return. First of these was Siegfried Trappenfeld, Grand Master of the Order of the Blazing Sun. These Knights were like the Knights of Morr effectively damage dealing Paladins and elite troops at that.

Then there were the Arch Lectors of Reikland Kaslin and Aglim both were mingling with the crowd but clearly were acting in a religious capacity even now. While Shandris was still at a loss when it came to the various religions of this Empire she did know that the Cult of Sigmar held great state power, and because the situation with Volkmar she might as well have what it takes to convince them to provide their full support, however much support a Cult has that is.

Lastly off in their own groups talking with various nobles were Verspasian Kant Magister Patriarch to the White Order, Thyrus Gormann Patriach of the Bright Order, and Balthazar Gelt the Supreme Patriarch of the Colleges of Magic. Each was dealing with their own groups, but each also watched Shandris closely, Gelt with a unreadable expression under his mask, Thyrus with a look of disdain, and Thyrus with what looked more like scholarly interest.

Still the moment passed, and now Shandris stood at the entrance to the event and was announced loudly by a crier. Immediately every eye that was not focused on the Kaldorei General already was now freshly appraising her, already making judgement and plotting accordingly. Still Shandris didn't let any nervousness or anything other than the warmth of Elune's love for the Kaldorei show.

With a smile as bright as the moon Shandris stepped forward and spoke with a commanding voice. "I am Shandris Feathermoon, General of the Sentinel Army of Darnassus, and currently the Supreme Commander of all the Grand Alliance's forces on Mallus. I come here today seeking to unite with you against common enemies. A foe of the Grand Alliance, known as the Horde under the rule of their War Chief, the Banshee Queen Sylvanas Windrunner, has formed a Foul Entente with the Vampires of your territory known as Sylvania and have even invited the ratmen known as Skaven into Azeroth. The Home of the Grand Alliance, and my own home nation of Darnassus have been invaded by our common enemies, while the Horde provides arms and technology to the Skaven, and certainly promises to help your Vampires to overthrow your Empire."

Some of the crowd seemed grasped by Shandris' words while others clearly dismissed her. Still she was already faring better than she had hoped, likely Karl Franz had prepared those present ahead of time to make them all more susceptible to Shandris' words. "I do not seek your Empire to commit to our war. The Horde started this fight with the Alliance long before we ever came to your lands. I only seek to gain your support in whatever form it may take to bring this war to a end, the threat of the Vampire and the ratman to an end, and to help open an exchange between the Alliance and the Empire."

With the End of Shandris' speech the pair of cello players began a new song while everyone else either returned to their discussions or made decreasingly overt attempts to make it appear as though they were not waiting for their chance to drag Shandris or her two compatriots aside for private discussions. However all of this came to an abrupt end as a Crier announced another arrival.

"Now presenting High Loremaster Teclis of Ulthuan!" Immediate all eyes were drawn to the single Asur mage and his two bodyguards who marched down into the garden. Both guards carried a chest before them, the very chests Shandris had seen nights before.

The Asur did away with the courtly preamble and instead marched directly to Shandris before nodding his head to her. Then with a raised voice the Asur began. "Shandris Feathermoon, I present a gift from Finubar Phoenix King of Ulthuan to display no ill will between the Asur and the people of Azeroth." As Teclis spoke both bodyguards opened the chests before them displaying that both were filled with Elven jewelry some of which seemed to glow of their own light. There sight of these chests earned gasps and new murmerings from the crowds about the Kaldorei and the Asur. Uydron and Aethalas each accepted one of the chests from Teclis' bodyguards.

Then Teclis continued. "For Ulthuan's sake I must present a question to you Shandris Feathermoon. With these portals between the worlds, who was it that opened them. They disrupt the Great Vortex and put our world into renewed peril."

Ans there it was, the question Shandris had spent days dreading and even occasionally avoiding thought of. Would she lie to the Asur, blame everything on the Horde? Should she speak the honest truth? Was there some answer that would uphold the valor and principles of the Alliance without earning the ire of these Asur? Shandris had already concluded that there was only one way she could answer, and she prayed to Elune that this would satisfy the Asur.

"The original creator of the Portals is unknown to the Alliance and likely also the Horde. When we found them the Portals were several years away from opening on their own. However in our hubris we allowed the Horde to goad us into a race to see who could open the portals first. Both sides seeking resources and new allies on the other side of these portals upon a unknown and unexplored world. The Alliance Portal lead to Mordheim, and then the Horde created allies for themselves, before the Alliance could seek to peacefully exchange with your kingdoms, and attacked. Undoubtedly the Horde even now intends to expand the race we had once before so to open more portals and to widen the scope of their war with the Grand Alliance." This answer was the best Shandris could think of, both true and honest, while showing that the misguided intent of the Alliance was noble and exposing the crimes of the Horde.

For his part Teclis remained silent as he stared at Shandris, almost as if staring through her. Then the Loremaster smiled, it was a sad smile but also filled with a sense of accomplishment. "The report might not satisfy the Princes of Ulthuan nor the Phoenix King, but it is true and it shall guide me on my own search for those behind these portals and how best to seal them before they disrupt the Vortex further. I will need to take my own forces to Mordheim to investigate this portal myself. There is no fear of war betweenour two peoples for now General Shandris Feathermoon of Darnassus, daughter of the Kaldorei's ruling couple. But still remain wary, there are many threats yet still in our world who eye the portals greedily, and these threats certainly have eyes even in this very Palace."

Shandris moved to speak, to offer her own suggestion or support for the Loremaster, yet Teclis was already gone having simply disappeared from her sight along with both his bodyguards. Shandris didn't know how, but she didn't question it, after all Elune had blessed her and she had now avoided the ire of the Asur while upholding the truth. Now Shandris needed only to finish her negotiations with the rest of the Imperial representatives present.

The two Cellos players changed their tune again as the first of the Imperials finally approached Shandris, with pleasent suprise the General found herself confronted by Grand Countess Emmanuelle von Liebwitz with Countess Elise Krieglitz-Untern standing close behind her, though notably stepping back as Lady Elspeth von Draken cast a harsh glare at the noble.

"Well, dear, that was quite the speech you had prepared. A little on the blunt side, but where the writing may have been weak, your delivery more than made up for it, and that's what matters when it comes to motivating people. But I don't need much in the way of motivation, rather I feel greatly motivated already. I would however like to discuss incentivization, compensation, and logistical concerns with you if I may. We might have a great many days to discuss this, but I would rather speak with you before these borish men wear you out with their own stabs at what they would call negotiations." The famed Countess of Nuln stated to Shandris quite clearly, though a sideways glance towards the chest in Uydron's hands, taken when the woman thought Shandris wouldn't notice, gave away the real reason she was so eager to jump into negotiations so early.

"Right, I would be more than happy to speak with all of you. Do you perhaps have somewhere we can sit while we talk thos over?" Shandris could already feel herself being drained, all this formality really was tiring and the General had to wonder of Tyrande or Anduin even put up with anything like this.

"I have a spot prepared." Rather than Countess Emmanuelle von Liebwitz answering, however Countess Elise Krieglitz-Untern presented a prepared table where one of the Reiksguard stood watch waited.

Thus the 'Electoral Council of the Empire and Alliance' truly began, a jaunty tune providing a energetic atmosphere. Gossip, loud voices, various odd foods, and hushed negotiations filling the Garden as multiple regions of the Emprire made their own secret arrangements. That night Shandris never encountered Karl Franz though he certainly was present during the entire meeting likely preparing the Empire for each of the threats Shandris had laid out for them but with his own independent plans for just the Emprire. Shandris still hoped to change that, if she could get the Empire to agree to join the Alliance any plan the Emperor could make would be nothing next to what the Alliance could provide. Still those thoughts didn't occur to the Kaldorei General until the next day as multiple semi-clandestine meetings dominated the General's night.


A.N. super special short term vote time.

While I already have plans for our army in terms of size, actions, and finances laid out, I want to give you all a say. so vote now which elements do you think Shandris should get/accept from the Empire from among those presented, or what elements do you think would not serve the Alliance well during their 'Battle for Azeroth' TM. Of course there will be budgeting concerns so if you'd like a particular group more than others give them priority a tier list or whatever but lets make this fun for you all.