Before the Storm.
Two days after Terenas' murder, every prominent figure from the nations of the Lordaeron Alliance gathered in the capital city to pay their respects to the fallen king. The mourners were gathered in the courtyard in front of the Royal Keep, with Terenas laid upon a pyre before the doors of the keep itself; Calia had personally ensured her father's fatal wound was sewn up, and that he was laid in state in his favourite cream and grey silk robe, which had been a gift from his late wife.
"I thank you all for coming, in spite of the crisis we face," she began, standing before her father's body dressed in her own royal regalia, a small tiara resting on her head. "My father's last wish that we not be disheartened by his death, that we be inspired to fight on against these insurmountable odds; like King Llane and Lord Lothar's deaths gave steel to the Alliance during the last wars."
"My father was a beacon for the original Alliance during the First and Second Wars, standing strong from this city as the Horde ravaged across the lands, and in death he will continue to inspire us to fight on against the Legion. Death may have worn the face of a friend, but King Terenas Menethil did not shy away from it's approach, he stood firm and faced it like a true hero should, an example we should all endeavour to follow against a foe like the Burning Legion."
"I realise that as a woman who was raised in the royal court, I have no military expertise, nor skill at arms that make me suitable for leading Lordaeron to war in the way my father did. But that does not mean I will hide and wait for the storm to die down, I call upon my people to rally behind our heroes and allies and fight, not only for the memory of my father, or for Lordaeron, but for the world we are but a small part of. For if the Legion defeat us, racial differences will mean little as we are all put to the flame. The Horde may not be present today, and many were once our sworn enemies, but such divisions only help the enemy, I ask you all to cast your mistrusts and doubts about them aside, for if we stand side-by-side, we will prevail."
She took a deep breath in, knowing the words that would give her speech the best ending;
"For Azeroth, and For the Alliance!"
"For Azeroth."
"For the Alliance." The gathered cheered in unison, rising to their feet as one and cheering at the top of their lungs, washing away the sombre mood in an instant.
As the spectators and mourners cheered, Calia turned to her right where Arthas stood in his finery and gave him a shaky nod. Together the two surviving Menethils carried burning torches towards their father's pyre, and as one they lit the kindling beneath Terenas, stepping back as the flames embraced the fallen king.
"I'm proud of you," Arthas said quietly, as the cheering died to watch the king pass on. "You'll make a great queen of Lordaeron."
"You're not jealous?"
"No. The throne may have once been my birthright, but I never earnt it as you have, and my actions... The people will never embrace me as they do you, regardless of the deeds I perform as penance."
"They will, I have faith that you can be redeemed." She put a hand on his shoulderplate. "Father forgave you, in time so will they."
The two siblings fell silent, as they watched the fire grow before them.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The assembled leaders gathered in the throne room after the service was concluded, all standing in clusters until Calia strode in with Arthas behind her. She had shed her mourning clothes for an elegant white silk robe decorated with pearls, which tinkled against the stone floor as she climbed the steps, and hesitantly sat herself on the throne of Lordaeron.
"What news from the south?" she asked, as everyone gathered around her as they had once her father.
"The Legion have complete control of the Blasted Lands." Falstad began. "My scouts last reported that Stranglethorn was on the brink of falling, and the Swamp held little resistance against their advance."
"The creations of Ulduar are still appearing from the Titan teleporters, though they have moved to the edge of the Burning Steppes and Deadwind Pass," Muradin added. "Clearly m'brother is savvy enough to ensure the Legion can't get to him, or gain ground without sheddin' blood."
"If they're advancing this quickly, it won't be long until Redridge and Duskwood are in the Legion's crosshairs." Magni continued. "Young Varian issued a royal edict demanding all his people fall back to Stormwind when the Legion invaded, and with the Kul Tiran ships, most will be able to evacuate should the city be threatened."
"Where is Varian?" the young queen asked. "He is the last of his bloodline, if he falls..."
"He's safe." Alleria assured her. "Mathias Shaw and the SI:7 moved him and his betrothed from the city when the Defias rioting began; he did not disclose his precise location, as it seems Shaw still fears Legion agents hiding among our allies."
"Deception is one of their greatest strengths against us," Uther rubbed his chin. "The Lich's return was in aid of distracting us from their preparations, and before the armies came there were several scouts sent out to no doubt further these devisive goals."
"So far we've encountered two of the four," Jaina spoke up, continuing the catch-up they were all providing each other. "Khadgar was sent to gather relics so the Legion could bring its lieutenants into our world, and weaken the centre of magical practice on Azeroth."
"Danath..." King Thoras cleared his throat at the mention of his nephew. "He was clearly to shatter our unity by slaying Terenas in cold blood, but it has had the opposite effect thanks to his last wish being made known to all; none in this land wish to betray the dying request of such a beloved king."
"There can be no doubt that Kurdran Wildhammer and Turalyon are two of the other scouts, but as to their locations and agendas I cannot fathom." Uther finished. "The absence of the Horde from these shores indicate to me that the Legion has set events in motion on Kalimdor."
"Tyrande believed they would attack the World Tree in Hyjal, cutting her people off from their immortality and grievously wounding the world itself; Vereesa stayed with her to assist in preparing defences around the tree." Jaina noted. "And, according to my people's Stormsages, there were attacks by red-skinned Orcs against Kul Tiran settlements near Durotar."
"So the Lich's agents sew discord among the Orcs, who were previous servants of the demons, and create distrust between humans and Orcs by attacking defenceless innocents?" Tirion pondered aloud. "Do we know if Thrall has regained leadership of his people?"
"There's no word from Kalimdor, on any front." Mekkatorque sighed. "We must focus on our own shores, and hope the Horde can ensure this does not become a war on two fronts."
"We may not be done dealing with betrayals from within," Uther sighed. "Not long after we arrived, a messenger arrived from Silvermoon requesting Sylvanas return to her people at once, a request that allegedly came from the king himself."
"But we recieved another envoy from Anasterian, and it seems that there may already be another front opening in this war," Calia continued; "According to the messenger, Prince Kael'thas has led a coup in Silvermoon, ousting both his father and all who supported him, claiming that his leadership alone would ensure they survive the Legion's coming."
"Are we to assume then that Kael'thas is in league with the demons? If so did he act upon the Lich's orders or the Legions?" Genn Greymane asked. "Neither is ideal, but understanding his motivations may unravel his intentions."
"Alleria, I realise you were away from your homeland for years, but I must ask if there is any way of entering Quel'thalas unseen?"
Alleria's eyes went to Jaina.
"I've tried teleporting or creating a portal, but there is powerful magic blocking my attempts." The mage admitted with deep regret.
"Hold on one second," Magni cut in. "Why take Sylvanas in the first place? What difference is one Paladin gonna make?"
"My sister..."
"Inside Sylvanas lies most of the Sunwell's energy," Uther explained in a hurried tone, the subject making him long to take action immediately. "To cut to the chase it's why she's such a powerful Paladin, and the energy protected itself by seeding itself within her."
"But if she returns to the Sunwell..." Alonsus said as the realisation hit.
"The Sunwell would be reborn, a font of near limitless power that Kael'thas could use to do whatever his demon overlords desired him to," Alleria finished. "Including creating a portal to summon more powerful demons into our world."
"Right as our attention is to the south," Genn growled. "And here I was worried about the damn Perenolde travesty stabbing us in the back."
"And right now Kael'thas is sitting pretty in Silvermoon, protected by an army of loyal followers and magical wards that keep out all intruders." Alleria summarised.
"Could we not sail around the coast and assault Silvermoon from the sea?" Daelin put forward. "With our Tidesages..."
"It would take too long, and it won't take long for Kael'thas to reignite the Sunwell and open a portal." Alleria dismissed the idea. "And we can't distract ourselves with assaulting my homeland as Stormwind edges closer to being besieged by the Legion."
"A strike-force then," Calia declared. "Lead by you and Uther, you will find a way into Quel'thalas, put a stop to Prince Sunstrider's schemes and rescue Lady Sylvanas, hopefully before the Sunwell is reborn."
Alleria moved to stand beside Uther.
"I've faced more impossible odds," she said with a smirk.
"We both have," Uther chuckled, before turning to the others. "Who's coming to Silvermoon, and who's heading to the front?"
"I'll stand with you Uther," Arthas grinned, standing beside his former mentor.
"Prince Kael'thas is one of the most gifted magi on Azeroth," Jaina said as she moved to stand beside Uther, "you'll need me if you're to face him in battle."
"Jaina..." Daelin moved to stop her.
"You heard the reports, the Legion are pushing closer to Stormwind, the fleet are needed in the south, and I can do more good helping Lord Uther and Alleria in stopping whatever Kael'thas is planning."
"I... Please be careful." Daelin stammered, before stepping back.
"Anyone else?" Calia inquired, as Jaina and her father embraced.
"A smaller force will have greater mobility and chances of going undetected," Alleria stated bluntly. "Plus, the war is in the south, if things go bad in Quel'thalas..."
"Should I hold back Lordaeron's forces in case you fail in stopping Kael'thas?"
"No. If we can show the people of Silvermoon that their prince is not acting in their best interests, we may be able to end the threat he poses with minimal casualties." Uther replied. "We must keep our focus on their main invasion point."
"Alright," Calia sighed, deferring to the seasoned Paladin. "Are our armies ready for war?"
"As ready as they can be," Genn stated. "Thanks to the gnomes we're transporting them south via the Deeprun Tram, saving us time that would be wasted marching to Stormwind."
"My advisors have estimated that, given the numbers on both sides, when the battle is joined, all of Stormwind's territories will be blanketed in bloodshed." Thoras reported. "It may even spread into Khaz Modan."
"We're ready for 'em." Magni rubbed his hands together. "Ironforge's arsenal will make 'em pay for invading our lands."
Calia rose to her feet, and everyone turned their attention to her again;
"I've said this already, and I know I am younger than all of you so my words may not mean much, but I will be praying for all of your safe returns should we survive."
"The Light is with us, my queen, have faith in it and we will not fail now." Alonsus assured her, placing a hand on her shoulder.
The men and women stood to attention and bowed to the young queen, all saying as one;
"For Azeroth."
They all bid each other farewell and good fortune in the coming conflicts, before looking to Jaina to teleport most of the prominent figures to where they were needed most; this left Uther, Alleria, Jaina, Arthas, Alonsus, and Calia in the throne room.
Calia moved to her brother, her guise of queen falling away as she hugged her brother.
"Please come back to me, I couldn't bare to lose you too." She said weakly, holding him close despite the armour he wore. "It's just us left now."
"I won't leave you to rule alone." He promised her in a gentle voice, one arm holding her to him.
"Light be with you champions, I must attend to the masses who need my guidance in these dark times." Alonsus bowed, before turning and leaving through a side door.
"Will you walk with us to the city walls, my queen?" Uther asked jovially, trying to keep their spirits up.
"Of course." Calia smiled, keeping one arm around her brother's back.
They left the throne room, and were immediately flanked by four royal guards; two fell into step in front of them, and two moved behind them to protect them, not that most of them couldn't defend themselves in a fight.
"How will you enter Quel'thalas if it is protected by magical wards?"
"There is only one way in, through the enchanted gates," Alleria admitted. "And they will be closed to most who would seek to enter my people's lands."
"Most?"
"I cannot believe every one of my people support Kael'thas, or will continue to support him if they know the dangers he's placing upon them with these transgressions." She continued. "Perhaps if we simply approach the gates and explain the situation, we will be allowed to enter."
"Or we could be arrested, captured, or killed for speaking heresy against their prince." Arthas suggested, earning a glare from Alleria.
"They may be open to reason simply seeing you, Alleria." Uther noted. "Have you returned home since..."
"I never felt strong enough to," she said honestly, cutting him off before he could finish his sentence.
"And now?"
"And now my sister is in danger, and all my fears of what my people may think of me pale compared to what fate could befall my sister!" she grit her teeth as dark thoughts crossed her mind. "No one will stop me from protecting my family from harm!"
There was a long uncomfortable silence, before a loud bang sounded in the sky above them; everyone's heads snapped upward, searching the sky for the source of the ungodly sound.
"Legion?" Jaina immediately asked, summoning her elemental guardian as a reflex.
"Meteor." Uther gasped, seeing a blazing object falling across the sky. "I can't see an origin point, but it appears to be on a westward trajectory."
"Should we send someone to investigate?" Calia asked, as all eyes watched the meteor's rapid descent.
"If it lands in the sea or on Kalimdor we'd be wasting time and manpower," Uther decided. "It can wait until the Legion are defeated."
As they watched a piece broke off, following a different path from the main body of the large meteor.
"That, however, is worth investigating." He noted, as the breakaway piece descended at a quicker speed, and from what he could see, it fell in a north-easterly direction. "We can stop by if it crashes close to our route to the gates, if not..."
"There's always the return journey." Arthas chuckled.