While she was staring into the troubled sea behind Theramore, lady Jaina Proudmoore was startled by a seagull's cawing. She turned to look at the animal and saw that it was battling a band of cats over the carcass of a stranded fish. She was fascinated by this primal and quite existential battle for survival, so she continued to study the cats and the seagull, wondering which side she was supporting. Suddenly, a voice behind her broke her concentration and brought her back to reality and matters at hand.
„My lady, the gatekeeper reports that the orcs' warchief Thrall has arrived. He's accompanied by the other leaders of the Horde, Cairne Bloodhoof and Vol'jin."
„Thank you. Tell them I won't be long. This won't be easy, I need to... come to terms with what is about to happen yet."
„The people of Theramore will follow your decision whatever it may be, lady Jaina. You have proven to care for the greater good before, and that won't be forgotten."
Jaina knew her steward had only the best intentions, but she also knew that life on Kalimdor was not an easy adjustment for the refugees of Lordaeron she had brought here with her father's fleet. Her new people were loyal and thankful, but with the recent sacrifices she had to make, she wondered if their gratitude would last much longer. Were they aware of much she had to struggle to keep the peace alive? Would someone else differently in her place? She used to think that she made the right decision at Theramore keep that day, but slowly she's beginning to realize that her efforts might have been in vain. Perhaps coexistence was impossible. But when the Burning Legion's defeat was still fresh, their old rivalries seemed so trivial. There was a dark, looming threat, greater than the conflict between humans and orcs, a threat that brought chaos in every life on Azeroth and caused their conflict in the first place. And they defeated it. They were all heroes, all saviors of Azeroth. How could they ever forget that and return to their old animosities?
But they were slowly forgetting. The Kaldorei were the first to break away from the pact. It was the orcs that threatened their ancient forest of Ashenvale and killed the demigod Cenarius. It might have been under the influence of demon blood and the orcs did somewhat redeem themselves by fighting the Burning Legion, but the murder of a demigod, and the night elves' most revered at that, had to be repaid. Grom Hellscream, leader of the Warsong, was lucky enough to have died during the war, but the surviving orcs had to be put to justice. The Kaldorei first demanded them to be executed, but they generous enough to offer eternity long imprisonment under the Wardens as an alternative. Jaina hated it, but she felt the night elves had the right to demand justice. Thrall knew it too. But he couldn't do it, and Jaina understood him as well. His people had been the Legion's pawns for so long, and had already been punished by the humans, to be punished once again, after the Legion's defeat, just wouldn't be fair. But the demigod... and should the orcs' bloodlust ever return...
She supported Tyrande's claim. She knew that sacrifices had to be made and she made maybe even the greatest sacrifice when she sided with the orcs at the siege of Theramore. But Thrall still wouldn't give over Hellscream's orcs. So Tyrande Whisperwind declared the orcs enemies of the Sentinel forces and banished them from night elves lands. The orcs couldn't just leave the ancient forests, they needed the resources, after all, they live in a desert. And now they're at war. Jaina still manages to retain peaceful relations with both the sentinels and the Horde, but on the Horde side, things were crumbling. The humans and high elves that accompanied her from the Eastern Kingdoms still remembered the orcs as the brute savages from the First war. And they liked starting trouble with them. They considered the Tauren and the Darkspear equally as savaged and monstrous and treated them with as much disrespect. And although Jaina intuitively knew that her people were in the wrong... she couldn't really blame them.
She respected Thrall, Cairne, Vol'jin and even Gazlowe to a certain extent, she also considered them her friends, but they were so strange. Their people, their customs, they were just so different from her own. She got used to it, however. And she had hoped her people would too, but they were too angry, too hateful. And even though they supported her, she knew that some considered her a traitor to the Alliance. But they just didn't understand, and she didn't understand them. After all the war, all the misguided bloodshed, why do they want more? She had considered abandoning them, declaring her complete allegiance to Thrall's Horde. But she would always be a stranger in the Horde. A lone human in a Horde of savages. And to abandon her own people... she had already abandoned her people once, and although she was convinced that it was the right decision, that conviction seemed to linger... She wouldn't do it again.
There were three human settlements under Jaina's control on the shores of eastern Kalimdor. There were the castles of Northwatch and Tiragarde and the island of Theramore, where she resided. Since the former two weren't directly controlled and supervised by Jaina, the humans and Quel'dorei there started trouble much more often than usual. They bullied the local Horde members, hunted all the game, desecrated their holy sites and robbed their caravans. They were armed soldiers, while the tauren and orcs were mostly farmers and merchants. Jaina listened to the Horde's complaints and warned her men to stop what their doing, but they didn't listen. She knew she would have to do something about it sooner or later, but she also didn't want her adversaries to claim that she would sooner support the Horde than her own people. But while she waited and weighed her options, the farmers and merchants revolted against the soldiers of Northwatch Hold. A battle ensued in which the farmers fought bravely and valiantly. And the few that survived were slowly tortured to death in the hold's dungeon. The fate of the men of Northwatch Hold is what the Horde leaders came here to discuss.
Jaina made up her mind. She would punish the men. Severely. But she wouldn't kill them. And Thrall hopefully wouldn't demand such a thing, especially after he failed to bring justice to his own people for their crimes. The peoples of Kalimdor need to learn to coexist. All of its peoples. And Jaina had worked on peace for too long to give up now. She entered the Great Hall where the others were already waiting.
Thrall: (rises from his seat) Greetings, Jaina. It's good to see you again, even if the circumstances are grim.
Jaina: Thrall. It's been a long time. (they share a long friendly gaze, hopeful that the discussion they are about to have will help them come to a mutual agreement) Cairne, Vol'jin, how is the construction of your cities faring?
Cairne: (with a deep, rumbling voice) Thunder Bluff will be the greatest haven my people have ever known. We are lucky to have found such strong allies to help us fight the centaur.
Vol'jin: The Darkspear have found a fine home on the Echo Isles. The only threat we be facing be the centaur and your men, Jaina.
Jaina: Yes, I know that my people have been causing your trouble for some time, but try to understand their position: they had to face the biggest change after leaving their homeland out of all of you. They need time to adjust and accept old enemies as allies.
Thrall: I'm sorry, Jaina, but the orcs were manipulated into invading your kingdoms by the Burning Legion. My people are not the same orcs the humans have fought in the First and Second War.
Jaina: I Know, I'm just asking-
Thrall: (interrupts her) And don't forget that the orcs had to leave their homeworld as well, after it was destroyed by the Shadow Council. They are complete strangers on this planet. It's been a great change for them too.
Jaina: I mean, the orcs are much more similar to tauren and trolls than us. You have to admit that outsiders might find you strange.
Cairne: Strange? Is it strange to value honor and live in peace with the land? But I do agree this land is harsh and filled with enemies. If the humans and high elves of Lordaeron wish to find allies in this dangerous land, they need to look no further.
Vol'jin: I think the mage-lady be saying that the humans see us as monsters. (Jaina tries to say something, but he continues) I do not blame them nor do I blame you for confusing us with monsters. Even we recognize that our Gurubashi and Amani cousins are evil and twisted in their ways. But your people can also turn into monsters.
Jaina: And I understand they did.
Thrall: Yes, Jaina. The soldiers at Northwatch and Tiragarde have been a thorn in our side for quite some time. A thorn that we, that I expected you to pull out. But after what happened at Northwatch we can't ignore it anymore. As leaders we have to take care of the safety of our people.
Jaina: And you have every right to do that, warchief. I must apologize for not taking action sooner, but... I'm going to be honest. My people still distrust the Horde. And to see their leader side too many times with...
Thrall: Do you regret the decision you made when you sided with us and not your father?
Jaina: (bursts out) No! I mean, yes, I... how can I not regret being responsible for my father's death? (they're all silent) I still think it was the right decision. His past and hate blinded him.
Vol'jin: But you can see past that hate. Your people can't.
Jaina: I will punish the murderers. Trust me. But do not ask me to kill them, Thrall, of all the people, you are the last to demand justice by blood.
Thrall: (slightly insulted) I wasn't- I would not ask that of you. (pause) But even if I would, you can't compare the ignorance of your soldiers to what my people went through. None of the men at Northwatch drank demon blood. They all acted under they own accord (Jaina and Thrall stare at each other angrily).
Jaina: (softens up) I do not want to argue with you, with any of you. We're not enemies. I hope my people will see that too one day.
Vol'jin: And when will that day be?
Jaina: (surprised by the question) I- I don't know. I will try my best. (Vol'jin sighs)
Thrall: I'm sorry, Jaina, but... I don't think that's enough. (Jaina looks at him silently because she knows what he is about to say is probably true) Humans and elves hate us. They will always attack us- (stops and thinks a bit) Well, maybe not always, but...
Jaina: (interrupts him) You are right. (her tongue is about to slip) I don't think we will get over how uncivilized you are-
Cairne: Now, Jaina, there's no need to turn to insults.
Jaina: No, I didn't want to insult any of you, I don't think you're uncivilized savages, it's what my-
Thrall: Are you so sure about that?
Jaina: Yes! I mean, what are you asking me?
Thrall: Truth is, the orcs don't see humans as more than their former jailers. With each provocation from Theramore they gather more and more supporters to attack you and drive you out. Or kill you all. Even you, Jaina.
Jaina: Is that the truth?
Thrall: It is.
Jaina: That means that we were fools for trying to maintain peace.
Thrall: I think that we wanted too much too soon. The war between the orcs and humans is too recent. They are not ready to make peace yet. Even now the humans of stormwind are fighting the still remaining orcs in the Eastern Kingdoms.
Jaina: But when will they be ready, Thrall, if not after banding together to defeat an undeniable evil? If they're not ready to set their pretty differences aside for that... then when?
Thrall: I don't know. But I hope they will, someday.
Jaina: And until then? (everyone is silent) I'm sure the three of you prepared an offer. (they're still silent)
Cairne: (finally dares to speak) We have, young Jaina. We think that it would be best if you take your ships and leave Kalimdor. Leave us be and we will leave you be. We can't fight if there is an ocean between us.
Jaina: (this idea insults her greatly and her voice trembles as she speaks) I can't go back. Not after what I've done. The people of Kul Tiras would never forgive me. The people of Theramore would never forgive me. I can't go back.
Thrall: Jaina...
Jaina: I helped you kill my father, Thrall. I can't go back. (pause) After the battle with Archimonde, you said that you're taking your people to live in the harsh land of Durotar to atone for their past sins. Well, the people of Theramore is my atonement. I can't go back, Thrall.
Thrall: (he looks her in the eyes for a long moment and admits to himself that he doesn't have the right to stop her) I understand.
Jaina: And even if I tried to leave, the people of the Alliance are too proud to follow me. I must stay here. (they all sit in silence for a while, then Thrall lets out a frustrated howl, clenches his fist and hits the table)
Thrall: The orcs have been looking for a home for such a long time. And now we've finally found it, as well as great allies. We must stay here as well.
Jaina: I wouldn't ask you to leave, Thrall.
Thrall: Then what? We can't go on like this. And you need allies too, Jaina, especially if the conflict culminates.
Vol'jin: Then break your pact, but keep trying to maintain the peace. A cold war it may be, but it be better than trying to maintain this loose alliance.
Cairne: Do what you have to do for your people, Jaina. But know what you will always have allies among the Bloodhoof.
Jaina: Fine. I will let my people know that we're no longer allied with the Horde and that Horde territory is off limits
Thrall: And we will do the same. (pause) I'm sorry, Jaina. I wish it could have ended differently. And remember what Cairne said. You will also always have friends in the Horde, should you need them.
Jaina: Thank you, Thrall. (as they're about to leave) And one more thing: Good luck, Warchief.
Thrall: Good luck, Lady Admiral.
Jaina knew that there are hard times ahead. She sent letters to Tyrande Whisperwind of the Kaldorei and King Varian Wrynn of Stormwind in hope of joining an alliance with one of them. If there were hard times ahead, she wanted to be ready for them. She returned to her favourite spot for gazing at the sea, which always cleared her thoughts and helped her with the next move. She then remembered the seagull that was battling those cats over a fish carcass. She noticed that the fish was gone, but the seagull and cats lay dead next to each other. A stronger creature must have caught them off guard while they were fighting, killed them and stolen the fish.