Modera studied Jaina as she left the room. Her shoulders hunched more than usual but she was less curled than she had been on the way down here. Proudmoore didn't look torn between bursting into tears or exploding in a pillar of fire either. Modera hadn't asked what it was that Vereesa had actually said to Jaina and while part of her was morbidly curious, it wasn't her business. It probably involved Theramore at some point and possibly Kalecgos. The former was Jaina's big button to push; the wound still hurt and no wonder. The latter was new as something to attack because the couple's relationship had recently evolved. Unsavory things had been said before in hushed whispers but Jaina almost certainly hadn't been sleeping with him then and they hadn't been living together. She was now and feeling all the vulnerability of being not only a public figure but being in a mixed-race relationship. It was a shame Vereesa hadn't managed to find a path out like Proudmoore had; her marriage to Rhonin hadn't been popular with certain corners among either of their people.

Modera waited until Jaina had closed the door behind her before she gleefully turned to the monitoring spells in the room and the hefty crystal which had stored the gathered data. It was damn hard to get the Draenei to expose much of their technology lest they draw the attention of the Legion, but their analytical spells were impressive and they'd been willing to share those at least.

She split the data before she'd stopped Jaina to talk and then afterwards. As it was the easiest to track, the damage analysis spells were the most advanced. Modera rubbed her hands together as she activated an analytical spell and had it run through the recording. In the end she had numbers.

As expected, Jaina's damage-per-second numbers were high. Against a stationary target dummy they were absurd. Good up-time on her casting activity despite Modera trying to trip her up and not only were the individual attacks powerful she seemed to have a solid understanding of synergy between different spells. Modera itched to teach her the more subtle tricks one could use within and even between the schools of magic. Jaina had power to spare which meant she could be deployed well as burst to adjust pressure on a given flank or set down someplace to add sustained firepower-

Modera shook herself out of those thoughts, chuckling to herself. That was a putting the cart before the horse. Leaving thoughts of how to tactically deploy the Grand Magus on a battlefield, she returned to what the data could tell her.

Khadgar had had numbers like these when he'd been at the same point in his life. Antonidas, as wise as he had been, hadn't quite reached these heights. He'd have hit these numbers with some training easily, but he had never been comfortable with war and had politely rebuffed Modera's offers to train beyond the basics. Jaina had seen combat and had the speed and skill of an above-average battlecaster, but she could be truly devastating with coaching and practice. That and she needed to be better taught how to avoid easily followed patterns of movement, how not to get tunnel vision, and how to handle avoiding non-magical projectiles with near-zero or even null magical signatures; in general, all the tricks a more fully trained battle mage knew to avoid getting killed.

The millennia of isolation had a negative effect on Malygos' supporters' ability to fight which was fortunate for the mortal mages and their allies in the red flight. Blues tended to take more time drawing and forming their power, their attacks overwhelming, precise, and utterly devastating once their blows landed. It wasn't that they couldn't use spells considered to be standard in the modern toolkits of the Kirin Tor battle mages, it's just that for whatever reason of training or thought process, they didn't. Fighting dragons who were rusty had saved lives on Modera's side but at the cost of dragon lives.

Kalec's numbers, when she'd finally gotten him down here, were higher than Jaina's here but then the dragon had several thousand years of experience and a veritable ocean of mana to draw upon. The dragon also had a tendency to go for decisive burst damage and solutions that were... non standard to Modera's way of thinking. A few of the truly ruthless blues in the Nexus war who'd managed to reacquaint themselves with war casting, had fought with the same alien cunning. Modera had told Kalec to destroy the target and he had taken almost five seconds to channel and cast, but the dummy had been slagged so quickly Modera's tracking spells hadn't been able to capture what he'd done; they'd shattered under the feedback from attempting to do so. He would be quite useful in counterpoint to-

Once again Modera stopped formulating battle plans and refocused on Jaina's data. She'd begun to suss out how the more experienced mage did her own fireballs and it showed in the graph of damage. She also had stopped spending so much time thinking. Modera grinned. Jaina needed a little bit more practice and she'd be more than fine on the magic side. Getting her out of her own head was good for battlefield awareness when she might not have a front line to shield her.

Modera pursed her lips as she manipulated the projection of data-points, moving the time-bar and scrolling through idly, watching the analysis spell recalculate the data. What Jaina needed was practical experience in not being hit for one thing. That would happen as soon as Modera could drag her out of her office. But for another, she needed to do some larger workings, to push herself. It didn't need to be combat related, but Jaina needed a project. A mage's personal manapool would deepen over time naturally, but it was generally agreed that practice could strengthen a mage further. It would also, Modera hoped, help her understand the depth of her power and become familiar and comfortable with it. And it would keep her sane.

Jaina hadn't had time for personal projects in the last year. The stress outlet and exercise of such projects was also acknowledged in most circles as necessary for healthy, sane mages. Everyone else had them. Even Rhonin had had them. Modera doubted that Jaina had had such time to herself. She'd lost her entire lab and then they'd dumped ruling an entirely new city on her lap. While it was good for keeping her busy it wasn't magical, and Jaina needed that outlet. It was, Modera realized, a failing on everyone else's part not to look out for one of their own.

So Jaina would get homework.

She'd grumble and bellyache, very politely, about how taking personal time wasn't good for the leader of the city. But Like Rhonin and Ansirem before her, she'd realize she needed time for herself. Modera pursed her lips in thought. And if Jaina didn't agree, Modera would sic the dragon on her. It was for her own good and that of everyone else's. Besides, she knew that if Modera gave her a good excuse, pardon, reason, Jaina would jump at the chance to do some study and research. Jaina was, after all, a mage; a burning curiosity came as part of the standard package, Modera thought with a smirk. Modera transferred the data to a smaller storage crystal, put it into a small lined case then slipped it into a pocket. She shut down the system, returned the equipment to their proper places, and left for her own apartments.

Modera's current residence was in one of the quieter parts of the city. She'd lived in just about every district and moved every few years. In this case it wasn't paranoia about her own life, but a general sense that staying in one place in one routine bred complacency.

"Always be moving, Girl," her master had told her. "We need to keep a weather eye on the horizon."

Some things were ever the same; the smell of her personal library and the incense she preferred. She always had a personal library and lab; what mage didn't? But it was good to shift and adjust routines to avoid stagnation. It kept one's mind sharp and young. That advice had been echoed by many beings older than she and it seemed to work. Modera set her staff in the rack on the wall and sat at her desk. She pulled out paper and quill and began to write to an old friend - one of those much older beings, in fact.

Meryl,
Things have become very interesting here in Dalaran and I might have more on that soon but I'm writing to get your read on the state of things elsewhere. I know you've been out and about in the wider world and I'm interested in what you've been seeing. Yes, it's a gut feeling. Yes again. Stop wearing that look I know you're wearing right now. You know I'm usually right.

I've mostly been in Pandaria. Place called Thunder Isle. Insane Titan constructs and would-be gods. Hell of a thing. When you get a chance come back to Dalaran. We can pick a tavern and swap stories.
-M
P.S. I've got a hell of a data set to show you.

She sealed the letter with her mage's mark and then cast a more lengthy spell. The parchment glowed purple then disappeared with an audible pop, entering the mail network. The letter would make it's way to Felstorm, though depending on how close the undead mage was to the network it might take some time to reach him. Meryl had been a human mage once, one of the original human mages trained by the elves during the troll wars. Being dead hadn't really slowed him down much.

Modera drew in a breath then let it out, eyes closed, mind centering. She'd been lax in her vigilance over the rumors and power shifts in the rest of the world. Oh, she'd had a hell of a good reason! Would-be Old Gods and megalomaniacal warlords took precedence. But it seemed things were getting back to a more normal level of chaos as people took the time and space to breathe. She had a lot of work to do still. Modera opened her eyes and got to it.

Jaina returned to her office. She did not want to go back to work, but it was still early in the day and she would not shirk her duties. She felt slightly better anyway. The exercise had helped a little. Hearing that Modera was still committed to Dalaran's neutrality had helped a lot. Modera, Jaina had come to realize, wasn't a warmonger, but she wouldn't back down from a fight either. A bit like Varian, Jaina reflected. She sighed and willed the lights to life.

Jaina sat down at her desk and stared at her blotter. The echoes of what Vereesa had said seemed to linger in the air. Jaina pulled out a piece of blank parchment and wrote to healer Yu-len requesting a meeting at her earliest convenience with a very short reason why. The Pandaren healer had said she was someone Jaina could turn to if she needed and, as much as Jaina wished she didn't need the help, she did. She signed and sealed the letter and felt better for even reaching out. The matter wasn't resolved, nor were her feelings, but she could get through this, too. It would pass. Jaina could put the conflict to the side for now. She drew in a breath and let it out, reaching for the next piece of blank parchment.

Jaina next sent a short missive to the other members of the Council of Six. It was easier to do that and avoid the other, harder letters she needed to send.

"King Wrynn and I spoke on the matter of reintegration this morning. He has his concerns, as we all do, but he understands the Council is working in the best interest of Dalaran. To that end he is supportive of our position and will remain an ally."

Jaina paused and twirled her pen in her hand as she considered what else to add. Lips in a thin line, Jaina began to add to her report.

"Ranger-General Windrunner and I also spoke. She is not pleased with our decision and is very angry. She departed abruptly after what turned into a significant argument over the matter. I feel it would likely be in our best interest if we could finish our planning and networking as soon as we can. It is very likely that word is going to get out sooner than we anticipated or would like."

Jaina signed and sealed the letter, made five copies and then sent the report to the others on the council. Checking the time she saw that Khadgar would get his in a timely manner at least. He might even have news regarding the mood among the Horde mages when the mail exchange with the alternate Draenor happened in a few hours.

Jaina knew there was another letter she needed to write, but... She pulled another blank page close and began to solve another problem first.

"Lady Ysera,
I would welcome any members of your flight who wished to make their roosts on Theramore or in the area. Please remind them that all are welcome so long as they abide peacefully. Thus far the druids have been quite well behaved and I understand that there have been a number of Shamen visiting regularly.

As I said, I wish to keep the area a sanctuary space, however I am at something of a disadvantage. In my role as the Lady of Theramore I no longer have a military force to command and drawing solely upon Alliance troops would be counter to my goals. If there are greens who would be willing to assist and act as peacekeepers and guards I would be most grateful and would be willing to work out some manner of compensation, though I do not know what your people would desire. I have no had an incident yet, but I am not so naive as to think one will never happen. The assistance of any volunteers from the green would be welcome.

I look forward to your reply,
Archmage Jaina Proudmoore"

Finally Jaina was confronted with the larger, looming unknowns. How would the rest of the Alliance react? How would the Horde react? There would be more people who agreed with Vereesa. Jaina twirled her stylus as she stared into the pale void of the blank page before her. Vol'jin had sent a message to her right before the end of the trial. Jaina had kept the note. She retrieved the parchment from within her desk. The paper had been crumpled in her pocket when the fighting had started. Her blood stained a corner. Jaina smoothed the paper out and re-read it.

"I took me some time for me to learn what happened in Dalaran. You used to be a woman of peace; you be that no more. Garrosh scorches the earth and the dead ain't the only victims. You got no blame or hate from me, no matter what you feel toward Garrosh - or the Horde.
We all got our ghosts
-V"

Jaina had sent a return message, thanking him for his understanding. It had been like a sudden break in the stormclouds. The turmoil of wanting everyone to understand her pain, how it warred with the possessive feeling that her pain was hers; suddenly there had been an equilibrium. The relief of the moment had lived until she'd looked down onto the crowd from her self-isolated perch and had seen Kalec leaving. Jaina recalled the jarring impact of the stone under her feet as she ran headlong after the dragon, afraid she would miss him. How he turned and his smile, bright with relief and welcome. Jaina found herself smiling at the memory.

Each moment had contributed to finally reaching out, to finding help. Jaina's eyes found where Vereesa had sat so recently. She sighed. Vereesa would find her way out or she wouldn't. Jaina would endure and move forward. She read the note again.

Vol'jin had been at the trial and had witnessed Theramore's death with all those present. He'd found out what had happened in Dalaran. Khadgar had indicated that, at least among the trolls, it could have been argued the Council's response hadn't been strong enough. Vol'jin might have agreed for all Jaina knew, but he did not blame her for feeling as she did.

What did she feel?

At the trial she had admitted that the Horde was not Garrosh. It was still hard to remember that in some moments, but it was true. Jaina wondered if the same could be felt for the Kirin Tor; if the Kirin Tor was not her, would they come? Would they come if she still held her office? Jaina re-folded the letter and returned it to her desk. She was procrastinating.

Jaina folded her hands and looked at the blank page. She knew she would have to write to Vol'jin and it should be sooner rather than later. Without knowing more about what his people felt though, anything she might say, would ultimately ring hollow. Even if he had expressed understanding

Sighing, she set aside writing to Vol'jin, again, and instead wrote short missives, nearly identical, to Queen Moira and High Priestess Whisperwind. She would eventually need to speak with Genn Greymane, but by then she hoped Anduin would have been able to lay supporting groundwork.

Greymane would hate the council's decision and argue it was a bad idea. He wouldn't be the only one. Tyrande would not be pleased and among the other leaders of the Alliance, after Genn, Jaina expected she would be least amenable to the change in policy in Dalaran. But it was right.

This is right. This is the right thing to do, she thought to herself, repeating it like a mantra.

She'd been the lone voice before, defiantly screaming, her words seemingly lost on the wind. But she had been heard and she did not stand alone now. Anduin stood with her. The Council stood with her. Varian, Light above, stood with her.

Jaina drew in a breath then let it out. What would be, would be, and there was no more sense worrying. She'd done what she could for now. Jaina set aside concerns about reintegration and turned to her other work.

Hours later she was startled from her state of deep focus when a missive suddenly appeared in her inbox. Jaina rubbed her temples and checked the time. The mail exchange from Draenor would not occur for hours yet. She eyed the letter warily, a sudden fist around her heart. Was it word that news had broken ahead of the Council's plans? Varian reconsidering? She considered leaving it a few moments more but avoiding the letter would do nothing.

The fist around her heart eased as she recognized the seal used by the Shado Pan. Yu-len had replied giving Jaina agreeing to a meeting.

"Lady Jaina,
If the situation has become an emergency you are most welcome to come to our monastery immediately. Otherwise I will be available to speak after the fourth afternoon bell today or tomorrow after the ninth morning bell. It saddens me to hear of your recent conflict with one you consider a friend.
Warm Regard,
Yu-len"

She wrote a note back indicating she would come later in the day and sent that off. Jaina rubbed her arms and considered what to do next. There was a knock at the door. Kalec stood there with a quizzical expression that melted into soft concern.

"You're back," she said, rising to greet him. It was a relief to see him home and seemingly well despite dealing with the dangers of Draenor and a treacherous black dragon whelp.

His expression eased and he enfolded her into a hug, kissing her temple. Jaina sighed and leaned into his ouch, fingers winding into the vest her wore.

"How'd it go?" she asked him as she leaned in. He smelled of high winds, the lingering static-y scent of a powerful portal spell and underneath a spicy scent she liked. His arms were warm.

Kalec's arms tightened around her and he nuzzled the side of her head. "Interesting. Are you free for the day? How was the meeting with Varian."

"Mostly. I have an appointment later. Let's go home and you can tell me all about it?"

Jaina took Kalec's arm on the way back home in thoughtful silence. When they arrived, Jaina led him to the couch in the library and sat with her back against his chest, their legs stretched out on the cushions. She didn't really settle until Kalec's arms went around her again.

"So. How'd it go?" she asked.

"Wrathion was very-" he paused looking for the word, "-Wrathion. No one has been injured and he seems honest about his desire to cause ruin to the Shadow Council. Taylor's people love him."

"Really?"

"Mmhm. Apparently he's been using his abilities to shore up palisade walls and make building easier for their architect. Zaliya's builder is practically salivating for a chance to get him into the Shadowmoon Garrison to do more of the same."

"Huh. Seems... beneath him somehow."

"Mmm. He's well provisioned, too. He brought in substantial resources for them to build an Inn. The foundation was laid and they were half-way done with the basic supports when we returned."

"Why? Why help?"

"Convenience I think. He's planning on conducting a war."

Jaina grunted and rolled her eyes. "He better not get Taylor's people killed. They didn't sign up to be his shield against the reprisals of the Shadow Council."

"Mmmhm. Taylor's wary but he's not going to say no to the resources. He strikes me as a pragmatist."

"That is my understanding," Jaina said, sighing. "What did you need to do?"

Kalec explained the magical component of his trip, weaving diagrams in in the air with silvery light. Jaina watched with rapt attention as he explained how he'd disabled the traps.

"That could have been very serious," she mused.

"Very," Kalec agreed. He hesitated and Jaina twisted to look at him.

"Something wrong?"

"Not wrong," he said, rubbing his hands up and down her arms. "He's... Odd. His intellect is well beyond what a whelp his age should have. His abilities are quite strong as well. Not aspect strong, but significant. And-"

"And?"

"And he's not entirely aware he is using some of them."

"That sounds dangerous." Jaina frowned.

"He affects the emotions of those around him," Kalec said. "I..." he dropped his eyes as he trailed off. "I lost my head for a moment. Nearly attacked him out of anger, because he was angry."

"Nearly attacked-" Jaina cut off in shock, eyes wide. Kalecgos was a very gentle soul and was especially kind with children. "Because he was angry?" she frowned.

"The charge of the Black Flight was earth but also inner strength. Emotions. Many were inspiring generals but they were also encouraging muses," Kalec said, the agony of loss deeply underlying his words. "They were fierce warriors themselves but the most powerful black dragons could inspire even the most timid heart to stand tall and strong, to believe in themselves."

"Or inflame anger and rage," Jaina mused, "Or fear and doubt."

Kalec nodded solemnly. "Yes. The black flight was known to be... down to earth if you will forgive the pun. Empathic and caring like the Tauren, but unyielding stone when it was required. But they encouraged us all. In my father's time he knew the best of them to be charismatic leaders... And councilors."

Jaina's eyes widened. "Like Onyxia."

"She was old, powerful and had millennia to learn how to hone her abilities. It was a minor passive effect for most dragons but deathwing's daughter was adept."

"And she became a charismatic manipulator," Jaina said, her voice hardly more than a whisper. She recalled the smell of brimstone in the dragon's lair, the strange sound of flowing, molten rock, the echoing scrape of claws on stone and the oppressive heat. "And Wrathion has this power?"

Kalec nodded. "He doesn't understand what he's doing so he just... leaks emotion like a novice mage might leak their aura. I spoke with his bodyguard and this was the first time he'd inspired rage."

"Is there a guard against such a thing?" Jaina asked. "He could be manipulating everyone around him! Anduin! Kalec, you just left him there?" Jaina turned in his arms, one hand on his chest.

He made a soothing sound and caressed her shoulders and upper arms. "He is not Onyxia, beloved. And Anduin is ever on guard against him, especially since he knows Wrathion keeps secrets and will do as he thinks is best for Azeroth, even at the expense of others. Knowing it is a possibility lessens the effect somewhat. Once I realized what was going on it was easy to brush aside."

"But what if he's manipulating Taylor and the others?"

"It isn't mind control. They could not create what did not already exist in your heart but they could draw it forth. Even Onyxia and her millennia of practice couldn't entirely control Stormwind. You told me Anduin and Bolvar were suspicious of Lady Prestor and that she had to use much stronger, more conventional magic on Varian. This is not the same thing."

"But what checks a power like that?" Jaina frowned but the tension gradually left her shoulders. If Wrathion had the power to alter someone's mind, he have little use for his bodyguards and Anduin wouldn't still be angry with the dragon.

"Empathy," Kalec said, coaxing her back into his arms. "Caring for others. The Old Gods took that from them. Neltharion was many things including daring and sometimes arrogant, but he was also protective, inspiring and loyal. The Old Gods took that and twisted it." He brushed fingers through her hair. "Wrathion is not maddened. A bit obsessive and lacking in trust, but he's not mad. He was upset Anduin is still angry, though he was trying to hide it. He cares very deeply about his Talons. I take that as a good sign for the future if he can honestly care for others beyond their use as pawns." Kalec sighed, long and sad. "Zaliya and Tare had it right. He's a child with more power than he realizes. He thinks like a child and we're all a bit selfish as whelps. I hope I got him thinking more broadly, but now we know this is a power he possesses. We can watch him carefully."

"He managed to make you angry and you almost hurt someone," Jaina said, unhappy.

Kalec kissed her head. He was frowning, his eyes solemn. "Yes but now I know he can do it and I also know he doesn't know how to control it. That's a good guard against it happening again. And now you know and can tell Anduin and Varian and I can tell Alexstrasza." He eased his hands over her arms, soothing her.

She sighed. "I suppose."

"Trust me?"

"I do," she said, leaning back against him.

His expression lightened a little. "I had an odd sense this is something he needs to discover on his own." He shook his head. "A feeling. Unless he starts hurting people I do not think I should interfere."

Jaina sighed. She would tell Anduin and Varian and they could proceed as they liked but Jaina would be wary of manipulation. And she did trust Kalec. "How are Tarecgosa and Zaliya getting along in Draenor?" she asked, changing the topic.

"Well enough," he said. "I got the expected inappropriate questions. Zaliya was pleased to hear the council was pursuing reintegration. It will make the campaign easier I think. How did your meeting with Varian go?"

"Very well! He understands our position and to the extent he can I think he will support us." Jaina smiled. "It was a huge relief. Anduin volunteered to try to start working on Genn's attitude by trying to recruit his daughter. Hopefully that will bear fruit."

"That's good to hear. If that went well, why did you look upset when I found you?"

Jaina sighed, eyes closed in pain. "It's nothing."

"I doubt that," he said, gently tapping his fingers on her arm. "What?"

"I had a fight with Vereesa," Jaina admitted. She shifted in her seat so she could rest her cheek against Kalec's shoulder. Kalec made a sympathetic sound as he drew his fingers through her hair.

"Bad?"

"Very," Jaina said.

"Do you walk to talk about it with me?" he asked.

"Yes and no," she admitted after a long moment.

"Would you feel better speaking with Healer Yu-len?"

"I'm seeing her later today."

"Good." He kissed the top of her head and continued to groom through her hair.

Jaina let him for a long time, the words Vereesa had said ringing forth with new pain as she remembered. She tucked her head under his chin and tried to will them away but they would not.

"She said I was stupid for allowing Alliance military support so close to Orgrimmar. That my people were stupid for following me." Jaina's fingers wound into Kalec's vest. "She blamed me for Rhonin's death and said I'd wasted his gift,"

"I assure you, you have not," Kalec said. "And it was Rhonin's choice which pushed you from danger. I saw it. Everyone at the trial saw him make that decision for the both of you." He kissed the crown of her head. "Perhaps she is angry with her husband."

That would make sense, and logically she knew it did, but it didn't make her feel any better. She played with the tie of his shirt, twisting the fabric around her finger. Kalec silently continued to hold her and wait for whatever else she wished to share.

"I'm lucky to have you."

"And here I was, feeling lucky," Kalec said quietly.

She smiled a little but was aware it didn't reach her eyes. "She was angry I couldn't convince Varian to dismantle the Horde. She said I should have slept with him rather than you."

Kalec's hands stilled for a brief moment then he pulled her closer, his arms firm and warm around her shoulders. He made a sound that was not at all a human croon, but the sentiment was easy to understand. Jaina found she could no longer hold back her tears. They rushed in suddenly and Jaina bawled into Kalec's fine shirt.

"Is that all I will ever been to anyone?" she wondered aloud, "some pedigree broodmare? An old whore spreading her legs for political gains and influence?"

"That is not who you are," Kalec said, "not to your family or the Council."

Jaina snorted. "What family? My father saw me as exactly that. He's dead, anyway. My mother and brother are dead. My cousin barely acknowledges I exist. My family is dead." The words were bitter on her tongue.

His arms tightened around her. "I do not think of you that way," he said and Jaina's stomach roiled, her chest tight with pain. "Anduin and Varian consider you to be family." The sick feeling grew and she pressed her face against his shoulder and cried more.

Eventually her tears, sadness and also shame, slowed. "I did not- I did not mean it as a slight," she said.

"We are not the same as your brother and parents, but we love you just as much."

"More in some cases," Jaina admitted. She sniffed and wiped at her face with a conjured handkerchief.

"You are loved without reservation, Jaina." He resumed stroking over her hair and back. "The council admires you for your skills and knowledge. Your family loves you for who you are."

"Even when I am a shrewish wretch?" Jaina winced as more bitterness fell into her tone. She whined into Kalec's now damp shoulder.

"Even when you are hurt," he corrected.

She sniffed again and lay her head against his shoulder, exhausted. "I thought Vereesa and I were friends," Jaina said into a silence. "I haven't had many close female friends. It was nice to have another. It was nice to have someone since-" she cut herself off as her throat closed up in pain. "So many of my friends died. So many of my family died that day."

"You may not have lost Vereesa's friendship over this, Jaina."

"I fear I never had it to begin with." Jaina took a deep breath in then sighed it out. "What does that say about my judgement?"

She'd intended it as a rhetorical barb aimed at herself, but Kalec answered anyway. "It says that despite everything, you still tried to have an open heart and an open mind. That you were unwilling to let Garrosh take all of your trust in others. I think that is very brave."

Jaina didn't agree but didn't want to argue. Instead she kissed his cheek. "Varian and Anduin have invited us to spend Winterveil with them," she said, changing the topic. "I do have family, no matter what Vereesa says." If the last came out a bit defiant, well, Jaina had always been a bit of a 'contrary bitch' as Modera phrased it. And she did have more people who cares about her, even if there were moments where she felt alone.

"Do you wish to go?" Kalec asked, going with the change in topic. "I've watched the festivities and have been to the public events before, but I haven't celebrated Winter Veil with close friends or family. If you wish to stay here I would be pleased by that. If you wished for us to stay with Varian I would be pleased by that as well. So long as I am with you, I am quite content."

Jaina smiled. "I think I'd prefer going to Stormwind for a few days."

"Then let us do that." He kissed her hair.

"It's coming soon. I need to get them gifts."

"Should I acquire gifts as well?"

"You could," she said, "or you could combine your talents with mine."

"Oh?"

"I was planning on making Varian a protective warding of some kind. Something that could help keep him safe since he likes to go charging into battle like a one-man Vrykul epic. I had some thoughts. Your help would allow me to make something even stronger."

Kalec chuckled. "I would be quite pleased to assist. And Anduin?"

"Perhaps something warm to wear. Or a book. Or a game." Jaina frowned. "I'm not sure what he might like," she added the last in a soft voice. Two years ago she'd have known. Last year... She couldn't even remember what she'd given to him, if she'd given anything.

Kalec tapped her shoulder, drawing her attention. "Don't dwell on last year. I regret not doing more than I did for you."

"In the end you helped me. That is what matters."

"By that token, if I might make a guess, I think Anduin and Varian will be glad for your company more than any regrets from the previous year."

She dipped her head in acknowledgement. "You are correct. So then what do I get?"

"There is still plenty of time to find or make something."

"There is. I'll send Varian a letter saying we accept. I hope most of this-" she gestured, encompassing the whole of Dalaran and the political situation," -is in a more settled state by then. We might have to accelerate our planned schedule if rumors grow and I don't have all the information I want yet. I know Ansirem and Karlain wanted a full week to plan but they're getting only a few days."

"Have you heard from Khadgar?"

"Not yet. I hope I hear something in the mail today. If I had something I could act on, it might help. I don't like not knowing."

"Perhaps I should have flown to his tower?"

Jaina shook her head. "No, you were doing more important things than playing messenger."

"The offer is there if it would help." His fingers went back into her hair, soothing her. "I am here for you."

"I have no right in asking you to do more when you've already had to put up with so much."

"I am here because I wish to be, beloved."

She squeezed her arms around him. "Thank you."

He smiled and twirled the lock of golden hair around his finger. "Did Modera end up finding you or were you able to avoid her again?" He wagged his eyebrows at her.

He was trying to get her to laugh but she wasn't quite there yet. "She did. Walked in right after I had the argument with Vereesa. She had to put suppressors on me, Kalec."

Kalec's eyes widened, fingers dropping the lock of hair.

"The room was covered in ice. I don't even remember casting."

His brows drew together. "You might not have consciously cast something specific. Some volatile things were said."

"I was leaking energy like a novice. Not entirely unlike that black whelp I suppose. Maybe that is why his ability was... concerning. It was embarrassing."

"I can see that," Kalec allowed. "What happened?"

"Modera had me do her tests anyway. I think I did well enough. She really wants me to take more of her advanced lessons."

"Would that be so bad?"

Jaina shrugged. "I don't like using magic like that much. It's necessary, I will readily agree with that, but-" she trailed off.

"Doesn't mean you have to enjoy it. It isn't my favorite part of magic either."

"I do need to learn what she knows, though," Jaina admitted. "I'm of no use to anyone if I'm bleeding out."

Kalec growled and tightened his grip on her again, drawing a small smile from his mate.

"I did feel a tiny bit better. It was a good workout."

"That is something at least. You're in good hands with her. I admit I have been very resistant to her offers. I hope she's not offended."

"I get the sense that if she was, she'd tell you to your face."

Kalec relaxed a bit under her and she leaned up to kiss his jaw.

"I do not wish to be seen as a weapon." He frowned gently.

"Beloved, Modera thinks everything and everyone can be a weapon." She kissed his cheek again. "I would take it as evidence she sees you the no differently than how she sees other archmages in the city."

"A fair point," Kalec said, laughing softly, his expression easing. "Besides, she has me teaching her students which means following her lesson plans. I'm getting her information anyway."

"She's sneaky like that," Jaina said, kissing the end of his nose.

He lifted his hand to her hair and brushed it back behind her ear again. His fingers trailed down her cheek and under her jaw. Jaina shivered under the warm, gentle touch. After the ups and downs of the day, which wasn't even over yet, the loving touch was most welcome. She closed her eyes and leaned into his fingers. She'd been so alone for so long, holding people distant. It had been more severe in the last year but she hadn't realized how much she'd missed the simple act of being held by someone else. Kalec leaned towards her upturned lips. Jaina smiled then returned the gentle kiss.

The door chime sounded.

They broke apart, both sighing in disappointment.

Kalec's forehead rested against hers. "Do you think it's something important?"

"Given the way my day has gone, it probably is." Jaina groaned and got to her feet.

Kalec rose after her. "Hopefully it's just something minor if it's anything at all." He followed her as far as the parlor, taking a seat and picking up one of the books he'd been reading.

Jaina opened the door and the polite greeting she'd been prepared to give evaporated like morning mist. The woman on the other side of the door was not someone Jaina had expected to see so soon.

"Vereesa?"