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?"

The Ranger-General had changed her attire from her more standard uniform armor to a soft tunic and breeches. Her silver hair was down but looked a little mussed and her eyes were red.

"I'm sorry," Vereesa said before Jaina could say anything else. "Jaina, I am so sorry."

Jaina took a half step back, wary, and Vereesa's expression fell.

"I'm here to apologize," Vereesa said, drawing herself up as if she were under review. "What I said to you was horrible and I intended it to hurt. That was wrong." She took in a shaky breath and let it stutter out. "You did not deserve any of the awful things I said. I was angry. I've been- I don't-" she shook her head, looking lost.

"Come in," Jaina said, stepping to the side. Whatever was going on, Jaina did not want another public display.

Vereesa stepped in side, shoulders dropping once more. She winced when she saw Kalec standing in the doorway to the parlor. Jaina closed the door behind her then stood with Kalec at her back. Vereesa clasped her hands before her.

"I'm sorry, Jaina. I am so sorry. What I said to you was horrible and I only became worse when I went home. I yelled at my boys, Jaina. I've never done that before." She wiped at an eye. "I screamed at my children and I have missed so much of their lives. I've thought... horrible things. I've said insulting unforgivable things to one of my closest friends."

Vereesa looked up at her. "You offered help once. After what I said it might not be possible, but if it is I would like it. Jaina I can't do this anymore."

The tight fist that had grabbed Jaina's heart eased a little. She put a hand on Vereesa's shoulder. "It's still there. Come with me."

"Go? Now?"

"I was advised not to put something like this off," Jaina told her, voice quiet.

Vereesa fidgeted for a moment then nodded. "I would need someone to watch the boys if we're gone more than a half hour. I have someone there but she'll need to leave."

"I can watch the boys if it would help," Kalec offered.

Vereesa studied him for a moment, glancing between Jaina and Kalec then she squared her shoulders and nodded. "It would, Lord Kalecgos. Thank you."

"Let's go," Jaina said, squaring her own shoulders. She took up her staff and pulled on the long blue cloak Kalec had given her that morning. It seemed like days ago. The trio went to Vereesa's home to explain things to the apprentice who'd been watching the boys and leave Kalec in charge.

With Kalec settled in with the twins, Jaina opened a portal and the two women stepped through to the other side of the world. Snow crunched under their feet and swirled around them. Before them was a huge stone temple, its curved eaves holding early snow. Jaina swept her staff up in an arc, creating an arcane shield which deflected the worst of the wind and snow away from the two as they crossed the distance to the Shado Pan Monastery.

The doors opened at their approach and they we escorted inside by two warriors, one of whom dispatched a staff member to fetch Healer Yu-len with a short message from Jaina. Vereesa shifted her weight as she looked around. Jaina put a hand on her shoulder again. The elf stilled.

"I am sorry. What I said... Jaina, I said it to hurt you and that was wrong of me. I-" she shook her head, changing what she'd been about to say. "I've become someone I do not want to be."

Jaina leaned on her staff and regarded the other woman. "Some part of you feels what you said."

Vereesa grimaced. "Perhaps part of me does," she said frowning as she stared at the intricate decorations on the wall. "You're here. Rhonin isn't. It's harder to be furious with him when he's gone and you're standing right there." She turned to face Jaina. "But despite all the sadness of the last year, I am glad we became friends. That was genuine."

Yu-Len arrived. As usual, the Pandaren Healer wore the dark robes of her order and the bold, brilliant, blue streak in her long dark hair. She was accompanied by another Pandaren, this one a tall gentleman with brownish fur, the same approximate age as Jaina. Both Shado Pan healers had kind smiles for their foreign guests.

"Lady Jaina. Lady Windrunner," Yu-len greeted them with hand clasps. "This is my colleague, Healer Tengfei." The other pandaren bowed to both of them. "Lady Jaina indicated you wished to speak with someone as she had, Lady Windrunner."

"It would be my honor to assist you, Lady Windrunner," Tengfei said, his voice deep and resonant even for a Pandaren. "If you would follow me?"

Vereesa nodded, and did so, casting a backwards glance at Jaina.

"Lady Jaina," Yu-len said. "it's a bit early but I am free now if you wished to speak?"

"If it wouldn't be inconvenient," Jaina said, turning from her view of Vereesa's back.

"Please," Yu-Len said, gesturing for Jaina to follow in the opposite direction.

Yu-len led them down a corridor. In alcoves and rooms with open screens of intricate wood Jaina could see a small group seated in plush cushions or small stools as they read from scrolls or wrote their own. They pushed through some doors and went outside where there was a covered path. Jaina could see groups of pandaren training around another building across a small ravine. In the air cloud serpents in war barding flew in formation with Pandaren on their backs. Intermixed with the Shado Pan were a few other outsiders like Jaina; here and there monks, easy to see because of their dissimilar attire, trained or conversed with the monastery members. Staff, Grummles and Pandaren both, hustled around carrying out the business of the day. Jaina watched it all in fascination as she'd only been to the monastery once to assist in teleporting support to Thunder Isle. That had been a very different time, though it wasn't all that long ago.

Yu-len led her inside another building and into a cozy room with plush couches where there was a pot of tea over the fire. It resembled the Yurt in which Jaina had first spoken with the healer at length. Jaina recognized some of the same furniture as she looked around the office.

"You've moved off the Isle finally, then?"

"I have been rotated back here," she said as she began to prepare two cups of tea. "Healer Zaofi is there currently and she is even more senior than I. Should anyone else require assistance, I have full faith and confidence in her abilities."

"That's good to hear. We're working on trying to regain neutrality so we can enact the exchange plans Archmage Modera has been working on with Taran Zhu and the other senior masters."

"That is also good to hear," Yu-len said as she set the two cups of tea on the table between the two broad seats. "But before we get too far into that topic, why don't we discuss what has brought you here?" She set the pot on a crocheted wool mat beside the cups and took her own seat.

Jaina picked up her mug and let it warm her hands. It was far too hot to drink so she couldn't hide behind the tea and had to speak. "Vereesa and I fought. Or perhaps it is more accurate to say she yelled at me while I tried to get her to see reason. She said several very offensive and hurtful things, then left. I didn't react well. But I got myself together and even got some work done. Sending you a note actually helped me be able to set it aside so I could do my job. She came to me just a bit ago asking for forgiveness and if the offer of help was still available to her even after what she'd said."

"How are you feeling about all of that?" Yu-len asked instead of what Jaina had expected her to ask; what Vereesa had said to her.

"Hurt. Conflicted."

"Would you expand on the conflicted part?"

Jaina sat back in her seat. "Varian agrees with me about reintegration. The council agrees. Kalec does. But Vereesa doesn't and I've relied on her as a supporter and coworker. And there is always the worry that something horrible might happen again."

"Do you think that is likely?"

"Part of me knows it's unlikely. Everyone's on guard against it, and yet..." Her smile was a small, rueful twist. "Vereesa brought up my people. They trusted me and they died. I'm still alive and they are not. I know I should be over this by now, but the doubt keeps coming back."

"Healing is a process. You are not going to get over your fears and the pain of the past immediately. You've made very great strides in learning to live with it. Fear and doubt walk together."

"I understand that here," she said tapping her head. "But in here it's harder," she said bringing the same hand to her heart.

"She said things which attacked your heart directly, didn't she?"

"Yes."

"Do you want to discuss those?"

Jaina shifted in her seat. "I don't know," she answered honestly. "I thought you were going to make me."

"I will never make you say or discuss anything, Lady." She frowned slightly. "I perhaps did not make that as clear as I should have, and for that I apologize if you felt pressured to discuss anything."

Jaina accepted that with a nod and felt some of the tension in her shoulders ease away. "It hurts. I know now that I'll probably feel better after, but retelling the story hurts." She pulled her cloak, the one Kalec had conjured, closer around her shoulders. "Kalec and I were able to talk a little about it. About my reaction."

"You mentioned you hadn't reacted well. Would you tell me a bit more about that?"

Jaina sipped her tea. "I was in a state of shock I think. I was unconsciously summoning ice around me. My office was covered in it. I'm not sure how it works for the Shado Pan but that loss of control is something novice mages might do, not fully trained archmages." Jaina sighed. "It's more dangerous when someone like me does it."

"Like you?"

"A fully trained mage with a lot of power at her disposal. Modera had to put suppressor cuffs on me to snap me out of it."

"That sounds as if it was also a traumatic experience."

"Embarrassing is more accurate," Jaina said. "It's a novice mistake." And Modera was someone she respected.

"The suppressor cuffs didn't bother you?"

"No," Jaina said, shaking her head. "I could have probably powered through them if I'd needed to. As it was, it helped snap me out of it." She sipped her tea again. "What she said still hurts. What Vereesa said, I mean."

"Do you wish to talk about the parts that hurt the most?"

Jaina studied the dark tea in the little ceramic cup. "She made some very personal attacks. Not many people would know to make the comments she did." That was part of the hurt, Jaina realized.

Jaina drew in a breath and let it out slowly, counting to ten as she did so. She looked out of the window at the falling snow. "She said I didn't have family. Kalec and I talked a little about that afterwards. She's right and she's wrong. My direct relations are all gone as well as everyone I loved in Theramore, but I still have Anduin and Varian and Kalec." She drew a finger around the rim of her mug. "The Sparkshines, bless them, have even tried to keep in contact. Their daughter is dead and they still try to care for me." She paused then added, "I think Modera might be a friend." She looked up, the rueful smile back. "It's not a very big list."

"Does it need to be a large list? I know you would prefer those who are lost would be present to fill it out, but aside from that is the length causing the pain?"

"It highlights how many people I've lost," Jaina said. "And-" she paused as another thought wormed its way into her mind.

"And?"

Jaina sipped her tea then looked at her. "I told her personal, private things. I know you're my healer and we would never be in the same position Vereesa and I are, but I don't want this thrown at me again. I haven't even told some of this to Kalec."

"Whatever you say here is confidential. What you choose to share or not share is up to you. Do you think telling me would help me to help you?"

Jaina dropped her eyes to her tea again. "She said that I was discarded in Theramore because no other lord would have me and that my life was barren and sad. " She wiped at her eyes. "Her wording was intentional. I wanted a family of my own growing up. I was obligated to but honestly that part I didn't mind all that much. But it wasn't to be. I told Vereesa once in confidence when we were commiserating and sharing our hate." They'd been drinking to their sorrows late at night after the boys had been put to bed and the world was dark and grim. She wiped at her eye again. "I haven't told anyone else that. Not even the people in Theramore. I mourned what would not be then poured my heart into my city." She'd had to put a wall up and be the strong leader.

Jaina smiled a little. "They became my family; Pained and Tervosh and Kinndy and the rest. I have some still. The Wrynns consider me to be family now and I feel the same way about them. I have Kalec and he has me, too. He doesn't have much family left either; a sister-in-law and some assorted nieces and nephews I know of but they're not very close right now. I haven't met anyone aside from Tarecgosa though...sort of."

"That was a very personal thing for her to attack. I am very proud you were willing to speak with your mate and that you were able to remember you have family still. That is excellent."

"It still hurts."

"Tell me more about that. You said you mourned, why then do you think it might still hurt you so terribly now?"

"I don't know. I don't think about it much."

"Because it hurts?"

"I-" Jaina paused. "Maybe in the beginning when I realized that would be how my life was going to go. But I had so many people to care for and so much work to do and it-" She sighed. "I knew I could make some choices with my life and I could pick what I wanted to commit to doing. I chose to build my city." She smirked to herself. "I liked being independant and I wanted so badly to get the fighting to stop. I wanted that more than anything else, so I threw myself into the work." And why not commit to that? Anything else seemed unlikely. Anything else couldn't be.

Jaina gave the healer a sardonic look. "Fat lot of good that did. Look at me. Where we are now?"

"You are the well respected leader of the Kirin Tor, a survivor of an unimaginably traumatic event, and yet you have bravely chosen to once again embrace a neutral position for your city. You are a woman of experience and talent who was invited to not only rejoin the mages in Dalaran but lead them, who saw that the situation had changed and who was brave enough to suggest that your policies adapt. You have a mate who loves you and those who love you as family even though you are not bound by blood."

Jaina had intended it as another self-directed barb, but like Kalecgos had done, Yu-len pointed out the positive instead. Jaina fell silent for a bit and the healer let her have the time.

"It hurts. All of it. Everything and everyone I have lost. When it's brought up it still hurts." Jaina brushed her hair behind her ear. "It isn't as crippling as it was, but it still hurts."

" will ease with time."

"I know!" Jaina growled, then winced. "I'm sorry for snapping."

"Apology accepted. I was stating that not to inform you but to reinforce what you know."

Jaina nodded, head bowed.

"Why do you think Vereesa chose this as her vector of attack?"

"I don't know," Jaina said, glaring at her tea. She'd not really considered it before. "Family is kind of a touchy subject for her," Jaina mused aloud. "Her family was torn apart," Jaina explained. "First by the Lich King. Her sister is the undead queen of the Forsaken because of him. Her other sister Alleria is Light knows where doing Void knows what. If she's even still alive. Vereesa rebuilt her family with Rhonin and now he's dead..." Jaina sighed, closing her eyes. "...because of me, and I'm still here."

Jaina rubbed her eyes as what Vereesa said replayed in her mind. Much of her anger and concern had revolved around the life she'd built with Rhonin and the potential for threats against her sons. "Maybe it's a bit more about her and her lost family than it was about me?"

"It could very well be. It doesn't excuse her attacking you, but you might have been the unfortunate and convenient target for all of her anger."

Jaina frowned. She'd done the same thing to Kalec, Varian, Anduin and others. She could understand it even if the words still hurt.

"Honestly," Jaina said, deciding she did want to talk about this subject, "the thing that shocked me the most was what she said right before she left. Vereesa said I should've whored myself to Varian to get him to dismantle the Horde rather than to Kalec."

"That is very offensive," Yu-len agreed, her eyebrows lifted high. "And I can see how that would feel like an especially well sunk dagger given what you have shared with me of your feelings regarding Prince Arthas and the expectations your family had for you."

Jaina wiped at her eyes, surprised to find they were burning wet with emotion. "Kalec said I wasn't seen as a pedigree broodmare or political whore no matter what Vereesa implied. But sometimes I wonder if people actually do think either of those things."

"Does it matter what they think?"

"Makes it harder for me to get things done politically. If they think my allegiance is cheaply bought and sold or if they think less of me because they believe that's how I act, they tend not to be cooperative. It's not very respectful. It's not accurate."Jaina's lip curled into a small sneer. "I've never slept around for influence." In fact the number of people she'd actually bedded was very small, though to hear the tavern gossip she'd seduced half the leaders of the world. "It's an easy way for them to chip away at the influence and respect I've tried very hard to earn. If I protest I'm seen as guilty. If I don't protest I'm seen as guilty. It's less of an issue in some places, but within many human populations it's a weapon against me.

"There isn't much I can do," Jaina said, looking off into the snow again. "As annoying as it is, it's something I can endure. I just didn't expect it from Vereesa."

"She came to you for help and you gave it to her despite your argument," Yu-len said after Jaina had been silent for a long while. "Would you speak about how you felt about that?"

"I was shocked she'd shown up at my door." Jaina pulled the cloak closer. The cloak was a bit warm for the room, but it smelled like Kalec and felt like this magic. "I really didn't want to have to continue to debate with her."

"Any particular reason? You've brought up the debate you had instead of the very hurtful things she said."

Jaina considered that for a long moment "I worry Vereesa could wear me down. I didn't want to hear what she had to say, because I don't want to agree with her. I do not wish to undo all the good things I have going for me," Jaina admitted. "I don't want to lose myself again and I'm afraid I might. I have to hold this position and I don't want to fail again."

"I see." Yu-len smiled and refilled both of their cups. "Then I think it would be most beneficial if we worked out some plans and tactics you would be able to draw on when you're confronted with these feelings the next time."

When Jaina was finished speaking with Yu-len, she was surprised to find Vereesa wasn't ready to return to Dalaran. "I thought you said taking a long time at this sort of thing wasn't healthy?"

"The first time we spoke was a bit longer," Yu-len said as they walked towards the entrance to the monastery. "We have mages among us who can return her home if you'd prefer to go on your own. You are welcome to wait for her if you wish."

"I think maybe I should go and make sure Kalec and the boys are getting on," Jaina said. She bowed to the healer. "Thank you."

"As always, you are quite welcome, Lady."

Jaina left the warm building and stepped into the swirling snow once more. She gathered her magic and teleported back to Dalaran.

She let herself into Vereesa's home wondering what she'd find when she returned. Kalec had plenty of experience with young dragons, but young humanoids would be something else. At least the boys were well beyond the diapers and hourly feeding stage. When she opened the door she was greeted with the sound of Vereesa's sons laughing and chatting a mile a minute. They were very happy sounds. Jaina paused by the door, taking in the scene.

Kalec sat on one side of the Hearthstone board, the twins having teamed up to defeat the dragon. They weren't doing too badly either, but Jaina wasn't sure if it was because Kalec wasn't familiar with the game or because he was letting them win. He smiled at her and made space on the couch for her to sit with him.

"Auntie Jaina!" Giramar shouted running over. He hugged Jaina's legs. "Is mommy coming home?"

"She'll be home in a little bit. Have you been having fun?"

"Yeah!" Giramar said returning to sit with his twin.

Jaina sat beside Kalec and leaned into his side. "Everything okay here?" she asked quietly.

"Had to distract them a little," Kalec said. "We've been playing this game." He played a few cards onto the board. Jaina wasn't an expert but it was a fairly weak play.

Galadin looked up at Kalec with solemn eyes. "You're not very good at this game."

Jaina stifled a laugh and curled up beside him on the couch. She watched them play until Vereesa returned. The boys exploded off the couch, running for their mother and chatting excitedly. Jaina and Kalec quietly packed up the game.

Vereesa looked tired and ragged, her eyes red with dark circles under them. She thanked them both, a bit stilted in her words. Jaina went through the rest of the expected pleasantries as quickly as she could and then escaped into the early night.

Jaina took Kalec's arm, tucking in close to him. They walked in silenced until they were almost home. "It was nice of you to let them win."

"Well for the first few rounds it wasn't intentional," he admitted with a smile. "I've seen people play before but I hadn't tried myself."

"Anduin's quite good," Jaina said. "You know, I've heard about people enhancing their boards with small effects and illusions." She looked up at him, smiling. "Think Anduin might like something like that?"

Kalec shrugged, but smiled. "I think he'd love anything you gave him, but that sounds like a fine idea."

"He's too serious sometimes," Jaina mused, smiling to herself. "Giving him something fun would be good for him. He and Varian both need to take breaks and spend time together." Her smile had become a grin by the time they'd come to their door. "I think that will work," she decided aloud.

"So a ward for Varian and a game for Anduin," Kalec said, as he opened their door. "It occurs to me I should get you something. What would you like?"

Jaina waved a hand as she led the way inside. "You don't need to get me anything."

"Not only do common courtesy and culture dictate otherwise, I would like to get you something," Kalec said, closing the door behind them and gesturing their lights on.

"I don't know," Jaina said. She poked him in the chest. "And what about you? Same cultural conventions and courtesy apply to you as well. What do you want for Winter Veil."

He smiled and pulled her close so he could nuzzle the side of her head. "It isn't something I'd considered before." He nibbled on her ear.

Jaina grinned. "You already have me so think of something else," she said, tilting her head to make his nips and kisses easier.

Kalec chuckled. "I like baked goods?"

Jaina laughed.

Her dragon growled playfully and nuzzled the side of her head again. "How about time."

"Time? You might not have noticed but my name isn't Jainadormi."

Kalec snorted a laugh. "Sometime in the future when things are a bit more settled here in Dalaran, I would very much like to take you away for a little while. No politics. No worldwide crises. Just the two of us sharing time and perhaps some places we find special. I'd like to take you when I go visit the remaining blue communities and perhaps a few other places I like." He kissed the side of her head again.

Jaina sighed and relaxed into his chest. "That would be wonderful." He began to rub her back and she relaxed further as tension she hadn't noticed before began to unwind. "I love that idea. Let's do that." Perhaps they could spend some time together in Theramore. Maybe Jaina would even take him to Kul Tiras. Away from the politics and the hate and the pain. Just for a little while because she still had responsibilities.

"And since I selfishly want you all to myself, time in Stormwind with Varian and Anduin doesn't count."

"Oh, definitely not," Jaina agreed.

"Dinner and planning that ward enchantment by the fire? Maybe some wine?" Kalec suggested.

Jaina moaned into his chest. "That sounds wonderful." She stepped away and tugged on his hand, smiling. "Come on. I have some ideas."

Khadgar grinned as he munched on the last of the pastries he'd brought from Dalaran. Most he'd left with Zaliya and her people at Lunarfall in Shadowmoon, but some he'd brought to the small volunteer staff where he'd set up his tower. He'd had pastries for every meal so far. They'd go bad quickly and it was saving valuable resources! He gestured and spoke a word of power, illuminating the everburning candles in their niches around the room. A second gesture and effort of will sent them aloft to better light his corner of the tower where he was going over detailed data regarded Draenor. In this deep canyon the light was only bright at midday and disappeared quickly. He brushed his hands off on one another then conjured a glass of sparkling wine to wash it down. This was actually going to be far easier than he'd expected! Which meant he'd have ample time to attend to other duties.

"You look happy, Archmage. Why is that so concerning somehow?"

Khadgar looked up from the map suspended in the air and grinned at the Night Elf. "Cordana! Did you miss me?"

"Like a boot to the head, Archmage," the Warden replied.

Khadgar couldn't see her face within the severe visage of her helm, but there was dry amusement in her voice. She was lightening up. A little. Maybe. Probably. Most days, certainly.

"I am merely planning a bit of a trip," Khadgar said as he waved a hand over the map. Glowing lines pulsed and flowed like rivers. "Ley, lines, you see?" he said, gesturing to one of the largest; one which was very close to their location, and the reason he'd built his tower here. "The work is incomplete but young Yrel graciously spoke on our behalf so I could see one of their maps. The local Dranei were a bit wary of sharing the information."

"Why do you want that information, Archmage?" The warden asked, helmeted head tilted suspiciously.

"Mail!"

Cordana regarded him silently for a moment. "Aren't leyline workings dangerous? Can't the worgen do whatever it is you're about to do?" she asked.

"Archmage Zaliya will be here and I will be elsewhere." Places where he was marginally more welcome than she was. "I assure you this is all rather routine," Khadgar said, rolling up the map and placing it back into the tube it had arrived in. He slipped that into a dimensional fold then summoned Atiesh from its own pocket. The staff's weight and power were comfortably familiar in his hand. He began drawing upon the leyline as he stepped down to the center of the room where he'd constructed a power circle.

"And what are you doing and when do we leave?" Cordana asked.

"I will be making this trip alone. There were some rather nasty looking bog creatures out and about this morning. You could scare them off if you get bored. Or I have a number of interesting books," Khadgar said.

He set Atiesh to the side, balanced on it's end, cracked his knuckles then picked the staff up before it fell. He swept the staff into a circle then began to form a weaving. The energy of Draenor was strange and interesting. It felt like an odd echo but he was uncertain if it was due to the still missing Bronze dragon's magic or because he had spent so much time in Outland.

"Alas, Modera's rather strange tastes seem to have infected some of my own library though," Khadgar said with a distracted smile as he reached further into Draenor's arcane rivers and streams. It wasn't as... lively as Azeroth. But then this was a different world in a different era. It was all rather strange. And fascinating! Once Garrosh was captured and the Iron Horde contained, he rather imagined it would be a pleasant research project to compare here with Outland. He could send word to A'dal! The Naaru would likely find this just as fascinating as he did.

"Khagdar!"

"Yes? No need to shout!" Khadgar frowned briefly as he sought the magical threads he'd been looking for with ephemeral questing fingers.

"I've been trying to get your attention," Cordana said, the words coming out in a sigh. "What is it you are doing?"

"Mail."

"So you mentioned. I thought we had mail? You, Archmage Zaliya and the others conjured for nearly three hours."

"We have an exchange coming and going from Shadowmoon and Taylor's garrison. While that is all well and good, Archmage Zaliya and her compatriots have better things to do than open a portal so her workers can toss mail through as fast as they can, twice a day."

"You're opening a permanent portal to Azeroth?" the warden asked, drifting further into her charge's tower.

"No. Not yet at least. That will come in time. For right now I'm moving our mail network's nexus here."

"Why?"

"The leylines are better and this is a more central location. Opening a portal back from here will be easier." And it would shortly become a neutral base, Khadgar thought with a grin. His tower could be a template for future neutral locations elsewhere on the campaign.

"Stand back, please. I haven't ever moved an entire mailing network at once before." He smiled at her and waggled his eyebrows. "I don't think I'll explode but if something should happen, I have a spare set of jumper cables in the top left drawer over there." Kadgar closed his eyes, aligned his magical sight with the Leylines and centered himself

"Khadgar!"

Cordana's startled scolding faded away, drowned out by the roar of the leyline under his tower. Magic flowed like a rushing river. Khadgar only had to, metaphorically, dip his hand into the current. Easier said than done. Like a river, this much magic could wash a mage away, but it was not too difficult a feat for him. Mostly. His bones creaked with their artificial age as he pulled on the leyline. Draenor was wild and untamed and seemed to fight back! A delightful discovery! He wondered if the magic was thus naturally or if Azeroth's immense power was more civil due to the blue dragon flight? He'd have to ask Kalecgos.

Fingers moving he murmured an incantation of stability as he drew up the magic. It felt like drawing up taffy made of electric eels. The leyline firmly in one hand, he reached for the more familiar feel of the mailing network he and Zaliya had constructed. He grabbed the nexus from its residence in Shadowmoon where Zaliya had already released it from its anchoring. The nexus felt like he held a dozen living balloons by the string; a far more pleasant sensation than the living eel of energy in his other hand.

He began the proper incantation to move the nexus and began to tug on that ball of balloon strings, careful not to release any. It was slow work, but not as much as it would have been had he not had the Leyline at hand. Hah! Literally! He'd have to tell Cordana that one. No, she wouldn't get it. Perhaps Modera- no he didn't wish to be tossed off the side of Dalaran again. Ansirem! He'd think it was funny. Perhaps Jaina was once again in a mindset to enjoy humor. The thought lifted his spirits as he drew the nexus to the leyline in his mind's eye.

Khadgar fused the nexus into the new location, melding the powers so that the leyline fed the mailing network. Rolling his shoulders, Khadgar willed the spell to manifest. It hovered in the air before his hands like an intricate cube within a cube within a sphere. He watched as the complex spell construct operated under the new powersource for a moment or two then let it fade back out of visible sight. That was good work if he did say so himself. It'd hold solid and would be easily able to support new extensions.

"Well, that's one chore done. And I think I should expect-" He held up a single finger in the air and winked at Cordana who'd returned to the door. She stared back flatly. Or at least Khadgar imagined that was her expression. The moment lingered and the night elf sighed and resumed her vigil, watching out the doorway.

"That would have been far more impressive if Zaliya had arrived just then," Khadgar said. Which is of course right when the Worgen appeared in a flash of arcane energy and light. His guardian tensed then relaxed on seeing the other mage.

"Delay?" Khadgar asked.

The worgen rolled her eyes. "Minor. Thorne needed me to finish signing some requisition papers. Ready?"

"I am indeed."

"Good because you have three hours before someone comes looking for me to sign more papers," Archmage Zaliya said. "Then I have some important business to attend to further in the valley tomorrow, so I have a planning session for that foray." The worgen went to his desk and made herself at home, pulling out a long scroll from a dimensional fold and kicking up her feet. "Call when you're ready for the new connection," she said, summoning a book.

"Have fun, ladies!" Khadgar said, grinning at his guardian. He waved at her and was gone in a flash before Cordana could get really angry.

Khadgar appeared in the cold and snow of Frostfire then transformed into a raven. It wasn't that he disliked Cordana. He rather enjoyed her company, actually! A bit terse and serious but she was lightening up. Cordana was just doing the job she'd been assigned to do, but he didn't need a babysitter. He'd not needed one in Outland or when he'd fought beside Anduin Lothar. He only looked old; he wasn't into his dotage yet! And with A'dal's assistance he'd even managed to reverse some of the more deleterious effects of Medivh' curse.

The winds here were crisp but carried the faintest hint of sulfur when the wind blew in from the more volcanically active areas. Keeping an eye out for predators of both the natural and unnatural sort, Khadgar flew towards the burgeoning Frostfire garrison. He hoped they wouldn't shoot at him. So far they hadn't, but hatred could run as deeply in the Horde as it could in the Alliance.

But maybe they could stop the flow.

He spiraled down, letting the sentries get a good look at him, then transformed just outside of the range of a spear but within range of a bow. Respectful. Not pushy. He could absolutely be the diplomat Jaina and the rest of the council needed him to be.

The gates opened and the orc guard jerked her chin at him, indicating he should come in side. Grinning, Khadgar did so.

"She's in the main building, Mage," the orc guard said after eyeing Khadgar up and down.

"Thank you!"

Packed snow and gravel crunched under his boots as he trotted towards the largest tent in the Horde Garrison. Those who'd come through the portal with him looked up and tracked his progress. He nodded in greeting when he met their eyes. Some returned to their work, others continued to watch him suspiciously.

Val'ket, a troll mage he was acquainted with fell into step with him part of the way. "Khadgar."

"Good afternoon, Val'ket."

"Temptin' fate again, mon?" the other mage asked, grinning. Snow had collected in his bright green braids and both of their breaths were visible in the cold.

"No more than usual," Khadgar chuckled back. "And if your commander doesn't mind, I'll be connecting this outpost to the mailing network my tower is connected to."

The troll arched and eyebrow. "Oh, really?"

"Well if your commander wants to continue having you use the current system, that is up to her."

"You helped Gerti an' me set it up over here, but we know your boss don' really like de Horde no more. She might take it out of your pale hide."

"I am touched by your concern!" Khadgar said, a dramatic hand over his heart.

"Ha! You ain't good to me if ye be dead, mon. I'm looking out for me."

Khadgar slowed to a halt and the other mage stopped as well, looking at him curiously. This could be an opportunity. Even if Commander Teraka didn't want to further enmesh their network with the Alliance's, he could do something positive here.

"Val'ket the fine line I have been walking with the rest of the council is growing wider, shall we say."

The troll eyed him askance. "Yeah?"

Khadgar nodded. "I spoke with Archmage Proudmoore recently, in fact. We discussed how it might be possible that Frostfire Garrison might see some benefit from us moving the nexus of our network from Shadowmoon to my tower. She commented that leylines flow as they will and the council wouldn't be looking to censure any dashing mages who might be looking to take advantages of the natural arcane topography."

Val'ket eyed him up and now. "Huh," he finally grunted.

"Indeed! She's been most understanding."

"Now you foolin' me."

"No," Khadgar said, shaking his head."What do you think of that?" he asked as the troll joined him.

Val'ket scratched at his beard thoughtfully. "I think dat's interestin' but I'm no fool. I'll be waiting to see which way de wind blows." He waved a hand and walked off.

Khadgar resumed his walk towards the Commander's building. Perhaps this would be harder than he'd anticipated. He was shown into the building and found himself standing across from a pair of living legends.

Durotan was massive even by orcish standards. The chief of the Frostwolves looked up as the mage entered, inclined his head in greeting then returned to the map on the table before him. "Mage," he greeted with a grunt.

"Chief," Khadgar returned the greeting.

His mate, Draka, bared her teeth at him in a greeting challenge from her mate's side. She watched him for a moment longer then began to place markers on the map. They appeared to denote the locations of ogre forces and small scouting bands of Iron Horde. Khadgar had seen the other senior members of Teraka's staff but couldn't find the commander which meant-

"You're back soon," a voice by his shoulder said.

Even expecting it Khadgar jumped a little. Damn she was good. It was fortunate that Teraka hadn't been alive yet when Gul'dan had taken and enslaved Garona or he'd have held control over two living daggers. Then again Gul'dan was alive in this time and place. That was a frightening thought.

"Commander Teraka," Khadgar said, sweeping into a bow.

The orc woman snorted and strode over to join the others around the map. She was utterly average at first glance; average height, average build, nothing remarkable about her. Teraka's skin had a greenish cast, marking her as an orc descended from those who'd first crossed through the dark Portal into Azeroth and not one of the local orcs. Her long, dark hair was plaited into many braids and bound in in a tail. She wore well made dark leathers which made no sound as she moved. The daggers on her belt, even sheathed, emanated a deadly aura. Her daggers were rumored to have been crafted by Wrathion, the self proclaimed prince of the black dragonflight and possible author of the current conflict in this alternate reality.

"What do you want now?" Teraka asked.

"I'm here offer the use of a better mailing network. One that will allow you to better coordinate with your outposts here and with your allies abroad."

She regarded him for a few seconds, her face unreadable. "We have mail."

"You do," Khadgar allowed. "But your system, as ours was, is limited. The Shadowmoon Commander and I recently moved our nexus to make use of the ley line running under the tower I have just finished constructing. I wished to offer you the same mailing protocols used at home."

Teraka's eyes narrowed slightly but nothing else moved. "The price?"

"No price."

Teraka regarded him for a long moment before she crossed her arms. "There's always a price for Alliance help."

Khadgar smiled. This couldn't have been a better opening! "Well, strictly speaking, I'm not exactly offering on behalf of the Alliance."

The Horde commander's eyes narrowed again. "Then who are you offering on behalf of?"

Khadgar opened his mouth to speak then caught himself. He'd promised discretion, after all. He glanced meaningfully at the frostwolf chieftan and his mate and the other staff in the room.

Teraka snorted and waved a hand beckoning Khadgar closer. "Do your privacy spell thing, then," she said. "They can stay."

Nodding Khadgar crafted a privacy veil around the immediate area. "I appreciate that. I am here on behalf of the interests of Azeroth."

"Meaning what?" the rogue demanded.

"My colleagues and I are pursuing changes in policy. Changes which mean we are all less restricted in the sorts of activities we might do."

"Policy changes," Teraka said, looking him up and down. She quirked an eyebrow. "You didn't have problems doing whatever you wanted before."

Which was technically true. "Now it means I have additional support I couldn't count on before."

"What support?"

"That of my peers."

"The Council."

"Among others," Khadgar allowed.

"Why don't I have anything official?"

"Because this decision happened yesterday. Unanimously, I am pleased to add."

The orc's other eyebrow lifted. "Proudmoore's allowing the city to go neutral again since Garrosh is out. Huh."

Well there was certainly nothing wrong between her ears. "I have been asked to be discreet about that information until we've had a chance to make our new policy public."

"What changed?"

"As you have already concluded, the council's problem was with Garrosh Hellscream and his ilk. Given the change in Horde leadership, recent cooperation and the current expeditions here as well as some other factors, we decided it was best for our people to resume our previous stance."

"Unanimously."

"Indeed."

"You didn't answer the question. What changed?"

"This policy is one which was proposed a few weeks ago. Only yesterday were we able to discuss the implications and vote." It really wasn't his place to discuss the full internal details of Dalaran's economy. She would probably figure it was the Trial which wasn't entirely incorrect.

"Telling me isn't discreet."

"Actions speak louder than words and I want you to know the reasons behind my offer. More official communications will come as soon as we settle our own affairs."

She mulled that over for a long moment then nodded. "If this is an Alliance trap I will kill you." She made a shooing motion. "Find Gerti and Val'ket and do what you need to do."

Khadgar blinked, gulped then nodded. "As you say, Commander." He took down the privacy screen and went to go find the other mages.

Khadgar's shiver as he left the warm confines of the commander's hut had nothing to do with the chill wind. Teraka would kill him if it was a trap. Fortunately for him it wasn't a trap, but it didn't make her words any less chilling. Shaking himself he looked around. Frostfire's garrison was growing with the aid of the frostwolves, but Khadgar knew that a conflict with the local Ogres was all but assured. Access to a better network of contact would help but perhaps there could be more done here. But first, he had to make good on his current promise.