Jaina stepped out of the portal near a small pool of water in a secluded area of Ironforge. The city was just on the edge of being uncomfortably warm. She called on her frost magics to chill the air around her as it wouldn't do for her to arrive a sweaty mess. Ironforge was busy. Members of all races of the Alliance did brisk business at the auction house and at the shops in the outer ring. In the heart of the city was the great forge where the artisans of the Dwarves crafted new weapons, armor and devices. She also saw crafting of less martial use; plows, wrenches, hammers, and saws.
As she was expected, the dwarves showed her to Queen Moira directly. After passing through the Great Forge, she was taken to hall off the formal area where the Council of Hammers met. This area was less ostentatiously lavish but it was no less well made. Here was where business of running the dwarven kingdoms was actually done. The stonework here was a bit more worn where generations of hands had rubbed over sharp angles. A small fire and rich tapestries embroidered with the crests of the dwarven clans added cheerful warmth to the rooms. The scale was less grand than the halls and caverns outside, but still large enough even a Draenei would not have had to duck. The furniture too was built to accommodate many races with chairs built to scale for Gnomes, Dwarves and Humans.
Queen Moira had a suite of offices to one side, her area draped with the Dark Iron crests and heraldry. Though she'd been born a Bronzebeard, it was clear where her heart lay. Most of her staff were Dark Iron dwarves but many went about their days with less dour expressions than Jaina had beheld in the past. The Bronzebeards and Wildhammers present worked with them and at least outwardly they were doing so well.
"If you'll just wait a moment," Queen Moira's assistant said. "Can I get ye anythin'? Ale? Water?"
"I am just fine, thank you," Jaina said to the woman.
"Holler if ye need something, Archmage," the Dark Iron said before departing.
Jaina looked around. She'd not been in this office before and the parallels between Moira's and Varian's were both comforting and amusing. It was obviously a working office given the items on the desk and the wear. From her seat, Jaina could just see a small portrait of Moira's son in traditional paints and a newer photograph of the two graced the queen's desk.
There were also pictures hung on the wall done in crayon, no doubt by the queen's young son. Jaina wasn't certain what all was depicted but there were bright and happy drawings with smiling people and smiling suns and smiling forges? One picture seemed to show someone playing with a very cheerful flame elemental. Jaina wasn't certain if it was the young prince playing with Ragnaros or if it depicted something mental image of Ragnaros smiling was amusing, but given the Dark Iron's history of slavery under the Firelord, Jaina soon sobered into mild confusion over the drawing.
"Lady Jaina," Moira said as she entered the room from a side door. "Sorry fer th' wait," she said.
"I was hardly waiting. I thank you for taking the time, your Highness," Jaina said as she rose to her feet and greeted the queen.
Moira took the seat across from Jaina. "I was glad when you contacted me after we spoke in Stormwind just before the Draenor garrison reinforcements were sent over, but this is official business and not a social call I gather."
"I'm afraid it is business," Jaina said, a bit surprised that the queen seemed disappointed it wasn't a social call. "I'm coming on behalf of Dalaran to inform you of a change in our policy."
"Oh?" Moira asked, arching an eyebrow.
"The Council has decided we will readmit the Horde."
Moira froze entirely for a moment, suddenly as still as the stone constructs the Dwarves were supposedly evolved from. Jaina felt certain she'd shocked the queen.
"Dalaran is readmitting the Horde."
Jaina nodded. "Yes. I am informing our allies as a courtesy and through you I am speaking to your own Council. Word has not yet broken in Dalaran but it will soon."
Moira got up and went to a cupboard on the side, pulling out a small bottle of golden liquid Jaina was certain was mead. "May I ask what the vote was in the end?" Moira asked casually. She offered Jaina a glass.
Jaina was about to pass but then decided that it would be rude. "The vote was unanimous," she said, accepting the glass.
Moira blinked at her. "Unanimous."
Jaina nodded. "It is what is best for the city." And for Azeroth, she mentally added the last.
The queen knocked back her drink in one gulp then poured herself another. "Of all th' things you could have brought today, this didn't even cross my mind, Archmage," Moira said as she retook her seat.
Jaina sipped the drink. It was sweet, almost too sweet, and it had a kick. It settled in her stomach, golden and warm like a drop of pure summer. She stared at the glass in mild surprise.
"Well, Varian's going to have opinions."
"I spoke with him already, actually. He was quite calm. He had concerns, many of which are shared by the Council, but he understood the Council acts in the best interest of Dalaran."
Moira grunted. "Huh. Genn's gonna have puppies."
Jaina suppressed a smile. The Queen's assessment wasn't inaccurate. "I imagine he will have the most to say about this change."
"Y'speak with Tyrande yet?"
"She's next."
"That'll be interestin'." Moira nodded and sipped her drink. "Well, Dalaran is a sovereign state and you will do what you must for th' good of your own people. We'll be posting more guards on our end o' the portals, and I think we'll formally ask for Dwarvish mages to stand on your end too, because we have to do what we must. Bit blunt but there ye are. Security aside, I'll tell ye' what, it will be nice to have that avenue o' trade again."
The comment about stationing dwarf mages on both sides stung her pride a bit, but it wasn't an entirely unfounded concern. She could appreciate both the concern and the warning how the dwarves wanted to handle things. Varian hadn't stated such concerns but she would not be surprised in the least if he insisted on similar measures. And it might not be that bad an idea, either. "That is a sentiment I hope will be shared by many when this becomes public knowledge," Jaina said instead of the other thoughts she had.
Moira nodded. "Aye. Y'heard more from the Draenor front?"
Surprised, Jaina arched an eyebrow as she answered. "There was an attack on the Horde garrison by the Iron Horde and their ogre allies. The Lunarfall garrison is on guard for a similar attack on their location."
"Casualties?"
"Minimal injures on the side of our Horde. The attackers were routed, their commander slain by the Horde Garrison commander as I understand it."
"And how did you come by this knowledge?" Moira asked. "We've hardly heard a word from the other side from our own people let alone Vol'jin's lot."
Jaina considered for a moment then decided that it would not benefit her to obfuscate matters. "Archmage Khadgar was attending to items of logistical importance in the area of Frostfire. In the interest of not dying he helped to repel the attack."
"An forced your hand on this, I wager?"
"Just the timeline," Jaina admitted.
Moira's eyebrows shot towards her hairline. "Aye?"
Jaina nodded. "We were moving forward but this has accelerated things."
Moira sipped her drink then studied her over the rim of her glass. "Setting all official titles aside and speaking personally and off th' record, how are you feelin' about this?"
Jaina huffed out a short laugh. "I was the one who brought the matter up to the council for a vote."
"Aye?"
Jaina nodded again. "It is what is best of Dalaran."
"An' I bet being able to support everyone hunting Garrosh doesn't hurt."
Jaina found her smile becoming sharper and she let it, uncaring in the moment if her diplomatic mask slipped. "That is certainly a benefit."
"So we'll be gettin' support like at Icecrown an' when we fought Deathwing."
"That is one of our goals," Jaina said. She sipped her drink.
"Good." Moira nodded. "And may we all see Garrosh Hellscream's end." She lifted her drink to Jaina.
Jaina lifted hers, returning the salute. The two reached across and clinked glasses then drank to the death of Garrosh Hellscream.
"This is remarkable," Jaina said, lifting the drink to indicate it was the topic of her comment.
"It is! Let me send you home with a bottle. Tis fine stuff. Bit on the strong side."
"Thank you. It's strong but I imagine I can stand a bit here and there." She smiled. "Kalec is fond of sweet things and I've yet to see him actually become inebriated. I think he'll probably enjoy it too."
"He treatin' you well? Your dragon?"
Jaina smiled. "Quite well. He's very kind."
"Good." Moira said firmly. "How's he gettin' on with the mages?"
"It's been harder for others in Dalaran to accept a blue dragon after all the violence and loss. I think Kalec is winning them over bit by bit. He assists Archmage Modera with some of her classes and has joined the other Archmages in the civic duty rotations." Jaina sighed. "I have considered what might happen if more blue dragons were to show up. I would not mind, but I fear others would continue to be intolerant. Given we're already going to be looking at bringing in the Horde again I'd rather not push things in too many directions."
"If you don't mind me speaking on the topic. I've had occasion to learn a thing or two here in Ironforge."
"I would welcome any advice from what you've learned."
"The Dark Irons didn't trust me in the beginning. Said all sorts of uncomplimentary things about my husband taking a 'foreign bride' as if I wasn't a dwarf." Moira snorted and rolled her eyes. "But my husband was a Dark Iron and my child would be a Dark Iron and I was their Queen. So I embraced them wholeheartedly." She shrugged. "Hasn't been easy but it has become easier."
Jaina smiled. "Kalec's trying to do the same in embracing how we live in Dalaran. He wishes to fit in. I think it helps he was somewhat familiar with the other races already."
"And you with the dragons? Have you been able to fit in?" Moira asked. "He is a leader among them isn't he?"
Jaina looked up from her drink in surprise. "I like to think I'm somewhat more familiar with them now than I was." She considered. "But it wouldn't hurt for me to make sure I'm doing all I should be. The blues are... somewhat dispersed at the moment, but even so."
Moira nodded approvingly. "As for the rest, the way you might bring ''em over t'your way 'o thinkin' is to make it a familiar situation to see them around, to create opportunities to build trust. Hasn't been easy bringing the Dark Irons here. Lots of bad blood on all sides. But Dark Irons deserve to be here just as much as anyone else. We're kin. But all sides needed to feel it. Oh, we knew it intellectually but to feel it is somethin' else."
Jaina nodded, thinking. They were all mages after a fashion. Seeing Kalec acting as another archmage would be good, but Moira was correct; she needed to embrace his ways as well.
The Queen walked with Jaina back to where she might create a portal without disturbing anyone or be disturbed. It was close to where her son attended school with other sons and daughters of Ironforge. Prince though he might be, Moira had placed her child among the rest of his age-mates. Jaina felt glad for the boy as it sounded like he enjoyed the experience and was quite popular among his friends - of all the clans. Jaina rather suspected that was a strategic choice as the schools in Ironforge were newly integrated between the clans.
The mead had worked its way into her system and Jaina felt pleasantly warm with just the edge of floaty. It was far stronger than she'd expected and she probably shouldn't have had that second glass, but it had been... cathartic to drink to the death of Hellscream and also to turn the more formal meeting into a less formal one.
"Winter break is coming for th' boy's schooling," Moira said.
"He's excited for Winterveil I imagine?"
"Oh, aye. Keeps looking for his gifts, the scamp. Nearly found some too. Donna have clue how he managed it but I caught him right as he got to the trunk they'd been locked in." Moira shook her head fondly. "Had 'em moved to a vault in th' bank to keep him out!"
Jaina laughed. "Oh my. I suppose if he managed to find his way into the bank there would be larger concerns than him ruining the surprise."
"My thoughts exactly, Archmage," Moira said with a grin.
What she was about to say was cut off by a ruckus ahead. Alarmed shouting collected a crowd on the far side of the open plaza. Jaina and Moira hurried forward as a gout of flame erupted over the heads of the gathered people. Moira's attendant pushed aside the crowd which parted once they realized who had arrived.
Prince Dagran was in front of the school with some of his classmates. They were all cheering on what at first looked like a small dog. It took Jaina a moment to realize that what she was seeing was some sort of fire elemental which had taken on the appearance of a dog. It looked like a corgi. It certainly played like a dog... mostly. Currently it was dancing on it's hind legs for the prince who held out a bit of wood like a treat. He tossed the stick and the dog jumped for it. The wood burst into flames as the elemental crunched it down.
"Mum!" The prince raced across to his mother skidding to a stop when he caught sight of Jaina. He bowed. "Lady Proudmoore."
"Prince Dagran," Jaina said, returning the bow with a nod.
"Mum!"
"What is this?"
"He followed me home! Can I keep him? Please?"
Moria looked at her son for a long moment, blinking.
"I think, if you would not mind, I'll take my leave, Queen Moira," Jaina said, doing her utmost best to keep the smile off her face. The little fire corgi sat on its rear, it's tongue lolling from one side in a good approximation of a panting dog.
Moira waved her off distractedly and Jaina made good her escape.
Darnassus was in many ways a direct contrast to Ironforge. It was a contrast of architecture and environment to begin with; where Ironforge was stone and earth, Darnassus was wood and nature. Where Ironforge was warmth, bustle and noise, Darnassus was cool, calm and quiet. Even though it was one of the great capitals of the Alliance and there was a bustling economy, the pace was not as frantic as in Ironforge. Perhaps it was because the Night Elves had spent so many millennia as immortal creatures - why hurry when you have all the time in the world?
It was also, she thought with some amusement, well before evening. While many night elves had turned to a more diurnal schedule, especially in Darnassus, the majority of the population still preferred to be awake at night under Elune's light. Fortunately for Jaina, Tyrande graciously accommodated her daywalking allies.
The Temple of Elune was quiet during the day with only a few people up and about tending to the gardens or supplicants who might be awake. The acolyte who led Jaina to Tyrande was unusual because she appeared to be quite young, perhaps Anduin's age. The Night Elves had few children and the presence of someone clearly not an adult was notable. The young woman was apparently unused to being up at this hour and stifled a yawn as she led Jaina through the gardens. Jaina thanked her and tried to hide the amused smile when she left in a sleepy trudge.
High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind was perched on a bench with a simple cushion. A set of scrolls in a basket on one side. On the other side was General Shandris Feathermoon, her helm held under one arm as she stood by, waiting. Tyrande finished reading then handed the scroll to her adoptive daughter.
"See to it, please."
Shandria inclined her head then left, bobbing a respectful not to Jaina as she passed.
Tyrande greeted her and the two sat on the benches in the sitting area. Tyrande frowned a little as she pulled out an opened scroll from the basket. "I believe I may have some idea as to why you are here," she said. "This has come to me from the Draenor expedition and one of our Wardens. Cordana had some... interesting things to say."
Jaina nodded. "That is part of it, but not all." Jaina paused to choose her words. "While the incident at the Frostfire Garrison accelerated our timetable, the Council has unanimously agreed to to readmit the Horde into the city. It is our intent to reinforce neutrality in the face of the Iron Horde, to support the expeditions there and for whatever else might happen in the future. Our issue lay ultimately with Garrosh Hellscream who is no longer Warchief."
An expression of thunderous anger crossed Tyrande's features so briefly Jaina wasn't entirely certain she'd seen it. Tyrande let the letter fall back into the basket. Her frown deepened.
"Are you so certain this is wise?"
"It is necessary for Dalaran and I believe it will be good for Azeroth."
"Nothing the Horde does is good for Azeroth," Tyrande retorted. "How can you trust them? After everything they did to us? To you?"
Jaina's heart began to pound in her chest as the ever present doubt in the back of her mind tried to claw its way to the forefront again. She took a deep breath and let it out slowly, attempting to calm herself before she answering. "Garrosh killed my people. He ordered the attack on yours. He also committed atrocities against Vol'jin's people and Vol'jin is now the Warchief."
"And you think their good behavior and tenuous peace with us will hold? It has never held! Not since the Orcs invaded our world," Tyrande countered.
"They have behaved themselves on Theramore since I opened it," Jaina said, lifting her chin. Granted, there was very little on the island aside from Falahdrassil.
Tyrande's lips thinned. "They are an ecological nightmare, Jaina, consuming everything in sight. It is only a matter of time before they attempt to turn Ysera's gift into firewood."
"Should they attempt that I believe they will face not only angry druids, some of them from the horde races, but a few angry Shamen and a flight of angry green dragons to start," Jaina retorted. She bit her own lip and tried to calm herself. Getting angry would not help... even if part of her feared that.
"We have a common enemy in the Iron Horde," Jaina said. "There is an opportunity here."
Tyrande lifted one long, elegant eyebrow.
"We can work with them in Draenor. The Kirin Tor can be the vector just as we were in Icecrown and during the Cataclysm."
"To what end?" Tyrande asked, her voice crisp.
"We kill their desire for the expansion and conquest on Azeroth," Jaina told her.
Tyrande's remote expression turned into a frown. "Explain."
"Garrosh wanted a war machine so he pushed for expansion into Azshara and Ashenvale-"
"Gallywix is invested in the logging and mining because it funds his enterprises," Tyrande interrupted. "Garrosh may be gone but the Goblins are still as greedy as ever."
"Gallywix is one voice in the Horde leadership and he is not the Warchief. Gallywix wants to expand trade opportunities. His empire is one of finances. He wants the mines and logging because it serves those goals. If there is better profit elsewhere he'll direct his focus accordingly."
"Are you suggesting we tell him to stripmine Draenor?" Tyrande asked, frown deepening.
"Not at all," Jaina said, her own voice becoming more strained. "I don't know what would work, but I believe more opportunities will open because of joint efforts in Draenor and in re-establishing Dalaran's neutrality."
"Nothing like this worked before-"
"No one but me has ever tried before!" Jaina said, her voice raising as this time she interrupted Tyrande. "Now it isn't just me. Khadgar is already there supporting these goals and the rest of the Council is in accordance. Varian is aware of our policy change and I firmly believe that he is now of a mindset that if there are opportunities to build he will take them. Baine's people aren't fond of the logging and strip mining anymore than your people are, but their hands were tied because of Garrosh."
"That is hardly-"
"If Varian hadn't changed his vote about Gilneas, your hands would have been tied as well. You could have continued to help them but they'd have been excluded. Eventually they'd have had to leave," Jaina pointed out. "Tervosh-" she paused as her heart clenched in pain over her missing friend and councillor. "Tervosh gave me a full accounting of that meeting."
Tyrande subsided but Jaina could tell she was not pleased.
"I don't know what Vol'jin will do, but there are political statements to be made in tearing down Garrosh's institutions, especially when they supported goals that hurt non-orcs. We have a window of opportunity now," Jaina said, leaning forward. She'd had to make these arguments before and as always a part of her disagreed, but in the end logic ruled. Dalaran would survive, the people she'd been tasked with leading would thrive. Her friends might even stop dying.
"Their focus is not on us or on the wars fought with us. Perhaps more importantly, our focus isn't on the wars we have fought with them. All eyes are focused on the Iron Horde and on rebuilding in the wake of Hellscream's destruction. The Alliance is stable but the Horde is not - we can effect what direction they rebuild in."
She'd told Anduin once that Dalaran could be an shining example for cooperation. She wasn't certain about shining, not anymore, but she did believe a neutral Dalaran could help stop the cycles of violence. She had finally convinced one leader. If she kept following this line of thought, she might just convince the other.
She might convince herself.
"I have faith in my Goddess, Lady Proudmoore, but I do not have faith in the Horde. Trolls are conquers and their lust for such is only matched by the Orcs. I would have more respect for the Tauren, but Baine is young and untested and the Tauren have been less than impressive as potential allies. Cairne was killed by treachery within his own race! If they could not foresee and stop Cairne's death how could they stop another assassination? They hardly lifted a finger to stop Garrosh! What if Vol'jin decided to build another Zandalar? Would they stop him?History says it would be unlikely. And Sylvanas?" Tyrande shook her head. "She and her people exist in defiance of nature. The Undead are a perversion of life itself. I do not see the opportunities you speak of."
"I have to believe they are there," Jaina said. She had to believe that she was making the right choice. The alternative was unthinkable.
Tyrande watched her for a long moment before she finally spoke. "Dalaran is a sovereign nation," Tyrande said, shoulders slumping. There was a note of sorrow in her voice. "And as such you are free to do what you must." She squared her shoulders and met Jaina's eyes. "However Darnassus must do as it must."
"Meaning?" Jaina eyed her askance, blood rushing in her ears. She'd expected stiff resistance from Genn and perhaps reluctance on the part of everyone else. She'd misjudged Tyrande's feelings severely.
"Should the Kirin Tor readmit the Horde we will ask that the permanent portals here be closed. Kirin Tor mages will be allowed to construct individual portals, but only to Darkshore. Travel to our city will be by hippogriff or boat alone." She folded her hands and lifted her chin.
Jaina squeezed her eyes closed and she breathed out. She had hoped the High Priestess would be more understanding but it seemed that Tyrande's anger had not yet subsided to that point... Which made her wonder what was wrong with her that she wasn't still resistant.
No.
There were very good logical reasons for her to proceed with reintegration and the Horde was not Garrosh. The Horde was not Garrosh. The nations of Azeroth were aware of the possibility of another incident, indeed the whole of the Kirin Tor was, and they would not allow it to happen again.
But she could appreciate Tyrande's position, which is what made this so difficult.
At length, Jaina nodded. "I understand." She rose. She needed to leave.
"Jaina-"
"If you will excuse me," Jaina said, cutting her off, "I have much to do. We are not yet ready to make a formal announcement. I would appreciate your discretion." She didn't know if Tyrande wanted to convince her or if she wished to speak of something else, but Jaina needed to leave. Her heartbeat was pounding in her ears again.
Tyrande rose as well. Was it sympathy in her expression? Regret? Whatever it was she was also unwavering on her position. "If word gets out it will not have come from me. I will ensure Shandris is aware of this fact, but Jaina, word is going to get out."
"I know. Which is why I must depart. There is much to be done." Jaina bobbed a small curtsey. "Thank you for your time."
Jaina returned to Dalaran and stalked to her office. No one bothered her on the way there which was just as well. After a productive meeting with Moira, Tyrande's resistance, as reasonable as it had been, was a blow. She'd thought she might be able to convince her! Which cast some doubt as to her ability to eventually convince Genn Greymane and anyone else who would no doubt object. It cast doubt on her ability to convince Vol'jin.
It made Jaina doubt her own feelings.
Jaina shoved her door closed, went to her desk and snatched up the mail. Nothing from Vol'jin. Some reports from other departments in the city but they were routine information. Nothing from Ysera, though she wondered if the system would even be able to find the green's leader. She tossed them all onto her desk and leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples.
Someone knocked. Jaina looked up, glaring at the door and whoever was on the other side. Jaina didn't wish to see anyone. Well, she wouldn't mind seeing Kalec. He gave her a welcome sense of perspective and speaking with him would be calming.
"Come in," she called back, hoping it was Kalec. She wasn't so lucky.
Modera strolled into the room. "Afternoon, Jaina."
"Modera." Jaina tried to keep the flat disappointment out of her tone but didn't think she was all that successful by the way Modera paused half a step.
"Did you pick something interesting to study?" The elder mage asked.
"I think I have more important things to do than play, Modera," Jaina said, and this time made no pretense of hiding her feelings. She had a mess on her hands and as remarkably nice as having her own study project would be, Dalaran needed her to be doing her job, not playing in the library. Her wondrous, new library with the new, cozy chairs.
Modera arched a silver-grey eyebrow, her pleasant smile falling into a frown. She shut the door behind her, cast a privacy spell and dropped into the chair across from Jaina. "What happened?"
Jaina watched her sit and bit her lip against an angry retort. She drew in a deep breath. Snapping at Modera wouldn't help and Jaina needed her as an ally. And as another member of the council, she had every right to know what was going on. And, as a member of the Council, she would recognize that Jaina had important things to do rather than study. She might even help.
Jaina let her breath out slowly and forced her fists to unclench. She rubbed her palms over her legs. "First, we're losing Vereesa for awhile."
Modera tilted her head but remained silent, waiting for Jaina to explain.
"She has decided to take a short leave of absence on the advice of her healer. She will be informing her second and third in command of our plans and tomorrow she will pass command to them. Vereesa is going to be in Pandara at the Shado Pan monastery."
"Ah," Modera said, relaxing a fraction. "Well it leaves things here a bit awkward for us in the short term, but in the long term this should be good I think," Modera said. "That doesn't seem so bad. Drop the other shoe."
"I met with Queen Moira and High Priestess Whisperwind. Moira was about as understanding as Varian was. Tyrande less so," Jaina admitted.
"How bad?"
"She's closing direct routes to Darnassus. All mage travel will route through Darkshore by boat or hippogriff."
Modera grimaced. "Well I can't say I am entirely surprised. Varian agreeing not to make a fuss was a minor miracle. I'm happy Moira's willing to play ball. Given the reports of Tyrande as Accuser at the Trial, well-" She broke off with a shrug.
Jaina found her hands clenching into fists again. "If it is so obvious then maybe you should be the diplomat and I'll go blow up an enemy army."
Modera blinked in surprise, then half smiled for a moment before it fell. "That was not a slight on your diplomatic skills, Jaina. In that I think we can both agree you are far more accomplished than I. I think perhaps it's because I'm a paranoid and untrusting woman. I expect the worst and given how we've been able to move forward so quickly, someone of status was, statistically, likely to throw a wrench into our plans. That is all I meant by not being surprised. I've been expecting the worst. If it wasn't Varian, it'd be her. Genn is a foregone conclusion. We know he'll be upset. How loudly he'll howl is the unknown."
Jaina felt the fight leave her and she slumped back into her chair. She resumed rubbing her temples. "Honestly, I had hoped with some time and perspective Tyrande might have been more like Varian. The land on and around Theramore is healing. Vol'jin isn't as bad as Gallywix or Sylvanas would have been as warchief." She sighed. "I'd hoped she might at least be more understanding. She accepted that I was declaring Theramore a neutral space." Jaina tilted her head back and closed her eyes. "Her opinion is respected. Tyrande's response might make Varian or Moira reconsider their positions."
"It might. You're respected too though and you have the support of the rest of us. Traditionally, Dalaran has close ties to Stormwind and I know the Dark Irons have their fair share of mages. Darnassus has little love for the arcane. Their so-called Highborne are not well regarded," Modera reasoned.
That all made sense. It was logical. Why chase after the support of someone who represented a society that didn't especially like magic?
And yet Tyrande's reaction squeezed her heart in a vice. She and Tyrande had been allies at the trial, at least to start. They'd both felt the horror of his actions and of all the Alliance leaders, Jaina had felt Tyrande understood her position best. Tyrande's questions to her as Accuser had hurt but they'd been necessary for the others to see the depths of Garrosh's crimes. And yet when Tyrande had asked Jaina if the Horde was to blame for Garrosh's crimes, she couldn't agree.
"The Horde is not Garrosh," Jaina repeated the words she'd spoken at the trial. Tyrande had almost certainly been angling for a "gotcha" moment, but Jaina had felt the truth of her statement. It had been something of a surprise to her after the fact.
"No, they're not." Modera agreed solemnly, unaware of Jaina's inner thoughts.
"I said that at the trial," Jaina told her. "I surprised myself in saying it. It was the truth." She reached up, touching her chest where the bullet's scar remained, forever marking her. "I- No. She's not the sort to take a petty revenge for me not agreeing with her."
"No, she doesn't seem the sort of person who'd have wanted you to perjure yourself."
"I told her there were opportunities in cooperation. The Horde isn't stable. Garrosh nearly broke them. We're in a position to provide influence while they try to fix themselves. We can encourage Baine to lean on Vol'jin in regards to the Kalimdor forests and mining. Give Gallywix alternative markets."
Modera nodded thoughtfully. "Lean on the Cenarion Circle and the Earthen Ring as neutral organizations to push their influence," she added, following along with Jaina's train of thought.
Jaina nodded. "We can build trade. Varian was willing to talk about that years ago with Thrall," Jaina said, her choice of name intentional and petty with bitterness but she found she didn't particularly care. She'd been abandoned. "I wonder if the Earthen Ring will even do anything."
Modera shrugged out of the corner of her eye. "Don't know until we try. Do you think Thrall won't want to act?"
Jaina snorted a derisive laugh. "I don't have any idea. I'm not going to hold my breath. He's off in the alternate Draenor anyway," she said, waving a vague hand. "Maybe he's trying to make up for the lives lost when he appointed Garrosh Hellscream Warchief."
Modera grunted agreement. "Do you think it's worth the time to even bother with the Earthen Ring then?"
"Yes," Jaina said after a moment of consideration. "He'll have left people in charge while he's off on his personal crusade of absolution. That's an opportunity to open dialogs with more than just Thrall. I have leverage with the druids because of Theramore's Tree. The Cenarion Circle hasn't ever been political but I know they opposed Garrosh's clear cutting and then weren't powerful enough within the Horde to stop him. The Shamen are a bit more of a nebulous factor but I think anything that would settle the Spirits would be welcome."
"Wars are certainly unsettling. We're already in talks with the Pandaren. I actually have the latest update from them," she said, patting her pocket. "I was bringing them to you, actually. They're ready and willing to start formal trade of services as soon as we're officially neutral again."
Jaina's smile was distracted but genuine. That was good. The Pandaren had proven to be powerful allies in general but their moderating influence had been sorely needed. Another ally in her endeavor.
"We'll have the Pandaren as allies, then. We have Garrosh and the Iron Horde as a common enemy. We can give aid to the Druids and the Shamen as well as both expeditions," Jaina summarized, eyes tracking across a mental webwork of relations, people and places on Azeroth and now beyond.
Modera snorted a laugh. "Planning a campaign?"
Jaina's smile grew as she considered what role she might get the dragons to play as additional forces for moderation and communication.
"I've wanted peace. War took my brother and father and far too many friends from me even before... Even before Garrosh. War was a storm to be weathered. I thought I could make a safe haven, I thought I could create an example, Modera."
"Well you did. Your accomplishments in Theramore were both noble and successful."
Jaina opened her mouth to deny but stopped. To deny it would be to cheapen the accomplishments of those now gone. She'd merely been the one who could provide political clout and support. Important, certainly, but it had been a group effort.
"I thought I was alone," Jaina mused. "And in some ways I was. Politically I tried to live as best I could and to be an example. I led my people and let others see how right I was by observation. They would be convinced. That was..." Naive. Silly, a small voice said, insidious and evil and dark.
"It was incorrect for this world. Had Thrall kept his position, things would have been different. I came very close so many times. So many times. I got Thrall and Varian to sit down at a table and talk, Modera. But it was fragile and ripped down. And every time I retreated to my nice, neat little corner of the world and tried to influence it by example."
"Dare I ask where you're going with this? As I mentioned, I have been accused of being a somewhat paranoid woman, Jaina."
Jaina smiled. "Because I thought I was alone, I was. But to reach my goal I need more people. Key leaders, yes, but others. The attack must come from all sides and be overwhelming. Divide and conquer plays a part." She tapped her fingers on her chair as she went through permutations of what could happen and what might be.
"Jaina-" Modera leaned forward, the chair creaking as she did so, a note of warning in her voice.
"All Garrosh wanted was conquest and war and glory for his select chosen orcs and damn anyone else who go in their way. He wanted a world consumed in flames. He wanted a legacy of glorious battlefields and corpses under his feet. He used fear and threats and blind devotion and loyalty and he almost won."
She looked over at Modera and she knew her smile was not nice. "That was his dream. I'm going to kill it." She turned her chair and began to sketch out some of her thoughts before they evaporated.
"When we're done, history will remember him only as the Warchief who failed so spectacularly that after three decades of war there was a thousand years of peace and cooperation."
"I'm listening," Modera said, relaxing.
"We've come so close before. It can't just be me or just Varian or just Thrall or anyone. An army has many parts moving in unison."
"We're building an army now?"
"Politically," Jaina said, eyes flicking up to her then back to her notes. "Instead of waiting for others to act, we'll recruit them. The Cenarion Circle, the Earthen Ring, The Knights of the Ebon Blade, the Shado Pan, Light I'll even work with the damn Darkmoon Faire if it works in my favor."
Modera snorted.
"I've got Anduin on my side. Together we finally reached Varian. The Council is with me on Dalaran's neutrality and so are the Pandaren. We use that to actively recruit more people."
"Into what? Cooperation? Neutrality?"
"Yes," Jaina said, meeting her eyes. "We actively look to create opportunities where we're working together."
"The Kirin Tor has had a messy history with politics, to play the devil's advocate. It was one of the primary complaints that Aegwynn had with them for centuries."
"A valid point," Jaina said, pausing. Was it hubris to assume she could do something? Anything? That she had the right?
But she'd tried to lead by example and she'd tried war. Time to try something else.
"I think we don't interfere in internal politics. That was the Magna's primary complaint and I agreed with her, too. But we've been aloof. The Kirin Tor has operated on a policy of peace by example hoping someone else will see and do the same. That's what I have done. It only goes so far. We need to be encouraging to the other organizations. Get them involved actively. They've all been aloof too, concerned with their own areas of direct influence."
Modera reflected on that for a long moment. "Armies and wars come and go but the bad feelings persist. What we haven't had was a pressure in the opposite direction. The Cenarion Circle and the Kirin Tor aren't going anywhere but what happens when Garrosh is dead? We'd want a network of allies and support that can live beyond the current conflict."
"Exactly. We build it now, on every level we can, hoping that some of it will survive once the unifying pressure of Garrosh and the Iron Horde is gone; economic ties, legal ties, treaties, personal ties, anything. We mix up our own people and reward cooperation - it shows an example and actively benefits others. We spread that around until the other organizations wonder why they aren't doing the same. We let individuals in organizations other than our own see they have a friend in the Kirin Tor if they're of the same mindset."
"A Jaina in every organization?" Modera asked, arching a wry eyebrow.
Jaina scowled at her. "I was going to say a champion or a few in as many places as we can encourage. Normalize working together until it's eventually unthinkable we'd actually start flinging spells and cannon fire at one another."
"Aggressively wage peace."
"Yes."
"My thoughts of caution sound like the voice of Magna Aegwynn muttering about interfering in internal politics," Modera said. She pursed her lips. "The Alliance may be more stable but that might prove to be inertia we have to overcome. There's an entire generation that's grown up knowing nothing but war on and off again. You and Varian are the premier scions of it."
Jaina gritted her teeth but couldn't refute Modera's claim.
"That said," Modera allowed, "The people are tired. They've children now, some of whom are old enough to take up arms. Varian's views have changed because of Anduin." She idly scratched her chin as she thought aloud. "We'll need to extend the campaign to the Alliance as well. Show the benefits of cooperation."
"Like we'll do in Dalaran," Jaina said. "At the Council I was told that when Rhonin originally allowed the Horde in, people settled once they realized they could continue to make a living - some of them even made a better living off a larger population."
"Aye. Gold and a sense of security went a long way to helping things here. The security has been shaken even if the gold returns."
Jaina frowned. "We'll have to make sure that's handled somehow. We'll have the silver covenant to assist our defenders. I know they went a long way to making people feel more secure before."
"Hopefully they'll be willing to stick around in that capacity. I understand why Vereesa is going to the healers in Pandaria, but she won't be around to ride herd on her people in the short term, Jaina."
"I know. But I have to hope that what she experiences in Pandaria will enable her to actually support our position and mean it."
"Fair," Modera allowed. "And her agreement would be a strong statement in addition to the ones you've made."
"I think the healers will help," Jaina said. "Not just our people but their presence and the condition of their cooperation. Even if we don't like one another, having a third political body with resources and attractive benefits will help push things in the direction we want." She felt a small smile tick up. "I didn't have that before, either."
"What? A lost continent?"
Jaina smirked. "More or less. We had a common enemy before but we didn't have an entire nation as common allies. I love Kalec and I appreciate and respect all the Aspects and their flights have done, but the dragons weren't ever in a position to disrupt the status quo on the same scale Pandaria could. The Dragons, I hope, will continue to be martial allies we might call on, but the Pandaren can be economic allies."
"The dragons did rather keep to themselves," Modera agreed. "And they barely made it out of the Cataclysm. Kalec told me about what's gone on with them," she said, her blue eyes solemn and sad. "They're not in a good place. Despite the destruction of the Vale, the Pandaren are. And the rest of the world's gone a bit mad for all things Pandaren," she concluded, her tone lightening a bit.
"And not only do the Pandaren want us to stop fighting," Jaina said, "core to their beliefs are balance and cooperation. If everyone's gone a bit mad for exotic Pandaren goods and philosophies, that will hopefully catch on, too."
"This doesn't get you out of your magical homework, you know." Modera said dryly with one arched eyebrow.
Jaina barked a laugh and gestured to the neat set of notes she'd taken. "Don't you think this is a rather large project?"
"Oh it is. Probably a project for more than one lifetime but you said it yourself, you're going to need many agents of change on this one. Burning yourself out trying to be the shining beacon of peace won't do you or anyone else any favors. You need something for you. If we're going to start actively spreading a movement like this? You'll need a refuge even more."
Jaina tried to protest but even as motivated and excited as she was to work on this movement as Modera called it, her heart was tugged in the direction of her library. It was terribly selfish of her to spend time on something just for her since she was Dalaran's leader. Except Rhonin had his own projects. Modera had said she had her own and so did everyone else. Everyone but her.
Jaina looked down at her notes and saw beyond the words to the length and depth of something like this. She'd been so close to victory before and had fallen short or been thwarted.
"I only have a small window, Modera," she said, looking up at the other mage.
"Then maybe we focus on the things with the biggest impact and pull in the rest after that has helped break down some walls. This is going to be an ongoing project, or so you said."
"Yes," she admitted and suddenly it seemed a far more daunting task than it had been a moment ago.
"Jaina," Modera called. Jaina looked up. "You need to care for yourself," Modera told her. "Your entire life cannot revolve around other people." She tapped her finger on the page. "Biggest impact. A strategic strike. And then another. And if we're successful then there will be more helping hands."
Jaina's shoulders sagged. Help would be so nice. And she had come to the realization this wasn't something she could do alone. Modera's smile grew.
"You can't do it all in the next hour, Jaina, or the next day. Something tells me this is going to be a long process. We'll try to engineer the big victories, but this isn't a war that is going to be won in a single battle."
Jaina looked down at the page and nodded. She set her pen down. "It seems indulgent."
"I'm working on some enhancements to help communication over long distances," Modera said. "I'm also terrorizing younger magi in class. Indulgent? Maybe. Is it keeping me sane? Absolutely. Karlain will deny this but he's working on better and more efficient dying processes. Ansirem makes small animated golems for his children."
Jaina blinked. "He does?"
"He does! They're darling. Been doing it for years. He made the first for his eldest daughter. When he and Lilly married he made more for their kids too. Some are a bit too intricate for children to play with but they're lovely."
"He makes toys?"
"I think he prefers the term 'action golems' but there you are." She shrugged. "Find something for yourself so all of this," she gestured around to encompass Dalaran as a whole, "doesn't consume you. Trust me, Jaina. I speak from experience on this."
Jaina nodded. She put the notes into her desk drawer. "What do I do?" she asked.
Modera rose and took out the message from the Shado Pan from her pocket. "That is entirely up to you. I'm giving you an extension on this assignment. I will not do so again. Understood?"
Jaina chuckled. "Yes, Ma'am."
"Good." She held out the folded paper. "Here's the letter from Pandaria. Read it then go home to your mate." She nodded out the window.
"Yes, Ma'am."
"So biddable!" Modera snorted a laugh. "Also you are now signed up for some of the personal terrorizing I'm doing. The combat class is for Magi and some of the Archmages who are either new or taking a refresher so you won't stand out. Class starts tomorrow at five. If you aren't there I will come for you." She smiled pleasantly but Jaina found herself gulping.
"I'll be there barring unforeseen circumstances."
"Eh. Close enough. Goodnight." Modera said then departed.
Jaina read the correspondence quickly after Modera left then set that letter aside. She went to her balcony and looked out over the ice and snow of Northrend. A blue flash caught her attention and as she watched, it resolved into Kalecgos, returning from the direction of the coast. He might look like a half-elf but he was still a dragon and occasionally needed to eat like one. Likely he was coming back from catching fish in the arctic waters. He'd smell like the sea and high winds when he came home to her.
Kalec stretched his wings and took some time returning home. She didn't read reluctance in his actions but a simple joy in flight. He liked taking her with him but there was only so much he could do with her perched on his back.
Perhaps that was something - a way for them to fly together. An enchantment to help her stay on his back or some sort of device- no. No, she was not going stick a saddle on him to ride him around. Maybe something to allow her to hang on better. Something to handle the high winds for sure - though that might be as simple as obtaining flight goggles from an engineer. And Modera wished for this to be a magical project.
Perhaps it wasn't the right sort of topic anyway, Jaina mused to herself. Kalec twisted in the air, a lazy show of power and strength. She knew what his muscles felt like under her hands as he flew and it was fascinating how much delicate control he had over his wings. He was a powerhouse but so gentle, she thought with a smile. Her smile fell.
And he was always a little sad when he set off to stretch his wings alone. Which was most often because she was busy. And now she would be even more busy because she had a goal beyond Dalaran's neutrality, one which would facilitate the goal she and Anduin shared of armistice talks. And then Modera wanted her to train and take on a personal project, too.
Jaina sighed as she watched Kalec sweep around the city in a lazy circle, a look of peace on his features. He wanted her time for Winterveil. She crossed her arms, one hand going back to the scar tissue on her chest. She was being pulled in so many directions all of a sudden.
Moira had reminded her she needed to embrace Kalec and his ways. She'd been lacking in that area. Surely there would be a way for her to attend to Kalec as well. She needed to make him a priority and more she wanted to do so. Modera and her assignments could hang if it meant she got to spend more time with Kalec. But perhaps she could combine two of her tasks. Magic and diplomacy? Magic and Kalec was a more likely combination.
Something which would allow them to spend more time together and which would involve magic and research. Jaina's mind went back to her original supposition; was there a magical way she could fly with Kalec. Mages could slow fall but they didn't fly very well. Unless they were blue dragons. Or had blue dragons living in their head and empowering their staff. Or unless they had a spell in their staff which turned them into a raven at the cost of apparently developing an odd affinity for all things corvid.
Jaina tapped her fingers against the scar and looked down as she chewed her lip in thought. A bird could fly with a dragon but probably not very far. Few things could keep up with a dragon. Dragons could-
Jaina looked back up and found Kalec. He was angling in to land, adjusting his size slightly on the wing so he wouldn't crush anyone on the landing, then disappeared entirely behind the buildings as he resumed his half-elf form.
She'd never done a shapeshifting spell before. Jaina locked her office and went to intercept Kalec. It was a crazy idea but if it worked it would solve a few of her problems at once.