Early snow had begun to fall when she'd left that morning. It was cold enough to stick and a thin layer now covered much Dalaran's rooftops. Foot traffic and golems helped to keep the streets cleared. Jaina only saw one construct quietly whirring its way down the street. Later in the season more would be employed to continuously clear snow and ice but for now only a few were needed. Fat snowflakes hit her nose and stuck to the hood of Kalec's cloak as she made her way across the city. True winter wasn't for a few weeks yet but apparently no one had told the snow.
Jaina caught sight of Kalec before he saw her. He'd stopped to speak with Ansirem Runeweaver and his wife, Lily. Jaina slowed her steps, taking the moment of distraction to observe her beloved's shapeshift.
Kalec in his half-elf form was quite tall, perhaps as a reflection of his natural body. She was given to understand that Kalecgos in his actual form and size was on the higher end for a dragon. He'd admitted to changing his size even in his natural form to better fit his surroundings and had mentioned that Alexstrasza, now the largest dragon alive, was almost always adjusted down to actually fit anywhere. Part of his great size was due to having carried the Mantle of Blue Aspect even for the short time he had. However, if Tarecgosa was to be believed, and Jaina did, Kalec had always been on the larger end of things for adult dragons.
He didn't wear his horns openly, but he could easily enough if he so chose. Given how hard he tried to blend in when he wore a non-dragon form, it wasn't surprising he didn't walk around with dragon horns. That and he'd admitted they only added to his height and he could hit doorways with them. Jaina smirked to herself at the mental image.
His hair was dark blue and had an iridescent quality to it, subtly shifting in shade as the light hit it from different angles. Jaina loved the feel of it, soft and thick under the fingers and such a pretty color. Finding his shed strands of blue in among her white and occasional gold was oddly intimate she'd discovered. She enjoyed he'd made a home with her and the occasional shed hair or strand from a borrowed brush was visible evidence. Jaina noticed he'd made it a bit longer this time as he'd promised her only a little while ago. She looked forward to running her fingers through it.
This form was that of a half-elf. She was fairly certain it had been deliberately chosen because Kalec had remarked in more vulnerable moments he often felt like a strange dragon and outsider among his own people. Half-elves weren't always welcomed or treated well by either of their parent's races; never quite fitting in. Dragons could take on many forms though she'd never seen Kalec use one other than this.
She didn't know what rules of magical structures dragons used when they enacted their shapeshifts. They did not rely on magical artifacts as Khadgar did or the blessings of eternal spirits as in the druidic tradition. They still retained the ability even though their Aspects had lost their Mantles of power, so that hadn't been the source for all dragonkind. Jaina suspected it was part of their fundamentally magical nature.
But could it be replicated?
Or, she thought, at least mimicked. She didn't wish to take on many forms as a druid did. Just the one so she could fly with him when he went hunting or to stretch his wings. If a dragon was out of the question, perhaps she might manage a gryphon.
She didn't think Kalec would be offended but that was a concern to address up front. If this wasn't a good solution he might have other avenues of approach. He wished to spend time with her but perhaps she had come up with an unacceptable solution. She hoped not because as she'd turned the idea over in her mind it excited her as much as the idea of an concerted campaign of cooperation did.
Kalec smiled and replied to something Ansirem said as they continued their conversation, stepping out of the way of traffic to avoid blocking the way.
Ansirem had been reserved initially, but he'd come around to being friendly with Kalec. Cordiality had turned into respect as the dragon stayed longer in the city and had begun to take up tasks and assist Modera's classes. Runeweaver said something which sent both the dragon and his wife chuckling. Lily lightly punched her husband in the shoulder and Ansirem made a show of holding his wounded arm.
Ansirem was only a bit taller than Jaina, but the woman beside him could easily look Kalec in the eyes. Lily Runeweaver was built like a Vrykul shieldmaiden. She wore her mane of brown hair in a thick mohawk with either side of her head shaved down and tattooed in the bold angular designs Jaina was fairly certain had come from a Wildhammer artisan. Lily had retired from active adventuring with Ansirem to settle down and raise a family, but she still taught weapons. Lily remained in fine shape. Her very airy, rose-petal pink silk dress was sleeveless and had thin straps to accommodate her broad shoulders and arms. Despite the cold and falling snow, Lily appeared as entirely unphased by the chill as Kalec. A full sleeve tattoo in bold geometric lines covered her shield arm. Her arm and shoulders bore the ropey lines of scar tissue under the ink. The dress was a splash of color against the greying day. The pink of her dress darkened to a deep rose by her feet and she had an equally gauzy shawl draped over one arm and delicate filigree earrings that fell nearly to her shoulders.
Ansirem had trimmed and combed his bushy beard was wearing a more formal suit to match Lily's lovely dress. They appeared to beaded out for an intimate dinner or possibly a show of some sort. Jaina found herself smiling. The raging fights Ansirem and his first wife had with one another were still legendary nearly thirty years later. That union had only lasted long enough to produce one child and several thousand gold worth in property damage before it had dissolved. This relationship appeared to be far more amicable.
And far less destructive.
Lily caught sight of her a second before Kalec did. Spotted, Jaina picked up the pace to join the small group. Kalec's smile lit up his entire demeanor and he reached out a hand as she approached.
Tension she hadn't realized she was carrying dropped from her shoulders as she reached out and took his offered hands. His fingers were strong and warm and engulfed her own as he drew her closer. She leaned up to give him a quick kiss before settling against his side, one arm around his waist. As expected, he smelled of salt spray and high winds.
"Lily. Ansirem," she greeted.
Lily grinned back. "Jaina."
"We were just discussing if Kalec was going to need a rescue party to save you from your office," Ansirem quipped. "Lily and I heroically offered our services provided we get to our dinner reservation on time." He winked at her.
Jaina smiled back. "The battle was fierce but I was able to win free on my own. The offer of assistance is appreciated." She smiled at Kalec. "I had some motivation to get out of there, too."
Kalec smiled again and the arm around her waist tightened. "I'm glad you were."
"Speakin' of reservations, we should be going," Lily said, tapping Ansirem's shoulder. She turned her smile back to Jaina. "We should have dinner sometime. The four of us."
"That'd be nice," Jaina said, smiling back. "Go enjoy your night."
Lily grinned back. "Believe me I intend to. We have a babysitter until late. I fully intend to enjoy my evening." She grinned at Ansirem. "We might even get to take a nap after dinner."
Ansirem made a dramatic sigh of longing. "Naps. I remember naps. And lazing about on the weekends. What happened to those mornings, dearest?"
"We decided to have wee ones."
"Ah, yes," he said, pulling a face for a moment before he brightened and gave her a far-too innocent grin. "Fortunately I make cute babies so I suppose it works out."
"Ha!" Lily elbowed his side. "Come on, we're going."
"Yes, dear. Of course, dear."
"Have a nice evening Jaina, Kalec," Lily said, herding her still smirking husband away.
Jaina waved as they left in the opposite direction and gently tugged Kalec into walking home with her. Life in Dalaran might become interesting for the members of the council soon enough so it was good he was able to have an evening out with his wife before the inevitable storm hit.
"I haven't had occasion to speak with Ansirem's wife before," Kalec said.
"I like her." She took his hand in her own as they walked.
"She reminds me of Varian in some ways."
Jaina chuckled. "They're nearly built on the same scale. She's a warrior, too. Well, retired now, I guess."
"She looks like a short Vrykul and sounds like a dwarf," Kalec observed.
"You might be half right from what I understand," Jaina said. The wind picked up and she pulled Kalec's cloak closed. He released her hand to put an arm around her shoulders. She slipped an arm around his waist and they walked close together.
"She's half-dwarf?" Kalec asked, eyes wide in feigned innocence.
Jaina stuck her tongue out at him. "She was orphaned at birth. No one knows who her father is, so it very well could have been a Vrykul raider given the region where she was born. The matron of her orphanage was a Priestess of the Light from the Wildhammer clans. When she came of age she joined a dwarvish adventuring and mercenary company the matron's cousin runs. The Kirin Tor contracted with them to help with non-magical muscle in times past. That's how they met."
"Ah, yes. That would account for the slight accent and the runic tattoos." Kalec said, nodding. He held the door to their building open for her then followed her inside.
"Runic tattoos? I didn't realized those were empowered. I thought they were just pretty ornamentation."
"They aren't currently empowered from what I could sense, but she'd need to keep charging them if she wasn't a mage herself."
"Ansirem probably did it for her when they were in the field," Jaina mused. "They have four children now but I don't think that's quite a threat worthy of keeping a construct empowered."
Kalec laughed. "Either that or they've already drained her charge for the day."
Jaina giggled with him. "Possible. They're... energetic kids." She took down the hood of her cloak as they walked to the teleporter to their level. "How was fishing?"
"Delicious," he replied. "The schools are larger than I expected them to be this time of year." They reached their door and Kalec held it open for her again. "I might have possibly ruined my appetite for a few days. Penguins are in season."
"There's a season for penguins?" Jaina asked. He helped her take off the cloak and hang it up. Helping her with a cloak wasn't strictly necessary and his fingers lingered on her shoulders.
"For adult dragons. We try not to over hunt them because-" his expression fell. "Penguins are one of the game birds we use to help train whelps how to hunt. They're slow on land and fast in the sea and small enough for little dragons to take on their own with minimal suffering to the bird and minimal risk to the whelp." His shoulders sagged. "They're also delicious."
"I imagine a large adult could eat quite a few penguins in one sitting," Jaina said. She took his hand and pulled him further into their home towards the cozy reading area they'd set up in the library.
"We could. We have seasonal rules for game hunting so we didn't over hunt a given area or species and we'd have plenty for the future. The Reds help us all set up good regional systems and helped us all monitor our game populations," he said, his voice falling to a near whisper.
Jaina coaxed him into sitting on the couch then straddled his lap, tucking her face against his neck and making a sympathetic sound. Even if he tried to blend in with the younger races, there were still things he responded to like a dragon. Twining necks was an equivalent to an embrace. She wrapped comforting arms around his shoulders because she did not have wings to do so. Kalec held her and pressed a kiss against her shoulder then neck before simply holding her in silence. She drew her fingers through his hair, trying to comfort him as it appeared to have in the past, grooming him to try to help settle him and drive away the melancholy.
"I'm sorry," Kalec said.
"Don't be," she said, kissing him then leaning back and resting both hands on his chest. "I didn't mean to bring up something upsetting."
"You didn't know," Kalec said with a sigh. "I try not to think about it all the time, but it's... There." He smiled weakly, his eyes lacking in the sparkle they usually held. "I guess this means I can eat all the penguins I want. There's hardly anyone left in Northrend to share them with." Realization cross his features and his expression fell. "That's probably why there are so many fish."
Jaina crooned in wordless sympathy, her heart breaking for her beloved. She hugged him close again and snuggled against his neck and shoulder.
"Did you have a good day? Tell me about it?" Kalec asked.
"Are you sure you don't want to talk about it?"
"Right now I want to be distracted from my troubles, Jaina. Tell me about your day?"
Somehow bringing up her new idea for Modera's magical homework seemed inappropriate in the moment. Jaina kissed his temple and then told him about her meetings with Moira and Tyrande. He listened, one hand twisting a lock of her long, silvery hair in his fingers. He laughed when she got to the part about the dog-shaped elemental.
"Do you think her son might be a shaman?" Kalec asked.
Jaina shrugged. "I don't know, but given what I saw it's a possibility. It would certainly do much to help the dwarves heal their internal rifts if he is. Son of the Dark Irons, grandson of the Bronzebeards and possessing the talents of the Wildhammers?" She thought back to the art Moira had hung on her wall. "Yes I suspect that is what is going on. He must be a powerful innate talent to attract elementals that young."
"Mmhmm," Kalec agreed.
"Vereesa is going to Pandaria for a while. She's taking the boys," Jaina said, changing the subject.
"Where does that leave the Silver Covenant?"
"Vereesa is leaving orders with her second and third in command until she returns."
"Will she return?"
"I think so," Jaina said, resting her head against his shoulder. "This is her home. She made a space here with her husband and where they had their boys." She sighed, feeling melancholy as another thought occurred to her. "It's better for the boys here, too. They wouldn't be well regarded among the elves and humans can be cruel. Dalaran has long been a very mixed city and we have the highest population of half-elves living in a single location." She sat back to look him in the eyes. "Do you get any of that animosity for looking as you do?"
"I have," Kalec admitted. "When the Alliance and the elves split it grew much, much worse when I walked through your cities. Everyone here currently knows I'm a dragon though. I get guarded looks because of that."
Jaina hugged him again, making another unhappy sound. He replied with a soft croon of his own and stroked his hands through her hair.
"It is getting better though," he said, his voice full of more lightness and hope than it had been earlier. "The younger students and Magi are quite friendly. Some of the older archmages are coming around I think."
"Good."
"Seems like you had a rough day."
"It wasn't all bad," she said, sitting back again. She played with the ties of his shirt and traced her hands over the gemstone held on top of the vest. "Moira was quite nice. I haven't really had much occasion to speak with her but I think she could be a friend." She smiled a little. "And I might have accidentally started to plan a worldwide campaign to 'aggressively wage peace' with Modera."
"Oh?" he grinned. "Do tell."
She dropped her eyes and shrugged. "I realized what I had been doing and what the Kirin Tor had been doing were the same thing; trying to be examples. That doesn't work on it's own." She rolled the tie of his shirt between her fingers then dropped it. "We need to be more active in encouragement. Create more opportunities at all levels in all areas we feasibly can do so. Reward internally for good behavior. Try to convince people in the other mixed organizations they can do the same." She shrugged. "I've been treating war like a lighthouse weathering the storm. But wars are won by armies, not shining beacons."
Kalec tilted her head up gently with a knuckle under her chin. His voice was deep and sincere. "Armies need generals to give them direction and set examples. In that I think you will do quite well, beloved."
She smiled, feeling her cheeks heat and a little shiver run down her spine. He had a beautiful voice, but the sincerity and belief in her was what truly sent her heart beating faster. "Thank you."
"I'm only reminding you of all the wonderful things you have already done," he told her in that same sincere tone.
She ducked her head and nodded, the smile growing wider. It had become so easy to forget the good amid all the bad. She kissed his cheek, silently thanking him.
"Did Modera assign you a project as she threatened to do or did you pick one?"
"She told you about that, huh?"
"She did. Modera also mentioned something about sitting on you until you found something. I think she was using hyperbole but with Modera I am never entirely certain."
Jaina shared a chuckle with him. "Well, I've been giving it some thought. I've had several thoughts about this and many other things besides, actually."
"Sounds serious."
"It is," she said, meeting his eyes. In this form they were an impossibly deep blue with little flecks of gold. The eyes of his real form were the color of magic. Both were fascinating in their own way. She wondered what hers would look like and the thought brought a smile.
Kalec tilted his head at her, curious if wary. "Serious but not bad?"
"Oh! No! Not bad at all. At least I hope not." She stopped playing with his shirt and folded her hands over one another on top of the gem he wore. "I did take some time to have a more personal conversation with Moira. Through that realized that I had been neglectful of you and in embracing your ways." She held up a hand to forestall his comments, "It's true. I have been understanding and accepting but I haven't embraced them. And with trying to reintegrate the Horde and now having a better idea of what to do beyond the campaign in Draenor and with Modera pushing me to train and also take up a personal project," she trailed off and shook her head.
"Kalec, I am being pulled in so many directions. I think these are all worthy things, but you are a priority and I haven't been making you one. You have been thoughtful and kind and understanding with me even when I didn't deserve it. You have embraced me and my ways. I want to do the same."
He leaned forward and kissed the end of her nose when she paused to take a breath. She laughed in response, drawing out the gentle smile she so loved and which had helped to save her. He enfolded her hands in his own.
"I love you. All of you. I want to spend more time with you, too. I want to learn more about you and your ways. And Modera gave me magical homework." She dropped her eyes to his chest again where his huge hands engulfed her own. "I thought I might be able to combine these things. I was thinking I could create a shapeshifting spell so I could fly with you. I don't know if it is possible, and If you would not be offended, I would like to try to take the form of a dragon."
She looked up at him, awaiting his reaction and hoping it would be favorable. Kalec's jaw had dropped slightly, his lovely eyes wide as he leaned back slightly. The grip on her hands slackened.
Her heart dropped and she looked away, cheeks blazing in shame and embarrassment. She'd crossed some taboo line and he was rejecting her idea. As it died she was surprised by how attached she'd become to the thought, and she mourned. Jaina pulled her hands out of his.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to offend you I was just trying to make things better, I-" she broke off as Kalec tugged her hands back, almost crushing them as he held them close.
"I am not offended, Jaina." he said.
She braved looking up again and his expression made her heart do a little flip. He looked on her now with surprise and naked, open joy.
Kalec smile continued to grow, eyes glittering in excitement. He squeezed her hands. "Really? You want to fly with me?"
"Yes," she said, returning the smile and nodding. She frowned a little as she thought of something. "To be clear have I asked to do something with great cultural weight? I just wanted to be with you a bit more and you look so happy flying but so sad when you have to leave alone. I want to know more about you. Teach me?"
He laughed quietly and brought her hands up to kiss her knuckles. "Flying with your mate is much like when we walk and hold hands, or hold one another close while dancing. Going hunting together can be as intimate as when we have dinner together." He smiled and reached out to brush a thumb down her cheek and jaw. "And playing in the clouds is fun. Flying is..." He trailed off, clearly looking for words. "We are winged creatures. It is part of who we are."
She smiled, tension draining out of her shoulders. "Do you think it is even possible?"
"There is one artifact I know of that can do something similar to what you suggest. It can turn its bearer into a sandstone drake. If anyone can figure out the creation of something like it or better, it would be you, Jaina."
She tilted her head and studied him. "Would you, ah, have a preferences for me as a dragon?"
Kalec's eyes widened. "I don't want you to be other than you are," he said quickly, the words spilling out in a tumble. "I am who I am no matter how I look. This body isn't a disguise for me or some alternate personality." He squeezed her hands gently, "I just want to soar with you."
Jaina blinked, her heart again lurching around in her chest at the emotions in this voice. She leaned forward and kissed him, freeing a hand to stroke the side of his face. "I know you are you no matter how you look. Kalec, I meant more if you had a choice would you like me to look a specific way." She felt her cheeks heat again. "I mean, if I even have a choice in the matter. For all I know I could end up a dumpy black dragoness you can't stand the sight of."
"Oh."
"This would mean a great deal to you," Jaina smiled and continued to stroke the side of his face with her thumb.
Kalec leaned into the touch. "Yes," he said. "I don't think I realized how much I wanted to fly with you until I thought it might be possible."
"So you think it's possible then?"
He nodded. "You're one of the most powerful and clever mages on Azeroth."
She made a scoffing sound and stopped petting him. "Maybe among humans."
He shook his head. "No. Among mages."
Jaina rolled her eyes. She was certainly up there but she couldn't be that far. There were plenty of mages in Dalaran with plenty of power at their disposal and many beings in the world beyond.
"Well, if this would make you happy too, then clearly this has to be my project," she decided, arching her brows and speaking lightly. She grinned at him. "You promise not to be disappointed if I end up as an ugly black dragon?"
"I don't think that will happen, but yes I would. I love you no matter how you look."
Her eyes narrowed and she tilted her head. "Have you given thought to what I would look like?" His eyes widened just enough he looked guilty. Jaina's expression turned into one of mischievous glee. "You have! Tell me!"
Kalec shook his head. "You will be as you will be and whatever it is will be perfect."
"But you've thought about it!" she said, poking him in the chest. Perhaps that was why he'd been so surprised earlier. "Why didn't you mention it?"
He rubbed the back of his head and looked sheepish. "I didn't want you to be offended. I love you and no less because you are a human. And while I might have idly wondered what you would look like if you were one, I didn't actually take the step into thinking about making that happen. I've thought about what Varian or Anduin might look like too," he said, offhandedly.
"Tell me!" Jaina insisted, entertained by the notion. "Oh, let me guess, red flight?"
Kalec laughed confirming she'd guessed correctly and she laughed with him. Red would certainly be fitting for Anduin's reverence for life and the Light. Varian was intensely protective and in that way he reminded her of Alexstrasza.
"If I can pick, I'd like to be a blue," Jaina admitted quietly. She couldn't shake the idea of matching her mate. Or soaring together over the ice and snow of Northrend, of visiting the Nexus and being able to follow him rather than being forced to ride his back. Sitting together under the Aurora in the snow while they discussed magic before taking off again. But being a blue was the most likely to cause trouble because of the Kirin Tor's history with the blue flight.
But the affinity of the blue was for Magic and she might better understand him and his Charge first hand.
"You're sad though. Is it because of the Nexus war?" He ducked his head, trying to better read her downcast expression.
"On the one hand I would so love to match you as you have matched me. Of all the flights though, I think the blues would be most offended if I took on the guise of one. And I know there would be mages here in Dalaran who would be just as incensed."
Jaina glared into the distance. "But why can't we have what want to be happy?" Kalec made a sympathetic crooning noise and she realized what she was doing. She drew in a deep breath then let it out in the little meditative exercise Yu'len had taught her. Anger wouldn't do anything here. Bitterness wouldn't help. Kalec was a priority. Her own happiness was a priority as well and this would make them both happy. She felt the sudden feelings of anger begin to ease away. Kalec rubbed her shoulders and she gave him a small smile.
Jaina wasn't even certain she could pull off such a feat despite his confidence in her. Though Kalec had mentioned there was an artifact in existence which could do something similar to what she wanted already. She vaguely remembered reading about such an item but at the time she'd been far more concerned with the aftermath of the Cataclysm. Atiesh could transform Khadgar, and though a raven was far smaller than a dragon, it might have clues, too.
Kalec's hands continued their soothing motions along her back for a moment more before one hand went to her hair. "There is no question for me that unless you consciously chose otherwise, that you would take the form of a blue. Our charge was magic. It is inherent in our being. We're all born mages, and so are you." He kissed her forehead. "Your mana wellspring is very deep. I think blue is the most natural choice and therefore will be the easiest."
"How do dragons choose?" she asked, comforted by his reassurance and a bit more hopeful she could maybe pull this off.
"Aesthetics, familiarity and natural resonance," he said with a shrug. "I've always felt like an odd dragon. Choosing to look like a half-elf felt natural," he said confirming her early thoughts.
"Elves seem to be popular choices," she commented, her fingers tracing the shell of one of his pointed ears.
He shivered slightly under her touch but his voice was steady. "Some of the younger dragons are picking humans more often. I have yet to meet a dragon who has chosen to become a Pandaren but who is to say that won't happen or hasn't?"
"Do you have other shapes?" Jaina asked, drawing her fingers through his hair.
Kalec shrugged. "None I like as much as this one. I tried troll first because that was what my mother favored. Then a Night Elf and others. This is the form that fits me best."
Jaina grinned. "Alexstrasza is most comfortable in the look we most often see her in, then?"
Kalec laughed, the sound rich and warm. He leaned closer to her. "Alexstrasza has a great many shapes but she wore the one she did to match Korialstrasz. And I believe he too might have come to admire the aesthetics of a mortal form and appreciate some of the pleasing features." His hands skimmed up her sides to just under her bust, his thumbs slipping under her bodice to rest under her breasts. "Would you care to for me to try out another shape with you?" he offered, arching an eyebrow.
Jaina felt her cheeks heat a bit as she blinked at him in surprise. It was a thought which hadn't occurred to her. Recovering from her surprise, she considered him a moment because the offer had been made genuinely. Jaina shook her head. "No, I think not. At least not right now. Human you or high elf you wouldn't feel as... genuine as this form. Each would be half correct." She traced her fingers down the side of his face. "I like this shape and when I think of you in my bed, this is the shape I think of."
He shrugged, smiling, and she knew the offer would be there if she felt adventurous. Why explore when what she had before her was rather nice. And the only other form he'd mentioned had been that of a troll. Jaina had no desire to invite Kalec to take that shape in their bed. She was curious but not that curious. Trolls had been one face of her enemy in the past year. Jaina cringed away from the sudden, clear image of a troll grinning over her in bed. It was far too easy to conjure memory the leering almost mad faces of the Zandalari on Thunder Isle.
"Jaina?" Kalec's wandering thumbs stopped. He sounded concerned.
She shook her head. "We've been fighting Zandalari-" she broke off with a grimace. "No I think I'll stick with how you look right now, thank you."
He made a small noise of understanding and pulled her close against his chest, tucking her head against his shoulder. He began to make the deep, rumbling, purring noise in his chest. Jaina sighed, relaxing against him. It was so wo wonderfully nice to be hugged and held, she thought. With Kalec the contact could very quickly turn sexual, not that she minded and in fact she often encouraged it. But it was very nice just to be held and to feel safe and secure. She kissed his jawline and his neck while his hands continued to go through her hair.
Kalec alternated gentle kisses on the crown of her head and nuzzles against her temple. Jaina felt the tension of the day finally begin to leave her body as Kalec began to leave a trail of kisses down the side of her head. He nibbled on her ear and she squirmed and giggled as he found a ticklish spot on her neck. Chuckling he very lightly kissed the spot before moving towards her shoulders. She hadn't noticed when he'd undone the closure of her shoulder armor but it fell away. He tossed it onto the chair opposite the couch they were on. Jaina laughed lightly as the pauldrons clattered as they landed.
Kalec's thumbs had once again ghosted their way under the bodice and now lightly brushed the undersides of her breasts. She shifted in her seat on his lap eliciting a very deep, male grunt from him, the deep rumbling pausing for just a moment. The purr turned into a growl as he found her lips and claimed them with a bruising kiss which left her gasping and dizzy.
"I know you probably want to start your research project but I'd like some of your time first, my lady," he asked in a low whisper that was more growl than words. Kalec's hot breath on her ear made her shiver.
She turned her head and nipped his jaw, earning a full growl. Kalec's fingers dug into her back. he nearly vibrated with tension under her. Jaina grinned against his neck.
"I believe I can accommodate that request, my lord." Jaina laughed as he tumbled her to the couch.
Snow crunched under Khadgar's boots as he stepped through to Frostfire once more. So as not to cause issues or step on toes, he'd appeared a little bit further out from the front gates than he had before. A good thing too since the area had changed since he'd last been here.
The Frostwall Garrison had recovered from the attack well. Larger, studier palisade walls had been erected in a larger perimeter and at the heart of the garrison they were building a larger meeting hall and he could see the foundations for larger buildings besides. If he'd appeared where he had before he'd have practically been inside the walls.
He became aware of another being behind him a scant moment before someone's foot deliberately crunched on snow.
"Turn around. Hands where I can see them, mage," a hard voice said.
Khadgar did as he was ordered. The woman had a bow drawn and aimed for his throat. At this distance it was almost certain she would not miss and it was entirely possible the arrow might find its mark before he could erect a shield. The scout or perimeter guard or whatever she was, was a petite blood elf with white-blonde hair and visible scars proving she'd survived a number of nasty incidents.
"What do you want, human?" she asked, voice and eyes hard as she held the bow unwavering.
"I am expected, Madam," Khadgar said, attempting to be his most diplomatic. "I am here concerning military matters which are of particular interest to a number of your compatriots as well as ours." He nodded slightly to the surrounding areas. "My apologies for being vague but I'd rather not blab our plans in the open air without any sort of privacy spell. I can assure you I am expected by Commander Teraka and her advisors- oh my what sort of creature is that?"
A feline seemingly made of light, shadow and shimmering energy had prowled up to sniff at his side. The spirit of a beast or a bestial spirit of some kind was massive and Khadgar gulped as the fascinating and terrifying creature sniffed at Atiesh then his chest. The beast only had to lift it's head to accomplish that. The cat snorted at him, flicked its tail then prowled around to take a flanking position on his other side where it waited.
"Ah, your beast is impressive. Would you mind telling me what manner of creature it is?" Khadgar asked. As terrifying as it was, it was fascinating
"Yes, I would mind," the blood elf said, her bow still nocked and held steady.
"I'll escort him in, Sunrunner," a new voice said. She was a tall tauren with grey and white fur under plate armor. Her weapon was an impressively large axe but it was currently hung at her side rather than held ready. The tauren's expression was mild but her words businesslike. "Commander wants him brought in to the central tent."
Sunrunner eyed her then finally let her bow drop but the glare remained. "Fine." She jerked her chin at the cat. "Come on, Alata." Both hunter and beast turned and slipped away into the snow, resuming their patrol.
"Archmage, if you'll come this way," the tauren said, gesturing towards the camp.
"Ah, yes thank you?" He recalled her from earlier visits and thought she might be a paladin but he'd not been introduced directly.
"Olina Stillpond of the Sunwalkers," she offered as they began to walk towards the front gates. "You're out a bit further than we expected, Archmage."
"I thought perhaps I might make less of a spectacle if I came in a bit further from your base. It seems I have run afoul of one of your patrols instead. My thanks for the timely rescue."
"She was feeling polite today," the tauren said mildly. "You can tell because you don't have an arrow through the neck." She turned and they began walking towards Frostwall.
Khadgar frowned. "I assure you as a member of the Kirin Tor I am acting in the best interest of Azeroth."
"So you say. The Commander believes you to be honest in this." She eyed him sideways.
"You believe others of my order to not be trustworthy? If so, please allow me a chance to settle fears in that regard."
The tauren chuckled. "Trust is in your name, is it not? But trust is something we have lost on both sides. Thus far you have acted in accordance with your words and thus far I am inclined to believe you as well." Her tone became more sober. "Others are far less willing to do so," she said, nodding her head in the direction in which they'd come and the departed hunter on patrol.
She paused just outside of the gates and turned to Khadgar. "Do you trust in your colleagues on the council?"
"Unquestioningly." Khadgar planted his feet and his staff and faced the paladin squarely. "They have concerns but we all see the wisdom in returning to a neutral stance. As difficult as it might be, we agree it is the right thing to do."
"Hmm. Then Light willing stiffer necks will learn to bend on both sides and we may yet find balance. Come." She turned and led the way through the gates.
Teraka looked up from her table when Khadgar entered the room. The goblin mage, Gerti was present as was Draka and a number of the commander's advisors. Among them were Lady Liadrin and Go'el. Khadgar noted the narrowed eyes from some corners but inclined his head respectfully. The Sunwalker paladin followed in behind him.
"Gerti," Teraka called to the mage. The goblin nodded then cast a privacy spell. When she was finished she nodded back at the commander. "So what are you here for this time," Teraka asked.
"Thank you for taking them time-"
"Get to the point, Khadgar."
"Ah, yes." He cleared his throat. "We are going to be driving home a final assault on Ner'zhul's last stronghold two days from now. Archmage Zaliya is extending the invitation to participate to the Knights of the Ebon Blade as we believe we have devised sufficient protections against his necromancy. The invitation is of course open to Death Knights here and any other interested parties."
Some of the hard stares turned sharp with interest. None was as sharp as the tauren Death Knight who stood silently in the corner of the room. Ner'zhul and his necromancy in the prime timeline had ultimately been transformed into the Lich King after dealing with Kil'jaeden. A second such monstrous soul wandering around on Azeroth was not something anyone wished to see. And, Khadgar thought, a living Ner'zhul could not only bolster the Iron Horde with his substantial powers, he had the potential to make further deals with demons.
"Two days, you say?" Teraka said.
"Yes. At my tower I will make appropriate portals to our staging point available beginning at dawn two days hence. The assault will commence shortly thereafter."
"What happens after?" Liadrin asked, her eyes narrowed.
"Well I would like to think we all drink and toast our victory but more likely it will involve healing the wounded, taking stock of our losses and securing the area. I have the assurance of the Lunarfall Garrison commander that Alliance personnel will not seek to stop or harm any of your people during or after joint operations."
"The Alliance agreed to this?" an orc warrior Khadgar was unfamiliar with scoffed.
"The Lunarfall commander has indeed. Archmage Zaliya is a member of the Kirin Tor in support of our policy shift, but her goal here is dismantling the Iron Horde and its power structures, not fighting you and your people. She has impressed upon her people that their purpose here is stopping the Iron Horde and other threats to Azeroth. Ner'zhul is one such threat and there are many in your camp who also have a personal history with him. She's already opening her assault forces to the Ebon Blade."
It was also an opportunity to build trust and Khadgar had been pleased to have the Archmage's enthusiastic support on this issue.
"We'll consider it. Go."
Khadgar opened his mouth to speak but thought better of it. He instead bowed to those assembled. "Then I shall take my leave."
Teraka waved him off with a shooing motion. Gerti undid her spell and followed him outside.
"King Wrynn's okay with his commander just... inviting Horde forces on military campaigns?" she questioned, clearly not entirely believing him.
"She was given command of the Garrison and the direction of the campaign. Maraad isn't entirely pleased but he would rather have more well armored and well trained and well fed veterans than fewer. The local draenei have no issue with our Horde."
"Yeah but everyone else-"
"Can follow their orders or not."
Gerti paused then ran to catch up. She grinned slyly at Khadgar. "You're asking for forgiveness rather than permission."
Khadgar arched an eyebrow and answered as mildly as he could. "Archmage Zaliya is acting well within the bounds of the orders she was given when they decided to let her command the operation."
"Ha!" She smirked and walked with him, pulling the incredibly fluffy hood of her cloak over her ears as the wind picked up. "So, ah, Dalaran."
Khadgar tried not to smile too broadly. "Yes?"
"The neutral thing. That's still happening?"
"Yes. My compatriots on the council have been working on trying to preemptively handle the inevitable political fallout. I understand that our grand Magus has sent a letter of intent to your Warchief. She might even had a reply by now. Dalaran is a city for all mages and it will be again."
"Pretty words but they're not even worth the breath they were spoken with," a cold, sneering voice said. The speaker was a blood elf with blazing red hair pulled into high tail. "My people were slaughtered at a whim for crimes they did not commit." Khadgar vaguely recognized him from the initial assault on the portal to Draenor but he'd not been among the forces that had crossed. Celian Dawnstrike if he recalled correctly.
"Maybe if they had just left like everyone else with sense did, they'd be fine. Haughty pricks but fine." Gerti snapped back before Khadgar could reply.
"And how many were imprisoned unjustly!"
"Look pal, Sunreaver didn't have to drop his trousers and bend over for Garrosh," Gerti snapped back.
Dawnstrike's nostrils flared. "Are you implying the purge was our fault?"
"I'm outright sayin' it," Gerti replied, staking a step forward. Around them the garrison had grown quiet and a crowd was gathering. Val'ket appeared and stood to one side.
"We had a good thing goin' on in Dalaran," Gerti said, her accent becoming more pronounced as she spoke. "My sister lost her shop. My Ma got cut off from her research. We ended up in a hole in Orgrimmar with Kor'kron leering at us all day, hounding us about illegal portals in and outta the city and illegal charms. They wrecked the little place my sister managed to set up 'cause they thought it would be fun."
"You losing your business justifies Proudmoore's wholesale murder of my people?"
"I left just fine. So did my sister and her sweetie and she's a blood elf. Way I saw it any idiot who tried to stick around when Jaina went on the warpath got shoved in the Hold-"
"My people were murdered in the streets by the Silver Covenant!" Dawnstrike said.
"Ain't they the High Elves who think sniffing crystallized demon was a bad idea?" Gerti said, staring down her pert nose at the Blood Elf.
"Those traitors-"
"So it's elf on elf violence. Tcha. Like Azeroth hasn't seen that before." Gerti waved a dismissive hand.
Dawnstrike bared his teeth at her. "They only needed the barest hint of permission to let the streets run red with our blood. Dalaran is under the control of an unrestrained, bloodthirsty madwoman and you put her in charge!" he said pointing an accusatory finger at Khadgar.
"Oh yeah, so blood thirsty," Gerti said, rolling her eyes. "So bloodthirsty she was teleporting iceblocked idiots into the hold anytime someone gave her lip while the rest of us just left. I will agree she's a bit cranky, but gosh it's almost as if you blood elves keep screwing her over and killing her friends and allies."
Dawnstrike drew himself up. "A goblin airship delivered the bomb to Theramore."
Gerti took a step forward and pointed her own accusatory finger. "But a Sunreaver mage stole the dragon's relic and a Sunreaver mage made the damn thing. Same mage helped Garrosh escape the trial. The rest of us have to deal with your fuckups, pal. There are more mages in the Horde than the blood elves!"
Dawnstrike's face turned an interesting shade of red. "Aethas had no knowledge of what Songweaver was doing."
"But he knew about de attack on Darnassus, mon," Val'ket said, speaking up. "Now dat be an order from his warchief and dat be a powerful thin-."
"Speculation!"
"Lotta rumors goin' around," Val'ket said.
"What is that supposed to mean?" Dawnstrike demanded.
"You got bad mojo in de sunreavers, mon."
"You can't honestly believe that Proudmoore won't turn around and slaughter you all the moment she gets a chance."
Val'ket shrugged his shoulders. "Troll mage didn't blow up her island."
"But how can you trust that human not to order your execution?"
"Maybe we don't let blood elves back in," Gerti said, crossing her arms. "Maybe the rest of us get to go back to the lives that were so rudely interrupted."
"You want to go back to that second-rate city run by a despot? What does Dalaran have that Silvermoon doesn't?"
"Oh geez," Gerti set her hands on her hips. "You actually askin' that? Dalaran was the greatest crossroads market we had access to before your people screwed it up for the rest of us." she began to tick off points on her hands. "The portals your guy abused allowed us to move goods and the trade tariffs were practically a steal! Do you know how many people who need expensive potions shop in Dalaran? Lots. You know what else is in Dalaran? Multiple libraries not run by snooty demon-snorting knife-eared mages!"
Khadgar gaped and took a step back. Several others in the crowd did as well. But, disturbingly, others stepped forward, hands drifting to weapons or clenched.
"I think mebbe we stop-" Val'ket attempted to step between the two mages.
"How dare you, you little green stain!" Dawnstrike called, his eyes blazing.
"Bring it! Any time any place! I'll turn your pretty face inside out," Gerti said, rolling up the sleeve of her couture robe.
"I think it would be best if perhaps you left," a dangerous voice to Khadgar's left said. He jerked in surprise as Commander Teraka appeared there. To his right was Go'el a half second later.
"I did not intend to cause trouble," Khadgar said.
"You never do, Archmage. This has been building since you dropped that little bomb on us about the shift in Kirin Tor policy. Go." She waded into the crowd behind a couple of bellowing guards who were trying to control the now unruly crowd.
Khadgar found Val'ket's eyes across the way and the other mage shook his head slightly then turned to physically restrain Gerti from attacking Dawnstrike who was being held back by Stillpond.
Khadgar hurried out of Frostwall, leaving the sounds of arguing behind. Soft steps followed and he turned to Go'el once they were beyond the gates.
"How bad of a problem have I caused?" Khadgar asked.
Go'el drew in a breath then let it out. "The Horde is family and families fight. But..." He trailed off with a shake of his head. "Garrosh wounded us and what we see here is another cut of his making. But it's true then? Dalaran is becoming neutral once more?"
"Yes but it remains to be seen if anyone else would be willing to return."
"I think there is evidence they will," Go'el said gesturing towards the garrison behind them.
"Actions and words are very different things, my friend," Khadgar said to the shaman. "It was my intent to help build a bridge and offer an opportunity. Not this."
"Give it some time," Go'el said. "I did wish to speak with you before but you were whisked away by your guardian." He looked around.
"Cordana is going to be very cross with me when she realizes I am not actually sleeping in my tower," Khadgar admitted with a small chuckle.
Go'el grunted a laugh. "The Council of Six voted on this? Unanimously?"
"Yes." Khadgar confirmed. He held up a hand to forestall the orc's next comments. "Attend to the matters here and your own people. Helping keep the peace would be the best way to help us. If that is something you care about." Khadgar said. The last comment was a small barb but it found its mark. Perhaps he was overstepping but he needed an ally here not a repentant friend seeking forgiveness from their Grand Magus. Jaina needed to focus on her own tasks and Go'el was still well respected within the Horde. Better for him to act as an agent of cooperation than be a distraction.
Go'el bowed his head in understanding. "It is. It is why I am here." He huffed out a breath. "Safe travels, Khadgar."
"And to you," the archmage said. He opened a portal and returned to his tower and quickly cast greater invisibility on himself before slipping into the structure. Ah! His illusion was still in place. All he needed to do was-
"KHADGAR!" Cordana thundered. "THERE YOU ARE."
Khadgar's shoulder's slumped. Oh well. He'd sneak away successfully next time.