Alexander

Stormwind was acceptable, the son of the Duke Edward Grimshore of Alterac decided. It had its charm sure with its white marble like walls, the golden lion on a blue flag, its cozy small streets with shops and barbers and theatres and you could do some nice walking in the new park or the sea dike near the docks. Some of his servants claimed there was a underground fighting ring located inside the gnomish train tunnel that connected Stormwind to Ironforge, something to investigate. There was an influx of refugees but unlike the Westfall crisis fifteen years ago, the city seemed to have coped better.
But even despite that, Stormwind seemed so…clean. Alterac City was according to, less enlightened, foreigners a hive of scum and villainy but it had character. The graffiti, the street side fighting, the refuse on the streets, prostitutes plying their trade in the alleys, Ogre bodyguards walking with new nobility and the smoke from the factories and blacksmiths…how he missed home.
But Alexander had a mission and it was about time he started it.

He and Prince Paul arrived a few days ago and only spoke to the king once in between campaigns. Ever since the night of the green stars, King Anduin rushed all over his kingdom to hunt down any demons that came across it. The talks of a formal alliance between the Grand Alliance and the Northern Kingdoms didn't get past formalities for the moment. He avoided the Horde dignitaries, tension with the Forsaken and thus the Horde was still quite high with the Northern Kingdoms.

Paul, although nervous at first, proved himself to be a good enough diplomat and helped clear out a imp infestation near the Tower of Azora with the king. Even the Taunka ambassador seemed impressed. But the son of the Duke kept his eye on the king though. Anduin seemed far different from what Alexander expected though. The slightly introverted religious king had turned into a commander of faith. Killing demons left and right, guiding the men forward. He seemed to have bloomed, thrived under the pressure. This could complicate things for the cause, the crux of the plan of getting Gilneas to join the Northern Kingdoms relied on a weak king. Tess Greymane had to marry Paul Trollbane over Anduin Wyrnn, only then could the Northern Kingdoms be strong enough to absorb the Alliance into its fold.
But then again, Stormwind and the Khaz Modan nations of Ironforge and Gnomeregan were receiving the brunt of the invasion, so that was in their favour.
Also the sindorei rogue who served as his bodyguard seemed to be quite close to the king. A mistress perhaps? And only a fool couldn't see the resemblance between Anduin and the librarian's daughter that ran about in the castle. A bastard? A scandal? This needed more investigating.
But that was a issue for later, the king had left after word came that a village in Duskwood was destroyed with Paul in tow. Perhaps Alexander's companion could find some useful information they could use…

The young lord, dressed only in his opened up robe and trousers, looked outside his balcony at the city as night began to fall. The somber mood of the city came out more at night. While during the day the city tried to forget the Burning Legion had come, at night the reality returned in full.
Another regiment of Footmen was marching down the street, probably to reinforce the nearby Goldshire as a group of gryphon riders flew off to the north. Adventurers, because only idiots walked around in those myriad shiny kinds of armour, up and left the city accepting errands, quests and went to hotspots where the Legion was spotted. Their work aided the Alliance yes, as would Horde adventures aid the Horde, but in the end they were only loyal to one thing and one thing only. Gold.
They had their uses of course, in fact he was waiting for one.
For a moment his thoughts went to his sister, wherever she was. Either at home, enjoying her dinner with mother and father or on patrol with the men. She was a lot like Paul Trollbane Menethil in that regard, being martial and the like. Bit of a bully to when they were children…and a week ago still when she gave him him a snake bite before giving him a big hug. He rubbed his arm where she inflicted the wound and let out a small sigh, he did miss her. His big, dumb bully of a sister.

A young man walked up behind Alexander, slipping his arm around his waist."Alex, come back to bed…it's so cold in there without you."
Alexander smirked and faced his handsome lover. He was a manservant, Phillip something or another. Just good enough for a nice tryst now and then but so insignificant in the grand scale of things. Everyone has their uses, his father told him, it is in our blood to find out said uses and manipulate them in our favour.
So Phillip served as his bedwarmer, a piece of Alterac to keep him warm until something more exotic came along.
Alexander smiled and kissed him." Sadly I can't, my dear Phillip. I have an appointment to keep. Besides I'm sure you have some work to do or some free time to spend on something. Or someone."
He gently disentangled himself from his manservant and dressed in his fineries, the Grimshore red and black with the family dragon embroided on it. His sister had her customized armour in the family sigil, custom made of course. Less enlightened people would think she was her father's favourite and there was some bias there sure, but he liked the shadow. Let Alexandra and Paul take the limelight, so he could do the work in the shadows.

He pecked on a dissapointed Phillip's cheek before he walked down the stairs as he grabbed his cloak and exited the apartment. He moved through the streets, sans escort, and made his way to the Mage Quarter. His appointment wasn't strictly illegal but to have a deal like that take place in Old Town would be to well known. He knew Matthias Shaw kept an eye on him so to go to Old Town would only confirm his suspicions. No, instead he would go to the Wizard's Sanctum, a known establishment where wizards, both masters and students, congregate and discuss the dealings of magic. If one of Shaw's men were to follow him, he would only see a Alteraci going to converse with wizards.
Alexander passed a bridge or two over the canals that led to the Mage Quarter of the city. As it was night time, more people went towards the pubs or their homes as the city lights came on. The duke' son had to stop a few times to gather his bearings before he made his way to the tavern. As he entered he heard the bell's chime from the clock towers. Right on time.

The pub was full of wizard and other types but Alexander's eye went to a kaldorei priest who was seated at the bar. The young lord took his seat next to him and also ordered a drink. Something light, he had a busy night ahead.
"Nice night." He said to the night elf.
"Agreed." The man replied.
"The moon might be out." Alexander nodded at the bar keep who gave him his drink.
"The moon is always out for Elune's followers." He said as Alexander felt something dropped in his pocket. But Alexander acted like he didn't notice. This specimen of a night elven male was interesting to look at. Sharp cheekbones, a nice flowing green beard and such long but fine ears. The light that came from his eyes were almost mesmerizing. And the muscles on his arms…it seemed the priests of Elune also worked on the soul and the body. Or it could be his occupation as a adventurer that caused that muscle growth.

The two conversed some more, or flirted in Alexander's case. A feeling that was partly reciprocated as the night elf smiled now and again and replied with a similar flirt. Who knew men of the cloth were so liberal? True, celibacy was not enforced in the churches of the holy light but not many priests seemed to be quite amorous. At least in the open. A hour of sweet talk later the duo left the tavern and walked to the priest's place.
If this were any other night he would follow the priest further into his house and ravage him, and that is what Shaw' spies have to think. The moment they entered the home though, Alexander pulled out the object from his pocket. A small stone with a blue rune on it. A hearthstone.

The night elven priest nodded at Alexander, with a sad smile, as Alexander activated the stone…and appeared on the other side of the continent. Where one moment he was a small, cozy home in Stormwind, he was now nearby an ancient looking city, surrounded by night elves, trees and tree….people. The sun was just about to rise but even so it became clear its ray would never fully penetrate the foliage above. A paved road led into the city proper, the large tree men stepped aside for him and other travelers to enter. As he entered the city he noticed the atmosphere inside was very quiet and tranquil compared to the rather hectic Stormwind or his native Alterac City.
The buildings here were spread far apart as small bridges led over the canals. Here and there Alexander spotted a few Worgen, particular near some Gilnean styled houses (Whose architecture was in stark contrast to the kaldorei) that seemed to surround a strange looking large oak.

But he was not headed in that direction, instead he went to the other side of the city towards a large temple. Inside he found people milling and talking around a large fountain that came from a statue holding up a bowl. The statue was that of a night elven woman which he assumed was Elune.
Several kaldorei, both civilians as sentinels, did not seem to pay him any attention and went about their business. Which was good, the less of an impact he left here, the better.
He headed up a long stairway which led to a upper circle of the temple. He moved toward the throne of sorts where he found his appointment.
Her guards stepped in to block him from their leader but when she held up her hand they stopped and stepped back. Their leader was a woman, a warrior woman to be exact. She bore the clothing of a priestess but it was militarized. On her person she had several weapons, ranging from arrows to daggers to chakras. He noticed several scars along her open arms and face, which showed she had experience in combat. She remained seated and motioned Alexander to come forward.

"General Feathermoon." Alexander bowed deeply." It is an honour to meet you."
"Alexander Grimshore, yes?" the night elf asked." I expected a emissary but not one so…."
"Handsome?" he smirked.
She gave a faint smile, a chilling smile." I was going to say young." She leaned forward." I moved a lot of pieces to get you here Lord Grimshore, I suggest you speak quickly and pray to your Light that I didn't waste my time."
She was assertive, good.
"I assure you it was time well spent, general." Alexander smiled." I come here with a offer."

She raised her brow." What kind of offer?"
Here it goes, he thought." To be part of a New Alliance, a real one. Not one held back by Anduin Wyrnn, one who would aid you the moment the Horde would even look at your forests and find them wanting. We are the same people who aided you fifteen years ago when we marched to the Crossroads, we are the same people who look at Anduin and find him a weak king who does not deserve to wear that crown let alone a be a High King of the Alliance."
Shandris frowned." You come here speaking treason, human." Her sentinels stirred.
"Am I?" Alexander asked as he tried to keep his calm." We have friends in Gilneas and here who know you are dissatisfied with the Alliance. How once more you have to wait for them to assist you with this Burning Legion issue while they expect you to be there the moment things go wrong."

Shandris leaned on her hand, her elbow propped on the throne's arm." My people have fought the Legion alone centuries ago, we can do so again." She then folded her hands." Also my people's bound with the Draenei is strong and they are with King Anduin. Even now their Vindicators and Rangari are hunting demons alongside my Sentinels and druids in Ashenvale. To join your Alliance would mean an end to that friendship."
"Of course your ties to to the draenei can remain, I am merely saying when the time comes and the Legion arrives in full…it is wise to know who your friends are. Your REAL friends." He walked to the railing and peered at the night elven statue and at the water inside the bowl it held." Besides the draenei believe that Anduin is a so called Golden Hero who would come to save them and lead the Army of Light. If we were to give them a hero who is far better suited then Anduin well…"

Shandris got up and descended from her throne and stood next to Alexander. He saw her guards move with her, one wrong word…
"You say you have a Chosen one for yourselves?" she asked.
"Maybe." He turned to see the General." But we have something better. We have people trained in combatting demons, who are willing to use both the Light and dark magicks to achieve their goal to save this world from the flame. As we speak several of my people' ships are headed here to assist you. And forgive me for being so bold but…I do not see any Golden Lion banners or sails here to assist you. I would be a fool to insult a general of your standing but I know no general who would cast aside troops while they need every able body they can for a upcoming battle."

"Unless those troops are untrustworthy." She frowned." You made a generous offer, and what if I refuse?"
She was playing hardball. "Then you refuse, no harm done."
"And if I were to tell High King Anduin of this betrayal?" she folded her arms.
"Then…it would be bad for everyone. Risking a civil war with the Legion at our doorstep is not a good move for all parties involved, save the Legion." Alexander said." We are not going to start a war ourselves, we are building a Empire of sorts. One where each part acts autonomously. No High King, no telling you what to do. All we want is trade and helping each other out."
"And Anduin's Alliance?" Shandris asked.
"Will be absorbed into our new Empire in time, without the need for violence. We putting up our own pieces for that."
"And the Horde?" she asked. "I know your people have a hatred for the Forsaken."

"As do yours." Alexander said." If you join our little enterprise we can solve that issue to, the Horde treaty be damned. After all that treaty was signed by Anduin and Vol'jin. Not us."
She gave a smirk." True." she paused. "Tell me, young lord…have you heard the news?"
This time he was caught off guard." What news?"
She took him by the shoulder and walked with him as her guards followed." A long time ago, there was a placed called Theramore. It was a small city that your people created here on Kalimdor. Jaina Proudmoore ruled there before she led the Kirin Tor. Despite the treaty she had with then Warchief Thrall, she had spies in Orgrimmar to keep her informed on matters Spies I helped her pick. After Theramore was destroyed, again long before your time, these spies had nowhere else to go."
Alexander nodded." Except to you."
"Except to me." She nodded." But instead of letting them just spy I had a better idea. I made them ambitious and made them climb up the ladder sort of speak. I gave them coin and resources to rise high. Become the big movers in their society. It was do or die. And if they ran I would leak their names to the Kor'kron or the Headhunters. They own their positions because of my backing and know their loyalty."

Alexander liked this woman, maybe fancied her if he was of that persuasion." That is a bold move. Carrot and stick."
She nodded." It is because of their loyalty I heard this piece of news." She gave a small smile." Vol'jin is dead."
Alexander remained nailed to the ground as Shandris walked a bit further before she stopped." Warchief Vol'jin is…dead?" she remained passive as the realization hit him." When?"
"Since the night the green stars fell. Died in his sleep or something, not quite sure. The Horde kept this hush hush of course, they can't appear weak and leaderless in front of the world. Especially not now."
Alexander nodded." That is powerful information."
"It is, and it will get out soon enough. Already there are several candidates for the position of Warchief. One of them…is working for me."
Alexander gasped." No way!" that came out of his mouth faster than he could stop himself.
The general looked confused for a moment." Yes…way?" she shook her head, muttering something in her native tongue before she continued." If my candidate is going to succeed and become Warchief, I need more assistance in Orgrimmar. I need more pieces to move there, if you understand me."

He saw the risk already. If they were to fail, the Northern Kingdoms would be blamed and Darnassus would remain unblemished. But to have the power of the Horde to their full disposal, to move to their wishes…who needs a Golden hero and his army of Light if a puppet can get the savages to do what you want anyway?
Alexander nodded." We've been preparing a ambassador to Orgrimmar for some time, in relation to the skirmishes on the Forsaken/New Lordearon border. We could send her and her men as agents to aid yours." He quickly added." On the condition that for now in secret, you are one of us now. Part of the Northern Kingdoms. It was a gamble, a big one. But he had to risk it. This had to be made finalized.
Seconds passed very slowly as the general pondered. She rubbed her chin in thought before a small crept on her lips and she gave a small nod." Agreed."