Disclaimer: I do not own World of Warcraft, only my OC and such.
Hello all, this is just an idea I've had in my head for a while in regards to some of my favorite WoW characters and lore. The concept of arranged marriages has always been of interest to me, as well as the politics and unexpected blossoming romances that can spring up. I thought I would try my hand at romance and *cough* smut. It's my first time doing a story like this, so please bear with me as I do my best; any constructive criticism is welcome, as well as helpful reviews!
Do expect the rating to change later on as I get more comfortable writing steamy scenes and chapters! I will warn readers before the shift, though, so those who are underage or uncomfortable can choose whether or not to proceed.
Thanks all! Please review if you have the time!
He was in no position to place judgment, really, but this was ridiculous.
Khadgar had remained relatively neutral throughout most of the conflict between the Alliance and the Horde, preferring to deal with his own personal vendettas before becoming involved with any such internal squabbles. If one were to ask him in the past about the topic, he would reply with a casual 'no comment'. It was much easier on the conscience to do your fighting against a universal and ancient evil that threatened the stability and livelihood of the whole world. One could spill the blood of the Burning Legion, demolish their strongholds, undermine all their plans, and then return home to enjoy freshly brewed tea and a good book without any regrets.
And that was how things should have been, were it not for the aforementioned squabbles that seemed determined to foil all of his plans. Not even a week had gone after the defeat of Sargeras, rumors of revived Alliance and Horde conflicts began to resurface. It had started with some trade altercations with other neutral factions, then expanded to travelers on roads, and finally to major neutral towns and ports.
Which explained why he was sitting at his desk, reading a report about a fight that had broken out between four mages at his Zangarra…all while consciously choosing to ignore the chaotic mix of letters and documents scattered across his desk comprised of similar reports and letters from leaders of note, egging him to choose a side. He had since returned to Dalaran to take care of matters at home with the hope that things wouldn't become too bad in his absence. Well…
If one were to ask him now about the animosity between the two factions, his answer would be quite simple…
"This is all quite ludicrous, thank you very much," Khadgar muttered to himself as he tossed yet another letter of complaint into the nearby hearth. He was beginning to feel more like a parent try to chastise two rowdy siblings than one of the powerful leaders of the Kirin Tor.
After all the effort he had put into making sure that both sides could unite for a common goal back on Draenor, he refused to see it deteriorate. This campaign had proved that peace, or at least a perpetual ceasefire, was possible, and he would take his meddling to new extremes if it meant securing such a feat. If only there was some way to make a permanent tie between the two factions. Something that wouldn't just end with the defeat of some conglomerate of hateful, fel weaving maniacs or whatever.
But what?
"Another letter came for you this morning, Master."
Ah, yes. Time to return to reality; he could attempt to bring his hopes to life at another time.
"Thank you, my dear, hand it here. And stay for a moment, I may write a reply."
He outstretched his hand and his apprentice turned it over with a tusked smile while placing a cup of tea on his desk with her other hand. Oh yes, his apprentice. He was reluctant at first to take one on, but eventually gave in mostly to make the other Kirin Tor leaders shut up. Of course, he had to cause as much of a stir as possible (he had a reputation to uphold), so the most obvious and logical choice had been Miss Nadia Ravenscroft.
A half-troll half-human with ties to Alliance nobility, Khadgar had heard her name come up multiple times from both casual and political gossip. After weeding through the various racist and sexist comments that accompanied her profile, it was revealed that she had the grudging acknowledgement of being a profoundly talented mage…with an insubordinate backbone and smart tongue to match.
He requested her immediately.
His weathered hands broke the seal and pulled out what appeared to be an invitation of some sort…to a wedding. He didn't bother to even try and suppress the groan that reverberated in his throat. Nadia's patient expression turned into one of inquiry, "Something wrong?"
"Do you know how many of these I get?" He waved the paper around carelessly, "For these…political family alliances? I haven't actually been to a genuine wedding in ages. Unfortunately, I must go, for appearances sake and all: please write back a confirmation. At least there will be good food, and it's not everyday I get to wear my best robes," he handed the letter back and her lips formed into a dreamy smile.
"I don't know, I kind of like weddings, if they're for real and not…why are you looking at me like that?"
He didn't mean to stare, but an idea had struck him like lightning. Weddings…marriage…political ties…the gears in his head turned as they pieced together information and estimated the possibility of this plan actually working. Nadia was technically Alliance despite her neutral affiliation, and a certain red-haired faction leader was definitely still unmarried… There would be multiple hoops to jump through, an unbelievable amount of paperwork, and gods knew how much pomp and circumstance…but it could work.
"Oh nothing," he replied finally while picking up his drink and taking a small sip. He continued to stare at her over the rim of the teacup, "Tell me: you are half troll, yes?"
"…Yes."
"Good, good…and, by chance, would you happen to be single?"
I know it's short, but I wanted the prologue to be that way as it is a prologue. :P Thanks for reading, expect more soon!
