Waking at five in the morning wasn't completely unheard of to Val, but she would begrudgingly admit that she had become lazy since getting to Lordaeron, and felt rather sluggish the next morning, though that might have had something to do with the copious amounts of brandy she and Varian had shared.

They'd changed positions multiple times, by the time they awoke. Varian's arm was still draped over Val's stomach, and his snores echoed throughout the chamber.

She half-heartedly pushed his arm away, stretching her mouth to crack the dry spit that had accumulated from the surprisingly decent sleep.

Varian hadn't awoken last night as far as she knew, so that was a sure sign that he'd managed to get a restful night as well, which was always gratifying.

Arching upwards like one of the cats that roamed the city, she cringed at the small pop her back gave, watching Varian's face and smiling at how serene he finally looked, though that smile faded as she realized she was to ruin it by leaving the bed that was oh so very tempting to stay in.

Varian's arm still hadn't moved despite her attempt, so she saw no other option than to run her fingers through his hair, watching his eyebrows twitch and hearing a deep purr that was exclusive to her ears only rumble from his chest. Eventually one eye opened and looked up at her guilty face.

"You're not leaving already?"

She shook her head, knowing she wasn't supposed to notice his arm pulling her to him again. "Not right this second. But I have to soon."

Both of Varian's eyes opened and he frowned like she knew he would. "I still think this is a terrible idea."

Val smiled despite what he had said, still stroking his head."Only because you can't come with me."

He huffed, warming her wrist as she begrudgingly lay back down. "Damn right. I'm supposed to keep you safe Val, I can't do that-"

She put a finger on his lips, rightly thinking it was too early for the argument they had already finished. Though she found it impossibly sweet that he wanted to look after her, she was a big girl and he wasn't her husband, she needed to do something with her life that didn't involve him for once, as much as she loved him.

"Varian, what did we say about this?"

He sighed, taking her hand away and kissing her palm. "That I need to stop fussing and trust you, and I do Val, it's just everyone else that I don't trust at all."

Val linked their fingers, fully intending on getting out of bed in the next minute or so. "Then trust that I know who to trust and who isn't worth trusting."

Varian put a hand over his eyes. "Ugh, it's far too early for your antics woman."

Val swung her legs out, ignoring Varian's angry grunts and attempts to grab her, fishing out the green tunic she had grown quite fond of and throwing it over her head.

"Do you have any idea what you're in for?"

Val shook her head, fixing the hood and smoothing her hair."No, but I'm very interested to find out. I'm sure I can handle it."

Varian's haughty snort only made her smirk as she rolled her black breeches up her legs. "You're cramming years of training into two months. Say goodbye to any feeling you have in every part of your body."

She turned, looking for the satchel she had packed the night before. "Well it's a good thing I have a certain King to help me relax now and then, isn't it?"

Varian didn't look as excited about the prospect as she thought he would be. "That's if I end up having time Sweetheart. We're both tackling our duties from now on remember."

Val put the strap over her shoulder, trying not to look glum about it. "I know, I just think optimism is always good to have."

Varian heaved himself onto his feet, snatching his robe up and tying the belt, opening his arms and kissing her head once she was nestled in them. "Just be careful and don't push yourself too hard."

He smiled at her. "I'll come up in a few days; I'll make up some bollocks about assessing the troops."

She wrinkled her nose, flicking his bottom lip. "Check up on me you mean."

Varian's brow furrowed. "What kind of husband would I be if I didn't make sure you were alright?"

Her face dropped and she played with the lapels of the blue quilted silk."You're not my husband though, are you?"

Varian's blue eyes flooded with anguish. "No…no, I suppose I'm not."

His grip got tighter but loosened straight after, stepping back and clearing his throat. "Good luck Sweetheart. Despite my protests, I think you'll do great. Just don't take too much shit from anyone."

She smiled at him even though neither of them could shake the awkwardness in the air. "Thank you, Varian. I'll write as soon as I can."

Varian motioned to the door. "Go on, before I forbid you from going."

Val chuckled, giving him one last kiss before spinning on her heel and leaving the palace behind her.

The encampment was just outside the small town of Brill, and although it was early in the morning, Val could already see that it was rammed. She thanked the boy that helped her from the wagon their little group had been brought here on, looking around and letting out a low whistle.

"I had heard there were a lot of applicants, but this is insane."

The boy (she shouldn't really have called him that since he looked the same age as her, but he had a baby face to die for) made a noise of agreement, handing her satchel to her and stretching to see where the sign-in tent was.

"Tell me about it. I suppose most of them are from Stormwind."

Val couldn't argue with that, in fact, she was seeing faces she already knew, but most of them had been merchants or guards, not soldiers. "

We better get a move on before they start thinking we're not coming."

Val was already way ahead of him, weaving in and out of bodies before she got to the line in front of the Stormwind banner, watching the boy go to the line that Uther Lightbringer himself was presiding over.

"He must be a Priest…" She murmured to herself and chose to occupy the wait with actually getting a good look at her new surroundings.

Tents were everywhere, in all sizes and every single one occupied. Varian had warned her that everyone's induction was today so she had expected crowds, but the sheer number of people was a little overwhelming.

She swallowed down her fear and waited patiently until the man seeing to everyone waved her forward, a weary-looking older man with a thin nose, steely eyes, and a square jaw.

"Name?"

Val cleared her throat. "Valerica Glenmore Sir."

He looked down a list that was probably as long as her, scratching it with his quill and pulling another sheet of parchment from the pile, one that had her name emblazoned at the top.

"Age?"

Val didn't hesitate to say "Nineteen."

"Occupation?"

Val swallowed, wondering why she was so suddenly nervous. "Blacksmith sir."

A salt and pepper eyebrow rose. "And you're sure that you're here to train and not be quartermaster?"

She nodded. "I am sir. I have no interest in smithing for the moment, sir."

He looked impressed. "Any previous training?"

She didn't want to mention that she knew Varian, since by the sheer fact that he hadn't said anything made her think he didn't know. "A little sir. A friend of mine is a knight of the Stormwind Guard."

He nodded slowly, motioning behind him. "Report to Captain Garside, tent three."

He gave her a quick smile. "Welcome to the Stormwind Army Miss Glenmore. Light be with you."

She thanked him, knowing she had to get a move on, and scanned the plethora of white tents for the one that was signposted 'Regiment 3'. she tried to look the picture of confidence when all she wanted to do was run back to Varian and dive under their furs never to emerge again.

"You can do this Val, have faith in yourself."

Her voice was shaking as she said it, and finally, she reached her temporary home. She straightened her back to the man that was Captain Garside, an older, skinnier set man than she'd been expecting.

His blue eyes held a stern undertone that she had expected in someone of his standing, but a smirk pulled at his lips as she clapped arms with him.

"I'm impressed with how many women have answered the call. Name?"

Val knew he didn't mean it the way it sounded (at least she bloody well hoped he didn't), so merely kept her face straight.

"Glenmore sir."

Garsidenodded curtly. "And the one your mother gave you?"

Val couldn't help her snap before it flew from her mouth. "My mother didn't give me shit. My father named me Valerica."

His brows snapped down and she realized she had just spoken back to a commanding officer, cringing and thinking that she was about to be dismissed already.

"Sir, I didn't mean-"

He held a hand up. "Don't mention the mother, duly noted. It seems you have spirit Glenmore, channel it properly and I'll be interested to see where you go."

He bent as she entered the tent."Just keep that gob of yours for the orcs and we'll all be grand."

He followed her in, standing in front of the twenty-something people crammed into the space. "I'll give you all ten minutes to make an introduction and catch your breath, then it's to the smith for your armour and weapons. Training starts at midday."

Val couldn't help her smile as she realized that she'd be wearing the armour and not making it for once, it was an oddly satisfying feeling.

She put her satchel down to the first available bedroll, smiling at the man next to her as he did the same thing. "Your first day as well?"

She nodded, holding her hand out. "Val, a pleasure to meet you."

He shook it with a dopey grin on his boyish face. "Arin, Arin Holton." He looked down, pushing his brown hair back from his eyes when he brought his head back up.

"Looks like we're going to be neighbours from now on."

Val couldn't help her chuckle. "Just tell me you don't snore and we'll get along just fine."

He laughed, looking strangely happy considering they were readying for war. "You say that like it's from experience?"

Val nodded, sitting down and crossing her legs, letting him do the same. "Va- my partner,snores like a congested boar. It's not his fault bless him, but after five years of sleeping next to it, you start to go a bit mad."

Arin looked sympathetic. "I know the feeling, I was sharing with three of my brothers before I came here."

Val saw others unpacking what little they had brought so started doing the same. "Do you have many of them?"

Arin shook his head. "I did, but the twins, Sam and George, they were down in Stormwind when it was attacked."

Val's face dropped. "I'm so sorry."

Arin gave her a pained smile. "My mum didn't want me coming here, but I couldn't sit on my arse and do nothing, not after that."

Val furrowed her brow. "Mum?…You're Gilnean?"

He looked impressed. "You could tell just by that one word?"

He chuckled at her nod. "Aye, I am."

He looked around, listening to the many voices surrounding them."Though I have to admit, I don't think there's many of us here."

Val made a noise of begrudged agreement. "I think that's because of King Greymane if I'm honest."

Arin made a face. "That bloody wall of his has ruined our good city's reputation. Everyone now thinks we're pompous arseholes when really we're not."

Val gave him a reassuring smile. "At least Prince Liam seems to have his head screwed on."

Arin's eyebrow rose."You've met him?"

Val shook her head faster than she probably meant to. "No, but I did see him after King Varian's coronation yesterday…I was in the crowd."

Arin's grin reappeared. "So was I, I won't lie. King Varian is just…well, he's bloody massive ain't he! I'm shocked he's not coming with us."Val had to tread lightly to avoid him realizing the truth, at least for now.

She was adamant that these people would get to know her on her own merits before she even began to tell them of her romantic endeavours. "I think he needs to get used to the role of the ruler for a while."

Arin leant back on his hands. "I feel sorry for Lady Tiffin."

Val's brows snapped down. "Why?"

Arin looked like a naughty child."Well, imagine having that brick shit-house on top of you every night! The poor woman's going to have a dust column for a spine before long!"

Val laughed far too loudly for far too long. Arin joined in purely because she was doing it, and waited patiently for her to finish before looking at her questioningly.

"Well, I didn't think you'd be so easily tickled."

Val wiped her eyes, taking a deep breath."No, I'm just wondering whether I should tell you that my husband's pretty much the same size as King Varian and I'm just fine."

Arin's brow wrinkled. "Husband? But you said partner before…"

Val swallowed, trying to conjure up a lie. "Well, he's not my husband yet, but I just like calling him it, you know?"

Arin surprisingly smiled dopely. "That's adorable. Any idea when you will be married?"

Val shook her head, feeling guilty as hells for lying so much."No idea. We probably never will at this rate, but that doesn't matter too much."

She gestured to him, trying to shift the attention. "How about you?"

A small blush crept onto his cheeks as he shifted his shoulders. "I may have a girl at home…"

Val gave him the same grilling he'd given her. "Oh really? How long have you two been together?"

Arin's eyes looked far away. "A couple of years. Shockingly she was the only one fully on board with me joining the army. And when we heard that King Greymane was coming to the capital to discuss an alliance, I took my chance and came with the rest of the Gilneans who want to help."

Val folded her arms. "Does she have a name? This girl of yours?"

Arin nodded, picking his nails. "Gwen. She works at the florist, and I must have looked a complete idiot going there every week."

Val chuckled. "Please tell me you at least bought something each time?"

Arin snorted."I did; honestly, our house smelled like a bloody perfumery for the six months it took me to finally pluck up the courage to ask her to dinner."

He let their laugh die down before leaning in. "How did you meet your husband?"

Val saw no reason to lie about this one, just merely tweak a few details. "We've known each other since we were small, our fathers were friends."

Arin made a small 'aw'. "So you grew up together?"

She nodded, regretting bringing Varian up since it only made her worry about his stress levels today. "It was hard leaving him. There have been very few occasions that we've been apart so long."

She lightly laughed. "Normally he's the one going to war."

Arin's head tilted. "He's a soldier?"

She nodded, not expecting his next question. "So why didn't he sign up?"

Val swallowed, thinking of a semi truthful answer. "He has things to do up in the capital. It didn't make sense for both of us to be here."

Arin slowly nodded as he thought about it. "Any children?"

Val shook her head. "No, and I don't expect there to be now."

"Regiment 3 to the smiths! Step lively!"

Arin helped her up once he heaved himself onto his feet, putting his hands in the pockets of his trousers. "Would you want children at some point though?"

Val shrugged, fixing the cuff of her tunic. "We'll have to see how this campaign goes, won't we?"

She started laughing and it only made Arin more curious. "I'm just thinking how much I'm going to annoy this poor smith by nitpicking."

Arin still looked lost."Why would you be nitpicking?"

She got in line with him, already grimacing at how basic the infantry armour was and itching to go back to the capital, use the forge there, and modify it. "Because I've been a smith for nearly ten years, and that's made me a bit of a snob as much as I don't like admitting it."

Arin looked impressed. "I wouldn't have put you down as a smith."

Val cocked an eyebrow as she looked back at him. "What, because I'm a woman?"

Arin hastily shook his head. "No! No, I meant because you're small."

Val was very much aware that at five foot four she seemed tiny compared to some of the others here, hells, some of the other women were taller than her, but she certainly wasn't little enough for it to be a teasing subject.

"I'm not that little."

Arin had to chuckle at her disdain. "How tall is your husband?"

Val sputtered, fighting and failing to hold her face still. "….Six seven."

His laughter made her ear hot. "How in the fuck do you…?"

Val's face was going red from held in laughter. "With a lot of practice."

He wasn't as skilled at resisting the jovial guffaws that were hidden behind his palm, and she looked back at him to find his face puce and tears welling in his eyes.

"And yes, he does go on top. Most of the time, actually."

Arin shook his head, still with his hand clamped to his mouth. "No, shut up, I can't take anymore without looking a right idiot."

Val was glad she had hit it off with someone right away; loneliness had been one of her big fears since she had signed the call to arms, so to have someone laughing 'with' and not 'at' her was confidence-boosting indeed.

She decided to spare him more pain and folded her arms, patiently waiting for her turn and wondering if there was any chance she knew the quartermaster here.

She was fitted rather quickly into the Alliance standard amour, and the smith in her was itching to make it her own, but she knew she'd have to ask Captain Garside. She was directed over to the weapon-smith and he took a good look at her.

"What did you do before this lass?"

She put her boots, leggings, and helm down, shifting uncomfortably as he inspected her. "Been doing it a while?"

She nodded. "Six years sir."

He turned, bent, and handed her a one-handed war-hammer. It had a leather-covered wooden grip and a wrist strap at the end, with a head made of what she could tell, was thick iron instantly.

From the weight of it, as she turned it in one hand, it wasn't hollow, but it was indeed heavy enough to make her feel her wrist aching already. "How does it feel?"

Val smiled up at him. "I like it. It doesn't feel too heavy."

He put his hands on his hips. "Any experience with other weapons?"

Val nodded. "Pistol sir."

"And who taught you how to use that?"

Val looked apprehensive. "…A pirate sir." The grey-haired man's loud chortle made her want to jump.

"Well, I suppose they're the best people to. Have you a gun on you?"

Val shook her head. "No, it's back at my lodgings in the capital."

He looked strangely disappointed. "Go and get it at the earliest convenience."

She firmly nodded. "Yes sir."

He waved her on, not seeing her look of glee as she scooped her things up and looked at the war-hammer that still sat in her hand, feeling more alive than she had in months. She was doing this, and she didn't regret it at all.

Varian however, was regretting even getting out of bed this morning. The King of Stormwind knew he looked ridiculous standing here in front of his mirror with a face 'like a slapped arse' as Val would put it, shifting with every button of his dresscoat, but he didn't care.

"Gentlemen, I have brought you here today to discuss the dangers of the H-horde…Light damn it that sounds stupid Varian."

Tiffin looked up from her sewing, frowning and putting it down to come behind him and squeeze his arms since she couldn't reach his shoulders. "Calm yourself, Varian, you can't go down there shaking like a leaf."

Varian didn't mean to snap but he did it anyway. "I'm not shaking!"

Tiffin gave him a look and he sighed, looking at himself and thinking that no one down there was going to take him seriously in the slightest.

"This is probably the most important meeting of my life, and I have no idea what to say…I'm a useless piece of shit."

Tiffin had to laugh, doing his buttons for him since his quaking hands couldn't put them through the roped loops. "No you're not, you're just having a crisis of confidence. I bet the second you walk into that council chamber everything will just flow freely."

Varian huffed, running a hand through his hair. "I know something that will be flowing freely, and I can categorically tell you it will not be my words."

Tiffin retched, knowing exactly what he was talking about. "Thank you for that lovely image Varian."

The king however gave her a quick grin. "What? I was merely talking about ale."

She swatted his arm, passing him his newly made chain of office."I wonder how Val's getting on."

Varian took a deep breath to calm his heart. "You had to pick the one subject that agitates me further, didn't you?"

Tiffin picked her sewing back up, leaning back in her chair while he put his boots on. "It shouldn't agitate you, Varian, she's doing what she wants, isn't that a good thing?"

He calmed himself before he snapped the comb he'd picked up. "Yes, but at the same time, this is entirely new to her, she doesn't know what she's in for and it's my job-"

"To let her find out for herself whether she can handle it and be there as a support if she realizes she can't."

Varian narrowed his eyes at her. "Isnot what I was about to say, but yes I suppose you're correct."

Tiffin's grin annoyed him less than it probably should of since she was of course, right."Stop worrying so much Varian, she doesn't need you to. She's training, not running straight into battle."

Varian smoothed his hair, rubbing the back of his neck."…I'm being foolish, aren't I?"

Tiffin nodded, making him fight his smile. "It's quite sweet really, but at the same time Varian, you have to stop babying her. She's a grown woman, not a child."

Varian snorted before he could stop it. "I bloody hope she is or I'm in big trouble."

Tiffin's groan finally made him laugh, barely feeling her swat."How long until the meeting starts?"

Varian fished in his pocket for the watch Val had given him for his last birthday (he always wore it, hence why it survived Stormwind) pulling the chain to its full length to read it. His eye may still be working but the cut Garona had left there had weakened it by a small enough margin just to be annoying.

"I should be going down now."

Tiffin looked like she was scolding a child. "Then why aren't you?"

Varian tightened his jaw. "I was, I'm just…Damn it all, if this doesn't work we never get Stormwind back, doesn't that worry you in the slightest?"

She tried to look optimistic. "Varian, this will work. There's no debate to be had any more on whether the Horde is worth warring against, so what's the worry?"

Varian twisted his Father's signet ring, biting his bottom lip. "They're not going to take me seriously."

Tiffin carried on sewing. "Yes they will, you're the king, they have no choice."

She bit off the stitch and held up the tiny white gown, making Varian smile. "It's wonderful."

His smile straightened. "And you're sure you want to do this now?"

Tiffin looked to the bronze syringe sitting in a basin on the opposite side of the room. "The sooner we do, the happier we will all be."

She frowned despite how civil they were being. "You will love them, won't you?"

Varian looked greatly insulted. "Of course I will! Don't assume I wouldn't simply because of who their mother is!"

Tiffin stood, embracing him and feeling a small kiss on her head. "Any child of mine will be adored and you know it."

Tiffin sighed, letting him go. "I just needed to make sure. Now go on, before you're late."

Varian patted her shoulder, slinging the blue Aramis cape he snatched up over his own as he opened the door, turning around and opening his arms.

"Yes, you look fine, now go!"

Jon was waiting against the wall for him, following when Varian beckoned him. "Ready Majesty?"

Varian scoffed, slightly unnerved by how silent the palace was. "Not in the bloody slightest. Let's just get this over with so I can drink myself to death."

Jon's chuckle threatened to make him smile, something he wasn't keen on doing right now. "Ah, I'm sure you'll be fine Majesty."

Everyone else was naturally already there by the time Varian plucked up the courage to walk into the large council chamber, where a plethora of guards were standing behind their relevant charges and all staring at him as he made his way around the table, clasped Terenas' hand and took a breath, facing his guests.

Of course, he already knew The Greymanes, King Nevrakis and Lord Proudmoore were all in attendance, he'd seen them yesterday, and was thankful that King Trollbane and Perenolde had kept good on their promise to attend despite their absence from his coronation.

He noticed Khadgar staring at the older man across from him and deemed him to be Archmage Antonidas of the nearby city of Dalaran, which in all honesty, he was surprised at.

The Kirin Tor had never really involved themselves in the affairs of their neighbouring kingdoms, it had earned them a less than unblemished reputation but Varian respected that he was here and bowed his head to the wizard, straightening and looking to Lothar, silently asking to be caught up.

"I've merely told our esteemed guests the backbone of why we're here lad, I was waiting for you."

The utter disdain in the older man's voice echoed how Varian felt about this whole thing, taking his seat as not to look as if he felt he was above everyone else here.

Arthas gave him a pained smile to his left while Terenas sat on his right, so at least he wasn't within punching distance of Greymane, (Which, now he thought about it, was probably a deliberate move on the Menethil's part).

"Gentlemen, I trust you already know the urgency of this matter."

Nizaar was proving himself a great asset to both Varian's kingdom and his sanity as he nodded first. "We have all grown lazy. War has never properly come to our homes. Now it has, and we are all weak standing alone."

Varian gave the dark-skinned man a grateful look. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Nizaar speaks the truth, we all have become complacent. My father possibly most of all. We can't afford to stay the way we are if we are to survive."

Arthas carried on before anyone could argue."We are already getting reports that the Horde is moving north, so it's only a matter of time before each one of us is attacked. They don't care who rules where, they just have one goal in mind, to conquer."

Lothar took his cue. "They want to wipe us out and claim Azeroth for themselves. The longer that portal stays open, they have troops, and they will bring through as many as they can."

Varian wasn't surprised at the one face that looked defiant.

"They have Stormwind, which gives them the south. Why would they risk coming north now we know their ways?"

Varian pinched the bridge of his nose, thanking Gregor for the ale he put in front of him and fearing it wasn't going to be the only one he drank today. "Because they believe they have broken us by destroying Stormwind when we weren't prepared for it. They are arrogant, they wish to strike at our lowest."

Daelin ran a hand down his face. "You said they are on their way here, can that be confirmed?"

Arthas nodded, passing him the same missive he had received and giving the man that at one point was to be his father-in-law a minute to read it. Varian's eyes flickered to the blonde and he mouthed "are you alright?" as subtly as was possible for Varian to achieve.

Arthas' stiff nod didn't fill him with confidence, and not only did it tell him Jaina still refused to speak to him in a haunting echo of what had happened between he and Val, it told him that Daelin held contempt for the boy, making it a little awkward for those who knew what had transpired.

"I see nothing about ships, how are they travelling?"

Lothar folded his arms, making his armour squeak. "They have wolves twice the size of men, they can probably cover a good distance in a matter of days."

Thoras looked to the map of the continent that lay in the middle of the table. "That would mean traversing Khaz Modan."

Terenas nodded. "Yes, so that gives us a small amount of time to prepare. We've heard nothing from the dwarves, so it's safe to assume they haven't arrived in the mountains yet."

Varian met Daelin's eye. "How ready is your navy Lord Admiral?"

The moustached older man chuckled. "It's been ready since you were in your cradle lad. We can easily change merchant ships to battle ones if need be."

Arthas begrudged speaking to him but knew it was necessary. "And will you provide ships to transport our soldiers down to Westfall once their training is complete?"

Varian noticed that Proudmoore looked at him instead of the blonde when he answered."Aye. I believe this alliance you speak of Terenas,will prove fruitful in the end."

Nizaar made a noise of agreement. "I have over ten thousand soldiers waiting for my command to sail to join them. We have already had our home threatened by the Trolls, I will not risk doing the same thing with the Orcs."

He ran a jewelled hand down his face. "Especially since we have learned that they have made contact with each other."

Varian looked more surprised than he probably should have. "When was this?"

Adil, who sat next to his Father, passed another missive down to the King of Stormwind."The Amani have repealed their assault on our northern shores, quite out of nowhere. We sent scouts to investigate why and they told us they found them in the Black Morass- by the portal. It's only safe to assume that they've realized they have a common enemy…us."

Liam ran a hand through his hair. "So now we have them both to contend with, wonderful."

Genn shot his son a glare. "I'll say it until I'm blue in the face, they are aware that we know their ways, they'd be absolute fools to come here!"

Varian pounded a fist on the table to quiet the rabble. "And we'd be fools to assume they wouldn't!"

His face fell into one of despair."Two hours. That's all it took them to destroy Stormwind. Two measly hours."

He looked around at all of them. "Meaning they could raze all of our capitals in the space of a day…does that not scare any of you?"

Liam bent his head, a deep sigh rocking his shoulders. "Father, Tess, mummy, and I have all told you to come here and listen. So please, listen to what Varian is saying. We will all suffer if we segregate ourselves."

Genn didn't look convinced in the slightest."Listen to a boy? Absurd. Tell me, if this is to be an 'alliance', why is King Varian acting like he's lord of the bloody manor and above us all?"

Terenas spoke before Varian could since he could see the brunette was close to exploding. "Varian has more knowledge of the Orcs than anyone at this table, so is the most fitting to instruct us on what to do."

Varian gave Lothar a pleading look, and the old soldier put a hand on his shoulder. "Varian will be under my counsel when it concerns the war."

Genn huffed, making Liam cringe. "A war we have no business risking my people with."

Proudmoore ran a hand over his moustache. "Why did you come here, Genn? Since you clearly don't wish to help."

Genn put both elbows on the table. "I came in good faith and out of respect for good Terenas, but all I've heard so far is hogwash."

Perenolde, a quiet, contemplative man, put a hand up. "What if war is not our only option?"

He noticed the cautious looks. "Think about it, they came here to find what- just enemies to slay?"

Khadgar chose his words carefully to not fuel Varian's anger further."The informant we employed in Stormwind told us that the orcs came here because their world was destroyed."

Perenolde steepled his fingers. "So they need a home, somewhere to live in peace."

Nizaar put his head in one hand. "He's not seriously suggesting this…"

Varian felt the same as the SamarkKing but chose to hear Perenolde out in case Light forbid he wouldn't go the route he was perceived to be going with.

"What if we merely tried to speak to the leader of the Horde and see if we cannot negotiate a truce with them in exchange for the things they want?"

Lothar's jaw tensed. "We tried that and were sent back our men in pieces."

Varian clenched both fists."None of you are recognizing the danger we are all in. Countless lives are on the table and only three of you have acknowledged that fighting back is our only option."

Genn straightened his back, clearly not done ripping Varian's patience apart. "And after we help you get Stormwind back, what then? You'll be the only southern Kingdom again, you'll be of no use to us."

Varian stood so quickly his chair was flung backward. "I will do whatever I have to to stop the Horde, don't call me a coward Genn or I swear I-"

"Enough."

Khadgar noticed that even Genn fell silent at the smooth but commanding voice of Archmage Antonidas, with Varian sitting back down once his chair was righted by Gregor. The old man looked at every face and folded his hands.

"For years, the Kirin Tor have received messages of requested aid against the orcs. But we did not listen. We thought the orcs a trivial problem, nothing to be fearful of. I concede today that we were wrong, terribly wrong."

He met Varian's gaze. "I vowed not to make that mistake again, and that is exactly what denying the threat of the Horde is a mistake."

Genn, for once, said exactly what Varian was thinking. "And what reason did you have to think so little of their threat? If you were refusing calls of aid then, how can we trust you'll answer them now?"

Antonidas didn't even flinch at the scathing accusation. "For every sorcerer we had, they had thirty more. Their magic use is potent and unknown, making it too much of a risk."

Lothar looked gravely at them all. "This is not a matter of who is stronger than who. We either work together or we die, it's that simple."

Varian took a deep breath and flattened his palms on the table. "I don't think any of us would be here if we didn't want the same goal. Let's use the limited time we have to discuss how each of us could benefit this new alliance and what our next plan of action is. Are we all agreed?"

A small, pregnant pause was his answer until Liam nodded."Gilneas is with you Varian. I formally pledge our allegiance to Stormwind and Lordaeron."

Genn threw his son a dirty look but nodded.

Nizaar and Adil gave him both their wide smiles. "Samarkand is yours."

A small chorus of pledges made Varian's hopes rise more than he dreamed they would. The foundations were lain, now all they needed to do was act upon them.

Val could feel every inch of her legs and chestburning. Her regiment hadn't even finished their second two-mile run of the day, but she was more than ready to just drop onto the floor.

"If this is the first day, I'm dreading the weeks ahead."

Thankfully Arin had kept pace with her and to their credit, they were still with the rest of the group, so they were doing well all things considered.

Val laughed despite herself, glad that they hadn't suited up for this and were all in tunics and linen breeches."At least we're working off our Winter Veil bellies, imagine how we're going to look in two months!"

She nudged him, surging ahead and grinning as he came to meet her and Carson Eastcroft, another man from their regiment that Val had become quite friendly with as they all had lunch together earlier.

As was the norm here he was a tall, well-built man with short, spiky dark hair and stubble on his chin and cheeks.

"Come on Holton,keep up!"

Arin flipped him the bird, seeing their destination in sight. "Go fuck yourself, this is the most I've run in my life! I was quite proud!"

Although the air had the biting chill of February on it, they were all dripping with sweat, and by the time Val's boots hit the sand that marked the end of their run she had to run both hands down her face and take a large gulp of air.

Carson rolled his shoulders, clearly no stranger to this, clapping hands with Hemming, a skinnier blonde who looked more like a bard than a soldier. Arin bent over with his hands on his knees, trying to get his breathing under control.

"By the time our training is up, we'll run that in five minutes with our eyes shut!"

Arin laughed but it held no humour. "Speak for yourself you prick, I plan on surviving."

Val felt strangely invigorated considering she was as tired as Arin, practically bouncing on the spot as the Captain came over.

"Regiment three, fall in!"

She was impressed by how quickly they all formed two lines with about forty people and put her hands behind her back and her feet apart. Carson glanced down at her with a smirk, looking forward when his name was called.

"All of you, drop."

Arin was biting back a groan as Val sprung forward, catching herself on both palms and pushing up onto her toes.

"Thirty rises, you have a minute, go."

The moment of bliss finally finishing their run had brought faded completely as her thighs protested with all their might, but Val was determined not to fuck up, not on her first day.

"Damn, that husband of yours must be one happy man if you can move that fast."

Val sputtered, looking over at Carson after making sure Captain Garside wasn't watching. "Shut the fuck up."

All he did was throw her a wink and she couldn't help but laugh to herself since if the man ever found out exactly who Val was with, he would hopefully turn the flirting down a few notches.

Carson was a very cocky man, she had realized this within five minutes of meeting him, but it was the kind of cocky she was used to from going to Brinewickregularly, so she wouldn't find herself getting flustered and panicked at harmless flirtation.

He helped her up once they were all done, sweeping a hand through his short hair. "How are you enjoying military life so far?"

Val's grin was genuine. "I'm loving it."

"Glenmore, Eastcroft, stop making soppy eyes at each other and fall in!"

Arin huffed as they once again lined up, eyeing the taller man. "You know she's married, don't you?"

Carson scoffed. "That doesn't mean I can't be nice Holton, calm your tits."

Arin looked half-amused, half disgusted. "' Nice'. If that's your nice I'd hate to see what your 'really nice' is."

Carson chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that reminded Val of Varian, making her miss him even though it'd only been a day."I'm not into that Holton, sorry."

Val was fighting to keep her laugh in her chest, especially since Captain Garside was sweeping the line.

"This is only a taste of what's to come in the next couple of months, and a piece of piss compared to what you'll face with the Horde. Those who feel they're not up to it, leave now and stop wasting my time."

Val was pleased to see that she, Arin, Carson, and Hemming all stayed where they were. About four people left the group to her surprise, but Carson looked as if he'd seen this before. "Good, means they won't get in our way."

Garside took a deep breath. "Today has shown me what you're all capable of physically. Tomorrow we start combat training. To the mess tent with all of you, lights out in two hours. Dismissed."

Arin and Val both sighed in relief at the same time, making the other laugh. Carson put his arm over Val's shoulders, and even though she knew it was inappropriate, she was far too exhausted to try and get it off.

"Have you two had any combat experience?"

Val nodded. "My husband trained me with a blade briefly, and taught me the basics of archery."

Arin cocked an eyebrow. "Didn't you say a pirate taught you to shoot a gun as well?"

Carson looked impressed. "A gun? That's not very ladylike."

Val shrugged, barely moving his arm."You'll find out soon that I'm anything but a lady."

Carson scoffed. "Good, I'd fucking hate having a puffball by my side through this slog."

He looked to Arin. "And you?"

Arin shrugged as if it were nothing. "Father was a carpenter, mother was a seamstress, so basically nothing, but I'm willing to learn."

Surprisingly, Carson nodded. "But you can use your hands, so that's a start."

Arin gave him a bashful smile. "Thanks, I appreciate it."

Once they were settled with their food- a small bowl of Westfall stew- Hemming, who had a thin face that looked slightly intimidating, smiled and put Val at ease about him. "So, who's waiting for you lot when you go home?"

Kaylie Thorpe, a stern-looking woman with tied back black hair and a pale complexion shrugged. "No one. Lost them all when Northshire fell."

Carson swallowed his mouthful, grunting angrily. "Fucking tragedy, that was."

Val looked up at him since she was sitting on the floor and he was perched on a box. "Where do you hail from then Car?"

He huffed. "Kul Tiras. Started in the navy, came over to Lordaeron."

Arin played with his spoon. "You got anyone?"

Carson shook his head, but Val noticed his eyes turn steely. "Did once. Little bitch ran off the minute I left for service."

Hemming looked sympathetic, which Val suspected wasn't what Carson wanted."That's awful."

Carson shrugged like it didn't matter to him anymore. "Means I get to do whatever I want without worrying what she's going to think, so I'm grand."

He gave Arin a teasing smile. "What about you? Surely some girl loves that baby face of yours?"

Arin's face went red and it only egged the older man on.

"There is, isn't there! Come, spill your guts, who is she?"

Arin's smile was a dopey one that told Val just how much he cared for Gwen."Just a girl back home, that's all."

Hemming put his empty bowl on the ground. "Are you married?"

Arin shook his head. "No, we've barely started courting. I plan on doing it one day though."

Kaylie nudged Val. "You've told uspretty much nothingabout this husband of yours Glenmore, give us the details, how did you meet?"

Val had to tread carefully since she knew Kaylie was from Elwynn."Our parents were friends, we've known each other for years."

Carson brushed the crumbs that the bread they'd been given from his palms, clucking his tongue. "You haven't even told us his name yet! I'm starting to think he's not real!"

Val knew Varian would forgive her for this eventually, so shakily she blurted. "Vincent. His name's Vincent."

Arin made a small 'aw'. "That's adorable that you both have the same letter."

Val snickered, feeling her forehead start to get sweaty."Yes well, blame our parents for that one."

Hemming carried on the interrogation. "And how long have you been married?"

Val swallowed. "Well, we're technically not yet, it's just when you've been with someone so long it's practically marriage by this point, you know?"

Thankfully he nodded, but she had noticed Kaylie peering at her since she had given Varian's 'name'.

"Any particular reason you're staring at the girl Kay?"

The black-haired woman shook her head. "No, sorry, I was just convinced I'd seen you in Stormwind before it got destroyed."

Val felt her throat tighten. "You stayed in Stormwind after Northshire then?"

Kaylie nodded, still narrowing her eyes. "I could swear you were with the Prince."

Carson's laugh was loud enough to make Val jump. "No way in all hells Kay. I've seen the king's wife-to-be, and those two are the complete opposite of each other. Are you sure you passed the sight test?"

Thankfully laughter broke out, making Val relax as Kay squeezed her shoulder. "Sorry, I just get a bit muddled now and then."

Val patted her hand, drinking from the flask that Carson was passing around."So do I, trust me. Everything's been so up in the air since Stormwind fell, I haven't known my left from my right."

Arin's face turned worryingly serious. "Did you lose anyone in the attack?"

Val slowly nodded, feeling her eyes hurt with impending tears. "My put himself in the way when the Cathedral exploded."

She twisted so they could see her back, reaching behind her and pulling the neck of her tunic down, getting a low whistle from Carson. "That's when I got these."

She felt the older man's thick fingers running over the small patch he could see, exhaling as he pulled back. "Fuck…you must've gone right up to scar like that."

Val made a noise of affirmation."I did. I was wearing woolat the time so it caught instantly. It's only because of the Stormwind brigade thinking quicklythat I got put out."

Hemming frowned, lighting a cigar he shouldn't really have brought with him and offering it to everyone to share. "Do you miss him?"

Kaylie gave him a dirty look. "What kind of fucking question is that?!"

He held both hands up, trying to ignore Carson's snickers. "Well you never know, they might've hated each other!"

Surprisingly, Val was laughing along with them despite the painful subject. "Well, you'll be happy to know that I loved him beyond measure. He was all I had for the past three years."

Kaylie looked as glum as she felt. "It's so hard, having them there one day, and then having to adjust to life without them the next."

Carson ran a hand down his face, taking a drag of Hemming's cigar and giving it to Val after she reached for it. "Then it's a good thing we're here to make sure those bastards don't kill anymore."

Arin nodded in agreement."Westfall first, then down to Stormwind…anyone else terrified?"

Val and Kaylie raised their hands at the same time, making each other laugh.

Carson gave them a grin and put a hand on his knee. "Ah, don't worry, we'll be fine."

Hemming cocked an eyebrow. "And just how do you know that?"

Carson was laughing before he even spoke."Why, because I'm here of course!" They all burst into a fit of giggles at his false bravado, with Val kicking his calf. "Light, I thought my old man was a cocky git."

Kaylie put her head on Val's shoulder, feeling the day catch up with her. "What's he like though, your husband?"

Val's smile took a dreamy turn that made Arin grin himself. "He's brash, he grumbles about everything, and I've called him a man-ape more times than I can count…"

Her eyes glassed over as she stared into space. "But then in the next breath, he's the most gentle, loving, caring human being on Azeroth. It's as if he can just sense if I'm upset about something, and without a word, he'll just hold me for as long as it takes…"

Kay sighed happily, but the romantic atmosphere her little speech had made was broken by Carson's loud fake retch, making Val reach over and swat him again.

"Carson! Let the girl have her moment!"

The large man rolled his eyes. "Oh please, that lovey-dovey crap is the most ridiculous shit I've ever heard!"

Arin glared at him, clearly not agreeing. "Everyone is entitled to feel love Car, it's not unheard of."

Carson huffed, standing up and brushing his backside down. "In this place, love is a hindrance above everything. We may not be coming back to that husband of yours, or that girl of yours. Face facts, all you're doing is hurting them."

And with that, any sense of a jovial mood dissipated and was replaced with melancholy enough that Val wanted to see Varian more than ever even though it had been a day.

She was readying her bedroll when lights out came along, with Kay's ponytail tickling her shoulder as she bent behind her and whispered. "Val…I have to ask…you are the woman I saw with the king, aren't you?"

Val turned enough to tell the older woman that she was listening."…Please, for the love of the Light don't tell anyone."

Kay came in front of her and crossed her legs, hugging her knees. "Why? What's the problem?"

Val was grateful that she kept her voice down since Carson was snoring in the bedroll above where her head would be, and Arin was reading in the one next to her. "Think about it Kay, if everyone knows I'm with Varian, I'll be known as the slut that sleeps with a king, they'll rip me a new one for it."

Kay took a long minute to think about it but eventually nodded. "Fine, I won't say a word."

She smiled, letting her knees down. "I think what threw me is the hair. When I saw you last it was long."

Val's hand instinctively went to her head, running her fingers through it. "You can blame the fire for that one. I'll admit, I panicked when you said about knowing me earlier."

Kay shrugged as if it were no big deal. "I just wanted to know whether I was going mad or not."

"Thorpe, Glenmore, back to your beds."

Val shared a small laugh with Kay as the raven-haired woman patted her shoulder, going to the other side of the tent.

Val took her boots off, slid under the fur flap of her bedroll, and poked Arin's back, trying to hold in her laughter as they both laid down to feign sleep, facing each other. "So, what did you think of today?"

Val gave him a small smile. "It went a lot better than expected. What about you?"

Arin looked slightly apprehensive. "I think once I get into the swing of things I'll feel better about it."

They both looked at Carson as he let out a particularly loud snore, both chuckling to each other.

"So….feel like home?"

Val grinned, snuggling down more. "What, with a snoring beast of a man lying next to me? It's like I never left."

Arin bit a knuckle to muffle his laughter, taking a deep breath. "I suppose we should get some sleep."

Val made a tiny noise of agreement. "Night Arin."

He smiled at her, closing his green eyes. "Night Val."

Val let him drift off, staring into space and thinking about the past day and whether she was impressed with herself or not. It was only the first day, she had to remember that, and in fairness to herself, she hadn't cried, or said anything about quitting, or done the deed, so that was something at least. She finally closed her eyes, feeling her muscles start to ache now she was relaxing them.

She soon opened her eyes again and looked up, furrowing her brow and using the same remedy she did when Varian was snoring too loud, reaching up and sharply slapping Carson's forehead, whipping her arm back, and closing her eyes as he woke with a grunt, laughing as quietly as she could.

"Fucking bitch."

She carried on laughing until she fell asleep, hoping she could find a bit of time to see Varian at some point in the coming days before they left for Westfall.