Chapter Text
Sylvanas had been hunched over piles of paperwork, mindlessly adding her signature to documents. Ever since the peace treaty was approved between the Horde and the Alliance, there seemed to be an endless stream of tedious approvals and signatures required by the Warchief. Sylvanas let out a frustrated groan as she surveyed the towering stack of papers sitting ominously in the corner of her desk, realizing she had made only a tiny dent in it.
Bent over the desk, her hand moved hastily, causing her signature to become sloppy. She was certain carpal tunnel would have plagued her from the excessive writing if she were still alive. With a frustrated thud, Sylvanas slammed her quill onto the desk. Trapped within the confines of Grommash Hold, she had reached her limit with the endless paperwork after hours on end.
Suppressing the impulse to overturn her desk and send papers flying across the floor, Sylvanas stretched in her chair. She had grown tired of the constant paperwork and prolonged meetings between the Horde and the Alliance. Their disputes over trivial matters like trade routes and taxes drained her patience. The never-ending discussions on peace felt so mind-numbing that Sylvanas thought she might succumb to death again.
The meetings were always hostile, with both sides forever at odds and unable to reach any agreements. It was a small miracle that they managed to sign a peace treaty. Anduin tried his best to intervene, but his inexperience showed. Sylvanas regarded him as a child, hardly capable of bearing the crown on his head.
Amidst the chaotic dealings, Jaina Proudmoore consistently assumed the role of peacemaker, attempting to calm the tensions as both sides engaged in heated arguments. Sylvanas, on the other hand, sat there with a bored expression, propping her legs up on the table and clasping her hands behind her head. Her only amusement came from provoking Jaina, who always seemed irked by Sylvanas’ antics and was more than willing not to back down from the Warchief. It was the only thrilling part of those dull meetings.
Sylvanas Windrunner was consumed by restlessness, which did not bode well for the banshee. She itched to hold her bow and chase the thrill of the hunt. She yearned to be surrounded by the solitude of the forest, a realm where paperwork didn’t exist and she could savor her privacy.
A knock echoed at the door, causing Sylvanas to emit a depleted sigh. She despised being interrupted despite her decision to postpone her work indefinitely.
"Enter," Sylvanas shouted.
Anya ventured into the room, holding what appeared to be a message in her hands. Sylvanas had barely noticed her delicate footsteps near the door. The dark ranger seemed overly eager as she approached.
"Dark Lady, a letter from Kul Tiras with the official Proudmoore seal," Anya said, with a faint smirk as she extended the letter to Sylvanas.
Sylvanas snatched the letter from Anya's grasp. She examined it, noting the atrocious penmanship that scribbled her name and titles. The official seal of the Proudmoore family adorned the back, provoking Sylvanas’ interest. She found it intriguing that a message from the desk of the Lord Admiral was now in her possession.
"Are you planning to open it?"
"Aren't you supposed to be on patrol duty?"
"I swapped shifts with Clea. Plus, Valeera is waiting outside. She was adamant about a prompt response. She mentioned that Lady Proudmoore requires an immediate reply," Anya explained.
Sylvanas pondered the letter's significance that Jaina deemed important enough to have Valeera Sanguinar deliver it personally to her.
"Well, make sure to keep our guest company. She has a knack for snooping around undetected," Sylvanas commanded.
Anya pouted before exiting through the door. Once alone, Sylvanas broke the Proudmoore seal, revealing the letter's contents.
Warchief Sylvanas Windrunner,
I write this message to ask for your aid now that the Horde and the Alliance have found common ground and embarked upon a path of peace. Although my colleagues fail to perceive its significance, it is a matter of utmost importance.
After the defeat of her parents, Lucille of House Waycrest has embarked on an effort to reclaim the city of Corlain, seeking to reconstruct what was once lost to the clutches of the Heartsbane Coven. The upper parts of the town have been rid of the witches' presence, but the true challenge lies within the Waycrest Manor itself.
In her quest to cleanse the city, Lucille turned to me after sending several champions into her family’s manor, only for them to vanish without a trace, except for a lone survivor. Upon his return, the surviving hero was devoid of sanity, uttering words in an unfamiliar language. Lucille worries about the mysterious forces that dwell within the manor’s walls.
Thus, I seek your assistance. With the Alliance leaders hesitant to send their forces, would you graciously volunteer members from the Horde or perhaps yourself? I have theorized the forsaken may be immune to the forces within the manor and hold the key to overcoming this hostile power.
I promised Lucille the return of her manor, and I hope that you can aid me in achieving this noble endeavor. This is the first time our factions will work together, and I hope we can do it without complications.
Let us remain hopeful that you assume this quest not merely as a means to an end but as an opportunity to promote cordial relations between the Horde and the Alliance. May you seize this chance to engage actively rather than idly stand by, as you often do during the peace talks you seem to enjoy.
Regards,
Lord Admiral Jaina Proudmoore
P.S. Valeera shall patiently await your reply. I ask you to respond soon as Valeera succumbs to boredom rather quickly.
A surge of anger coursed through Sylvanas, compelling her to rip the letter into shreds and cast it into the fiery embrace of the hearth. The final sentence pushed the banshee over the edge, her temper reaching a boiling point. How dare Jaina Proudmoore?!
As Sylvanas’ hand hovered over the letter, ready to rip it apart, her gaze shifted to the towering stacks of papers on her desk. A sudden idea sparked in her mind, causing a mischievous smile to creep across her sharp features. With a sudden change of heart, she settled back into her chair and reached for a fresh sheet of parchment.
Stabbing her quill into the ink pot with determination, Sylvanas began crafting her response. A sense of excitement bubbled within her as she reveled in her cunning plan.
After adding the finishing touches to the letter, Sylvanas revisited its contents and allowed the ink to dry. A sense of satisfaction washed over her, for she knew her plan would unfold seamlessly. As her gaze shifted towards the piles of paperwork on her desk, Sylvanas couldn't help but delight in her cleverness. As Sylvanas was in the midst of folding the letter, another knock interrupted her.
"Come in.”
To her surprise, Lor’themar entered, causing a flicker of irritation to cross her face. He had a knack for dragging out the peace talks with the Alliance, prolonging the meetings that Sylvanas despised.
"What is it that you want, Regent Lord?" Sylvanas uttered as she focused on addressing the envelope.
"Warchief, have you seen the latest letter that the boy king sent all the Horde leaders? This is an outrage!" Lor’themar exclaimed.
Sylvanas ignored Lor’themar's outburst, focusing instead on her duty at hand. She retrieved the wax and imprinted the seal of the Horde onto the letter with precision. With the task completed, she raised her gaze to meet Lor'themar’s eyes, her expression poised and unwavering.
"Clearly, Lor’themar, I have been busy," Sylvanas remarked, gesturing toward the vast stack of papers.
"Well, you should begin searching for it immediately, then!" Lor’themar insisted.
Lor’themar moved towards the papers on Sylvanas' desk, intent on shuffling through them in search of the document. Sylvanas laid her hands across the desk, blocking and denying him access.
"Do not dare mess my desk.”
The mere thought of Lor’themar intruding and carelessly scattering her meticulously organized papers made her uneasy.
Noticing the subtle twitch of Sylvanas’ ear, Lor’themar stepped back. He raised his hands in a gesture of apology as if suddenly recalling Sylvanas’ well-known reputation for being orderly as Ranger General.
"Besides, I am preoccupied with a personal quest assigned to me by Lady Proudmoore herself.”
Lor'themar’s gaze shifted towards the letter addressed to Jaina, and a mix of concern and disdain contorted his expression. He attempted to reach for the letter, only to be rebuffed as Sylvanas slapped his hand away. Lor’themar stepped back, gently massaging his hand where Sylvanas’ slap had landed.
"What does the Lord Admiral want from you?" Lor’themar asked.
"Jaina requires assistance with the Waycrest Manor. The Alliance, as expected, is unwilling to lend aid, and she has turned to me as a final option. The little mage claims champions are going in and not coming out. You know how humans are. They tend to believe in ghosts. Childish things.”
“Can we truly trust Jaina Proudmoore? What if this is a trap set by the Alliance?"
Sylvanas’ eyes were fixated on the paperwork. "That is precisely why I am going.”
"Is that so? Going on a mere errand that any one of your forsaken could handle. Why? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Looking for a distraction?"
Lor’themar stared at her with suspicion. A sinister smile crept across Sylvanas’ face as her hands rested innocently under her chin.
"Consider yourself fortunate that I refrain from allowing my Val’kyr to raise you. I doubt Thalyssra would be pleased with me if her beloved came home different.”
Lor’themar huffed and folded his arms. "No, I don't believe Thalyssra would appreciate that. However, I would feel more at ease if Liadrin accompanied you. If there truly is a corrupt presence within that manor, perhaps Liadrin can aid in its eradication."
Sylvanas scowled. The matriarch's soft manner always tested her patience. However, she would be foolish to refuse the strength of a Blood Knight.
"Fine, fine, inform her that I will promptly send her the necessary details. Now, please go. I have much to prepare,” Sylvanas said, signaling him to leave.
Lor’themar saluted Sylvanas in his usual arrogant manner, causing her to roll her eyes and urging him to quicken his departure. As Lor’themar exited, Anya seized the opportunity to reenter the room. She swayed on her feet, back and forth, patiently waiting for Sylvanas to acknowledge her presence.
"Yes, Anya?"
"Valeera wishes to know when you will be finished with the reply. She's growing rather impatient.”
Sylvanas extended the letter to the dark ranger. "Anya, please instruct Valeera to relay my message to the Lord Admiral that working with her will be my utmost pleasure.”
"Shall I tell Valeera the expression on your face as you uttered those words?"
Sylvanas narrowed her eyes, contemplating the consequences of Anya's remark. Anya fled the room before Sylvanas assigned her any additional patrol duties.
Jaina waited with bated breath for the elf to return with the Warchief’s reply. Rather than tending to her duties tucked away with cups of coffee on hand, she found her thoughts drifting toward Sylvanas’ response. Jaina had made a vow to Lucille, and Sylvanas was her last chance to unravel the mysteries surrounding Waycrest Manor.
Jaina’s thoughts involuntarily gravitated toward Sylvanas. She couldn't deny the baffling fixation she harbored for the Warchief, despite her hesitation to admit it even to herself. The allure initially took root during those long peace talks, where Sylvanas consistently attempted to provoke Jaina without success, or so the banshee thought. Yet, Sylvanas’ persistence in challenging her stirred a captivating response within Jaina. No one had ever dared to tug at her pigtails so forcefully as Sylvanas did, and Jaina found herself irresistibly drawn into a game of wits.
Jaina couldn't deny the truth to herself—she had sent the letter to Sylvanas, secretly hoping to be alone with her. Sometimes, Jaina purposely prolonged the meetings to bask in the presence of Sylvanas.
"Tides, I need to get laid if I find myself charmed by an irritating banshee," Jaina mumbled.
Jaina reclined comfortably with a glass of Merlot. She wanted to unwind as she eagerly awaited Valeera’s return. Suddenly, there was a tap at the bedroom window. Jaina turned to the sight of Valeera perched on the windowsill. Jaina hurried over and promptly opened the window.
"We do have a door, you know," Jaina commented.
Valeera gracefully maneuvered her way into the room. Jaina hated how effortlessly elves made the simplest tasks appear elegant and graceful.
"Where's the fun in that? Here's your letter,” Valeera said.
Valeera moved towards the sofa and made herself home, tucking her legs beneath her. Her eyes fell upon Jaina's glass of wine, and without hesitation, she reached over and claimed it for herself.
Jaina was captivated by Sylvanas’ elegant handwriting, her name and title finely penned. It stirred a giddy excitement within her, reminiscent of a schoolgirl receiving a note from a secret admirer. Quickly dismissing such thoughts, Jaina refocused her attention and eagerly opened the letter, curious of Sylvanas’ answer.
Jaina,
I must admit, I was taken aback when I received your letter, bearing the unmistakable mark of the Lord Admiral. But don’t worry, I don’t mind being your last resort. The Alliance proclaims to care for their own, but we both understand the true nature of those claims.
Rest assured, I will oversee clearing Waycrest Manor of its “hauntings.” I am assembling a small but capable task force. My dark rangers, Velonara and Anya (who volunteered herself eagerly), and Lor’themar will send along Lady Liadrin. I have never held much regard for those self-righteous Blood Knights, but Lor’themar claims Liadrin will be useful.
This collaboration between the Horde and the Alliance is a historic occasion, and we must set an example for our people.
Please forward the necessary details regarding time and location, as it falls well within your purview. I eagerly anticipate working with you.
Until next time,
SW
Jaina's expression faltered with a hint of disappointment as she hadn't anticipated Sylvanas forming an actual task force. She had secretly hoped for an opportunity for them to embark on this endeavor alone.
Jaina carefully reread the letter, struck by its informal tone, as if two friends were conversing casually. That Sylvanas addressed her by her first name widened Jaina's eyes in surprise. However, she knew there was no time to analyze every word of the letter, as much as she desired to do so. Preparations were to be made, and Jaina had to attend to them without delay since Sylvanas decided to bring along some friends.
"Well, what did she say?" inquired Valeera as she delightedly finished the remnants of Jaina's wine.
Jaina sat beside Valeera, nervously fidgeting with the letter in her hand. "The Warchief has accepted my request.”
"You seem surprised.”
"Working with the Horde has always been difficult. I never believed I would witness the dawn of peace.” Jaina sighed with a determined expression on her face. "There is much to be done. The Warchief has her team of dark rangers and Lady Liadrin at the ready. I must assemble our forces as well.”
"I want in.”
Jaina stared at Valeera with confusion, her brows furrowing slightly. "You want in?"
Valeera nodded with eagerness. Jaina found herself puzzled by this sudden change in attitude, as the elf had always been reluctant to lift a finger unless a promise of payment was involved. In fact, Jaina had to pay her just to deliver the message to Sylvanas.
"Hmm, and why the sudden change of heart? You've been quite resistant to helping anyone lately, and now you're suddenly interested?"
Valeera nervously twirled a strand of her golden hair around her finger.
"I don't know. It just seems like it could be fun," Valeera replied nonchalantly.
Jaina narrowed her eyes, sensing that Valeera had ulterior motives. Despite her suspicion, if the elf genuinely wished to offer her assistance without any strings attached, Jaina couldn't bring herself to turn it down, despite Valeera being up to something.
Jaina held the teacup and saucer with worry as she sat in Vereesa’s living room. She wanted to tell Vereesa herself of the partnership with her estranged sister. Jaina wasn't entirely sure how Vereesa would react to the news. Vereesa seldom discussed Sylvanas, and Jaina knew better than to pry into Windrunner family matters.
"Is something troubling you?" Vereesa asked.
Vereesa was seated opposite Jaina on a horrendous orange couch. She delicately held her teacup as she regarded Jaina.
"Oh, it's nothing. I just have a lot on my mind lately. I apologize," Jaina shrugged.
Jaina sipped the tea, finding it perfect in temperature. A touch too sweet for most, but she loved the sugary goodness. The memory of a particular meeting resurfaced, where Jaina had made herself a cup of coffee only to receive a lighthearted scolding from Sylvanas about her sugar consumption.
"Like what? Anything interesting you want to share?"
"Actually, yes.”
Jaina gently placed the teacup and saucer on the table before folding her hands in her lap. Vereesa's eyes widened, registering the sudden seriousness in Jaina's demeanor. She shifted on the couch, leaning forward with a concerned expression.
"Is everything alright?"
Jaina shook her head and offered a reassuring smile.
"No need to worry. I didn't mean to cause concern. Do you remember when I told you about Waycrest Manor?" Vereesa nodded but was still concerned. "Well, I reached out to Sylvanas for aid."
"Belore, why would you turn to her for help,” Vereesa responded sternly.
Jaina averted her gaze, feeling a tinge of guilt as if she had somehow betrayed her only friend. "The Alliance hasn't been particularly cooperative in assisting me with the manor. I had no other choice but to seek the Horde's help."
"She agreed?" Vereesa inquired.
"Yes, she already has a group prepared. We're scheduled to meet the evening before Hallow's End."
"You're going by yourself?"
"Well, not entirely. Valeera will be accompanying me. She was more than eager to help.”
"Valeera? She's practically a child. How can she protect you against the Warchief? No, I will join you, and I'll bring Alleria along as well.”
Jaina hesitated, aware that Sylvanas might disapprove of her bringing her sisters along. "I'm not sure if that's a good idea."
"We don't know what she is capable of. Alleria will be more than willing to help.”
Before Jaina could interject, another voice rang out from the other side of the room. "Help with what?"
The dual tone of Alleria's voice sent a shiver down Jaina's spine. It bore a resemblance to Sylvanas’ yet carried an unsettling undertone that made Jaina tense, reminding her of the swirling void within. Alleria had been staying with Vereesa temporarily as she drifted further away from Turalyon and Arator.
"Jaina wants to go on a quest with the Warchief, and she's only bringing Valeera," Vereesa explained, turning towards her sister.
Alleria leaned against the wall with her arms folded with her bow and quiver still strapped across her chest. Her flushed appearance suggested recent target practice.
"Jaina, that sounds like a terrible idea," Alleria said with a frown.
Jaina shot Alleria an annoyed look. Alleria had only recently returned to Azeroth and believed she knew everything about the world she once left behind. However, Jaina bit her tongue, choosing not to argue.
"It's too late. I've already made arrangements and sent out requests for her arrival. Sylvanas will help me. Everything will be fine. Sylvanas’ unit consists of her dark rangers and Lady Liadrin,” Jaina asserted.
Jaina noticed the spasm in Alleria's ears at the mention of her sister's name. Alleria and Vereesa never referred to their sister by name.
"Her dark rangers?" Vereesa questioned.
"Just a couple," Jaina winced.
"I know those women. I fought alongside them once. They are strong archers capable of striking down anything from a distance, even you. No, Jaina, my sister, and I will accompany you," Alleria stated.
Jaina was surprised by Alleria's agreement. The eldest Windrunner had been isolating herself, delegating tasks to Magister Umbric instead. Alleria was withdrawing from her void kin. Vereesa had confided in Jaina, expressing concern for her sister's well-being.
"Fine," Jaina finally relented, realizing the practicality of having them by her side.
The additional help would be useful, and if Sylvanas were to become unruly, perhaps her sisters could intervene. However, Jaina knew deep down that no one truly controlled that banshee.