The Tides Will Take You Home - Chapter 9 - BluePuffBall - Warcraft (2024)

Chapter Text

Tides, Jaina hated politics. That thought went soul deep as she leaned against the starboard railing of the Temerity . While Rastakhan was amiable to the idea of a peaceful future, it still took several weeks to make any progress with terms for a temporary truce. Technically, the final draft of the document would be an armistice but that required the Lord Admiral’s signature. Until Daelin signed, the terms were only as binding as their own words and honor.

That didn’t diminish the fact that for the first time in centuries, there was a real chance at peace with the Zandalari. Jaina could feel the warm glow of pride at her work over the past few months. She had made mistakes but nothing that was irrecoverable. And considering she was the sole diplomat sent by Kul Tiras, Jaina felt her satisfaction was well earned.

The actual documents were rather barebones. The most important pieces of information were a handful of flag signals that both navies could be used to prevent bloodshed should ships be forced to interact with each other. No firing upon ships if they flew colors that marked them as lawful members of the opposing nation’s navy. It wasn’t much different than the understanding that Kul Tiras had had with other human kingdoms before the Alliance became more formalized.

Even the agreement was minimal compared to the more formal treaties Jaina had seen. Especially the only other one she was involved in creating. She had definitely promised far less to the Zandalari when compared to Gilneas, for several reasons. The largest of which was that even if leaders wanted peace, their people may not. It would take a great deal of wrangling to ensure that it lasted, so they started small. Even the largest of ships had to start from a single plank of wood.

Jaina was most excited for the potential for future trade and cultural knowledge exchange. The armistice they were carrying back to Kul Tiras laid the foundation for such things, even if they were years away. It might take a decade, but the thought of learning more was something that Jaina would always dredge up anticipation for.

Even with her satisfaction, there was a bone deep tiredness to her. Comporting herself well and to the best of her ability had led to less rest then was healthy. Especially considering she was still recovering from the kidnapping escapades. Bren watched her like a hawk, often. The Tidesage had even taken to sitting at the treaty table and scowling when it was time for Jaina to eat.

When the trolls had realized why the man was there, Jaina had caught them hiding smiles. At least they found it funny, instead of taking offense. Even if it were at her own expense.

She shook her head at the memories, anchoring herself back into the present. The smell of the sea, the motion of the ship cutting through the waves, all of it was more comforting than Jaina would say. Spout may be a small part of the Tides that followed her ashore, but even they couldn’t fully replace the ocean in her heart.

Jaina closed her eyes and breathed in deeply, taking it all in. When she opened them, she was unsurprised to see Brenden standing next to her. “Will you ever take me off light duty, cousin?”

The Tidesage’s smile was more of a smirk. “Perhaps when I am no longer concerned about the potential complications of mana burnout.”

“Come on Bren.” Jaina glared at the man. “I’m recovering fine. If any of the major problems were going to affect me, they would’ve done so by now.”

“Better safe than sorry.” He shrugged. “I’m honestly surprised you’re staying on light duty.”

“You got the Captain on your side.” Jaina grumbled. “ And you threatened to rat me out to Ma.”

“We do as we must to do our duty, Scion.” The Tidesage said, the route serenity making Jaina scoff. Brenden laughed before laying a hand on her shoulder. “I’m proud of you, Jay. You know that, right?”

Jaina looked at him with narrowed, suspicious eyes. “Why are you telling me this?”

“Because, even if you’re a nightmare of a patient, you managed to navigate the waters of international diplomacy. They are especially murky around Zandalar, considering how long we’ve been fighting them.” Bren’s tone was now serious.

Jaina ducked her head, cheeks flushing slightly at the praise. “Anyone could have done it.”

There was silence between the only two members of Great Houses on this expedition before Brenden broke it. “Even if that was true,” His tone said he doubted that. “ You are the one who did it. While recovering from a rather serious injury, at that.”

Sensing she wouldn’t be able to avoid the praise, Jaina simply inclined her head. Unwilling to fight about it for a moment. Her cousin had the grace to allow it. They stood in silence, both basking in the feeling of being at sea again. They had left Zandalar two weeks ago, and the journey would still take several more. Considering Jaina was trading the nightmare of international politics for more domestic matters, she would take the lull in work.

The moment was interrupted by Spout coming to press up against her leg. Jaina smiled as she reached down to give them some head pats. “And you, you rascal? Are you finally willing to deliver some mail?”

Considering the volatile situation, her friend had refused to allow Jaina out of their immediate vicinity. If Talanji hadn’t stepped in, that might have ended the talks before they could even begin. That girl would be a terror when she was grown up, considering how firm a grasp she already had on politics at such a young age.

Nothing had convinced Spout to leave Jaina’s side. Not even delivering mail to Sylvanas, which they were normally happy to do. She had stopped trying after two letters to the elf, and a few to her mother. Jaina had circ*mspectly burned all of them, knowing that they would be out of date if her elemental wasn’t willing to deliver them. Jaina grimaced at the abrupt halt of information. She was sure her loved ones were going out of their minds with worry.

She had been working on a report for Ma since returning to the Temerity . It was complete - all 30 pages of the massive missive that detailed everything that happened in Zandalar. Jaina had even included a clinical page of her kidnapping and the injuries sustained due to it. She prayed that her mother was in a forgiving mood when she read about that sh*tshow.

Completing that letter was only possible because Bren had had her removed from all watches, claiming she was still recovering from things. It also gave her the chance to compose missives to Sylvanas and Vereesa, giving vague details about why her mail elemental had stopped making deliveries. Jaina was amused to realize that she was more worried about their reaction than her mother’s. Katherine was well versed in how often her daughter could get into trouble.

The Windrunners had only interacted with Jaina on her best behavior. She hoped they’d be willing to stick around when they realized exactly how often she ended up in absurd situations. Only time would tell.

Spout’s hum in disagreement drew Jaina from her thoughts. She sighed, unhappy. “Why not? I’m not in Zandalar anymore?”

Their head bobbed towards the trollish ships escorting them out of the Empire’s waters. Akunda’s Fury was a sight that all the Kul Tirans on this ship had become inured to. No longer did sailors watch any of the Zandalari vessels, waiting for the inevitable betrayal. If nothing else, they were proof that given a chance Kul Tiras could be at peace with their ancient enemies.

“I doubt they’d attack us now , Spout.” Jaina tried to argue.

The elemental huffed, and disappeared through the deck, ending the conversation. Jaina sighed heavily. Bren laughed heartily. She shot him a half hearted glare. “Glad you’re amused.”

“Not everyday you see an elemental with such attitude, Jaina.”

“I could do with seeing it less, actually.”

His eyes pierced through her like a harpoon, same as his words did a moment later. “You’re a terrible liar, when not shouldering the weight of Kul Tiras.”

Jaina grunted, unwilling to give a better response. Because her cousin was right. That didn’t mean she was going to say that aloud , however. He would never let her hear the end of it.

There was a sense of relief, an exhalation of a held breath, when Jaina was finally allowed to resume the duties associated with her naval rank. Idleness had never suited any of her family well. There was only so many times one could try and rewrite letters before going insane. Jaina was ignoring the fact that Sylvanas’ missive had seen the most revision, followed by Vereesa’s and only then were the more official documents edited.

Jaina may have worked quickly on the letter to her Ma, but it hadn’t been slapshod. Katherine would have made her rewrite laws if it were sloppy. Her hands flexed slightly at the memory of the cramps she had gotten from doing that as a preteen. The point was, Jaina was used to writing official documentation. She was trained to do it, and do it well. There was less second guessing with that than more personal affairs.

After Bren had seen her slowly going insane, he had taken to hiding her quills and ink to force her to do other activities. He even suggested whittling. Jaina knew the basics from spending time with Tandred, but she often spent her free time practicing magic or reading instead. Since both of those had been silently banned, she attempted to shape wood with a knife.

It went poorly.

“Jaina.” Brenden sounded like he needed to sleep for three days. “How?”

The young woman sniffed imperiously, even with a bloody handkerchief wrapped around her hand. “The knife slipped.”

“ Jaina.”

“I don’t whittle, Bren!” She cried out, starting to throw up her hands before remembering to keep pressure on the cut with a wince.

“Well, you're definitely not going to whittle anymore.” The tidesage muttered while prying the cloth away from her injury. With little ceremony, he healed it within seconds.

Jaina scowled at the feeling of ice that wouldn’t fade for the next several hours. She shook her hand out and sighed, knowing she wouldn’t be given anymore wood even if she wanted any. Considering her attempt at wooden Spout looked more like a malformed dog, Jaina couldn’t say she wanted to continue wasting her time. But, that did leave her with a question. “What am I supposed to do now Bren?”

Her cousin blinked at her, his eyes leaving the sea. “What?”

“There isn’t very much to do on a warship, if you can’t stand watch.”

Bren sighed. “You’re not going to let this go, are you?”

“I’m fine. Stop being overprotective. I can handle being put back in rotation.” Jaina could hear her tone sliding into pleading. She didn’t care. When Bren took too long to decide, she went even further. She was desperate. “ Please, Bren?”

“Alright, Jaina.”

She gave a triumphant smile.

Bren raised a hand. “You can be put on light duty.”

Jaina’s smile fell slightly. Well, it was better than nothing at least.

A week after that, she returned to normalcy at sea. She still dined with the Captain more often than most junior officers would, but Jaina had a feeling Katherine had asked him to ensure she didn’t fall behind on her training. Which meant evenings filled with war games after days packed with the never ending tasks required to keep a first rate ship running smoothly.

Time slipped by, and the time to say farewell to their Zandalari escort came sooner than she expected. Jaina wasn’t required to be on deck when the signals developed during the parlay were used. Her watch had ended several hours before. But her sense of duty had kept her from seeking rest. It seemed only right to finish seeing this task through. To say nothing of the fact that these were some of the first signals she was directly responsible for.

There was nothing to be concerned about. While there were some minor fumbles, overall it went off without a hitch. After signaling a peaceful journey and intentions to leave, Akunda’s Fury and the other trollish ships began to do just that. Jaina admired how tight a ship Captain Rezori ran. The tacking was beautiful. It was rather strange to see them begin to get smaller, instead of remaining at a set distance away.

“May the Tides guide you home.” Jaina murmured, more to herself than anyone else before pushing off the railing to find her bunk. When she did, she noticed Spout vibrating with excitement next to her berth. They were also wearing their mailmental hat, for the first time in weeks.

She laughed softly, going to her sea chest to dig out her missives. “I’m surprised you waited for me to give these to you, instead of absconding with them.”

Spout gave a semi offended burble, before engulfing the three letters. Jaina smiled fondly. “Ma’s first, okay? Then the Windrunners.”

Another contrary noise.

“Spout.”

A heaved sigh, paired with a nod of agreement.

Jaina laughed again. “Thank you.”

She turned to strip off her jacket and boots and socks to rest more comfortably. By the time she was finished, Spout had already left. Jaina stared at the empty space, feeling a strange melancholy. She wanted to hear from her friends and family but this was the longest stretch of time her elemental had remained by her side in years.

While Spout stayed with Jaina in Dalaran, they often disappeared to entertain themselves while she was busy studying. More than once she had heard tales of her mischievous friend’s antics. They had been remarkably restrained since she had been kidnapped. Jaina hadn’t realized just how used she had gotten to having them right there.

In many ways, Jaina’s return to Kul Tiras was anticlimactic. The 19 gun salute went off without issue. As did her immediate transfer to a dinghy to go ashore. The scripted feeling of events did nothing to stop her hands from shaking with nerves. Jaina finally forced them behind her back to hide them from view. She wasn’t sure what awaited her on shore.

Katherine’s response to her report had been succinct and alarming. We’ll speak more on this when you return home. Love, Ma

Jaina had written 37 pages. She had gotten 11 words back. She had spent the remaining days of her journey turning everything over in her mind, wondering what she had done wrong. What she could have done better. If she could have handled anything better. It didn’t help that Jaina knew she had made mistakes. Mistakes that someone like her Ma wouldn’t have, probably. The problem was that she didn’t think those errors were avoidable. Not entirely. If it hadn’t been those, it may have been something worse.

Even with that comforting thought, Jaina had spent most of the remaining journey brooding over things. Major Lockbarrel, Bren, even Captain Withers tried to pull her out of it. They managed for brief periods of time, but Jaina always ended right back on the bow, feeling the wind whip in her face. At least she was getting practice in meditation as she brooded at the waves.

It didn’t help that both letters to the Windrunners remained unanswered. Jaina attempted to remind herself that her friends were both busy, important women. Perhaps something urgent had come up that prevented them from responding to mail. Or perhaps they had finally tired of the strange human they had befriended.

That thought, one of her deepest fears, only surfaced once. Just the once because Spout had thrown her overboard for even thinking about it. Jaina let the idea subside back into the depths of her mind, after reassuring several sailors that everything was fine after she had blinked back aboard the Temerity .

When the crew asked why the abrupt displacement, Jaina had offered a shrug and refused to clarify. When the captain asked, she reluctantly explained that Spout was reminding her of something, and then refused to say anything more. Withers had sighed, and sent her to the armory to sharpen blades as punishment. There were worse things to do then ensuring each sword had an edge for when it was needed.

Jaina forced herself to focus as she stepped from the boat conveying her from Temerity to the docks. Almost before her feet were fully settled, Jaina adopted what was close to a parade rest posture. It wasn’t needed, considering the most senior member of her welcoming party was Lauris, but instincts were hard to suppress.

She didn’t let herself take that as a sign. Still, she couldn’t stop her nerves from rising as she went through the motions of greeting the Proudmoore Guards sent to escort her back to the keep. With very little fanfare they began to make their way through the streets to her home. Jaina could feel the silence of her guards making her doubt heavier with each step. Even Lauris, normally willing to chat when it wasn’t decorous, was keeping her peace.

Jaina felt more like a criminal being marched to the gallows at this moment than the beloved heir of the country returning home. She could feel herself spiraling, feel her mood becoming blacker than storm clouds, and still she could do nothing to stop it. Jaina has spent the past several months not allowing herself to have doubts, forcing herself to continue ever onwards. The demands of leadership were their own kind of prison, and bearing those burdens came at a cost.

Her mind, upon returning to where she was safest, had taken that as permission to relax from its constant state of readiness. That relaxation led to this, and Jaina could feel herself drowning even as she walked cobblestones smoothed by centuries of her people. She was going to break down in front of her mother and beg for forgiveness at the rate she was deteriorating. But there was nothing Jaina alone could do to stop herself.

When Spout bubbled up from her shadow, hat at a jaunty angle and bag looking a little heavier than its normally empty appearance, Jaina didn’t even react, too focused on her own issues to notice her friend. Even when they attempted to get her attention, she didn’t take any notice. Too busy placing one foot in front of the next to register Spout’s gentle prodding. Jaina also didn’t notice her friend’s distressed whining, or the concerned looks that her guardsmen were beginning to exchange with each other.

Jaina brooded to the exclusion of all else, until she was forced to take note of the physical world around her. With a startled grunt, it was only due to her exceptional sense of balance and physical training that allowed Jaina to keep her feet as she bounced off what felt like a solid wall. Considering she was in the middle of the main road, it wasn’t a wall, but a person.

She felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment as she took in who, exactly, she had run into. “My apologies, Harbormaster Crestfall. I wasn’t paying enough attention.”

Cyrus Crestfall, a mountain of a man who stood over 7 feet tall with shoulders so broad they made Jaina’s look small, had a slight, amused smile on his face. “Considering you didn’t respond to the first three times I called you, Lady Jaina, I rather expected you’d run into me.” Her cheeks got redder as the man’s smile grew broader. “No apologies necessary, milady.”

Jaina cleared her throat, coughing in an attempt to summon the remnants of her dignity. “Is there something I can help you with Harbormaster?”

“Help me with?” Cyrus chuckled. “While I wouldn’t say no to a second pair of eyes on the ledgers, I was actually hoping to just say welcome home Jaina.”

Other than her blush, the heir to Kul Tiras had kept her expression mostly schooled - until this. She felt her mouth drop open as a strangled, “What?” escaped her lungs.

The man, in true Kul Tiran fashion, sailed right past her incredulity when he answered. “I managed to miss when you were ashore between returning from Dalaran and leaving for Zandalar. I wanted to check in on one of my favorite mischief makers.”

Jaina gathered the fragments of her pride too slowly to object to the moniker. Cyrus was already moving on. “I hope to see you around the harbor a few times, before your next adventure, Lady Jaina.”

“Why?” The word slipped out before Jaina could bite down on it. She remembered Cyrus chasing her as a preteen. For Tides’ sake, he was the reason for one of her short stints in jail.

“My job got rather boring without our Scion raising hell monthly.” The harbormaster chuckled to himself again. He hesitated a moment before reaching out to lay a gentle hand on her shoulder briefly. “Welcome home again, Jaina Proudmoore. The Tides have blessed Kul Tiras by returning their favored daughter to us.”

And with that, the man dropped his hand and strided off in the direction of the Harbor as his office demanded. Jaina couldn’t even summon the wherewithal to do more than give a belated wave to his back. Her words were still lost, caught in the tightening in her throat. She hadn’t expected that. She hadn’t expected that at all.

For several long moments, Jaina stood there staring after a man long since disappeared into the bustle of Boralus. She absentmindedly patted Spout’s head when they butted against her, lost in thoughts. This time, they were far less grim. She shot a half smile down to her friend even as her eyes observed the people parting around her like a river parted around a boulder.

She shifted awkwardly upon that realization, and quickly resumed her steps towards the Keep but she still kept most of her attention on the citizens of Boralus. On her people. And as she watched them, Jaina noticed something she had never really thought about before.

They gave her distance - they always did. She had often cursed her reputation that had been earned before she was even born. But with the distance of years spent away, in company outside of her people, Jaina realized why she had never made good friends until after she had left Kul Tiras. They looked at her with a mixture of awe and adoration and hope. Not everyone - some sneered, some looked guarded - but the overwhelming majority of people smiled brightly as they passed.

One child was pointing at her while his mother desperately attempted to push their hand down. Jaina couldn’t stop her lips from curling up and offering a small wave to them. The squeal the child gave made her wince even from over a dozen paces away. There was no time for anything else as Jaina’s quick strides carried her past the pair, Spout bobbing loyally at her side.

Her doubts were still there. Her anxieties, her nerves - all those negative things would likely come bubbling back up later today. But for now Jaina felt her burden lighten a little, from the kindness of Cyrus and the joy of her people. Whatever else may come, she was home. There wasn’t anything that could change that.

Staring at her mother’s tired visage as Jaina stood at attention before her desk made her doubt the confidence that had been building since her interaction with Cyrus. It didn’t help that Katherine’s office was in more disarray than Jaina could easily recall seeing. Perhaps, during the Second War? That didn’t bring any comfort. If the office was as bad as when a war was occuring made Jaina wonder what else had gone wrong while she had been in Zandalar.

The two Proudmoore women had stared at each other in silence since the heavy doors had swung shut behind Jaina. She swallowed nervously, clenching her sweaty palms behind her back. It hadn’t even been a minute, but Jaina couldn’t stand the quiet any longer as her mother’s eyes pierced through her. She forcefully ignored the fact that she was breaking protocol by addressing Katherine first.

“Flag Lieutenant Jaina Proudmoore, reporting as ordered ma’am.”

Jaina’s voice cut through the silence. It was rather embarrassing that her voice cracked on the final syllable. She couldn’t quite stop her resulting wince at how obvious her nerves were. Katherine startled, shaking her head slightly as she pushed out of the chair violently. The sturdy wooden seat fell backwards from the force. Jaina forgot herself and took a step back as her mother rounded her desk in record time.

There were a few moments of visceral panic before Katherine’s arms encircled her. Jaina stood in her mother’s embrace, too stunned to react at first. When Katherine tightened her grip again, Jaina instinctively wrapped her arms around her mother to return the crushing hug. Her thoughts slowly settled, no longer racing towards the worst possibility. Though, the enthusiasm of this greeting was a little strange. As was her mother’s continued silence.

“Ma?” Jaina tried to pull away to get a clearer look at Katherine’s face. But her mother’s already tight embrace tightened further. Jaina didn’t make any further attempts to escape. “Ma, is something wrong?”

“Is - is something wrong?” Katherine’s words were choked out. Jaina was stunned to realize that her mother was crying.

“Ma?” Jaina’s own nerves melted away, replaced by concern.

Katherine finally pulled away, wiping furiously at her eyes. The tears didn’t make her glare any less potent. “Is something wrong? Jaina, you sent me word that you got kidnapped, seriously injured, and you still continued negotiations!?”

“But… That’s what you trained me to do?” Jaina’s brow furrowed with her confusion. Her mind couldn’t quite grasp why her mother was so upset. Her heart sank as her worst fears seemed to be realized. “Do you think I didn’t negotiate well?”

There was silence for a moment before a slightly hysterical laugh slipped from Katherine’s lips. Jaina jumped at the sound, so incongruous to her mother. She opened her mouth to try and justify her choices, anything to stop that horrible sound when her mother cut her off.

“Tides below, you think I could give a damn about the treaty you negotiated?”

Jaina couldn’t stop her shoulders from slumping. Her voice was the broken whisper of a lost child when she spoke. “Ma?” The single syllable was all she could manage before sobs choked off the rest of her words.

Katherine’s righteous anger faded into surprise that pivoted quickly into remorse. “Oh, Jaina. Starshine no.”

“But - you said - “ Jaina flinched back from her mother’s grip briefly before practically collapsing into Katherine’s arms.

“Starshine - “

“You said the treaty - that you didn’t care about - “

“ Jaina , look at me. ” Katherine’s voice was stronger than storm silver, a mother’s command, instead of an officer’s.

Her daughter obeyed. Jaina blinked at her mother through blurry eyes as Katherine gently squeezed her shoulders.

“Starshine, my words were poorly chosen. You didn’t deserve to hear me say that.”

The new words couldn’t drown out the ones that had shattered Jaina moments before. She couldn’t stop herself from asking, “Then why did you?”

Katherine gave a self-deprecating smile. “Because I was afraid, Starshine.”

That stopped Jaina cold. Her thoughts, her feelings, everything froze at hearing that. “Afraid of what?”

Katherine brushed away some of Jaina’s tears. “Oh, daughter mine. Have I truly been so poor of a mother that you don’t know?”

“That’s - that’s not true - “

Katherine continued on as if Jaina had never spoken. “I was afraid because you were hurt , Starshine. Hurt badly enough that Brenden snuck his own report into yours to ensure I knew exactly how poorly sending you to Zandalar went.”

Jaina stared at her mother like she had never seen her before. “I’ve been hurt before.”

“You have.” Katherine agreed softly. “Nothing as serious as mana burnout combined with blood loss though.”

“It wasn’t that bad.” Jaina protested weakly.

Her mother arched a disbelieving eyebrow at her. “Not according to Brenden. Especially not compared to your attempts to downplay it in your own report.”

“I was entirely factual in that report!” Jaina objected.

“Aye. But you were also abnormally curt during that section only.”

Jaina opened her mouth and then closed it. Her mother wasn’t wrong. Katherine sighed heavily, running a hand through her hair, ignoring the fact that it destroyed the formerly immaculate bun. After a few deep breaths, Katherine returned her attention to her daughter.

“Your treaty, from what I’ve read, was excellent work. I doubt any Kul Tiran could have done better.” Jaina couldn’t stop herself from ducking her head in embarrasment, trying to hide her flush at the praise. Katherine gently tilted her head up to ensure that their gazes were locked before continuing. “And while I am proud of you - so proud of you for that, Starshine - I have spent the past month concerned for your health.”

“Oh.”

“I am sorry I made you believe that I wasn’t proud of you Jaina. I am.” Katherine rarely apologized, but when she did she always meant it.

“Thanks.” Jaina said, stunned. Belatedly, she added. “And I’m fine Ma.”

That doubting eyebrow again. “Really.”

“I am!”

“Then you won’t mind showing me where you were injured, will you?”

Jaina thought for a barest moment of the ugly, large scar on her upper arm. There wasn’t much Brenden could do to clean it up after the cauterization. “Actually, maybe we should go over the - “

“Jaina.”

“Aye, aye Ma.” Jaina sighed, surrendering instantly at her mother’s tone. She efficiently shed her jacket and shirt, leaving her in the thin linen undershirt. Jaina then pushed up the short sleeve on that to show Katherine the entirety of her scar.

It stood out from her skin, less of a lurid red now that it was fully healed, but still several shades pinker than the surrounding area. The skin looked twisted, almost ropey. It covered a majority of her upper arm, easily peeking out from beneath her hand if she tried to cover it. Not even magic could undo what her desperate field first aid had done.

To Jaina, the scar was something she often forgot existed until her eyes caught on it while she changed. Far better than when it would ache with pain while it was healing. The scar was a symbol of her perseverance, and yes perhaps even her stupidity, but Jaina survived the encounter. That was the important thing. That it was in a place that was often covered by clothing, especially her uniform, made it even easier to accept the ugly souvenir.

Watching Katherine’s face twist between despair and sorrow was not a pleasant experience, however. Her mother reached up with a gentle hand to ghost her fingertips over the scar. Almost immediately, Katherine jerked them away. “Sorry.” She murmured, eyes still fixed on the marred skin. “I shouldn’t have done that.”

Jaina tilted her head, confused as she asked, “Why not?”

“It looks like it still hurts.” Ma’s voice was softer than a gentle breeze.

Glancing down at it again, Jaina shrugged. “It looks better than it did. And it doesn’t hurt. Hasn’t for several weeks.”

Katherine shuddered at the words. “I am glad that I didn’t see it when it wasn’t healed then. I’m not sure my heart could survive such a scare.”

Jaina snorted. “Your heart is stronger than a man o’ war, Ma.”

Katherine gave her daughter an unimpressed look that caused Jaina to cringe back and mumble an apology. The older woman sighed, brushing a gentle hand against the scar one final time before saying, “Come on then, best to get the debrief out of the way.”

Off balance, it took a moment for Jaina to mentally shift back into a more professional mindset. Katherine waited patiently for her to do so before diving into a reflection of Jaina’s actions. Why she did what she did, if there was anything else she could have done instead of being reckless with her own safety, what her impressions of the Zandalari were, if she noticed how well trained the trolls’ army was compared to theirs, why was this section of the treaty worded in such a way.

On and on it went, until just before dinner Katherine was finally satisfied that she had dragged every detail she possibly could from her daughter’s memory. It didn’t help that every few hours, Katherine’s attention had to be diverted to a different issue before returning to her inquiry. Jaina had been allowed to sit in a chair after the first hour. She had still kept her perfect posture then. Now, she was slumped in the uncomfortable piece of furniture, hungry and more exhausted than she had been directly after her injury. Or at least, that’s how she felt now.

Katherine gave a small chuckle as she shuffled papers around her desk.

Jaina squinted at her. “What?”

“I think the last time I saw you this tired, you were 5.” Katherine’s face had fixed in a fond smile.

A glare was the response to that comment, which led her mother into true laughter. Jaina just sighed and slumped even more, trying to become one with the chair. It got worse when her stomach growled angrily at ignoring the midday meal her mother had brought in due to nerves. Her face flushed even as more laughter echoed through the office.

Katherine rose from her desk, a slightly sly grin on her face as she gestured at her daughter to follow suit. “Come along, Starshine. Better feed that beast before it decides to do more than rumble unhappily.”

“I wouldn’t do anything.” Jaina grumbled even as she followed on her mother’s heels. Despite herself, her lips turned upward in an expression of contentment. It was good to be home.

Dinner was a casual affair, with only two members of House Proudmoore present. Daelin was at Sea dealing with pirates along the trade route to Stormwind. Jaina couldn’t hide the sigh of relief that had left her at the fact that she wouldn’t have to deal with her father in person yet. Though, from the way Katherine hesitated when he came up, Jaina knew that she would have to deal with something he had left in his wake for her.

Tandred was still serving aboard the Dragon’s Bane . Jaina snorted when Katherine drily reported that “he was causing less mischief then you did, Starshine.”

After updates on their relatives, they moved from topic to topic - none of them serious. Jaina’s favorite was hearing about how many new chargers had been born while she was in Zandalar. She made a note to make time to visit the stables before she was called away from Boralus. When the meal was finished, the two women said goodbye with a short, though no less sincere, hug before retreating to their separate rooms.

Jaina ran a hand through her hair, beginning to strip off her belongings in preparation for bed. She noted that her sea chest had already been delivered to her room. The only other change to the room was a wooden stand. It was adorned with carved crests and Drustvar wildlife. It was a fine piece of workmanship, though Jaina had no idea what it was meant for until she read the note accompanying it.

Starshine,

A weapon like that bow deserves to have its own rightful place when you are home. Hopefully it rests well here.

It wasn’t signed, but Jaina recognized her mother’s handwriting. She touched the stand, afraid it would disappear, before placing Sylvanas’ bow upon it. The differing styles should have clashed, but seeing Kul Tiran and Quel’thalan workmanship together made Jaina’s heart skip a beat as she smiled. It was almost enough to make her want to keep the bow. Almost.

A weapon like that deserved to be more than a show piece. And that was what it would be in Jaina’s possession. A beautiful, sublime piece of art that gathered dust as its true purpose was forgotten. Better that it be returned to its rightful owner so that it could be used as it was meant to be, instead of gathering dust in Jaina’s room.

With a sigh, Jaina turned away from the sight and finished readying for bed. In a loose shirt and trousers, she prepared to climb into bed before she was stopped by Spout. She blinked in surprise at her friend, who was bubbling so quickly they were shaking.

“Spout?” Jaina became more alert as adrenaline and concern rushed through her.

The elemental’s response was to dig out two letters, both with the Windrunner seal on the outside. Jaina tried to step backward at the sight, only to tumble ungracefully onto her bed. Grimacing at her undignified reaction she scrambled back into a seated position as Spout leapt upwards to join her, still holding the two letters out to her.

Jaina swallowed audibly in the near silent room. “How - how long have you had those, Spout?”

The elemental co*cked their head to the side in confusion. Jaina’s shoulders hunched at the reaction, knowing the answer to her question. “All day, huh?”

Spout nodded and pushed the letters closer to her. Jaina still didn’t close the gap. The silence on the return journey had been almost unbearable but she wasn’t sure she had the strength to end it. Not when the words might be worse than hearing nothing at all.

She lost track of time, staring at the envelopes. It could have been seconds or minutes until Spout broke her out of her statue-like stillness by spitting water into her face. Jaina sputtered as she wiped at her face, shoulder’s slumping at her friend’s unimpressed visage. “Yea, alright. Alright Spout.”

With a hand that felt heavier than a glacier, Jaina took the two letters, turning them over in her hands for a few moments. She heard Spout preparing for another round of drenching and set aside Sylvanas’ letter, denoted by the more ornate seal, to open Vereesa’s first. Better to break her heart by losing a dear friend then…Then whatever Sylvanas was.

Scribbled underneath, in sloppy, rushed handwriting, was an addition to the letter.

We’re both worried for you. Try to not make us even more concerned by taking forever to reply. - R

Jaina blinked back tears, fingers tracing over the words. The obvious proof that her friends - perhaps her first true friends - still cared about her. Hadn’t forgotten her. That the tiny voice inside of her, saying that they would abandon her was wrong . A ghost of a smile passed across her face as she read over Vereesa’s threat again.

It took a few more heartbeats for a frown to settle across her features. If this letter was so concise, what had the hold up been? Why had it taken so long for Spout to return. The elemental nudged the unopened letter closer, as if answering the silent question.

Jaina’s heart leapt into her throat at the reminder of Sylvanas’s letter. She held her breath as she opened it and began to read.

Jaina felt conflicted after reading this letter. Joy, that Sylvanas was still obviously fond of her. Anticipation for the next time they met face to face. But also concern for whatever had caused the delay. Like Sylvanas, she understood why there wasn’t more information included. No message was completely secure after all - not even when faithfully delivered by Spout. Understanding didn’t stop the worry.

“You wouldn’t be willing to give any insight about this, would you?” Jaina held the letter aloft like a flag while questioning her elemental.

As she had predicted, Spout gave a shrug before leaping through the window. The closed window. Jaina hadn’t predicted that . The mage sighed, feeling her exhaustion come back tenfold after Spout disappeared into the night. She gently placed both letters underneath the bow before crawling under the covers.

Responding to them, and sorting out her own mess of emotions, would be problems for the Jaina of tomorrow.

The next day, Jaina woke relatively refreshed. It didn’t stop the immediate panic of waking in a room enclosed by stone. Something that hadn’t happened since her kidnapping. Several deep breaths calmed her racing heart as she reminded herself that she was home. That Proudmoore Keep was the stronghold of her family and that she was safe here. Or, safe from physical harm at least.

Emotional disequilibrium was all but assured, considering her tenuous relationship with her father. Not to mention how the Great Houses were reacting to how the parley with Zandalar was handled. The fact that Katherine hadn’t brought up any issues the previous day meant that it was likely a political nightmare. Joy.

Jaina sighed, rising fully from her bed to sit at her desk. While she was hungry, she knew that if she left her room she would be swept up in the duties her position demanded of her. And she knew that if she wanted to reply to the Windrunners’ letters, that she had to do so before that happened.

She began with the easier of the two. Vereesa was less complicated. Their relationship may be one of snipes and teasing but it was comfortable. Jaina knew she perhaps would never find a finer friend. This made the weight of the Proudmoore signet on her hand feel heavier. But dishonesty was the price of their meeting, and it was a price Jaina paid, if not gladly, then with stubborn determination. Only time would tell if their friendship would survive her lies. Because of that guilt, she was perhaps more honest than she should be in her return letter.

The lack of time made Jaina grimace at how untidy her missive was. Especially when compared to Vereesa’s flowing script. Her handwriting made it very obvious that she was a High Elf. Jaina sighed at her compact, slightly messy scrawl, but sealed the letter all the same. The easier of the two out of the way, she turned her attention to Sylvanas’ letter. Rereading it made her heart skip a beat. Because in the growing light of day it was obvious that Sylvanas was underplaying whatever happened.

Spout’s intervention in the Ranger-General’s duties in such a way that ended in thanks signaled to Jaina that it was combat oriented. And the fact that their intercession was required, with how highly skilled Sylvanas and the rangers were…Well, it was concerning. With a troubled frown, Jaina turned to pen a reply.

Jaina swallowed at seeing how dangerously close she was to revealing more than she should. Ink dripped from her quill’s nib as she debated crossing it out. Her heart overruled her mind and she allowed her words to remain. She signed off, with what was becoming a familiar signature.

It wasn’t perfect. Each letter that required Jaina to stretch the truth to a bare thread made her guilt pool deeper in her gut. There was no way that the revelation of her actual family name and position wouldn’t cause an incident with the Windrunners. Jaina only hoped that the bonds she had formed with them would be strong enough to withstand the mistrust that her lies of omission would cause.

Jaina shook her head slightly as she sealed each letter with Proudmoore Green wax. That was almost as big a give away as the signet itself. No ordinary Kul Tiran would dare use a Great House’s primary color for their missives. It simply wasn’t done. But considering even humans in allied kingdoms didn’t realize that, she doubted that this would be what gave her away.

She rose from her desk, stretching out for the first time. She handed the letters to Spout, who had appeared as if summoned as soon as she stood. Jaina snorted at their antics, as they mimicked a sailor’s salute before disappearing. With her personal matters taken care of, Jaina turned her attention to preparing for her actual responsibilities.

Her hands needed no input to don her full admiralty finery. Jaina had worn this uniform more in the past year than she had the rest of her life. The only hang up was when she was tying her sash’s knot. The time in Gilneas had done her no favors in regards to that but Zandalar had reacquainted her with the proper positioning for an heir.

Jaina smiled grimly as she examined herself in the mirror. Because every time she tied this knot she was reminded of the distance between herself and her father. There may come a day where she wasn’t allowed to don the symbol of her family at all. She shoved that thought away, unwilling to spend any more time on it. Katherine would do everything in her power to prevent that - and her power was considerable.

Of course, it also depended on the Great Houses’ support. And Jaina was intimately aware that she had likely angered several of them - the Ashvanes most of all. Zandalar and Kul Tiras had been trading blows since before her nation’s founding and hatred for the trolls ran deep in her people. And Lord Rian Ashvane’s hatred was deeper than most.

Edward Ashvane was his grandfather, one Jaina knew Rian loved dearly despite the man dying long before she drew breath. Edward had been captured in a Zandalari raid, never to be heard from again. Jaina had asked Rastakahn what would have happened to such countrymen, only to have the question turned back upon her. When she had admitted that it would be better for any Zandalari to die quickly, with the trolls around her bristling, Rastakahn had simply agreed. And then said that it would be no different for a Kul Tiran in his custody.

Jaina had omitted that interaction from her report. It would only bring up bad blood. Besides, no Kul Tirans had been taken in her lifetime. But that would be of little comfort to those who loved someone already long gone. Jaina had no doubt that Edward Ashvane’s fate would make enforcing the detente - difficult at best. Hatred for Zandalar was practically required for a Kul Tiran.

She smoothed out her face into the impassive mein Jaina had become adept at donning over months of political maneuvering. Looking into the mirror, Jaina found herself surprised at the serious woman staring back at her. It had been a long time since she had bothered to actually look at herself.

Even in the time since Gilneas, Jaina’s facial features had sharpened. Her relation to Katherine would be undeniable if someone spent even a minute in both of their presences. She looked like her mother had, at 20. Jaina shook off the strange thought. She couldn’t have known how her Ma looked at her age. Though, the fact that she had missed her birthday while dealing with the Zandalari and hadn’t realized made her lips curve up into a wry grin. Time didn’t stop for duty, or vice versa. She had no doubt that her 20th birthday wouldn’t be the only one that passed without acknowledgement due to circ*mstances.

Taking one more moment to center herself for the coming storm, Jaina strode confidently out of her room. She was unsurprised to see a footman waiting for her. The man snapped to attention before relaying that Lady Katherine was waiting in the dining room to begin breakfast. Jaina thanked the man even as she moved past him. She didn’t want to keep her mother waiting, after all.

Katherine looked up from her tea when Jaina entered the room. She sat alone at the table, as she often was. Jaina’s heart ached at the sight. With Tandred serving, Katherine was unlikely to have company for many meals. Or at least, company that didn’t require political acumen to deal with.

“Morning, Ma.” Jaina greeted, pulling out the closest chair and flopping ungracefully into it. She eagerly began to eat the eggs and bacon laid out. Zandalar’s food was good but nothing could beat the simple nostalgia a simple Kul Tiran spread gave her. Nothing could beat fish, of course, but this was a close second.

“Good morning, Starshine. You seem rather alert.”

Jaina stopped demolishing her food to cast a suspicious glance at her mother. “Pardon?”

An amused smile graced Katherine’s lips. “How long have you been awake, Jaina?”

“Perhaps an hour?” Her brows furrowed in confusion. “Why?”

“It’s not important.”

“Ma!” The syllable that emerged from Jaina’s mouth was plaintive, causing Katherine to chuckle.

She raised her hands in surrender and said, “Alright, Starshine. It's just I’ve always been able to tell if you’ve been up for a while or not.”

“What?”

“Your voice has a very specific rasp to it before you finish waking up.”

“It does not.” Jaina refuted.

Katherine arched an eyebrow and sipped her tea silently.

Jaina huffed but let it go. She served herself seconds, eating far slower. Now that her stomach wasn’t rumbling she was able to turn her attention to the issues she had brought with her. “When are the Great Houses expecting me to report to them?”

With a saddened sigh, Katherine placed her cup down to focus fully on her daughter. “You don’t need more time to rest?”

Jaina shrugged awkwardly. “More time would just lead me to thinking of more and more disastrous scenarios.”

“Well, you can’t say you’re not my daughter.” Katherine snorted. With that, the Lady of the Fleet dove into preparing her daughter for the coming trial. And there was no question it would be a trial.

As they so often were on such matters, the Great Houses were once again divided. As Jaina had predicted, the Ashvanes had dug in their heels about the truce with Zandalar. If anything the potential for future trade had made them even more furious about it, rather than less. In a turn Jaina hadn’t foreseen, the Stormsongs were firmly endorsing her actions. Apparently, the Tides had shifted positively and they attributed it to the formal agreement with the trolls. Jaina would leave the soothsaying to the Tidesages but if their conclusions supported her own, all the better.

That left the Waycrests. Well, and House Proudmoore, but in Daelin’s absence his votes fell to his regent. That was Katherine as Lady of the Fleet, and she had made it clear where she stood. So, House Waycrest was going to be the deciding factor. Because while decisions didn’t need to be unanimous, everyone understood that this one did. So if the Waycrests agreed to ratify the documents, the Ashvanes would follow. Unhappily, but they would.

Jaina listened intently to Katherine’s descriptions of how the Houses had been reacting since her report had first arrived before asking the obvious question. “What will convince House Waycrest?”

“I’m afraid to say that convincing them falls to you, Starshine.”

“Me?”

Katherine grimaced and nodded. “Meredith has invited you to their residence in Boralus for dinner this evening.”

“And I’ve already accepted, I suppose.”

Blue eyes narrowed. “You have.”

Jaina raised her hands defensively at the sight of her mother’s displeasure. “Am I to attend alone?”

“I’m afraid so, Starshine.”

Jaina winced, not looking forward to being subjected to Meredith and Arthur Waycrest alone. When she grumbled that, Katherine smiled tightly. “Don’t forget their daughter, Lucille.”

She blinked. “Daughter?”

“Lucille just turned 6.” Katherine said dryly. “I’m certain she’ll be on her best behavior.”

Jaina stared for a moment. “So I am somehow supposed to convince the Waycrests to support a formal agreement with our most hated enemy while entertaining a literal child.”

Katherine raised her tea cup in a toast. “Welcome to politics, Starshine.” A pause. “This cannot be worse than landing on enemy territory.”

“I’d rather take the people who I know want to kill me.” Jaina muttered. “Makes things more straight forward.”

Her mother didn’t respond. With a sigh, Jaina brushed her hair back behind her ears before asking, “Well then. What will I need to know to survive dinner, Ma?”

Jaina, contrary to the last, had refused all but the bare minimum of honors required of her. Which meant that Lauris was her only guard, Jaina wasn’t wearing any of her medals, and they walked to the abode the Waycrests’ utilized when in Boralus. Katherine had advised against it, but Jaina knew herself. She knew that unless she forcibly made time in her own schedule that she would allow her duties to consume all of it. So she left an hour early, and spent time reacquainting herself with the streets she had grown up cavorting on.

Lauris pointed out the changes that Jaina had missed in Dalaran. Shops had opened and closed, people had come and gone. She didn’t recognize any of the children playing in the streets, though Spout was more than happy to take up their mischievous ways. They thankfully remembered that most humans were far less sturdy than Jaina. IEven if it was the beginning of march, it was an exceptionally frigid day. Adding in Spout’s glacial tendencies could be a recipe for disaster. One that didn’t come to pass this day.

Jaina took what time she could to greet those she passed, stopping to exchange more in-depth pleasantries with those more familiar with her. Though the further away they moved from the docks and Keep, the more rare those greetings became. Many civilians simply stared at her as she passed. Jaina made sure to smile at them, well aware that she was infamous in her homeland. She ignored the fact that several people her age blushed heavily when they met her gaze. She studiously ignored that fact, not wanting to think of the implications.

She was careful to keep track of the time, so she arrived at the Waycrest House in Boralus when the invitation specified. She allowed Lauris to knock on the door for her as she thought over the information Katherine had shared with her. It would be no easy feat for her to convince them that this was the right course.

Jaina had never backed down from a challenge before and she wouldn’t start now.

It was well after midnight by the time she returned to Proudmoore Keep. Lauris had taken one look at Jaina’s haggard look upon emerging from the house and proceeded to shepard her home. She couldn’t particularly help with the swaying. Jaina would definitely have words with her Ma about what warnings she should give. Arthur enjoys a bit of brandy did not prepare the Scion for the Lord demanding she drink a bloody barrel of the stuff after the meal.

At least she convinced the Waycrests of her reasoning. Jaina did wonder if her ability to consume copious amounts of alcohol helped. It certainly pushed her ability to keep her political mask in place. Never again, she internally swore. She enjoyed beer and rum and mead as much as the next Kul Tiran but this was absurd. Jaina was pretty sure without the arcane burning through her veins she would’ve passed out before midnight hit.

Lauris, Tides bless her, made sure Jaina made it to her rooms before saying farewell. Jaina thanked her - or she thought she did. She may have ended up thanking her in Quel’thalan on accident. She couldn’t tell. Jaina staggered around her room, stripping her jacket and boots off before flopping on the bed.

She was out like a lantern in a hurricane.

Jaina had a faint headache at breakfast the next day. She squinted at her mother and wondered if this is what a hangover felt like. Seeing Katherine’s amused face did nothing to reassure her.

“Feeling alright, Starshine?”

Her eyes narrowed further. She felt like this was a trick question. Her memory didn’t suffer at all from the amount of alcohol she had imbibed. Jaina wasn’t sure if that was a gift or not. She had never regretted it before, but now she knew for certain she would never find peace at the bottom of a bottle. Not that she would’ve. Katherine had raised her daughter with too much diligence for duty for Jaina to lose herself that way. But it was just another way she was very different from a regular Kul Tiran.

She would never admit it aloud, but sometimes she wondered if the ritual Jayna had used to help Katherine conceive her had gone wrong. It was lucky her people had taken to calling her Tides’ Blessed. Because Jaina wasn’t certain they would have been as accepting of all her oddities without the dubious protection that moniker offered her.

“Starshine?” Katherine prompted again, concern palpable.

Not wanting to worry her mother, Jaina shook off her melancholy thoughts. Apparently drinking to excess made her pensive. How terrible. “I’m alright Ma.”

“I take it you experienced Arthur’s hospitality last night?”

“About that Ma. You should’ve been clearer about the fact that he was able to drink you under the table.” Jaina paired her statement with a scowl.

Katherine laughed. “I knew you’d survive. Besides, it's practically a rite of passage to be ambushed by a lord who demands you try his liquor stores.”

“It’s an experience I could’ve lived without.” Jaina muttered, picking at her eggs.

Sobering, her mother caught her gaze. “Perhaps. But it would’ve happened eventually. Better it happen before you’re Lord Admiral.”

Jaina co*cked her head, a thought coming to her. “That sounds like there’s a story behind that comment.”

“Oh, there is.” The Lady of the Fleet agreed, primly drinking her tea.

“Not going to tell me?”

Katherine savored her drink for several long moments before responding. “No, I don’t think I will.”

Jaina just sighed. She knew that tone. She wouldn’t be getting anything out of her mother on this subject now. She tucked her questions away for a more opportune time before bringing up the most pressing matter. “When is the meeting of the Great Houses, Ma?”

“Unfortunately, the earliest we were able to schedule it is next week.” Katherine sighed.

“Is that wise?” Jaina frowned, wondering why such an important meeting was being put off.

Katherine offered an inelegant shrug. “It is when House Stormsong is preparing for the first High Holiday of the year.”

Rapidly doing math about when Storm’s Wake occurred, Jaina buried her face into her hands. “I can’t believe I forgot about that.”

“There there Starshine. You’ve been away long enough that it's understandable. Even sailors serving can lose track of our Holidays.”

While Katherine did sound comforting, it didn’t work. Jaina was well aware that if Daelin were here he would’ve jumped on her for that lapse in memory. At least only her mother was here to see it. It would have been far worse in public.

Seeing that her daughter wasn’t going to emerge from her hiding place while the topic hung in the air, Katherine switched to a different conversation. “Before I forget, you need to come to my office with me before doing anything else today.”

Jaina, reluctantly, pulled her face free from her hands. “Why?”

“You have an extremely fancy letter waiting for you.” Katherine’s words were dry.

“What? From who?” Spout handled most of her correspondence. Considering Sylvanas was the only one Jaina wrote regularly whose signet would be labeled fancy it was confusing to try and figure out who was writing her.

“Dalaran. More specifically the Council of Six.”

Jaina froze like a hunted deer underneath her mother’s sharp gaze. She whispered out response. “What?”

“I haven’t opened it. It was addressed to you. Or Jaina Stormsong, at least. Shall we find out what it's about, Starshine?” Katherine stood without any other warning and began to leave the room.

Jaina, looking at her rather sparse plate, snatched up her last bit of toast and hurried to follow in her mother’s wake. She likely looked rather ridiculous stuffing bread in her mouth as she walked after Katherine. Jaina didn’t care all that much. The servants in the Keep had seen her look far worse throughout her life.

They arrived at the office without incident. Katherine had to rummage through her mountains of paperwork before finding the letter. She held it out triumphantly to Jaina who stared at it like it was a live kraken. There, shimmering with magic that Dalaran trained mages seemed unable to resist stamping all over everything, was the seal of the Grand Magus of the Kirin Tor. She had seen it before. It was hard not to, when she was apprenticed to the man. But it was the first time that it had ever summoned any emotion other than disinterest in her.

Jaina would take that any day over the dread that was boiling in her stomach.

“Starshine?” Katherine’s worried voice, for the second time, broke her from her reverie.

She startled like a surprised mare, before settling with a sheepish grin. She took the letter from her mother’s hands, handling it like it could bite her at any time. Better to get it over with. Jaina took a deep breath before breaking the seal.

It released a small amount of magic upon doing so. Protections but also an alarm. Why an alarm? Even as she asked, she realized that it was to notify the sender that the recipient had opened it. A useful charm, when you weren’t certain when someone would receive their mail. That made her ask, “How long has this been here?”

“A few weeks after you left for Zandalar, I believe?” Katherine looked thoughtful. “More specific than that, I couldn’t say.”

Jaina grimaced but thanked her mother for the information all the same. She dropped into a visitors chair to read the missive. The first thing she checked was the signature. It was signed by Antonidas, which made her shut her eyes momentarily to prepare herself. When she opened them, Jaina had shunted most of her emotions away from her active awareness. In that numb state, she began to read the letter.

Jaina sat back in her chair with a thoughtful frown. It certainly could have been worse. A denunciation of her choice and immediate expulsion from the Kirin Tor came to mind. But they usually reserved that for those who broke laws, rather than just social norms. While her abrupt departure was rude, it was no way on par with meddling in necromancy. Still, it was interesting that Antonidas was demanding her return. Particularly since, as far as the Kirin Tor was aware, there were no portal anchors for her to use to return to Kul Tiras quickly.

She was reminded of Katherine’s presence when her mother cleared her throat. Still thinking, Jaina handed over the letter without really noticing. Portaling to Dalaran would be trivial. As would returning. It was everything in between those two things that worried her.

Katherine interrupted her thoughts by asking, “Is this unusual?”

Jaina finally focused on her Ma and saw the woman also wearing an expression that indicated contemplation. She tried to come up with a comparison that would make sense to Katherine before settling on, “No more so than an experienced officer who had indicated they would reenlist suddenly changing their mind and sending their apologies that they would be unable to right before their commission finalized.”

A grimace crossed the Lady of the Fleet’s face then. “So this is serious, then?”

“Serious enough that I think I need to go back to Dalaran.” Jaina nodded grimly. “It was rather clever of Antonidas to do it this way.”

Katherine glared at Jaina. “Demanding your presence is a bit much.”

“For Jaina Proudmoore, Scion of the Fleet? Absolutely.” Jaina agreed. “But he is demanding an explanation from a minor noble. His questions about why the Lord Admiral needs me specifically to serve are valid. The fact that they are annoyingly insightful doesn’t change that fact.”

Her mother stewed for a few moments before sighing and running a hand through her hair. A nervous habit that only appeared during very stressful times. “You said it was clever?”

“Aye. Because this is a summons from the leader of the Kirin Tor, I have to appear to save face.” Jaina started with the obvious. Katherine nodded in agreement. “But because of the way portals work, without an anchor I would be stranded in Dalaran without an easy way to return to Kul Tiras. At best, I could portal to Gilneas and then book passage on a ship back here, which would take months.”

“At which point, it would prove that your need here wasn't great.” Katherine hummed thoughtfully. “Could we not simply write a letter from the Admiralty assuring Antonidas that it is necessary for you to serve?”

Jaina grimaced. “I wish it were that simple. But politically, I don’t think it's a wise move.”

When Katherine arched her eyebrow, Jaina explained further. That, while Kul Tiras was strengthening their bonds with other nations, any connection to the Kirin Tor was shaky at best. The most stable connection was Jaina herself. If she didn’t return to offer some explanation for her absences, that path would be severed and would make relations much more difficult.

“What makes you so certain that not responding would be so catastrophic?” Katherine asked, after listening intently.

“The fact that Kul Tiras has already been uncooperative.” Seeing her mother frown, Jaina pointed out an issue that had come up several times while in Dalaran. “Did you know we are the only Alliance nation who doesn’t have a portal anchor?”

“No.” Katherine’s response was slow. “I didn’t know that.”

That actually surprised Jaina. Her question had been more rhetorical than anything. From the expression on her mother’s face, this wasn’t welcome news. It made Jaina wonder how Katherine had managed to miss that piece of information. She had a sinking feeling that it had been Daelin’s decision, with no input from his wife or the other Lords. It would fit with what she knew of her father. Especially how he acted right after Derek had died. Shaking her thoughts off, Jaina continued with her explanation.

“It was irritating enough that Archmage Modera brought it up several times in Gilneas. Even Stormwind, which is still in the process of rebuilding, has a portal anchor to ensure quick transportation of missives and delivery of urgently needed supplies if necessary.”

“Why would Daelin deny a tactical advantage like that?” Katherine asked, frowning deeply.

Jaina shrugged. “Because he didn’t think it would be worth it? Because he didn’t trust the fact that the Kirin Tor would have to station a handful of their own mages to manage the portals? Because he blamed the Alliance for Derek’s death? I don’t know, Ma. Your guess would probably be better than mine.”

Katherine grimaced at each question before sighing. “I suppose it doesn’t matter. But Starshine, I doubt Daelin will accept you being gone for months before resuming your service. I’m not sure I could do anything about it either, not without taking drastic action.”

Her eyes wandered to a safe that was rarely opened. Jaina guessed that is where the official Challenge resided. Where it had resided for months, by this point. Even if all the Lords knew it existed, it would be bad form to leave it laying out in the open. Luckily, she had a solution that didn’t require her Ma fighting Daelin to the death.

“Antonidas is clever, but he doesn’t know everything.” Jaina smiled, teasingly.

Katherine glared at her for a solid minute. When Jaina still didn’t say anything she growled, “Spit it out, Starshine.”

With her grin growing ever wider, Jaina couldn’t help but continue to tease. “And the solution is all thanks to you, Ma.”

“ Jaina.”

She laughed, deciding discretion was the better part of valor and finally told Katherine her plan. “Jayna was such an interesting mage. She also apparently had some interest in portals.”

“You mean…?”

“She has her own portal anchor, in her cottage.” Jaina didn’t bother to mention that the damn thing was mobile . That was an impossibility that would drive even Archmages insane trying to figure it out. Not that that would stop Jaina. She would ferret out its secrets. “Which means that the trip would be no different than me going to visit Sagehold for a few days. I’d be back in time for the ceremonies for the High Holiday even.”

Katherine looked surprised before shaking her head in amusem*nt. Her next words were murmured to herself more than anything. “Even gone, Jayna can’t seem to keep herself from helping.” Then she frowned. “Didn’t you say that portal anchors need to be maintained?”

Understanding immediately her mother’s concerns, Jaina rushed to comfort her. “ Portals do. Especially the kind that see heavy use, like the ones set up in capitals by the Kirin Tor. The near constant use at the same spot can cause…issues with travel. Which is why mages watch over those anchors so closely. Jayna’s anchor isn’t widely used. It was something the mage made for herself, to make portaling home easier I’d assume.” Seeing the slight glaze coming over her mother’s eyes, Jaina ended her explanation quickly. “My point is, there should be no danger for me using it.”

She refrained from pointing out she had been using it already. Jaina had a feeling her mother wouldn’t take that well. Even if it was perfectly safe, the fact that Jaina hadn’t told Katherine would likely lead to a ban on fish. And Jaina really couldn’t take a fish ban right now.

Her mother thought for a moment. Jaina didn’t interrupt her, knowing that it wouldn’t do any good. Finally Katherine sighed. “You’re sure it's safe?”

Unwilling to lie, Jaina answered honestly. “As safe as sailing is.”

The point being that there were inherent risks to any method of travel. Tides, a horse could spook and throw its rider. You could step wrong and break a leg. Portals were no more dangerous than the sea, so long as one took appropriate safety measures.

“I take your point. Give me a moment, and I’ll write something up from the Admiralty to present to the Grand Magus.” Katherine didn’t wait for a response, turning to her parchment work.

Jaina left her mother to it, organizing her own thoughts. She doubted she would be dragged before the full Council of Six but anything was possible. Particularly since Antonidas seemed persnickety in his letter. Perhaps Jaina could try to corner Modera before speaking to her mentor? No, that would only make him think she was trying to sidestep him.

She groaned audibly. Tides, she hated politics. Maybe she’d run away and become a simple fisherwoman. Anything to escape the intolerable reality that was her existence as Scion. Katherine glanced up at her dramatics but ignored her, well used to Jaina’s sometimes tempestuous moods. Even as she spent a few minutes imagining her life on a small boat, all alone, pulling up fish after fish, Jaina knew she’d never leave her duties.

Besides, any time she thought of being truly alone she felt a deep melancholy and terror. No, Jaina wouldn’t become a hermit any time soon. She loved too deeply to abandon her family and friends. She’d just have to suck it up and deal with it. A classic Proudmoore strategy. Jaina just hoped she’d deal with things better than Daelin did.

With that comforting thought, Katherine handed her daughter a letter. It was already sealed, so Jaina raised her eyebrows in question.

“I just said that you were currently irreplaceable to the Fleet, and that anything else was a national secret.” Katherine was bland as she described the missive.

Jaina winced. “You do realize that that’s just going to make the mages even more intolerable?”

“Well Starshine, they are your problem.” Katherine showed no pity for her daughter. “Besides, you were the one who wanted to learn at Dalaran.”

She scowled like a petulant child at the reminder. “You wanted me to go there too.”

“Yes.” Katherine agreed before adding, “But I have never been happier to foist international relations off on someone. Wouldn’t you want to?”

“Aye. Unfortunately, I seem to be the unlucky soul who keeps getting handed political sh*tshows to deal with.” Jaina growled.

“Be less competent Starshine.”

“You’d murder me if I did anything less than my best.” Jaina pointed out incredulously.

“Glad we understand each other, Starshine.”

Jaina stared at her mother in betrayal as Katherine returned to her deskwork. Seeing that she wasn’t going to get anything else out of her, Jaina rose and gave a farewell. She apparently had to go manage mages . Katherine had no idea exactly how terrible a fate that was. Not to mention Vereesa. And Rhonin . Tides, Jaina had no idea how she was going to handle talking to either of them.

Perhaps she could avoid them? Surely they would be busy?

Engulfed in her thoughts, she almost missed Katherine calling out. Turning back, she saw her mother staring at her fondly. Katherine said, “I love you, Jaina.”

Even when cross with her, Jaina couldn’t resist smiling back as she answered. “For as long as the stars do shine.”

Before leaving for Dalaran, Jaina swapped her Proudmoore sash out for the Stormsong one. She frowned as she looked between the two. It was very obvious that the craftsmanship was similar, the stitching just as precise and intricate on the teal cloth as it was on the green. Jaina wondered why Katherine had put in so much effort for what was, for all intents and purposes, a farce. She supposed she’d have to ask her when she returned.

Then she collected Lauris. The guard had tried to argue that Jaina needed more bodies around her when returning to Dalaran. Jaina disagreed.

“I’m just a minor noble, Lauris. I shouldn’t need an honor guard.”

“You’re Scion. It’s not right to have just me to watch your back.” Lauris was showcasing pure Kul Tiran stubbornness and Jaina could have done without it. She ignored the fact that she was doing the exact same thing.

Captain Blackwood watched the argument with impassive eyes, even though he had final say over any Proudmoore’s guard detail. After another thirty minutes of going around in circles, Jaina threw her hands up in defeat and demanded that he make the final decision.

He didn’t agree that just Lauris was enough, to Jaina’s frustration. He assigned one other guard, Torin. When Jaina’s scowl deepened he pointed out, “Just explain they’re there to prevent you from deserting.”

Jaina opened her mouth to object then closed it. It was a reasonable suggestion. It gave Katherine’s missive even more weight. In the end, all Jaina could do was growl but submit.

Which is what led to a smug Lauris and a stoic man with flaming red hair standing behind Jaina as she began to weave a portal together. Lauris got far less smug when Jaina told her guards to go first.

“Why?”

“I have to hold it open.” Jaina said, impatience palpable. “It's better if I go last while I’m doing that. Wouldn’t want to lose focus and make you lose an arm.”

Torin, with an unflappable demeanor that would’ve made Katherine proud, simply stepped through the churning magic doorway. Lauris, looking green, didn’t. Jaina waited for a moment before deciding enough was enough. The mages on the other side of the portal were likely becoming just as impatient. Jaina would rather deal with a sulking Lauris than the bureaucracy of Dalaran. So, she pushed the guard through and followed after. The portal sealed up behind them with no issues.

The mages were staring at the strange group with wide eyes. Lauris had fallen to her knees, looking decidedly ill. Jaina frowned. The portal shouldn’t have done that. She knelt beside the woman to ask, “Are you alright?”

“I’d rather be at sea for a decade than do that again, Sc-” Jaina cleared her throat loudly to interrupt Lauris. The guard switched her address immediately. “My lady.”

Jaina smiled wryly. “Well, you’ll have to go through a portal once more, but after that I’ll do my best to limit how often you travel by them.”

Lauris squinted at her liege, sure that she was missing something with that statement. Then the guard shrugged. “If you say so, my lady.”

Jaina rose, offering a hand up. With an ease that came from manning rigging, she hoisted the other woman up. Torin had taken to staring at the mage who had stepped forward to address them. The man appeared to be shaking in his cloth shoes. Jaina stole a glance and understood why. Torin had a naturally grim face that was only made worse by how immobile he held it. Not wanting to cause another incident, Jaina quickly identified herself.

“I’m Jaina Stormsong, Apprentice to Master Antonidas.”

The mage’s eyes snapped to her with relief. Then he frowned. “I wasn’t aware that you were certified to cast portals.”

Jaina co*cked her head. “I wasn’t aware that I had to fill out paperwork regarding the skill.”

He drew himself up, to his rather slight height, and began to lecture about the dangers of portals. Jaina let him do so until it became obvious that he wouldn’t stop for several hours. Some mages gave all of them a bad name. This man was one of them.

She interrupted when he paused to take a breath. “I will be sure to inform Archmage Modera that she needed to sign those forms for me months ago before we left for Gilneas. I’m sure she had other things on her mind at the time.”

The long winded man paled. “Archmage Modera taught you?”

“Right before we had to attend an Alliance meeting, aye. If I bring you those forms before leaving Dalaran again, will that satisfy you sir?” Jaina’s impatience creeped into every syllable.

“Make sure you get it to me by the end of the week.” He squeaked out before stepping aside.

Jaina didn’t bother to watch him go, instead striding forward. She muttered “Mages.” as she did so.

Her two guards scrambled to catch up with her quick pace. Jaina slowed down when she realized Lauris was actually having difficulties keeping up. The mage frowned as she came to a stop on the side of the road when she remembered something. She turned to her loyal guard and examined her intently.

“Lady?”

“You didn’t have the same issue when we traveled by portal to Gilneas.” Jaina’s words were abrupt, worrying coating each syllable.

Lauris blinked for a moment, still regathering her wits apparently. “No, I didn’t.”

Jaina’s frown deepened at the confirmation that this was new. She turned her attention momentarily to her other guard. “You aren’t having any issues, are you Torin?”

The man shook his head, still keeping his silence. She also felt no ill effects from her portal, so she turned her attention back to grilling Lauris. The guard bore it patiently. For the first five minutes. When Jaina had started asking about her diet it looked like the loyal woman might actually strike out at her liege.

It didn’t come to that because Jaina’s deluge of questions was interrupted.

“Jaina? Is that you?” A familiar voice spoke, each word drawing closer.

The Kul Tiran turned away from her countrymen to see Anya walking towards her with a surprised expression. That surprised expression fell away into delight at seeing Jaina.

“It is you. Have you finally managed to escape the clutches of your Fleet duties?” The elf swept forward without stopping to sweep Jaina up into a tight hug.

The woman stiffened briefly before relaxing. It had been a long time since anyone other than her family had touched her casually. Since the last time she was in Dalaran. Jaina noticed Torin stiffening and signaled him to stand down. He wouldn’t win against Anya and the fight would be headache inducing. Jaina didn’t enjoy visiting jails to bail other people out. She barely enjoyed it when she was the one breaking the law for good reason. Not that she had been able to do that lately.

When Anya pulled away, her ears were quivering with anticipation. “Well?”

The unexpected hug had slowed Jaina’s thoughts. She blinked stupidly at the elf in front of her. “Well what?”

“Are you back in Dalaran for good?” Anya’s excitement at the idea was palpable.

And the reality of the situation crashed back into Jaina like a tidal wave. Her pure joy at seeing one of her friends from Dalaran had momentarily made her forget her burdens. Even if she wasn’t as close with Anya as Vereesa or Rhonin, the other elf was still more of a friend than Jaina had ever managed to make in her homeland.

She gave many things to Kul Tiras. Sometimes gladly, sometimes bitterly, but she gave them all the same. Her country gave her power and fame - or infamy - in return. But Jaina had never been given a friend who saw her stripped down to just herself absent of any titles or duties.

That was a gift she had only experienced here, in Dalaran. When utilizing a name not her own. She crushed her resentful feelings towards Jaina Stormsong for getting what she never had. It made little sense, to be jealous of herself. It didn’t change the fact that she was. Jaina ruthlessly smothered the emotion as she smoothed her face into a political mask.

It was too late to be natural. Anya had seen her bright smile drop faster than an unattached anchor. She couldn’t even summon up a false grin. The best Jaina could do was neutrality as she finally answered. “I’m afraid not.”

Anya’s intensely glowing eyes made Jaina feel like she was naked, instead of in her formal uniform. The silence dragged on for a moment before she asked the obvious question. “Then why are you here?”

“Because the Grand Magus thinks he’s clever.” Jaina’s voice was as cold as the ocean’s depths.

Long eyebrows shot upward. “...Are you upset with Archmage Antonidas?”

Jaina sighed, pushing her hair away from her eyes. “With Antonidas himself? No. With the politics he insists on playing? Yes, absolutely.”

“What did he do? ” Anya paired that with wide eyes.

“I’m sure Dalaran’s rumor mill will start working just as soon as I manage to meet him.” Jaina commented drily. “Speaking of, I really do need to get going.”

The elf looked highly reluctantly to allow Jaina to walk off. Anya’s ears were low as she watched the small party of Kul Tirans begin to leave. Then, Jaina stopped. She turned piercing eyes onto Lauris. “Do you still feel unwell?” Seeing the stubborn woman open her mouth, Jaina added, “Don’t lie to me.”

“...Aye.”

Abruptly, she turned to Anya and said, “Could I ask you for a favor?”

“Of course.” Anya looked between the two women, eyes sharp. “But you’ll owe me dinner.”

Jaina snorted but didn’t argue. “Would you mind taking Lauris to see a healer? The portal we used to get here didn’t agree with her.”

“My Lady!” Lauris’ voice was more shrill than Jaina had ever heard it.

The blonde turned serious eyes onto her guard. “I’m not going to let this fester. The fact that you got sick when neither Torin nor I did is troubling. Portal illnesses can be fatal Lauris.”

Seeing her turn a shade that matched her Proudmoore tabard a little too closely, Jaina reached out and laid a comforting hand on her shoulder. “As long as you go to a healer now, it should be fine.”

“But my duty - “

“You can’t do your duty if you're incapacitated or dead.” Was Jaina’s blunt interruption. “Torin is more than capable of reminding me of my place while you ensure you’re healthy. ”

Jaina’s face had fallen into the hard lines it took when she commanded her people as Scion. Oh, she had her softer moments when performing her duties too but overall, those who relied on her didn’t want to see her falter. Jaina responded by making her face even more grave. A habit that she had unconsciously picked up from Katherine that she intentionally reinforced as she grew older.

Seeing the Scion’s mask, Lauris immediately gave in. She shared a grim look with Torin who immediately stepped up to be right next to Jaina. She didn’t argue, knowing that neither guards were happy with how little protection she had currently.

“Aye, aye, lieutenant.” Lauris grumbled, turning to the elf with a dead-eyed stare. “Lead on, my lady.”

Anya blinked in confusion, looking between them all before settling her expression into a friendly smile. Jaina could tell it was forced but she appreciated the effort. “I’m no lady. It’s this way.” A stern glance was sent Jaina’s way as she added, “I’ll tell the Captain to expect you for dinner.”

The mage waved a hand in agreement, turning away quickly to hide whatever panic had managed to make it onto her face. She started walking again, this time making no attempt to moderate her pace. Torin kept up easily, a silent sentinel who sent suspicious looks at anyone within five yards of them.

Jaina ignored that, too involved with her own internal crisis. She wasn’t ready to deal with Vereesa, particularly since it reminded her of her promise to Rhonin. To tell his wife who she was when she returned to Dalaran.

She wasn’t ready to set off that gunpowder barrel. Not when she was already drowning in politics. Jaina didn’t think she was strong enough to maneuver around whatever clever plans Antonidas had laid and reveal her real name to Vereesa. It would in effect reveal it to the rest of the elves, because that was not a secret the Windrunner would keep. Especially not from her own sister.

Jaina abruptly stopped in front of the Violet Citadel to bury her face into her hands. She wasn’t strong enough to deal with the fallout her name would cause. She could bear many things proudly. It was in her very being, declared in her House name. But Jaina didn’t think could bear watching Vereesa’s face shatter, seeing Sylvanas turn away from her.

Practically hyperventilating on the steps of Dalaran’s government wasn’t Jaina’s brightest idea. But she couldn’t stop herself. She was pulled out of her spiral by a frozen cold engulfing her entire body.

Shuddering, she sputtered down at Spout. The elemental had hit her with what was basically a landlocked, pinpoint tidal wave. Jaina wiped away the water from her eyes, the salt stinging them slightly. The utter ridiculousness of the situation did more to soothe her nerves than anything else. Thinking slightly more clearly, Jaina snapped her fingers to dry her clothes. While she didn’t mind walking about in drenched clothing in the middle of winter, it wasn’t proper.

The time that gave her allowed her to recall the exact oath she had made to the first person she had met in Dalaran. “I promise, Rhonin. When I return to Dalaran to finish my studies, I will tell Vereesa.”

Wincing, Jaina realized that her best bet was to play semantics. She wasn’t here to finish her studies. Tides, she would hopefully be gone before the sun finished setting. She ignored the fact that with the way her life was going, that was overly optimistic. Jaina sighed, ensuring her hair was behaving before going up the steps.

She greeted the guards by name, used to traveling past them to get to her Master’s office. They greeted her professionally, one of them giving her a pitying look. It didn’t bode well for what was waiting for her inside the citadel.

Jaina straightened her shoulders. She hadn’t backed down from f*cking Rastakhan. She wouldn’t be cowed by a man she had seen with magically blue hair and rumpled robes with tea stains. It didn’t matter that Antonidas was widely considered one of the most powerful mages alive. He wasn’t her people’s sworn enemy.

Of course, being forced to wait in his office like a petitioner instead of his apprentice made her reconsider. It was an obvious power play, a reminder that while Jaina was respected she was nowhere near powerful enough to do anything but dance to an archmage’s tune. Instead of teaching her her place, it just made Jaina amused.

No one else knew it, other than Torin and Lauris, but she had her own power. And it had nothing to do with the absurd amounts of arcane coursing through her veins. Jaina was the Scion of Kul Tiras. Even when at odds with her father, being heir to her nation made her more important than Antonidas could expect. That importance gave Jaina confidence.

It was what allowed her to meditate as she waited. Her eyes closed, her breathing focused, Jaina fell back on exercises that she had grown up with. She smiled faintly at the echoes of Amelia’s stern reminders to center herself. Her tidesage minder had become her adoptive aunt, after all the time they spent together. Jaina made a note to check in with her before she was deployed. It would be good to see Amelia again.

She felt Antonidas before she saw him. Long before she saw him. Jaina wondered if her sensitivity was due to her own nerves or because she had been gone from Dalaran for so long. As she opened her eyes, she decided it didn’t matter. Unwilling to allow Antonidas any quarter, she stood up to stand at attention. Torin copied her with a confused look.

Jaina didn’t bother to explain, her eyes focused on the doorway that led out into the hallway. Reviewing the days, she realized that perhaps the assistant asking her to wait wasn’t a powerplay at all. This was the usual day for a meeting of the Council of Six. That was proven when Antonidas came in wearing more formal robes than he wore otherwise. That Modera followed quickly on his heels, with similar attire, only cemented that truth in Jaina’s mind. She kept her emotions under control. The wait had been good, allowing her to reestablish her equilibrium.

Jaina stood taller, if that was even possible. She did not offer a salute. Neither of these mages, no matter how much she respected them, were her superior officer. She kept her face neutral as Antonidas examined her. Jaina wondered what he saw when looking at her. It had been less than a year since she left Daralarn, and yet it felt like a lifetime with the amount of work she had to put in.

Modera, in classic fashion, was the first to break the silence. “Damn, you’d never know you were a mage at all, if not for the Arcane seeping from your pores. Kul Tiras really knows how to break her sailors in.”

“Or perhaps being away from the Tides for so long broke my spirit into something unrecognizable.” Jaina’s response was swift, paired with a sarcastically raised eyebrow.

The archmage laughed from her belly, deep and true. “Oh, your tongue is sharper too.” The woman, when she regained control of herself, stepped forward to squeeze Jaina’s shoulder. “It’s good to see you. Unfortunately, I shan't be here to mitigate the awkwardness for much longer.”

“Something the matter?” Jaina asked, brow furrowing.

Modera waved the question away. “Nothing for you to be worried about. Antonidas.” With a nod towards her peer, she turned and left.

If it were anyone else, Jaina may have attempted to stop them. It didn’t help that she was used to being answered with more detail than she was just given. But Jaina trusted Modera. Because it appeared she had been honest when she said she wouldn’t tell a soul about the Kul Tiran’s heritage. Beyond that, Jaina had faith that if Modera thought she needed to know - thought Kul Tiras needed to know - she would’ve said something. That trust had been forged in the fires that had been the Gilnean summit.

Instead of allowing her curiosity to take the lead, Jaina turned her attention to the man who hadn’t said a word since entering his own office. She picked her words with care, formality dripping from each syllable. “Grand Magus. You wanted to see me?”

“Apprentice.” That formality was returned, ten fold. “We can speak in my office.” Ice blue eyes flicked to Torin. “Alone.”

Jaina glanced at her guard, and seeing his disgruntled expression, intervened. “I’m hardly going to disappear from this office. It’s warded against such intrusions, even to leave. It would take a more learned mage than me to circumvent those.”

The man’s square jaw clenched but he inclined his head infinitesimally. His voice was a low growl when he finally spoke. Perhaps it had been damaged by smoke when he had served in the Fleet. “Lieutenant.”

A single word was all that he needed to signal both his reluctance and agreement. Jaina thanked the man, ignoring the hawkish gaze observing everything. When it was obvious they were finished interacting, Antonidas turned to enter his private sanctum. Jaina followed without being asked, the picture of an obedient apprentice. How long that illusion lasted depended on how this meeting went.

As the door swung shut behind them, Jaina felt a strange sense of deja vu. This was hardly the first time she had been in this office. Tides, it wasn’t even the first time she had been dragged here under…less than ideal circ*mstances. She shoved the memories of that incident away from her conscious thought. She still blamed Vereesa for that.

Antonidas had settled in behind his desk while she was lost in thought. His chair was an absurd purple monstrosity, unfitting of an archmage. He defended it by saying it was comfortable. Jaina supposed a man of his years deserved such comfort. Jaina stepped forward in front of the desk, not bothering to take a seat uninvited. She doubted he wanted her comfortable, and she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of asking.

The silence was heavy. They had worked together in silence before. It had been affable though, without this awkward uncertainty hanging over them. Jaina didn’t break it. It wasn’t her place. Instead she utilized patience, meeting Antonidas’ gaze evenly.

Even with all the practice she had been getting, dealing with politics, the longer the silence stretched, the harder it was to remain quiet. She wasn’t certain what her mentor was looking for, but it was obvious he was looking for something .

Jaina wasn’t sure he found it before he spoke.

“I was disappointed to receive your letter.”

The words dropped into the quiet air with all the subtlety of a cannonball. Unwilling to make more things difficult by reading into implications, Jaina stuck to responding to the statement as it was, instead of the subtleties she could just barely catch. “I was disappointed to send it.”

Her swift response earned a raised eyebrow. “And yet, you sent it all the same.”

“My oaths to Kul Tiras will always come first. If the Lord Admiral calls, I must answer.” Jaina kept her irritation well hidden.

Antonidas examined her like she was an interesting bit of magic he wanted to unravel. “So you say.”

An instinctual scowl shrouded her face before she was able to smooth it away. The slight on her honor was noted. Granted, she wasn’t entirely honest - what with the false House name - but she only did that because she was ordered to. Instead of verbally responding, she pulled the letter her mother had written out and proffered it to the archmage.

“What’s this?”

“The proof that I was called back. Written in the Lady of the Fleet’s own hand.”

Antonidas took the missive from her, examining the seal with interest. When he broke it and began to read he took to stroking his beard. He did that while deep in thought. After he had read it several times - as the minutes ticking by indicated - he finally said, “I was unaware that you had enough standing in the Fleet to get a letter written by Katherine Proudmoore.”

Jaina suppressed her instinctual flare of panic. It would do no good. Instead, she carefully skirted the truth. “Before her marriage, Lady Katherine’s house was Stormsong. Our blood relation is enough for her to take note of me.”

Her statement was completely true. Jaina simply omitted the fact that that relation was much closer than Antonidas thought.

“Be that as it may, Lady Proudmoore never disclosed why you were needed for service.” Antonidas’ brow was furrowed as he looked between the letter and Jaina.

But this had an easy answer. “Because she didn’t believe it to be business that involved the Kirin Tor.”

“It involves you. You are my apprentice and I am the Grand Magus of the Kirin Tor. I would make the argument that we already are involved.”

Jaina offered an informal shrug. “That is the line of logic you followed. It is not the one the admiralty used.”

“Oh?”

She couldn’t stop the fond smile from spreading over her face. That was the exact same prompt he used when he thought Jaina was getting ahead of herself in studies. The fact that he was only right about half the time made both of them smug or irritated in turn. But her joy faded as soon as it appeared, the reality crashing into her once again. She may never again hear that prompt. Jaina sighed, letting her hopelessness go. The Tides would take or give as they willed, she simply had to live with them.

“You may find their reasoning simplistic.” Jaina warned before explaining. “It comes down to this: I am Kul Tiran. I was an officer held in reserve for the Fleet. The admiralty believed my skills to be needed and so they returned me to active duty, as was their right with any sailor under their command.”

She allowed her temerity to show, by not dropping her gaze or using Antonidas’ title. He may have been one of the most influential people in her life in Dalaran but he didn’t have any control over her that she hadn’t given him. Jaina longed to stay here, to stay in the stacks of books and keep learning. But even without Daelin going on a power trip, she also longed for the open sea. The smell of salt in the air every day, the wind in her hair as a ship sliced through the waves.

Sometimes, Jaina felt like she was split in two. Between her duty and desires. At least her desires partially aligned with her duties. She couldn't imagine what she would feel like if that weren’t the case. Miserable enough to do something drastic, probably. Turning away from her morbid thoughts she continued to wait for the archmage’s response.

“You’re right.” He finally said. “I do find that reasoning to be reductivist.”

Jaina remained silent. It wasn’t a statement that required a response.

“Can you enlighten me on why the Lord Admiral is choosing this?” Antonidas eyes suddenly looked tired. Jaina felt a small pang of guilt at adding to his burdens. He likely didn’t expect a political sh*tshow when had agreed to take her as a mentee.

The guilt was overwhelmed by the melancholy she felt at the question. Because Jaina wasn’t sure how to answer. My father is being a isolationist bastard and is determined to make my life miserable revealed far too much. It would be akin to offering a blade to someone while it was still pressed up against Jaina’s throat. No matter how much she respected Antonidas, she didn’t trust him that much.

It also didn’t help that the unvarnished truth would reveal who exactly Jaina was. So, she chose once again partial honesty.

“I don’t truly know.” Jaina looked at Antonidas, feeling a helpless expression crossing her face. “I only know that it is not within my power to disobey. Not as things stand currently in Kul Tiras.”

“How do things stand in Kul Tiras?”

The question was swift enough to unbalance her into answering honestly. “Precarious.”

Antonidas blinked rapidly, leaning back in his comfortable chair. Jaina flexed her knees to ensure she didn’t pass out while standing at attention. She did it subconsciously most of the time, but it never hurt to do it more often. Passing out now would be embarrassing. Especially as her cheeks flushed at admitting any of Kul Tiras’ current troubles.

“I was unaware that there was any unrest in your home.” The words came slow, like he was tasting each one before letting them out of his mouth.

Jaina smiled grimly. “I doubt any official correspondence would mention it.”

She didn’t clarify. Between the Zandalari and the tension within her own house, there were more than enough problems that Kul Tiras was facing. Not that Daelin would allow any sign of weakness to be conveyed by envoys to other nations. Oh some of it got out, but all of it? Doubtful.

It had to be embarrassing for a man to have his eldest daughter disobeying him constantly. Even if Jaina obeyed him some of the time, it only made the times she refused to all the more prominent. Add to the fact that Daelin’s wife - as much as it burned to think of her Ma as just his spouse - was also standing against him? He would become the laughingstock of the Alliance.

Leaders didn’t appreciate being seen as weak. And nothing made one appear weaker than being unable to “control” those closest to them. Even if it made Jaina sick to think of it in those terms. They were all children of the Tides - even those who never went to sea. And any true child of the Tides would know that to control another complete was to deny their will. Not just the person’s but the Tides’ will as well.

Jaina took it a step further than most, determined to treat even those who wouldn’t be considered Children of the Tides with the same respect. It was hard to see someone smile and laugh and live and try to deny them the same basic right she felt her people had. They may worship other gods but that didn’t make them less of a person, in her eyes. Her stubborn viewpoint was a combination of Katherine’s steadfast honor and Jaina’s own love of the world.

A love that Daelin had encouraged, when she was very small. She recalled him answering her fondly about his travels, about the places he had seen and the stars that guided him there.

Jaina buried the sorrow those memories brought to the surface deep. There was no place for it here and now. She could curl up and have a good cry about it later. In private, with Spout around. She wondered where her mischievous friend had gotten too, after drenching her earlier.

“There were rumors about potential action being taken about Zandalar, but most dismissed those as just that. Rumors.” Antonidas’s thoughtful statements drew her further away from her musings.

And back into the sh*tshow that was politics. “There were several Zandalari warships near Kul Tiran waters last year.”

“And…action was taken against them?” Antonidas sounded tired at the thought.

Jaina understood. If Kul Tiras went to war, the Alliance would be honorbound to assist. It was lucky then, that she would stand against any declaration of war. Past bloodshed caused her people to demand more, but Jaina knew that there would never, could never, be peace if a cycle of revenge continued unabated.

Someone had to say no more.

She would be that someone, even if it cost her everything. Her love, her name, her life . Jaina felt her face become more remote than Kul Tiras’ glacier as her thoughts led her down that path.

Ignoring the strange look that Antonidas was giving her, Jaina pronounced, “Action was taken. And that is all I can say, Archamge.”

Antonidas looked dearly like he wished to argue. Jaina merely raised her chin stubbornly, her eyes flashing with power. Seeing that, he made the choice to move away from the topic. Wise of him. Jaina didn’t fully comprehend that she had just intimidated the Grand Magus into backing down, so great was her relief.

“You are saying there is no way to free you of your obligations to Kul Tiras currently.”

“No, there is not.” Jaina hesitated before choosing to be honest in this. “Even if there were, I would not choose to free myself of my duty.”

“Most would prefer to not serve when war is on the horizon.” His voice was quiet, his eyes soft with pity.

Jaina felt a momentary spike of rage before strangling it. She wasn’t a child. She understood perfectly the cost of war, both on those who were left behind and those who served. Perhaps Jaina had not had to deal with the exhaustion that constant combatleft someone with, but she had fought. She could extrapolate.

“Most people were not raised by a woman who loves her country second only to her own children. I will do my duty, Grand Magus. I can do no less to honor my mother.” Jaina gave a reason that he would accept. She couldn’t tell him that service was in her very blood, but she could tell him that Katherine had actively shaped her to be what she was. Jaina’s duty was a heavy burden but her mother had prepared her to carry it. So much so that returning to her station in Kul Tiras had felt more like donning a familiar cloak. One that was weighted, yes, but one that wouldn’t hinder her movements, so long as she remembered she had it on.

The man closed his eyes in defeat before opening them. His exhaustion was writ plain on his face. “You do realize that you’ve created a political nightmare for me, right Jaina?”

“I’d hoped otherwise, but it isn’t surprising to hear.” The admittance held a small amount of guilt. She didn’t like creating work for others.

“Apprentices usually stay in Dalaran until they are either renounced or promoted by their masters.” His words were nothing new to her.

“I know.”

“And yet, you still wish to resume your studies after your service to Kul Tiras ends.” Antonidas’ tone was hard to decipher. Slightly scathing but there was also a hint of admiration there, along with other emotions.

“I do.”

“You can see the problem then?”

“I am not ready to be promoted.” Jaina agreed with that analysis readily. “But if I leave you will be expected to renounce me for not showing adequate deference.”

Antonidas’ smile was wry. “You’ve never been a slow student.”

“I doubt you would’ve had patience for me if I were.” Her voice was dry. “There’s a reason you don’t work with initiates, Master.”

That coaxed a laugh from the man. For the first time, other than her initial meeting, Jaina saw him for the age he was. Old, for a human. Even one burning with the arcane. Normally, his power and verve for life - even if it was less exuberant than Modera’s - hid that fact. “Yes, there is a very good reason I don’t teach initiates. My patience is tried enough by the Council already.”

His amusem*nt faded as he sighed. Antonidas ran a hand through his beard before saying, “I wish there was another way but as things stand, I don’t believe I can keep you as my apprentice.”

Jaina, with her new practice at hiding her emotions, kept her flinch internal. “I understand. It was my honor - “

Antonidas raised a hand, silencing her with a simple gesture. One that contained no magic, only the pure mundanity of a man used to being obeyed. “I wasn’t finished. As things stand, I cannot keep you as my apprentice and yet I also cannot justify letting you leave the Kirin Tor entirely. Your mind is too bright to allow it to fade into obscurity.”

“You mean I’m too powerful to let wander off without a watcher.” Jaina couldn’t keep her sarcastic comment in. She did flush at the unimpressed look her master leveled her with. She didn’t take her words back, however. They were true. Antonidas was the first to break away from their impromptu staring contest.

“You’re right.” He admitted. “That is also a factor.”

The archmage took a moment to examine her before slowly adding, “You don’t seem upset about that fact.”

“Master, I grew up with a Tidesage keeper to keep me in check. I am well aware of those who watch me and why.” Jaina’s eyes pierced his, having the dubious honor of watching the archmage avert his gaze from her again.

They snapped back, just as quickly, surprise overcoming any embarrassment. “You knew?”

“I was trained to be observant.” Jaina responded quietly. “But what point was there for me to point out that I knew others were watching me closely? All it would do was make the Kirin Tor distrust me more.”

“Your awareness is astonishing, considering the fact that you flouted several rules during your time here.” His voice was stern, while his eyes were bright with amusem*nt.

Jaina shrugged. “I broke no law that was truly central to the tenets of the Kirin Tor. I did nothing that brought permanent harm to anyone. Other than maybe a lasting sense of embarrassment to Kael’thas. And between you and me? He deserved it.”

Antonidas snorted, shaking his head. “You are the only person who stood in front of the Board of Judgement and had the audacity to argue . You didn’t even look sick.”

“The Board wasn’t that scary.” Was the only response she could give.

A raised eyebrow. “Others would disagree with you, Rhonin chief among them.”

“Rhonin didn’t grow up with my mother.” Was Jaina’s dry response. She didn’t allow them to continue to be sidetracked, instead drawing attention back to the matter at hand. “You kept saying ‘as things stand.’ That implies something.”

“Does it?” The words were almost blasé, if the effect wasn’t ruined by Antonidas’ intent eyes.

Jaina co*cked her in curiosity. “It does. At the very least, it implies you don’t like the current status quo.”

“Not a slow student at all.” Antonidas shook his head. “Though, I’m not sure you were this observant before returning to Kul Tiras.”

“Or maybe I just didn’t bother sharing my observations.”

Antonidas said nothing, clearly waiting for more of an explanation. Jaina didn’t give him anything more. He finally said, “And clearly, you’re not going to tell me which is true or not.”

Jaina just smiled.

He sighed, a heavy thing. “You’re not wrong. I have been thinking about how to keep you as an apprentice, even if I couldn’t extract you from the Fleet’s grasp.”

Raising an eyebrow at the phrasing, it wasn’t like she was being held captive. Jaina let it pass. It just wasn’t worth starting a fight over. Because even if she was a member of the Kul Tiran navy, she had been part of the reserves. Those usually weren’t called upon to act unless her nation was at war. Antonidas had some right to be a tad miffed about the whole thing.

This time Jaina waited. And it was Jaina’s turn to be disappointed. “I suppose you’re not going to tell me anything more, are you?”

“I figured I’d return the favor of leaving it a mystery.” Antonidas wore a smirk that was a rarity. Usually he only wore it when he had outfoxed Modera, and even then only in private.

Well, Jaina couldn’t argue that. But she did have a question. “If you already have steps to take that didn’t require my presence why did you insist on it?”

“Because they do hinge on you being in Dalaran.” Antonidas voice was firm.

Jaina felt a sinking feeling in her gut. “For how long? How long must I remain in Dalaran?”

“Several days, at least.” The man had finally stopped observing her to dig through his paperwork and books. “More would be better.”

“I can stay until the end of the week. Then I must return to Kul Tiras.” Jaina forced the words out of her dry mouth. That was a long time to be in Dalaran. Not compared to her earlier residence. But it was a long time to be in Dalaran, and not keep her promise to Rhonin to confess.

Antonidas looked up with a frown. “Only five days? That might be pushing it.”

“I was told to report back as quickly as possible.” Jaina responded with a shrug. She hadn’t been, exactly. But she knew that Ma would murder her if she missed this High Holiday. It wouldn’t leave a good impression on the High Houses if she wasn’t there.

“I suppose it will have to do.” Antonidas grimaced at the thought. Then he glanced up and asked, “By the way, why do you have two guards from House Proudmoore with you?”

Jaina looked at him for a moment, debating what to say. She chose her words carefully. Each one was clearly enunciated. “They are here to ensure I can do my duty.”

It was nothing less than the truth. Lauris and Torin would lay down their lives for the Scion. But without the knowledge that Jaina was Scion, that statement took on very different connotations. Antonidas’ eyes flashed in rage, “I thought better of the admiralty. Your loyalty shines brighter than the stars, why would then send would-be jailers with you?”

Realizing that he may have taken that statement farther than she expected, Jaina scrambled for a response. What she blurted out was not graceful at all, but worked. “I told you, I am well aware of my watchers Master. I’d rather they were clearly visible. And all of us know that they could not cage me. Not unless I allowed them to.”

Those sharp ice blue eyes peered into her very soul. “You sound confident about that.”

“Neither Torin nor Lauris are mages. They are not tidesages, nor are they Drust druids. The only magic they hold to contain me is a purely common thing. The magic of loyalty and trust and duty. They serve my country and so do I. They know that unless that changes, that is the only magic they need.”

“And if that changes?” Antonidas asked, a question spurred only by curiosity.

Jaina gave him a ruthless look, her teeth bared in a facsimile of a smile. “Then they would regret their choice to betray Kul Tiras. Briefly. I wouldn’t even need my magic to end them.”

Antonidas, a war veteran, actually flinched backwards at her growling words, spat from between her teeth. Realizing she was being uncivilized Jaina forcibly schooled her features back into a bland mask. Her voice too was forced to lose the rumbling undertones it had just taken on, no matter how difficult it was. Jaina didn’t want to scare him and the best way to do that would be to leave before her temper caught on something else. “Was there anything else you needed, Grand Magus?”

His voice was shaky, despite attempts to hide it. “No, Jaina. Not at the moment. I will send for you tomorrow.”

Jaina inclined her head before taking her leave. She strode out of the office confidently, leaving Torin to scramble after her. She was sure the man would manage. The rumors she had heard briefly was that he was one of the swiftest members of the guard. Lauris was well used to her habits, better that Torin became acclimated to them as well. Because Jaina sensed that Katherine would no longer allow her to run around without at least a pair of guards, if not a full honor guard.

She would miss the freedom but it was just another thing sacrificed on the altar of duty. Appearances must be maintained. At least Jaina had lived her childhood as wildly as possible for an heir to the admiralty.

After exiting the Citadel, the first thing Jaina did was attempt to find her wayward guard. When she checked in with the healers, Lauris wasn’t there. The matronly woman who had treated her said that the guard and Anya had both left recently. Jaina thanked her and moved on. She gambled that the elf would take Lauris to somewhere familiar and tried A Taste of Kul Tiras before the Ranger Barracks.

She was in luck, finding the two women staring at each other. They both had tankards in front of them, though Jaina frowned as she realized both contained only water. The remains of soup was in front of Lauris as she scowled at Anya. Both women were so involved in their unseen contest that they didn’t notice Jaina until she cleared her throat.

Anya looked over with the languid grace of a predator. Lauris, in contrast, startled like a frightened rabbit. Upon seeing who was interrupting she stood up hastily, banging her knees against the table. Jaina winced at the noise. “My Lady! I didn’t see you there. Is our business here done?”

Instead of answering immediately, the blonde took a moment to observe Lauris. She did look better - less green around the gills - but her eyes didn’t meet Jaina’s. Instead they darted away, looking anywhere but Jaina. Her concern was clear when she asked, “Is there something wrong?”

“No - nothing’s wrong, lady.” Lauris stuttered over her words. When Jaina raised an eyebrow, the guard took a deep breath and straightened. She met her liege’s eyes steadily for the first time as she reaffirmed, “There’s nothing wrong.”

Jaina held the gaze for a moment before deciding to let it go. Lauris was just as stubborn as she was. And unless it interfered with her duties, Jaina had no right to demand answers. “Very well. I’m afraid we have to stay in Dalaran for a few days before returning to Kul Tiras.”

Lauris’s brow furrowed, her crooked nose standing out more because of it. “For what reason?”

“What other? Politics.” Jaina’s response was wry.

She was saved from clarifying further when Meredith emerged from her domain. “I knew you would be around soon when I saw a Proudmoore guard scarfing down my soup.”

A true smile lit up Jaina’s face as she turned to greet the cook. “You sound almost pained by that fact.”

“It's been a peaceful year since you left.” Was the answer, tone bland.

“You found it boring.” Jaina stated with certainty.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Meredith’s accent thickened as she spoke.

“Admit it, you missed me.”

With a heavy sigh, the taller woman broke. “I did. At least you were always entertaining. My life has been rather dull. My wife appreciates that fact, however.”

Jaina laughed. “Am I ever going to meet your mysterious spouse?”

Meredith glared at her. “Only after you yourself are married. Otherwise you and your gilded tongue will never see hide nor hair of my wife.”

Hands raised in surrender, Jaina couldn’t stop herself from frowning. “You know I wouldn’t do anything so dishonorable as try to steal your wife, right?”

The cook looked at Jaina with a harsh face. It softened when she saw the unease present there. “Aye, I know. But that’s not the reason.”

“Why then?”

“Oh, simply so your spouse can embarrass you while mine does the same.” Meredith said, smile a soft, small thing.

Jaina’s eyebrows climbed up. “It's not my tongue you’re afraid of at all.”

“Begging your pardon Lady, but you aren’t that terrifying.” Was the dry response.

“Proves what you know.” Jaina muttered. “I can be scary.”

Meredith snorted before offering placating, “I’m sure you can. However, I doubt you would ever turn your true rage on me.”

“What do you mean?” Jaina asked, surprise stripping any emotion other than curiosity away.

“I’m not fool enough to threaten you and yours.” Meredith’s voice was firm. “I know what happens to those who cross your mother. I’d be more than a fool if I thought your resemblance to her was only skin deep.”

Jaina blinked, her mind working through the references. When it finally did her face flushed. Katherine’s protectiveness of those she watched over was well known. It was almost fanatical, as proven by her willingness to Challenge her own husband over her daughter. Her temper, when it finally frayed to the breaking point, was just as well known.

“I don’t know if that was a compliment or not.” Jaina finally said.

“It was meant to be.” Meredith confirmed.

“Then I thank you for your kind words. I hope I can live up to them.”

The cook, for the first time, dared to lay a gentle hand on Jaina’s shoulder. The Scion startled, wide eyes looking up into Meredith’s. “From what I’ve seen, you already have.”

Her blush deepening, Jaina ducked her head shyly. She wasn’t sure what to do with the sincere statement. Meredith cleared her throat and pulled away after a few more moments of contact. “Well, should I expect my fish stock to go down tonight then?”

Before Jaina could respond, Anya spoke up. She had almost forgotten the ranger was there. “I’m afraid Jaina has already agreed to dine with us tonight, Meredith.”

After a scrutinizing glance at the elf, the Kul Tiran finally nodded. Then, Meredith turned back to Jaina. “Make sure you stop by for some berry bread, if nothing else.”

“You have some?” Jaina’s voice rose in hope. She had become very fond of Meredith’s treat. Particularly because despite being in Kul Tiras, Jaina hadn’t yet found the time to purchase some of her own.

“Not right now, but I’ll whip up a batch for you. As long as you’ll be here for a while?” Meredith’s eyes slide to the two Proudmoore guards flanking Jaina. The implication was clear, at least to someone who knew who Jaina was. Her time was not her own, currently.

“A few days, at least. I’d be more than glad to eat all the loaves of berry bread you make.” Jaina answered. She turned to leave before remembering to ask. “Do you have any prayers you wish to make during Storm's Wake?”

Meredith blinked surprised at the question. “None that matter, with me so far from the Tides.”

“I’ll be attending the ceremonies and I would gladly carry any prayers you have to the Tides for you.” Jaina offered.

The woman looked at her in astonishment. “You needn’t. They aren’t that important. I haven’t celebrated Storm's Wake since moving to Dalaran. Most would say I’ve abandoned the Tides.”

Jaina snorted. “Those people are idiots. If you want me to take them, I will. But if you don’t want me to, that’s fine too. I won’t judge you either way.”

A thoughtful expression overtook the cook’s face. “I’ll think about it. Even if I don’t take you up on it, I appreciate the offer. It means a lot, coming for you.”

“Of course.” Jaina murmured. “You may be far from home, but you are still a Child of the Tides. Kul Tiras will always be open to you.”

She politely ignored the tears that Meredith was trying - unsuccessfully - to blink away. Considering her own strained feelings of distance to her people, Jaina hoped that the cook took her words to heart. Meredith had served with distinction and had followed her third love - after the sea and cooking - to her new home. She would never begrudge anyone that. And Jaina knew that her saying that would mean more than almost anyone else. Her titles of Scion and Tides’ Blessed had to be worth something for all the expectations they placed upon her.

Turning to Anya, Jaina smiled. “Well then, Lieutenant. Are you to be my escort to your Captain’s tender mercies?”

The elf snorted. “I hope you're prepared to be tackled, Jaina. Vereesa practically vibrated out of her skin upon hearing you were in Dalaran. You’re lucky she didn’t stake out Antonidas’ office.”

Wincing at the thought, Jaina squinted at her friend. “And who do I have to thank for that minor miracle?”

Anya’s shrug was liquid with how smooth its execution was. “Couldn’t possibly give that away. It’d ruin the surprise.”

Glaring at the recalcitrant elf, whose only reaction was to finally rise and head for the door, Jaina cursed under her breath. She gave a hasty farewell to Meredith before scrambling after Anya. It took her a block to catch up to the elf.

“What’s the rush?” Her irritation was very clear.

“No rush, just wanted to watch you scamper after me. It's adorable how clumsy you are when you rush.” Anya smirked, her canines flashing in the sun.

Jaina glared some more, muttering unkind things under her breath. It only made the elf laugh. “Such language. I thought you were a noble?”

“I’d rather be a simple sailor.” The statement was filled with a loathing that made Anya look at her in surprise. Jaina gave a sad smile as she added, “But that life is not available to me.”

A rather morse silence descended upon them at that. Jaina could feel the elf examining her closely, trying to understand the reasoning behind the statement. She kept her face impassive, her eyes watching the people they passed by. There wasn’t anything for Anya to find. Or at least, that’s what the Kul Tiran hoped.

Jaina wasn’t sure if it was lucky or not that the silence kept them company until reaching the ranger barracks. The assessing looks burning into the side of her face almost made her wish that Anya would just ask whatever the hell was on her mind. But of course the ranger didn’t. Sometimes they could be impatient bastards, but overall rangers were more than willing to wait for their prey to make a mistake.

She hated feeling like their prey.

Ignoring the sensation, Jaina was quickly distracted by the missile that was Vereesa Windrunner. Despite being several inches shorter, and weighing a great deal less due to the wiry nature of elven muscle, the older woman toppled Jaina with ease. Jaina managed to ensure she landed in the softer dirt, on the side of the road instead of the road itself.

It drove the breath from her lungs in a loud, oof. Jaina blinked away stars in her eyes, wondering if she had a concussion. She couldn’t understand a word Vereesa was saying. After another moment, Jaina realized the elf was speaking Thalassian. Basking in the beautiful language, she was loathed to interrupt. Interrupting also meant struggling with her guilt about her secret, and Jaina would prefer to put that off as long as possible.

Alas, it was not to be. Anya said something, amusem*nt obvious. Vereesa pulled back with a scowl at her subordinate. Then she looked down at Jaina and smiled sheepishly as she rose. When the elf offered her hand, Jaina took it with an amused smile.

“Sorry about that Jay.”

“It's fine. I missed you too, Skipper.” Jaina’s joy didn’t fade as she pulled her friend in a true hug. Feeling mischievous, she picked Vereesa up and spun her about.

The elf laughed freely at the sensation, her grin blinding when Jaina finally set her down. “I think your clothes would beg to differ.”

Jaina shrugged. “They’re just clothes. They can be washed and mended. Or replaced, if need be.”

“Yes.” The agreement was dragged out slowly, Vereesa looking at her suspiciously. “But I doubt it’d be easy to find a replacement Kul Tiran Fleet uniform in Dalaran.”

Hearing the questioning tone, Jaina just answered bluntly. “It wouldn’t be. But considering I will be back in Boralus before the week’s end, I doubt it will be a pressing issue.”

Watching her friend’s expression fall made Jaina’s heart ache. Especially considering how happy it had been before her pronouncement. “So soon?”

“You know how it is. Duty waits for no one, I’m afraid.” Jaina kept her voice gentle, feeling oddly protective of Vereesa. Despite the fact that the elf was far older than her.

Silver hair was pushed back behind long ears that were twitching with upset. Vereesa’s blue eyes, shining with mana, pierced through Jaina’s own as she asked, “What duty requires your swift return?”

Opening her mouth to misdirect, Jaina found the words wouldn’t come. Little lies to lead away from the truth had become almost second nature here. In this moment Jaina couldn’t stand the thought of lying to Vereesa’s face. So instead she chose the cold truth. “I can’t tell you.”

Those eyes flashed. “Why not?”

Jaina met Vereesa’s upset stare with a sad smile. “Because I haven’t been given leave to.”

The elf drew herself up into a familiar commanding pose. Jaina knew it meant Vereesa was dead serious, that she wouldn’t be able to escape whatever questions she asked. Feeling defeated, Jaina’s broad shoulders slumped. She couldn’t help whispering, “Please don’t ask me again, Vereesa.”

That commanding presence deflated instantly upon hearing the plea.Vereesa carefully observed Jaina, who adamantly kept staring at her boots. They could do with a good polish. Perhaps if she spent enough time scrubbing them, her path would become more clear. Perhaps if she could see her face in the shining black leather it would remind her of who she was.

Instead, Jaina felt adrift. Like she was lost at sea without any way to guide herself home. Her heart beat a drum of fear in her chest because she knew the end was coming. Vereesa wouldn’t take kindly to the fact that Jaina had lied for so long. But it was out of her hands now. All Jaina could do was continue on and hope that her friend would forgive her transgressions.

Because Vereesa would find out.

That her secret had remained so for this long was a minor miracle that hung solely on the fact that only Meredith knew her true heritage. And the woman would never betray her former Captain by putting Katherine’s daughter in danger. Now, with Modera and Rhonin also aware of her name, Jaina was living on borrowed time.

Even if she desperately wanted to tell Rhonin that she didn’t have the time to fulfill her promise this visit, Jaina knew she had to. Even if she wasn’t back here to study, Rhonin had kept his silence for almost an entire year. His faith in her deserved to be repaid. Jaina would honor the spirit of her word.

She just had to summon up the courage to speak the words aloud.

For now, Jaina allowed Vereesa to pull her into the barracks. The dinner was rowdy and friendly and perfect. She wasn’t going to ruin it by bringing her lies to darken the celebratory mood. Even holding her silence, every ranger was aware of her dark mood. Jaina noticed their concern, but did nothing other than smile at the questioning gazes.

She would give herself this one night.

Tomorrow would dawn and she would see what recompense she had to pay for her lies.

Jaina hoped that Vereesa would allow her the chance to explain herself to Sylvanas. She had a sinking feeling that the youngest Windrunner sister’s rage would make that difficult.

Given all the motivation in the world, Jaina couldn’t clearly recall that first night back in Dalaran. Her emotions had been eating her alive - both the good and the bad. The elves' obvious joy at seeing her well made it easier to forget her lies to them for a little bit. Then, with the same inevitably as the Tides, all of her guilt would rush back in. The whiplash between the two moods, and her attempts to hide them, made it so her memories were hazy.

This must be what getting truly smashed on ale felt like. Jaina felt sorry for anyone she had teased about it. Not the least Vereesa and her miserable hangovers. It was worse, however. She hadn't partook in any of the libations the previous evening - and there were plenty. The rangers, like any good military company, certainly knew how to throw a party.

Jaina had managed to escape in the small hours of the night, citing her need to see to the housing of her guards. Her little dorm was untouched, having been paid in advance for five years. Seeing the work she had left scattered about in her rush to leave for Gilneas was nostalgic. Jaina knew she was the same person, but she felt so profoundly different than the woman who had last occupied this space. Her largest worries in this room had been passing tests or impressing Antonidas. Things that now seemed so unimportant, no matter how she had cared for them at the time.

The matters of a nation had a way of making selfish desires appear small.

She shook that thought off, knowing that this room, while adequate for one Kul Tiran - two in a pinch - could not hope to prevent a murder with three. After coming to that decision, Jaina had simply bought out a spacious room in the inn. The proprietor looked at her strangely, making her remember this was the very first inn she had stayed at here. She was even given the same space. One of the beds would remain unused but better that then her guards sleeping on the floor. Jaina would offer up her own bed but she knew both Torin and Lauris would rather die than allow that to happen. Better to simply buy a room with four beds, to avoid the issue.

Waking up the next morning, Jaina couldn’t help but think that she probably should’ve planned this better. Her memories of the previous night dismissed - after checking she hadn’t done anything supremely foolish - she had turned to preparing herself for the day. Only to realize she had overlooked something when leaving Kul Tiras.

Neither herself, nor her guards, had brought any luggage.

She hadn’t paid any mind to it yesterday. It was supposed to be a short trip, after all. Only it had turned into a several day stay. Last night, Jaina had stripped down to her undershirt and breeches to sleep. Torin and Lauris followed her lead, all of them used to making due with less than ideal circ*mstances for sleeping.

They were certainly a sight to see when they finished getting ready however. Even with Jaina’s magic, sharp eyes could easily pick out the small creases that gave away the fact that they were the same clothes worn yesterday. And there were nothing but sharp eyes in Dalaran. Those signs of daily wear would only become more obvious as the days passed.

Jaina found her pride wouldn’t allow that to stand, so she grabbed Torin and made a quick trip back to Kul Tiras. Lauris objected to being left behind, before Jaina pointed out she’d have to make the portal trip twice in quick succession. That had calmed the woman down immediately. The fact that it had worked was concerning however. If the healers had cleared Lauris - and Jaina had no reason to doubt they had - why was she still concerned about portal travel?

Noting it, she tucked it away for later. While a concern, it was one best left for later. Jaina had quickly procured the necessary garments for their stay before checking in with her mother. After a brief update, Katherine waved her off to go back to dealing with Dalaran. The Lady of the Fleet had her own hands full planning Storm's Wake. The return trip got odd looks from the mages manning the portals in Dalaran, but none of them commented.

Jaina’s grim visage was more than enough to prevent any unnecessary conversation. Jaina dropped the trunk of clothes off in their inn room before making her way to A Taste of Kul Tiras . Lauris was already there, looking to be on her second plate of food. More surprising was the fact that Rhonin and Vereesa were also there.

Vereesa was chattering away, obviously holding a mostly one-sided conversation with her guard. Jaina suppressed her amusem*nt at the panicked look of relief Lauris sent her as she dropped down into a seat next to her. Torin sat down on her left.

“I’m surprised to see you up so early, Skipper. You had a late night.” Jaina said without fanfare, stealing a piece of bread from Lauris’ plate. The woman’s side eye made her laugh. “I’ll get you another.”

The elf watched the interaction with a smile, though her eyes were sharper than usual, even for a ranger. Vereesa’s response to Jaina was just as lacking in courtesy, as only friends comfortable with each other could be. “I don’t know why, your night was just as late.”

“Ah,” Jaina held up a finger. Her thought was interrupted by Jaks coming over to take her order. Jaina gave it, and waited for Torin to make his decision. The man simply asked for the same as her. Jaina raised a brow but made no other comment before returning her attention back to Vereesa. “But I don’t have underlings to do my job for me.”

A playful scowl came over the elf’s face that quickly turned into a mischievous smile. “You should say that around my rangers.”

Jaina shuddered. “No thanks, I value my life.”

Lauris, frown heavy on her face, couldn’t stop herself from blurting out a question. “Why would you fear for your life?”

There was a moment of thought before Jaina came up with an adequate metaphor. “Imagine someone had described my mother’s senior staff as mere underlings. Would they be pleased by the description?”

The look of sheer horror that came across not only Lauris’ face, but Torin’s as well, made Jaina erupt into laughter. Vereesa watched the interaction closely, her ears co*cked with curiosity and perhaps a faint amount of trepidation. “Your mother’s subordinates are important?”

Jaina sobered, the reminder of her untruths catching up to her. Rhonin’s eyes burning into her certainly helped. Far less boisterous than she had been, Jaina quietly said. “Yes. They are.”

Admirals tended not to look kindly to those who treated them with less respect than they were due. Captains were just as bad. And considering Katherine’s position, all of them answered to her. She was only second to Daelin and even that distinction was becoming more hazy the longer the tensions in House Proudmoore grew. Her people were picking sides, much to Jaina’s distress. Even if they were picking hers - she did not want the unrest that came with a coup. Even a legal one, that came from a Challenge with her own family.

Shaking off her melancholy, Jaina changed the subject to what she had missed while gone. The party hadn’t been conducive to that. At least, she didn’t recall if anything had been shared. Based on Vereesa’s easy capitulation, she didn’t find the questions odd. Breakfast passed amicably, as they caught up on each other’s lives. Jaina got scolded for not being careful enough no less than three times, despite obfuscating the exact details of her duties and injuries.

As for the rangers - a few familiar faces had been rotated out and new ones had appeared. Vereesa joked that Sylvanas sent her the most pretentious of the lot to get them to loosen up. Jaina had raised her eyebrows, because pretentious wasn’t a word she would associate with any of the rangers.

“That’s because you’ve never seen Sylvanas in full dress uniform.” Vereesa snorted. “Or me, for that matter.”

“And your habits would change drastically because of that?” Jaina found herself doubting. She couldn’t imagine her friend as anything other than the carefree mischievous woman with a temper.

“You mean yours don’t?” Vereesa’s question was rhetorical as she waved her hands to indicate all of the Kul Tiran. “Because I assure you, I’ve never seen you sit that rigidly before. Or with shoulders that square.”

Jaina blinked, realizing her posture was perfect. Over the months in Dalaran, it had loosened up slightly as she became more comfortable. The lack of her countrymen’s watchful eyes had helped. Whatever ease she had had with a more informal bearing had been erased by the amount of politics she had been forced to endure recently. “I take your point.”

Seeing Rhonin’s judging glare, Jaina sighed. She ran a nervous hand through her hair and said, “Vereesa - I - “ Seeing those inquisitive blue eyes, paired with an open face, made Jaina falter. She breathed in through her nose to summon all her courage to continue. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

The elf’s brow furrowed in concern. Meanwhile, despite looking relieved, Rhonin started looking panicked. Jaina ignored the man. If he had wanted to put this off he shouldn’t have stared at her with such clear criticism.

An awkward silence descended on the table as both Torin and Lauris both took to examining their cutlery like they had never seen it before. Rhonin was glancing between his wife and friend with nervous eyes. Jaina’s own eyes were forcibly fixed on the glowing blue ones opposite. The fact that Vereesa’s face only showed pure concern. It made her swallow, the guilt threatening to drown her.

“Are you going to admit you were badly hurt?” Vereesa asked, tone even, when it was clear Jaina wasn’t going to speak any time soon.

“It wasn’t that bad.” Jaina, stressed about picking her words carefully, didn’t realize what just slipped from her.

“You didn’t even admit it was bad at all, earlier.” Arms crossed, Vereesa looked the very image of a disappointed commander. When Jaina’s eyes dropped from her own, the elf leaned forward to grab the human’s hand. “Jaina, look at me. Whatever you need to tell me can’t be that bad. You’re alive, you’re here, that’s what’s important.”

Instead of being comforting, the words felt like a knife to her heart. Jaina’s shoulders slumped, heavy with the truth that hung between them like a headsman’s ax. “I wish I could believe you.” The words slipped out, barely a whisper.

Vereesa frowned, ducking her head down to catch Jaina’s downcast eyes. “What’s wrong?”

Jaina closed her eyes, too much of a coward in this moment to meet her friend’s honest concern. She repeated. “I need to tell you something.”

A hand - a strange juxtaposition of soft skin and hardened calluses from handling weapons - gently grasped Jaina’s chin. The human reluctantly opened her eyes to face the concerned expression of her friend. Vereesa kept a hold of her face, ensuring persistent eye contact. “What is it you need to tell me? Did you go home and get married off?”

Jaina, who had been swallowing, choked on her own spit. A hacking laugh emerged from her throat as she leaned down to try and prevent herself from dying. What an unassuming end that would be.

“No. Nothing like that. Not that I would put it past my Father, at this point.” She straightened, sighing as she ran a nervous hand through her hair. “But - it is important. What I need to tell you.”

Vereesa’s eyes narrowed, her posture becoming tense. “Is this something that Sylvanas should hear as well?”

“Aye.” Jaina winced even as she answered. She wasn’t looking forward to the fallout, and the anticipation of Sylvanas’ reaction was even worse.

The elf straightened, shaking her head. “Don’t tell me.”

“What?” The blonde blinked at her friend, confusion stealing any other words from her mind.

“If this is something that Sylvanas should also know, I’d rather not know before her.” Vereesa’s statement was firm.

Jaina’s mouth opened and closed like a fish’s. When she finally managed to speak, it was only to stutter out another monosyllabic question. “Why?”

“Because that’s a disaster waiting to happen.” The elf joked before sobering. “I can tell it's important - whatever you need to tell me. Tell us. But I’m sure as hell not going to be the one to tell Sylvanas.”

“I…don’t follow.”

“If you tell me, and it's bad,” Jaina winced at the wording. Vereesa noticed, but ignored it to continue. “Then I’ll be obliged to write her. If you tell me, and it's good Sylvanas will still be grumpy for the next few decades. I’d rather not suffer through that.”

Feeling as if the wind had been taken out of her sails, Jaina just blinked dumbly at her friend. “But it might be months or years before I see Sylvanas again.”

A mischievous smile graced Vereesa’s face. “Or maybe you’ll see her sooner than that. Either way, I can be patient.”

Jaina’s frown deepened. “You once burned your tongue because you couldn’t wait for Meredith’s Berry Bread to cool.”

“What can I say? Sweets are my greatest weakness.” Came the nonchalant answer, paired with a languid shrug.

Jaina snorted. “I suppose that’s true.”

Vereesa sobered, her face becoming more serious. “I will expect answers when you next see my sister, Jaina.”

“I know. You deserve them.. And I will do my best to answer any questions you have.”

“Oh, you shouldn’t have made that offer.”

A wary look. “Why not?”

“Let’s just say that there are several bets I would like to settle. It will be easier when you are forcing yourself to be honest.” Vereesa looked smug.

Jaina just groaned, and despite the early hour, ordered ale to drown herself in. Or that was the plan, at least. Upon seeing Vereesa’s eyes widen to the size of dinnerware at Jaina chugging the mug down, she realized it might not be the best idea. The concerned and slightly judgemental airs of her guards helped cement that idea. The less said about Rhonin’s face, the better.

With a sigh, Jaina simply ordered another two meat pies for breakfast along with several mugs of water. Jaks took a moment to recover before nodding vigorously and scurrying off to do his job. She smiled fondly after him. At least the boy seemed healthy and happy these days. A far cry from lost teenager who knew he was tempting fate by stepping into a fighting ring.

“Now I know something’s wrong.”

Jaina blinked back to the present, focusing on Vereesa. “Oh?”

“You didn’t order fish.” The words were teasing but the concern wasn’t well hidden behind that tone.

“Maybe I’ve just had so much fish recently that I decided on a change of pace?” Jaina offered, weakly.

“I once saw you eat fish for every meal for a month straight. When Meredith ran out of fish, you took the time to go catch some yourself.” Vereesa was deadpan with her response.

Jaina sighed, running a hand through her hair. “It’s nothing, really.”

A disbelieving arched eyebrow was the response.

“Nothing that I can tell you, since you’ve forbidden me from speaking of it until I can manage to get Sylvanas in your vicinity as well.” Jaina’s words were filled with a bone-deep exhaustion that was catching up to her.

All she wanted was to spend time with her friend, free of burdens and expectations. Only, Jaina couldn’t escape them. Not anymore. Not with her coming service in the Fleet looming in the near future. Not with Daelin waiting in the wings to sneer at her for her choices. Not with the constant strain that came from acting as Scion Proudmoore - in deed, if not in name - ever since she had last left the city of mages.

It was startling to realize that she was tired . Not just with her lies catching up to her but with her duties in general. Jaina finally understood how her mother could sometimes sleep for twelve hours and yet still look haggard.

The weight of leadership wasn’t an easy thing to shoulder constantly.

Though, in her childhood memories - before dragon fire had taken Derek - Jaina remembered both her parents looking well rested. Perhaps it was the naivety of youth, but she recalled something Katherine had once said.

Ma had been very serious, telling her about some of the things she was expected to do as an Heir to the admiralty, if not the Scion. When Jaina - she couldn’t have been more than seven - had said that it sounded like too much, Katherine had scooped her up and said, “I know Starshine. It is a lot. Which is why what I am about to say is very important. I want you to remember it, alright?”

“Aye, aye Ma!”

A fond smile filled with love spread across Katherine’s face. “It is a lot to be a leader. Which is why it's very important to have people you trust by your side.”

“Like - like Amelia?” Jaina’s brow furrowed as she tried to understand what her mother was saying.

“Like Amelia, yes. But I was thinking more about your father when I said that.” Katherine’s voice was gentle as she guided her daughter to the answer she wanted her to find.

“Like Da? I don’t understand, Ma.”

Katherine leaned in close, dropping her voice to a whisper. “This is the secret to being a good leader, Jaina. Are you listening?”

Jaina nodded with all of her childish vigor.

“A good leader finds someone to love who understands them and supports them. But who also isn’t afraid to tell them when they’re wrong. To help share the burden of leadership. If you are truly lucky, that person will love you back.”

Understanding - or an innocent version of it - dawned on the young face. “Like you and Da!”

“Like me and Da, aye.” Katherine smiled, letting the lesson end as her daughter became too excitable to focus on the minutiae of ruling.

Jaina blinked tears away from her eyes. She had forgotten that interaction. As life continued, as duties became more routine and less fun, Jaina had forgotten that advice. Perhaps the discord between her parents was the true reason Katherine had taken on a more gaunt appearance. The Lady of the Fleet was still formidable. She hid the signs of her exhaustion well but for those closest to her it was easy to see.

“Jaina?” Vereesa’s voice had filled with more concern than there was water in the Great Sea.

Groaning slightly in embarrassment, Jaina internally berated herself to pull herself together. Getting emotional like this in public wasn’t a good thing for someone of her rank. She angrily dashed away her tears with the back of one hand and used the other wave the disquiet off. “I’m fine. Really.”

“You don’t look fine. ”

Jaina shook her head. “I just remembered something, is all.” Then with all the grace of a triple-decker caught in doldrums, she changed the subject. “So, did Kalira ever figure out why Macaroni was acting so oddly?”

Vereesa gave her a knowing look but allowed the shift in topic. The Ranger-Captain then dived into the shenanigans that Jaina had missed with the various animal companions, starting with the large saber cat. Macaroni had apparently become jealous of the time his ranger spent with Anya and had thus taken to terrorizing Hyacinth. Due to the size difference, this had obviously been skewed towards the hydra, if Macaroni hadn’t been a sneaky bastard about things.

Despite herself, Jaina found herself laughing at the antics. It was almost enough for her to forget about the reckoning looming just over the horizon. The brief thought that Vereesa would stop sharing so freely once she learned the truth made Jaina’s heart stop beating. She quickly pasted a smile back on her face, but knew her friend had caught it.

If there was one thing all rangers were, it was irritatingly observant.

To Vereesa’s credit, she simply tucked away whatever thoughts she had and continued with her stories. Jaina knew that it was far from forgotten. Her friend may play forgetful, but Vereesa had a sharper mind for details than most. The ranger might not be able to recall books she read with the same accuracy that Jaina was able to, but it was still better than most. And more than once the Kul Tiran had been surprised by Vereesa mocking her with exact phrases she had used weeks or even months earlier.

With a dogged determination to forget her troubles, the rest of the day passed with easy camadrie. Jaina found herself treasuring each moment, like she was preparing to ration joy in the coming days. Perhaps she was. Despite the fatalism inherent in the practice, she couldn’t seem to stop herself from doing it.

So instead, she threw herself wholeheartedly into spending time with the first people who had seen her as just Jaina. She even managed to ignore the odd looks that Torin was sending her. His blank mask was good, but not quite good enough to hide his thoughts entirely. Lauris, in contrast, simply had a fond, if confused smile on her face.

Jaina wasn’t sure how to take that. So she simply decided to pretend she had never seen it. She was doing a lot of pretending recently. Pretending to be competent. Pretending to be confident. Pretending to be less or more than she was. At this rate, she wasn’t entirely sure she’d be able to say what was truth and what was lie. It didn’t help that she felt more like herself in Dalaran and yet less like herself than ever here. The duality was confusing enough that she simply shoved it into a sea chest in her mind and threw it overboard.

The churning froth of her thoughts would eventually spit it back to the surface, but for now it would remain out of sight.

It was all she could do.

Two days passed in a holding pattern. Jaina spent her free time with Vereesa and her rangers - after taking care of several of the chores she had left undone with her previous, abrupt exit from the city. She was called into several meetings with Antonidas and some combination of Archamges. Usually, it was just the Grand Magus but sometimes Modera made an appearance as well. Once, Jaina had to testify in front of the entire Council of Six.

If she hadn’t been so numb about meeting leaders of nations, perhaps that would’ve affected her more. Instead she comported herself with a certainty and calmness that unnerved everyone in the room. Other than Modera, who looked about five seconds from cackling madly about the hilarity of the situation. Even Antonidas was concerned by her lack of panic. He didn’t understand that compared to meeting with the Kul Tiran Great Houses, the Council was less concerning.

Jaina didn’t have to deal with the irascible Archmages for the rest of her life. She would have to deal with Kul Tiran politics for as long as she was Lord Admiral. Which, Tides help her, may be a great deal longer than she wanted. While there had been one previous Lord Admiral who had ruled for almost a century and a half before dramatically going down with his ship - and half the first Fleet at the time - Jaina would be the first to have actual magical training. That Proudmoore, Ralin, may have had the potential but he hadn’t bothered to receive a full education, much to the Tidesages’ chagrin.

Even without that, Ralin Proudmoore’s magical potential had led him to be the longest lived member of Kul Tiras’ ruling house.

No one stated it explicitly but everyone agreed - Jaina’s potential far eclipsed Ralin’s. Ralin hadn’t been more powerful than the Lord Stormsong who advised him. Jaina was more powerful than Lord Aeris or Lady Rezica. As she had grown older, she had realized that she potentially had more magic reserves than both of them combined. That was something she hadn’t admitted to anyone in Kul Tiras. In Dalaran, several people knew exactly how promising and dangerous she could be. But the city was filled with powerful and dangerous people. It was led by six mages with the capability to reshape part of a continent, if they so desired. They wrote the laws and set expectations within Dalaran.

It allowed Jaina to be more open about how powerful she was, though the majority of citizens didn’t really consider her anything other than Antonidas’ odd apprentice. In Kul Tiras, if she showed her true power consistently, Jaina had no doubt that people would fear her more than they already did. And fear was no way to lead a country.

Even if she was becoming far too used to political meetings, Jaina found herself feeling overwhelmed. It didn’t help that Rhonin kept sending her looks about her secret. Jaina didn’t know what he wanted her to do, considering Vereesa had made it extremely clear that she did not want to know until Sylvanas did.

So on the third day, with nary a word to anyone, Jaina disappeared into the wilderness surrounding Dalaran. She didn’t take Torin or Lauris, seeking solitude to try and re-establish her equilibrium. She did leave a note for them. But Jaina was tired of having to be aware of her every action, of having to measure each movement before she made it. Even if both guards were loyal and Lauris was the closest thing Jaina had to a Kul Tiran friend, it didn’t change the fact that they were her subjects. That came with expectations that Jaina needed to put down, at least temporarily.

So she spent the day wandering the woods. It was the first uninterrupted amount of time Jaina had had to herself in what felt like a small eternity. She loved sailing but she didn’t love the close quarters that ships demanded of those that crewed them. Jaina was too used to her own space for that. Once she was higher in rank, that would be of no concern. She’d have her own cabin and while she would be expected to entertain often, it would be hers alone during the night watch.

A forest wasn’t the sea. It didn’t feel like Jaina was born to be in it. But it was familiar. Drustvar’s ambient magic had a far different feel than this wood but the feelings it invoked were similar.

A comfort, as she resettled into herself. The grounding exercises Amelia had spent hours teaching her as a child hadn’t been used in too long. Jaina could tell based on how unbalanced she was, and how much calmer she became as she traveled with no particular destination. Her magic, which she now realized had been dangerously close to the surface, had also calmed down underneath her skin.

After several hours of this, as the sun began to slip towards the horizon, Jaina was finally satisfied with her mindset. A resettling within herself had happened this day, and she was glad of it. Because she would need her inner calm for when she faced the Great Houses in a handful of days after getting through Storm's Wake.

When she wandered back into Dalaran, her boots dusty from her wanderings, she was immediately pounced on by a ranger. Kalira appeared out of nowhere and latched onto Jaina’s arm before she even managed to walk through the main gate.

“Kalira?” The Kul Tiran asked, confusion obvious.

“No time for questions, we need to get going.” The ranger hissed, dragging Jaina down a side alley to some unknown destination. If she didn’t trust the other woman, Jaina wouldn’t have allowed the elf to move her.

As it was, she just felt extremely bemused by the swift shepherding she was experiencing. When it was clear that Kalira was dragging her post-haste towards the ranger barracks, Jaina dared to speak again. “Kalira, what’s going on?”

The ranger gave her a worried glance but no other answer. Of course, Kalira’s concern ratched up Jaina’s own. She was already mourning the fact that her time spent calming herself would perhaps be wasted, by whatever disaster she was being dragged towards or away from.

Nothing could’ve prepared Jaina for what met her at the barracks.

Standing there, in a uniform that gleamed with medals and awards, was Ranger-General Sylvanas Windrunner.

Jaina felt her mouth going dry at the sight. She hadn’t forgotten how beautiful the woman who owned her heart was. But knowing it and seeing it for the first time in months was an entirely different matter. Added to that was the fact that Vereesa hadn’t been lying. Jaina had never seen either Windrunner in their full ranger dress uniforms. Or what she assumed was the equivalent of full mess dress. She swallowed. Hard.

She was stunned by seeing Sylvanas that she had become an unwilling accomplice to Kalira. The ranger gave an infuriated growl as she tried to convince the unmoving Kul Tiran to move. “Jaina. I promise you she’ll still be there if you go see her. In fact, she will be overjoyed to see you over there.”

Blinking stupidly, Jaina looked down at the elf who was doing her best to drag her over to the mass of serious rangers. It almost looked like they were deploying for a mission. “She would? Isn’t she busy managing…whatever mission is happening?”

Kalira gave her an incredulous look. “You’re an idiot.”

“Sometimes.” Jaina agreed, easily. Her brain felt like it had leaked out of her ears as her eyes fell back on Sylvanas as she barked orders.

It was hard to reconcile the laidback woman Jaina had come to know to this severe commander. It wasn’t often that Sylvanas had slipped into her Ranger-General persona while around Jaina, and most of the time it had been a joke. Anytime the eldest Windrunner had gotten too serious, Vereesa had been there to remind her that she was on vacation. Enough so that Jaina had even picked up on the specific phrase the Captain used. You left your rank in Quel’thalas, Sister.

Whatever the differences between the two, it had always worked to make Sylvanas become less serious. Other than the naval disaster. That was the only time Vereesa had let things pass without comment.

Except, now Jaina could say that wasn’t entirely true. Because Vereesa was just as hyper focused. While the Captain wasn’t in her full uniform, the silver-haired elf wore an expression that Jaina had only rarely seen.

Frowning, the Kul Tiran turned to Kalira, who looked on the verge of a mental breakdown. “Has something happened?”

“Has - has something happened?” The elf hissed, in common before losing her grip on the language entirely. Jaina blinked in confusion as Thalassian fell from Kalira’s lips more rapidly than a ranger could empty their quiver.

Jaina opened her mouth to say something, only to be interrupted by the incessant tugging. Realizing what Kalria wanted, even if she couldn’t understand her words, Jaina sheepishly smiled and allowed herself to be moved. It didn’t make the angry mutterings pause at all. Or the feeling that Kalira was attempting to yank out her arm.

With a grumble Jaina allowed herself to be rushed past the other rangers. She almost objected to being pushed past Sylvanas and Vereesa but quickly decided to keep her silence at the absolutely searing looks both Windrunners gave her. If they were mages, the rage in their eyes would have set Jaina alight.

Realizing she may be out of her depth, the Kul Tiran swallowed nervously as she was ushered into Vereesa’s office. She didn’t even get to say goodbye to Kalira before the elf had turned and left. Leaving Jaina alone with two angry Windrunners.

She wondered for a moment if they had figured out her secret before pushing that thought aside. She was sure that they would clarify why they were spitting mad soon. So Jaina gave a wobbly smile and a shy, “Hi.”

Vereesa’s face was impassive but Sylvanas’ stern expression crumbled. Jaina blinked, wondering if the elf really was a mage considering how fast she closed the gap between them. One moment, Sylvanas was by the door. The next, she was standing close enough that Jaina could smell her.

Treated leather, sunlight, and forest. A scent that Jaina’s heart had latched onto and embedded in her memory. The human swallowed again, staring down at the intense eyes that hadn’t left her own. This close, Jaina could see Sylvanas’ gray irises behind the mana-glow that all high elves had.

Then, to Jaina’s surprise, the elf broke eye contact to sweep her into a hard embrace. There was nothing on Azeroth that would prevent her from returning it. Sylvanas murmured a word or phrase in Thalassian that Jaina had never learned, but for some reason just knew was important. Her stunned silence broke when Sylvanas murmured in common, her accent thick, “14 months, 2 weeks, and 2 days and all you have to say to me is hi?”

“I - no of course not.” Jaina’s voice was rough, a growling lilt to her words that usually wasn’t present. She cleared her throat in hopes to make it go away, and only partially succeeded. “You - surprised me. I wasn’t expecting to see you.”

Sylvanas pulled back and ghosted a hand across Jaina’s cheekbone to tuck in a stray lock of hair. It made her mouth go dry. Though, the elf’s soft expression was certainly not helping matters in regards to that.

“A good surprise, I hope?”

“Of course!” Jaina’s answer was instinctive. Even if this meant spilling her guts and ruining her relationship with the Windrunners, it had been a joy beyond anything she could imagine to see Sylvanas again.

“I’m glad.” Sylvanas’ smile was something Jaina hadn’t seen before. It looked almost nervous.

But it was gone before Jaina could even consider bringing it up. Instead, Sylvanas schooled her expression into something serious. Somber.

Jaina couldn’t stop her next question from slipping out. “Is everything okay?”

A flicker in Sylvanas’s command mask before it settled more firmly in place. “Why do you think something is wrong?”

The human looked between Vereesa and Sylvanas, both of whom looked more grave than Jaina had ever seen them. She felt a sinking feeling in her gut. “Because Vereesa hasn’t said a word, and I am very obviously speaking to the Ranger-General.”

The two sisters exchanged glances that contained multitudes. Jaina swallowed nervously, wondering if this was about her secret. She couldn’t fathom what else it would be about though. Her mind raced, trying to piece together limited information, only to be pulled out of it by Vereesa's voice.

“What have you done, Jaina?”

“I - what?” Confusion was her initial reaction before Jaina went pale at seeing the severe looks being pinned on her. She frantically thought of all the words she meant to say about her heritage, all the apologies she meant to give. But nothing came out. For all the times people had lauded Jaina for her courage, it failed her now.

“You intentionally gave your guards the slip today.” Vereesa’s voice was full of despair.

Jaina blinked. “Yes?”

Both the Windrunners’ command masks broke in frustration. Vereesa buried her face in her hands. Meanwhile, Sylvanas reached up to rub at her temples with one hand. “Why would you do something so foolish?”

The only thing Jaina could do was stare in utter confusion. It was obvious that the elves were upset about that decision but Jaina really couldn’t begin to guess why. She finally decided to answer the question set before her, instead of spewing out apologies. “Because I needed time to recenter myself and I couldn’t do that around other people?”

Her uncertainty was met with matching glares. Vereesa found her words first. “For all your jokes about disobeying laws, you usually are very good about not breaking them outright.”

“Because I was taught not to do that flagrantly?” Jaina looked between the two of them, not understanding the winces her statement caused.

“Taking that into account,” Sylvanas’ voice was coated with the dispassion of a disappointed commander. Jaina hated hearing it directed at herself. “Why would you choose to disrespect the admiralty’s limitations now ?”

“I what?” Jaina asked, bewildered.

“Those guards are here to watch you, on behalf of the Proudmoore admiralty. You know, your home’s ruling power?” Vereesa’s words were impatient.

“Yes, I understand how Kul Tiran politics work. Far better than you do, I’d imagine.” Jaina kept her voice dry, even as her irritation at the situation rose. She didn’t understand what was happening, why her friends were upset. Particularly when she hadn’t even managed to tell them that she was part of the Proudmoore Admiralty yet.

Her response was met with silence at first before both elves started speaking rapid fire in Thalassian. Jaina knew they were doing it on purpose, and that only made her more frustrated. She didn’t like being kept in the dark.

Feeling all her work to steady herself being undone, Jaina was about to demand they speak common when her sharp ears picked up a very familiar voice.

“I know she’s in there. And if you won’t step aside, I will go through you to get to Lady Proudmoore.”

Lauris’ words were tightly constrained, her voice barely raised. If she were anyone else, there was no way it would’ve been heard from this distance. But Jaina, intentionally or not, had trained her hearing to pick up her titles, especially when spoken with any amount of distress. And she had heard that tone enough to know that her guard was completely serious about that threat. Barely even registering Sylvanas’ and Vereesa’s attempts to stop her, Jaina ducked around their hands and moved through the areas that they had dragged her through.

It became obvious that the rangers in her way weren’t going to move, seemingly consolidated to form a wall between Jaina and her guards. Because Jaina knew that both Torin and Lauris were standing outside, knew it with the same certainty as she knew her own name.

So she did the next best thing. She raised her own voice and cut through the verbal sparring that was happening between Lauris and Kalira. “Is there a problem here Lieutenant Longfall?”

Silence fell swifter than an anchor. A moment later, Lauris shoved her way through the rangers. They only let her pass because of a sharp command from Sylvanas. Jaina could feel both the Windrunner sisters flanking her. She wasn’t able to give it any more thought before her guard glared at her.

For a moment, it felt like she had stepped back into the past. When Lauris was a surly teenager who was just barely scraping by, desperate to live. That illusion was shattered when, despite the anger in her words, Lauris still remained respectful.

“No, Lady Proudmoore. No problem so long as you don’t disappear on us again.” The last words were practically growled.

Jaina ignored how her heart skipped a beat when she heard the sharp inhales from behind her. She kept her face in a pleasant, practiced mask. Jaina knew exactly how upset her guard was, to have forgotten that her House name wasn’t to be used. Her voice was perfectly even as she apologized, no matter how much she shook internally. “I am sorry about that, Lauris. I needed some time to myself.”

Eyes flashed belligerently as Lauris raised her chin. “How are we supposed to protect you when you don’t tell us where you are, my lady?”

Bowing her head to show her contrition, Jaina said nothing more. Lauris winced at the sight. “Don’t do that again, my lady. I’ll be drawn and quartered if you’re harmed when I’m supposed to be watching you.”

Jaina raised her head as her right eyebrow arched upwards. “I doubt anyone would blame you, Lauris.”

A dry look was the only response. “We both know that’s not true, my Lady.”

“Though perhaps you might be punished for forgetting yourself.” Jaina continued on, blithely.

“My lady?”

“Where are we, Lauris?” Jaina asked, conversationally. She didn’t dare allow her eyes to wander to the elves surrounding them.

“Dalaran?” The guard was confused.

“Aye, we are. And what’s important about Dalaran?”

When Lauris seemed stumped, Torin was the one who spoke up. “You are to be referred to as Lady Stormsong on the mainland. Not by your father’s house.”

Immediately Lauris paled, and started stumbling over her words to apologize. Jaina allowed her to suffer for a few moments before raising a hand. Lauris fell silent faster than if Jaina had cast a spell to cause it. “It’s fine, Lauris. Everyone makes mistakes.”

She didn’t have the wherewithal to be more comforting. Or so she thought. When Jaina saw Lauris’ expression, she realized that the woman would no doubt flagellate herself for years for the slip up. And that made Jaina’s insides unfreeze enough to lay a comforting hand on her guard’s shoulder. “I mean it. Don’t worry about it.”

Lauris' eyes darted around at the many, many witnesses to her calling Jaina by her House name. Jaina gave her shoulder another squeeze. “It’s my problem now, Lieutenant.”

“Aye, aye, ma’am.” The response was quiet. “I’m still sorry.”

Jaina gave her a wry smile. “We both know I’m probably not coming back here for a long time anyway.”

A nod was the answer to her statement. Jaina gave Lauris one last comforting pat before allowing her hand to fall away. She made a rather poor joke as it slipped away. “I promise I won’t disappear on you and Torin again for the remainder of this trip.”

“Thank you, my lady.”

“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I have several more apologies to make.” Jaina stated, with a stiff smile.

Lauris gave a salute, though Jaina was already turning away from her. She didn’t meet either of the Windrunner’s eyes as she spoke to them. “Do you mind if we go back inside to have this conversation?”

“I think that would be for the best.”

Jaina winced, having never heard Vereesa sound so cold. Not even when she was arresting her for illegal fisticuffs. Even more chilling was Sylvanas’ complete silence. It was a silence that extended past the arrival in the room that Jaina had so recently vacated. The sound of the door shutting was loud. With it, it signaled the end of Jaina’s charade.

After waiting almost a minute, staring at her dirty boots - she would have to polish them before leaving Dalaran - Jaina realized that the sisters weren’t going to speak first. She spent more precious time trying to figure out what words to say, what could possibly be said in regards to her lies. She couldn’t find any. And she was too much of a coward to look up from her own feet. Finally, she lamely stated, “I’m sure you have questions.”

“Questions? You're damn right I have questions and you are going to answer them.” Vereesa’s voice was shrill.

“Aye. I will.” Jaina swallowed, waiting for the deluge to come. She took to counting her breathing while she waited. For how strident her friend was, she was certainly taking a long time to say anything.

Of course, that made it hurt even more when Sylvanas was the one to ask the first question. “Was any of it even real?”

The broken inquiry made Jaina forget her own cowardice, her eyes snapping up. She saw Sylvanas’ defeated expression and staggered as if physically hit. Her breathing stuttered for a moment before she got it under control, and Jaina had now doubt that her eyes had begun glowing in distress. She was at least able to blink her tears away before they fell. “I - yes. Of course it was real.”

“How real could it be when you lied about your name ?” Vereesa’s face was clinical as she ripped Jaina’s heart out.

All the Kul Tiran knew was that her worst fears about this revelation were coming to pass. The situation was careening out of her control, if she had ever really had control of it. Jaina had in the very recent past, stood in front of her people’s traditional enemies, wounded and drained. She found that that experience felt small next to the vulnerability she felt now.

For the first time in over a year, when Jaina realized her posture had slumped, her shoulders had curled in, she didn’t straighten. She didn’t paste the perfect veneer of Scion Proudmoore onto herself. It was taking all her strength to remain before the Windrunners, trembling like a newborn foal. She simply didn’t have the energy to put on a strong front right now.

When her answer finally came, her words were a bare whisper. Jaina knew if she spoke any louder, her voice would break over the syllables. “My name has never been the most important thing about me.”

Vereesa scoffed, and that sound of derision made Jaina snap. She knew that her friend was hurting, but so was she. And after spending so long being the perfectly controlled Proudmoore heir, Jaina found she couldn’t hold on to the restraint her Ma had trained into her.

“It's the truth. My House has never given me anything but burdens and duties and distance . Do you know how many people I count as a friend in Kul Tiras?” Jaina’s words were growled, tears escaping in a flood that she ignored. “One. And even Lauris is intimately aware of who and what I am and the distance between us.”

When neither Windrunner showed any sign of responding, Jaina carried on, her voice becoming louder as she laid out so many of the things she had carried silently for years.

“The Fleet isn’t like your rangers. There is camadrie, yes, but no sailor would ever relax around a captain, much less an admiral.” Jaina’s vision had blurred too much to make out the expressions on her friends’ faces. It didn’t matter, she supposed. If the bridges are being burned, might as well ignite them with the verbal equivalent of a pyroblast. Even if it felt like she was burning up her own heart. Even as the words tasted like ash in her mouth.

“There are days I wish Stormsong was my true house, when the lie was the truth, because this was the first time I ever felt like myself. When I felt like I could be myself, without disappointing anyone. My true house has brought me nothing but pain.” Jaina choked on the omission but kept plowing forward. “You ask how it could be real, without you knowing my name? Being around you was the realest I have ever felt. The only times I ever felt like a person, instead of a figurehead, outside my mother’s arms.”

Jaina swallowed hard, her mouth suddenly dry. She felt so small, so vulnerable. Waiting for a blow that she knew was coming but couldn’t avoid. Her head felt like it was underwater, her hearing slightly off. There were words being said but Jaina couldn’t focus on that because she realized she was having trouble breathing.

It had hurt to admit those things.

She loved her family, loved her House, loved her country. Jaina would do her duty and do it gladly but that didn’t mean she didn’t feel bitter about what was asked of her. Didn’t mean she didn’t resent the fact that her heart was at odds with her head.

Jaina was pulled from her spiraling thoughts by a gentle grip on her chin. Sylvanas’ voice sounded distant at first, before she managed to focus on it.

“ - breathe with me, Jaina. I know you can.”

Blinking, confused but compliant, Jaina did as Sylvanas asked. She wasn’t sure why the elf was touching her, why Sylvanas was looking at her with such a strange mix of kindness and rage, or why Vereesa was wearing a startling similar look. All Jaina knew was that they hadn’t left yet.

The yet of that statement was almost enough to set her off again. But Sylvans seemed to realize that, as she continued to murmur soothing words. After a few more minutes of this, Jaina straightened. She would’ve wiped her face but Sylvanas had already taken to doing that, her long graceful fingers making Jaina’s mouth go dry for an entirely different reason.

She swallowed again, now was not the time for that, before beginning to stutter out apologies.

Sylvanas shook her head, laying her thumb across Jaina’s lips to silence her. The elf’s voice was quiet and tightly controlled when she asked, “Why didn’t you tell us before?”

“Because I would’ve been forced to abandon my studies and return to Kul Tiras” Jaina said. Then she forced herself to be completely honest. “And for the first several months here, that was my reason. But when I became friends with first you Vereesa, and then you Sylvanas…”

“Yes?” Sylvanas prompted when Jaina trailed off.

“I didn’t want to leave you.” Jaina blurted out. “I love learning, always have, but the rangers gave me a chance to be just me. It was something I didn’t want to lose.”

Vereesa's eyes had softened from her killing rage of before. She was still upset though, as she asked, “Were you ever going to tell us?”

Jaina snorted. “Don’t you remember that you told me to keep my mouth shut a few days ago, skipper?”

She winced when she realized the nickname had slipped out. Jaina wasn’t sure she had the right to be so informal with Vereesa anymore. When the elf’s eyes softened, Jaina realized that maybe, just maybe, things might work out. Then a frown overtook Vereesa’s face and Jaina braced herself for another tidal wave.

“Wouldn’t that mean you’d be pulled from Dalaran?”

Jaina shrugged with a grimace. “I’m already being pulled from Dalaran. Depending on how things go in Kul Tiras,” Jaina remembered how badly both Windrunners had reacted to mentions of her mortality and quickly rephrased what she was about to say. “I might not be able to return for a long time. I didn’t want to leave without telling you. You both deserve better than that.”

Her eyes bounced between both the elves across from her, trying to figure out how they were reacting. When Sylvanas’ hand finally left her face, Jaina had to swallow her whimper of disappointment. She took a deep breath to brace herself when Sylvanas finally opened her mouth. Though, the words were unexpected.

“This is why you refused to become my Admiral.”

Jaina’s mouth fell open before she could school her expression. “I - aye. It is.”

Sylvanas’ eyes felt like they were burning into Jaina’s own. Her next words were even more confounding. “Is this also the reason you refuse to let me catch you?”

“I - what?” Jaina felt stupid, like she had lost track of the conversation completely. It didn’t help that Sylvanas had pressed close to her. Close enough that Jaina had to tilt her head down to keep her gaze.

“Is your House the reason you refuse to let me catch you, Jaina Proudmoore?” The sharp words paired with the predatory look made it hard for even Jaina to misinterpret the emotion behind it. Even if she couldn’t believe that that emotion was present.

Maybe Tandred was right. Not that she’d ever tell him.

She swallowed harshly. Jaina’s words were soft when she finally managed to find them. “You deserve someone who can be honest with you, Sylvanas. Even if I lied for good reason, you deserve better than that. Especially - especially if you mean that the way I think you do.”

With an arrogant look that only a high elf could pull off, Sylvanas tossed her hair backwards. “I get to decide what I deserve, Jaina.” Then her expression became almost playful. “How do you think I mean it?”

Staring down into eyes she could drown in, breathing in a scent that drove her half mad, Jaina couldn’t formulate any words. Nothing coherent was in her mind other than an instinctive chant that made complete sense to her but likely would have sounded insane aloud. Pretty-shiny-treasure-mine.

Even as she made a garbled attempt to communicate, Sylvanas’ face shone with amusem*nt. Even if she was laughing at her, all Jaina could think was that she was so beautiful. And apparently, that was a statement that her mouth was finally able to speak.

Sylvanas’ eyes widened, her head tilting slightly to the side. Her ears, which had been relaxed, were now quivering at attention. “Do you mean it?”

“Of course. Surely someone else has told you that, though.” Jaina’s response was instinctive. Even if she wanted to rip out that unknown person’s throat with her teeth.

“They weren’t you.” Sylvanas voice was soft, delight coloring each word. She looked so happy that Jaina’s heart felt like it was about to burst. The elf swallowed roughly, before continuing, “Tell me if you don’t want this.”

“Don’t want wha - “ Jaina’s question was cut off by soft lips meeting her own.

Her heart stopped. For a moment, everything fell away. Everything but Sylvanas and her whisper soft lips. Jaina froze until she felt Sylvanas begin to pull away and then she couldn’t stop her hands from possessively yanking the elf closer to her.

A surprised sound emerged from Sylvanas, as Jaina began to return the kiss. Her grip on Sylvanas’ waist was surely bruising, but Jaina couldn’t bring herself to care. She felt a hand being buried in her hair and a purr rumbled through her chest.

Jaina hadn’t done much more than have a few sloppy kisses that she had often regretted quickly. Now, she found that she was grateful to at least have some idea of what she was doing with Sylvanas.

Jaina couldn’t imagine ever regretting this.

The kiss only stopped when there was a very pointed throat clearing. Jaina reluctantly tore herself away from Sylvanas, noting that the elf’s pupils were dilated before looking at what had interrupted them. A growl already emerging from her chest before it died at the amused look Vereesa was giving them.

“Did you forget I was here?”

Jaina blinked stupidly, her grip relaxing enough that Sylvanas broke free with ease. Panicking, Jaina wondered if the elf regretted it only to realize that the famed Ranger-General was tackling her captain. Or to be more accurate, Sylvanas was tackling her little sister.

“What is happening?” Jaina asked. No one answered. The two Windrunners were too busy hissing at each other in Thalassian and there wasn’t anyone else in the room.

Staring at the wrestling elves, Jaina raised her hand to her lips. She couldn’t stop a giddy grin from forming there. Sylvanas had kissed her. She had kissed Sylvanas. More importantly, Sylvanas had taken the reveal about Jaina’s true identity spectacularly well. Perhaps too well. Jaina shoved that thought aside, unwilling to allow her good mood to be drowned in cynicism.

For the first time since she realized she had fallen for Sylvanas Windrunner, Jaina realized that perhaps she wasn’t destined to pine after the elf for however long she lived.

Maybe, just maybe, her heart wouldn’t have to be cut out and put in a metaphorical sea chest to stop it from aching. Maybe, just maybe, her love wasn’t so hopeless.

And perhaps she had found the someone who would make her a better leader.

Jaina watched the sisters wrestle for almost a half hour before trying to break them up. She knew that sometimes she and Tandred needed to give each other a good thrashing before they were bearable. However, Jaina drew the line at watching Vereesa be strangled. She was fairly certain Sylvanas wasn’t doing it seriously, but it felt awkward to watch.

She started by clearing her throat. When that had no effect, Jaina tried again, but louder. When neither elf reacted to that Jaina progressed words and then phrases. The two women were both fully absorbed in whatever conversation they were still having. With a sigh, Jaina pulled out the voice she used on ships when issuing commands.

“General, Captain - report.”

Honestly, she wasn’t expecting it to work. Which made the two immediately freezing in their attempts to murder each other surprising. When their wide eyes turned to Jaina, the Kul Tiran raised a brow and kept her tone sharp. “You two may have all the time in the world to maim each other, but my time in Dalaran is growing short.”

The two Windrunners stood up, both of them looking embarrassed. Vereesa murmured something in Thalassian before getting hissed at by Sylvanas. The vehement words were paired with a rather sharp elbow. Jaina had never wished she spoke the language more than in that moment.

She wasn’t given long to muse over her subpar lingual skills before Sylvanas switched back to common, after clearing her throat. “I’m sorry you had to see that, Jaina.”

Jaina waved it off. “It's not like I’ve never tried to murder my brother before. At least there was no biting this time.”

“ Biting? ” Vereesa’s voice was incredulous.

Going over her previous words, Jaina winced. “There any chance you can forget that?”

“No.”

Giving a nervous smile, Jaina tucked some of her hair behind her ear. “Well, it only happened once. And I was quite young. I didn’t realize it wasn’t appropriate.”

“So you bit your brother?” Vereesa’s disbelief hadn’t ebbed. She made another comment to Sylvanas in Thalassian that made the General make a strangled squeaking noise.

Jaina raised a brow at that but decided discretion was the better part of valor. This time. “Aye, but just the once, as I said. It’s not really important.”

An odd look from Vereesa. “If you say so.”

“I do.” Jaina raised her jaw arrogantly. Seeing the pugnacious tilt of her friend’s ears, Jaina prepared herself for an argument. Likely the first of many. Vereesa could hold a grudge.

Sylvanas cut in before her sister could say anything else. “What did you mean, your time in Dalaran is growing short?”

“What I said.” Jaina answered, dryly. The two sisters’ gave her identical unimpressed looks. Jaina sighed. “Whether or not the Council has a final decision on my case, I will leave Dalaran for Kul Tiras tomorrow night.”

Ears drooping adorably, the Ranger-General looked put out at the news. “So soon?”

Heart aching at the disappointment that Jaina wished she had the power to change she gave a short nod. “Aye, my stop here was only ever going to be temporary. And in two days Storm's Wake will begin, and my presence is required this year.”

“I’ve never heard of it.” Sylvanas’ ears had perked up in curiosity.

“Nor I.” Vereesa’s eyebrows had drawn together as she thought. “You didn’t celebrate it last year.”

“I’d imagine not. And no, Skipper, I didn’t.” Jaina responded, keeping her delight at their curiosity to herself. “There would’ve been little point.”

Her memories of past celebrations wove through her mind. Her fondest was of her and Tandred and Katherine all together, before her life had started careening out of control. She could recall pieces of the last one Derek had attended, and that was dear to her as well. Jaina just didn’t remember it as well, and there had been a tension to that celebration that had unsettled her as a child. Looking back, she realized that it had been the calm before the storm that was the Second War.

“What do you mean, there wouldn’t have been a point?” Sylvanas’ voice cut through her memories.

Jaina shook herself slightly, trying to remind herself to remain present. Sometimes, it was hard to not get lost in her memories, particularly after her emotions had run high. “Storm's Wake is the most important Kul Tiran holiday. There’s no point in celebrating it in Dalaran because the city is landlocked.”

The elves exchanged looks before Sylvanas stepped forward. She reached out to grasp Jaina’s hand, giving a pleased smile when the human flushed but did not otherwise object to the tender touch. “I’m afraid I still don’t understand.”

Her thoughts scattered at the warm hand on hers. It took all her will but Jaina forced herself to focus past the fact that Sylvanas was touching her. “There is little point in celebrating a holiday devoted to the Tides when they are too far away to truly hear me.”

Sylvanas’ eyes were unwavering, watching her with an adoration that Jaina hadn’t realized she missed. It was so…obvious. She couldn’t help smiling helplessly in return, wondering if her love was just as visible. After Sylvanas absorbed that statement, Jaina was hit rapid fire with more questions than she knew how to answer - even with her training as Scion. It didn’t help that Vereesa joined in, apparently distraught that they had missed such an important event once already.

Jaina wasn’t entirely sure what to do with the interest. For her, it was a simple fact of life. High Holidays were either celebrated wildly in Kul Tiras proper, had small gatherings aboard ships, or were completely ignored when away from any ocean. It was just how things were. Jaina frowned as she realized that may be part of why her people were so isolated. She doubted many from the mainland had the ability to ask about and understand Kul Tiran culture.

Eventually, the two elves were satisfied with Jaina’s answers. Though Vereesa smiled a rather vicious, fang filled smile before she stated, “You’re not out of the woods yet, Jay.”

“I wouldn’t expect to be.” Jaina said with a wry smile that faded slightly. “But I hope one day, I will be.”

Vereesa gave her a searching look, before nodding. Then spoke to Sylvanas. “I’ll go make sure our rangers stop looking for Jaina.”

“Shouldn’t you have done that sooner?” Jaina asked, then came to the rather startling realization that the full-scale deployment of the rangers hadn’t been for a mission. It had been to find her .

That made her feel too many emotions. Things she couldn’t process while Sylvanas was still holding her hand. The general hadn’t let go once, acting like it was her duty to remain in contact with Jaina throughout the conversation. Or perhaps Sylvanas was concerned she’d disappear. Jaina wasn’t willing to clarify.

Vereesa gave a languid shrug. “Most of them are probably back by now anyway.”

“Then why - “ Jaina’s attempt at further clarification was doomed to failure.

Vereesa was already out the door, tossing a comment over her shoulder as she disappeared. “Don’t have too much fun!”

Jaina felt her eyes narrowing at her friend, only to have attention drawn back to Sylvanas when the general cleared her throat. Again, Jaina was startled by how close they were standing. She shouldn’t be. They were standing no nearer to each other than before Vereesa had left. Or even when she reached back to the last time she had seen Sylvanas, Jaina realized that the elf had a disconcerting habit of intruding on her personal space.

She hadn’t noticed it before. Jaina only noticed it now because she was hyper aware of everything about Sylvanas. Without the distraction of conversation, it was all too easy for her mind to slip back to that one electric kiss that they had shared.

Sylvanas’ intense stare wasn’t helping.

Awkwardly, Jaina cleared her throat and began to ask a question. “So - “

Again, any remnant of thought was driven for her mind when Sylvanas surged forward. The elf had apparently taken Jaina making a sound as permission. Jaina certainly wasn’t going to object to this kiss.

This time, when Sylvanas withdrew, it was of her own prerogative. Jaina made a dazed, unhappy sound and chased her. The rolling chuckle took a moment to process, but as she blinked open her eyes Jaina realized that Sylvanas had a fond smile on her face. She couldn’t stop her shudder when the elf gently reached up to tuck some hair behind her ear.

“As much as I would like to continue kissing you, I think we need to talk.” Sylvanas’ words took a moment to process.

When they did, Jaina felt as if Spout had doused her in their most frigid baths. The nerves that had fled at Sylvanas’ touch returned with a vengeance. “About what?”

The elf’s smile became more crooked as her ears twitched with anxiety. “I think you know, Jaina.”

“Perhaps, but tell me anyway.” Jaina found herself unwilling to deal with uncertainties.

“Us.”

The single word knocked Jaina’s breath out of her. It felt like Sylvanas had punched her in the stomach, instead of uttering a single syllable. “Us?”

A swallow gave away Sylvanas’ apprehension, her eyes searching Jaina so desperately for something. Jaina knew she looked a little lost, a little afraid but she needed to know. Needed Sylvanas to say the words because all of her doubts still existed. Whatever the elf saw, it made her start to draw away.

Unwilling to bear the separation, Jaina caught Sylvanas’ hands. She summoned all the courage she could to ask, “Is there an us, Sylvanas?”

“Yes.” Came the immediate response. Then the elf winced and offered, “If you want there to be. I should have asked before I kissed you. I know that. Vereesa has been harping about how to romance humans for months in her letters and I did try but I, just, you just make me forget what I should be doing.”

The words were important as Sylvanas kept talking. Jaina knew they were. But her mind stopped processing them after romance . This time, it was Jaina who reached out. Jaina who tucked hair behind a long, graceful ear that made Sylvanas freeze.

Jaina, who initiated their next kiss.

When that intimacy ended, Jaina didn’t pull back or let Sylvanas do so. Instead she leaned her forehead against the elf’s and breathed deep her scent. A scent that Jaina knew she would never tire of. It was difficult to meet Sylvanas’ eyes, pressed this close but Jaina managed. She kept that contact when she spoke with all the surety that a Scion should.

“There is an us.”

“There is?” Sylvanas sounded breathless.

“Aye. And you did a decent job of wooing me.” Jaina murmured.

“Decent!?” Sylvanas sounded outraged as she pulled away. “I sent you my bow!”

Though Jaina didn’t let her go far, her arms securely around her general’s waist. “Decent. Because you didn’t use your words and instead sent me your primary weapon with no explanation.”

“That isn’t true!” Sylvanas objected, staying in Jaina’s arms. “I gave you my cloak!”

Jaina tilted her head to the side. “And that has meaning, to an elf?”

Sylvanas sputtered for several seconds, looking even more offended. Jaina couldn’t help her lips curling upward in happiness. Upon seeing that, the elf growled and kissed the expression off of Jaina’s face.

It was a long while after that Jaina finally gathered her wits enough to ask, breathlessly, “I thought we needed to talk?”

The elf grumbled something in Thalassian before leaning her head on Jaina’s shoulder. Jaina blinked down at the crown of Sylvanas’ head, wrapping the elf in a more firm embrace, one which was returned. Only after they had settled into this new position, did Sylvanas speak. “A cloak like that is a declaration of intent.”

“What kind of intent?” Jaina asked, keeping her voice even as she felt her heart beating out of her chest.

“The permanent kind.” Sylvanas’ words were soft. Her next were hurt. “You aren’t wearing it.”

Jaina flinched at the matter of fact words. She tightened her grip on Sylvanas, like the elf would disappear from her life without it. Maybe she would, Jaina didn’t know how serious a faux pas she had committed. “It isn’t a part of standard Kul Tiran uniform code.”

Sylvanas peaked up, hopefully. Jaina was struck that she looked young like that. The elf was older than Jaina, by far, and yet she felt a driving need to protect Sylvanas. Despite the fact that the Ranger-General was perfectly capable of protecting herself. Except from Jaina, based on that look. The Kul Tiran’s voice was firm when she added her next statement. “I would wear it happily, if I could.”

The elf froze, not even breathing for a moment. Jaina would swear she heard Sylvanas’ heart skip a few beats as well, but put that down to her own hearing being faulty. “But you don’t even know what it means. Not really.”

Jaina co*cked her head, thinking for a moment. Then she smiled. “Then why don’t you tell me what your intentions are, Sylvanas Windrunner?”

Sylvanas stopped breathing momentarily. When Jaina pulled the elf slightly closer, Sylvanas’ resumed the necessary activity. It still took her several more moments to gather her thoughts. All the while, Jaina couldn’t resist touching her. Sliding a hand across Sylvanas’ broad back, feeling the muscles tense and release underneath it. Running her fingers through Sylvanas’ hair, enjoying the silky feeling of it. Accidentally brushing against Sylvanas’ ears, causing her breath to catch and ears to quiver.

It was after the second time that happened the elf stuttered out, “It's hard to focus, when you’re doing that Jaina.”

“Are you saying you can’t deal with the distraction, General?” Jaina asked, with a smirk. She did still her hands, settling them on the elf’s lower back.

Sylvanas glared briefly before muttering something.

Jaina rolled her eyes. “You know I didn’t have that good a grasp of Thalassian before I left. I assure you, it didn’t improve in the time I was gone.”

“Well, perhaps you should put more effort into learning.”

Her hands tensed, clenching in Sylvanas’ shirt. Only momentarily, because she quickly caught Sylvanas’ teasing smile. But before that, Jaina felt like the elf had actually been upset about it. Carefully, she released the shirt with an apologetic pat. Sylvanas’ face had started to transform into something worried, her mouth opening to say something only to be stopped by Jaina’s firm words.

“I will.” As serious as she would be when making a promise to the Admiralty, Jaina knew Sylvanas felt the weight of that promise. She let it sit for a moment before adding, “But don’t be surprised when it takes me a while. Thalassian isn’t an easy language.”

“No, it isn’t.” Sylvanas agreed, quietly. “You don’t have - “

“I want to.” Jaina interrupted. Realizing that this conversation was rapidly spinning out of control, she leaned back slightly when she spoke next. “But we’ve moved away from your intentions, General.”

“You’re not going to let that go, are you?” Fondness was the dominant emotion in the words.

Jaina responded with a brilliant smile. “No. You wouldn’t like me if I were easy.”

“Sometimes, I wish you were easier.” Sylvanas muttered. When she saw Jaina’s raised eyebrow, a flush spread across her face.

Tucking the realization that Jaina could make her blush and that Sylvanas was adorable when doing it, Jaina merely prompted her again. “Your intentions? One might think you were avoiding the question, General Windrunner.”

“Why do you keep calling me that?” Sylvanas’ face twisted in grumpiness. “You know it's just Sylvanas with you.”

Jaina’s face softened at the heartfelt plea. Instead of teasing the elf further, she simply asked, “What does the cloak mean, Sylvanas?”

Despite looking ruffled, Sylvanas’ eyes were bright. This time she only needed to take a singular deep breath before finally explaining. “It’s like - a promise. A physical reminder that I - that I want to be with you. There isn’t really a word for it, in Common.”

The words were slightly rushed, like Sylvanas was nervous.

Jaina took a moment to process before seeking clarity. “A promise? Is it like a betrothal, then?”

Sylvanas winced. “No. Not exactly.”

Jaina’s eyes were unblinking as she watched Sylvanas.

It made the elf break, her next words practically falling over themselves to escape her mouth. “But that’s probably the closest human tradition. Even though betrothal requires a different ritual for elves.”

“A declaration of intent, you said.” Jaina mused, fascinated by the idea. “The intent to court?”

Sylvanas’ face twisted even before she shook her head. “No, I’ve been courting you.”

“I wish you’d told me that.” Jaina couldn’t stop herself from grumbling.

“I thought you knew.” Sylvanas gave her an odd look. “You were - reciprocating, even if you weren’t doing it in traditional ways.”

“I was?”

“You gave me boots.”

Jaina gave a weird look before remembering the warning to not give Vereesa clothing as a gift that Winterveil. Then, she decided if she had accidentally managed to court Sylvanas it didn’t matter . She had managed it, and Jaina knew better than to look a gift horse in the mouth. “I did.”

Sylvanas had begun to look uncertain. “If you don’t want a relationship - “

Not letting that thought fully form, Jaina pressed against Sylvanas’ lips to steal another kiss. It had the bonus of shutting her up as well. This one was chaste, an affirmation that it was happening. Pulling back again, Jaina murmured. “I want a relationship with you.”

“Oh. Good.”

Jaina felt her lips curling up. “Something happen to your words, Sylvanas?”

Sylvanas chuckled at the question. “They were stolen by a pretty woman.”

Pulling the elf into an embrace, Jaina buried her nose in Sylvanas’ hair to hide her blush. “So long as I’m the only one stealing them.”

“Always.”

The only reasonable response to that was to kiss Sylvanas again. As Jaina lost herself in it, she couldn’t stop the blindingly happy feeling of joy from building up inside her. She had challenges waiting back in Boralus and her life would never be simple. But with Sylvanas at her side, Jaina felt like she could face anything with a smile.

That was put to the test, when Vereesa came back in a little later. The pair weren’t kissing but still hadn’t fully separated. Instead, they had been grinning at each other like idiots in each other’s arms.

Their bubble of intimacy was once again broken by Vereesa clearing her throat before commenting, “Are you both going to be punch drunk and completely enthralled with each other for the rest of Jaina’s time here?”

Sylvanas scowled at her sister’s words, only to be calmed down by Jaina giving her hand a gentle squeeze. Even as her - and here Jaina struggled to think of the word because they hadn’t labeled anything yet - her Sylvanas softened, the Kul Tiran turned to the first Windrunner she had ever met. Even with the teasing smile on Vereesa’s face, Jaina couldn’t help but catch the melancholy present there as well.

“I’ll always have time for you too, Skipper.” Jaina’s words were filled with raw honesty, with more emotion than her friend expected based on the surprised look. But how could it not, when the sisters had so easily accepted who Jaina was?

“I’m glad to hear it, Jay.”

Sylvanas muttered something in Thalassian and made Vereesa snipe back.

Jaina rolled her eyes as she was once again excluded as the siblings reverted to their native language. She let it go on for a few back and forths before sighing. “One day I’ll be able to understand you two when you do that, and it’ll be far less annoying.”

Vereesa’s eyebrows rose. “You’re seriously going to learn Thalassian?”

“Is there a reason I wouldn’t? I am courting a Quel'dorei, you know.” Jaina shrugged, ignoring Sylvanas’ gobsmacked look at her response. Though considering Vereesa’s surprise, there might be more that she was missing.

“Most people don’t bother to do more than learn the basics until after…” At that Vereesa trailed off at the killer eyes her sister was sending her.

Jaina was having none of it. “Until after what?”

Looking between the expressions her sister and her friend wore, Vereesa made the decision to answer. Wise of her. “Until after they’re already married.”

Tilting her head to the side, the Kul Tiran looked between the two elves. “Even Rhonin?”

A wry smile was the only answer given. It was more than enough for Jaina to extrapolate the yes however. There was only one question left for her to ask. “Why?”

This time it was Sylvanas who answered, her voice slightly hoarse. “Because most humans aren’t willing to put in the time until after they’ve received a stronger commitment from an elf.”

It made sense, even if it made Jaina want to rip out those human’s throats with her teeth. Humanity as a whole wasn’t really known for their forward thinking. But that didn’t really jive with what she knew of Rhonin .

Even as she was opening her mouth to ask, Vereesa was already answering. “My husband has the excuse that our courtship was quite a bit faster than most.”

“Because it happened in the middle of a Belore damned war. ” Sylvanas muttered.

Jaina noted it but didn’t comment on it, instead choosing to squeeze the hand she still hadn’t released. That did make her wonder something. “And how quickly is the courtship between Sylvanas and I happening comparatively?”

The general flushed slightly at the question which made Vereesa cackle, answering before her sister had summoned the wherewithal to. “Oh, it's both faster and slower.”

Jaina could see that. They had known each other for - Tides had it been for over two years now? It must have. And while they had only spent a few short months in each other’s company, the amount of letters they had exchanged would make up for that. Though, looking back, Sylvanas had been making her interest rather clear when they first met. Jaina was just so firmly in denial that she hadn’t been able to spot it.

She wouldn’t make that mistake again.

Instead of allowing Vereesa to further embarrass her sister, Jaina simply stated, “I see no reason for me to not try to learn Thalassian. Sylvanas already knows my language.”

A fond, almost shy, smile graced the General’s face. It made Jaina wonder how often someone had done something for simply Sylvanas . She was even more determined to learn, upon seeing it.

“You once said that Thalassian was seven languages masquerading under the robes of one. To say nothing of Darnassian.” Vereesa voice was dry.

“And I’ll stand by that. That book was practically impossible to get through without one of you lot holding my hand through it.”

“I hope you mean that figuratively.” Sylvanas murmured.

Jaina caught it, giving her companion a confused look. Instead of looking bashful, the elf simply held her gaze. When Jaina realized what Sylvanas meant, her cheeks flushed. “Entirely figuratively.”

Vereesa made a disgusted noise. Sylvanas snapped back almost immediately. “You and Rhonin were just as bad.”

“We were not - “

“You were.”

Jaina couldn’t stop herself from releasing an amused huff. It was rather comforting to know that no matter how old they got, or the divide between races, that a sibling bond seemed eternal. It drew the other two women’s gazes. Jaina met them evenly before she asked, “Are you really going to use the limited time I have here to harass each other?”

She regretted reminding them as their faces fell. Sylvanas’ more than Vereesa’s, but both of the elves’ disappointment was obvious. Jaina tugged on Sylvanas’ hand, reminding her that she was still here for the moment.

“Should we go catch dinner then?” Jaina had a brilliant smile on her face as she asked.

It surprised her when Sylvanas’ eyes narrowed. “You aren’t catching me a f*cking bear, Jaina. Or if you are, you’re not doing so without me.”

Jaina raised her hands in surrender. “It was a turn of phrase.”

She felt her face soften with the awe she felt that Sylvanas felt the same. That the elf had forgiven her for her lies. Jaina took the hand she hadn’t yet released and raised it to her lips to press a chaste kiss to Sylvanas’ knuckles.

Despite it being one of the least intimate things they had done in the past hour, it still made Sylvanas’ face burn like a lighthouse. Jaina felt her lips curl up into a pleased smile as she let their hands drop. As she started to pull away, Sylvanas tightened her own grip. There was something in her eyes that Jaina hesitated to label, but the emotion shone brightly in them.

“To dinner, then.” Sylvanas said, quietly, already beginning to move towards the mess hall.

Jaina went with her willingly, though she became more nervous when the elf never released her hand. She wasn’t ashamed of their relationship - far from it. Jaina just didn’t think Sylvanas would be so comfortable proclaiming it to all of her subordinates. That thought reminded her that the elf was in full ceremonial armor and just how f*cking beautiful she was in it.

At least it was after the more serious conversations that Jaina became tongue tied. Though, she doubted the rangers would let her live it down. As her steps faltered, Sylvanas looked over with frown. Following Jaina’s gaze down to where it rested on their entwined hands, the elf raised a brow.

“Do you…not want them to know?”

Jaina shook her head violently, her instant denial causing the tension that had been gathering in Sylvanas’ shoulders to release. “No I just…didn’t think you’d want them to know.”

Vereesa snorted, stepping around them. “The rangers will be thrilled. They’ve been teasing her about you since the first day you met.”

It took a moment for the Kul Tiran to process that, and when she did Jaina couldn’t stop her mouth from falling open. Sylvanas once again looked bashful, and while it likely wouldn’t last, Jaina couldn’t help soaking it in. Seeing the normally put together elf so off balance was endearing.

But realizing Sylvanas’ was moving into truly mortified territory gave Jaina the strength to murmur, “Do you know what my brother asked me when I saw him after several years?”

“No?”

“He asked me if I was pinning over you.” Jaina kept her voice steady even as she felt her cheeks begin to heat at her own vulnerability.

“But - he has never met me?”

“No, but I was apparently extremely transparent in my letters to him.”

Seeing Sylvanas’ smile slowly transforming from demure to flirtatious almost made Jaina regret her choice. Almost, but not quite. Especially because she managed to duck through the door before Sylvanas could get whatever clever thing was on the tip of her tongue off of it.

Whatever the comment was, it was lost by the utter pandemonium that greeted them. The other rangers had burst into cheers, applause, and song? Jaina blinked at the difference in volume levels as she adjusted to the fast paced, mostly shouted Thalassian. Tides, what she would give to understand what they were saying right now.

Someone - Anya? - managed to pry Sylvanas and Jaina apart, and they managed one last shared set of smiles before the party kept them from interacting. They did dance together, but more often than not another ranger managed to interrupt them. Several times, it was Vereesa. Despite almost physically aching to spend more time with Sylvanas, Jaina found herself enjoying the night. These were all her friends and they accepted her with the Proudmoore name. That was a great gift, but not as great a gift as the chance to win Sylvanas’ heart.

One of the times Vereesa managed to separate them, the elf stared so intently at Jaina that the Kul Tiran felt like she was on the way to the gallows. When even Jaina could no longer stand still, Vereesa finally spoke in a low voice. “I love you as a friend Jaina, but if you do anything that irreparably damages my sister, they will never find your body.”

Jaina blinked as the threat settled in. She wasn’t offended by it. She would do the same to anyone who wanted to romance Tandred seriously. Still, there was one thing confusing about it. “Only irreparably? Isn’t the way this conversation usually goes, ‘hurt my sister and I’ll kill you?’”

Vereesa shook her head with a wry smile. “Sometimes I forget that you’re young and likely inexperienced in romance.”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“It means you will hurt each other, Jaina. That’s what loving someone does. It gives us power to hurt them, and even if we try our hardest, we will hurt them. We can’t not. But that doesn’t mean we don’t work to ensure that we can mitigate the harm we do.” Vereesa’s face was serious, but also gentle. In that moment, Jaina wondered what her friend would look like as a mother, and had to smother a smile at the offhand thought.

Then, the words actually settled into her conscious mind. Jaina’s heart ached at the thought of hurting Sylvanas but she knew Vereesa was right. That it would happen. Just look at her family. Jaina hurt them all the time, even when she wasn’t trying and they hurt her too. Daelin, most of all. Shaking off her melancholy, Jaina’s eyes caught the concerned look Sylvanas was managing to shoot her from several tables over. Jaina managed a soft smile before turning back to Vereesa.

“I’ll do everything in my power to do right by Sylvanas. I swear by the Tides themselves, and may they take me if I ever break my oath.” She never broke gazes with the elf as she spoke. Her words as certain as the sea itself. Jaina’s heart had been Sylvanas’ for so long that she refused to even consider another spouse. Either Sylvans would have her, or no one would. Her country and family would just have to accept that.

For an amount of time that seemed intolerable, but couldn’t have been more than a minute, Vereesa let the silence stretch. Then she nodded. “I’ll hold you to that, Jaina.”

“I would expect nothing less from you.” Jaina responds, her eyes once more being drawn like a compass to where Sylvanas was laughing at something one of her ranger’s had said.

“She isn’t here for very long, you know.” Vereesa said, quietly. “She came as soon as she heard you’d only be here for a short amount of time before being away again.”

Jaina swallowed. The thought of someone as important as Sylvanas, dropping everything to come see her …Well, if she weren’t in love with her before, that would’ve done it. “She wasn’t even sure I felt the same though?”

“You were both idiots about each other.” Vereesa’s matter of fact statement stung but Jaina couldn’t argue it. She was right, after all. They stood together for a moment before Vereesa asked, “Do you have any plans tomorrow night?”

“Other than potentially being harassed by the council?” Was the dry response. “No, not really.”

Vereesa raised an eyebrow at Jaina. “Really?”

The Kul Tiran looked at her friend, her quick mind failing at catching whatever her friend was implying.

When it became obvious Jaina didn't understand, Vereesa muttered something in Thalassian before clearing her throat. “Don’t you think that perhaps since my sister has come all this way, that maybe you should be the one to arrange your first date?”

“That does seem fair.” Jaina responded without truly processing what she was agreeing to. Then she froze. “Our first date?”

“I suppose it wouldn’t really be your first one.” Vereesa mused. “You were both useless around each other. Still, the first official date is important.”

Jaina had been rapidly paling with every word that had come out of her friend’s mouth. She could stand in the midst of a full on battle and feel less afraid. She wasn’t equipped for this. So Jaina did the only reasonable thing. She dragged Vereesa into a hurried conference in the corner after setting Anya on Sylvanas to make sure they didn’t get interrupted.

While the youngest Windrunner hadn’t been entirely pleased about the idea of helping plan her sister’s first date, Jaina had hissed out that she had never done this before and also that she wasn’t going to deal with making a social faux pas on this date . Not after all the ones Jaina had already made with Sylvanas. She was sure she didn’t even know the majority of them. Vereesa had given a beleaguered sigh and had given a very quick crash course on Quel’dorei courtship practices.

It made Jaina’s head spin. She wished she could take notes but that would just attract even more attention. Still, she had several things she shouldn’t do. She’d just have to do her best and hope that was enough to keep Sylvanas’ interest. It had apparently been enough up to this point.

The night at least ended with several more kisses after that trying conversation. Jaina couldn’t wipe the goofy grin off her face if she wanted to. And she didn’t want to.

As predicted, Jaina had been drawn into several meetings by Anotonidas the next day. She also managed to corner Modera to get the paperwork allowing her to officially portal signed. That one mage had been unbearable since finding out she had done it again without having the documentation. Modera had actually laughed upon hearing that story but did agree to have it all straightened out before Jaina left.

After that order of business, Jaina had then had a meeting with her guards. While both were supremely unhappy about allowing her to go about unescorted, neither could refuse a direct order from the Scion. Which was something Jaina rarely gave when it directly conflicted with her people’s desires and duties. She made an exception in this case. She had a feeling she might be making a lot of exceptions for Sylvanas.

Jaina found that idea not entirely displeasing. She had heard about her parents’ initial courtship after all. As had the two guards, which was likely the deciding factor in obeying her orders to give her privacy.

Then, Jaina returned to Kul Tiras to finalize a few things. While the cook was unimpressed by her asking for dinner right after lunch, Declan had been in the Keep longer than she had been alive. Which meant he was still susceptible to her wide, begging eyes. The man caved, providing a variety of food easy to eat on a picnic. Jaina even managed to score several bottles of Lockbarrel Cider that Declan assured her were sweet. Before leaving to stash the basket, Jaina made a stop in her own room to dig something out of her sea chest before finishing things up in Kul Tiras and returning to Dalaran.

She had asked Vereesa to let Sylvanas know to expect her around midafternoon, and for the elf to dress comfortably. As glorious as the General was in her full uniform, Jaina didn’t want tonight to be about their titles. So it was a relief to arrive at the barracks and see the elf standing there in her casual clothing. Or rather, in the clothing the elf considered to be casual. Jaina would beg to f*cking differ.

The first thing Jaina registered was the blue . It was too light to be Kul Tiran blue, but that didn’t stop it from setting off some primal instinct in the back of her mind. Sylvanas was also wearing a dress . One that left the elf’s shoulders bare, a sight that made Jaina feel like she had swallowed her tongue. Her eyes were too busy soaking in every detail of Sylvanas for her to realize that she had stopped and was now simply staring at the elf.

At least, until Sylvanas broke the silence with an amused, “Are you just going to look at me, Jaina?”

Jerking her head upwards, Jaina gave a sheepish smile. She tucked some loose strands of hair behind her ear as she cleared her throat nervously. “I - You look spectacular.”

“Thank you. As do you.” Sylvanas’ response was simple.

It still made Jaina chuckle nervously. She hadn’t really put much into what she was wearing. Instead she had focused on organizing the actual outing she had planned. So, here she was in front of a woman who wouldn’t look out of place in a royal court, in what basically amounted to her uniform without her greatcoat. The only addition Jaina had made was the Windrunner cloak that cascaded over her shoulders. Jaina wondered if she had overstepped. She couldn’t stop her nerves from letting that slip out. “I didn’t really dress up, though.”

A curious cant came to Sylvanas’ ears as the elf tilted her head. “You’re here. You could be dressed in rags, and I would still think you beautiful.” The general stepped forward and gave the cloak a tug. “To say nothing of the fact that you’re wearing my cape.”

Jaina felt a flush creeping across her cheeks but refused to give into it. “I thought it was mine now?”

“It is.” Sylvanas agreed, facial features softer than Jaina could ever remember seeing.

Remembering her manners before the silence had a chance to become awkward, Jaina offered the elf her arm. “Shall we?”

“We shall.”

It was only when Jaina led Sylvanas to a less frequented area and opened a portal that the elf questioned her. “And where is this going to take us?”

Jaina realized that perhaps she should have asked Sylvanas before committing to this somewhat last minute plan. In too deep to do anything else, Jaina simply said, “I have never been to Quel’thalas, so I can’t have you show me your home. I wanted to show you some of mine.”

“I could’ve threatened a mage into opening one for us.” Came the absentminded comment. Sylvanas’ brows furrowed as she thought. Her next words came slowly. “I wasn’t aware there was a portal anchor in Kul Tiras.”

“There isn’t one.” Jaina responded quietly. “At least not an official one. But I swear to you it's safe.”

“I didn’t realize you knew how to make portal anchors.”

She was already shaking her head. “I don’t. But apparently, my namesake did. My ma showed me Jayna’s house and there were all kinds of things there. Including a portal anchor.”

“And it’s…safe?” Sylvanas asked.

The elf didn’t seem afraid, so Jaina did her best to not take offense at the caution. A bad portal anchor could be catastrophic. “I promise it is. I’ve used it several times to no ill effects.”

“If you’re certain.”

“I am.”

“I’ll see you in Kul Tiras then.”

Jaina couldn’t prevent her eyes from watching the sway of Sylvanas’ hips as the elf walked through the portal. She wondered if she had emphasized it more on purpose, or if Jaina was just imagining things. It didn’t stop her face from flushing red as she followed her - her what?

Realizing that they had never defined what they were to each other but that they were definitely something wasn’t entirely pleasant. But it was something that Jaina would use this time tonight to fix. If nothing else, she doubted the elf would object to being called hers. Jaina knew she wouldn’t mind being Sylvanas’ as long as it went both ways.

Shaking off her distraction, Jaina was pleased that her companion hadn’t noticed. That emotion quickly turned to concern when she realized that Sylvanas’ focus was firmly on the cottage with eyes wide. Her ears were also quivering somewhere between alarm and intrigue, if Jaina was reading them right.

“Sylvanas? Is something wrong?”

The elf’s reaction seemed forcibly slow. Almost as if she was restraining her surprise. “This was your namesake’s home?”

Jaina gave her a curious look as she offered a shrug. “According to my ma, yeah.” Then, realizing she never got an answer, the Kul Tiran asked again. “Is something wrong?”

“It’s nothing.” Sylvanas waved a dismissive hand.

“If you’re sure…?”

“Nothing that can’t wait. Unless this is where you were taking me?”

Jaina shook her head. “No, it isn’t. It’s just where the portal is anchored. And also…” she paused as she strode over to procure the basket that was filled with their dinner, just inside the cottage’s doorway. “Where I left my supplies.”

“Are you going to tell me what your plans are or are you going to keep me in suspense?” The question was paired with a playful raised eyebrow.

“I don’t know, yet. Maybe you can persuade me.” Jaina said, the words flowing from her mouth without her input.

Her heart stopped when Sylvanas flashed a rakish grin, fangs on prominent display. Suddenly, there was no distance between the two of them as the elf slid her hands around Jaina’s waist. “I think I know just the thing.”

The sultry words were all the warning Jaina got before Sylvanas began a searing kiss. It was enough to make her forget her own name. Enough to make her drop the basket entirely - hopefully Declan had packed it well enough that it wouldn’t matter - so she could return the elf’s embrace. One of Jaina’s hands ended up buried in Sylvanas’ golden hair and she couldn’t help her low groan at how soft it was. And how she was allowed to touch Sylvanas now.

It took them several minutes to pull apart. Whenever one started to, the other chased after them. They were trading off the roles of hunter and prey and Jaina couldn’t find herself to care which she was at any time because both felt so good .

When they were finally forced to stop kissing, Sylvanas’ head ended up on Jaina’s shoulder as they both panted. Jaina buried her nose in the silver-gold locks that so enthralled her, noticing that scent she associated with Sylvanas was so much stronger this close. They stood together as they caught their breath.

When Sylvanas spoke, Jaina found it unfair just how even her words were. “Did I manage to persuade you, Alann'alah?”

Her mind still slightly sluggish, it took a moment for Jaina to realize what the elf meant. When she did, she couldn’t help but laugh. “Was that the only reason for that? What happens if I say no?”

Sylvanas turned her head to give the Kul Tiran a half glare, though it otherwise remained firmly in Jaina’s shoulder. Jaina gave another laugh and laid a chaste kiss on Sylvanas’ forehead. “I wanted to show you my home.”

Sylvanas pulled away, and Jaina let her go reluctantly. “We’re going to Boralus then?”

“No.” Jaina denied. “Well, that is where I grew up, and one day I’ll be happy to show you my capital. But it's a busy place and I wanted today to just be for us.”

A quick kiss was the response given to that statement. Before Jaina had a chance to reciprocate, Sylvanas had already picked up the basket and entwined their arms together. “Well then, lead on Jaina.”

Jaina attempted to take the basket back only for Sylvanas to stubbornly refuse. With a sigh Jaina gave up on it. It wasn’t like the Ranger-General was incapable of carrying a basket. Still, it was a little disheartening to have her attempts at chivalry thwarted.

Instead, she focused on guiding them to their final destination. They followed more game trails than actual paths. Luckily, Sylvanas seemed to find the scenery acceptable. More than, if the questions she asked about what wildlife was around Kul Tiras were any indication. That conversation segued into what Quel’thalas was like outside of Silvermoon.

At the moderate pace that they set, it took them an hour to reach the beach that Jaina had settled on after much debate. It would’ve taken others longer to arrive, but even in a dress Sylvanas knew how to move through a forest. When Jaina asked about that the elf had deflected. Jaina noted it for later. If she couldn’t drag whatever embarrassing story that was out of Sylvanas, then Vereesa was the next best option.

As they began to walk through the sand, Sylvanas changed subjects. “I’m surprised at how fine this is. I would’ve expected Kul Tiran beaches to be more rock than sand.”

“Oh we have plenty of those.” Jaina replied, smiling faintly at her memories of scrambling over many such beaches as a child. “But we do have a few more pleasant beaches like this one.”

The elf looked around at the empty stretch of land. “If they are so few, I’m surprised there aren’t more people here.”

“There are ones that are more easily accessible than this one.” Jaina admitted. “It’s rather a pain to get to, if you aren’t already starting where we did on the Glacier.”

“Surely by sea it's easy?”

“You’d think, but the currents around this particular piece of land are some of the more treacherous ones surrounding my home. The only ones worse are those by the Shrine of Storms.”

As Jaina spoke, Sylvanas’ eyebrows climbed higher. “So what you’re saying is that you’ve brought me to a highly isolated area. My, whatever could your plans for me possibly be?”

At the elf’s teasing smile, it felt like Jaina’s mind had been thrown overboard and she was scrambling to try and catch it. She didn’t manage it before her mouth opened. “Uh - I, nothing?”

“How disappointing.” Sylvanas’ amusem*nt was plain, written in her features and in the angle of her ears most of all.

The sight managed to make her brain more cooperative, though Jaina knew she had no chance of keeping up with Sylvanas’ flirtations. Instead, she asked, “You ready to eat then?” At the scorching look she received for that, she hurried to clarify. “Dinner, are you ready to eat dinner? ”

“If we must.” Sylvanas sighed, though her smile said she wasn’t put out.

This time, when Jaina attempted to swipe the basket she succeeded. She pulled out the blanket she had placed atop the other things, shaking it out before setting down. She then gave a rather flamboyant bow to Sylvanas. “Your seat awaits milady.”

Sylvanas rolled her eyes even as she sat down. “You know I don’t like you using my titles.”

Jaina shrugged. “I figured I’d try it out. See how it fit.”

The elf just glared.

“Understood, no more titles tonight, Sylvanas.” Jaina said, raising a hand in surrender. She unceremoniously plopped down next to Sylvanas. There was no point in trying to match the elf’s grace so she didn’t even try.

As she started rummaging through the basket, Jaina pulled out the bottles of drink from the side first. She passed one over to Sylvanas as she began to arrange the rest of the food in front of them.

“Lockbarrel Cider?”

There was an intonation in Sylvanas’ voice that Jaina couldn’t quite decipher. Looking up at the elf didn’t offer any more clues. Not receiving any more information, Jaina decided to risk asking, “You once told me you preferred ciders to wines. Did I misremember?”

Sylvanas blinked. “I did?”

“I mean - I thought you did?” Jaina was doubting herself now.

Particularly when Sylvanas started shaking her head. Though, some of Jaina’s concern must have shown somehow as the elf clarified. “I do prefer ciders. I just don’t remember telling you that.”

Jaina frowned, rummaging through her memory to try and figure out when she had heard it. While extremely good, her memory failed her as she made the attempt. “I can’t quite recall when you did tell me. Maybe near the start of our acquaintanceship?”

“Impressive that you remembered.”

“I remember things about the people I care about.” Jaina said, meeting Sylvanas’ eyes without compunction.

“Oh.” It was the softest of exhales, like even now Sylvanas was surprised by the fact that Jaina cared .

She’d have to do something about that.

But for now, she let it go instead pointing out dishes that she thought Sylvanas would enjoy the most. Jaina was pleased to see that she was correct more times than not. They settled into easy conversation, not so different than if they were sitting in her room in Dalaran. Maybe Vereesa was right. Maybe they had been courting each other without explicitly stating it to the other.

The only difference was the fresh sea air and the sounds that surrounded them because of it. When Jaina noticed Sylvanas shiver after a particularly strong breeze, she simply moved closer without saying a word. Besides, the elf was telling her about one of the times Alleria, Vereesa and herself had been caught by their mother attempting to abscond from a party. It was a lighthearted tale, but it still warmed Jaina’s heart that Sylvanas was willing to trust her with stories from her past. It was a favor she returned with joy.

Though many of her stories made Sylvanas stare at her incredulously. It wasn’t Jaina’s fault that strange things always happened to her! Sylvanas seemed to disagree.

As another lull in conversation happened, Sylvanas took the chance to look back and up. She had done it several times, but Jaina couldn’t really figure out why.

“Something wrong?”

“No, just - “ Sylvanas hesitated for a moment at being so directly called out before pointing, “What is that?”

Jaina followed the elegant finger and found the words stolen from her. “Ah. That.”

That was something that had become part of Kul Tiras’ landscapes for years. Very few people willingly went up that high, and those that did often didn’t make it back down. That was the reason the dragon’s skeleton remained untouched. Even if Daelin himself wanted the skull as a trophy, no one could retrieve it.

A Tidesage likely could, with help from an elemental. But most didn’t have the power or control necessary to do such a thing. Those that did - like Lord and Lady Stormsong - had better things to do. Jaina herself was more likely to ask Spout to throw her father into the harbor than for her friend to desecrate the corpse.

And it would be a desecration.

Jaina could still remember Xarvi’s pain. In this moment, she could still feel the red dragon’s blood on her hands.

“Jaina?” Sylvanas had concern in every letter of her name.

With a melancholy smile, Jaina began to explain. “Something left over from the Second War. The Lord Admiral managed to shoot down a red dragon before the entire flight withdrew from the conflict. The dragon managed to land up there but was mortally wounded. He died there.”

Sylvanas glanced from Jaina, to the skeleton, and back. “Wouldn’t he have had a rider? Even one orc could have done a great deal of damage to any unprepared civilians.”

A flash of memory hit Jaina then. Of the angry green man, floating dead in Spout’s body. Without Spout, she would’ve died that day. Shaking the thought away, she answered honestly, if evasively. “I never heard about any orcs wandering around. I doubt the rider managed to make it off the mountain.”

Jaina wasn’t sure what was in her voice, but when she returned to looking at Sylvanas the elf was watching her intently. Brows furrowing, Jaina was about to ask what was on her mind when Sylvanas abruptly said, “That isn’t everything, is it?”

Blinking at the woman, Jaina found herself averting her eyes from the intense gaze that was laid upon her. A gentle, graceful hand laid on her own.

“I promise whatever you tell me will stay between us.” The words were nothing more than a murmur, for all the strength that was in them.

For a moment, all she could do was stare at the hand touching her. Sylvanas’ hands weren’t perfect - they bore scars as any soldiers’ or sailors’ did. But Jaina knew that the only reason she could make out several was because of her superior vision. She wondered how the elf had gotten each one but couldn’t stay focused on that path of thought.

Instead, given permission, Jaina couldn’t stop the flood of words that tumbled from her mouth. She had never told anyone about Xarvistraz. First, because it was a rather wild tale to believe. No Kul Tiran would believe that a child had faced a red dragon and lived, not after the Second War.

Perhaps even Sylvanas doubted her, based on the elf’s almost palpable shock. Jaina struggled on as her retelling became more and more disjointed. She only kept going because Xarvi deserved another person to remember him by. And who better to remember him than an immortal elf? It didn’t change the hurt she felt at Sylvanas’ reaction.

Maybe she would have been better off keeping that whole sorry tale to herself.

Jaina did manage to cut out the fact that she had sent a letter - somewhere. She had a feeling that Sylvanas would have heard about that event. Jaina wasn’t sure where the damn thing had ended up. Had merely heard that the Red Dragonflight had withdrawn and assumed that her instinctive, harebrained scheme had somehow worked. But explaining that she had worked extraordinary magic on instinct would cause all sorts of concerns. Nevermind that Jaina did such things often.

Sylvanas had enough knowledge to know exactly how dangerous that was. And, somehow, cared enough about Jaina to be worried about her wellbeing. Maybe one day that she’d find the courage to explain Xarvi’s death in whole. But one major reveal was more than enough. Jaina was still almost delirious with disbelief that the Windrunners had taken her true House name so well. When she allowed herself to think on it. Which she didn’t often. She knew better than to look a gift horse in the mouth most days.

Too nervous to really keep watching Sylvanas, Jaina instead turned to eating as a distraction. Declan’s fish and chips were exceptional, as per usual. They had kept very well under her preservation charms. She was careful to not take as much as she could, and to eat with all the dignity her station required of her. The elf had seen her eat before, but never when they were courting. Jaina wanted to make a good impression. Didn’t want to scare Sylvanas off after just having the chance to win her.

Jaina was so focused on eating as carefully as possible that when Sylvanas finally broke the silence that had fallen between them, she couldn’t help but startle.

“Have you ever told anyone about that before?”

Glancing over nervously, Jaina saw that Sylvanas’ had donned a mask of impassivity. Her Ranger-General’s mask. Her eyes showed that she was anything but calm, however. Not trusting her voice, Jaina shook her head.

“Really?” Sylvanas didn’t seem satisfied.

“Does Spout count?” Jaina asked, trying to lighten the mood.

“No.”

Jaina winced at the short denial. “Then I never talked about it.”

Sylvanas’ expression had broken, her eyebrows rising in surprise. “Your parents didn’t ask you where you had been?”

“Ma was so relieved to see me safe after having no idea where I was that she didn’t even question it until several days after.” Jaina debated for a moment before adding, quietly, “And by that time the new sentiments my people held against dragons had reached me. It didn’t seem worth upsetting my Ma again over something that was, well, over.”

“And you got away with it?” Sylvanas seemed stuck on that fact. “When you were how old?”

Jaina just offered a shrug. “I’ve always been confusing? But - you believe me?”

“What reason do you have to lie?” Sylvanas asked, her eyes serious. “I’ll admit it does seem… outlandish. But you also met my sister when she arrested you so I can see your ‘always confusing’ point.”

A slightly awkward, but mostly relieved, smile crossed Jaina’s face. A weight lifted from her shoulders. Maybe, just maybe, she’d be able to talk to Sylvanas about all of the oddities in her life. Jaina found the idea thrilled her more than she expected. She had gotten so used to ignoring or hiding her strangeness that it would be a relief to confide in someone. Particularly Sylvanas. For reasons Jaina wasn’t entirely willing to closely investigate at the moment.

Instead, she offered Sylvanas another berry bread. The elf took it gratefully and mercifully changed the subject. “Is there anything special about this beach, anyway? Other than its main selling point of privacy?”

“Not really.” Jaina answered, only to remember that wasn’t true. “Oh, wait. I did wash up here once.”

“What, did you jump in the harbor and get swept away?” Sylvanas asked, her grin teasing.

“No. I think I fell overboard somewhere in the North Sea? And the Tides returned me here.” Jaina frowned. “Not really sure why here specifically. Usually there is some connection between the sailor and where they spit them out of the sea. I can’t recall ever being here before that though.”

Lost in her thoughts, it took a moment for Jaina to return her attention to Sylvanas. Only to find that the elf was once again wearing a strange expression. The way her ears were tilted was also concerning. Jaina thought it might be anxiety - but the cant was far more severe than she had ever seen it before on any of the other elves she knew.

“You fell overboard. Somewhere. In the North Sea? ” Sylvanas, in spite of her best efforts, didn’t manage to keep her voice even.

“Aye?”

“But it was close to here right? You could have swum here? If you had to?” There was desperation in her voice.

Jaina wished she had never brought it up. Maybe if she jumped in the ocean the Tides would spit her out somewhere else? Maybe Zandalar? Surely Talanji would be happy to see her. “No. I couldn’t have. Fairly certain we were closer to Quel’thalas than here, honestly. Though the storm could have changed that.”

One of Sylvanas’ eyes twitched. It was the only warning Jaina had before the elf tackled her. Surprised, her breath left her lungs as Sylvanas landed on top of her. All Jaina did was blink up at Sylvanas. Usually, the elf had a strong aversion to touching Jaina in any way that could be construed as negative. It made sparring with Sylvanas something of a trial. Even if Jaina was always thrilled when she managed to convince her to do so.

“You are a menace .” Sylvanas practically growled. Jaina shivered at the tone, opening her mouth to say something in response only for the elf to keep talking. “How am I possibly supposed to let you out of my sight when you seem to have no regard for your own life? ”

Jaina’s breath caught at the pure concern that was on display. For a moment, that was all she could think about. How much Sylvanas cared for her, and how much Jaina just wanted to make the elf happy. On a purely emotional level, something deep inside Jaina wanted to make sure Sylvanas never left her sight. There was a reason Jaina refused to look closely at her emotions and that was because she knew that she could be intense. And her feelings for Sylvanas were not disabusing her of that notion. Not at all.

Her feelings for Sylvanas might be the most intense she ever felt.

Jaina quickly shoved those thoughts aside and reason reasserted itself. As much as she wished she could stay by Sylvanas’ side, her duty would not allow it. In fact, Sylvanas’ duty would not allow it either. Even if they were courting, no foreign national would be allowed to remain by the Ranger-General’s side at all times when she was on duty. Tides, even if they were married, Jaina would likely still be forced to remain in Silvermoon.

She knew, because not even Captains were allowed to have their Spouses with them while on duty in the Fleet. Not even Admirals were. The only exception was the Lord Admiral, and while Jaina was heir to that title, it wasn’t hers yet.

Heart aching, she reached up to trace a very specific path along Sylvanas’ cheek. “The same way I let you out of mine. I have faith that your strength is enough to see you back to me. Do you not have the same faith in me?”

She held her breath as she awaited the elf’s answer.

Sylvanas had stilled instantly at the touch, her ears showing surprise. “How did you know I was injured there? Did Spout -”

Jaina gave a wry smile as she shook her head and interrupted. “No.” She traced the slightly discolored patch of skin again. “I can see the scar.”

“It was healed.” The words came slowly. “Shall I tell Priestess Liadrin that her work was subpar?”

“Please don’t. I do not need one of your healers upset with me.” Jaina shuddered at the very thought. Her reaction was enough for Sylvanas to chuckle, which made Jaina smile before sobering. “No, Lady Liadrin’s work was exceptional. I just have very good vision.”

Sylvanas’ brow furrowed as she processed that. The elf also adjusted herself to become more comfortable while she was draped across Jaina like some form of big cat. It reminded her of a lynx. Which made her wonder how Luna and Sundance were doing. It also made Jaina feel several other things that she was valiantly ignoring.

Sylvans didn’t even seem to notice.

The utter gall of her.

“Your vision must be better than almost all humans.” Sylvanas finally stated. “And most elves’ as well. Vereesa didn’t comment at all, and she would have. If she had noticed.”

“It is.” Jaina agreed. “It always has been.”

She let the elf process that as she abandoned the faintly discolored scar to instead begin playing with Sylvanas’ hair. It was quickly becoming one of Jaina’s favorite things to do. Based on the pleased hum her attentions caused, it may have also been moving up Sylvanas’ list.

“You never mentioned it before.”

“It's never really mattered, before.”

Sylvanas frowned, unhappy with the answer but couldn’t really argue it either. “Anything else I should get you to confess while I have you at my mercy?”

Jaina smirked. “You know I could escape if I wanted to, right?”

Her breath caught as Sylvanas leaned down, so close that as her lips moved with each syllable they almost brushed against Jaina’s.

“Ah, but you don’t want to escape, do you Alann'alah?”

With a feral growl, Jaina gave her answer nonverbally as she pulled her teasing companion down into an actual kiss.

It took them several minutes to separate.

Both of them were breathless when they did. Jaina was dazed enough that it took her a moment to realize that Sylvanas had asked her a question. “What?”

“I said that you wouldn’t be able to distract me with such methods.” Sylvanas had a smug grin on her face.

Jaina narrowed her eyes playfully before laughing. “Well, do you think I have a laundry list of things I need to confess?”

“I don’t know, do you?”

Shaking her head, Jaina couldn’t stop a giddy smile from dancing on her face. It sobered to a more content thing as she gave serious thought to the question. She started with something that she knew Sylvanas had noted.

“You already know that I feel temperatures… strangely.”

Sylvanas also sobered from her playful demeanor, realizing that Jaina was actually answering her question. “Yes. You barely reacting to something that should make someone hypothermic certainly made an impression.”

“It's the same with heat.” Jaina noted. “Not that you’ve had the chance to see that yet.”

“Do you just… not feel it?”

Jaina was already shaking her head before Sylvanas finished her question. “No. I know it's hot or cold. I just don’t really seem to care until someone points it out. Or I haven’t yet. Maybe I would if it was extremely hot or extremely cold.”

“I wish that was a skill you could teach.” The envy in Sylvanas’ voice was easily detectable.

“If I could, you’d be the first to know.” Jaina responded seriously. “I just told you about my vision.”

“Briefly.”

“Briefly.” Jaina agreed, amused, but refused to expand. “My hearing is quite a bit better than any Kul Tiran I know of.”

An arched eyebrow. “And how do you know that?”

“Oh, it was tested. After I drove my parents and older brother slightly mad by overhearing things I really shouldn’t have.” Jaina shuddered at the thought. She was very happy to never remember those exact circ*mstances again, thank you very much. After thinking for another few moments she offered a half hearted shrug. “That’s all the really obvious ones I can think of right now. I probably forgot some.”

“You… forgot some.” Sylvanas’ voice had an interesting inflection as she spoke.

Jaina snorted. “Oh probably. It’s not like I go through my day keeping a list of how I was different from everyone else. By the time I realized how strange I was, everyone around me had gotten used to it, so I didn’t really care to investigate it at all.”

“That seems rather antithetical to what I know of you.”

“Oh?”

“You have more curiosity than anyone I know. And I can’t tell you how many magisters I knew who got themselves killed because they couldn’t leave well enough alone.” There was pure exhaustion in that statement.

Jaina tucked a bit of Sylvanas’ hair behind one of her long ears, drawing the elf from her melancholy. Then she offered her a smile. “I don’t need to investigate myself, Sylvanas. I’m me, and that’s all I need to know.”

“I suppose that’s all I need to know too.” Sylvanas leaned down to give Jaina another kiss, which she gladly accepted. “Though, we may need to talk about how much fish you consume.”

Jaina noted the playful splay of Sylvanas’ ears and so smothered her immediate reaction of absolutely not . Instead she thought for a few moments before nodding seriously. Sylvanas’ eyebrows flew up before she heard Jaina’s actual response.

“If you make me cut back on fish, I’m not sure we will be courting for long.”

Sylvanas gave a laugh. “And you would be right to exile me from your life. No, I like you just the way you are.”

“Even though you won’t be able to keep me safe at your side?” Jaina asked, softly.

“I suppose you were right earlier. I will simply have to have faith in you.” Sylvanas gently kissed Jaina’s forehead. “And pray to Belore that you will return safely to me.”

“I will.” Jaina swore with every ounce of her very soul. “The Tides themselves couldn’t keep me away from you. Not now.”

“Nor me, you.” Was the murmured response. “But let's not tempt fate by committing sacrilege.”

“As you wish, Sylvanas.”

With that, the elf finally rolled off of Jaina. She found herself missing the warmth but Sylvanas didn’t go far. Instead, she curled up right against Jaina’s side. Jaina wrapped an arm around her elf, content to watch the last of Belore’s light fade as stars began to appear in the sky. It had been hours since they had come to Kul Tiras, not that it felt like it.

Jaina was aware that her time with Sylvanas was limited. That it was running out before their duties tore them apart. She would soak in the elf’s presence as much as possible. It was the only thing she could do. They both seemed on the same page as the silent watched more and more stars come out.

“Are the Dueling Dragons still your favorite?” Sylvanas asked, her voice almost drowned out by the waves lapping against the shore.

Jaina traced the shape of the constellation for a moment. She’d always loved that story and a smile played across her face that the elf remembered that fact. But, it hadn't truly been her favorite. Not for a while. Not since the last time she and Sylvanas had been looking up at the stars before Jaina left Dalaran for Gilneas.

“No.”

“Are you going to make me guess?” The playful question came.

“No.” Jaina responded before thinking better of it. “Though I realize now that it is probably unbearably sappy so perhaps I should.”

“Alann'alah.” Sylvanas sounded exasperated as she prodded Jaina in the side.

“I’ll make you a deal. You tell me what that means, and I’ll tell you what my favorite constellation is.” Jaina craned her head to look down at Sylvanas.

Who promptly hid her face in Jaina’s shoulder. Her words were somewhat muffled. “I think that might be an unfair trade off.”

Jaina stroked Sylvanas’ hair for a moment before deciding to be brave. “Considering that every time my eyes turn skyward at night they search out the Huntress before any other stars, I’m not sure it is.”

Sylvanas stilled, almost completely. Jaina could barely tell she was breathing.

“Light of my heart. That’s what Alann’alah means.”

“Oh.” Jaina couldn’t summon any actual words. They were all stolen from her by the heartrendingly romantic sentiment that Sylvanas had just shared. “I wish I knew enough Thalassian to call you something even half as beautiful.”

“The way you say my name is enough Alann'alah.”

Jaina disagreed internally, but didn’t dare do so aloud. And she didn’t have the courage to use the endearment most common among her people. Starshine might be what Katherine called her, but it was gifted to those who mattered most, no matter how you loved them. “Then I will call you Sylvanas, until I find something better.”

“I will look forward to that day then Jaina.”

Somehow, they managed to pull away from each other that night. Jaina knew she hadn’t wanted to. Sylvanas either, based on how many kisses the elf managed to sneak in as they said farewell and retired to their own beds in the small hours of the mourning.

Jaina had one more errand to run after saying goodnight to Sylvanas. She might have forgotten if the elf hadn’t mentioned something that reminded her. Grabbing the most absurd part of the gift package that Sylvanas had sent her was simple enough. Even if it did require another portal to Kul Tiras. She had always intended to give the bow back. It had been pleasant to carry something so closely connected to Sylvanas, and it had been useful in Zandalar, but Jaina knew that she had very little use for a bow, especially one as specialized as this. It was a masterwork and it was a waste in her hands, instead of Sylvanas’.

Of course, getting the stubborn elf to take it back was a trial and a half the next afternoon. The Council of Six had finally made the decision to place Jaina on formal leave, but allow her to remain Antonidas’ apprentice. Such a step was usually only taken for Archmages on the council. Jaina did her very best to ignore that fact. It was easier when she was arguing with Sylvanas.

Finally, Vereesa herself intervened. Accepting the bow her sister wouldn’t take, she instead gave Jaina a more standard Ranger bow. When Sylvanas looked like she would riot at the fact Jaina had reminded the elf, “You said it was mine to do with as I willed.”

“Within reason.”

“It’s a waste in my hands, Sylvanas.” Jaina said, feeling like she was repeating herself. “We all know it. And I’d much rather it be keeping you safe.”

Sylvanas’ proud shoulders slumped. “I thought you liked it.”

“I did - I do.” Jaina answered, gently laying a hand on Sylvanas’ shoulders. “But you have never needed to give me grand gifts to have my complete attention.”

“Oh?”

“All you had to do was smile at me and I lost my mind. I still do.” Jaina admitted. The embarrassment flushing her cheeks was worth it when she was graced with the very thing she had just mentioned. In that moment, something solidified in her. A choice that she hadn’t even realized was floating around in her head coalesced. “In fact, I think it's far past time I returned the favor.”

“Of… smiling at me?” Sylvanas asked, head and ears tilted in confusion.

“No,” Jaina denied even as she smiled. “Of giving you proof of my affections.”

Without another word, Jaina stripped off her sash and the belt underneath that. She quickly removed her greatcoat as the elves around her watched in curiosity as she handed the items of clothing to Lauris. Who took them with a puzzled expression that was turning to dawning horror as Jaina rolled up her sleeve and began undoing something that rarely came off.

Sylvanas stepped closer, a curious hand reaching out to trace Jaina’s Tribraid. The elf glanced over at Lauris when the guard started choking. Jaina shot her a look to make sure that Lauris kept her mouth shut. Even Torin looked surprised.

“I remember seeing this. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen it off of your arm?” Sylvanas asked, intrigued.

“You haven’t.” Jaina knew that as certainly as she knew her own name. “Can I have your arm?”

The elf didn’t argue, merely rolled up the sleeve on her left arm. The same one Jaina’s Tribraid had been wrapped around for the majority of her life. With careful hands, she wrapped the stormsilk cord of Kul Tiran blue, Stormsong teal, and Proudmoore green around Sylvanas’ wrist.

“That’s not too tight, is it?” Jaina murmured, heart beating out of her chest at the audacity of what she was doing. Not even her parents - the greatest romance in living Kul Tiran memory - had given each other their tribraids. But it felt right to Jaina. It settled her nerves, to see it adorning her elf.

“No, it's fine.” Sylvanas responded, fingers playing with the additions to the braid. “Whose hair is this?”

“My own.” Jaina answered easily, feeling completely shameless even as Lauris continued to have an aneurysm behind her.

“And this?” The elf traced the wooden token that was attached to the tribraid.

Jaina also touched the carving, a fond smile on her face. “My brother made that for me. It’s a kind of good luck charm for sailors.”

“Don’t you need it more than I do, then?” Sylvanas seemed almost reluctant to ask the question. Like she couldn’t bear the idea of giving it up, now that she had it.

Jaina had no desire to ask for it back. “No, I’ll just ask him for a new one. He makes dozens of them to pass the time.”

She didn’t mention that it might be a while before she received it. Jaina found herself more than happy for Sylvanas to carry it. They both led dangerous lives and she would give anything to give the elf just a little more of an edge.

“I never noticed before, your own magic obscured it, but this is enchanted, isn’t it?” Sylvanas’ eyes were glowing just ever so slightly more as she stated that. Her eyes wandered over to the two guardsmen. “In fact, they carry similar objects, don’t they?”

“They do.” Jaina replied simply. “Every Kul Tiran does.”

Seeing Sylvanas mind start to work, and realizing that Jaina had absolutely zero desire to explain that she had basically just given the physical representation of her soul to the elf, the Kul Tiran chose the better part of valor.

She gave her elf one last searing kiss, enough to make Sylvanas blink dazedly for once, before bidding her farewell. “May the Tides bless you, Sylvanas.”

Both Torin and Lauris were through the portal by the time Jaina heard Sylvanas’ response. “And may Belore light your way, Alann’alah.”

Jaina was smiling like a fool as she returned to Kul Tiras.

Sylvanas Windrunner, despite what her sister was currently saying, was no fool. Even if she was grinning like an idiot. Even if her fingers couldn’t stop tracing the tight cord of silk that was wrapped around her wrist and forearm now. Silk that gave off the faintest hint of a roiling ocean storm. She wondered how she could have overlooked it before, only to dismiss the thought. She had already answered it.

Jaina Stormsong’s very essence had obscured it.

No, Sylvanas had to remind herself that wasn’t truly her name. Jaina Proudmoore . And didn’t that name make many of the pieces that the rangers had of the strange Kul Tiran mage fit together neatly.

Her foolish grin faded as she became more pensieve at the truth. “I wish I could do more to protect her.”

Vereesa was the only one close enough to hear her sister’s murmur. It was enough for her to stop her tirade about idiocy. For the moment. “I think we all wish that. I don’t know how difficult it is, for some of her… class, in Kul Tiras. Based on what I have observed of the other human nations though…”

Sylvanas didn’t object to Vereesa trailing off. It wasn’t new information. It was just new in relation to Jaina. She couldn’t stop herself from double checking, however. “You’re certain?”

“Certain enough.” Vereesa paired the words with a languid shrug.

“Little Moon - “

“Lady Moon, I spent more time with her. I wish I were wrong, but so much of her… skittishness makes sense with this context. Do we need to go through it again?” Vereesa asked, willing to do it but unhappy about it.

Sylvanas shook her head. “No, that’s not necessary. I just hate the fact that the Light of my Heart is so mistreated by her own people due to her parentage.”

“I hate it too.”

“What does it matter if her parents are unmarried, or her mother is a pirate?” Sylvanas felt the tirade coming but could do nothing to stop it, her emotions running high. “She is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. Beyond that she is smart, and likely some kind of naval prodigy if the way she rearranged my navy is anything to go by.”

“Yes, Lady Moon, I know. I was there” Vereesa’s dry tone was enough to silence Sylvanas.

“I’m being ridiculous aren’t I?”

“Somewhat.”

Sylvanas shot a glare at her sister before sighing. “I just don’t want to bring up something that’s so obviously painful to her. What kind of ridiculous requirement was it, to make her pretend to be from another house to study here? To not grant her the use of her family name because whatever Proudmoore noble sired her did so out of a marriage bed.”

Vereesa’s features twisted in disgust. “The way humans treat their so-called bastards has never agreed with us. But it is worse when it's Jaina.”

A grunt of agreement was all Sylvanas could manage. She turned her attention back to the gift that Jaina had spent several minutes so carefully arranging on her arm. She raised it up to eye level and asked Vereesa, “Do you know what this is?”

“No, but I’ve never seen Jaina take it off.”

“She never mentioned it at all?” Sylvanas pressed.

Vereesa shook her head. “Never. But considering her Kul Tiran guard’s reaction, I’d say it’s something important.”

“Too bad the only Kul Tiran we knew well just walked through a portal.” Sylvanas groaned, feeling more like a silly ranger-trainee than she had in centuries.

“That’s not… entirely true?” Vereesa said, a realization dawning over her face. “How do you feel about an afternoon snack?”

Without waiting for an answer, Little Moon had already turned and started strolling down paths. Cursing quietly, Sylvanas chased after her sister. She wanted answers, though she knew that if Vereesa led her to them that she’d never let Sylvanas live it down.

In this case, that was a risk Sylvanas was willing to take.

They quickly arrived at Jaina’s favorite pub. Sylvanas felt like hitting herself when they arrived. She had forgotten the proprietor here was Kul Tiran. Hopefully, they would be able to get answers from her.

They settled at a table and requested to speak to Meredith. After ordering something, to be polite. Sylvanas noticed that it took a fair bit longer for the cook to make an appearance than usually. Though, when she was normally here the cook came out for Jaina . It made Sylvanas want to kick herself. She had forgotten that Vereesa had said that Meredith had served underneath Jaina’s mother. Though how a pirate’s cook had ended up the lawful owner of a peaceful pub was another matter entirely.

“You lot do know that I have a kitchen to run, aye?” Meredith’s voice was gruff.

Before Vereesa could say something uncouth back, Sylvanas stepped in smoothly. “We do, and I will endeavor to take up as little of your time as possible Madam. I just needed clarification on Kul Tiran culture.”

The large woman eyed her suspiciously before sighing. “Tidesdamnit Jaina, what did ya do this time?”

Sylvanas allowed a wry smile to slip past her mask. “So certain it has to do with Jaina?”

“There ain’t any other reason for ya to darken my doorstep. So, out with it. What did the rascal do this time?” Meredith actually sat down at their table, her face exhausted despite moments before looking rather lively.

“May I ask what this is?” Sylvanas raised her arm to make it clear what she was talking about. The reaction she received wasn’t what she expected. Though, the elf really hadn’t made any predictions at all.

Meredith reared back as if she had been stabbed. Then her hands flew forward as if to touch the silk before being firmly slammed on the table. Her face had gone pale, and her eyes wider than the dinner plates that Jax had just brought out. “How did ya get that?”

Her voice was just a whisper, but in it was something very deadly. Sylvanas suddenly could very easily see this woman working as a pirate. Instead of drawing things out, she answered at once. “Jaina gave it to me.”

“She what? ” Meredith’s disbelief could have filled the Sunwell several times over.

“Is that not normally done?” Sylvanas asked, trying to contain her curiosity.

Gray eyes snapped upwards to meet Sylvanas’. The response was slow, like Meredith was tasting each syllable. “No. It isn’t. Did Jaina not explain?”

Realizing that her informant might stop being so willing, Sylvanas couldn’t figure out a way to avert it. She saw it coming, but no way to stop Meredith from clamming up. “She didn’t, no.”

The Kul Tiran let loose curses that made both elves’ eyebrows raise. Even more surprising were the several prayers intermixed with them. When Meredith ran out of steam she scrubbed a hand over her face, exhaustion in her every line. Even though Sylvanas was expecting it, her next words were not ideal.

“It's not my place to explain more, then.”

Vereesa quietly used ranger hand signs to advise a swift retreat. Sylvanas gave Little Moon a glare. Considering Meredith looked more like a brick wall than a woman, she knew discretion was the best option. Still, she couldn't help but try her luck with one more inquiry.

“It is important, though?”

Meredith’s jaw visibly clenched as a debate played out across her face in real time. When she finally answered, it left Sylvanas and Vereesa with more questions than answers.

“Deadly important. Don’t ya dare lose it. Jaina might forgive ya, but no other Kul Tiran will.”