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In a brilliant burst of light and magical runes, Jaina Proudmoore came into existence in Drygulch village. Her insides were fighting to escape her chest and abdomen, but years of teleportation sickness had prepared her for the rough and tumble that came with the spell.

Like many settlements among the orcish tribes, they carried a barebones wooden design. Functional, but not exactly visually appealing, at least not to the human eye.

The red sedimentary rock walls of the cliff cast a relieving shadow over the farming center. Despite the name, Drygulch ravine wasn't always a hot, dry, and barren place. The rainy season had come and left them with a moderate stream, bringing silty water to the various crop fields next to the various burrows and dens. It had a quiet, rustic feel to it, a far cry from the bustling noise of crowded merchants and town criers and piles upon piles of paperwork.

In the relative coolness of the shade was a familiar green face that offered Jaina a wry smile, to which she returned in kind. Thrall, Warchief of the Horde, sat upon a formation of stones that made up the village center devoid of his usual black armor and clad only in robes. A more sensible choice of clothing, given the climate and the roasting sun. A peaceful Snowsong napped at his side, allowing warm winds to kick up her wintry fur.

“Jaina,” He greeted her, bowing his head in acknowledgement, “It’s been too long.”

“Likewise, Thrall, likewise.” The sorceress responded, sparing a bit of time to give Snowsong a good scratch around her ears, “I’m sorry I haven’t spoken much since… Well, I’ve just been so busy administrating there has been so little time for anything else. I’m actually rather glad you called me out, though. I feared I was getting a bit of cabin fever for a while.”

“Now I know why Rexxar prefers the wilds.” It was meant as a joke, but a part of Thrall regretted it for potentially drudging up memories of her father’s death. But if it affected her in any way, she made no indication of it in her facial expression.

“The appeal grows with every passing day.” She agreed. “But enough about that. You wished to discuss somethings, correct?”

Yes, it was time to get on to more serious business.

“Come, walk with me.” Thrall gestured to the open road leading into the fields, bordering the river bank.  “Recent events in Durotar have been taxing as of late, and incredibly concerning. You recall I spoke to you about the Burning Blade cult we’ve found in the Barren?”

“Yes, weren’t they an old orc clan? Demon worshippers?” They both shared a hardened look as they passed by stalks of corn.

“Correct, though now they seem to be keeping a low profile and they might have infiltrated Orgrimmar as well. I can’t imagine that this wasn’t a recent development. If the roots of this were during the war, surely the cultists would have attempted to sabotage us. If we are dealing with some sort of demonic corruption after the fact, we need to find out who or what is directing them.”

Jaina pursed her lips as she considered the news. Though Archimonde had been slain in the battle, many of his subordinate demons had fled into the wilds. The Night Elves’ continued struggle against those remnants was proof enough that stragglers were still a threat. Who was to say that there weren’t more that slipped out further beyond the reach of the ancient elves?

“If anything, this just shows how vulnerable we mortals are to the machinations of demons.” Jaina shook her head. “I’ve… had concerns of my own. Not demon worshippers, mind.” She could tell he had jumped to that thought and her assurance softened him. “I have many on Theramore still fall back on old hatreds. Quite a few vocal advocates of discarding our relations with the Horde.”

“I wished it were not so, but to find peace in this world is depressingly difficult.” Thrall remarked. “I should be thankful for the fact that we have any of our people willing to live and let live.”

“But it’s not good enough.” She thought back to Kristoff and his constant snap rationalizations of orcish treachery.

“Not by far.” He agreed. “Perhaps we should do shared exercises or other activities to get people more acquainted?”

“Provided they don’t find something to fight about within the first few seconds of meeting each other.”

“That actually brings me to my second point.” The Warchief scratched at his beard. “I believe it may be necessary to create an organization in Kalimdor that deals with threats of a demonic or magical nature.”

“So you’re trying to make your own version of the Kirin Tor?” Theramore’s leader quizzed.

“More or less. As much as I would like to ask Dalaran for membership, I don’t think the Alliance would be… receptive to the likes of the Horde. So it may be best to start my own.”

“Not unlike many children who can’t get into a popular crowd,” Thrall laughed at the aptness of her analogy, infecting her as well. But it didn’t last for too long, as she imagined the devastation wrought upon it. The beauty of the Violet Citadel in crumbling disrepair, the libraries of priceless knowledge in flames, all her teacher bled out and turned into undead puppet… Antonidas, her mentor and the man she could have considered to be a second father… Gone. They had lost so much. “If what I’ve heard about Lordaeron is accurate, they may not be in a position to be picky. I’m sure they could use some expertise in nature magic.”

“Well, I suppose it couldn’t hurt to ask. As it is, I’ve asked the Tauren and the Night Elves about it. We are shamans and druids of the earth and forests, and but surely you can see how that might be somewhat restrictive in terms of viewpoints.”

“So you’re looking to add another kind of magic users to give your Earthen Ring second opinions?” Lady Proudmoore smiled warmly. “It is a gracious offer, of that I do not deny, but since the war, what mages I have left are few and far between, lost in a dizzying sea of duties that require their full attention.”

“Understandable.” Said Thrall. “But should you ever find the opportunity, I would keep a spot open for Theramore.”

“Thank you, Thrall. And if things go well, hopefully my delegation to the Easter Kingdoms will consider seriously consider opening diplomatic relations with you.”

“Were it so easy.” They were quiet for a while after that, choosing to enjoy the ambience of the wind and the river to provide them a degree of tranquility until they were among the tomatoes.

“I am reminded of… other concerns, Jaina.”

“Oh?” She could see his eyes darken if only a little, though whether or not it was a trick of light and shadow was not known to her.

“Do you recall the snake creatures you fought months ago?”

“Yes, the same ones that razed the Kul Tiras settlement. Rexxar and I had found only one survivor who passed away soon after.”

“They appear to be a far greater threat than I realized.” He could see her eyes widen in curiosity. “It appears our Night Elf friends had previously encountered them in several battles. Chased them to northern Lordaeron at one point.”

“What possible reason could they have fight the Night Elves? Or anyone, for that matter? We didn’t accidentally trample some holy sites, did we?” She couldn’t speak for Tyrande’s people but she was sure the human expedition hadn’t done anything earn any ire from fish folk.

“I don’t know. We’d have to inquire more about, but recently, a traitor made an alliance with them to subvert the Echo Isles.”

“Were they dealt with?” Thrall sighed, but not in relief.

“Of course, but their involvement was not known until my forces were ambushed and bloodied. We suspect they had a grudge with us since our departure from Lordaeron, when we encountered a Sea Witch and armies of murlocks at her beck and call. Back then, they were on an island close to the Eastern Kingdoms.”

“My condolences,” Jaina replied, “But you know what this means, then? We are dealing with a hostile race that likely spans the oceans depths between two continents. That’s not something I can readily sleep on, especially when my bed rests on an island surrounded by deep water. I’m starting to think fortifying Theramore and the outlying coastal marshes may need to take some priority over other projects.”

“We’d need to increase our naval capacities to protect our merchant fleets as well.” But the Horde had little in the way of a navy, and Jaina was quick to catch on.

“Would you like me to send you a fleet or two to assist? I wouldn’t mind playing the knight in shining armor for you every now and then.” She jested, he knew. Even though it bristled somewhat against some of his orcish pride, he couldn’t help but chuckle in response.

“I did not wish to burden you so, but I must admit, with the resources we have now, my navy can hardly patrol the seas and keep the routes safe. Your help is much appreciated.” Jaina shared a smile with him, to which sparked a playful idea in his mind.

“Your offer humbles me, Dame Proudmoore. Shall this shaman to ask the spirits of water to part the waves for you and your steed?” He spread his arms out as if preparing to call to the river spirits.

“Perhaps after I find my noble steed.” It amazed her how playing along was starting to elevate her own spirits. “I wish to find the strongest and most noble beast in the lands to tame.”

“Ah, a quest then. It has been a long time since I’ve been on such an adventure.”

“Ah, as much as I would love to…” They couldn’t goof off forever, after all. “I’ll have to postpone it. We still have so much to do.”

“An opportunity missed.” Thrall shook his head. “A task for younger hands, then.” He felt a light smack on his shoulder as he laughed off Jaina’s staff. Their merriment was cut short with a great rumbling. Dirt particles and pebbles on the road began to shake and travel about their feet.

“Really, Thrall, is causing an earthquake really a proportionate response? I’d never imagine your spirits being that petty.” The orc blinked twice at her in confusion.

“I haven’t asked them anything.” The realization dawned on them that something was coming their way. Jaina had only a split second to whip out a magical shield just as a hulking mass of green and brown slammed into a translucent glowing blue film. Thrall could see scales and horns as they bounced off and were deflected from the barrier, trampling through the rest of the crops in a current of living flesh.

“Thunder Lizards?! They’re not supposed to be here!” What was going on here? The thought crossed Thrall’s mind, but it hardly stuck with him as he brought up the Doomhammer to defend them. Fortunately, though, the giant beasts rushed past them and straight to the river, heedless to the presence of puny humans or orcs as the last one made it to the stream.

“They’re thirsty? Shouldn’t they be at Thunder Ridge?” Jaina’s bewildered voice came to him from behind as he stared at the pack of reptiles fighting one another for a spot to drink. “Why come all the way out here?”

“I have absolutely no idea. But what I wouldn’t give to find out right now.” Thrall paused for a second before offering her another rueful smile. “Still interested in getting a noble steed?” He waved his weapon at the spiked tails that faced them from the water front.

“I was thinking…” She dropped the magical shield as her face lit up. “More of an adventure.”

-

Lorena Clearwater was many things. She was the youngest sister of nine brothers in a family with a long martial tradition, which she fought to enter. She was Colonel of the 7th Legion whose track record for success was second to none in order to prove her competence to her commanders and gained the attention of even the Lady Proudmoore. And now she was one of the Lady’s most trusted agents and her friend.

But what she wasn’t was interested in Kristoff’s arrogance as he made his questionable opinions known regarding the orcs. Still, someone had to run logistics, and it came as no surprise to her that this man was a stereotypical bean counter, viewing other as numbers or pawns and, more often than not, looking down on everyone that wasn’t related to the royal family of Kul Tiras.

It was something she endured whenever she came to the Tower. At least she had Emily Booraven to keep her company.

“Ma’am? Is it just me, or does he just love the sound of his own voice?” Lorena allowed herself a barely noticeable smile.

“Well, Corporal, someone has to, and it certainly isn’t his mother.” Booraven could hardly stifle a guffawing as the Chamberlain glared in their direction.

“And what, may I ask, amused you?” Kristoff’s eyes turned into narrow slits as they centered on the corporal, forcing her back into a stern attentive stance. “Was it the orders to reinforce the Northwatch, or my concerns of orc pirates trying to edge us out of our fishing waters?”

There wasn’t much she could say, and even less that she wanted to for this quill pusher. Luckily for her, she didn’t have to, because in a blinding flash of light, Jaina Proudmoore popped into existence in her throne room.

“Oh, Lorena, Kristoff. Glad to see you.” They could only catch a flurry of blonde hair and her blue and white cloak whipping about, as she swiped somethings from her desk. “I have to go see about some lizards, I’ll let you know later, so hold down the fort and keep an eye out for fish people, I’ll be back later, byyyyeeeeee!”

The throne room was left deathly quiet as their leader disappeared, only to be broken seconds later by the chamberlain coughing.

“As I was saying…”

-

After Jaina had swiped a book about thunder lizards and some spell scrolls, they began on their little quest to the west. They had first gone to Thunder Ridge, as was logical to do, guessing at what could possibly have driven them off. The woods around the ridge were dense and should have prevented them from leaving, so Jaina had suggested that perhaps someone had cut them down, not unlike how Admiral Proudmoore’s forces had several months previously. Lo and behold, they had come across a large swath of cleared out forest, stumped as to how it could have happened, especially since there were no signs of human or orc lumbering. And the cuts made to it had been all too clean, and no small debris.

With something so precise, there were two likely possibilities. Either the goblins had been illegally foresting, which, again, there was no evidence, or someone had used magic. Really powerful magic. Of course, now that the thunder lizards had all but left, there would be nothing else to do but wait for the forest to regrow. As he thought about it, Thrall finally realized that this would probably be the best time to set up logging operations after losing the Ashenvale camp, but he’d worry about that later, after they had finished their adventure. For the time being, they would need to corral the thunder lizards to prevent them from rampaging over more settlements.

Jaina reasoned that the Bladescar Highlands would make for a great place to relocate the large reptiles. Large open grasslands where they could trample about without endangering anyone, and a cool stream of water from which to drink from. All Thrall needed to do was contact the get in contact with the Spirits of the Wilds, specifically the Spirit of all Thunder Lizards, and request that they be calmed down enough for a mass teleport. A bit of finagling and soon enough the beasts had become much more docile. The only issue to occur was a splitting headache Jaina experienced from… something blocking her teleportation spell. She pushed on through, however, allowing Thrall to experience first hand the joys of what it would be like to have one’s insides sucked out of his nose. Perhaps unbecoming for a Warchief, he threw up a little in his mouth, much to his companion’s amusement as she stated how they had arrived with the rest of the horde of lizards in the highlands. Snowsong, however, wasn’t nearly as fortunate, and needed some time off to the side in order to get reoriented.

And she suspected that perhaps the obstruction earlier may have had something to do with the lizard endemic. Their investigation about their new surroundings brought them to a ring of invisible wards.  The powerful magic emanating from them grew more and more familiar in her mind. Trisfalen magic, that of the legendary Guardians. A quick wave of her hand and they troubled her no more. There were perks to being one of the most powerful mages in the world. ‘One of’ being the key words in this case, as they soon came across a hut smack dab in the middle of nowhere, almost indistinguishable from the cottages he’d seen in human lands.

“Young people these days.” A weary old voice came from behind them, making both heroes jump. Even Snowsong had failed to detect this person and quickly took a combative stance. “Don’t you have any manners?”

“And who might you be?” The Doomhammer was raised once more, but this time it was pointed at a silver haired woman, in bland blue linen no more befitting a peasant. Such a sight would not have normally phase the mighty orc, but Thrall could now tell that the spirits were cautiously keeping their distance from the old lady, but not outright fleeing from her.

“You’re on my property, kiddo.” Her wrinkled mouth snarked. “I’ll be asking the questions here.”

“Magna! You’re alive!”  The joy and admiration in Jaina’s voice caught Thrall off guard that he didn’t catch the old woman rolling her eyes. “I can’t believe I’m actually meeting you!”

“Not another fan girl. I thought I’d be through with this years ago.”

“Please, pardon us.” Jaina bowed. “I am Jaina Proudmoore of Theramore, and this is Thrall, Warchief of-”

“Thrall?” She burst out laughing at the stony face of the orcish leader. “What kind of a name is that?” She then turned to Jaina. “And you, don’t the mages teach you anything? You’re supposed to sneak up on people with a concealment spell. Not that it’d do you any good in this case, but-”

“No one’s seen you in decades! What happened to you?”

“What part of ‘I’m asking the questions’ don’t you get?”

“Jaina?” Despite Thrall’s attempt to get answers out of her, the sorceress had her eyes stuck on lady, who had sighed irritably.

“My name’s Aegwynn, if you’re really that interested. Now why are you here?”

Moving past the introductions and the whos and wherefores, Aegwynn couldn’t stop her new guests from intruding further, so she had to relent and led them up to her tiny abode. And while there was barely enough room for the two women, Thrall found his size a large impediment to entering and had to stand by the doorway. Snowsong most certainly couldn’t get through and resided herself to roaming the lands outside until they were done talking. A long talk that involved shocking reveals and ancient backstories that Jaina trying to convince the lady to come back to civilization with them. And help save the world. Again.

“Yes, I’m glad you managed to discover the power of friendship.” Aegwynn’s voice was becoming predictably flat. “Now leave me alone.”

“But Mag- er, Aegwynn, you can’t cut yourself off from the world. What if some other catastrophe came about? Just because you were ignorant of it won’t stop it from coming to find you.”

“And that’s never been more apparent than with you invading my house.” The old mage could only grumble at the child. “Well, kiddies, you can’t have mommy or daddy watch over you and make decisions. Those problems you’re going to have to fix yourself.” The former Guardian pinched the bridge of her nose as she spoke under her breath. “Medivh should be spinning in his grave right about now. Or wherever the hell he is.”

“Guardian, I mean no disrespect,” Thrall said as he bowed his head, “But with the world still in chaos and disarray, surely it would be irresponsible to leave it in such a broken state when you have the power to make a difference?”

“Look, I just told you how I literally caused most of the trouble in the world due to my own arrogance. If that hasn’t convinced you of the complete idiocy of your request, well, I guess that explains why this whole world is going to pot.”

“Aegwynn. All of us make mistakes. The greater our responsibilities, the greater the risk and harm. Just because we fell far doesn’t mean we can’t get back up and learn to do better. It’s why you brought back your son, wasn’t it?” The elder one did not deign to answer her, instead moving towards the door.

“I’m going for a walk. Do you mind?” In a mix of reluctance and relief, Thrall stepped aside and watched as she sped out. Jaina, too, took a few steps outside and watched her from a distance.

“I never imagined her being this… cranky.”

“It’s a common characteristic of the elderly.” Thrall reminisced. “I know Drek’Thar still is.”

“So was Antonidas. But this is worse.”

They would be stuck watching her for the next few seconds as her blood pressure lowered, only to find her yelping in pain as she came into contact with the wards.

“Sonnuva-!” The two faction leaders gave each other worried looks as they bolted to her side. “Someone put up the wards! Smells…Oh, it’s Zmodlor again, the little shit.” She saw the faces of her guests searching for answers that only she could give. “He’s a demon from way back when. I thought I got rid of him the last… never mind. Suffice it to say, these are too powerful for us to bypass, so we’re trapped in here with no way out.”

Snowsong picked this time to appear, prowling just outside the perimeter and stopping just in front of the trio to take a seat. Thrall swore that she was more amused by the situation than anything else, if the wagging tail was any indication.

“Oh, now you’re just mocking me.” Aegwynn grimaced. “Still, that does give me an idea. You, girl, have you ever heard of Meitre’s Penetration spell?”

“What? No, I-”

“Well, we’re going to need a conduit for this to work. I’ll fill you in.” The former Guardian spoke, eyeing the wolf.

“Has anyone ever used an animal as a conduit before?” Jaina could see her idol crack a few knuckles.

“Let’s consider it an experiment, shall we?”

“You know, if we’re going to help you break these wards…” Jaina’s tone became more solid and deliberate.

“You want me to come with you?” Aegwynn’s words were irritated at first, but she seemed to let it all go in a sigh. “Fine, I’ll spend some time out, but only so I can put the fear or death back into that demon pest.”

“And maybe you’ll consider sticking around if you like what you see?” Jaina’s eyes beamed heavily at the old lady.

“I’ll think about it.”

-

Lorena’s complaints of possible over-escalation at Northwatch were falling on deaf ears. The chamberlain was dead set on building up forces on the mainland in some ill advised attempt to deter the orcs. Of course the orcs would take this as them preparing an invasion of some sort and had likewise began to build up some force of their own not far from the fortification. Lorena was only a colonel in the military, and without Jaina’s presence, she had no authority to defy Kristoff and his annoying Light damned voice.

But the Light decided to grace her with salvation as her Lady spontaneously appeared in the throne room again, followed by someone’s grandmother and the Warchief of the Horde.

“We just need to grab some people before we head off and find this demon of yours.” Jaina said to the unnamed guest before turning to her colonel. “Oh, Lorena. Just the person I needed to see.” It was a rather confusing time where she barely had a moment to ask what was going on.

“Wait. What smells like demon filth?” Kristoff’s eyes nearly sprung out of their sockets as he found a former Guardian of Trisfal lock sights on him. This would not end well for him…