Showing Off Their Acting Skills
The morning mist in Theramore had not yet dissipated when Jaina stood on the terrace of the Mage Tower, her fingers gently stroking her still-flat stomach.
A morning breeze ruffled her hair, carrying the salty, briny scent unique to the harbor. Aegwynn stood beside her, holding a steaming cup of Herbal Tea.
"Are you feeling better?" The former guardian's voice was much gentler than usual.
Jaina nodded, took the teacup, and sipped. "Much better than yesterday. But..." Her gaze swept over several suspicious-looking merchants on the street below, "Those spies are becoming increasingly brazen."
Aegwynn followed her gaze and sneered, "Let them see. The more you try to hide it, the more suspicious you'll become."
She gently pressed Jaina's shoulder. "Remember what Deren said: in Azeroth, the low-key way to survive is to keep a low profile."
Jaina took a deep breath and placed her teacup on the railing. "Teacher, I have a feeling this is all going too smoothly. Thrall, Malygos, even the Temple of the Moon. Everyone is following the script that Deren had envisioned."
"Because that kid saw through everyone's weaknesses." Aegwynn's gaze deepened. "Thrall wanted to maintain the Horde's stability, Malygos wanted to regain face, and Tyrande needed to uphold the faith in Moon Goddess and ensure the safety of the Night Elf. Deren simply gave them what they each wanted most."
The distant chimes of the clock tower echoed. Jaina straightened her robes. "Time to prepare for Thrall's arrival. We just got rid of the Blue Dragon King a few days ago, and now this charade must continue."
The reception room of Theramore City Hall was decorated in a dignified yet warm manner, with a long table laden with fresh fruit and delicate snacks, but deliberately avoiding any spices that might irritate the orcs' sense of smell.
Jaina sat regally in the main seat, her blonde hair styled in a simple bun, and her pale blue robe perfectly concealing the changes she had undergone during her pregnancy.
When the guard announced Thrall's arrival, her face immediately displayed just the right amount of surprise and joy.
"Thrall!" Jaina rose to greet him, her voice filled with the joy of a long-awaited reunion, "I never expected you to come in person."
Thrall leaned forward slightly, performing a standard Horde salute. His gaze swept quickly over Jaina, as if searching for some clue.
"Jaina, I apologize for Garrosh's madness." His voice was low and sincere. "The Horde never intended to be enemies with Theramore."
Jaina gestured for him to sit down and poured him a glass of Mead herself. "Let bygones be bygones. Theramore has always longed for peace."
Her blue eyes were clear and undisguised. "To be honest, when we heard about the explosion in Orgrimmar, we reinforced the city's defenses, thinking it was some kind of new weapon. And Malygos, the Blue Dragon King, even came to me looking for some lost artifact."
God knows what he was thinking, saying the orcs told him the artifact was with me. Thrall, what's going on?
Thrall's fingers gently traced the rim of the glass. "Yes, the Blue Dragon contacted us. Unfortunately, I just got back and wasn't fully aware of the situation, so I just blurted out what you knew. I hope I didn't cause you any trouble? You don't know the cause of the explosion either?"
"The sailors at the port are saying it was a goblin experiment accident." Jaina shrugged, giving a helpless smile.
"You know how people talk; they can turn a simple boiler explosion into Dragon attack. When the Blue Dragon came, I invited him to visit my Mage Tower and asked for his opinion. He left without saying anything. I couldn't afford to offend a Aspect Dragons. What kind of artifact is he looking for?" Jaina asked curiously.
"I don't know either," Thrall said gravely. "But Orgrimmar's current state is all Garrosh's fault. I originally thought he was the son of my old friend Grom, and I always wanted to help him so that the Horde could return to his bloodline."
"I never expected him to cause so much trouble." After saying that, he picked up his wine glass and took a big gulp, as if he was filled with regret.
Jaina also took a small sip, then frowned slightly, but quickly suppressed it, saying calmly, "That's understandable. After all, he's the son of an old friend; you always want to give him the best. You don't need to feel too guilty. Young people need to be given opportunities to grow."
I've learned more and more from setbacks step by step. By the way, you're younger Garrosh, right? He probably doesn't understand this world very well and always tries to do things the way he did in Draenor.
Thrall looked up at Jaina in surprise. "You think so too?"
"Hmm!" Jaina nodded simply, her stomach churning again. The discomfort from the alcohol she had just drunk was starting to rise, so she didn't want to say anything more.
Thrall stared at her face for a long while before happily saying, "The Ancestor's Spirit tells me that this is truly what you feel. That's wonderful. I hope to bring Garrosh to Theramore next time so he can learn how to deal with the Alliance. He still has so much to learn."
Good grief, Thrall is going straight for Garrosh Hellscream and using his ultimate to test the waters.
"Great! Welcome to Theramore." Jaina raised her glass to Thrall again, indicating that she was as steady as a rock.
"Then let this friction between the Horde and Theramore pass, and let trade and the movement of people return to their previous levels?" Thrall asked tentatively.
Jaina took another small sip of her drink and said happily, "Of course. To be honest, I've been short-handed ever since Garrosh recalled the Horde. I'm more than happy to have them come back to work in Theramore."
"If the Horde comes here to trade, it's the same as always; I'll give my old friends tax breaks."
Thrall was taken aback, not expecting Jaina to be so agreeable, and said happily, "That's wonderful. Cheers to our friendship!"
"Cheers!" Jaina frowned and drank another glass. Thrall smiled with satisfaction. He could tell that Jaina still held no grudge against the Horde or Garrosh. She truly didn't know the inside story.
"Thrall, what have you been up to lately? You haven't replied to any of the emails I sent you," Jaina asked, puzzled. She couldn't just focus on defense; she needed to counterattack as well, otherwise her act wouldn't be convincing.
Thrall hesitated for a moment before saying, "The Ancestor's Spirit told me that my people Outland and need me to lead them out of their suffering."
He paused for a moment, then continued, "I managed to get through a secret Portal to Outland, find the surviving orc clans, and prepare to bring them back to Kalimdor. Don't worry, they are just pitiful orcs who simply want to find a place to settle down."
"I truly admire your concern for the fate of your people," Jaina immediately praised, as if she were an old friend. "The Horde is indeed full of unity and love."
While uttering flattering words, Jaina coldly wondered to herself: Would those Tauren and Troll who were tortured by Garrosh, confessed to treasonous accusations, and then hanged, rise from the dead and agree with this?
Third update. We've surpassed 700 monthly votes today, so there's an extra chapter. Please vote and subscribe!