Joining

"Join me?" The ruler of Theramore blinked.

"Yes." Sylvanas nodded. "Simply maintaining cooperation or alliances isn't enough, Jaina. I want to be under your command. As you've seen, the High Elf aren't welcomed by the Alliance, and Theramore is excluded from the Alliance core. You maintain relations with other factions through diplomacy, but without strong backing, agreements can't be reached with just the word 'peace' or dry rhetoric; the other side will only push their luck on paper. I think I can help you alleviate some of the diplomatic pressure through military means. I assure you, I will use my abilities to help you enhance Theramore's military strength, even surpassing the Seventh Legion."

Sylvanas's words elicited a murmur of surprise, especially from Magni. As Dwarf, even if it was just to admire the Elf's beauty, he would still try to learn about the race. One thing that impressed Magni was that the Elf valued their dignity highly and wouldn't make empty promises. Sylvanas's promise didn't sound like it was made to provoke Varian, but genuine, especially now that she was saying it in front of all the Alliance leaders. Bronzebeard inwardly admired Sylvanas.

While everyone else was whispering amongst themselves, only Varian remained silent. The King's eyes were fixed on Sylvanas, hoping to find a flaw in the Female Elf.

"Jaina." Varian's voice was slightly lower, less forceful than before, but more warning. "Don't forget that her people have now joined the Horde."

"I haven't forgotten, Your King." Jaina deliberately positioned herself between Sylvanas and Varian. She had played this role many times before, between the Alliance and the Horde. "That's why the Alliance needs more allies."

Varian's gaze was piercing as he stared directly into Jaina's eyes. "You've heard it. She doesn't want to submit to the Alliance, but to Theramore. She sees Theramore as a city outside the Alliance. Do you agree with her?"

"That's not what she meant," Jaina retorted. "If what you're saying is true, does it mean that if I refuse this request that benefits Theramore and the Alliance, I'm no longer a member of the Alliance?" Her eyes swept over the others present, not only questioning Varian but also all the leaders. This tactic was undeniably effective; even Magni, a staunch supporter of Stormwind City, didn't dare utter a word in Varian's defense. The Dwarf kingdom knew that remaining silent at this point was tantamount to supporting Jaina's position.

A deathly silence fell. The Ghost Wolf's fury burned in Varian's eyes, like embers after a raging fire, banishing the shadows of the night.

"Regarding the issue of allies..." High Priestess Tyrande stepped in to ease the tension, feeling that if she didn't do something soon, someone would suffocate from holding their breath. Sure enough, Jaina and Magni gave her grateful looks.

"We could consider trying to recruit the alien species that have appeared on Mielan Island into the Alliance, but their origins are currently unknown, and communicating with them will take some time." Tyrande paused, then continued, "If the Horde suddenly attacks during this time, we'll likely have a hard time dealing with it. In the name of the Night Elf, I believe it's necessary to bring in Sylvanas's High Elf."

Varian was taking long, deep breaths, trying to control his emotions and calm himself down. In Sylvanas's eyes, this human truly deserved the title "Ghost Wolf," but he was now like a trapped beast.

Jaina continued to try to ease the tension between humans and Elf. However, it was Magni who suddenly spoke.

"Varian, the Alliance cannot afford to fight amongst ourselves right now," Magni said to Varian, his large hands covering his face in a low voice that could be heard by everyone in the room.

Ghost Wolf looked down at his old friend; only Magni could offer him a way out at this moment. He could make concessions, but not to allow Sylvanas to remain on the Alliance territory; rather, he didn't want to see any rifts emerge within the Alliance.

Jaina wanted to emphasize this point as well, but before she could speak, Varian said, "The Alliance is always above all else. Jaina, if you're going to accept these Elf, then I won't say anything more. I just want to remind you of one thing: don't forget how Quel'Thalas betrayed the Alliance."

"Quel'Thalas is an independent and sovereign nation." Sylvanas's eyes flashed with anger. Despite her deep disappointment in her kingdom, she would not tolerate such disrespect from outsiders. "The High Elf withdrew from the Alliance during peacetime, not during war, and we had our reasons. You know that. When the Horde approached Lordaeron, we fulfilled our oath to the Arathor Empire, and when the Dark Portal reopened, we stood up again. When the Alliance Expedition crossed the Dark Portal, it was my sister who held the line, ensuring the Alliance Expedition had no worries about its rear. What right do you have to slander us?"

"And where is your Prince? Where is Kael'thas?" The young King trembled with rage. He lowered his gaze, his eyes rolling with hatred as he stared at Sylvanas. "Where is your Prince now? He has actually colluded with the Naga in pursuit of magical energy, bowing down to a demon. What kind of people does he have with such a leader?"

"His people did not choose to eke out a living under the oppression of some Alliance officer," Sylvanas stated bluntly. "Which of you was ever asked to build watchtowers? Which of you was ever ordered to lead a small force against an Undead army?" The Female Elf glared at Varian. Surprisingly, a flicker of emotion crossed the Ghost Wolf's eyes, but it vanished quickly. "Is it only through our complete slaughter that we can prove our loyalty to the Alliance, Varian King Wrynn?"

Everyone stared in astonishment at the emotionally distraught Sylvanas. Only during important ceremonies was it permissible to address someone by their full name; otherwise, it was considered highly disrespectful. And the person whose name Sylvanas was referring to happened to be known for her volatile temper.

"Enough!" Jaina shouted. The meeting was far worse than she had imagined, utterly terrible. "I accept Lady Sylvanas's request."

She made her decision, but Varian had already turned his back to her. "I'm sorry, Jaina, and to all my comrades in the Alliance. See you later..."

Without waiting for anyone's reply, Varian strode back the way he came, followed by his entourage.

Jaina glanced at Tervosh and gestured for the mage advisor to hurry after King Varian.

"I must say..." Magni looked up at Sylvanas, his drunkenness having subsided considerably, and his gaze towards the Female Elf held a newfound reverence. "Few can rival Varian in imposing presence. You are remarkable, young lady. Congratulations on becoming a member of Theramore, but I still have one more question on Varian's behalf: in what capacity are you here?"

"Quel'dorei," the Female Elf replied immediately, offering an explanation. "I will never forget the glory of Quel'Thalas. My people and I are still High Elf, and... I will correct the Sin'dorei's mistakes. Varian's doubts are valid; even I question Prince Kael'thas's decision to follow the demons. I have a feeling that Illidan ..." Tyrande frowned as Sylvanas mentioned the name, "...might have a negative impact on the Prince."