Eyes

A banquet was only held once negotiations had produced some results. Even those ignorant of diplomacy understood that principle, yet the host of this banquet seemed not to.

At the middle of a long table, Nathanos was using a knife and fork to cut into a tender roasted lamb chop. Everyone sharing the dinner with him was a member of the Alliance. Jaina and Sylvanas sat closest to him, one on either side.

The Alliance delegation had only arrived in Lordaeron that afternoon, while Varian had decided to send them out the previous night. Returning to Lordaeron after so many years left Jaina overwhelmed with mixed emotions. Many places in this kingdom still bore traces of the past, such as the embassy where she now sat.

The embassy contained many yellowed portraits and maps. Frames covered the walls, recording Lordaeron's glorious past. The most striking was a portrait of King Terenas. Jaina had to admit that while Arthas had brought ruin upon this kingdom, his father had been a great and beloved king.

But Nathanos could not have ordered that painting hung there. Perhaps it had been the Crusaders' work. Whatever the reason, Jaina was glad Nathanos had received them here. She had heard that the Horde's embassy had been erected only temporarily.

Still, the current scene was truly the most awkward one she had ever witnessed, without exception. It could be said that Nathanos alone had settled into the atmosphere of the dinner. He kept sampling the food without saying a word.

Jaina wanted badly to break the silence, even if it was only with a polite greeting. But she thought Sylvanas was the most suitable person to do so. Yet the Female Elf had been observing Nathanos all along, with no less focus than when she drew her