Interlude: Negotiations (Patreon)

The Battle of Boralus had gone badly; worse than Malakk had even expected upon his arrival. 

The sudden intervention of Gnomish Submarines had cut off Krag'Jin's escape ensuring his capture, and ensured the Tirasi ships could harass them back North.
Now, only the Loa and Serpahine told him that Krag'Jin lived, along with several other captive vessels but it was a cold comfort. 

Thus, Malakk was meticulous in who he called on for aid, leaving several key advisors engrossed in their duties where they could not undermine his position. 

His orange gaze trailed across the royal resting room to those he had called. Gal'Darah, Beve and De'Jana; all looking subtly tense and alert as the doors began to open. 

"The War Priest is has answered you summons my liege." 

"Send them in," He intoned, watching as Hala'Zhi marched in, their bone tattooed face doing nothing to hide the subtle consideration in their manner. 

"My friend, what word do you bring?" Malakk asked, adopting an air of ease he did not feel as he eased back into his throne. 

Bowing, they answered, "Mine emperor, mine Warlord, my Loa sworn lord and master Zul'jin does bid me bring you fair news, Huay Drakkani. He speaks that he shall accept truce talks with his hated rivals at your request, but that it must be known, the scale grows weighty." 

Malakk nodded, "The scales shall be balanced, that I swear." He drew a knife and dragged it along his plan, "This I swear on my name, my title and my empire, the scales shall be balanced." 

As his blood began to fade and the wound healed, Hala'Zhi smiled and bowed, "I shall then commune with the Loa and share with them and he this happy news. By your leave." 

Malakk waved them off with a quiet thanks and returned to his advisors and he finally said. "Time to get some more use out of that captured elven diplomat I am thinking." 

Gal'Darah was the first to speak, "Are we so sure the elves can be of use in this matter? They have shown no interest in aiding the South against us." 

"Only officially," De'Jana added, "Privateers, rogue agents and let us not forget the Hinterlands battle ground. All these can be tied to the Quel'Dorei's policy and their people not acting as one." 

Beve nodded, "And regardless, we have their prince, and however cut off the Elves may be, they hold more sway than many might realize, especially with the Wildhammer. It is likely the best means by which we can ensure a smooth transition to peace time." 

Gal'Darah frowned, "Assuming they keep their word." 

Malakk nodded, tongue clicking in consideration, "We are between the blizzard and the ocean. If we let things continue as they are, we shall surely be worn down to a nub and lose many fine souls already captured. If they betray us... Well, then we shall have to resort to methods this one would dislike to stymie their march, but the blame at least would be on them." 

He turned to his advisors, "For now, let us see what the morning brings." 

___________________________________

When morning came to Katherine Proudmoore, it was a surprise. She had not expected to wake when the flames tore across her sword arm and fallen to the ground after all. 

But she had, awoken in her own bed, arm bandaged, with Tandred at her side, and her daughter comatose. They promised she would recover, even if her hair would remain bone white for the rest of her life, it as a small price to pay. 

Yet, as Katherine returned home from inspecting Boralus and reassuring the people, her first destination was Jaina's room. On the way of course, she was waylaid with politics. 

"Thermaplugg, thank you again for your services," She said with a short nod, as the Gnome fell in at her side, atop some machine to keep pace. 

"Not at all milady, the Council is always happy to aid its allies in times like this and we were hardly alone," He added as an afterthought. 

"Yes, I must commend the Young Waycrest girl for driving the Red Hand into the ground so swiftly." They began marching up the stairs, light gleaming in through the windows. 

Thermaplugg was quick to press on, "I have been requested to inform you that the council shall be happy to offer you aid in in the coming days to reinforce your territory." 

"That is most welcome," She said smoothly, "Though I confess I had heard there were troubles back home." 

The Gnome waved her off, "Some primitive, brutish creatures, seems they are everywhere these days, but they are of no threat. Especially after Stormwind managed to slip through some of their soldiers to stem the tide." 

"That is heartening to her," She shook her head with a sigh, "Rebuilding our fleet to its former strength will take time, so in this your aid is most welcome." 

"In that regard," Thermaplugg said conspiratorially, "We may have some new paths to chart." 

She wanted to press him but as her daughters or came into sight he respectfully left her side and she pushing open the door. Quietly asking the first healer she saw, "How does she fare?" 

The Priestess of the Light smiled, "She is strong milady-" 

"I know my daughter is strong, tell me how she fares."  Katherine marched forward and dropped down at Jaina's bed-side, Tandred sliding under her arm as she did so. 

Sucking in a breath the woman bowed and it was Lord Stormsong who spoke next, "She will recover, it may take another few days for the roiling energies within her to settle, but we shall sustain her through it ad she will wake." 

Katherine brushed strands of hair from Jaina's face, her daughter cheeks sunken and her brow furrowed, there was a tremor, a gasp of something before she faded again. 

"She will awaken," Katherine murmured, more like a prayer, or perhaps a command to the world that had taken more than enough from her already. She would not let it have Jaina, she hugged Tandred closer; come hellfire or high waters, she would not lose anyone else . 

___________________________________

The Altar of Zul in the Sothern Hinterlands was a place of holy pilgrimage and honor. It was also currently filled with the sounds of chaotic snapping abnd shouting, trolls of all tribes shouting in fury and offence and bickering atop the great stone ziggurat. 

"Silence," Zul'jin hissed, with such venom the air was laced with toxins. 

"B- But War Lord-" 

"We are winning!" 

"The Elves have-" 

He rested a hand on his tonfa-blades and the voice stilled, as he let his remaining eye glide across his expanded cadre of advisors and subjects. 

Finally, he spoke.

"Yes, we have done much harm to Lordaeron, the Wildhammer and the Elves, but they grow wiser and wiser to our tricks by the day." 

He held out a hand forestalling their protests. 

"The Horde carried themselves across the continent, an engine of war and momentum that we let ourselves be swept up in, and for what?" 

"Death!" He snapped, rising to his feet. 

"I will not be made a fool again, I will not lead my people to destruction because we have garnered a few footholds! We have reclaimed many relics, taken much land, and secure much wealth. Now is the time to secure our holdings, not race forward into the enemies maw." 

His advisors quieted, thankfully, but some still seemed bitter, The aging form of the Witherbark's chief spoke, "Can be trust the Elves of all things to keep their word?" 

Zul'jin snorted, "Not a bit, but they and theirs will hold to it so long as its convenient for them, and that shall grant us the time we need." 

He sent a significant glance over his shoulder where Daakara and Hex Lord Malacrass stood side by side an ornate crate. Carved from blessed jade to bear the face of the Holy Five, layered with runes and trinkets, it pulsed with power. 

A quiet dread suffused his follower, the Jintha'Alori looking especially stricken as he smiled. at them. 

"This treaty will be ash before long, but through it, we shall secure the final death of our enemy and the restoration of our empire."

He dragged his hand across his blade, his words wreathed with divine power, "This I so swear." 

___________________________________

Pride leads to peril and Malakk had certainly grown all to proud in recent days. 

Conflating good fortune with the status quo. 

Thinking that because his turncoats had proven so useful before they would again, even as the shock of one aligning with trolls wore off. 

Thinking that the Alliance would continue to fray and fracture in confusion and shock even as his army strained. 

Thinking that he could win this war, could force the Alliance the Alliance to fight on his terms only. 

He'd been wrong, and if he did not move quickly he and his entire empire would pay for it. 

Malakk's gaze locked onto the goblin of the Venture Company. Enshrined in a cushy chair in Malakk's study and adorned in a frankly overly perfumed suit of royal purples. 

"So, you believe you can do this this for me?" 

The goblin grinned widely, "Oh certainly, Frost King, certainly, the Dark Iron Empire are old trading partners of ours and will be ecstatic this." 

Malakk nodded slowly, "You will of course impress upon them, the nature of this deal I am offering." 

Grizzle nodded, "That won't be a problem, they'll be happy their name was used to get one over on Ironforge. Beyond that," He shrugged, "They'll wait for the right time to strike that suits them, but that seems fine with you." 

"It does," Malakk waved his hand lazily, "I merely want tome time to get my house in order. If the prospect of the Dark Iron aligning with me is enough to give Ironforge pause then I shall be satisfied wit this arrangement." 

He clicked his finger and two Legionaries brought in a great chest. Adorned in silver, gold and jewels pilfered from several fallen noble families or that were gifts Ironforge had given unto the royal family. 

"I offer the emperor this chest and all within it as a token of my esteem, and of course to you and your Venture Company..." Malakk passed the goblin a slip of paper, "A bequeath-ment of gold from the royal bank for your services." 

Grizzle's eyes widened gleefully, "Oh this is most generous your majesty, I'll get this delivered unto the emperor in short order, have no doubt about that." He offered Malakk his tiny, jewel encrusted hand, "And I hope this can be the beginning of a beautiful friendship between the Venture Company and the Drakkari." 

Malakk smiled back and shook, "In that we are of a mine, Vice President." 

_______________________________________________________

Katherine strode through the halls of her home with Muradin and Thermaplugg at her sides, her manner tight and brisk. 

"This idea rankles me, to think we would consider a truce," Her hands, coiled behind her back squeezed so tightly she felt bones nearly crack. 

"Aye milady, it disturbs me as well," Muradin muttered. 

Thermaplugg nodded but added, "It is galling, but we need t be pragmatic, Eastweld is near ready to suffer a housing and crop crisis, The invaders still hold many integral hostages and the Tandol Span, and-" 

"I am well aware our own people are strained, my own more than many," Katherine cut in. Her strides slowed a little as she passed Jaina and Tandred in the library. 

Taking in a breath she pressed on, "It will take months, if not years to get the fleet back into top fighting form; taking time to recover makes some sense. But all the same, letting the enemy marshal strength sits ill with me and even more for it being the Elves idea." 

Muradin nodded, "If the Wildhammer are to be believed, there's more to it than just the usual snobbery; something that could let s go on the march sooner, if we just take a little time now." 

Thermaplugg nodded, "We'll see if the elves are as goosd as their word, but at any rate, this lets us reclaim many integral captives." 

Katherine snorted, "Such as that troll you have locked in your submarine?" 

Thermaplugg smirked, "He's most uncomfortable I can assure you, milady, but he's too useful to execute." 

"More's the pity." 

_______________________________________________________

The quiet of his Malakk's Royal study was disrupted when Great Mother Arcikus's hand slammed against the table. 

She shot to her feet, shouting, "Huay Drakkani, I beg you to reconsider!" 

"Begging is beneath you, Great Mother," He answered gently, fingers steepled as he met her gaze. 

"Why your majesty, why would you entertain an alliance with the Dark Iron? They are no better than the Ironforge!" 

Malakk leaned into his throne, "It is an extended hand, not embracing them as a lover. More pointedly," He added sharply, "It gives us someone watching the Dwarves and Gnomes Southern flank, somehting for them to keep in mind if they march North." 

"They would have already needed to consider them," She countered. 

"True, but the prospect of a coordinated counter attack is worse I am thinking, as the Dark Iron are unusually isolated from news. Besides," he added with a carefully controlled shrug, "It also gives me something else to take off the table during negotiations with the Alliance withouyt costing me anything."

"They-" 

He held up a hand and she stopped. 

"Great Mother, it is what it is, it is done to protect the empire and secure us for the days, seasons and years ahead. Add your requests to this scroll for what you seek in this treaty and accept it." 

She looked ready to argue, every muscle in her body strained and tensed before she bit back her revolt and bowed, "As you say, Huay Drakkani." 

"Thank you, Great Mother," He added, failing to hired his tiredness, "And please hurry, deliberations begin soon and they will determine the fate of our empire. 

_______________________________________________________

Under other circumstances, Malakk might have been joyful at the chance to explore the lands of his cousins, to see the grand and glorious vistas of the Hinterlands, so akin to his home but so different. 

Yet all such excitement was subordinated truly to this moment, meeting Zul'jin, Warlord of the Amani Tribe, Emperor of the Neo Amani Empire. And more pointedly, the gravity of the meetings to come.

'Focus on the here and now, show no weakness,' he reminded himself, taking in Zul'jin.

The smaller, leaner troll managed to still cut an intimidating figure, like a snake, Malakk thought at the white-haired troll approach. Smooth and swift, every movement measured but at ease.

"Such a pleasure it is to not merely hear words but finally greet you in person, Huay of the Drakkari, Malakk," Zul'jin offered his hand.

Malakk clasped it firmly, "The honor is mine, Emperor of the Amani, I certainly hope what you have heard left a favorable impression."

Zul'jin chuckled sharply, "That depends on who one asks," His one remaining eye drifting to the distant walled city of Shadra'Alor of the Witherbark. "But of myself, I am most impressed and thankful to the Loa for your timing."

"I am assuredly grateful to yourself as well, Zul'jin, if not for your well-timed interventions, this was may still be dragging on and on."

They turned from the city towards the Valorwind Lake's Southern bank, staring off into the distance of green hills and distant, rising mountains.

Zul'jin's cloak fluttered in the wind, "It seemed the honorable thing to do, and though it pains me to draw my battles to a close so soon, I must commend your Speakers skill. Quite the silver tongue on that one."

"He is a fine one," Malakk concurred, clasping his hands behind his back and breathing I the rich, crisp air. "I know waiting must irk you to no end, but know that for your commitment to this, I shall be in your debt."

If Zul'jin was smirking it was hidden behind his cloak, but Malakk sensed the troll was pleased.

Zul'jin chuckled, "Do not lose sleep over it. For though it pains me to leave things as they are, the chance to compel the Elves into signing the first treaty with trolls in their long and sordid history is almost delicious enough to make it worthwhile. I think I shall have it framed in a museum."

Malakk snorted, "You think these shall work then?"

Zul'jin shrugged, "So long as we hold to our convictions and our chits, I see no reason it should not, you doubt it?"

Malakk clicked his tongue, "This land is still very new to me, and many things and people have surprised me since I have come here, so it pays to be wary."

"It does, it does," Zul'jin's tone was dusty and dry, truly radiating his age. "But still, they will think themselves as beneficiaries of this peace as we and it spares us all this war turning into zero sum game of conquest."

Malakk nodded, "Well said, I take it we are still meeting at your old staging point?"

"Hiri'watha, the Elves and Dwarves 'took' it, only to get bogged down in my counter ambush. We hemmed some of they and theirs in, giving me more leverage in negotiation a time and place. Besides, its on the borders of their and my war camps."

"Then I suppose we'd best go over our notes again."

"Ah the part of an emperors lives the romantic stories always leave out.

They both looked to one another and chuckled, "The bureaucracy."

_______________________________________________________

The air within the command tent was tense, or so thought High Thane Falstad Wildhammer.

At his side was Anasterian Sunstrider, dressed in resplendent robes and in possession of a far more grim manner than the Wildhammer had ever seen in the elf.

Across the map table, stood King Magni Bronzebeard and Stormwind's own Lady Prestor, representing in absentia her king.

"How much longer until the meeting place is secured?" Anesterian asked, "I wish to see this matter resolved swiftly."

"Oh aye," Ground out Magni, "but good help is hard to find these days."

The elves eyes narrowed, "More of my people have fought in this conflict than yours, Bronzebeard. Just look across the burn grasslands and across the high seas to see our contribution."

"Quel'Danil was barely a part of your nation, and privateers aren't the same as marching with the Alliance Army, which would have been far more helpful for us all. Though even just warning us-"

"The Trolls circumnavigated our coastlines," The elf snapped, "And recall well that I have no obligation to aid the Alliance, we left it behind."

"Yet here you are," Magni countered.

"They have my son!" Anesterian's fists slammed against the table, his composure near totally lost as mana crackled around his frame.

"Honorable leaders, please," Prestor intoned, "Though we may not all stand as one Alliance, are we not united here in one purpose?"

Falstad nodded, "Well said lass, and I would hasten to remind my cousin from the South that we Wildhammer only sent a handful of volunteers to Lordaeron's aid as well." He held up a hand forestalling any counter point, "And that whatever the case may be, we are all here now, and will be in the coming days and months as we seek to correct what has been made wrong."

Tat put a smile on Anesterian's face, "Indeed, with what is being made ready, these Drakkari and their Amani savages shall soon rue the day they thought to challenge the civilized races of the world."

Magni let out a low breath, "Indeed, but first we must secure the Proudmoore's and Kul'Tiras, they shall be integral."

On that, everyone who knew was in agreement, though Lady Prestor arched a curious eyebrow she did not protest being left out of the loop.

Falstad tapped the table, "In this, it is fortunate that Saiden still sought to take and keep prisoners, so we have more to trade."

Anesterian huffed, "The invaders are stretched thin, they should think themselves lucky to get anything at all save our mercy."

"A war to the last one standing would benefit not a one of us," Magni noted, waving towards the charred grasslands just outside the camp, "Not even the survivors."

Anesterian rolled his shoulders, returning to his quiet contemplation as the clock continued to tick over as their agents looked over the meeting sight.

Finally, there was a flash of arcane light and Arcanist Doan, Saiden's chosen representative materialized before them. His features were grim but professional as he bowed, "Great kings, High Thane and milady, the time is at hand and the meeting place made ready."

Falstad nodded, "Well then, let us get this over with then, no?"

_______________________________________________________

The already half ruined city of Hir'Watha had stood on a great raised platform of squared earth and shaped stones. Now, much of the outlying walls lay in ruins and the city heart had been gutted entirely, while the lesser buildings had faded long before the recent battles.

Thus, only the foundations remained, and so it was, that the leaders of great nations and empires gathered atop what had once been the city hall. Now laid bare save for a great circular table dividing them all and their retinues from each other.

On the 'Alliance' side were chairs, somewhat higher than one might expect; on the trolls' side, plush woven pillows, though still, the Drakkari of them loomed large over the ancient oak. Malakk made to speak but was surprised when it was the human among them who made the first motion.

"Before we begin, I must thank my noble allies and our worthy adversaries for allowing my presence in place of my liege," Lady Prestor began. "And I must commend all who gather here now, for their willingness t put aside past prejudice and recent pains, that we might put an end to this blood conflict."

Malakk smiled, "Very well said, Lady Prestor, on this I think we can all agree, and as with that in mind, I cede the floor to you and yours to make your opening terms."

It was Falstad who spoke next, chosen to speak for them all for these were his lands.

"We gather here with intent to ratify a final treaty between ourselves, the Wildhammer Nation, The Council of the Silver Hand, the Kingdom of Quel'Thalas and the Alliance with you, The Drakkari and Amani Empires. This treaty would see peace declared, borders acknowledged on all sides and captives from both sides returned to their kindred."

Zul'jin raised a single hand, "And thus, all participants are to be acknowledged as equals under this mutual, binding law, to which we all agree no? For their can be no fair agreements between disparate parties."

One could almost see Anesterian repress a violent, disgusted spasm at that, before answering tersely. "Of course, so long as we all concur to respect one another's borders and sovereignty over our own lands."

Malakk was grinning, it was a friendly one he thought, as he tapped the table, "In these matters we all concur, thus, our agreement thus far. Unto the Alliance, the Wildhammer and the Quel'Dorei, we the Drakkari shall withdraw from Kul'Tirasm return unto you its noble families and offer safe passage from Dalaran to your territories."

Zul'jin's huff was low, his one eye never leaving Anesterian, "And we Amani shall cease bombarding the Eastern Coast and withdraw our forces from the aforementioned territories in these lands and respect your claims to them forevermore. Generous of us I am thinking."

"Quite, almost suspiciously so some might say," Anesterian intoned, only realizing a moment later he had perhaps stumbled into a trap.

Malakk leaned back, more at ease, his smile fading. "While we certainly have captured more lands and hold more living prisoner than yourselves, there is something we wished to add to the agreement thus far."

Magni arche his brow, "Given how much was detailed in letters, I find it suspect you wish to change the terms so suddenly."

"Merely a precaution," Malakk offered gamely, "You see, many among your nations hold in their hands a great many things precious to us that we would see returned. Amani and Frostmane Relics, the dearly departed remains and their codex's."

Faltad nodded slowly, "The mummies from temples in our lands, battle trophies and the like, not something I imagine one would like to surrender, but hardly a heavy price."

Zul'jin tapped the table, "We are people with a great love for our kindred and our ancestors, and thus we hold all that was in high regard. So much so that we would surely know if something were say… Damaged in transit, or was mysteriously broken in the intervening weeks between now and their return to us."

Magni huffed, "And I imagine some people might then struggle to get back to us if we did not turn over every scrap in pristine condition?"

Zul'jin shrugged languidly.

Malakk's interceded with more gentle tones, "For this to work, we must all operate in good faith, but I am sure you can see why, given the circumstances, we might show concern for such things."

Lady Prestor was quick to speak, "In these matters, could not the Alliance request a return of their own captured artifacts?"

"If they are wrongly in our possession then assuredly," Malakk smiled, "Of course, as Royal Councilor Lianne had sworn the people of Tirisfal and all that lies within them to me, some claims would no longer be valid."

Arcanis Doan seethe, "And yet our military victories are not valid?"

Zul'jin's tone was like ice, "Your people never sought to sign treaties with us; show me where my ancestors surrendered to you and then we can talk about legitimate holdings."

Falstad raised his hand, "I think we are drifting off topic, and while we can assuredly draw up a list of items we might request back, especially from Tyr's Temple." Zul'jin flicked his braid as if preening, "We should for now focus on the methods the people, and the property shall be returned to where they belong."

"I concur," Malakk said airy, "In this matter, I would think our past discussions regarding a neutral security force, accompanying chosen representatives who can inspect and oversee these matters would still be acceptable?"

There was a brief pause as hands were raised, and Falstad nodded, "Very well, we shall summon the Trade Coalition representatives from our respective camps and then continue with he technicalities. But first, a point on neutral grounds in case we need confer in the future…"

The debates would carry on for hours, but as the day began drawing to a close, one could claim the war had truly ended… For now, at least.

_______________________________________________________

"Cheers," Intricately carved jade goblet tapped and were raised high into the air.

The sun had long since set and Mallak stood with Zul'jin atop the Altar of Zul as celebrations reigned down below, each with a glass of blessed wine in their hands.

"That went well, I am thinking," Malakk intoned.

"We worked well together," Zul'jin concurred, "I am doubtful they shall be all that even handed, but so long as your spies do their work, we can assure some evenhandedness to things."

"That shall be a fine last mission for those brave souls, still though, I am heartened by your support for this, whatever you may gain from it going forward."

Zul'jin shrugged, "It shall be well in the end, whatever you may hope this peace shall not last, but this gives me more time to put the final pieces onto something that needs a delicate touch."

Malakks ears twitched, "Oh, so intriguing~ Tell me more."

Zul'jin shook his head, "Not yet, I like to keep my surprises close to the chest after all, it is more exciting that way, no?"

Malakk snorted, "Very well, keep your secrets. On another matter, Krag'Jin and your Hala'zhi have brought some long not practiced festivals to my attention and it is my hope to see the Summer Solstice Solar Festivities returned to the lands I now rule."

"To see the golden feathers and silks dance again in lands long since lost would be a joy indeed…"

The matters of politics and war quieted for the time, the pair turned their attention to the all important business of living.