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Orgrimmar was sweltering, the sun burning down on the crowds gathering all throughout the city. Laudna didn't mind it, her body not really processing the temperature and all of her focus instead set on the Warchief coming out from Grommash Hold.
There was a little platform set up for her, though Laudna knew Sylvanas would be heard across the land even if she didn't stand above those in the Valley of Strength. While the Dark Lady was her savior, Laudna did not perceive her as a deity, as some other forsaken did, however, she did feel a surge of pride and awe every time she looked upon her now that the Banshee Queen also wore the title of Warchief.
"I know there are questions that you all wish the answers for." A low rumble of agreement, multiple voices in multiple languages overlapping, rolled through the crowd. "And you shall have any I can give. I am sure you've heard whispers of Alliance spies making their way past the walls of our city. This is true, however, we were following them just the same."
"We sent spies as well?" The voice was nearly untraceable in the crush of bodies around them, but then Laudna caught sight of an orc standing on a stone towards the corner, hands cupped around his mouth to make it that much louder.
"Yes." The twitch of Sylvanas's brow told her that she was irritated at the question, most likely having been ready to explain further, but no other motion betrayed her emotions. "After the first Alliance spy was spotted by my dark rangers, I sent a group of rogues to Stormwind to see what they could find. In the end, we all threw false information at one another and another war was nearly started. I stand by my fervor for battle, even if the troops headed to Dark Shore were pulled back after a missive from the little King was sent my way."
Now that got everyone's attention. Laudna shifted anxiously at the mention of Anduin, always uncomfortable at any talk of humans, She knew this new king was kinder but after the vitriol thrown at the forsaken from all sides, and her own abusers having always been human, it just left her uneasy towards them all.
One hand shot up to silence the crowd, a whistle coming from Saurfang helping to completely stop the chatter. Many trusted the High Overlord more than Sylvanas, a fact that always sparked a bit of ire within her and she knew the sentiment was shared when captain Areiel's eyes narrowed slightly from where she stood just off to the side of the platform.
The other dark rangers must be working security, or still spying on the Alliance, as no others besides Nathanos were visible.
"I was prepared to fight, ready to storm the shores and take the tree to be sure none within the Alliance could use this new weapon against us." Laudna knew she meant the rumors of azurite, of what it could do and how the knowledge of a great amount of it hidden near Darnassus was found by chance. No one knew if that were true but the chance of it being real was a reason that made the jump to another war make sense. "However, Anduin Wrynn heard of the planned attack and sent a request for peace. At first, I thought it a lie, a way to turn my gaze away from the true danger. Then I saw the signature of Jaina Proudmoore next to his own."
Oh, another human, prompting the same shiver down Laudna's spine. She knew the rumors of Proudmoore, of the purge of Dalaran and the volatility of her magic, a storm at sea. Though she also knew of Theramore, of the hope for a peaceful future that was blown away by a mana bomb that seemed to change her. That made sense to Laudna, the lingering whisper of scars would always alter the mind.
"I know many of you do not trust Proudmoore, plenty of you hold a deep hatred for all of the Alliance, but I can also see the harsh reality of what another war this soon after the fight against the Legion. I will not allow the Horde to fester with the very real possibility of famine and plague, I will not allow the people I now lead and protect to die for a war that could be circumvented before it even begins." Sylvanas was stiff, obviously having practiced these words but still not comfortable with speaking them aloud. "War is easy, the bloodshed is comfortable, and peace will be difficult, a battle that none of us know how to face, however, I also see the prudence in grasping for it. To this end, I have agreed to meetings with the leaders of the Alliance with the caveat of convening on neutral grounds. We will be meeting in Pandaria, while I am gone a council will be formed to hear your concerns and to help with any issues that may arise. I will be taking many leaders with me but I also extend the invitation to any who wish to hear these talks and who are open to the possibility of political marriages."
Laudna bit her lip at that, unsure of what to think. A part of her wanted to leave the crowd, to go back to her little cabin hidden away in the forests in Lordaeron, not far from the entrance to the Undercity. However, another voice in her head nudged her to volunteer, to see where this could lead, to see what would come of it all.
"We would be forced to marry into the Alliance?" An outraged voice called out, quickly followed by a volley of others, but they quieted when Sylvanas called out.
"ENOUGH!" The duel tone echoed across the valley, leaving everyone with a light ringing in their ears. That volume was just on the edge of a banshee scream and a dark curl of satisfaction burned to life at the fearful and contrite expressions on some around her. "No one would ever be forced into anything. If you volunteer, it is all your choice. It will be your choice to come along, your choice to agree to a marriage, and your choice if this marriage will be one of simple political standing or something more. However, if you do choose this, you will be married to one from the Alliance, as political ties are a very real possibility in making a solid bridge for peace. It is not set in stone just yet but should it happen, I would request any volunteers who are alright with such a thing."
"We are not asking this of only you." Baine Bloodhoof spoke up from where he'd been silently standing behind Sylvanas. Another twitch of her muscles, more annoyance, but the Dark Lady knew not to stop a voice coming to strengthen her words. "All leaders who are attending these meetings are also agreeing to this. Anyone already married will instead be linked in another way, through adoption of children or allowing a secondary council to lead alongside them to start the slow meshing of worlds. This is all new, none of us have the answers just yet, but we must all work towards a lasting peace to ensure the survival of the Horde."
"Will we still be the Horde?" This voice was smaller, more terrified than angry. Sylvanas's shoulders seemed to relax just a bit as she looked at the young troll that asked.
"Of course. The Horde is our home, it has become family to most of you and as such, it will not disappear. However, to allow Alliance members into Horde cities, and vice versa, would allow for those who wish to trade more easily or even those who simply feel they fall within the wrong faction to be at peace with where they reside. As your Warchief, I must do all I can to protect the Horde and if that means shaking hands with the little King and breaking the long tradition of war, then so be it." Sylvanas was volunteering herself for a political marriage, it was obvious now, and something in Laudna clicked into place. If the Dark Lady would do anything to protect the Horde, then she would do so as well. The forsaken were her people, the dark rangers her friends, and the warmth of Orgrimmar was slowly becoming a comfort that she sought out more and more.
If marrying someone from the Alliance could protect these people, these places, and if it would make the Banshee Queen proud, then Laudna would volunteer.
It was a terrifying idea, but it also felt like something she could choose for herself, a fate she could grasp within her own hands.
"Those who wish to come with us, speak with Saurfang, Baine, Areiel, or Thalyssra. We will leave in two days, prepare what you need for two weeks in Pandaria."
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Pandaria wasn't as hot as Durotar but the sun still warmed Laudna's skin as she stepped out of the building their portal had brought them to. She thought they'd be traveling by ship, or airship, but apparently these meetings were important so both sides had brought in large groups of mages to manage transport.
A hand settled on her shoulder, Ashton's smile crooked, metal bottom jaw freshly cleaned, as they tried to put her at ease. They'd decided to join her, though she'd flat out told him no when they'd suggested volunteering as well. It wasn't like Laudna could stop them, a fact that Ashton pointed out with no small amount of smug glee, and he also reminded her that if no good matches were available, or if things turned bad, they could always opt out of the marriage, or they could find a different partner.
Truthfully the marriage contracts weren't even fully set in stone yet but the Warchief, and all the other Horde leaders, were adamant that they would never allow the Alliance to push for mandatory marriages with partners who were predetermined.
There would be choice, Sylvanas would make sure of it.
"You good, Banshee?"
"I'll never understand why you call me that, or why the actual banshee's we know encourage it, but yes, I'm fine." She took an unnecessary breath, smoothing her hands down the front of her dress as she ignored Ashton's chuckle. "I'm not as uneasy as I thought I'd be with all of the unknown surrounding this meeting."
"Well, it was basically hammered into our heads that we won't be forced into nothin'." Ashton shrugged, the edge of bone that poked out from his shoulder a sharp white contrast to the black and purple vest top she'd fussed at them to wear. "I just wanna know why everyone came at the same time. It's not like we'll have any information for like, a day or two."
"That's true enough."
Before he could say anything else, Anya's arm was hooked around her own and they were being escorted back inside. The dark ranger was one that she knew well, mischievous and sweet and the first to drag her into the ranger barracks to make friends when she noticed Laudna was isolating herself. It had been Anya who knocked sense into her about not needing to stay away from the other Forsaken.
"The Dark Lady has requested all Horde keep close together." Anya shrugged as she spoke, tugging Laudna towards a room where a few food stalls seemed to be quickly put together. "I believe she's a bit more worried about safety since the talks are just starting, though, so we should be free after a day or two. Hopefully. If not this is going to be terribly boring."
Ashton snorted at the exaggerated pout on Anya's face and the sight pulled a light giggle out of Laudna as well.
"Are you signing up to get hitched too, Anya?"
"Oh, Ashton, come now, how could I ever deny those Alliance hopefuls a chance at romancing me?" Her grin was sharp, predatory, but Laudna could see the nerves behind it. Only a few Dark Rangers had agreed to political marriages, most of them were in a polyamorous relationship that Sylvanas had spoken about to the other leaders when they questioned why so few of her rangers volunteered.
"What about..." Laudna stopped herself from fully asking when Anya tilted her head, a knowing turn to her smile. She'd always wondered why Anya wasn't with the other rangers, the group that were dating tended to bring Anya into the fold quite often. However, with the way her eyes dimmed, even with curiosity written in the angle of her ears, told Laudna it wasn't a happy thing to poke into. "Never mind, it's not important. Do you have any idea of whom you may go after?"
"We don't know who is even here yet, Banshee." Ashton snorted, throwing an arm over her shoulders. She grunted, happy nothing popped out of place from the force.
"It will all be clear soon." Anya patted her forearm before she disentangled herself from her side. "I have to go meet up with the Captain and do some patrols. Even in peace, I am ever watchful." She gave a silly bow, nearly toppling forward when Clea, another ranger, popped out of the shadows and hip checked her.
"A meeting with the captain that you are late for." Clea snickered at Anya's indignant squeal, just holding the lightest touch of a banshee's wail. It left Laudna's ears ringing, even as she giggled at their antics.
"We've only just arrived, my dear ranging partner, how can I be late?"
"Rangers were supposed to come through the portal thirty minutes before the masses, alongside the leaders." At that, Anya's ears fell and she groaned. "Don't worry, I won't tell the Dark Lady you didn't pay attention to the orders we received last night."
Clea sent Laudna a little wink, and a little kiss towards Ashton, before she skipped off with Anya on her heels.
"Always in and out like hurricanes." Ashton shook their head, turning Laudna back towards where the Horde civilians were grouping up. A few Alliance members seemed to be lingering near doorways, no doubt peeking in just as some Horde would be investigating them as well. However, any aggression she feared was absent, only curious eyes and the tiniest little waves toward anyone who dared to openly look their way.
"That is their way." Laudna smiled, pulling Ashton over to a table that had a strange enough assortment of treats and drinks, she knew it had to be for the forsaken. "Come along, we can eat and watch as things progress."
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"This was a horrible idea." Imogen's ears were pressed tightly against her head as she looked at herself in the mirror. It was day six of negotiations and while things have been quiet so far, decisions had been made the night before that now meant every citizen that volunteered to come along was scrambling about to try to meet someone they liked enough to marry within the next week.
They didn't have to choose while in Pandaria, of course. There would be months before the marriages would actually happen, more negotiations and deals and such to be made before anything was set in stone, however, everyone there knew that this was the only place to safely ensure they would meet someone with the same open-mindedness towards this peace.
Imogen had been the first to agree to volunteer. She'd never had much care for looking for romance with everything that had happened to her, but when Jaina had told her about the missive sent to the Banshee Queen, and how the Warchief had agreed to meet, she'd rambled on and on about possibilities.
Jaina had saved Imogen's life when Tyrande sent her the mage's way after her near fall into the Emerald Nightmare. The loss of her mother after just finding her again, the pain of the scars she'd been left with from nearly being forced into the corruption, all of it had left Tyrande stuck with how to help her since she refused to return to Darnassus.
So instead, she'd been sent to Dalaran.
It wasn't easy, or steady, but it was better than living in the place that just constantly reminded her of Liliana and the dream.
"It is not." Fearne patted her shoulder and then went back to braiding Imogen's hair, her own already finished and filled dotted with flowers. "Everything will be fine, no need to freak out now that it's set in stone."
Amusement was heavy in Fearne's voice and Imogen felt herself relaxing even as she was being teased. The only other night elf she was fully comfortable around, her fellow druid had come to live in Dalaran not long after Imogen had moved. Though she didn't stay all the time, too much of a free spirit to ever reside in one spot, she was always a steady presence in Imogen's life.
"You're so good at pep talks, Fearne."
"I know."
"Are you two ready?" Orym peeked his head into the room, looking much less nervous than Imogen felt. Behind him stood Chetney, the old worgen brushing his claws through his fur that stuck out from the vest Fearne picked out for him.
"Just about! Did you spot any cute prospects out there?" Imogen perked up at the question, feeling a grin spread across her face at the pink that tinted the gnome's ears. "Oh! You did! You did!"
"He did." Chetney's voice was rougher in his wolf form, towering over Orym as he nudged him forward. "Couldn't stop staring at this handsome troll that was plucking at a lute in the middle of a big group of Horde. I don't blame him, but I was too distracted checkin' out all the possibilities."
"Is it a big group or are we pretty even?"
"Don't worry too much, 'Gen, there's plenty of fish in the sea." She snorted at the reply and then broke into full laughter when Orym smacked Chetney's side.
"It seems pretty even, honestly. I think maybe the King and the Warchief traded numbers to know how many volunteers there would be." He shrugged and then started pushing Chetney back out into the hall. "We'll head back in there, just take your time and relax, it'll be fine. Tonight is just a big awkward party where everyone is a little tense and scared, but no one seems hostile or angry. We all knew what we signed up for when we came here, remember that, Imogen. No more fighting, no more war."
"No more war." She mumbled it to herself, rubbing her hands together and fidgeting with her gloves. "No more war."
"Exactly, and now," Fearne brushed her fingers over the finished braids, slipping one white flower into the dark purple strands, "You can find a home you really do feel comfortable in."
"What? I mean I-"
"I know Dalaran isn't your first choice of a home, you hate Stormwind, and Darnassus is beyond uncomfortable for you to revisit." Fearne cut her off as she ticked off the city names. "It's alright, I never want to settle down fully so I kind of get it, but maybe you just need a new place to go to. Orgrimmar or the Undercity or even Silvermoon, or maybe just a random farm out in Kalimdor, no matter where you go, this is a chance to find a place you really can call home."
"You're listenin' to Orym too much." Imogen giggled as she rubbed at her eyes, ignoring the way Fearne proudly puffed up. "Alright, I hear you all. I mean, I was the first to sign up for this so I am fine with it, truly, I jus' think it never fully hit me till now what it all entails."
"Are you okay? Really?" The other druid held her eyes, almost as if trying to see into her soul. Imogen just nodded, a little hesitant, and then Fearne brightened. "Well then! Come on out when you're ready, I'm going to join the party!"
The idea of a few minutes alone soothed the rest of Imogen's anxiety as she shooed Fearne out of the room, rolling her eyes when she blew her a kiss when she closed the door behind her.
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Laudna was going to kill Ashton.
They'd promised to stay next to her the whole night, swore up and down that they'd never leave her alone in a sea of people she didn't know, and yet the moment a pretty night elf flirted with him, he'd pleaded with her to go off on their own to chat in the corner.
Technically, they'd asked and truthfully, they were within eye line. All was well, it was totally fine and she'd told him it was fine to go off on his own.
Still, a little blight in his food for a few days wouldn't hurt.
No, that was cruel and she'd never use her infectious touch to hurt one of her own, but still, she wanted to shake him almost as much as she wanted to kick her own ass for happily telling them she'd be absolutely fine alone.
Sighing, Laudna sipped at a Nightborne sweet wine, a little sad that it didn't taste like much on her tongue. The sweetness was there, but other than that, all it did was warm her belly just a bit.
Looking around the room once more, Laudna couldn't help but smile at the sight of Sylvanas sitting on the upper floor. All of their leaders were chatting up on a balcony the floor above, most likely only sticking around long enough to be sure things are starting out well before they go back to even more negotiations. The Warchief looked bored, but relaxed, and the way her ears kept twitching in Jaina Proudmoore's direction showed that she was more attuned to the mage than anyone else.
That was something that bit at her, knowing the Banshee Queen would be wed to a human, but truthfully, no other could ever stand by her side on equal ground.
If she had to get used to one human in the Undercity, then she'd work it out if it meant Sylvanas was happy and able to hold this peace together.
Though finding a marriage partner may be even harder than anticipated. There were quite a few forsaken sticking to the edges of the room, but also plenty who were speaking to possible partners and making friends. Laudna knew she was dangerous, knew the aura she gave off thanks to the experiments done on her before she was freed by Sylvanas, but she hadn't taken that into account when thinking of finding someone to settle down with.
The forsaken didn't fear her, didn't mind her, and the rangers flirted with her incessantly at times, it truthfully fully crossed her mind that the living may not find her so easily attractive.
Well. Their loss.
With that in mind she straightened her spine, leaned against the pillar behind her in a way that she hoped was relaxed, and just kept watching all of the little interactions going on around her.
Then nearly choked on her wine ten seconds later when another night elf came into the room from one of the side halls. Perhaps she had been too hasty with her mental scolding of Ashton for wanting to run off with a pretty elf himself.
Should she go talk to her? Flag her down? No, that might be too hasty, that might-
Oh, well, the choice was made when Ashton and the elf with him, Fearne, both waved to the new woman and then Ashton enthusiastically pointed at Laudna. When she fidgeted at that, no longer looking entirely composed, Fearne just seemed gleeful as she nodded in agreement to whatever Ashton had said.
Laudna watched as soft pinkish purple ears flicked up then down and then sat askew as the elf looked her way. She tried not to stare, tried not to be obvious that she'd seen this entire interaction, but also knew that she failed immediately when an amused smile pulled at her lips, just enough to show a tiny flash of those sharp night elf fangs. Her own ears didn't move like theirs but they were adorned with gold jewelry that made it look as if she were an elf and Laudna was pleased she wore them that night as the other woman's eyes seemed to light up curiously at the sight of them.
She really only wore them due to damage to the cartilage that would never go back to looking the way her ears used to when alive. It was made worse through the experimentation, some toxins that melted scars into parts of her body, but the choice to make her ears look longer was a choice to make her look a little less like she used to be human, and to also model after Sylvanas and the Dark Rangers.
Swallowing down any nerves, Laudna waved a hand to the open space next to her and knew if her heart still beat, it would jump out of her chest when the other woman blushed as she headed her way immediately. A little flush looked so fetching against her skin and it only darkened further as she came closer to Laudna's side, fidgeting with some leather gloves she wore.
"Hello." She had to look up at her, something Laudna was used to when it came to elves, but it still did something funny to her guts to realize just how much this elf towered over her. "My name's Laudna."
Her common sounded wrong coming out of her mouth, a part of her wanting to dip into gutterspeak or thalassian but she fought through it, even as her voice rasped harshly as she spoke the words.
"Hello." The greeting was reflected, sounding just as awkward coming from her. "Ah, my name is Imogen, good to meet you, Laudna." She was so stiff, looked as if she felt so out of place, that all Laudna wanted to do was put her at ease.Her back was straight, hands now held behind her, as if ready to salute her at any moment. It put a strange little ache into Laudna's chest.
"I promise I won't bite unless you request it." Laudna chuckled when Imogen flushed, ears twitching askew as she shifted on her feet. It worked, though, her shoulders relaxed and he shifted to lean her hip against the nearby table. "I understand the nerves, though. All of this is so unprecedented and, well, I'm not sure any Alliance have spent extended time with the forsaken outside of a fight."
"I'm not, I mean I don't-" Imogen flustered, eyes widening as her hands shot forward, as if to plead her innocence. "I ain't afraid of the forsaken, and I never really was in any of the groups that fought any of 'em, any of you, I mean, it's, I'm just, it's a lot."
She lost steam pretty quickly and Laudna felt a little guilty for the way she spoke about it. Truthfully she hadn't meant anything bad, she wanted to put her at ease but that had backfired.
"No, no, it's quite alright, I didn't mean that you'd fought any of us." Smiling, Laudna hesitated before reaching out to pat Imogen's shoulder. It was a light touch, almost fearful that she could have done something to hurt her or be hurt in return, but the night elf just sighed. "You're simply the first to approach me so openly and I understand the nerves from all angles. I'd not really ever considered marriage and a political marriage never even crossed my mind. I see the hope that will come from these unions, and I'm quite happy I volunteered but would you like to know a secret?"
Imogen tilted her head, curious as she nodded slowly. She was hanging on Laudna's every word now, arms loose at her sides and hands twisting together. It wasn't a motion that seemed entirely calm but it was progress from the stance she'd started in.
"I'm terrified myself. Forsaken can fairly easily hide emotions but if I didn't have Ashton nearby," She nodded to the side where they were standing with Fearne. "I'd be scrunched into a corner and not looking anyone in the eyes. I've gotten braver over the last few years but this is all quite overwhelming." When the elf tensed once more, Laudna carefully set a hand on her arm, tilting her head to give her a slightly too wide grin. "You're alright, I do not feel overwhelmed by you, the opposite is true. You are a very welcome surprise and I'd like to speak with you more, if you'd also be alright with that."
"Oh." Imogen seemed shocked and then her anxiety seemed to melt away, a shy smile lighting up her face. The way her eyes glowed, seeming to brighten with her emotions, left Laudna's head spinning. If she still breathed, the sight would have stolen the air from her lungs. "I-I'd like that too."
Laudna felt like she'd just won an award.
"Honored guests." Anduin's voice caught her attention then and Laudna tensed a bit, having to take a moment to force herself to relax. Imogen looked worried at her, flickering her gaze from Laudna to the King. "We must return to our negotiations. Our marriages will be set in stone by tonight, but none of you must choose so quickly. This next week in Pandaria will be a wonderful chance to meet with one another and make connections so that you will be prepared to make your choices in three months' time."
Sylvanas stood to stand next to him, giving a slight nod as she commanded everyone's attention instead.
"The doors will be opened for you all so you may wander, break off in groups, do whatever is most comfortable. We have guards from both Horde and Alliance stationed in spots across the pavilion, so do not fret over your safety." With that, she gave a slightly stiff bow and then turned to leave. Laudna caught the way Jaina hesitantly took her arm when the Warchief offered it, and then the subsequent way both women relaxed as they walked off. Interesting.
The murmurs of conversation grew in volume with all of the leaders gone now, people growing a bit rowdier and more playful. It was nice to see but Laudna also noticed how Imogen winced, her ears pinning back at the sudden spike in sound.
"Would you like to take a walk with me?" Laudna leaned in to ask quietly, brightening when Imogen nodded immediately. The elf hesitated a moment and then copied what Sylvanas had done, offering her arm with her head bowed ever so slightly. An open offer for more touch thrilled her, Laudna immediately taking Imogen's arm and then feeling a bit bashful at the way the druid seemed to swell with pride at having her there.
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As it turned out, Imogen knew her way around much more than Laudna. While she'd offered the walk, it was more like Laudna was following Imogen's lead, hanging on her every word as she pointed out pieces of art or types of flowers that didn't grow back where she lived.
It was so endearing, the way she rambled on about things now that they'd both relaxed and grown more comfortable. Every moment, Laudna felt herself falling more for this elf.
They'd just met, it was an insane thing to consider love blooming from a political marriage set up this way. They were enemies their entire lives, even if they'd never fought in any wars against one another. Horde and Alliance just didn't mix.
Until now.
Now they could be free to meet whomever they pleased, to be wherever they pleased, and Laudna was finding she really did wish to marry a pretty night elf who had flowers bloom beneath her feet when she grew too excited about something.
"I'm sorry I keep talkin' your ear off." There was a flush to Imogen's cheeks but Laudna couldn't tell if it was from embarrassment or from the excitement of her ramblings.
"Never apologize for speaking on what you enjoy." She reached out, tracing a knuckle along the slope of Imogen's jaw. It took everything in her not to slip her fingers along the length of her ears when they twitched, shooting up in what Laudna knew was a happy reaction. Before her eyes they relaxed down once more, laying in blissful ease as Imogen turned into Laudna's touch. "Your interests are so bright, though, I'm unsure of what you would think of my own."
"You won't scare me off with some spooky hobbies."
"Don't let certain forsaken hear you say that, else you'll be dragged into the labs to be shown how abominations are crafted." Laudna gave a little chuckle when Imogen scrunched her nose up. "I don't do that but I do, hm, summon my own creatures I suppose. I'm a warlock, though not one tied so deeply to the demons themselves. I'm more the kind to afflict infections upon others should I need to fight. Still, I can summon a demon to be by my side at a time and I tend to keep a very special imp with me."
"Yea? Why's he special?" Imogen's entire being had turned in towards Laudna, giving her every bit of her attention. "Can you not have him here with you?"
"Ah, no, they requested that warlocks not summon any demonic familiars and hunters not bring any large pets along with them for these meetings. Mostly for space, I assume, but also to lower any chance for accidental aggression."
"Makes sense."
"Mm, I'll introduce you some other time. His name is Pate and he's quite special as he's not quite... fully demonic anymore, I suppose. When I first summoned him, I was quite weak and fearful and he was this tiny thing, seemed like an imp that wouldn't survive for long. I felt so bad for him." There was concern in Imogen's gaze. She was worried for an imp she'd never met, just because he was a part of Laudna's life. Val'kyr above, she wanted to kiss this damn elf. "Anyway, I brought him to one of our apothecaries and they took him to another, one who does work on abominations and the like, and they both... remade him. He is still an imp but he look distinctly forsaken, much more like a creature we would have made and not a demon."
"You saved him." There was a warmth to Imogen's voice that left Laudna feeling a bit shy.
"I suppose I did. He's much healthier now, he won't die easily like other imps, and he doesn't ever truly go away. When he doesn't come with me somewhere, he just stays at home in my cabin, his summon no longer ends." The little imp had become a part of her family, always by her side or curled up in the fireplace, and it did something funny to her silent heart to see Imogen so interested in him.
"I'd like to meet him." It was said so quietly, Laudna almost missed it, but she didn't. Imogen wanted to see her more, wanted to meet outside of Pandaria.
"When we've headed home from these talks, we could exchange letters, to keep up and plan some other visits? I'd love to show you my cabin." She tried to play it cool, to act relaxed, but Laudna knew she sounded eager and hopeful. Imogen just smiled at her, so softly and openly full of an affection the warlock didn't know she'd already garnered.
"I'd love to see it." Imogen hesitated a moment and then sighed. "Really, I'd love to see everythin' where you live. Dalaran is a wonderful place, and I am very thankful for the home they gave me there but I don't really... it never felt right. I've always wanted to go other places, see where I fit, but I never got the courage to."
"I thought you'd lived in Darnassus, truthfully. I've heard of Dalaran but I've never been. It does sound like a magical place." And uncomfortable, if the amount of humans she guessed would be there was correct. "You are welcome to visit and wander the glades as much as you like. Though the scourge touched much of the area, it can be quite beautiful."
"I'm sure. The Undercity sounds so interesting." There was a wistful look to Imogen's face for a moment before it passed.
"You could.." Laudna hesitated, clenching her jaw to hold the words in. It was a stupid thing to suggest, a wildly inappropriate idea and she shouldn't-
"I could what?"
"You could come home with me at the end of these talks." She said it.
Imogen froze, eyes wide as she looked down at Laudna. Her jaw had dropped just a bit and it was only the angle of her ears that told Laudna this wasn't an entirely bad reaction.
"That's too much, I'm sure, it's a silly thing to even consider, but I just thought you might like to just... visit immediately. You could always take a portal right home if you didn't enjoy it, or we could have another form of travel set for you, or-" Laudna shifted on her feet, feeling a bit silly for even suggesting it, but Imogen was slowly thawing out the more she spoke. "Really anything you'd like. I feel truly fortunate that you were the first to approach me and that we've clicked so easily, and I don't wish to be presumptuous but I think that visiting one another after this could mean.... something, and if it would make you happy to visit immediately, then I'd be very happy to provide you a place to stay and to play tour guide if you'd wish it of me."
"Laudna." It was all she said for a few long minutes, a shake exhale of her name as Imogen's eyes tracked over her face. Almost as if she were looking for lies or something darker hidden beneath, but she must have liked what she saw, as her entire being seemed to soften. "You mean it?"
"Of course." Something bold lit up in Laudna's belly at her reaction and she pulled away from her arm just enough to lift her hands up so she could press a kiss to Imogen's knuckles. The reaction was a strangled gasp that had the warlock smirking ever so slightly against her skin. "How could I not wish to see such a beautifully brilliant night elf again so quickly? If you deigned my world wonderful enough to touch, then I'd be honored."
"Laudna-" Her name again but this time breathy, full of wonder and something that left Laudna feeling as if she'd do anything this woman requested of her from now until the end of time. It was almost like a prayer, the sweetest way she'd ever heard herself be called.
It was like the sands of time had stopped flowing as they just looked at one another, Laudna soaking in the look in Imogen's eye, the way they seemed to flash brighter now when she looked her way.
Feeling brave, Laudna kissed her knuckles once more before settling into the elf's side, retaking her arm but wrapping more around her so they were fully pressed together. Imogen shivered for a moment and Laudna wondered if she'd pushed too far, done too much, until she felt a kiss pressed to the top of her head.
Her hair was dead, a dull listless black that streaked with white and only shone in any fashion thanks to oils that she meticulously brushed into it, and yet this radiant creature pressed her lip to it without question. She didn't flinch from Laudna's touch, instead welcoming it, and she didn't seem to flinch from the fact that her possible paramour was a walking corpse.
Not that Laudna had ever truly minded it herself, but she hadn't thought any prospective partner would wish to be this openly affectionate so quickly.
Fuck, she was going to cry.
To push back the pricking of tears, Laudna pressed her face into Imogen's bicep, sinking into the sound of her husky chuckle.
"You know, I didn't think I'd find anyone here I liked. I'm real... particular about the people I like bein' around. Most are too loud or their voices hurt my head or, just a lot of things really. I only have a few friends and there's even times I gotta be away from them." Laudna could understand that, she spent so much of her time alone even though she had so many friends within the forsaken. "You, though, I don't feel nothin' bad around you. I like your voice, your touch feels nice and you smell-"
Raising a brow, Laudna looked up at Imogen when she stopped talking abruptly. At first, she feared it would be a negative but then she saw the blush crawling down Imogen's neck.
"Yes?"
"You smell like flowers and fresh tilled dirt, like rain's gonna fall soon. It's really nice." She was definitely a little embarrassed now but there was a stubborn cut to her jaw as she continued. "Most people tick off one of my senses. I'm a druid, the kind that mostly utilizes the saber form, and my senses stay pretty heightened. I'm not sure if it's jus' a me thing or a druid thing or what, but it can be a lot sometimes. I worried a lot about not findin' someone I could be comfortable with a lot, but then I jus' immediately got pointed your way."
"I suppose we should thank Ashton and Fearne then, shouldn't we?"
"I suppose so." Imogen laughed softly, steering them towards a little bench settled beneath two trees. "I didn't meet Ashton yet but Fearne seemed pretty comfy with him."
"Yes, they seemed to hit it off from the start. It was quite amusing to see them go from not caring much if they met their partner at this meeting to immediately gluing himself to Fearne's side after one introduction." It had been very cute and now she could appreciate it since she was no longer standing alone against a pillar.
When they got close enough, Imogen helped Laudna sit on the bench and she thanked every star above them that her joints didn't snap like fireworks and that nothing popped out of the socket. The elf sat next to her and slid an arm across the back so that she was wrapped around Laudna's shoulders.
She was so warm, body heat suffusing into Laudna's bones and she couldn't stop herself from snuggling into the druid's side.
"Could I ask you something?"
"Of course."
"Can I.. see your cat form? Or is that utterly rude to ask?" Imogen giggled softly, her body shifting against Laudna's side.
"It's not rude to ask, no. I could show you any form you like but the saber is the one I am most comfortable in."
"That's what I want to see, where you're comfortable."
"Alright." Imogen went to stand and then stopped to kiss Laudna's head again before she got up fully. If Laudna could blush like the living, she knew her entire face and neck would be red.
For a moment, Imogen just shook out her arms and took a deep breath in, and then she shimmered. Something magical seemed to envelope her for a moment, bright and vibrant and otherworldly. Then Imogen was no longer an elf but a large saber with dark purple fur. She was magnificent, fur shiny and eyes flashing brighter than ever before. Sharp fangs settled on either side of her jaw and when she stretched and yawned, Laudna was in awe at just how long they seemed to be. Her ears were slightly longer than a wild saber's and her front paws were a stark white against the rest of the purple, the tips of her toes and her claws black. Laudna didn't dwell on the look of them when Imogen shifted uncomfortably at her gaze, instead holding out a hand to her.
She butted her head into Laudna's palm, a low deep purr rumbling from Imogen's chest when Laudna slid her fingers into her fur. It was thicker than it seemed, overwhelming her hand as she scratched around her ears.
"You are a wonder."
Somehow that purr grew louder and Laudna found herself bursting out in loud peals of laughter when the druid crawled up onto the bench with her once again. She was completely enveloped by the saber, Imogen taking up all of the free space next to her and part of Laudna's lap as she settled in.
A cool nose pressed to her cheek and Laudna squirmed as Imogen nuzzled at her, seeming extremely pleased with herself.
"You can't speak like this, can you?" A shake of her head was the response before Imogen lay down fully, still purring as she pressed her head to Laudna's stomach. "Comfortable?"
There wasn't much of a response beyond Imogen snuggling in even closer, her paws kneading the air beside her so her claws didn't do any damage. It seemed that she was less inhibited in this form, entirely comfortable and carefree. That suited Laudna just fine for the moment as it meant she could just watch the druid.
Hopefully soon to be her druid.
Perhaps this whole political marriage volunteering would be much more than she ever considered it could be. In truth, she'd have just been happy with someone she could feel safe with, someone who could be at least a good friend.
Oh how she had all of that turned upside down so quickly.
If she could love anyone, Laudna thought that it was this silly druid curled in her lap that her heart could fight against its undead nature to beat again for her.
"All of this has been so worth it thanks to you. I would have always felt proud for doing this for peace, for the better future we all hope for, but I think now I'd like to be proud to have found you."
Imogen didn't reply, she couldn't, but Laudna knew she heard when she rubbed against her with a soft growl, her front paws ceasing their motion to instead curl around her in a full embrace. Maybe Imogen felt the same way, maybe she was just as pleased with her, maybe they were just destined to meet at a time that was safe for them both.
Maybe the world could be as beautiful as they dreamed it could be.