Deception (a World of Warcraft Fanfic)

Powerful Magics

"There's someone I'd like you to meet." was all Anduin said before dragging me halfway across lion's landing in an exited rush.

"She's not the most sociable of people anymore, but I'm sure she'll love you. She's all about neutrality, too." he whispered as we made our way up a spiral staircase.

It wasn't easy, making my way around in the pretty dresses the royal tailors made for me. Not having a queen or princess to dress for years, they seized the opportunity to turn their prince's new friend into their doll. They were beautiful, but not functional, stairs were a pain.

"Aunt Jaina, may we come in?" Anduin asked, knocking on the door.

"Oh Anduin, I'm so glad I taught you manners, these brutes never know to knock. We? Who's with you?" A weary mage opened the door, "Ah, you must be Sarah."

"A pleasure to meet you, lady Proudmoore."

She smiled, "A lady as well as a hunter, well met. The pleasure is mine. I've been told about how you freed Anduin from the Horde. I was worried sick about him, but now I know he was safe and in good hands. Come in, sit, there's cookies on the table." She opened the door all the way.

I was amazed by how much she had changed. I had met Jaina one other time, many years ago.

After being sent home by Nazgrim's superiors in Northrend, I was summoned by the bronze dragonflight. The infinite dragonflight were trying to end Arthas' journey in Stratholme. I was chosen to be on the team sent to stop them because I was too young to overthink helping Arthas, yet skilled enough to contribute. She wouldn't recognize me because of the human illusion placed on me, but I could never forget her.

"Arthas, I can't watch you do this." Echoed in my mind as she took a seat across from us.

"No chocolate chips?" asked Anduin as he took a disappointing bite of his cookie.

Jaina was frozen in thought for a moment, she teared up a bit, but wiped it away, "For Kinndey, she never could get that part right."

"Oh."

"So tell me, Sarah, how on earth are you as deadly as claimed with limited ammo?"

I giggled, "The arrows are for show or special occasions, I prefer the use of arcane magic."

"Do you?" Her hands lit up with the purple energy, she hurled it towards me. I caught it in my hand, then closed it, making the energy vanish, "Impressive."

"Wait until you see it in action." Anduin praised.

"Arcane is a beautiful, powerful form of magic... Anduin, may I speak to Sarah for a bit?"

"Oh, uh... If she doesn't mind. Valurine had requested she meet her this afternoon..."

"I'm sure she'll understand. Where was it she wanted to meet? Your father's study? Tell her I'll be there in a few."

Anduin stood in the doorway for a bit, giving me a "last chance to escape" look. I waved goodbye and took a seat on the couch.

Jaina waited until she was Anduin leave out the window before she spoke, "Arcane is one of the most powerful forms of magic, I'm sure you're familiar with the four laws of magic?"

"Fairly, I never payed them much mind. I don't use excessive amounts... Magic is powerful. Magic is corrupting. Magic is addictive. Magic attracts the twisting nether like a fly to honey." I recited.

"Being a mage, magic seems like a necessity to life. I came to ignore the laws, thinking, "This could never happen to me.". In Theramore I was... reminded... that there is a darkness to it. I live, but I'm changed by the power of the mana bomb that leveled my city. Magic IS powerful, corrupting, and addicting, and though I've yet to see it attract the twisting nether... I dread the day I do."