News abounded that the war was reaching its end. Pessimists declared it wishful thinking, that our days of battle were far from over, while the optimists swore blind it was around the corner. Reports flooded in that the Allies were preparing to storm Icecrown Citadel; the base of the Lich King's operations. The fact they had been able to breach the unforgiving terrain which, in itself, was practically part of Arthas's defences, was indeed encouraging. Nevertheless, no one was truly ready to pre-empt the outcome of such a massive campaign.

There was no denying there was a buzz in the air, regardless of which mindset one adopted. The common denominator was that everyone was battle-worn and weary, desperate for the Lich King's reign to end. 

Another stark reality was that there would be so much to rectify - to clean up, to rebuild, and recover. And, of course, that was provided, we managed to thwart Arthas's plans for ultimate domination.

The Lich King and his Scourge had certainly left colossal damage in its wake, not only to towns, cities, villages and the very ground itself but also to the myriad races of Azeroth. Not only had Arthas's mortal kingdom of Lordaeron suffered, but so had populations and domains to the north and south of the Eastern Kingdoms, as well as many throughout Northrend. Everyone would have to endure the mental scars left by the war. Families had been divided, slaughtered and in some cases, reanimated. I couldn't imagine the horror of knowing your loved ones had been altered in such a brutal and nightmarish manner.

Fear was still prevalent, and I couldn't blame people for being apprehensive and, indeed, suspicious of anyone possessing magical skills. Magic, sorcery, and witchcraft - whatever one considered it - had fundamentally contributed to the unfolding of the Third War. And much as the Kirin Tor was deemed the elite of all sorcerers, it could not be ignored that we now had two members who had defected to the Burning Legion.

Firstly, Kael'thas Sunstrider, the High Elven prince (romantically linked with Jaina Proudmore) during the Legion's third invasion. And most recently, it had been Kel'thuzad, who'd aided and abetted Arthas Menethil (human prince of Lordaeron also romantically involved with Jaina Proudmore). No, I couldn't shirk the coincidences either, especially as I was a functional member of the seemingly accursed Kirin Tor. The future was uncertain, and I couldn't help but wonder what it held for us.

"You think too much," Geraldine said laughing at my whispered ruminations. My friend and I had arranged to meet for a luncheon before we left for our designated locations. We sat in a quiet corner of the Legerdemain Lounge, which served as both an inn and a tavern. Constructed primarily from a lilac-tinted stone, the building's interior boasted decorative pillars, latticed windows and mosaic floors. It was warm and inviting and clean, a place favoured by the Adepts as well as many traders in the vicinity.

I'd been voicing my thoughts during our meal on how the Kirin Tor was prone to controversy.

Geraldine stared at me. "I don't think some badly chosen suitors herald the breakdown of the Magrocrasy," she said, with a glint in her eye.

"That's not what I'm saying. But it has put a bit of a shadow over the Kirin Tor. I worry such behaviour condemns us all." I swirled my honeymint tea in my cup before taking a sip.

Again, my friend laughed. She really didn't give a damn about scandal or that it might tar any up-and-coming Adepts.

"Honestly, Klara, nothing like that will besmirch the likes of you or me. The only thing that will do us harm is ourselves for not focusing on the job at hand."

"Yes, but two of our esteemed mages were seduced by dark forces."

Geraldine grinned. "Hell, that's a harsh way to describe Ms Proudmore."

I choked on my drink. "Geraldine! I was referring to the Burning Legion."

She laughed again, causing a few eyes to turn our way. I knew straight away she'd been teasing me and I gave her a playful slap on her arm.

"You are going to get us barred," I whispered, smirking.

"You need to lighten up, girl." That was always Geraldine's answer. Nothing fazed her. Always the heart and soul of a party, she was such a positive individual, which was a rare commodity during times such as the Third War. Quite frankly, Geraldine was a tonic to be around, and I cherished her friendship.

I was disappointed we had not been paired to go on our assignments. She was being sent to the eastern side of Northrend, a place called Howling Fjord. I would soon be heading to Amber Ledge and then the Transitus Shield in Coldarra, both on the western flank of the continent. The Adept who was going with me was none other than fellow roommate, Felenn Morrowread.

"So, have you got over your aversion to elves?" I'd expected her question, although she made out my feelings about elves were worse than they actually were. I think.

"I don't dislike them," I said, somewhat appealingly. "I just..."

"Don't like them," Geraldine finished, ramming a chunk of sweet potato bread into her mouth.

I scowled but forced a hesitant smile. "I guess I don't really understand them," I offered in the way of explanation before eating a forkful of the most delicious Northern Stew.

"What's to understand? Our roomies were okay gals."

I shook my head as I chewed and swallowed. "They are aloof, and Felenn is the worst of them."

"Aloofness is not a crime, Klara. Get over it. She is a nice girl, and I would say she was more shy than aloof."

I pushed some meat around my plate. "Yeah, perhaps."

Geraldine nodded, agreeing with herself. "I'm telling you, give the girl a chance. You'll have to, really; you're going to be working together, after all."

I knew she was right, I just struggled to feel at ease with Felenn. With any elf.

"Besides..." Geraldine continued, determined to make her point. "...you're bound to have had some better experiences with elves under Modera's tutelage."

"You mean because of her working closely with Aethas?"

"Exactly. They are a team in themselves."

Aethas Sunreaver, an Archmage with the Kirin Tor, had worked very closely with Modera since Dalaran had relocated to Northrend. His people had secured part of the city, and he'd worked hard to have them, and the Horde as a whole, be permitted to work and reside in Dalaran. He was young; the youngest of all the Archmagi, and to be fair, that fact alone made his achievements all the more impressive. Seldom did one of his age manage such accomplishments and he deserved the respect of so many officials out with the Magocracy as well as within.

On the odd occasion when I was involved in Aethas' and Modera's work, he was always pleasant and encouraging to me; never did he look at me as if I was something he'd scrape off his shoe – unlike so many of his kind did. With that in mind, I decided I would try with Felenn, even if it took me some time before we could be considered colleagues, let alone friends.

"Anyway," I began, wanting to shift the conversation. "What about you and Cornelius? Bet you're happy he's on your team, eh?" I nudged her, winking as I did.

A flush developed at Geraldine's neck and worked its way up to her cheeks. I had never known anything to make her embarrassed, but it seemed that I had touched a little nerve, one that was attached to her heart.

"Why, Ger!" I teased. "I do believe you are blushing."

My friend shook her head, enough to tell me she was protesting too much.

"Oh, stop pretending you don't like him. Everyone knows differently."

At that she looked at me, stunned, and I'm sure she turned a little redder still. "Is it that obvious?"

I nodded, smiling. "But don't fret about it. I think he likes you, too."

Yup, she was definitely looking redder than a Nagrand cherry.

"Has he... said something?"

I suddenly felt guilty for making her so flustered. "It's more how he is around you, Geraldine. Don't tell me you haven't noticed!"

A coy smile tweaked her mouth.

"I think he's been sweet on you since our first day here as scholars. He was always wanting to sit close to you, and he'd pick anything up that you dropped," I said, laughing lightly at the many times Ger had lost hold of her books and scrolls, and Cornelius would appear almost out of thin air to collect them and offer to carry them for her.

Whether making her blush was mean of me or not, at least it stopped her taunting me about my elf issue.

We finished our meal in good spirits and with a sisterly hug, bade farewell, wishing each other luck in our respective ventures.

I returned to my dorm to collect the last of my belongings for the trip ahead. Then, at the designated hour, Felenn and I met at the portal room in the Violet Citadel. There, the portal mages had opened the way for all of the Adepts' assigned locations.

I caught sight of Geraldine and Cornelius as they stood at their portal for the Howling Fjord. She caught my eye, and with a coy smile, she gave me the thumbs up – her way of telling me everything would be okay. I returned the gesture and yet I couldn't help but feel a little sad when I watched them step into the watery doorway and vanish from sight.

I jumped slightly when Felenn touched my elbow. I fought the scowl forming on my face as I looked into her azure eyes. She was smiling at me, not unkindly, but I swear I could sense a level of condescension. "It is time," she said, her voice soft, like a lullaby.

I nodded, and together we stepped through the portal.

__________________________________________________________________________

What do you think of Jaina's romantic interludes? Calculated choice or merely coincidence?

And does Klara have a point? Should she worry about the Kirin Tor's reputation, indeed, its future? 

And what of Klara's aversion to elves - how will she deal with this during her mission?