♒ would that it were so easy

[shamanism]

It was understood that, to keep things friendly, Horde and Alliance members weren't allowed to associate in most places. But Thrall and Jaina always broke that rule. They often communicated secretly, using ways of magic Thrall did not always understand, both of them sneaking away from their advisors when they thought it was needed. This led to a bit of conflict but even though they fought about certain things, they always, always came back to each other. Because Jaina had no family now, and Thrall would have no kingdom if not for their alliance so long ago.

Thrall received a message from the sorceress asking him for the utmost secrecy. Some matter required his attention, and his aides were as clueless as he was, right up until his feet hit Theramore's paved road. Alliance and Horde freely mingled here in this neutral port town. Cloaked, but always shadowed by his Kor'kron, Thrall seemed alone but felt quite otherwise. Jaina's guards escorted the Warchief past arcane wards, barriers, and other things Thrall did not have a name for, and then he was led to a little house bordering the swamp.

Jaina emerged from the house, but she did not let Thrall inside just yet. "Thrall," she said breathlessly. "I'm glad you came on such short notice. I'm sorry to burden you with this..."

Thrall glanced at the house. Surely it was what the bungalow contained that was the real concern. "Tell me what you need, and I will do my best. You know you have my support, Jaina Proudmoore."

"Of course." She paused, trying to find the words. "This child-- this child was found near Horde lands. We don't know exactly how he got there, but I've been trying to find his family and I haven't been successful. So I have to look for a foster family. The thing is, there's been a lot of unrest in both Stormwind and Theramore. Between the riots and the cults, I'm afraid if he stays here, he'll be killed. I don't have the time or... honestly, the experience, to take in a child even as my apprentice. Not right now."

Thrall blinked once, twice. Dread lay across his shoulders like a damp shawl. "I don't understand."

"I need you to protect this child, just for a few weeks. Whoever is hunting him won't look for him in Horde lands, and I know you can protect him better than I can. I'm trying to arrange something with Dalaran but these things take time."

Thrall swallowed awkwardly, his mouth gone dry. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. "So you're foisting an orphan on the Warchief of the Horde. Yes, I am sure that will go over well with my troll, orc, and undead advisors." He growled with displeasure at the situation. "Jaina, are you sure this is the only way? Even if the child is not human, this will not be an easy transition for him."

Jaina looked sad but resolute, her brows furrowed and her lips in a thin line. "He won't be safe unless he's with you. Just... be careful. If anything happens to this poor boy, you know what Varian will say."

Thrall's lip curled downward in a grimace, showing more tusks and teeth than necessary. "Varian should take care of his own orphans for once."

--

A few weeks would turn to a few months. Slowly but surely, word would spread, and there would be some kind of diplomatic incident. It was only a matter of time.

But for now, Thrall had to feed and clothe and teach a child. Orcs did not have tutors, they had mentors. Thrall, who bridged the gap between human and orc in more way than one, found himself in the unique position of having to do both.