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The rest of the Winter Veil festival had proceeded without much fanfare considering "who" you asked.
The high ranking guests had already begun moving back to their own transports to return back to their territories after days of celebrations and subtle power plays.
For Alastor he had found himself being juggled between Jaina, Alleria and shockingly enough princess Calia for the rest of the festivities.
Jaina and Alleria he could understand but not being much knowledgeable in the art of love as well as how certain actions of his could be taken, Alastor remained oblivious as to why Arthas sister seemed very interested in getting to know him.
But aside from that Alastor was happy to see that things seem to have eased between Alleria and her mother, from what he heard from Verath, the talk turned a bit too high pitched that he had to erect a sound barrier around them.
But all in all in the end the mother and daughter pair had finally let out much of what they had kept hidden and were finally on talking terms at least after apologies and promises were said.
Alastor did find it a bit strange when Lireesa had "requested" a talk with him and let's say what he went through was less talk more interrogation.
Even stranger was how after that she only turned to her husband gave him a nod saying how she "approved" causing Verath to smile but frustratingly enough not explain what she meant by that.
Afterwards Alastor had said farewell to Alleria, Jaina, their families and all the people he personally knew and had a favourable relation with before preparing for his own return to Dalaran since Jaina and Alleria were going to return to their respective homes for a time.
He did find it strange that after the first night he did not see Arthas again and any attempt to meet with him was met with Alastor being told that Arthas was not available.
He didn't know why but he got the feeling that his friend was avoiding him considering the awkward look Calia had when she delivered his message.
Finally after another farewell with his family he found Rhonin.
Who seemed to have infuriated quite a number of important people after flirting with their wives, daughters and sisters, Suffice to say Alastor had to quickly drag him away as they readied themselves for their return trip to Dalaran.
"This is the last time I'm leaving you alone with Magni, How many mugs of Dwarven ale did you even drink!?"
"Hehe.....the castle is dancing!"
"Yup...you're gonna be feeling that tomorrow morning"
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-Menethil Castle: King Llane and Queen Taria Chambers-
Llane had a awkward smile as he and Daelin parted after some pleasantries.
The man made his way to his temporary chambers that he was sharing with his wife and sat on their large bed.
The Human King really wanted to sigh in frustration, he had mentally prepared himself to handle some political matters knowing enough of how Terenas normally was in their interactions.
But he should have known some affairs would include his adoptive son, Alastor as well.
Like what he had just went through.
He was approached 3 different times by Verath Windrunner, Daelin Proudmoore and even Terenas Menethil who more or less talked about further cooperation between their families(Verath) and Kingdoms. (Daelin and Terenas)
AS WELL as the fact that each of them had offhandedly "mentioned" or praised the relationships between their respective daughter and Alastor.
Llane had been through enough politics and heard enough and crooked words to know what their real meaning was.
Each of them proposed a possible marital union between their daughters and Alastor, the increased cooperation between factions could always be alluded to different factions that intended to connect beyond the norms, mainly marriage.
It was not something new and Llane knew this was a very old tradition of not only humanity but many other races that had used such unions as a more robust bonding between factions than a simple piece of paper.
Honestly Llane had no problem in furthering relations and future cooperation between Kul Tiras and the Windrunner family, the fact that his son also had a very favourable relationship with Jaina and Alleria made him even less reluctant.
The problem was that Llane had no intention of letting Terenas use this opportunity to extend his influence down south, He had nothing against Calia and even his wife had a very good impression of the princess.
Sadly not only did he not like her father and his crooked opportunistic ways but Llane knew that Calia compared to Jaina and Alleria did not have as deep of a relationship with Alastor.
Llane had left all of them with subtle polite saying that Stormwind would be open to talks and that they should leave such "future" matters to the children.
"Keep frowning and you'll have wrinkles before the year's end"
Ah Taria never change, Llane gave his beloved wife a wry smile.
"If only things were a bit more simple maybe I wouldn't be frowning so much"
"You should know by now that things are rarely easy for those in power, now tell me what troubles you specifically"
Llane was no slouch nor was he afraid if a problem came his way as long as he could deal it with his sword, strategic mind or by bloody administration.
But he would be the one to admit that Politics was a field he was at most adept in but not a master unlike others, that's were his wife Taria came in.
Taria Wrynn while not a warrior, mage or general but she was a superb administrator and master politician, someone who could manage a kingdom while unravelling plots and schemes all the while making her own counters.
"Well first of all it's the stance a significant number of factions have un-officially stated by Aligning with us instead of Terenas as he would have hoped"
"Aside from that it's the matter of our younger son and his apparent ability to charm them"
"That's my boy! I knew he would be a heartthrob with the way that he is."
Taria smiled proudly at that for the moment the shrewd woman was gone replaced by the proud mother.
Llane also chuckled and he would be lying if he didn't feel a sense of manly proud at how his son had charmed two (maybe 3) of the most sought after woman on the continent.
And the poor boy didn't even realize they were head over heels for him! Hahaha
Finally controlling themselves Taria continued.
"Ok that aside we can at the very least understand one thing from this, tensions between the North and South of Arda are going to increase in the coming years with our new allies"
"Not to mention our own advancements in technology, military and magical avenues. We might be being pushed to take the front row seat in this new southern Coalition but it would be best if we take the chance and willingly establish ourselves as the leaders"
Llane groaned as he massaged the bridge of his nose. "By the Light we didn't even ask for this yet we're being dragged in it regardless"
"You should have foreseen it considering Alastor's actions" Even as Taria said that neither of them blamed their adoptive son for unintentionally shifting the Balance of power.
1, they loved him too much and 2, it would be better to make preparations than blaming others.
"Especially when it comes to Arthas Menethil....."
"What? what does Terenas's son have to do with the coming situation?" Llane asked his wife confused.
"It does, you might have heard the rumours of there being something between him and Jaina?"
"I did but they're most likely false seeing how the princess was around Alastor"
"Yes false on her part but what about Arthas?" Taria gave him a calm look as Llane's eyes widen in understanding.
"Oh Frak this is not good" He already felt a headache approaching especially when he remembered how intimate Jaina was when she danced with Alastor and how he did not see Arthas for the rest of the festivities.
"Exactly, we and Varian might not mind Alastor's talents much but it's not the same for others especially for a prince who since his childhood up till now had never been overshadowed by someone this badly"
"Especially someone who the woman he fancies seem to only have eyes for as well"
"Well this is the fine mess we have in our hands now" Llane rubbed his forehead as he sighed.
"So the best we can hope for is that those around him are able to handle Arthas mental state but regardless there's a fairly good chance that the future King of Lordaeron might be a very difficult person to deal with"
Taria nodded at that as she sipped her wine.
"Indeed, so you can understand why I said that tensions will rise between the north and south but regardless we can only consolidate ourselves and strengthen our position in the south but at the end of the day our stance doesn't change"
At that Llane's eyes hardened along with his wife's as they looked at eachother.
The Wrynn family's stance for many years had been simple.
They would treat others friendliness and respect and would not be stringent when it came to allies or support.
But.....
If others deliberately sought conflict with them then they would gladly remind them that they ruled a kingdom that regularly fought against Beastkin Warherds and Ork Hordes.
Stormwind was a ultimately a martial kingdom despite it's chivalrous outlook.
Conflict was normal, only unworthy deaths were feared while War was a proving ground.
If others do dare to approach with the intent of war.
Then. They. Will. Get. War.
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