I wended my way through the lush forests of northern Quel'thalas, the paths I knew so well after growing up in them over centuries. My black cloak billowed lightly behind me as I strode forward, my black and red plate armor glinting in the sunlight that filtered through the canopy above. My Mageblade hung at my waist, clanking slightly against the steel of my leg armor. I stopped at a tree, resting against it and brushing back my long, golden hair. My duties as the Prince of Quel'thalas were tiring, with so many high elves looking up to their Prince, Kael'thas Sunstrider, as the future king. I really needed a break, just to take a stroll and relax, not thinking about the hundreds of problems waiting for me back at the throne room.
I breathed deeply, inhaling the rich air, and caught a surprising scent. My elven ears pricked up as I heard the slight rustle of leaves.
"I sense something," I mused, my eyes darting around, seeking the source of the disturbance. "...elusive."
I pulled my head sharply to the side as an arrow thudded into the tree, right where my face had been half a second ago. I caught a pair of brilliant blue eyes in the bush, right in front of me. They vanished, and a tall, high elven woman stalked out of the bush, pouting. She held a bow of the finest ash, and a quiver full of arrows, fletched with swan feathers, hung at her waist. She threw back her head in frustration, sending her hood off and her blonde tresses flying. She wore a blue cloak, embroidered tunic, and a pair of leather pants and thigh-high boots, snugly fitting her curved form. Her tunic just barely managed to hide her considerable leadership talents. Yes, the Ranger General of Quel'thalas and my childhood friend, Sylvanas Windrunner, just tried to put an arrow in my face.
"Almost had me that time, Sylvanas," I teased lightly. "Outstanding!"
"Shut up, Kael," she grumbled, tugging the arrow out of the tree and putting it back in the quiver. "It's dangerous to be out here. Bandits could attack you. Shouldn't you be back in the throne room?"
"Shouldn't you be in the kitchen?" I teased again, and almost got an arrow in my face again. "I jest! Besides, what bandit could match me? I'm a 221 year old mage, with the Ranger General!"
She pursed her lips as she conceded my point. "But still..."
"Fine," I smiled. "Since you feel so strongly about it, you can walk me back to the palace."
"Finally!" she started back on the path home. "Well, aren't you coming?"
"You can walk me back," I continued with a smirk. "After you finish this walk with me."
She growled like I was the single most annoying thing she couldn't kill with her arrows, but matched my stride around the forest. Maybe she just stayed with me begrudgingly and out of duty to protect me, but I was happy to have her with me. Besides, I needed to tell her something. We stopped at the edge of the forest in the late afternoon, watching the sunset.
"Sylvanas," I began. "As your friend, I need to tell you something..."
"Hmm?" she looked at me, a spark of interest in her eyes. "What is it?"
"I...have feelings for someone..."
"Well?" she said, excitedly. "What are you waiting for? Who?"
"Here goes..." I breathed in deeply, a little excited myself just thinking about it. "It's Jaina Proudmoore."
"Oh," she seemed a little deflated, but happy nonetheless. "The sorceress girl..."
"I'll tell her soon," I continued, holding back my excitement. "Do you think she'd feel the same...?"
"Go for it, Kael," she punched me lightly on the shoulder, though I thought I detected a hint of sadness in her voice. "I know you can do it."
"You seem a little distressed by this," I frowned a little. "Are you alright, Sylvanas?"
"I am," she said, brushing a tear away. "It's just...my little Kael is growing up..."
"Hey!" I said indignantly. "You're not that much older than me!"
She laughed softly and got up. I took the hand she offered and she turned back towards the path. "Come on, Kael... It's time to go home."
We walked back to the palace in silence, and she left me alone in the throne room with a quick goodbye, saying she had to attend to her duties as Ranger General. My advisors had dealt with all the problems, thank the Sunwell for that. That meant I could retire to my chambers early before dinner.
My bedchamber was luxurious, as the Prince's would be. The walls and ceiling were pure marble, and the wide window gave a beautiful view over the nearby forest. My bed was soft and full of the finest feathers. My furniture was golden, with the finest adornments in the kingdom. I hung my armor and cloak on the rack, and lay down on my bed, clad only in my tunic and breeches. As excited as I was to see Jaina again tomorrow, something wouldn't leave my mind alone.
Sylvanas. How she shed a tear. It wasn't like her. She was too strong for that. I knew her. I'd seen her bear sword wounds and arrows with just a grimace of pain. She was 225, a few years older than me. Yet...shedding a tear because I was growing up...? Impossible... What could it really be? The only logical explanation was impossible...
"My prince?" a young high elf maid knocked on the door lightly. "Dinner is served."
"I'll be right there!" I answered, putting my armor and cloak back on. I needed to busy myself with the politics at the table, if only to get my mind off these things.
