"There is no need to agonise over this Jaina, you have plenty of time to master these incantations." Antonidas said, placing a hand on my shoulder and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "It can take weeks, even months to understand. Do not over-exhaust yourself child."

Blinking the dryness from my eyes I sat up straighter in my chair only to hunch over again scrutinising the text in front of me. It was rare for me to be discouraged by research, but this particular topic had me pulling at straws. I'd been awake for days studying this one book, a book that had my focus tested. It was making my head spin like i'd over indulged in drinking too many glasses of Dalaran Noir.

"I'm sorry." I sighed quietly, my own voice foreign to my ears from not speaking for so long. "I just want to move past this so we can progress further into my studies. You said so yourself that the next step is conjuring more complex foods, teleportation, and even portals?"

Antonidas hummed in acknowledgement placing his other hand to my shoulder, the action grounding me, calming me. The excitement that had awoken for the briefest of moments flitted away, fatigue setting in once again.

"You don't need to apologise, you just need to rest. Allow yourself a moment to relax and absorb everything. You of all people should know what sleep deprivation does to your body. You don't need this stress when you have plenty of time to learn all this." He said gesturing to the piles of books that surrounded us.

He was right of course, and this made me pause, taking note of the fortress I'd unintentionally made with all the books I had gathered. A prison comprised of priceless knowledge. A prison I'd happily live in if I could just understand it all.

"Now now Jaina I know that look."

"What look?" Mouth agape, I spun around in my chair to see a disarming smile on the wizard's face.

"What look..?" I tried again, observing him quietly from my seat. He had moved toward the door leaning heavily on his ornate wooden staff.

"Come with me." He beckoned, disappearing outside of the room. I had no choice but to follow. His authoritative tone demanded it.

With a careful hand I closed the book in front of me treating it as if it were made of a fine glass and shot up out of my chair, the wooden legs scraping loudly in protest. Finally stood tall I could really see what my days in the study had done. It was like I'd taken half the library and tossed its contents In here.

My desk was a mess with countless scrolls strewn across it, books piled on top of eachother, my bed indistinguishable. Taking in my chaotic surroundings, I inhaled deeply, centering myself into a state of calm. This could be fixed. Muttering a few words under my breath my study came alive with magically imbued objects tidying themselves into order.

That spell really was handy, I thought happily as I dodged a broom sweeping the floor so I could reach the door. Antonidias wouldn't wait, I had to catch up to him. The wizard sure could shift considering his age. With one final glance at my study I took off after the Archmage catching up to him turning the second corridor.

"I'm here!" I said in a rush of breath.

"I know, I know, now come child. This way" He said picking up his pace with me following close behind and taking me out onto the balcony. The warm rays of the sun welcomed me as soon as I stepped out, but the brightness of the light blinded me. It took me a good few seconds to get my bearings.

"See this is what you need Jaina. The good outdoors! The sun on your skin! You know you're only young once."

Squinting, I covered my eyes from the sun's glare, stepping towards the golden railing to lean on it. "Mmm this is nice," I admitted, allowing my eyes to adjust naturally. "But we have so much to get through so much to acompli-"

"Shh." He struck his staff to the ground making my train of thought vanish completely. "You will listen and you will listen now, Jaina Proudmoore." Antonidas stepped forward into my space looking down at me. I was a good foot shorter than him. His wise old eyes captured mine into submission. "Your bag is packed. Your friend awaits."

"Wh-what?" I mumbled dumbly, not quite understanding. "My bags are-?"

"Packed. Yes." Antonidas repeated, and took my chin between his finger and thumb turning my head toward the beautiful scenery of Dalaran. "Observe, child. This is a beauty you should take in and embrace. Not being locked up in your study losing sleep over countless texts." He smiled a knowing smile and I couldn't help but nod in agreement with him. It was as if he'd put me under a trance, which I'm sure he was certainly capable of, but he didn't need to. His words alone were strong enough for me to comply.

"Who packed my things?" I frowned, racking my brain to who could of snuck in without my notice.

Raising his white bushy brows he simply said, "Magic."

Of course. How silly of me.

"Are you ready?"

"Ready yes. For what I'm not so sure." The furrow in my brow deepened, confusion getting the better of me. This was all rather mysterious, and being so abruptly chased out of my dingy study to be thrust upon the natural lights really wasn't helping matters. I knew I was being dramatic but I couldn't help it.

The wizard chuckled fondly, which made my heart swell. It was nice to see my mentor so cheery instead of being that all powerful presence watching. Always watching. He often observed from afar never interfering, only when needed. He'd let me learn from my mistakes, and then ask me about it after. 'What happened here and how did you overcome it?' He'd say and I'd respond in absolute detail. He'd nod taking it all in no matter how long the explanation. He wasn't one for many words, well not while under his instruction. Words were not strictly necessary, you'd just know. That's how it was with the Wizard and I respected him because of that.

Badgering the man to teach me was the best thing I could of done to become the most respected mage I could possibly ask for, something I sorely wanted ever since I was young child. Magic had always enamoured me.

A fond memory of my little self prancing outside my homeland pretending to be the great Guardian Aegwynn came to mind, wielding a makeshift staff and reciting random phrases from the books I'd manage to get my nose into. The recollection warmed me, a small smile curved my lips.

"I have a surprise for you. One you'll receive from your lovely Prince Arthas..."

That brought me back to the present. "Prince Arthas?" I said, pushing off the railing to face the wizard fully. "How is he? And he's not 'my lovely,'" I couldn't help correcting, huffily folding my arms across my chest.

Antonidas hummed a playful tune looking anywhere and everywhere but at me. "Oh he's fine," He sing songed stroking his long-white beard into shape.

What was he planning…? And was that a twinkle in his eye? I was beginning to grow wary.

"I will not spoil it for you. You'll have to find out what it is yourself. When you meet with the Prince."

"And when am I going to have time for that? There's so much to be done!"

"Yes yes, later later. You two are well acquainted are you not?" He said, raising a bushy brow watching my face closely.

What exactly was he trying to see?

"Well yes - but no..." I flushed growing embarrassed, "We are acquainted yes, but not like that!" I groaned, wanting nothing more than to stomp my foot in petulant anger, my restraint visibly testing.

"Hmm," Antonidas nodded, again putting a hand to his beard, stroking it as if in deep thought. "That's all I needed to know," He said, revealing nothing, but he finally looked at me and that's when my little agitated outburst left me at once and a concern flooded me in waves.

"We are good friends. We've known eachother for years." I said calmly, propping a hand on the railing beside me and viewing the magical city below. "I haven't seen him in awhile though since coming here. It has been a rather long time…" I tried to remember when the last time was but it eluded me much to my dismay. "A long time sure has passed since I've been under your guidance, Antonidas." I've thought of nothing but magic and..." My eyes widened with understanding. "Books! Oh no."

The wizard nodded carefully at witnessing my lightbulb moment and took a step forward into my space.

"Oh no I've been a terrible friend!" I stressed, once again Antonidas was quiet observing the unravel of my newfound guilt. He put a hand to my shoulder smiling, his words breaking my racing thoughts.

"Now now don't be silly child, you were doing what all apprentices should do, and that is to hone your skills and learn. Do not feel guilty for that. But hmm, yes you could of been a little bit better in how you worked with your time. We are human Jaina. We need to interact with other human beings to be able to thrive and live healthy lives."

"I know I know I feel like a fool." I sniffed, and felt another warm hand placed on my shoulder. He held me firm searching my eyes to meet his, which I did.

"Now will you listen to this old man and do him a favour?"

I nodded, tucking my chin to my chest.

"Go and have some fun."

Wait what? Fun..? How was fun anything to do with Arthas and a surprise?

"What do you mean I-uh-!" My sentence was cut short from a rather violent push that knocked the air from me. I was suddenly weightless, a white aura slowly ebbing away at Dalaran city and a very smug looking wizard. How he managed to conjure a portal so fast had me reeling.

"Say hello to the Prince for me. And oh, one more thing, have fun! See you in a we-" I strained to hear the last bit but the portal had closed obscuring my view of even reading his lips. Sounds sucked and popped and then new yet familiar sounds surrounded my senses as I appeared the other side of the portal.

"I'm. I'm at L-"

"Jaina!"

I spun on my heels at the call of my name only to be pulled into a strong arms. The man holding me none other than Arthas Menethil himself.

"Oh jaina…" Arthas sighed, gently releasing his hold on me for which I was thankful. The embrace so hard I felt like it was going to crush me. "I have dearly missed you." Pulling back, his large hands on my shoulders, he took in everything that was me. His eyes darting from eye to eye, nose to mouth, to my clavicles and to what would of been my chest if I hadn't caught him first. He flushed the deepest of reds tearing himself away from me and began scratching at his cheek. A nervous chuckle escaped him.

I smiled fondly at my friend, which doused the awkward atmosphere back to normalcy.

"Good morning Arthas, sorry I dropped by so suddenly." I didn't want to appear rude. I was always one for manners. Showing up uninvited was something I'd never do on any occasion. "But I was well, how can I put it? .. Having a conversation one minute and then pushed into a portal the next ending with myself being here." It still puzzled me the wizard had done that. Did he really want me to go and 'have fun?' that badly?

Reading was fun!

The prince's smile turned into an eager grin, "Surprise!" He chuckled airily, putting a hand to the small of my back and ushering me toward two horses that were grazing where they were tethered. One of the horses detecting our approach lifted his head neighing in delight, tossing his main off to the side in show.

"Looks like someone else has missed you just as greatly." Arthas said coming to a halt. My head had been so wrapped up in trying to figure out why and what was happening with today, that I hadn't recognised the beautiful creature that was Arthas's most prized mount, and friend. Invincible. How could I of not noticed, these two were practically inseparable. Wherever the Prince was so was he.

Breaking out into a jog I quickly reached the horse, throwing myself at him and wrapping my arms around his powerful neck. Invincible snorted happily nosing at my waist and playfully nibbling at my robes. I giggled girlishly feeling it tickle me all over.

"Oh invincible I have missed you too!" I said between fits of giggles, his nose now nudging at my arms no doubt trying to get to into the palms of my hands. "Oh, I'm sorry. I don't have any treats for you today." I said, moving to rub at his face and to press affectionate kisses. "I promise I'll have something for you later."

"Careful there you're making me jealous." Arthas said, coming up beside me to join in giving the horse some attention by patting at his sides. "Why is it that invincible gets all the kisses and all I get is a hug and an apology?" His tone was teasing, but I heard the underlying tones that he did actually mean it.

I sighed, pressing my face into Invincibles soft white fur, and then carefully moved his head to the side so I could look the Prince in the eyes. "You know why…We tread different paths now Arthas. It's hard for us to breakaway from our commitments, you with the Light, and I with my magics. It was so much easier when we were younger. We could see each other whenever we wanted. Now it's hard to get away. It would be too difficult."

His shoulders visibly slumped. He Looked sad, and a part of me felt guilty again. We'd been through this countless times and I could see he was trying his best to accept it. It would just take time.

Time heals everything.

"I know…" His lips twitched in an attempted smile. A few moments passed before I heard a sharp clearing of his throat and watched the emotions flit from sadness to that of an excited boy. He glanced at the saddlebags and then back at me, his boyish grin so wide I could see all his teeth.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Your surprise! Well our surprise. Well Antonidas' surprise, but it's really your surprise because you don't know...anything about it…" He was watching my expression closely, and I must've pulled a rather strange face because he burst out laughing, gripping onto Invincible's reins to support him from doubling over.

"Okay okay, out with it already. Please." I said, having enough of it already and crossed my arms over my chest. "Enlighten me. I've been kept in the dark too long! You men and your mysteries!"

Wiping a tear from his eye Arthas picked up one of the last remaining bags and went to work strapping it onto his horse. I stood there watching. Waiting.

"We ride. Anywhere, absolutely anywhere! Just you and I-"

"This sounds overly roman-" I went to butt in but he waved me off quickly, silencing me.

"It's not like that! It isn't... really." He defended, "It's just a holiday between friends. We both need a break Jaina don't you think? We've been working so hard for so long, with both of us with something to prove." He shook his head and went to take hold of my hand, gently squeezing. "Just please come with me. Let us forget about our studies, our work, and just have some fun like we used to. What do you say?"

"Arthas…" I whispered, It was the sweetest most thoughtful thing. He was right. We were burning ourselves out and in the process we were losing contact with one another. How could we, no I, let us be apart without contact for so long? That's not what friends do. I felt horrible, yet a fuzzy feeling spread within me. "Of course I'll go with you." I managed to say, squeezing his hand back tenderly.

The prince looked thrilled and he jumped back quickly fastening the bags and re-checking them. "Let's not wait around then come on!"

A weeks long adventure with just the two of us sounded wonderful. I wonder where we'd travel. He did say anywhere after all. Would we go outside the borders of Lordaeron?

"Where to first?" I asked, helping him with the last of our things.

"I have no clue, shall we just ride? Isn't that just exciting? Two people on an adventure going anywhere we want without a set path to follow. Just take each day in stride."

I could feel myself smiling at his enthusiasm and went to mount upon my horse, Arthas lending me a hand and giving me the reins. He too mounted and sidled up beside me pointing at the path ahead of us.

"Onward lady Jaina?"

"Onward Prince Arthas." Nothing could smother the beaming grin from both our faces.

We had been riding for just over four days now, exploring the scenery and watching the wildlife come and go, some braver than others at coming near us. I even tried fishing, or attempted it anyway. I failed miserably at it. It definitely wasn't a strong point of mine. Luckily Arthas was patient and showed me everything I needed to know about the task at hand and after several fish getting away we finally caught one, which Arthas prepared and cooked for us that evening.

It was lovely out here being with nature itself, just listening to the rustling of the trees and the birds chirping all around you. We both often sat silently in the saddle as our horses plodded along enjoying the ambience of wherever we were, soaking it all in, breathing in calm. I inhaled deeply smelling all the smells of the woodland. The dewy morning grass and the fragrant wildflowers being my favourite.

I almost fell asleep as we rode riding at this steady gait, but Arthas thankfully stopped me by speaking up. I didn't fancy falling off while riding, that would most definitely hurt.

"I cannot believe that I haven't needed to take out my emergency stack of books for you yet." Arthas teased, pulling invincible to walk closer to me.

"What on earth do you mean?" I said, puzzled.

"Oh you know…" He winked, and ribbed at me playfully, "When someone's addicted to something and that someone is taken away from the addiction for too long… they start experiencing withdrawal symptoms." He nodded sagely.

My frown was deep I knew. I could feel it. I wasn't amused, but the Prince teased and jostled me into chuckling out an open mouthed smile.

"You're such an idiot" I sighed, rolling my eyes at him. "I can cope without reading for quite some time you know." I looked at him from over my shoulder, "Only If i'm distracted or having other means of fun."

"Fun ey, I'm pleased to know you're finding our little adventure fun."

"Oh I am my friend, I truly am." And i meant it wholeheartedly.

Arthas beamed at me his boyish charm shining from within, but then he abruptly pulled at his reins forcing Invincible to stop abruptly, his horse neighing unhappily in protest. His eyes wide in awe I watched him curiously, and followed suit pulling my horse to a halt but with a much gentler hand.

"Arthas?" I followed his awestruck gaze to the hill just up from the beaten path and when my eyes found what he was looking at I felt like all the air had left my lungs and that time itself had taken a pause allowing me to seeing everything in sharp detail.

A horse reared up on it's hind legs carried an elven woman, her race indicated by the long tapered ears poking out of her hood followed by long locks of honey coloured hair escaping from the sides and cascading freely behind her. She had an ornate bow nocked and ready in aim, which drew my gaze to travel lower settling on her exposed midriff. I felt heat rush into my cheeks. Her waist so small, so delicate, which I knew wasn't the case due to the visible muscles taut beneath creamy skin.

She released the arrow and I could hear it whistle through the air, her horse now steadying back on all four legs, nostrils flared and it's forelegs stamping to a stop. A dull thud sounded. The arrow had met its target. Only then did the elven woman move sheathing her bow. The act was so simple yet done with such practiced elegance, that even the smallest of actions she'd probably do would look a piece of perfectly composed art.

I had to remember to breathe.

Breathe Jaina Breathe...

"Who is sh-?" I coughed and spluttered, struggling in vain to get oxygen back into my lungs.

"Well I never that's Ranger-General of Silvermoon Sylvanas Windrunner!" Arthas cried, he looked like a child that had been given all the gifts he had ever wanted at Winter's Veil. "Jaina do you see?!" He pulled at Invincible reins, his master's giddiness evidently seeping into the beast with the way he trotted around me.

I did and couldn't take my eyes off her. She was striking to behold. My cheeks heating up even more as I openly stared. Groaning I mentally berated at myself for such a reaction. This had never happened to me before. By the gods it was just a woman. A rather famous woman at that but that shouldn't of mattered. I'd met plenty of Important people in my life, which didn't have the same effect, so why was this any different?

With a large amount of willpower I managed to tear eyes away to look at Arthas and ask, "What is she doing here? She's a little bit far from her lands is she not? Elves are a rare sighting in these parts."

The Prince hummed in thought, bringing Invincible's parading to a halt. "Perhaps she's out training her rangers. They do leave Quel'Thalas from time to time."

"Your assumptions are correct Prince Arthas." Both he and I started in unison, our heads snapping to the sound of a new feminine voice joining the mix.

My body involuntarily trembled with pleasure at the sound of it much to my dismay.

It was her. It was Sylvanas Windrunner and she was stood just a foot from me.

My goodness... she was achingly beautiful. Now she was closer I could see how perfect her eleven features were, not a blemish or an imperfection in sight. I swallowed hard not trusting myself to speak. Were all Elves as perfect as she?

"What is the Prince of Lordaeron and Lady Jaina Proudmoore doing so far from home?"

Her pale blue eyes that held a gentle pulsating glow flickered from Arthas to mine and that's when it hit me. Struck me so hard I lost my breath for the second time that day. I couldn't find my voice, I'd lost it somewhere the very first moment I laid eyes on the woman.

"I, uhm…" I hesitated, so nervous now that my palms had gotten sweaty. I gripped the reins hard, inhaling a deep composing breath.

"We are on a break from the duties of life." Arthas said, helping me out. He did look confused at my sudden strange behaviour but didn't say anything. Instead he continued on, which I was forever grateful for. "Only a few days left now…" He sighed with a tinge of sadness. "It's so wonderful out here, but I'm sure you don't need me telling you this when you get to spend most of your time out and about travelling here there and everywhere." He gestured to our surroundings.

The Ranger-General's lip quirked into a small smile, which made my heart flutter. "It is true I get to spend most of my days sleeping under the stars." She said, her pale-blue hues seeming to coax me into looking at her. I was mesmerised. She captured my stare and it was like she was talking to just me, Arthas a distant memory fading into the background. "The life of a Ranger is an honourable one. A life I am very proud to lead. I wouldn't have it any other way."

I'm sure Arthas said something in return but his words sounded muffled like he was talking under water. My focus elsewhere, set on this wonderful creature before me.

"Lady Jaina?"

The way she said my name made me ache all over with longing.

"Lady Jaina..?" Sylvanas repeated. I blinked a few times to clear my wandering head. How long had I'd been spaced out for?

"Umm, yes?"

"Are you alright? You look like you've caught a fever."

Panic struck me for the briefest of seconds, which she noticed. Amusement flashed in her eyes, her face however revealed nothing of the sort.

"Your cheeks are all pink and you're sweating." She observed, and Arthas took ahold of my elbow gently pulling to turn and look over me.

"You're right General, she does look rather Feverish!" He put a hand to my head feeling the heat radiating off my clammy skin. I felt embarrassed. Not only was their attentions directed at me but they'd mistaken my sudden lack of faculty for illness.

My body was betraying me.

"I'm okay!" I blurted out, batting his hand away making the Prince frown with worry.

Sylvanas looked between the two of us, and then her attention was drawn elsewhere. What she heard I do not know but when she turned to meet our curious gazes she bowed her head in a sign of respect and picked up the reins to her horse.

"I apologise but I must go back to my Rangers. We need to move on to our next destination. We've been out here for far too long." She turned getting ready to leave, her horse's hooves stomping with pent up excitement with getting to move once again.

A pang of disappointment shot through me and I suddenly felt sad.

"Are you heading home?" I asked, in a feeble attempt at delaying the inevitable, my voice had finally returned to me.

Sylvanas nodded, "I am. We all are"

"All?" I heard Arthas say. Not a second later several rangers dropped from the trees, all their faces shadowed by dark green hoods. One of them shot up from their landing position jogging straight to the ranger-Generals side and began talking in hushed whispers.

Arthas sidled up to me, his mouth close to my ear, "I didn't hear them at all. Did you?" He sounded impressed, I on the other hand was too preoccupied with watching the rangers little exchange of words. A minute passed and the ranger-elf had spoken what they had needed to say and had gone back to the others surrounding us.

Sylvanas turned to look over her shoulder at us, "I bid you both farewell. Prince Arthas, Lady Jaina. Travel safe." As silent as feathers the rangers disappeared Into the woodland as if they had never been there at all. Not a sound out of place, only Sylvanas left on horseback retreating deeper into the woodland not taking the path.

"I wonder what that was about?" Arthas said, sitting back in his saddle.

"I'm not sure, but whatever it was they're going now." I mumbled quietly more to myself than to The Prince. I wasn't entirely sure why I felt a sudden emptiness in the pit of my stomach, but as I looked on at Sylvanas silhouette getting smaller and smaller with the distance she made, that hole of pit opened a little more.

"She's certainly well informed." Arthas noted, "She knew who we were the moment she laid eyes on us."

"Arthas you're the Prince of Lordaeron...everyone knows who you are."

"Ah I suppose that is true..."

Nodding silently in reply I went to turn my horse around. "Shall we continue?" There was a crossroads ahead and I wanted to get to it. I didn't fancy hanging around here any longer. The Ranger-General's lack of presence was making even the woodland grow dull.

What was happening to me?

"I think I need rest." I groaned feeling a slight headache coming on, my body no doubt suffering from the emotional ups and downs I'd experienced in a few short minutes.

"I do too." Arthas said, a small smile lighting his face. "Let us go and find a place to relax for the day. We can ride more on the morrow."

We both set off at a light trot following the path to the crossroads where we took a turn searching for a place to rest and water our horses. Not long into our journey we found an opening between the trees where we set up camp for the day. Arthas let loose the horses to graze knowing they'd return at a sharp whistle, and I sat leant against a tree now watching the young Prince swing about his sword.

Even though we'd promised to take a break he wouldn't go a day without practising his swordsmanship. He'd taken it upon himself to be my 'protector' on this trip if anything were to happen, which naturally I retorted with, 'I'm a grown woman and can take care of myself you know, but thank you anyway.' From there on the conversation turned to what I'd learned in Dalaran, and he went on to talk about what It was like to be trained by Uther the Lightbringer. The way he spoke so fondly of the man made me smile. I was glad he was happy, he too with me.

Hours later darkness had fallen and Arthas had tethered the horses and had made a place to rest near me. The night was cool and the sky was clear. The moon shining bright making the trees cast odd shadows across the grass that shifted in the wind making peculiar patterns.

I'd gone to bed hours ago but not really sleeping, just laying there thinking. Once or twice Arthas quietly called for me but I said nothing pretending to be in a deep sleep. It wasn't long before he gave up and I could hear him snore softly. Knowing I was safe to think I opened my eyes and tried to organise my thoughts. Turning on my side I stared at the tree bark in front of my face, but not really seeing it. Why was it whenever I closed my eyes the image of Sylvanas would be clear as crystal in my mind. So vivid, so alive my heart would beat faster in my chest that I had to snap my eyes open to control myself. Even with it being so cool I was heating up as if I'd been set ablaze.

"What am I to do…" I whispered to myself. I'd never felt like this before, these emotions were so foreign to me. I hadn't even felt like this for Arthas, but then again I didn't find him particularly attractive. I wasn't blind, I knew he was a handsome man, but he just did nothing for me.

Turning again I silently screamed into my makeshift pillow. Guilt was seeping into the mix and now I my body all of a sudden felt drained.

This was going to be a long night. A long night of trying to keep images of the Ranger-General at bay.

A/N Hey guys thanks for reading. Please comment if you liked it and hope you look forward to more! (Currently looking for a beta)

Rawrkie