This is my first time doing something with World of Warcraft, other than play the game. When I met Anduin the first time, it was with these quests that you might recognize in the text. Then later in Panderia, I was charmed by what he did to Sully. So I decided to make a fanfiction with those time periods. His age isn't the canon age for him, and it's not going to be exact either with questlines because I won't add all of them in, but I haven't decided yet. I hope you enjoy this story! I'm having a lot of fun writing it so far. Reviews would be great, since I plan to write my own book someday.
Stormwind Keep- March 7th, 1:00 PM
"…He will never learn leadership confined to the keep, but I am loath to send him forth without escort. Delfore, your deeds in the wake of this cataclysm are already legendary. You would be an excellent mentor for young Prince Anduin," The king of Stormwind, Varian Wrynn spoke on in a naturally authoritative tone, as expected of the King. However she noted a distinctive softness as well. Most others wouldn't be able to hear it, the King was a hard soldier after all and his title the "Ghost Wolf" was largely justified. Yet, it was there in the latent silver lining of his tone. King Varian cared deeply for his son, but to her he was just a bit paranoid too. There were plenty of reasons to justify that, but considering what she's been through since she started her adventure; one can learn nothing by staying in safety all their life. "Please introduce yourself to him. There is some pressing city business that both of you can attend for me," He finished, looking at her with respectful eye. She turned to face the Prince, whom she saw was at his father's side when she entered the keep. She noticed that the Prince had blonde hair rather than black like his father's, and was around nineteen. He had blue eyes like the King but his were bolder and more like a clear sky. The Prince gave her a kind smile.
"This is great; I never get to talk to Stormwind's rogues. They're always so quiet and secretive… but it's a pleasure to meet you Delfore. It'd be interesting to hear any stories of your adventures if you wish to share them," Prince Anduin spoke, his voice soundly young and frankly inexperienced to her. Yet Delfore smiled, as she picked up a natural sense of curiosity as well.
She chuckled, her smile shifting into a small smirk, "Well, there's a reason for that Prince Anduin. It's a pleasure to meet you, and it's an honor to be escorting you around the city." She gave a half, but very respective bow. She's pretty sure that was the right thing to say, at least in the King's presence. She hadn't stayed in Stormwind on any long occasion since she went off. She straightened herself up right and had noticed the ending of what seemed to be an approving nod from the King. When the King began to speak again indicated that introductions were over, which she was glad of. The quicker she can get this started, the quicker things will go… and the quicker she can get to learning about how Stormwind and the general populace as been doing since she returned from Northrend.
"Excellent, Anduin will learn a lot by shadowing you," The King gave a slight smile, but that soon disappeared as he continued, "Remember, stay within the city's borders. Keep him out of trouble. And above all else…" He paused slightly, letting the gravity of his words deepen with intimidation of the pause, "Guard him with your life." Delfore bit the inside of her cheek, resisting the shiver that tried to crawl down her spine. The king was not kidding about his care of his son… and his paranoia. She gave a nod to the King, making known that she understands the gravity of his words. The King then turned to his son, his expression turning into that of a parent disciplining their child, "Anduin, no adventures! Stay close to Delfore and return to the keep should you see any trouble."
Delfore cast a quick glance at Prince Anduin. She saw the corner of his mouth move slightly, but whether it was to frown or smile was hard to tell. His eyes, as she looked, did show restrain. Interesting, she thought, fighting back a smile form breaking out on her lips. "Yes Father," Prince Anduin replied, nodding affirmatively. There's not a snowball's chance in hell you'll follow those instructions exactly is there? Delfore thought to herself, once against resisting a smile or chuckle. Since Anduin appeared to be nineteen, that meant he's been in more or less this keep his whole life. She suspected that when he did get to leave it, he was under heavy guard. This will be entirely new for the Prince. Her attention was once drawn again to the King as he spoke, his voice aimed towards her, "I am amassing a warfleet to assault Twilight Highlands and bring an end to Deathwing's lackeys. My soldiers are ready but fleet preparations lag behind." He gave a small sigh, a weary one at that, "My men at the docks need some inspiration and motivation. A visit from the Prince here should lift their spirits and remind them of the bright future they're fighting for. Take Prince Anduin to the docks with you and speak with Supply Sergeant Graves. I want Anduin to observe how a natural leader handles the situation." The King paused once again, before adding more, "The city is still reeling from the recent acts of Twilight Hammer, preying on peasant fear and corrupting our most important citizens. We need to find how deeply this conspiracy runs. I've tasked Major Samuelson of Stormwind City Guard to head up an investigation. He's here in the throne room…" The King gave a brief inclination to his right, which Delfore glanced to see the Major a little farther away, who was looking over some papers, probably reports. Her eyes soon went back to the King as he went on, "See if you can assist his efforts."
Delfore waited patiently to see if the King had anything more to say. When nothing was forthcoming she nodded, "Yes, the Prince and I will depart right away then." She saw the King nod and inwardly released a sigh of relief. She never particularly liked having to talk with the King; she didn't know his patience with things and would like to have her head where it belongs. She looked towards Prince Anduin and nods to him that they'll be leaving, "Once I finish speaking to Major Samuelson, we'll depart to Stormwind's docks. Alright?" Once she received a nod from the Prince and strolled over to the Major. Now that royal civilities were out of the way, she could tone down the politeness and relax a little. Her shoulders were set square and she had held herself high, but now her shoulders drooped slightly in a semi-relaxed, semi-ready position and while she still had good posture she walked with a lighter gate. "Major Samuelson," she greeted as she approached him, her voice in its naturally mixed accent, "Is there anything I could do to help you out with your investigation? Perhaps to move it along a bit faster for you?" She felt the Prince's eyes on her and she spoke. She noted how quick he was to start observing, but ignored the feeling of his eyes on her and focused on Major Samuelson.
The Major looked up from the reports as Delfore spoke, nodding more to himself than to the rogue. He scratches his chin absently before looking at Delfore, "Ah yes… My investigations reveal, ah…" He shifts through the reports before continuing, "It's likely that there's trouble brewing among the Stormwind dock workers. Shifty lot. Don't trust 'em." He frowns disapprovingly, making it sincere that he didn't trust the workers. Delfore held an inward sigh, as well as resist an eye roll. "You should go there and shake the place down. Start grilling those longshoremen. That should keep you busy…" His last comment sounded like it was more to himself than to her, which made her slightly suspicious… Yet he may just be busy with the investigation. "Go rout out those Twilight infidels!" He said lastly, nodding and giving her a firm look.
She nodded, "Very well." She then glanced back at the Prince, and gestured for him to follow her as she turns to walk back out of the keep. Truth be told, she didn't quite fancy having to babysit… It would be much easier to get around flying on Wuskan. However she had orders, and she had to follow them. The stone draped walls went by as she continued to walk out of the keep, hearing Prince Anduin's footsteps fall in slightly to her right behind her. It was quiet as they walked down the long hall leading out the front. She noticed guards as they pass give Anduin some type of respectful acknowledgement, whether it is a nod or a "Your Majesty". When they stepped outside, Delfore took in a deep. She reached up and pulled back on her arms to crack out the kinks that had formed and let out her breath in a sigh. "Well, this shall prove interesting," She said, beginning to walk down the steps after she had stretched.
"Interesting how?" The Prince asked behind her, keeping up with her light gate with ease.
"Well, it's not every day I'm tasked with royal escort… and done so via intimidation lined in the message," she replied with a shrug, only glancing back for a moment to see Prince Anduin grimace slightly. That amused her a bit, and she turned her eyes forward again to hide said amusement.
"I wouldn't take it to heart," Prince Anduin replied, the grimace disappearing as he talked, "My father is just… very protective of me."
"It sounds like he's just a tad too protective, correct me if I'm wrong your highness."
There was a pause, and Delfore waited patiently. Their steps clicked on the white stone stairs as they reached the bottom. With a fast pace like this, they'll probably reach the docks in twenty or so minutes. "He has his reasons to be… but maybe so," Prince Anduin finally replied. At least he didn't meet her with anger, but it was interesting to see how he gave a little bit of thought. "Though, he obviously trusts you with being my only escort, so that's something at least," he sounded a little bit relieved though for it, "Yet… you can't be much older than me either!"
By then they were finally out of the ground of the Keep, heading towards the outskirts of the Dwarven District. Delfore turned on her heel, giving the Prince a full on amused smirk. She stretched out her arms from her sides and chuckled, turning back around in a swift and graceful movement as she answered him, "That so? Then, Prince Anduin, how old do you think I am?" It was generally a civil courtesy to not ask one's age… and she suspected that comment came out with little thought.
"Ah…" Prince Anduin paused again, stammering slightly. If she had to guess, he might be slight flushed from embarrassment, but he might have better control of his emotions, so she doesn't know. "Well… If I had to guess… about two years older than me… so twenty-one." He didn't end his statement like a question, wording his reply as carefully as he could as to not insult her.
Delfore let out a small laugh, "Perhaps, perhaps not. That means my assumption about your age was right though. You're not used to this kind of escort are you A- Prince Anduin?" She caught herself quickly, remembering the social courtesies since the person she was escorting was royalty. She chided inwardly at the almost slip of her tongue. She doubts he'll notice.
Prince Anduin sighed slightly, "No, not really. Forgive me, Delfore, if at any point it gets a bit uncomfortable." His tone indicated his sincerity to that statement.
"It's nothing to worry about, you're fine," Delfore assured with a small wave of the hand, "I've been in many kinds of situations."
"Oh?" He prompted. They were close to the Cathedral District, the large white building looming overhead.
"Yes, ranging from strange to downright fucking insane," She replied, avoiding the prompt for the most part. As they entered the courtyard she gestured to the Cathedral, "Rumor has it that you're training to become a priest. Is that true?" She kept the small talk going more to get Prince Anduin comfortable in her presence than anything else. She looked back at him to catch him nodding.
"I am. I'd rather not go into fighting another," He answered tone sincere once again, "There's no need to have so much violence."
Delfore listened closely to his words. He was firm in his opinion; she could tell that by how clearly he answered her. After a moment she nodded once again, the smell of the sea getting stronger. "Wiser point of view than I expected."
"How so?"
"Well," she turned to look at him, a hint of a smirk on her lips, "You use your head, and heart, rather than strength and heart like your father. Less fighting equals more diplomatic solutions, and my favorite, compromises. You definitely have the makings of a leader in you."
"I'm glad to know you think that," he smiled. Anduin had a look of contentment on his face, pleased that Delfore agrees with his view. The docks came into view, the sounds of laborers working the ringing of ships coming and going bringing the place alive. Delfore nodded.
"Well, hopefully I can give you ideas and ways that'll help you grow. Let's see what we can do to help with this investigation, and the preparations for the fleet."