The city of Stormwind was nearing completion. Shops, towers, walls and bridges had been constructed, and now rose up with colourful roofs, made from brilliant white stone. Edwin Vancleef and Vanessa Windreed had become closer as the construction continued; she became fascinated with the construction process, and even helped out Edwin in the construction when he needed it.
Varian had returned to Stormwind for the first time in eight years, to see his future city. On a hot summer's day posters were placed around the city, stating that Varian would hold a speech for all the workers, and anyone else who wishes to hear. Edwin attended along with Vanessa Windreed, eagerly awaiting the future king's response to the city. As they gathered around the cathedral square, the magnificent peak of the city cathedral darting up in front of them, Varian stood half way up the stairs to the cathedral's entrance. It was well known that Varian had lost his father to a traitor of the alliance during the destruction of Stormwind, and since then spent his time with King Terenas Menethil, and his son Arthas. Varian looked to be in good shape. He was seventeen years old, and today he wore deep blue armour with golden streaks, and the symbol of the alliance – a fierce lion – sculptured into his broad shoulder armour. He was tall, with black hair and a seemingly joyous facial expression. Once everyone seemed settled, Varian began. His deep voice carried over the many people gathered.
'Greetings workers, organizers, future residents and travellers! It is truly great to see this city looking better than it did last time I laid eyes on it. It was only eight years ago when this city was being burned to the ground by vicious orcs; the work that has been done to restore this city is incredible, and for that, I thank those of you who are, or have, worked to build this city. You will all be rewarded greatly when the construction is complete. Until then, I will be travelling the Eastern Kingdoms along with alliance soldiers, in an attempt to find the people who were behind the assassination of King Llane Wrynn. I will return in approximately one year's time, to help with the rest of the creation of Stormwind. I have no doubt that soon these very streets will be crowded with all kinds; as we work, fight, help and create. And we will do this with great pride, as every enemy slain, every creature fed, every weapon forged, means a stronger; more resilient Alliance. One that can never be toppled; not even by a horde of murderous orcs. Farewell for now. May the hand of the alliance guide you, wherever you are!'
The large crowd that was gathered clapped happily, including Edwin and Vanessa, as Varian took a deep bow, and walked from the stairs towards a group of armoured soldiers.
"A short speech" Edwin remarked, as he and Vanessa walked leisurely away from the cathedral, and toward the nearly-built mage district. Some few people now lived within the walls of Stormwind. Bakers, Tinkerers, Alchemists and Hunters set up markets throughout the street as the population of the city grew.
"Short indeed. Good, nonetheless. I can see him becoming a fine king one day. He'll have the love of the people, no doubt there." Vanessa replied.
The eccentric purple roofs of the mage district came into view as they crossed a bridge, half built of stone and half of wooden planks. Below, muddy stale water sloshed around the canal, littered with sawdust and bricks. It would be one of the last tasks in creating the city, Edwin mused as they walked under a great smooth stone arch to enter the district. Cobblestone roads gave way to green grass here; near-built shop fronts lined the curving green paths, misshapen steps lead up and down to doorways, narrow streets snaked into large open areas with patios and benches placed around trees and bushes. Some buildings towered above them, others they would have to stoop to enter. This district of Stormwind was unmistakably built for those who cared little for order or control. One day, mages and enchanters would live in these buildings and sell in these shops. Spells of healing, scrolls of fortifying and potions of transformation would be bartered over, as wisps of arcane blow from the chimneys like smoke, and mystical creatures ride the wind with tails of azure lightening. Warlocks would work in smoky darkness, mastering the dark magic's, the spells and demons they summon would be the talk of the children as they dare each other to enter the shops of the mysterious sorceress.
"Such a beautiful place. The keep is a wonder, to be sure, but this is something else. Something natural, yet made by humans." Vanessa replied, as she turned all around, marvelling at the mage districts splendour.
"Made by us." Edwin replied, a smile on his face. "It's been so long since we started. Yet is feels like no time at all."
They walked for a while longer through the city as the sun fell. As darkness bloomed, they made their way to the newly restored houses in the Old Town district. The Stonemasons made temporary homes of wherever they were working, and so Edwin and Vanessa slept on thick straw pallets, the smell of freshly sawn wood filling the chill air. A member of the house of nobles she may be, yet Vanessa had started sleeping wherever Edwin did for some months now.