Danielle continued to feel terrified even after she was ushered inside by Varian. She had never seen a Dragon before, she never thought they would be so…terrifying. When Deathwing stared at them she had heard his name whispered in her mind. Neltharion, Deathwing. It seems that Tal'zera was not completely lost to her. "Are you two alright?" Genn asked hastily as he rushed to the two royals side, he pulled Danielle into his chest when he saw her visibly shaking.
"We're fine" Varian replied gruffly so that he could hide the slight fear coursing through him "a little shaken but fine."
"What was happening outside?" Genn asked with great concern "when I saw people being ushered into the castle I feared the worst."
"The Aspect of Death has returned to Azeroth" the King of Stormwind growled hatefully.
"Deathwing? But I have heard the stories, I thought the other Aspects destroyed him."
"No, they only weakened him and now he is back. We must convene the leaders of the Alliance. We cannot hope to defeat this evil alone."
"Most will be arriving in three days' time for remembrance day. I shall send word though no doubt they already know" Varian was secretly waiting impatiently for remembrance day as that would be when his son, Anduin, would return. He wanted to reconcile with his son, to apologize for the mistakes he made that forced his son to flee in the first place. The memory of his son staring up at him in fear, disgust, and pain flashed through his mind. Never again will he let his rage consume him.
"Of course" Genn nodded to the King before looking down at his trembling daughter "come, Dani, Mia is desperate to see you are well. I have forbidden her to leave our room" she nodded and walked with the King of Gilneas.
Varian watched her go as he remembered what she had revealed to him. Maybe this was why she was brought to this world, to stop Deathwing. No, that had to be impossible, the woman barely knew how to fight and was terrified at the sight of the monstrous dragon. How could she possibly be able to defeat the aspect of death? Then again, the light works in mysterious ways, maybe there is something hidden deep within her that had yet to reveal itself. If that was the case, he would help to bring it forth. The High Priestess will train her in the ways of the light and he will be the one to train her in the way of the sword. Who better to teach her than someone who has seen the limits a warrior can reach, and who better to help her restrain her rage than a man who has fought it for more years than he can count.
For now, he needed to focus on Deathwing.
Anduin had arrived early in the morning on remembrance day. He was nervous, he did not know how to face his father after what happened in Darnassus. He had tried to convince his father to let the citizens on Gilneas join the Alliance but Varian would not listen. Disappointed, Anduin told his father that he was leaving with Prophet Velen to study in the light. He turned to go but Varian had grabbed onto his arm, painfully. It was at that moment that Anduin felt fear as he looked at the wild look his father had in his eyes.
The prince knew his father deeply regretted his actions but it was not so easy to forgive him. How long before Varian would do it again, would he be able to forgive him a second time.
He had no answer to that so instead, he decided to avoid his father by walking around the castle. So deep in his thoughts, he did not see the woman in front of him until he collided into her. He heard a gasp and felt two soft hands grasp his shoulder firmly so he would not fall back "I'm so sorry I-" he stopped when he looked up into the eyes of his mother. No, this wasn't his mother, yet she was so similar. The kindness she radiated, the warmth, it was unlike any he had felt but from his mother. This woman was at Darnassus, the eldest princess of Gilneas he believed.
"Are you alright?" she asked softly in concern.
"Y-yes, I was lost in my thoughts and was not watching where I was going. I am sorry for walking into you" she smiled and shook her head.
"Its fine, I do that sometimes as well. You are prince Anduin, yes?" he nodded "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, my name is Danielle Greymane."
"A pleasure" he replied with a kind smile. He quite liked this woman, she spoke to him as a person and not a prince.
"What were you deep in thought about, if you don't mind me asking?"
He frowned, hesitant to reveal his inner turmoil to a stranger. Though, he supposed it could not hurt to get another's opinion "I had had a bit of a falling out with my father back in Darnassus. I was the subject of his rage and could no longer stand it so I left him. But now that I have returned home I am hesitant to speak to him, even more so to forgive him."
"I know all too well the troubles with rage. Seeing as I am infected with the worgen curse, it is all too easy to succumb to the rage and lash out. Your father suffered similar effects" she stopped and motioned to the bench on the other side of the hallway. A strange place to put a bench but Anduin had sat here many times to ponder on many things, his father thought it humorous to bring in a bench so his sons feet would not ache "I'm sure you remember how your father was split in two" Anduin nodded "well, when he was rejoined he never truly became one. Two sides, Varian and Lo'Gosh, continued to battle for control for many years until my father, gave him a solution" Anduin perked up, curious as to what could change his father "the night elves had created a ritual that would help worgens to find balance and peace between both sides, human, and wolf. Seeing as your father was quite similar, Genn thought that the ritual would do the same. And it did. From my brief encounter with your father in Darnassus, it was easy to tell he was brash, rude and quick to temper but now…I have not seen your father lash out at anything since my stay at Stormwind keep" she sighed and placed a hand delicately on his shoulders "I am not telling you this to make you forgive your father, I have merely given you information so you can make the decision on your own. You can only have one Varian…could you really bare to lose him when you are divided like this?"
Her words resonated with him deeply. If his father was to perish, he would immensely regret the rift that had settled between them. His father haf suffered much, and his personality reflects that. But if what Danielle said was true, then perhaps his father had changed and would become the man he was always meant to be. "thank you, this has helped me to sort out my dilemmas."
"I'm glad, no family should be divided. Especially in times of war. The people of Stormwind need to see a unity in the Wrynn family, your strength is their strength."
"You are quite wise" Anduin jokily stated.
Danielle giggled "I just read a lot of books is all."
A man cleared his throat, gaining the attention of the two royals "my apologize for the interruption, your majesties" it was Archbishop Benedictus "I was wondering if you would be able to come with me to your mother memorial, Anduin, there is something I wish to discuss with you there" the request seemed awfully suspicious but the Bishop was trusted by the two royals. He was a kind man who always knew how to help people in need.
"Of course, would you mind if my lady came along? I would like to show her my mothers memorial" Danielle could tell that was the prince's way of secretly telling her he may need her help and that he did not trust going with the Bishop alone. He may not have much of his father in him but his ability to see danger was luckily passed down to the younger Wrynn.
The bishop's gaze narrowed for a moment before brightening "of course not, it is no bother. Come, before night falls" the two nobles nodded and followed him. They were immensely grateful to have their weapons on them, whatever would happen, they needed to be well equipped to defend themselves.
They arrived at the memorial and were startled to see Varian there. The King looked at his son fondly who in turn looked back at Varian with confusion. "I'm sorry to have brought you here so suddenly but I thought I should give the King his gift with his son beside him" Benedictus reached into his robes and pulled out a beautiful silver key. It was the key to Tiffin's locket.
Varian smiled gratefully at the Bishop "thank you, Benedictus, you are a great man. I hesitate to think what I would do without you"
The Archbishop bowed his head "please, allow me to leave you to it" he turned to go and as he did he waved his arm once more "peace be with you both" he said as he disappeared into the thick trees.
Varian twirled the key in his fingers as he pondered on the strange words the Archbishop had said until he noticed his son was watching him. All the harsh things he had wanted to say was of no consequence as he realized that Anduin was more important than everything. He did not care if his son was not ready for the crown, all that mattered was that his son was alive and happy.
Danielle turned around and looked at the flowers, she felt uncomfortable with watching an intimate moment between father and son.
"Here," Varian said as he passed his late wife's key to his son who gasped and stared at him happily. He did not have much to remember his mother by but with this key he felt whole again. Tears began to well in the young prince's eyes, he lunged for his father and hugged him. Varian smiled fondly at his son and hugged him back just as tightly. This was his world, the one thing that meant more to him than any possession of value.
"I wish so much that I was more like you, father." Anduin said softly into his father's chest "I do want to be a great king. But…I am not…as strong." He stepped back and wiped his tears angrily as if they were a sign of weakness.
Varian pulled him back into his arms "no, Anduin. You have more courage than I do. And it flows from a place deep within your heart. Remember what your uncle Magni used to say? Strength comes in many forms…"
They both repeated the last part of the line in unison "both small and large."
Danielle smiled to herself as she heard that, it was a touching moment and she was glad to have witnessed it. Turning around, she looked at the prince and King and smiled sheepishly "sorry to ahh… stand here awkwardly…I just…" she motioned to the empty area surrounding them.
Varian nodded in understanding "that's quite alright. You would no doubt have been attacked by the ambush that has been set up by the Archbishop" he felt betrayed by the bishop but he would ponder on that later "so tell me, from what direction do you think the ambush will come?" they drew their weapons and faced the enemies that soon surrounded them "protect Anduin" Varian ordered Danielle "and I shall protect you both" she nodded and stood on the other side of the prince who drew his arrow back and fired at the charging cultist. They had heard of the twilight hammer cult who served Deathwing. It seemed that the Archbishop had joined said cult.
They fought with all the strength they possessed. Anduin fired his arrows as hastily and accurately as he could. Varian used all his strength and skill to keep his son, and even Danielle alive. The princess fought off the remaining attackers that were not focused on the King, she was glad for Varian's teachings, otherwise, she would have died at the beginning.
The cultists were dead but the battle was not over. Whilst fighting they did not notice the warlock in the background using all his power to open a summoning portal. From that portal came a Draconic, a half dragon – half man hybrid that thirsted for blood. It was the largest that Varian had ever seen.
The trio, with their backs to the wall, tried to bring the beast down but it was too powerful. Anduin fired the last of his arrows into the beast but they were like a hail on a tin roof, they could not penetrate the monsters thick armor. He could only watch in anguish as his father and Danielle tried in vain to kill the creature.
Not knowing what else to do, Varian pushed Danielle out of the way and felt the burning bite of the monsters blade slice through his armor and continue deep into his ribcage. The force of the attack slammed the King into the ground. Despite his grievous wound, his eyes stared at his son, making sure that he was unharmed.
Danielle roared mightily and allowed her worgen form to take over. With her sword discarded, she raced forward and used her claws to swipe at the beast's armor. The beast laughed and as if she was an insignificant fly he swatted at her, causing her to fly into the wall and shatter it. She gasped at the agonizing pain she felt as her bones broke. She fell to the floor and tumbled towards the King who still had the Dragonspawn's axe embedded within him. She could not scream as her body returned to its human shape, it was as if the pain was so strong that it took away her voice. Varian spared her a glance and nodded at her broken form, silently thanking her for trying to save his son. It was a brave thing to do despite knowing she was no match for the dragon hybrid. She had garnered great respect from him in that moment.
Anduin watched on in horror as he stared at the two beings in front of him. Danielle's body was twisted and mangled from the force of being attack and the impact of hitting the stone brick wall. Bones were protruding through her muscle and skin, and blood mingled with his fathers who was nearly cut in half. The prince let out a wail of anguish, unable to bear the sight of seeing his father in such a state. And though he had only met Danielle briefly, she had sacrificed herself to save both him and Varian from death. She was too sweet to die in such a horrible way.
Varian stared at his son and uttered a single word "run…" he hoped his son would listen to his words.
Danielle gurgled as she tried to tell the prince to run but the blood welling up in her throat was stopping her from doing such a thing. Darkness began to encroach on her vision and she began to panic. This was not how she wanted to die, completely mangled and broken. As the darkness took her over she apologized to her family for leaving them. All of her family.
Anduin watched as the creature sneered down at Varian and pulled his axe from the Kings chest. He knew he should have listened to his father and run but he would not leave his side. He raised his arms to the sky and allowed his power of light to come forth. A golden nova of holy energy forced the monster back. He shouted the word Barrier and a golden ball surrounded the graveyard. It shimmered and blurred as it protected the prince and his fallen protectors. The Draconic charged but Anduin was not deterred, with the light surrounding him he uttered the magic words to dispel the magic around him. The earth shook as his magic covered the land, hitting the Draconic and destroying his armor completely.
Suddenly, Varian lunged forward and used his mighty Shalamayne to defeat the beast completely. A final act of devotion to his precious son. Anduin rushed to his side and pulled his father into his arms "I am so sorry father" he said through his tears.
Varian looked at his beloved son and smiled "no, it is I who am sorry…for not seeing earlier what you are…what you have always been. I'm so proud…that you are my son" he reached up and wiped Anduin's tears away only to smear blood on his cheek "do not mourn for me, Anduin. This has always been my fate…do not let it be yours."
"No!" Anduin shouted as he shook the King "This is not how it ends! Do you hear me, father?! A Wrynn prince will not again watch a loved one die before him! This is not our fate!" Anduin screamed to the sky. As if the heavens heard him, the clouds parted. He began to change softly but soon it rose to a crescendo, a beautiful song. The words came to him from a strange whisper that surrounded him, guiding him to save the King and Princess. At first, his hands began to glow with a faint light, then they became brighter and brighter, so bright that it was akin to a setting sun. It bathed the cemetery, destroying all shadows that lurked within.
Anduin looked at Danielle and saw a being of light leave her body, it sung alongside him with a sweet melody that empowered his own magic. This was the essence he had felt within Danielle, the light that was merging with her. It wanted to save the King and Princess and had left its host to do just that.
The song reached its pitch and with it the young priest lifted his eyes to the heavens, calling for the divine power to save the people he cared about. The Naaru flew towards him and enveloped him in its warmth, giving him the divine power he so desperately pleaded for. Suddenly, liquid rays, brighter than a thousand suns bursted from Anduin's fingertips, penetrating Danielle and Varian's body, painting everything in a brilliant yellow glow. Their entire being shook by an influx of pure light. He watched in fascination as the wounds on both the beings bodies closed, bones realigned themselves and skin closed. Blood finally stopped flowing at with it the two royals were brought back from the dead.
The being of light moved away from the prince and merged itself back with its hosts. The prince had helped Danielle on this day, with her resurrection he was able to merge the two beings together. Tal'zera became Danielle and vice versa. They were whole.
Many people ran to where they saw the light and gasped at the sight they witnessed. Both the King and Princess looked as though they were dead. They worried for their Monarchs and ran to their aid. Anduin had collapsed on his father's chest, tired yet overjoyed that he has saved Varian's and Danielle's life. As he saw Stormwind guards rush to their aid he smiled and allowed himself to slumber. Everything would be alright.
