Chapter 10: Diplomatic Policy

The next morning Anduin's leg still hurt. It was his own fault. His leg hadn't bothered him in months, but he'd been warned not to aggravate it too much. He wasn't sure what he'd been thinking, offering to spar with Miss Fairchild. He was more than a little out of practice, and the sword had never been his strongest suit. He'd been much more suited for bows, daggers and small maces than large two-handed weapons.

He suspected that Miss Fairchild had deliberately targeted his knee. He'd seen a flash of guilt in her eyes afterwards before it was replaced by rage.

And she had been angry. Very angry. It had taken him surprise, honestly he'd thought she might have been warming up to him. When he'd first spoken with her in Goldshire she'd been rude and stiff, most likely unsure how to talk with him. But when they'd met at the Cathedral she had been animated and excited, eager to learn what she could.

He'd thought buying her farm anonymously was the perfect solution. She got the money and never knew where it came form. It had been perfect...theoretically.

But then she'd found out. Just a simple mistake, the scribe who'd written the letter hadn't been told not to put Anduin's name in it. To be honest, Anduin had been kidnapped by a black dragon, faced Garrosh Hellscream, and spent weeks lost in a strange and foreign land; but he didn't think he'd ever been as terrified as he'd been when Miss Fairchild tossed that letter in his face.

Although that might have something to do with her kicking her ass a few moments before.

Chamberlain Banner woke him up just before dawn, telling him his father had requested his presence. Anduin had groaned, rubbing his stiff knee as he dressed, washing his face with cool water to try to appear more awake. His father had alway been a morning person whereas Anduin was a night owl. Just last night he'd been up late into the night trying to find more information about the ancient city mentioned in the Old Darnassian book.

He walked to his father's room, giving a quick knock on the door. He heard his father's gruff 'enter' from the other side and Anduin walked in.

There was a chest in the centre of his father's room, and the man himself was pulling his shoulder length hair into a tight elastic at the back of his head, spotting Anduin through the mirror.

"I'm leaving for Teldrassil today." He spoke, grabbing his belt with the golden lion head which had once belonged to Anduin Lothar, securing it around his waist. "I'll be gone for a week, hopefully. Since the attacks, Tyrande has closed all portals in and out of Darnassus so we'll be porting to Exodar and taking a ship to Rut'theran."

Anduin inwardly pouted, upset that he'd miss a chance to visit his mentor, Velen. But he had a more concerning issue at hand, "Can't Lady Tyrande make an exception?"

"No." His father gave him a stern look through the mirror, "And she shouldn't have to. She's doing what she has to to protect her people. If I had it my way I'd take the Skyfire the entire way, I hate portals. You never know if you're going to come out in one piece."

Anduin snorted, "Yes, and nothing bad ever happened to you while travelling over seas."

His Father turned and ruffled his hair affectionally, "Brat."

Varian walked over to the bed, where there was a small pile of parchments and scrolls which made Anduin groan inwardly. He picked them up and handed them to his son with a small smirk.

"I'm sure you'll be able to handle these." The King seemed far too pleased. Anduin read through them, eyeing dozens of daily reports from various outposts throughout Alliance land. He groaned audibly this time, and his father laughed.

Anduin huffed at him, walking over to the bed to set them down. He winced as his knee sparked in pain and prayed that his father hadn't noticed the limp.

But luck wasn't on his side.

His father narrowed his eyes suspiciously, "What's wrong with your leg."

"Hmm?" Anduin tried to look nonchalant "Oh nothing. Aggravated it yesterday, is all."

"Doing what?" His father appeared perplexed.

"Nothing." Anduin hoped his voice didn't sound as squeaky as it seemed, "Just...stuff."

His father raised a single eyebrow at him in disbelief.

Anduin sighed, looking skywards for help, "I was sparring." He mumbled.

Varian's second eyebrow shot up to join the first, looking at his son in surprise, "You were sparring?"

Anduin straightened at the tone of disbelief, his tone indignant, "Yes. Yes I was."

"You?"

"Yes.

His father paused for a moment, furrowing his thick dark eyebrows, "Are you sure?"

Anduin snorted, chuckling lightly, "Yes, I'm sure."

His father still looked like he didn't quite believe him, "Why?"

Anduin cleared his face which suddenly felt a bit warm, "I have a- " Friend? Maybe not. "Acquaintance, who was in need of a sparring partner. So I volunteered."

"Huh." His father walked over to the open chest, dropping in a few more items before snapping it shut, "How did it go?"

Anduin motioned to his knee is response.

"Was he good?" His father asked, and Anduin immediately got the feeling he was probing for information.

"She's alright." Anduin replied honestly, not sure where he was going.

"She?" His father perked up a bit.

Anduin rolled his eyes, "Not like that. She's just an acquaintance, I barely know her."

"I didn't say anything." His father raised his hands in surrender, but there was a smirk on his face Anduin didn't like. "She kicked your ass, huh?"

"Well it appears that she was rather upset with me." Anduin defended.

Varian startled, "Why was she upset with you?"

Anduin flushed red, and looked anywhere but at his father.

"Oh light." His father looked skyward, "What did you do?"

Anduin looked sullen, "I was just trying to help."

Varian looked skeptical,

Anduin sighed and launched into an explanation of his attempts to help Miss Fairchild with her Paladin training. HIs father stayed silent and let him going through his explanation without making a single comment, only nodding his head and continuing to pack his trunk in silence as Anduin spoke.

Finally once he was finished, Anduin held his hands up, "So?"

"So?" His father repeated, "So what?"

Anduin gave him an incredulous look, "What should I do?"

"About your crush."

"Yes!" Anduin exclaimed before he realized what he'd said, and backtracking, "What? No."

His Father was watching him with a raised eyebrow and for the first time anduin realized he was hiding a smile rather poorly, "You have a crush."

Anduin scoffed, crossing his arms over his chest defensively, "No I don't."

"Really?" HIs Father walked over to a small wooden bench by the window to his room, grabbing his gauntlets, and started to tied them on, "So, you bought a farm for, frankly, an outrageous amount of gold, so she could afford expensive paladin trainings, and even sparred, which you hate doing; all for a woman you 'barely know'."

Anduin paused, but then cleared his throat, "Yes."

Varian shook his head, grabbing his thick winter cloak, "I must say it's about time, nineteen is too old for your first crush."

"It's not a crush." Anduin repeated in annoyance, before doubling back, "And it's hardly my first."

"Oh, right." His father smirked wickedly, "Tyrande."

Anduin's felt his face grow warm as he sputtered, "I was fourteen!"

"You were adorable."

"Alright!" Anduin grabbed the parchments, holding his hands out, "I'm leaving."

"Wait." His father moved forward, and Anduin stopped, noting the seriousness in his tone, "You want my advice?" Anduin paused, but then nodded. He was still genuinely stumped on how to move forward with the situation. "To be honest I'm not exactly a people person."

Anduin snorted.

His father ignored him and continued, "But, you are. Much better than me. Now the best way for me to explain is to think of it from a diplomatic perspective. Imagine your 'acquaintance' as a foreign group who isn't acting the way you'd expect. What do you do?"

Anduin paused for a moment. He'd always been good at diplomacy. He got along famously with most people, and even had made friends among Horde leadership. If he could get along with the Horde, he could figure out how to get along with Miss Fairchild.

"Alright." Anduin nodded, deep in thought, "If a group was behaving erratically, we would...approach with caution, and try to take stock of the situation."

"And if they behave aggressively?" Varian prompted.

Anduin paused, wondering what answer his father wanted. A few years ago his father would have responded aggressively in kind, but he didn't think that was what he was suggesting. But his father had been much more diplomatic recently, much more open to taking Anduin's suggestions and advice.

Anduin swallowed, "I would take a step back, and try to evaluate what's causing the aggression."

"So?" Varian asked, "What's causing the aggression?"

"She thinks I'm giving her charity." Anduin replied quickly, "That I'm helping her because I pity her."

"Do you?"

"No!" Anduin denied, "No, I just...I wanna help her because I can, and because...I don't know." He deflated, "I don't pity her though. I just thought if she had an opportunity then to do what she always wanted..." He trailed off, feeling dejected, "I don't know."

His father placed his hands on his shoulders, leaning down so they were face to face, "And the next step is to try and get rid of the source of the tension."

"I'm not taking back the money." Anduin said sharply, "I don't care if she never takes it. I want it to be there so she'll always have the chance."

His father leaned up, his eyes sad, "Then you might just have to live with her anger. But to be honest I'm not the best person to speak to you about this. Maybe you should talk to someone with a more...feminine, touch."

Anduin snorted, "Yeah? Like who? Jaina?"

His father winced. Anduin knew it pained the King to know that his son and his friend didn't quite get along like they used to - it pained Anduin as well. They had been so close when he was a child, but after Theramore and her sudden shift in personality, they often found themselves clashing over every little thing. It saddened him that they had reached a point where he didn't feel comfortable going to her with things like this.

A thought tickled Anduin in the back of his mind. An idea of who he might be able to talk to. He cleared his throat, smiling at his Father, "I'll figure something out."

"Why are you so bothered anyways?" His father seemed perplexed, "People are always mad at you, you've never cared about their opinions before."

"Maybe I just want to avoid her kicking my knee out again." Anduin mumbled, rubbing his sore muscles.

"I did tell you to guard your left side more furiously."

"Yeah, yeah." Anduin rolled his eyes in good faith, "Don't you have somewhere to be?"

Varian snorted, but nodded, grabbing two winter gloves and a small rucksack. Anduin made to leave but a hand grasping his arm made him stop.

His father was standing close to him, his voice barely above a whisper, "Speaking of aggressive foreign nations. I've sent a missive to Vol'jin, about the attacks, to suggest a...cooperative investigation."

Anduin blinked in surprise, looking at his father with wide eyes, "Really?"

Varian nodded, "For reasons I'm sure you could understand, I haven't shared this information with the other leaders yet...especially not Jaina and Genn."

Anduin winced. "Are they out for blood?"

"Not as badly as before." His father relented, "Especially when they learned of the attack in Azshara. But they won't respond well to communications like this. So until we Vol'jin's response, I think it'll be best to keep this hush."

Anduin wasn't sure how wise it was to be keeping information from the other leaders, but nodded anyways. He'd keep this secret, for now.

His Father smiled, leaning down to press a quick kiss to the top of his head before straightening up.

"I'll only be gone a week. Try not to burn it down before I come back."

Anduin waved him off, "Get out of here old man."

His father ported out an hour later, and immediately Anduin was hounded by courtiers and nobles and soldiers handing his scrolls and listing off statistics. Anduin rubbed his forehead, as he walked towards the petitioners chamber, knowing the next week was going to be a huge headache.

Addy stayed in her room for the next three days, moping. The innkeeper, Betsy, brought her soup and bread twice a day and told her the day's gossip, chatting about people who she didn't know and places she'd never been. Addy never responded, but Betsy didn't seem to mind. The kind old woman seemed to genuinely enjoy taking care of her.

She was guilty. Despite what Gryan said she knew she couldn't stay here. She needed a place to live if she was going to be here for any amount of time. And more than that she needed a job.

Addy asked Betsy if she was looking for someone to help out around the inn. But Betsy had sadly informed her that they had a full staff at the moment. Addy tried not to feel too dejected, she'd known it was a long shot.

"Is there anywhere else that might be looking?" She asked the woman hopefully.

Betsy was thoughtful for a moment, before a dark look came over her and she pursed her lips, "It's a bit hard to find jobs in the city I'm afraid." Addy let out a disappointed breath, "But..."

Addy perked up, "What is it?"

Betsy seemed reluctant to say, "It's a seedy place. Not a place where you'd find respectable folks. But I heard the Slaughtered Lamb is looking for a cleaning lady."

"Where's that?" Addy frowned, "I've never heard of it."

"I'd hope not." Betsy held up a finger, "It's no place for a young lady to find herself."

"Please, Betsy." Addy jutted out her lower lip and gave large watery eyes that used to turn Gryan into putty in her hand, "I need a job, and I want to stay as close to home as possible."

Betsy chewed on her lip for a few moments before cursing under her breathe, "Alright, but don't say I didn't warn you girl!"

Betsy gave her quick directions to the Slaughtered Lamb, which was on the opposite side of the city in the Mage district. Addy didn't know what kind of seedy establishment was in such a beautiful part of the city, but she didn't mind. She could handle herself against a few rowdy bar goers.

She left in the early hours of the morning. She knew she would take an extended route to the Mage District, walking along the canals rather than taking the quicker route through the busy Trade Distract, which still scared her a little bit. The walk was nice, if not a bit cold. If she got a job the first thing she would buy was a winter cloak. The windows had been frosted over that morning, and no doubt it would start snowing soon.

The Mage District wasn't as busy as it had been last time she was there with Gryan. Before there had been people sitting and studying on the green grass surrounding the giant Mage Tower. But now there was nobody, the cool weather driving everybody indoors.

Addy followed Betsey's directions until she found the sign that labeled the Slaughtered Lamp. It was on the outskirts of the district, and looked much more worn down than the usual gleaming stone of the surrounding buildings. There was a single handing sign, weather worn and squeaking in the wind. She swallowed, a feeling of dread entering her as she walked up the stairs, and into the building.

The inside looked relatively normal, like a worn down version of the Golden Keg. Long beer stained tables with long benches and a single bar against a wall. There wasn't anybody behind it, and only a single patron of the bar, sitting in the back corner and nursing a large glass of something that looked stronger than beer. He didn't even look up as she entered, so Addy ignored him and wandered over to the bar.

"Er..." She swallowed, looking around, "Hello?"

Instantly a man popped his head out from behind a door she hadn't seen, making her jump. He was tall and skinny, with pale translucent wrinkly skin and a large forehead. His teeth were stained yellow and his fingernails dirty and cracked. Despite this he was dressed impeccably, with well fitting clothes in fine cotton and linen and shoes which snapped gently against the floor as he walked over to her.

He looked over her suspiciously, like the idea of someone like her coming into his pub was suspect. Addy shifted awkwardly and tried not to look threatening.

"I uh..." She cleared her throat, "I heard you were looking for a cleaning lady?"

The man's face didn't change, scanning her like he was looking for something in particular. His eyes landed at the scarf on her neck, which had fallen, showing off a part of her scar. She flushed and hurriedly covered it back up, hoping that it hadn't just cost her the job.

But instead of saying anything he motioned towards the back of the pub, and towards two door in the corner next to the single patron, before walking towards them. Addy took the message and quickly followed.

"Do you have any experience working in a Pub?" he asked, his voice soft and quiet, but with a hint of malice which frightened her slightly.

"No." Addy answered honestly.

"How about as a cleaning Lady."

Addy blushed, "Er-No?"

The man paused in front of the door on the right, turning to look at her with a pencil thin eyebrow raised, "Have you ever cleaned anything."

Addy straightened, indignant, "Well, yes. Of course.'

The man smiled wryly, and opened the door, holding his hand out for her to enter. She felt a bit hesitant, but walked through it.

On the other side was a a small room with three other basic doors. She frowned, waiting for the strange man to hurry through, grabbing a rusty key from a large key chain and opening the door on the right.

"I can't pay you much." He said, "A silver a week."

He paused, looking at her as if waiting for her to argue or angrily storm out. But instead Addy gapped at him.

"I made less than 15 silver a year in Westfall." She said blandly.

If he was surprised he didn't say anything, instead pushing the door open, "This is your room."

Addy nodded. The room was smaller than her room at the inn, which was for two people. There was a single thin mattress against the wall below a small window, and an old wardrobe against the far wall. There appeared to be a small closest which she assumed was a water closest. All in all it was more than she expected.

"How much?" She asked, looking at it.

The man snorted, "Nobody's ever wanted to stay here before. But it's included."

Addy couldn't believe her luck. It was like she had hit the jackpot! A job, and a place to live? There had to be some sort of catch.

She turned to the strange spindly man, "Why hasn't anyone stayed here before?"

"Ah, Well." The man coughed into his hand, "Let's just say there are some practices that occur on the premise that may not be entirely...sanctioned."

Addy startled, "Like what?"

"Nothing to be worried about." The man assured, but Addy wasn't assured. "Nothing you'd be involved in. But I would have to ask that you not enter the door to the basement."

Addy chewed on her lip, looking back at the room. How badly did she really want this place? Betsy had seemed pretty nervous, even just giving her instructions on how to get here. But then again, the man had said she wouldn't be involved in whatever they got up to behind door number two.

It took her only seconds to decide.

She turned and gave a wide smile to the man behind her, "When do I start?"

A/N: You would not believe the day I've had. My first day off in a while, I'm super excited to sleep in and WHAM 5:30 in the morning we get hit with a 6.2 earthquake. Woke me the fuck up. But I managed to get back to sleep. But mother nature is a tricky bitch, so 2 hours later at 7:30 ANOTHER earthquake hit, this one 6.3. Like lord, let me sleep.

Sorry this chapter was a bit late. One of the managers at work quit rather suddenly and I had to cover all her shifts. Sigh. But that's over now and hopefully I'll have time to actually write again.

Yay for filler chapter! Not much happened this chapter, but stay tuned for next week when Addy meets a stranger who knows a little too much about her past, and yells at someone who isn't Anduin for a change.

Drop by a review, follow or favourite if you enjoyed it and thank you so much to everyone who reviewed last chapter. I swear I'll get better at the whole replying thing. I used to be so good at it, but I promise I'm working at it.

Until Next Time,

-Ash