Chapter 6

Stormwind Castle

Shandris' room

Shandris sighed as she looked at the sets of attire before her. One was the typical uniform for a Night elf Sentinel and the other was a dress made for her specifically, wondering which to wear for her meetup with Anduin.

After sending out the information about Khadgar to Tyrande and Malfurion, Shandris was now worrying about what attire was appropriate for her soon meeting with the king of Stormwind. Should she wear her standard attire, the one that she was most comfortable with, or should she wear the dress as it would probably be more appropriate for what should be just a meeting between friends? The dress wasn't as extravagant or mouth-watering as Kaldorei dresses can be. It was rather modest in how it fitted her form, not revealing much beyond her form, perfect for just relaxing with a friend.

However, she wasn't exactly comfortable wearing it. Not only because she was far more comfortable in the attire of the Sentinels, but also because that she wasn't sure if it would be appropriate for her meetup with Anduin. The High King, regrettably, didn't provide much information on the manner of their meetup. Was it romantic? Or was it simply a way for them to solidify their friendship with each other?

She would much prefer that the meeting wasn't romantic at all, feeling that it was still too soon for Anduin to pursue her, but…at the same time, Shandris wouldn't be at all troubled if it was romantic.

Anduin was many things, many of which were appealing to the general of the Sentinels. He was kind, considerate, and, above all, a leader that loved all his people, regardless of their race. He truly cared for all beings of Azeroth, even those that weren't subjects of his rule. A very fine being to have as a husband if one asked Shandris.

Tyrande and Malfurion would rejoice over her choice of spouse, even if they'll be a little surprised. They would no doubt approve of her just finding a male to spend matrimony with, even if it's for a short amount of time, regrettably. But…that short time can be some of the greatest years in her life.

She had past feelings for Jarod Shadowsong, the brother of Maiev Shadowsong, but that was a long time ago and whatever feelings they had for each other, or rather her feelings for Jarod, were long extinguished, even though they have a good working relationship with each other now. Perhaps things can be different?

Sighing, Shandris eventually decided to just wear her typical attire as it was something she was far more comfortable in wearing. She also believed that Anduin will understand her choice of attire as he didn't say anything concerning what type of attire they will be wearing.

Removing her current armor and replacing it with the new one, Shandris wondered how the people of Stormwind will react to their king being with a Night elf huntress. She knew of how eager humans are at spreading rumors based on looks alone and no doubt believed they'll spread rumors that Anduin was intimately involved with her. Humans. Such strange beings. Though she won't deny they can be quite noble and attractive as well. Case in point, Anduin and his father.

Looking at a mirror on the wall, Shandris adjusted some strands of her hair before embarking for Anduin's quarters, where the High King was probably waiting for her.

Walking through the halls of Stormwind, Shandris couldn't help but wonder if they're fit for someone like her. If Anduin asked her hand in marriage and asked her to stay with him as queen of Stormwind.

Truth be told, she found the stone walls and buildings of Stormwind to be dull and far too rigid for her liking. There were far too few trees in the city for her likings and she despised how overcrowded the city can be at certain times of the day. She much preferred the open and spacious lands of Teldrassil over Stormwind, where she could hunt to her pleasure and find solace in the animals all around her. Yet, she couldn't help but feel that she'll get used to the nature of the city of Stormwind, given time. Even more so if she had Anduin as a mate. He would no doubt help her adjust to life in Stormwind, just like how she helped him.

Shaking her head before she could get any more ideas of Anduin asking her hand in marriage, Shandris reminded herself that this was merely a day with a friend. Nothing more and nothing else. At least she believed so.

Eventually, she arrived at Anduin's quarters, where it was being guarded by two royal guards. Upon seeing Shandris, one of the guards entered Anduin's quarters, no doubt to inform the king that she arrived. A few minutes later, Anduin arrived, wearing some formal clothing. Upon seeing Shandris, he smiled.

"Thank you for accepting my invitation, Shandris." Said Anduin. "This should be something that should benefit us both. One cannot deal with the stress and frustrations that come with being a leader of a people for too long. Not without some way to alleviate the pressure."

"Agreed." Said Shandris as Anduin walked close to her. "Though some can handle the pressure of being a leader better than others, one does need some time to be themselves and not have to worry about their people for even a day. Lest they perform fatal mistakes. Both for them and their people." Anduin nodded at that before offering his hand, causing Shandris to look at him in surprise.

"Is it not courteous of the man to offer the lady his hand when they are out alone together?" Asked Anduin. "Or do the Kaldorei have no such customs for their people?"

"We do not." Said Shandris. "However, since we are in your city and you are my host, it is only fair that we do things that is customary for your people." Before Anduin could say anything, Shandris took his offered hand. "So, where shall we go first, Anduin."

"Well, that would depend on you, Shandris." Said Anduin as the two began to walk side by side. "If you are feeling hungry, perhaps we should stop by a restaurant to satiate our hungry before we do anything that I had in mind."

"That would be unnecessary, Anduin." Said Shandris. "Though you are kind to offer. If anything, I would like to see more of your city, Anduin. I may have been here for a few weeks, I have not seen much of your city. I imagine that there are many wonders in your city that I yearn to see and experience. And I believe you wish to show me such wonders, correct?" Anduin nodded at that with a small smile.

"Indeed, Shandris." Said Anduin. "There are quite a few places that I believe that you will find quite beautiful, even if they pale in comparison to the beauty of Teldrassil." Shandris just smiled at that.

"Do not sell the beauty of your city so short, Anduin." Said Shandris with a small smile. "There may be some things here that I can still find as beautiful as items in Teldrassil. Perhaps even surpass them. In either case, we should go and find them so I can be the judge." Anduin nodded at that before the two departed from the castle to travel to their first destination.

Later

"I thought it would be best if we started off with something familiar to you, Shandris." Said Anduin as they walked through a beautiful garden in Stormwind. The garden was filled with flowers and plants of all kinds within its confines. There were even a few trees here and there.

Touching a purple flower, Shandris smiled at this before speaking.

"I see some flowers native to the Northern kingdoms here along with some native to Kalimdor." Said Shandris as she eyed the plants. "It must be difficult to maintain a garden with various species of plants, some of which may not be capable of being placed so close to each other."

"It is." Said Anduin before walking towards a batch of Ebon roses, kept a fair distance away from the other plants. "These Ebon roses take water from those nearby it, if it's requirements, are not meant. Our waterers have to make sure they get their water requirements or else they'll steal water from the other plants, thus depriving them of what they need to survive. And our gardeners must check to see that the black roses aren't taking the water from other plants as well, so they won't die due to our negligence."

"Much like the Horde under Garrosh." Thought Shandris as Anduin inspected a rose. Eventually going over to him, Shandris put a hand on his shoulder, something that he appreciated from her.

"If this is such a concern, why do you have such plants in this garden, Anduin? Surely the extra just adds on to the duties of your people. Why give them extra, unnecessary might I add, work?" Asked Shandris.

"Because these species of plant can live together in harmony with each other if enough effort is done to achieve it." Said Anduin as he looked at the plants before him. All of them. "With constant vigilance and compassion, these plants can live in harmony with each other. And it's the duty of our waterers and gardeners to ensure that such a thing exists in this garden. Much like how it's our duty as leaders of the Alliance to create peace and harmony with the Horde." Shandris just slightly nodded at that.

"Do you think this patch of land is proof that the Horde and Alliance and live in peace?" Asked Shandris, not help but be a bit skeptical with that. She couldn't help but twitch her ears when Anduin nodded. "Anduin, our situation with the Horde is not as simple as tending to a Garden. Unlike our peoples, these plants have not committed any heinous acts against each other, nor have they killed each other in war. And that is not including the number of prejudices between our kinds as well, for many reasons. Some of which are, sadly, reasonable."

"*Sighs* I know, Shandris." Said Anduin before speaking up once again. "I know there is much violent history between our people, but that doesn't mean we should not try to attempt peace with the Horde. If Azeroth is to know true peace. If we are to advance in life, we must make peace with the Horde, even if some do not wish to." Shandris nodded at that, knowing that quite a few Night elves still held a grudge against the Orcs for the death of master Cenarius during the third war. And to be honest, she herself also held a grudge for his death.

"Peace is something that I would have believed possible had there not been for all the horrid acts we've committed against one another. One more than the other." Said Shandris, causing Anduin to sigh.

"I know." Said Anduin as he looked at Shandris' glowing eyes. "I know of the deeds of the Horde, both old and recent, as well as the deeds of our own people. All of which is heinous and wrong, no matter the deed. But that does not mean we cannot attempt to make peace with the Horde. We can't keep on fighting them for every sin they committed, nor can they do the same with us. If we are to achieve peace, then we must let go of the past and look towards the future."

"Well that is a noble prospect, Anduin, such things are not easy." Said Shandris. "One cannot simply order people to forgo a grudge on another people so easily, not unless they wish to invoke in ways to altercate memories, which only invalidates their position in the first place. Why listen to one's advocating peace when they resort to such methods to achieve them. Then there's the fact that neither Horde nor Alliance have actually cooperated in anything much beyond common foes. Officially anyway and at least to my knowledge."

"I know, Shandris." Said Anduin as he looked saddened at what she just said, knowing she was right, but then adopted a more determined expression. "But I will continue to advocate peace with the Horde, no matter how much opposition I will face. Both in the Alliance and in the Horde."

"Even from those that you are close to you?" Asked Shandris. She was referring to Jaina Proudmoore and Genn Greymane. "Even if it makes people advocate for your dismissal as High King of the Alliance?" To her slight surprise, Anduin nodded.

"If I bend to the will of those that are close to me, then what kind of High King will I be?" Asked Anduin. "Even if it causes me to lose what few friends and allies I have left, I will never stop trying to establish lasting peace between the Horde and Alliance, Shandris." Staying silent, Shandris' eyes glowed even brighter when she heard all this. Her opinion of Anduin increased as he gave out his reasoning regarding his opinion on peace with the Horde as well how far he's willing to go to get said peace. It made her respect and admire him even more than she already did.

Even when everyone turned away from him, disgusted with his insistence in being friendly with the Horde, even those he was the closest to, he'll still call for peace with the Horde, those some claim was responsible for the death of his father. He was a lot stronger than she had initially thought, making her feel proud for the human boy.

Smiling a bit at Anduin, Shandris spoke out.

"That is mighty brave of you to do, Anduin." Said Shandris, making Anduin smile a bit, happy that she was considerate. "I doubt that I would do something like what you claim to do, Anduin. I…care too much of what Tyrande and Malfurion view me to do such a thing." Upon hearing that, Anduin blinked in surprise before nodding in understanding.

"You are the adopted child of Tyrande and Malfurion, correct?" Asked Anduin. When Shandris nodded, Anduin spoke up again. "Then I completely understand. One does not wish to disappoint their parents, especially their adopted ones for you wish not to have them regret their decision to take you in. Yes?" Shandris nodded in agreement. "For what it's worth, if you do commit something that would earn your parent's disapproval, I will be there to help you. It would be the least I can do for what you did for me." Shandris smiled at that, grateful.

"Thank you, Anduin." Said Shandris. "It is pleasing to me that you would do what I did for you in these trying times." Anduin smiled at that before looking back at the flowers amongst them.

"They are all beautiful aren't they?" Asked Anduin as he looked at the varying colors of plants before them. "I don't know if you have the same sentiments, but I believe the varying colors amplify the beauty of all."

"I do share that sentiment, actually, Anduin." Said Shandris as she looked at the flowers with him. "As a Kaldorei, I see beauty in all facets of nature. And I will not deny that the varying colors are quite beautiful to see, especially in the light of the moon." Anduin just nodded in agreement at that as they saw the moonlight make some of the plants and flowers glow brighter or amplify their beauty. Seeing such beauty brought warmth to both leaders of the Alliance. A warmth that they both needed in all honesty.

Eventually, the two left the gardens to head for other areas of Stormwind that Anduin believed Shandris would enjoy seeing. Hopefully.