Once again, I'm doing a Warcraft fanfiction, even though I don't know much about this franchise. For anyone wondering why I'm doing with minimal information on Warcraft, it's because I lost a bet with a friend. If this story does well enough, I guess I'll tell what the bet was, but until then, just know that I lost a bet and know I got to do this story with a rather unorthodox pairing. Shandris and Anduin. Yeah, I know. Weird and out of the ordinary, but that's the conditions around the bet and I got to include it. So, here we go?
Disclaimer: I don't own Warcraft.
Chapter 1
Teldrassil
Shandris Feathermoon, general of the Night elf Sentinel army, couldn't help but feel horror and shock as she read the report of what had transpired at the Broken Shores. Nearly every single soldier, mage, and adventurer they sent to stop the Burning Legion had died. They didn't know what casualties the Horde suffered, but it was likely the same amount. But that wasn't eh most shocking or horrifying part. Varian Wrynn, the King of Stormwind and High King of the Alliance, was dead. Varian. Brave, stalwart Varian. Was dead. Not only was this a disastrous blow for the Alliance, but it was a tragic blow for Anduin, Varian's son, who will likely take the reins of leadership both for Stormwind and the Alliance now that Varian is dead. Anduin, just a young adolescence in human years, taking the reins of leadership during a war against demons that threaten to kill them all. The pressure on the young boy must be tremendous.
Shandris, herself didn't know much of Varian, but she respected him both as a warrior and a leader. She may have disagreed with some of his stances and policies, but he still had her undying respect. And now, his young boy was orphaned, having lost his mother when he was a babe, and now had to handle the war with the Burning Legion and likely against the Horde as rumors are surfacing that Sylvanas Windrunner had taken leadership of the Horde from Vol'jin. Putting down the report, Shandris wondered what to do.
They can't be facing the Horde now. Not while the Burning Legion was out there, gaining ground. They needed, as much as some people might disagree, work together in order to fight off the demons. Shandris, having been there in both the Burning Legion's initial two invasions, recalled that it only took the combined might of all beings on Azeroth to drive the demons back to whatever hell they call home. Division will only serve the Burning Legion and make it easier for them to conquer them. While Shandris was confident that Anduin and some of his advisors knew this, it were the others that worried her. Mainly Genn Greymane and Jaina Proudmoore.
Both have lost so much from the Horde. Genn lost his son to Sylvanas and Jaina lost Theramore to Garrosh in a war not too long ago. Both were likely for blood against the Horde, especially as her report told her that there are also rumors that the Horde had abandoned the Alliance during a critical moment on the Broken Shores. While she can understand their want for vengeance, even sympathize for wanting it, now was not the time for vengeance. They needed to deal with the Burning Legion now before it was too late. Then they can deal with the Horde.
Unlike most other leaders in the Alliance, both Jaina and Genn were close to Anduin. Jaina was there when he was just a child and Genn was close to the boy because of Varian, even seeing him as a son to him. Shandris, knowing this, feared they might use this against the boy for their own revenge. Though a part of her was telling her that this was unlikely, that they held too much love and respect for Varian and Anduin to do such a thing, the cynical part of her told her that revenge can make people do things they normally wouldn't do. She then recalled the death of her birth family to the Burning Legion when she was just an adolescence and how she was so bitter and hateful towards the demons for their deaths. She probably would be a different person today if it weren't for her adopted mother, Tyrande Whisperwind. A thought then sprang up that made her worried that Anduin may experience a similar path like her. Or, perhaps worse, go down a spiraling streak of depression and that may end with him taking his own life.
With that in mind, Shandris made her decision. Tyrande and Malfurion, her adopted parents, were probably leaving for Stormwind to express their sympathy to Anduin was all as advise him on how to deal with the Burning Legion. No doubt, they'll order Shandris to remain behind and ready the Sentinels for war, but she had no intentions to do that herself. Not yet at least. Anduin needed someone there, either to protect him from those that want to use him for their own ambitions or to be there as a friendly shoulder.
A day later
Stormwind city
Shandris had to admit, the humans knew how to make a palace as she walked down the marbled halls of Stormwind's palace, where Anduin was reported to be in the throne room along with other leaders of the Alliance. With her was her adopted mother and father, Tyrande Whisperwind and Malfurion Stormrage. The two had intended to go by themselves to talk with Anduin about Varian's death and the war against the Burning Legion, but Shandris had volunteered to tag along, expressing her desire to speak to Anduin and give him her personal condolences for his loss. Both Tyrande and Malfurion were surprised to hear that, as Shandris had little to no interactions with Varian and Anduin, but allowed it. Now the three Night elves were walking to the throne room to speak to Anduin and give him their sympathizes. A few more minutes of walking, they found themselves in the throne room. Within, there was Anduin on the throne, a sad and mournful expression on his face. Shandris felt a wave of pity wash over her upon seeing the sad expression on the human, but refrained from going over and comforting the human.
With Anduin was Jaina Proudmoore, the woman having a similar expression on her faces. Prophet Velen of the Draenei was also there with another human that she had no knowledge on was there, wearing the armor of Stormwind's soldiery, but had the helmet off, revealing to be a black haired human with blue eyes. The other leaders of the Alliance weren't there yet, either busy with the Burning Legion or were having their own messes to deal with.
Upon seeing the Night elves, Anduin welcomed them to his home, albeit with sadness in his voice.
"Thank you for arriving, Tyrande and Malfurion." Said Anduin, trying his best to squash down his sadness for his father in order to act as the leader he had to be. Shandris couldn't help but feel pity and sadness at the boy. He was sadder than she initially thought. She felt a bit of sadness of not being called out by the young King, but she assumed that was because they barely know each other. "Your people's experience in fighting off the demons will be invaluable in the coming battles to come." Malfurion and Tyrande nodded their heads in agreement before the matriarch of the Night elves spoke.
"Before we begin, Anduin, allow us to express our sympathy for your loss." Said Tyrande, genuine sorrow in her voice. "King Varian was a good man and a good leader to the Alliance. His loss will be felt by all." Anduin, instead of smiling and thanking her, became even more depressed and solemn, causing Tyrande to frown in sorrow and sadness, feeling sorry for the boy.
"Thank you, Tyrande." Said Anduin. "I thank you for your sympathy. Although I wish to have the Alliance to take a brief reprieve to mourn the loss of my father, we can't afford to do so. The Burning Legion has arrived in force and we must fight them or more people will suffer the same fate as my father." Everyone present in the throne room knew that Anduin was correct and were ready to help him in the war against the Burning Legion.
"The Burning Legion is making strides in taking territories in the Broken Isles and are already beginning to show up in the Eastern Kingdoms and Kalimdor." Reported in Tyrande. "The Sentinels are ready to repel them wherever they appear in Alliance territory in Kalimdor, but I fear we need additional forces in order to fight the demons off." Anduin nodded at that.
"I'll see what legions I can spare in order to protect Teldrassil and your people, Tyrande." Said Anduin. "I'll also try to get the other races in helping out with the defense of Kalimdor. Until then, make due with whatever adventurers can spare the time to assist you or what forces you have in your disposal." Tyrande and Malfurion bowed to that before Malfurion spoke.
"Anduin, if I may implore, what are we to do with the Horde?" Asked Malfurion. The mention of the Horde caused Jaina to scowl in hatred and anger. "While we must deal with them in regards to their betrayal in the Broken Shores, we cannot afford to do so while the Burning Legion ravages our lands. While it may enrage many in our ranks, we must fight besides the Horde if we are to survive against the full might of the Burning Legion." Before he could continue with his train of thoughts, he was interrupted by Jaina.
"No!" Yelled Jaina, glaring at Malfurion for suggesting such a thing. "The Horde has proven time and time again that they are not to be trusted at all. Each and every time that we have trusted them to do something for the good of Azeroth has ended in disaster for us. The recent loss of King Varian because of their retreat has only further proven this. If anything, we should exact retribution on them for retreating when all of Azeroth needed them." Upon hearing that, Velen spoke up.
"We cannot do so." Said Velen in his typical stoic tone. "To fight both the Horde and the Burning Legion will only make things easier for the demons to take Azeroth. We also do know not the reasons behind the Horde for leaving in the Broken Shores. I do not know Sylvanas as an individual, but I do not believe she would leave us to die without a good reason. Not when the fate of the entire world rested on that battle. A world that her Forsaken currently live alongside the Alliance." Jaina glared at Velen for what he said.
"Are you suggesting we forgive them for what they did!?" Demanded Jaina, anger in her voice. Shandris, hearing all this, was deciding on what to do. Should she intervene and try to diffuse the situation. Or allow Velen or someone else do it.
"I am not suggesting such a thing." Said Velen, neither raising his voice or changing his stance in any shape or way. "I am simply conveying the idea that not all is as it seems as well as the fact that we all must work together if we wish to save Azeroth from the Burning Legion. To work with the Horde for the time being, regardless of what heinous actions they've committed in the past. After that, after the Burning Legion is banished from Azeroth, then we can deal with the Horde." Even though there was logic in his idea, Jaina wasn't supportive of it.
"And let the betrayed dead wallow in the thoughts of being unavenged for months, maybe even years!?" Yelled Jaina, getting increasingly anger with what is going on between the Alliance leaders. She then looked at Anduin. "Are you willing to let that injustice happen to those that died to the Horde's treachery at the Broken Shores? Your own father as well!? Are you unwilling to avenge your own father when it's clear he was murdered by the treacherous Horde just as much as the Burning Legion?" Anduin simply looked down at the floor, becoming increasingly saddened at what was going on. Shandris, seeing the state Anduin was in now, decided to intervene.
"Jaina, that is enough." Said Shandris as she stepped forward, preventing Jaina from speaking again. "Anduin is mourning his father and has been forced into a position that he isn't yet ready for against any enemy that threatens us all. He does not need you causing more stress and pressure than he already has." All eyes were on her now, even Anduin, as she confronted Jaina on her warpath to fight the Horde. Matching Jaina's rage filled glare with the calm, collected stance that a general like her was expected to have, Shandris spoke again. "While I will not deny that we will need to deal with the Horde for their supposed treachery in the Broken Shores, we cannot afford to fight against them now. Not when the Burning Legion is waging war on all life on Azeroth. I've fought in the first two invasions of the Burning Legion of Azeroth, Jaina, and you in the 2nd. And you have seen their power firsthand. You know that we can't win against them while we're divided. So, please. Stop this insistence of fighting against the Horde and leave Anduin out of it." To Shandris' disappointment, Jaina refused to back down.
"I can't believe all this." Said Jaina, glaring at everyone in the room, disgust in her eyes. "You are all willing to allow the Horde to get away with their treachery, both old and recent, just because you believe we need those treacherous worms against the Burning Legion. You're willing to let good people be unavenged for the sake of letting the Horde live for the sake of fighting the Burning Legion. You all disgust me." Anduin, hearing that, looked up at Jaina, hopelessness and hurt in his eyes. It took all the discipline Shandris had to stop herself from going over and holding the young King as he struggled to defend himself and those that believed the Alliance should leave the Horde alone for the time being. Gulping, Anduin spoke up.
"Jaina." Said Anduin, his voice filled with uncertainty. "Both Velen and miss Shandris are correct. We must focus solely on the Burning Legion. To waste resources on the Horde when we have a common enemy will only benefit the demons. So…that is the end of the discussion. We leave the Horde alone for the time being." Jaina snorted in disgust at that, turning away from Anduin as she did so, causing the boy to shed a tear, obviously hurt with how Jaina was acting. A few seconds later, he spoke up. "I need the Kirin Tor to help aid in the coming battles to come. Can you provide assistance to the wa…"
"The Kirin Tor will provide assistance to the Eastern Kingdoms." Said Jaina, coldness slipping in her voice. "But we will not assist the Horde in any capacity. That is all. I will not endanger Kirin Tor lives on your naivety Anduin. And none of yours as well." She looked at everyone at that, causing Tyrande to sigh and twitch her ears in disappointment. Shandris was also disappointed. Both at Jaina's refusal to see the bigger picture and her words against Anduin. Eventually, she had enough of all this and prepared to teleport herself away from them. Before she did so, she spoke to Anduin one last time, telling him how much he disappointed her. The response caused Shandris to nearly launch herself at Jaina. If not because of how blind she was, then because of how much it made Anduin even more depressed than he already was. A shadow was cast on the young boy's head as he wallowed in his own decisions and the mourning of his father. Eventually, Velen spoke up.
"Perhaps we should give the King some time to himself." Said Velen, looking at the boy with sympathy in his old eyes. Tyrande and Malfurion agreed and asked if Anduin wish to be left alone, to which Anduin said he did. That caused all to bow in respect to the boy before taking their leave. For Shandris, however, she took a moment to look at Anduin, her ears twitching in sorrow for him, before taking her leave. Once she was out of the throne room, she looked at her adopted mother and spoke.
"Anduin seems to need a supportive companion in these days." Said Shandris. Tyrande nodded in agreement at that.
"I'm afraid you're right, Shandris." Said Tyrande as she looked at her husband and Shandris. "The young King is in desperate need of someone to provide the comfort and support that he needs in order to be the leader we need against the Burning Legion."
"Indeed." Said Malfurion. "But with the death of Varian, he has not one else but servants to turn to provide such comforts. While I do not doubt the abilities of his staff, I do doubt that they have the ability to provide him what he truly needs at the moment. Someone dependable and can understand the pain he's going through." Shandris, seeing an opportunity to be there for Anduin should Jaina or Genn try to attempt to manipulate him or worse, a Legion assassin comes to kill and then pose as him, proposes an idea.
"Perhaps I can be that source of comfort and need the king requires." Proposes Shandris, causing both of her parents to look at her in shock and surprise. "Like Anduin, I have lost my birth parents at a young age. And like him, I understand the pressures it comes with being a leader for a people in times of war. Though we do not know each other personally, I believe I can provide him the comfort he so requires." Although Shandris gave some good points, both of her adoptive parents were unsure of this.
"Shandris." Started Tyrande, a bit hesitant as she knew that Shandris had the potential to be what the young king needed. "While I do not doubt your want to help the young king, there is too much for you to do than just to provide comfort to Anduin. As general of the Sentinel army, you are responsible for the defense of the Kaldorei people. You cannot abandon your position to be a caretaker or emotional crutch for the young king, no matter how much he requires it. Our people, as well as the people of the Alliance, need you more on the battlefield to lend your expertise on the demons." Shandris nodded at that before speaking up.
"I can do both, Tyrande." Said Shandris. "The king is not a babe nor I a young mother. I can handle the tasks of both being the pillar the king needs as well as being a warrior and leader for the Kaldorei. Trust me, Tyrande. I can easily handle both tasks simultaneously and without fail. And once the king has fully recovered from his inner struggles, then I can focus on being the general our people need. Is this satisfactory?" Tyrande pursed her lips at that before looking over at Malfurion, who had stayed silent throughout this whole conversation.
"If Shandris believes she can handle both tasks without fail, then we should allow her to do so." Said Malfurion. "At least until another can take her place." Tyrande nodded slowly in agreement before looking at Shandris.
"Very well." Said Tyrande. "Do what is required to help the young King in resolving his inner turmoils as quickly as possible. He will need a clear mind for the battles to come. In addition, send word to your best commanders. Tell them of what is transpiring and that you'll be absent for sometime in order to help heal the young King of Stormwind." Shandris nodded.
"I'll inform them right away as soon as we arrive back at Teldrassil." Said Shandris. Tyrande nodded at that.
"Good." Said Tyrande. "And Shandris. Be careful. The demons will no doubt sense the weakness in Anduin's heart and try to capitalize on it." Shandris nodded at that, knowing far too well the lengths the demons will go in order to achieve victory.
Much later
Anduin's personal quarters
Anduin was staring out at a window, basking in the calmness and beauty the moon was giving him. He tried to calm himself down but he couldn't. Jaina's words still ringing in his ears and the death of his father still in his mind. Light, he was pathetic. A few simple words and the death of his father was enough to break him and reduce him to an indecisive fool that needs to be babied by others. If it weren't for Velen and Shandris, he wouldn't have the ability to speak. His father must be so ashamed of him right now.
As he was wallowing in his own shame, a knock to his door alerted him to someone that wanted him. Trying his best to calm himself, he walked over to the door and asked who it was.
"My king." Said a soldier of Stormwind, likely one of the royal guards assigned to protect him. "There is a Nightelf that wishes to speak to you." Slightly surprised to hear that a Kaldorei wished to speak to him, Anduin allowed them entry to his personal quarters. Upon opening the door, he was slightly surprised to see Shandris Feathermoon standing behind two members of the royal guard. Upon seeing Anduin, Shandris bowed her head slightly at him before asking to be let in, to which Anduin allowed. Upon entering his personal quarters, Shandris looked around the spacious room, finding it quite lavishing for human standards, before sitting down in a chair near a table. Once she was seated, she asked if they can speak in private, to which the guards immediately protested. Anduin, however, being the trusting individual he was, granted her request and so ordered his men away, much to their chagrin. Once they left, the young kind closed the door and took a seat next to Shandris. Upon sitting down, he looked at the purple elf before speaking.
"What is it you wish to speak about, lady Feathermoon?" Asked Anduin, trying to be as courteous as possible. Shandris adjusted herself slightly before speaking.
"I came to…provide you someone to talk to." Said Shandris, causing Anduin to blink. "To be someone that you can rely upon to help you through these trying times." That caused Anduin to look at her in surprise, unsure of what to say. The Night elf woman waited as Anduin tried to recompose himself, knowing that he needed time to adjust to what she just said.
If anyone has a better suggestion for a name for this story, I'm all ears because I'm bad at giving names. Also, if anyone can tell me, what exactly both Shandris and Anduin did during the Legion expansion, I'd appreciate it.