Chapter 16: Happy Places

Anduin had been in and out of meetings for the last few weeks and he was starting to feel worn down. In-between working with Moira and Mekkatorque about a evacuation plan for their respective cities, planning out a defence plan for Kalimdor with Jaina, Tyrande and Velen, and helping to plan a ball for Winter's Veil (of all things), he was starting to feel the strain on his shoulders.

"How do you do this every day." Anduin grunted as he collapsed onto his father's bed, melting into the piles of furs.

His father was removing his bracers, looking just as ragged as he felt, "It's not always this bad, but when they're imminent threats we need to respond quickly."

"Has there ever been a time when we weren't under imminent threat?" Anduin asked sardonically, "I don't remember."

His father chuckled and removed his shirt, exposing his skin. Anduin pursed his lips at the scars that riddled his chest and back, trying not to think about how he got them.

"But really," Anduin sat up, "Isn't the Winter's Veil Ball a bit...pointless, right now?"

His father grunted, "It's fun. I think we all need a bit of fun right now."

Anduin knew he was right. Tensions had been at an all time high since the last attack. Now that the Legion had a beachhead in Westfall they had been expecting an attack on the city any day now. In fact he was at a loss as to why they hadn't already been attacked. Attacking immediately would have been the smart thing to do, while they were still reeling from their loses. Instead the legion seemed to be giving them time to regroup, time to make new plans and rebuild their forces. Anduin couldn't for the life of him figure out why.

"It's not going to be as large as usual either way." His father sighed, pulling on a more casual top which hung loosely. "Half the Nobles have left the city already, and I bet another half still will leave before the start of Winter's Veil."

Anduin had noticed of course. The emptying castle had been hard to miss. Most had moved to their own personal properties, away from large population centres and possible targets, and they'd taken their families with them.

"Besides, we always have the ball, even during times of war." Varian pointed out.

"I know this just feels...a bit closer to home."

Varian chuckled, but Anduin could hear the nerves underneath, "Perhaps you should invite your lady love."

Anduin choked, "What?"

Varian smirked, look a bit too pleased with himself, "Miss Fairchild? I've heard you've been spending time with her nearly every night."

"You know." Anduin pointed at him accusingly, "I'm starting to think I might be a bit old for you to have Mathias follow me everywhere."

Varian snorted, "Mathias has better things to do. I just ask your guards."

"That's an abuse of power."

His father snorted loudly, "I think you should invite her. Perhaps it's time I met the girl my son's spending all his time with."

"I thought you would have learned enough when you sent your spies after her." Anduin bit, his voice not at all hiding the anger that still burned within him at the thought. When Addy had asked him if she was still being followed he'd been confused, and when she'd told him about Mathias and Tess confronting her about possible blackmail he'd been furious.

"I know, I know." Varian grumbled, "I'm a paranoid old man-"

"You really think I'd let someone blackmail me?" Anduin scoffed, "I'm not a fool."

"No." Varian denied, "I didn't think she was blackmailing you, I just wanted to get...a judge of her character. I didn't think they'd be so...direct about it. But I think they were trying to gauge her reaction."

Anduin didn't buy it for a second, and his face reflected that, looking at his father dubiously.

"Alright, maybe I was a bit worried." Varian relented, "But you've never been like this before."

"I donate most of my money to charities." Anduin argued, "The orphanage, the church, the homeless."

"But not to a specific person." Varian pointed out.

Anduin shrugged, "She's my friend. Shouldn't you trust my judgement?"

"Anduin, your 'friends' in the past have included a Black Dragon and a Horde leader." Varian pointed out and Anduin flinched inwardly at the mention of Wrathion.

Anduin sighed. In the past he might have felt that his father didn't trust him, but he knew that the king had deep seated trust issues that had very little to do with him, "Alright, but I think I can say with some certainty that she is neither a dragon, nor a Horde leader."

"Light, I hope so." Varian grumbled and a laughed forced itself out of Anduin.

The sun had already set by the time Addy found her way to the Blue Recluse. She had discovered it one day as she walked home after a long day of training. Apparently it was the non-shady tavern in the Mage District and it was often crowded with mages-in-training and heroes who'd come to the city via portal and didn't want to travel all the way to the Trade District.

Addy had pulled out her blue dress, noting that it seemed a bit tighter on her than it had been before. Her arms, which had once been thin where now thick with muscle, as well as her shoulders and back. Her stomach was no longer concave and the first signs of abdominals were starting to make themselves known. The dress no longer hung off her, making her look thin and starving, but instead clung to her body, showing every curve and leaving little to the imagination.

Which served her purpose tonight.

She wouldn't exactly call herself promiscuous, but she wasn't exactly a virgin either. It wasn't strange for her to end up with someone once or twice a month back home, or whenever she made her way to Westfall. Usually a new man every time besides the few who stayed for longer periods of time. Her mind momentarily flickered to James, who she'd been sleeping with for three months before he died.

Ever since then her libido had been dead as well. She supposed watching her home destroyed and loved ones murdered had left her too forlorn to even consider it. And she'd been just too busy. Back home there wasn't really much else to do other than find generous company.

And she'd been lonely.

Only seeing other people once or twice a month had made her eager for company. Here she saw people every day, say Gryan every day, and hadn't been as starved for affection.

But once again she lived alone, and she wanted some company.

And it had nothing whatsoever to do with Anduin. At all. That would be ridiculous.

Or at least thats what she told herself.

She walked through the door to the inn, trying not to look as nervous as she felt. Finding company had never been hard for her, she was hardly ugly, but now her scars were on the forefront of her mind and she could feel the rough skin under her scarf.

She walked up to the bar immediately and ordered something strong. She looked around the room, and studied the people. Most were mages, in their robes and cloaks and smiling faces. A smaller amount were adventurers and heroes, all drinking and cheering and singing. There were men and women and everything in between, and every race on this side of the war. Most were human but there were a few Night Elves who towered over them and even a Draenei who barely fit in the chair they were sitting. A number of Pandarans were playing some sort of game in the corner and Dwarves and Gnomes were drunkenly singing together on the upper floors. She saw a few Gilneas sigils around the room and assumed they were Worgans in their human form, drinking and laughing along their non-cursed counterparts.

She downed her drink in a single go and ordered another, placing some copper on the counter. It was her own money, from the past few months of working at the Slaughtered lamb. It was all that was left over after buying food and basic necessities. It felt nice to spend her own hard earned money on something she didn't necessarily need, but wanted.

"Hello, Love."

Addy jumped, the drinks already making her a bit funny. She was glad Father Samuel wasn't there, no doubt he would laugh at her, and then lecture her about being aware of her environment.

Sitting next to her was a human girl, a bit older than her, with beautiful golden hair done up in a complicated braid. Her eyes were blue like water with rosy cheeks and blood red lips. Her white dress was loose and fell down low on her chests making Addy flush red a bit, and quickly look away.

"Er- Hello?" Addy swallowed.

The woman smirked, leaning forward rather strategically, "I must say, I have a very special skill. I've spent years doing this, and I always know when someone comes to a tavern looking for a good time."

Addy felt a bit confused for a moment, and then she blinked in realization, "You're a prostitute?"

The woman smirked, "I like you. Most would call me a whore."

"That's a rude thing to call someone you want to sleep with." Addy pointed out.

"It is, isn't it?" The woman smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. No doubt an act.

Addy gave her a polite look, "I'm flattered, but I'm looking for something a bit more..."

"Penetrative?"

Addy choked on her drink, sputtering unattractively. Her face turned burning red as people looked at her and she quickly tried to hide her head.

"Maybe." Addy muttered under her breathe.

The prostitute leaned forward, giving her a secretive smile, "Well don't worry sweetheart, any man in this room would be lucky to have you."

Addy snorted, and with the alcohol making her brave she turned to the woman and opened her scarf, showing off her scars.

The woman look unimpressed, "I've seen worse sweetheart."

Addy blinked, "Really."

"Oh honey, you have no idea." She winked, "But if you're nervous, find yourself a warrior. They've always got scars in interesting places and aren't as likely to judge."

Addy was surprised by the strange advice, but looked around the room. She noticed she was right - a lot of the warriors were a bit rougher around the edges than mages. One man had burn scars on his arms, and another had a thick scar across his face, and more than one were missing limbs.

The woman pointed across the room, "Him."

Addy looked over and spotted who she was speaking of. He was a very large man, his arms as thick around as her waist, a warrior, or maybe a paladin. His armour was dirty and grimy with red dirt and his sword seemed like it had seen better days. He also had a facial scar, with three large claw marks starting somewhere on his chest, up his neck, and across his face. It looked like it hadn't healed properly, but he was still handsome, with bright green eyes and shaggy dark blond hair. She studied him for a moment and felt her face flush with excitement.

He was perfect.

The woman stood up, winking at her before moving towards a group of men who welcomed her with loud cheers.

Addy looked her drink and downed the rest, before heading over towards the man with what she hoped was confidence.

Tess Greymane sat on a bench in the Mage district, wearing a simple brown cotton dress and plain cloak over her head. There was dirt on her hands and fingernails, and she sat slumped over without a hint of the proper posture her mother had spent years building into her.

She saw the woman walking down the street, slightly bow legged and a smirk on her face. Tess could almost hear the jingles of coin as she walked. She had curled blonde hair and blood red lips which had been smudged by other lips no doubt.

Tess called out to her, "How much?"

The prostitute smirked at her, swaying her hips as she sauntered over to her, "Oh love. You couldn't afford me."

Tess pulled out a silver, flipping it to her, "What will that get me?"

The woman picked it up, and placed it into her cleavage. She leaned down and pressed her lips to Tess's, skillfully opening her mouth and twisting their tongues together, pulling at her bottom lip with her teeth. Tess smirked into her mouth and pressed back, pulling a small moan out of the woman's mouth.

The Prostitute pulled back, her eyes heavy with lust. Her voice was thick as she spoke, "The Uncrowned send their regards."

And without another word the woman turned and walked away.

Tess watched her go, a smirk still pulling at her mouth as her eyes trailed down. She certain was a beauty, and certainly knew how to use it.

As soon as she was out of sight Tess stood up, and reached into her mouth to pull out the small metal tube the woman had passed to her as they kissed. She studied it as she walked, dark grey metal with a black raven imprinted onto it.

She popped it open and pulled out a small scroll which had been pressed into the pod. She opened it and read as she walked.

'the demons are inside the walls.'

At the bottom there was a simple stamp, the raven again. There was no signature and no name. She assumed that it was from the, 'uncrowned', whatever that meant.

She frowned as she quickly crumpled the paper. She came across a brazier lighting the path and dropped the letter into it, she pretended to warm her hands over it as she waited for every hint of the letter to turn to ash.

If there were demons hidden within the city, within the keep, then why would they tell her? Why not Shaw, or the king. Unless they didn't trust them. Either of them.

Or more likely they didn't trust anyone, but for whatever reason they trusted her. Trusted her with this information. Trusted her to do something about it.

Without another word she headed back to the keep, knowing she had a long night ahead of her.

Anduin may have used his power for evil.

He tried not too, but he wasn't really sure how else to go about this. Tess had leered at him, but have given him the information anyways and Anduin had been surprised. The Slaughtered Lamb wasn't exactly the best place to find oneself on a good day, let alone to live. He wondered if she knew what sort of things went on in the basement...

But he had a plan, and wanted to surprise her.

He entered the bar, going up to the man at the bar who seemed surprised and tense once he realized who Anduin was. He didn't relax once even when Anduin asked for Addy. The man directed him towards her room, and went back to cleaning his eyes flickering to the door that lead to the basement. Anduin knew that what went on down there was illegal, but that wasn't why he was there today.

He moved into the back room, finding her door and knocked at it, waiting patiently for her to open it.

He felt an involuntary smile spread across his face when the door opened and Addy stuck her head out. Her copper hair was a rats nest, sticking out in every direction in a mocking halo around her head. Her eyes were slightly unfocussed until they landed on him and immediately came to attention. She squeaked, closing the door to hide her dressing clothes, and her face turned bright red.

"Andui- What're you doing here?" She asked, her voice higher pitched than he'd ever remembered hearing it.

He hesitated, "Is this a bad time."

"No!" She squeaked, sounding unconvincing, "I just...you shouldn't be here, it's not safe."

Anduin beamed, pulling his brown hood further over his head, "I'm in disguise."

Her face softened for a bit, and she gave him a fond smile before chewing on her lip and peeking back into her room.

"Er- Could you just...wait, out in the pub." She flushed again, "I'll be out in a moment."

Anduin smiled widely, nodding quickly, "Of course!"

She flushed again and quickly shut the door to her room.

Anduin took up resident at one of the tables in the pub, ignoring the suspicious looks of Timothy Gillian. Anduin of course knew that Mr Gillian was the leader of a secret Warlock cult that operated out of the pub. Despite what they thought, he and his Father were very much aware of their activities, but so long as they kept to themselves and continued to help out the crown every now and then, they were both willing to look the other way.

A few moments later the door to the back where Addy lived opened and she walked through. Instead of the thick leather armour she wore while training, she was wearing the blue cotton dress that he'd seen her wear multiple times. In place of the white scarf she wore in the summer and fall, she wore an oversized wool cloak that covered her neck. Anduin honestly wished she didn't feel the need to hide her scars. He thought they were amazing - showing her resolve and determination. Showing how she'd literally wrestled a demon into the dirt to survive. He couldn't' imagine ever doing something so brave, but she just covered them up like they were a sign of shame.

He was distracted a few moments later when a second figure came out from the back room. He frowned, not realizing someone else lived there. It was a man, hastily dressed, with messy blonde hair and a five o'clock shadow and a scar across his face. The man was large, very well muscled and had a sword on his back.

The man came up to Addy and whispered something to her. Anduin couldn't hear them, but Addy shook her head smiling. Then, to Anduin's shock, The man chuckled and leaned forward to press a quick kiss to Addy's lips, making her jump. He then headed out, giving a mock salute to Mr. Gillian as he did so. Gillian glared at him as he passed.

Anduin felt his entire face burn as he very suddenly realized what he'd interrupted.

He felt a twist in his stomach at the thought, but he very quickly pushed it away. It wasn't any of his business what Addy got up in her spare time. But he still felt himself glaring at the man as he left, gritting his teeth.

Addy rushed over to where he was sitting, her face lightly blushed as she sat across from him, avoiding eye contact.

"Er...friend of yours?" Anduin asked awkwardly, trying to keep his desperate curiosity at bay.

Addy shrugged, slipping into her chair like she wanted to melt into the floor, "Not really. Just some guy."

For some reason Anduin felt a burst of relief at that. He filed that thought away in the back of his mind for analysis later and instead went on about his plans for the day.

"You have today free...right?" Anduin asked, remembering her mention it a few days before.

She shifted her cloak over her shoulder, eyes narrowing, "Yes?"

Anduin beamed, holding out his hand, "Come on. I have a surprise."

Addy hesitated for a moment and for a moment he feared she would say no. But a second later she gave a nod and slipped her small hands into her own, letting him pulled her out of the seat and out of the bar, ignoring the glares of Mr. Gillian on his back as they left.

"'Come on" Anduin turned his head back to smile at her, gripping her hand a bit tighter in his as he pulled her along the long dark corridor. Addy allowed the young prince to drag her, wondering how on earth he could see where he was going. The tunnel was to narrow for torches and the only sources of light where the occasional holes in the ceiling. She imagined that it would be pitch black at night.

He had pulled her to the back of the Mage District, towards the city wall she ran twice a week. She thought they'd walk along the front, but instead he'd slipped in a secret door she'd never seen and they were suddenly inside the wall, where a long dark tunnel was laid out.

"Where are we going?" She could hear a bit of laughter in her voice, and she realized that for once she was more charmed than annoyed by his buzzing excitement and chipper attitude.

He pulled around around the corner and brought a finger up to his lips, hushing her. Addy watched his face as she listened carefully, realizing she could hear the hustle and bustle of the city on the other side of the wall. Through one of the light cracks on the wall she could see a guard walking along the wall, doing his rounds. Anduin beamed, gripping her hand and continuing on their way quietly.

Once they'd finally cleared the populous areas of the city Anduin let go of her hand and started to feel along the wall.

"What are you looking for?" She asked, touching the cold stone behind him.

Anduin continued to feel along the wall, knocking on it every now and then, "A secret door. This corridor is an escape tunnel. All castles have them, in case of a siege the nobility and other persons of interest would escape through these."

Addy wrinkled her nose, walking behind him, "I hardly think your father would be one to run away from a battle?"

Anduin raised his eyebrow, pausing his walk as he looked at her, "You think it cowardly." It was a statement, not a question.

Addy halted, wondering for a moment if she'd insulted his father, "Of course. The nobility are suppose to lead the people. Why should they be able to abandon us while we remained trapped."

Anduin shook his head, his eyebrows furrowed, "Unfortunately not all the Nobles feel that way. Traditionally the tunnels were meant for the very young and old, family members of the leaders."

But they weren't used that way, Addy understood. She knew most nobility thought themselves better than the common people. They might think themselves kind and charitable, but the look of disdain was hard to hide as they made their way through the city. Addy tried her hardest to ignore the stares when she practices in the courtyard, but she often found herself flushed in embarrassment and anger as the Ladies of the court whispered behind fans and others pointed at her tattered dress and messy hair. She'd made extra effort to hide her scars under her scarf, dreading to think of the muffled giggles she would hear should they see her disfigurement.

She looked down now and realized her scarf had fallen and now hung from her shoulder, her neck on display. She didn't really feel the need to cover it. She'd never really tried to hide it from Anduin. What would be the point, he'd already seen it when he attempted to heal it. But she still hid them form others who had seen them.

Around him she forgot about them. He never lets his eyes flicker to them, or brought them up in conversation. It wasn't that he was being polite either, it was like they simply never crossed his mind.

"But you're right." Anduin continued to walk down the wall, feeling for the hidden exit, "My father wouldn't ever use these tunnels. He had them built because...well..." He paused for a moment, looking back at Addy, "Before Stormwind was rebuilt...it didn't have tunnels like this. I think my father thinks if there had been one..."

Again Addy finished his thought in her mind. Maybe his Father would have escaped when the Horde sacked the city. Along with thousands of others who had died.

Anduin cleared his throat, "This tunnel's been used a few times, during the attack by Deathwing most notably. I was sent then, and luckily I remembered where this is."

He moved his fingers around the edge of the stone wall until he found what he was looking for. He grabbed something and pulled, and a large part of the wall opened up like a door. Addy jumped back, surprised. The door had been well hidden in the brick.

Addy held her hand up to block the sudden burst of light, blinking a few times to let her eyes adjust. When her vision cleared she could see that they were standing very near to the edge of the cliff. As she wandered out onto the snowy ledge she could see a few coiled robes and folded ladders nearby. She peered over the edge of the cliff and saw a number of beached boats, ready to take their cargo somewhere safe.

Anduin ignored all of this though and walked forward along the narrow cliffs edge, keeping close to the city walls, "Follow me!"

Addy bit her lip watching him. The wind was blowing his hair around furiously and his cheeks were a rosy pink from the bitter cold wind blowing off the great sea. His face was more alive than she'd ever seen him.

But her eyes flickered to his feet which were walking forward on an edge that was getting thinner and thinner until he had to cling to wall for support.

"Wait!" Addy held her hands out.

Anduin paused, looking up at her, "What? Why?"

"Isn't it dangerous? What if there's ice?"

Anduin stared at her dumbfounded, like he'd never even considered the idea. He probably hadn't, "Does it matter?"

"I'm just thinking of your fathers sword..."

"His sword?"

"And how it's going to look though my stomach after I get his only son killed by falling off the edge of a cliff."

Anduin huffed, rolling his eyes, "I've done this a hundred times, I promise it'll be fine."

Addy swallowed, but for some dumb reason she didn't understand she actually trusted him. He held out his hand again and Addy nervously took it, allowing him to pull her along the edge of the wall. As she looked down at the waves breaking against the cliff she thanked the light she wasn't scared of heights as Anduin gently guided her.

Eventually the narrow strip of land widened again, opening up into a small alcove that seemed to be near the docks judging by the smell of the fish merchants. On the far side of the opening there was a small crack leading into the cliff.

Anduin still had her hand as he pulled her along to the crack, before moving sideways to fit through it. Addy followed him, and once she got inside she gaped.

The entire room glittered with pale white crystals, they dropped from the ceiling in dangerous looking points and grew from the walls. The light from the entrance danced amongst the rocks and created a shining spectacle. On the other side of the cave was another entrance which lead to a sheer cliff drop and one could see directly over the Sea. Despite the freezing air outside, the cave was warm, and the further towards the back of the cave she went the warmer it went until it felt almost uncomfortable to wear her cloak.

"What is this place?" Addy asked, her voice echoing off the walls.

Anduin moved to a section of the cave not touched by the crystals, sitting down with a large smile, "It's Quartz I think. I found this place when I was a kid, I used to come here when I was hiding from Katrana and Bolvar. I've never shown anyone this place, not even my father."

Addy turned to look at him, a bit dazzled. The reflecting light from the various crystals and rippling lines from the water brightened his face, making it almost glow, "But you showed me? Why?"

Anduin got a strange expression on his face and for a moment it looked like he was blushing, but it must've been a trick of the light, "Well I used to come here to hide out and think, I still come here to think sometimes. And I thought that you've been through a lot and you might like somewhere to come and think and be alone too."

Addy felt her heart melt a little bit at his bashful expression. She gave him a small smile which seemed to make him feel a bit better.

"But what if I come here to be alone, and then you come here to be alone." Addy argued, "Do I have to leave?"

Even though she was only teasing him Anduin shrugged, then cleared his throat awkwardly, "I was thinking that maybe, we could be alone...together?" He phrased it like a question.

Addy raised an eyebrow, straightening her back subconsciously, her new training getting the better of her, "Isn't that highly inappropriate?"

"What-Oh!" Now there was no hiding the blush that covered his face as he spluttered, "No, No I simply meant-"

Addy looked down, flushing. She'd only meant that it was inappropriate for a commoner to be hanging out with the Prince in private. She bit her lip to hide her smile at his stuttering. She was hardly a virgin, but she was starting to suspect the darling Prince might be. Memories of the night before and suddenly the messy blond hair of the nameless warrior belong to someone else and she flushed to her toes.

She cleared that thought out of her head, fighting a smile as she spoke, "I simply meant due to our social differences."

"Oh!" He let out a low breathe, trying to compose himself, "Me as well. Yes, I...yes."

Addy chuckled as she walked over to sit beside him, taking pity on him and deciding to change the subject, "How is it you manage to sneak out here? I would think you would be watched 24/7."

"We're probably being watched right now." Anduin shrugged, "But S1:7 only reports things of necessity to my father, I highly doubt they'll tattled on us."

"Well just so you know, if they ask I'll deny ever meeting you."

He laughed and Addy settled into a comfortable silence. After a while she wondered when it was that she had started to feel comfortable around him. She remembered being so tense whenever he was near, either giving terse, rude responses to his questions or nervously twitching as she waited for him to leave. Now she felt a bit calmer and more open, and no longer expected him to scold her for bad behaviour or simply dismiss her from his company. For some reason beyond her he actually seemed to like spending time with her, which made her feel warm inside.

"I just meant that...the city can be a bit stifling." Anduin explained, "And I thought you might like somewhere you could get out, even if it's just for a little bit."

Addy smiled, then quickly took her cloak off, "It's warm in here."

"It's the quartz." Anduin explained, removing his own, "Another reason I come here in the winter."

The room was overly warm, but the nice breeze coming through the entrance actually made it quite comfortable.

"The nobles are planning a Ball for winter's veil." Anduin started.

Addy frowned, wondering why he was telling her this, "Don't they have one every year?"

"Yeah, but it seems like a waste of money and time now, doesn't it?"

Addy chuckled and Anduin seemed surprised.

"You're laughing at me?" He asked. He didn't sound upset, just curious.

Addy shrugged, "A little bit. It's just...to us common folk, it always seems like a waste of money and time. I don't see why it would be any different now."

Anduin looked contemplative, like he'd never considered that, "My Father says it's to try and lift morale. Make people forget about the Legion, even if it's just for a night."

"For the Nobles, sure." Addy thought bitterly.

Anduin snorted, "My father still thinks me a child sometimes. The ball is to try and entice the nobles to stay in the city. More and more are leaving as an attack becomes more imminent. If they leave they don't pay as many taxes and we lose revenue that could be used to rebuild our army." He shook his head, "I think he forgets I've been studying politics since I was old enough to understand what it meant."

Addy nodded and studied him. She thought he'd probably be a good king. Not that his father wasn't, but his Father was a warrior and no doubt it was hard for him to turn that off. But Anduin was kind. And kind people always made the best leaders.

"You should go." Addy said swallowing. "To the ball."

Anduin seemed surprised by her statement, "Wh-Really?"

"Yeah." Addy nodded, looking down at the dirt floor, "Your father's right, it's good for morale - seeing the leaders in public. Show the people you're not afraid."

"I am afriad."

Addy was silent at that, unsure if he realized he'd spoke out loud. They'd been getting closer over the last month or so, meeting up in the library multiple times a week and talking late into the night. But this showed a level of trust that scared her, they'd only known each other a small time, and most of it was spent with dislike on her end.

She looked out the window and over the sea. It wasn't the right angle to see Westfall, but she knew that there were still demons there, you could still see their Pods from the keep. The smoke had long since vanished, but at night you could see an eerie green glow emanating from the land.

"You'd be a fool not to be." Addy swallowed, "Anyone who isn't afraid is an idiot."

Anduin was quiet, and she could feel his eyes on her. She avoided his gaze, terrified of what he'd find in her eyes. Terror maybe. She wasn't an idiot, she could still remember the first attack, the weight of the felhunter on her chest, the screams of her loved ones as the demons ripped them apart and burned them. The heat filled roar of the Pit Lord as it tried to topple the tower on top of innocent women and children.

And the lifeless eyes of the girl she had failed to save.

Addy straightened up, looking over to Anduin, "Teach me how to heal."

He startled, giving her a quizzical look, "I thought you knew how to heal."

"I'm no good at it." Addy growled, not liking to admit something she wasn't good at, "I tried to heal my neck and I botched it, I can barely heal most cuts and bruises without exhausting myself. Father Samuel is teaching me to fight, which is important. I want to kill demons, but I want to help people too."

She looked over at the Prince and was thrown by the look he was giving her. It was soft and warm and...something else she couldn't describe.

"You're good at healing." Addy pointed out.

Anduin hesitated, and then nodded, "I am. It comes much easier to me than fighting, much to my father's chagrin."

He reached his arm out, and then yanked it back, leaving Addy to look at him curiously. He curled his hand into a fist, before moving forward again, touching the edge of her scarf and pulling it away from her neck, completely showing the scarring underneath.

It hadn't gotten any better. The skin was dark and rough, with thick heavy ridges of scar tissue that covered the entire front of her neck, stopping just above her collar bones. Parts of the scar dripped over her jaw and onto her cheeks in small lines where the demon drool had dripped onto her face. The worse of the scarring was on her right side, where it dipped behind her ear and towards the back of her head in a small patch where hair no longer grew.

She expected him to grimace, or look at her in pity, but he did neither. Instead he touched it gently, making her jump. She sat there stiffly as he studied it, his eyes curious and calm and he did so.

"Is there..." She swallowed, flinching slightly, "Is there anything...that could be done?"

Anduin frowned, his face pinched, "I can't heal it...we heal with the light and the flesh has been tainted with demonic energy. I've seen burns like these before, on Draenei and...after Outland. Velen taught me a method for healing burns such as these, but it's...gruesome."

"Could it be done?" Addy asked quickly, not caring about how gruesome it was.

Anduin tilted his head slightly, and then shook it softly. Addy felt her shoulders slump a bit.

"It's...it's similar to how you treat a necrotic wound. First you have to...cut away the dead flesh, to make sure that when you heal you don't trap it inside the body. To heal your scars we'd need to...carve away the tainted skin, and then heal the remaining wound. If the scar was on your arm, or legs or chest or back or anywhere else it would be simple. Painful, but simple. But carving around your throat...it's too dangerous."

"What about the one's on my face." She swallowed, "Or the back of my head?"

He gave her a sad look, reaching down and gripping one of her hands, "It doesn't work that way. The taint will still be there. I'll need to get all of it at once, and it's too dangerous."

Addy looked down, her face contorted into a frown. It wasn't that big of a deal, she'd already known she'd have to deal with the scars forever, but knowing there was a solution, but it wouldn't work for her...made it worse somehow.

"They're not so bad." Anduin shrugged, looking at them, "You don't have to cover them. I've seen way worse before."

"Really?" She scoffed.

"Oh yeah." He nodded seriously, but there was a spark of humour in his eyes, "One times I saw a man without a nose. Have you ever seen that?"

Addy snorted. She didn't feel better, but she appreciated him trying.

"It's cold out." She defended, "Maybe in the summer."

He shook his head chuckling. "Maybe then. Tell me about your training?"

"What?"

He stood up and moved back to a rock, falling to the floor and leaning against it, "You want to learn healing, tell me what Father Samuel has trained you in."

"Oh," Addy shifted, and knelt on the floor next to him, "We haven't really focussed on healing, or anything light based really. Mostly just strength building and endurance. He says that a lot of spells take strength and energy to hold, and I need to build that up if I ever hope to do them for longer than a few seconds."'

Anduin nodded, "All very important. I suppose Paladin training is different than priest training. Healing is...difficult. More difficult than fighting in some ways. Because it's not always as simple as just using the light to make all wounds going away. You need to...understand what it is you're healing. Like I said about rotten flesh, if you don't know what you're doing you could accidentally trap dead flesh inside the body. It becomes a poison and can kill a person from the inside out."

Addy swallowed, thinking of the girl, Katie. How she'd thought she was healing her hand, not realizing she had inner bleeding.

"How...how do you know if somethings wrong." Addy asked. "What if it's something you can't see."

"Well practice helps." Anduin noted, "Eventually you'll be able to pick up on hints, symptoms that you'll recognized."

"Or your energy draining." Addy mumbled.

Anduin nodded, "Yes, that's also a hint. Once you get a handle on how much energy it should take to heal an injury, you'll notice if something is wrong."

Addy nodded, trying to swallow the lump which had risen. She cleared her throat and forced back any tears, "Where did you learn all this anyways?"

"The Exodar." Anduin beamed, "Velen taught me a lot of what I know about the light, but other things I learned from books. The library in Stormwind is quite extensive. Many of the tomes were saved from the sacking of the city and many more were recused from Lordaeron and other human kingdoms. There's thousands of years of knowledge in there."

Addy swallowed nervously. She couldn't very well go to the Exodar, "Could you teach me?" She asked, "I...I don't know much about medicine."

"There's first aid trainers at the Cathedral." Anduin suggested, "And I could lend you some readings-"

"No!" Addy spoke quickly, perhaps too quickly. She winced as Anduin turned his suspicious gaze on her and she looked away.

Anduin licked his lips lightly, looking awkward, "You, uh...you don't know how to read, do you?"

Addy felt her face burn bright red in humiliation and she shot up off the floor, grabbing her scarf, "I really must be going - I-I promised I'd help Mr. Tim with the mid day rush if it got busy and...and I really should be practicing Father Samuel would be furious if he found out I-"

"Addy!" Anduin stood up, holding his hands out, "Addy it's okay. It's nothing to be ashamed of."

"I'm not ashamed." She lied, trying to hide her face.

"It's my fault." Anduin urged, "I sometimes forget my privilege. Please don't go."

Addy paused, her eyes flickering up to his face. He looked stricken, and even a bit red in the cheeks.

"I...I didn't mean to insult you." He spoke sincerely, "I shouldn't have assumed."

"It's fine." Addy spoke through gritted teeth, trying to push down her embarrassment. "I...my grandfather, he-"

"You don't have to explain." Anduin held up a hand, shaking his head as he moved in closer, "Most people can't read. It's a shame, I..." His eye light up, "I could teach you!"

Addy flushed, "No, no it's fine. I've lived my whole life without it, i'm sure I'll be fine. Besides will my training and my work and everything else, I'm not sure I've got the time."

Anduin shrugged, "I could do it. I taught a bunch of Draenei in Exodar to read common when I was there, and they taught me a little bit of Draenei, it's a bit like Eredun but, well..." He trailed off, realizing he was rambling.

Addy's face was blank as she watched him, "I'm sure you've got better things to do than teach some farm girl how to read."

"You'd be surprised." Anduin's face changed to a small frown, and Addy could see his jaw clench through his cheek, "My father..."

Addy wondered if she was allowed to ask. If it involved secrets and information not available to common folks. But the curiosity was killing her.

"What's happening?" She asked, her voice low. She still wasn't certain they weren't being watched, "With the Legion. Is there...anything?"

Anduin walked away from her, moving towards the large entrance that dropped towards the cold ocean. He leaned against the wall, crossing his arms as he looked out.

"Nothing." He admitted, "It's been months since the last attack and there hasn't been a hint. They've left Westfall, leaving a small ground crew and their weapons and pods. Their ship hasn't been seen. The Horde knowns nothing. Nobody does. And we still don't know where they're coming from..."

"Outland?" Addy guessed.

Anduin shook his head, "No. The Dark Portal's been quite since Garrosh. Reports from Outland show less demon activity, not more...almost like they're pulling out."

"Regrouping?" Addy suggested.

Anduin nodded, "That's what we think. But where too? Argus seems like the most obvious answer." Addy looked at him confused. "The demon world," He elaborated.

"Oh." Addy looked down, "Well if that's true then they would have had to open a portal from that world to this one, right?"

"That's what we believe." Anduin nodded, "But we have no idea where it is. Both Horde and Alliance have been scouring the world for it, looking for anything that might hint at it. Northrend, Kalimdor, bloody Pandaria even- there's nothing. No portals, no hints of portals."

"Maybe they closed it." Addy pointed out.

"Possibly." Anduin looked back at her nodding, "Or more likely we just haven't found the blasted thing yet. We haven't walked on every piece of land on this world. Not yet. The Night Elves have been scouring old tomes, searching for any bit of information."

Addy picked at her scarf nervously, looking up at him as he looked over the sea.

"Do we have a chance?" She asked him, trying to stop her jaw from quivering in fear, "At all...against the Legion?"

Anduin was silent, still staring at the water. It was silent now and far beneath her she could hear the waves crashing up against the cliff. She could hear the cawing of crows who made their nests in the hills around the city, and the howling wind as it echoed through the cave. It brought a bitter cold and it made her shiver momentarily.

"I hope so." Anduin finally spoke, "The light has been fighting the Legion for millennia. The elves managed to push them back Ten Thousand Years ago...I pray that we can do the same now."

"What about..." She trailed off as she tried to remember the name. "I...the leader of the Legion. The one from the Aegwynn story. My grandfather loved to tell me it as a child. I hated it...it scared me."

"Sargeras." Anduin turned around and leaned his back against the wall of the cave, a smile on his face, "Aegwynn and the Dragon Hunt?" He asked.

"Yes." Addy nodded. "Dragons scare me."

Anduin barked out a laugh and she glared at him.

"What?"

He shook his head in disbelief, "A story about demons and monstrous titan's and great battles and the Dragons were the one's who scare you?"

She flushed, shrugging, "I dunno. They're so powerful, and anyone could be a dragon. Any stranger you meet in the streets. Or maybe it terrified me that such powerful creatures couldn't stop the onslaught of the Legion."

Anduin nodded, "Dragon's aren't really scary. They're just like anyone...they're good ones and bad ones. They're smart...smarter than human's thats for sure." He got a far away look in his eyes and his face went downwards for a moment, "They can be kind..."

"Maybe we should find Aegwynn then." Addy joked, "She defeated Sorgus once, maybe she could do it again?"

Anduin snorted loudly, covering his mouth and then his whole body shook in silent laugher.

"You're laughing at me." She glared, but his laugher was contagious and she couldn't help the smile on her face.

"Sargeras." He corrected, chuckling, "And Aegwynn didn't defeat him she just..." He trailed off as his grin quickly left his face. Addy watched his eyes flicker back and forth, like he was reading something in his mind, and she saw something light up in his eyes.

"What?" Addy straightened, watching him curiously, "What is it?"

"I...I have to go." He leapt from the wall, running his finer through his fair, "I'm sorry, I've just had a thought and..."

"It's fine." Addy assured him, feeling a bit amused.

Anduin paused for a moment, "I'll escort you back-"

"If it's alright, could I stay here for a bit?" She asked, looking down, "It's nice here...and warm. I...thank you for showing me."

"Of course." He looked pleased and stood up a bit straighter, before remembering whatever his thought was. He walked passed her, before stopping and turning back. He stopped it front of her and leaned down to press a kiss to her cheek. He smiled at her, "I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Sure." She stumbled over her words, her eyes wide in surprise. He beamed and then without another word he had run out of the cave and back towards the city.

Addy watched him leave with a sigh, before standing up and walking over to the window out over the sea. The wind coming off the water was chilly and she pulled her scarf closer to her she watched it hit the cliffs. She wondered how long it would take for the waves to break the cliff, and bring the cave and all it's crystals into the sea.

And she wondered if Azeroth would still be around long enough to see it.

A/N: An extra long chapter for you guys, because you've been waiting so patiently! Thank you so much for everyone for your lovely reviews and comments, you are all fantastic! i can't believe the amount of support this story has gotten! The wait was a bit long, mostly because of several Wranduin fics I was working on (one of which i've posted), and also because my boss was out of town and I've been working 12 hour days to pick up the slack until he's back. But i had a day off today and decided to push this out because of how many comments and reviews I've gotten in the last week.

Let's talk about that cinematic. Like...my god. My god. That's literally all I can say. I have so many emotions and feelings surrounding me. I love both Sylvanas and Anduin so it was literally like christmas had come early. Like I'm pretty ride or die Alliance but shit man...that banshee scream. I'm in love. And Anduin I swear to god if you hurt him blizzard he deserves happiness god damnit.

Well at least Wrathion is coming back, but he doesn't have a new model from what i've heard so I dunno how big of a role he'll have.

Speaking of new models - fuck me up Jaina. God damn I am in love with her new model how gorgeous is she.

I have so many things to talk about, but I don't have the time to do it all here. I do have a WOW only tumblr at anduinnwrynn (I used to be medvh, but I changed so heads up for those who already follow me). It's mostly memes and my stupid 2am theories but I have a good time there.

Thank you all again for your love and support - feel free to leave reviews and comments!

Until Next Time,

-Ash