Chapter re-posted. Read and Enjoy.
"I can't believe you're leaving." Anduin said. He'd been saying it to Kia a lot lately. Basically ever since she told him she'd be departing Stormwind.
It had been just over a year since her arrival in Stormwind and she'd managed to make the city just as much her home as Darnassus or Ashenvale. She had found peace here, even if it wasn't the same kind of peace as with the elvish cities. She had thrived among the humans, just as Malfurion had hoped she would. She now felt more comfortable, more whole, in her own skin.
She had also gained the attention of several of the local mages during her stay. Not for her talents as a ranger, but for her gift of speech with animals.
The red dragons of Borean Tundra were having some problems and there was a communications gap with the mages at the Amber Ledge. The mages of the Kirin Tor made a request for Kia to travel to Northrend to help sort things out and also for her to train to ride dragons, if the dragons themselves would agree. Dragons didn't just let any biped hop on their backs. To them, most humanoids were considered lesser beings and it was insulting to be considered a mode of transportation.
Kia jumped at the opportunity. During her stay in Stormwind, she had prevented a plague caused by tainted oats from wiping out most of the city's horses. She hoped she could help the red dragonflight, though their problems were bound to be much larger and more complicated than contaminated food. Dragons were just as intelligent as humans, more so even, but not all of them could speak a bipedal language. Those who could were slowly dying off or leaving the company of the Kirin Tor.
They were in Kia's chambers. Kia was packing a bag while Anduin sat in the window, watching the people below. "I know you didn't come here to live forever, but I've just gotten used to having you around."
Quinn grumbled something from the bed, where she was currently lounging.
"Quinn says she's going to miss you." Kia translated, turning to face her friend. "And for the record, I'm going to miss you, too. I've learned so much about being human from you and your father. Stormwind will always be a second home to me, but I can't stay here forever. If my talents can be of use, then I need to try. And I might get a chance to learn how to ride a dragon! Besides, you're leaving soon, too. You get to do what you do best, which is make people like you."
Anduin nodded. "I guess I should be thankful father is letting me out of the castle. I'll finally have another chance to show him I can take care of myself."
"See, that's the spirit. In a few months, you won't even have time to miss me."
Anduin jumped down from the ledge and hugged Kia. Now at fifteen, he was still a few inches shorter than Kia, and still slightly gangly. To Kia's great relief, her growth seemed to have stopped at an even six feet, allowing Anduin the potential to surpass her one day. Anduin felt like less of a child to her now.
"I'll always be thinking about you. You're my best friend. Massive amounts of distance can't change that."
Kia chuckled and returned the hug. "Don't worry. We'll see each other again."
Quinn got down from the bed and bumped Anduin on the hip with her head. Quinn had formed a special bond with the prince over the year. She had told Kia that he had a calming way about him. A presence which gave you no choice by the like and trust him. It was probably this presence which made him a good diplomat, even at such a young age.
Anduin smiled down at the cat and scratched her behind the ear. Sabercats didn't actually purr, but Quinn made a satisfied sound deep in her chest. "I'm going to miss you too, Quinn. You and Ki take care of each other over there."
The clocktower on the cathedral began to chime. Anduin reached over and took Kia's bag, flipping it over his shoulder. "I should probably get you to the docks. The ship to Borean Tundra was supposed to leave almost an hour ago. They're probably getting eager to depart."
Kia nodded. "It was nice of Varian to command them to wait for me, so I could finish up packing and have a chance to say goodbye to you."
The king had grown attached to Kia and had taken the deal they made in the library about what they called each other seriously. It had been a tough adjustment for both of them. As it stood, he still called her Kia, never the shorter Ki, which was favored by both Rell and Anduin. It was still an improvement over 'my lady'.
Once outside the castle, Kia placed a saddle on Quinn as Anduin mounted his own horse. Kia so rarely got to ride Quinn, it felt good to get the opportunity. For her part, Quinn enjoyed it almost as much a Kia. Anduin's white stallion was no longer scared of Quinn, once Kia assured him he was in no danger of being eaten.
They moved slowly through the streets, two mounted guards following behind them a few paces back, as usual. Kia kept thinking about how much she originally didn't want to come here and now was wishing she could stay. Anduin had been a better friend to her than any other person she'd met. He understood her better than anyone else ever could. Not once did he ever treat her differently for being unique and it gave him a chance to act more like a normal person and not a crown prince.
When they finally arrived at the harbor, they saw not only Rell waiting, but also the king. Kia rode up next to Anduin. "I didn't know your father would be here to see me off."
"Neither did I." He replied, sliding off his horse.
"Your Majesty, I'm honored you're here to see me off." Kia said, bowing slightly.
"I wanted to thank you for agreeing to travel to Northrend to help sort out the troubles with the red dragonflight. The dragons are very important to the Kirin Tor."
"I'm just happy I'm in a position where I might be of service. What's the point of having a rare gift if you can't use it to help someone once in awhile."
The King gave her one of his rare genuine smiles and his voice became softer and less formal. "You'll be missed around the castle, Ki."
Kia's eyes widened. "You just called me Ki." She looked over to Anduin, who was standing next to Rell. He looked just as surprised as she did. "I'm not hallucinating, am I?" She placed her hand on her forehead. "It doesn't feel like I have a fever."
Varian laughed, full and deep. The sound was unfamiliar, but pleasing all the same. The King had so few reasons to laugh, but when he did, you couldn't help but smile at the sound.
"I'll miss Stormwind, but I'll be back."
The king nodded. "I know you will. You'll always have a home here. Unfortunately, I'm needed elsewhere. Have a safe trip and take care of yourself." He took her hand and kissed it.
"I'm also late for a previous engagement." Rell said, stepping up. "Take care of yourself, Ki. Remember what you've learned from me and don't take any chances. You'll be on your own out there and Northrend isn't exactly the safest place."
"I'll remember, Rell. You taught me well." She patted the elvish short sword, which now hung at her side. She felt almost as confident with the sword as she did with the bow, which was currently resting magically across her back.
He gave her a quick hug, then followed the king out of the harbor.
Anduin didn't hesitate, just walked right up the Kia and hugged her.
"You be careful, Anduin." She said sadly.
"You too. The next time I see you, you'll probably be riding a dragon."
"One can only hope."
They hugged for a few more moments, then stepped apart. With a final wave, Kia and Quinn boarded the ship destined for Borean Tundra.
Anduin watched as moments later, the ship began to sail away from the dock. With a sigh, he turned and got back on his horse, to make his way back to the castle, his guards keeping an unusually long distance between them. They seemed to realized the prince needed some time alone.
By the time he reached the castle, he felt better. During his ride back, he realized this wasn't an end. This was a beginning, for both of them. She was off to use her talents to help the Alliance and soon, he would be doing the same. There was no reason to be sad. They'd see each other again.
To Be Continued...