Chapter re-posted. Thanks for reading. Hope you enjoy.

Anduin walked alongside his father as they headed to the harbor to see his newest flagship. He thought it was funny his father wanted a second flagship, but then, he was the king. He could have anything he wanted. The guards kept a respectful distance, but were taking their job very seriously, at the moment. They were always more vigilant when the king and prince were together, knowing these two men were the only living members of the Wrynn bloodline.

"I'm still very reluctant to see you go, Anduin. I know I'm terrible at expressing it, but having you around Stormwind makes my days better. I'll miss you." Varian said, not looking over to his son. He kept his eyes pointed to the distance. It was hard from him to let his son leave Stormwind alone. Since the death of his wife so many years ago, Varian's most important treasure was his son and he did everything in his power to keep him safe, even if those actions were a bit smothering. Besides that, he genuinely liked having his son around.

"I know, father, but this is something I must do."

Anduin knew this father wasn't happy about his decision to travel to the Exodar to study the Light with Prophet Velen, but he also knew this was something he needed to do. The king had gotten almost belligerently angry when Anduin brought up the subject the first time, causing minor injury to his son's arm while trying to prevent him from walking out of the room. Varian wasn't an abusive man and Anduin knew his father had a difficult time controlling the more primal, gladiatorial side of his personality when he got angry, but the memory of the incident still hurt, even if the injury was long healed.

Anduin had managed to mend the fences between them somewhat by postponing his trip, but it had been delayed long enough. Their relationship would always be strained, but at least they were on fairly even ground, at the moment. There was no better time like the present.

"I don't understand it, but I will accept it." Varian replied, stopping at the wall just before the stairs leading down into the harbor. From there, they got a good view of the newest airship in the Stormwind armada.

"Impressive, isn't it." Varian asked, looking out at the ship.

Anduin nodded. The ship was almost an exact copy of his father's current flagship, which was as grand a ship at they came. It was larger than the others and more skillfully carved. It was the ship of a king. You could tell just by looking at it.

"I hope you like it, since it's yours." Varian said.

"Mine?' Anduin asked, obvious surprise in his voice.

Varian looked at his son's surprised expression and laughed.

"You're almost a man now, Anduin. If you're going to be going off on your own, representing this city and our people, you need to have the tools of that station. Besides, it'll make me feel better knowing you're flying out in a true battleship."

Anduin was silent for a moment. "I don't know what to say, father."

Varian sighed, his normally hard eyes softening. "Say you'll be careful. Say you'll return soon. Regardless of what else you choose to do with your life, you are, first and foremost, my son and heir to the throne of Stormwind. Always remember that."

Anduin looked out at the airship. His airship. "I have not forgotten, father, nor would I ever. Thank you. And not just for the ship, but also for being reasonable about all of this."

Varian nodded and they returned their gaze to the ship, standing quietly. They had a genuine moment. It wasn't an overly sappy or dramatic moment, but it was a good moment, all the same.

To Be Continued...