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Kia followed Anduin outside, to the place where most of the city was gathered to hear the king speak. She stood off to his side, trying her best to at least look calm. She honestly didn't hear much of the speech, but she did hear the reactions of the crowd. They cheered here and there, obviously fully drawn into what their king had to say. He had always been good at gaining love and support through words. The people loved him as their prince and they loved him even more as their king.

Kia couldn't wrap her head around why she was so nervous. Maybe it was because, for the first time, what happened next was completely and totally out of her control. She didn't like the feeling, but she trusted Anduin. Everything was going to be alright. She was pulled out of her musings when Anduin finished his speech and began his announcement. This was it.

"And finally, I'd like to take this opportunity to officially announce my engagement to Lady Kia Stormrage." Anduin held his hand out to Kia and she took it, allowing him to guide her to stand next to him.

The crowd was stunned for a moment, then, to Kia's relief, began to cheer. Anduin leaned in a kissed her on the cheek.

"I told you so." He said softly in her ear.

The rest of the day was spent mingling with the people of Stormwind. There were many congratulations passed around and no objections, though Kia doubted anyone would have the courage to voice their objections to the king directly. Anduin may have been far more even tempered than his father, but you still didn't argue with decisions made by the king, regardless of temperament.

Kia was fine with that. Let people talk all they wanted, as long as she didn't hear it. It was the same policy she had about her physical appearance. There would always be someone who didn't like what she was or what she did. Such was the journey for those who are different.

In late evening, Kia left Anduin at the cathedral, where he was attending a special Remembrance Day service, to change into more comfortable clothes and meet up with Quinn and Lantash for an evening hunt. She had honestly had enough of the crowds. Anduin seemed to sense her need and only wished her a safe hunt before entering the cathedral.

She had just finished changing and was silently reading as she waited for Lantash to return to the city from his day of hunting over Iron Forge, when the horns of Stormwind sounded. The horns were normally used to alert the city of an attack. Kia exchanged looks with Quinn, then grabbed her sword and her bow, shifted to a stormcrow, and flew out the window towards the cathedral. Quinn headed out the door at a full run to follow.

Kia could see Anduin and his generals massing in the courtyard, landing a few feet from them. She rushed over, placing a hand on Anduin's arm.

"What's happening?" She asked, getting a concerned look from Anduin.

"There's a portal forming just outside of Goldshire. It's the Legion. Everyone capable of fighting is massing just outside the gates. We'll be marching to Goldshire momentarily."

"I'll go help rally the druids." Kia said, turning to leave, but Anduin grabbed her arm.

"No. You should…"

Kia scowled at him. "You're not about to say that I should stay here, are you?"

"I need you safe." He said, quietly, stepping closer to her. Kia could see the worry in his eyes. She was the only family he had left and he didn't want to lose her. He looked so young in that moment.

"Anduin, I'm a skilled ranger and a fully training druid. I'm going to fight." She replied. She wasn't asking.

With a sigh, Anduin pulled her into a hug. "Just be careful. I've waited a long time to marry you. I can't lose you, now that it's actually going to happen."

She hugged him back. "You be careful too. The city needs its king." She pulled back and looked him in the eye. "And so do I."

With a quick kiss, Kia changed back into a stormcrow and flew towards Sheldras's cottage at the edge of the city. When she arrived, she found over three dozen druids, both night elves and worgens. She landed next to Sheldras. He seemed surprised to see her.

"My lady. I didn't think you'd be…"

Kia rolled her eyes. "Not you too. Get engaged to a king and suddenly everyone thinks you're an invalid. This is my home and I plan to stand with my king, my fellow druids and everyone else brave enough to fight for Stormwind, regardless of what's coming."

The elder druid simply nodded, turning to address everyone. He knew better than try to argue with Kia.

"Attention druids." They all calmed down and stood quietly. "These portals have a defined way about them. They start with small demons and gradually evolve to lesser demons, then finally a greater demon will come through. The portal is directly tied to the lifeforce of the greater demon. The portal will remain open as long as it lives. Do your best to keep the demons from reaching Stormwind, but once the greater demon shows itself, concentrate on killing it. That portal will not stop dropping demons at our doorstep until the greater demon is dead."

Everyone seemed to acknowledge his words. Unfortunately, dealing with these portals was starting to become almost commonplace. Almost every druid in attendance had probably fought against the demons from one of the cursed portals before.

"Now, to the gate! Rally to your king!" Sheldras shouted, changing into a stormcrow. All the other druids followed suit and the mass of nearly three dozen druids flew to the gates of Stormwind. They were joined in the air by a multitude of gryphons, rode by mainly dwarves, but also a few humans. They all landed at the gate, just to the right of the king.

This was not how this day was supposed to end.

To Be Continued...