A/N
I haven't published anything for so long because of writer's block and RL, so that this story gets an update even though I haven't earned one comment in the meantime. I wonder whether ffnet is really on the upward plane, as they say? Well, I am still here, so enjoy.
Thank you, Taedae, Windcage, and BlessedLilac.
Lyrics are taken from Kim Jae Joong's song "Lavender"
The sun lowered, sending its last warm rays over the city's center filled with excitement. The audience around the stage built in front of the Sunfury Spire eagerly waited for the next invited guest, creating an electric atmosphere rare in the city. Feelings already ran high with the Chieftains' performance before, but the one to come was the highlight of the program.
Silvermoon's streetlights were already on and painted the filigree buildings in a wonderful glow. The stage in the city's heart contributed to it, lit in shades of rose and white, beautifully decorated with arranged flowers and colored ribbons that fluttered in the light breeze from the sea. The 'Court of the Sun' echoed with shouts, applause, and loud whistles when Anduin appeared along with the first notes of his most famous song. The jacket he chose for tonight, covered with many pink twinkling sequins, matched the special occasion and his dark haircut in particular.
The lights of the stage dimmed, creating a romantic atmosphere, and the people hooted with delight when the straps they wore on their wrists glowed in the dark. It was a surprise Anduin had planned, thinking it would help him find friends in the tense atmosphere. He shouldn't have worried, though. Upon singing, the audience looked reverently up to him, and he couldn't help but respond with a big smile. While he sang his repertoire and poured an extra amount of emotion into his performance with more ballads in his program than ever before―thus keeping his promise to Valeera―he watched the many highborn and learned people. To his joy, they relaxed, listened to him, and engaged in the rhythm of his music.
Noticing predominantly the place in front of him, filled with so many people, Anduin only realized by the resonance of stomping feet that there was a lowered part, too, with an illuminated fountain, filled with many more persons. This concert differed from his last in Orgrimmar, where the people enthusiastically fan chanted. Here was a level of devotion from the fans that almost verged on sacredness. So when Lady Liadrin―wearing an elegant, tight, silver-black gown―joined him, Anduin was grateful the attention divided itself. For a moment, he missed his former band members. Their harmonizing voices would match the open surroundings perfectly. Yet he found comfort in Liadrin's presence and the harmony of only two voices.
If my feeling is just unreachable, I don't tell anyone … It should disappear someday when I embrace it alone … My secret feeling is heating up …
The frantic applause at the end of the concert wouldn't stop, and even though they didn't prepare much, the duo tried to thank the audience with not only one encore but three.
Finally, the curtain fell, and they had little time left for the formal meet and greet that awaited them in the City's Palace. Anduin decided to stay in his iridescent stage outfit like Lady Liadrin and followed her into another festively decorated hall with many people in uniforms and stylish dresses awaiting them.
Sylvanas held her breath when she saw him in the charity's crowd in the Inner Sanctum of the Sunfury Spire. Anduin!
She'd tried to reach the stage in time after he finished the concert, to catch him before he'd left. But when she arrived backstage, the duo was already gone, and just a moment later, Lor'themar Theron's collection service picked her up. She'd cursed herself for it.
At his unexpected sight she stopped short―there was no blond hair anymore; it was black now and chin-length―even more so by the sharp kick of her pulse. Wearing tight black trousers made of leather and a flashy designed jacket that sparkled with every move he made, emphasizing his slender figure and his physical attraction, he was nothing short of breathtaking. To know what was underneath, even the tattoos, struck her every nerve ending in a hot way.
Unable to take her eyes away from him, she was also aware of how dangerous it was to actually meet him.
Then, she reminded herself that she was not in an official position anymore, thus allowed to leer at him, even if it was the only thing she might do tonight.
It became a habit to act cautiously when they had these banquets in Orgrimmar. And the habit hadn't left her since. Absorbed in contemplation, a person with a beard walked through Sylvanas' field of vision, and Nathanos stole in her thoughts. How she loved to bask in his undivided attention, as well versed as he was on the political stage! But he wasn't there anymore. A touch of despair brushed her. Would she manage without him? Why was it so difficult to let go of him?
Even if I cover up this bittersweet feeling … My heart beats so fast when I see your smile again … While acting so you don't notice my feelings …
Shaking her head , she was just about to turn away when a firm hand gripped her shoulder, and Halduron Brightwing, a handsome-looking man with narrow features and long blond hair, stood in her way. The current military leader of Silvermoon wore his gala uniform, his chest covered by a phoenix emblem, and an impressive blue cloak fell down his back.
"Sylvanas. Did you think I could not sense your presence here? What a pleasure."
She couldn't resist a smirk. "Halduron. Long time no see."
"Indeed," he said, "but I hope that's changed." It was as close to a question as the polite Halduron could ask.
"It has," she confirmed. Hell, it was time for her to take on a new task.
"Lor'themar put some sense into you?" He grinned. "I always knew it's a risk to trust you, but who else would fight for Silvermoon if not you? Don't argue. I'm glad to hear we can welcome you. I'm certain you do well."
"Not so fast, Halduron. First, I have to settle some things―"
He shook his head, grabbed her elbow, and pulled her with him. "By all means, it's already decided. Come with me. Rommath is over there. This is a great day."
Sylvanas was directed to the other end of the room, and when she looked at the group he steered her toward, she saw Anduin and braced herself for a potential catastrophe. Even though she was well-schooled in political shrewdness, she didn't want to show it here. How would the young singer react?
"Halduron, we can do so properly―" They arrived and the entire group turned toward them. Halduron on her side, however, only had eyes for Grand Magister Rommath and nodded toward him. "She's positive."
The other stunning man, wearing a robe of an unique design, smiled at them. "I had no doubts in you. Together, we have weathered many a storm." He made an inviting gesture with his wineglass and smiled around. "May I present Sylvanas Windrunner, who will serve Silvermoon in the future!"
Sylvanas sighed. There was no going back now, because among the group was also Champion Vranesh, the most notorious reporter in Silvermoon, who was already taking notes.
Anduin, in the role of a bystander, froze and held his breath when the person he just got to know as Halduron Brightwing, a very good friend of Lady Liadrin, returned and stepped into their circle. He had nobody else than—his beautiful stranger on his arm?!
He swallowed. How come? Seeing her unexpectedly brought turmoil into his life. Taking a deep breath, he tried to keep calm, even though the blood rushed through his body and warmed his cheeks. He was also dizzy from the superb wine since he'd put nothing in his stomach since lunchtime.
Grand Magister Rommath, also the head of Silvermoon's Magistrate, had presented his beautiful stranger as if he'd known her for a lifetime. Stunned, the buzzing in Anduin's ears didn't lessen. What was her name? Light, he was all in a fluster and of no use! All he could do was to stand there and stare at her. She wore a purple business suit, a well-tailored one which suited her female curves just fine. A perfect make-up, black drop earrings, and her white-golden hair pinned up completed the impression of a detached and successful … businesswoman? Or a political leader?
The contrast to what he saw of her in his hotel room—naked, the long hair framing her face, and being as natural as she was, even with all the temper she brought with her―added confusion to the slight shaking of his glass. Still, he longed for her! To take her into his arms. To share the same intimacy they had for one night again. The ferocity of his wishes didn't take him by surprise, but with the distance between them, he recognized she was as far from him as could be.
And show you a smile … being too close by now … How should I tell you my feelings? I don't want to ruin our relationship now …
He averted his eyes. That she was there meant she was a far more important person than she had let on, and therefore wouldn't recognize him. Not here, anyway. He tried to tame the flare of anger. And the frustration from the last two nights about not knowing her name. Being nothing but a one-night stand. Wasn't it ironic that fate brought them together again?
No, he corrected himself while he lent half an ear to the person beside him, giving the impression of listening. All she would probably do about it was laugh, and perhaps she was right. It was apparent that she hadn't wanted to stay at his side; she left. He had to accept the facts.
Tired, he shielded his eyes for a moment. It was time for him to go home and crawl back under the wings of his family. To find security, shelter, and get his spirits back. To forget for awhile about the wild world outside … and to forget her.
I would never tell you my unreachable feeling … Let's keep it to myself until it dies …
It was his turn to present himself, he realized in the last second, so he nodded. Without a smile, his face motionless, hiding behind the mask he put on when he was on stage. He shortly mentioned his name and bowed. "Anduin Wrynn."
Did he imagine they would meet this way once more? No. As predicted, there was no sign from her they knew one another intimately, so he remained silent. Tormented by too many unanswered questions, a pang of pain echoed in his heart while he kept his face carefully neutral. Soon, small talk took over and to his relief, it didn't take long until more people joined and expanded the group. They drifted further and further away from each other while chatting to the persons next to them.
Anduin finally could excuse himself from Lady Liadrin, with whom he stood with since the evening's beginning. He wasn't interested in anything else but in going back to his hotel room! At least, he had a name now. Sylvanas. He only wished he would have gotten to know it under different circumstances.
Keeping steady and holding on to his glass despite the unexpected incident wearing him down, he searched for Valeera Sanguinar to ask her if he could leave for the rest of the evening. He'd done his duty, greeted as many people as possible, and talked. Now that he'd met Sylvanas once more, his energy was blown out like a candle. Two sleepless nights in a row contributed to it, too.
He didn't turn around, telling himself that the beautiful woman in the purple suit didn't want anything to do with him. All he nurtured was an illusion.
Even if I'm this close to you … Why are you so far away? I want to cry … Your voice is staying stuck to my ears …
Having spotted Valeera in the middle of another group, he sent a small smile over to her, hoping for her to notice him. Luckily, the second manager recognized his attempt to communicate and motioned him to come closer. Keeping his smile, he joined the next conversation. Light, he was so tired, but he endured it until he had the possibility to slip in a low remark.
"I would like to leave. I'm really exhausted, Valeera."
"I know you feel the physical and psychological tension of the tour, Anduin," she said. "I'll excuse you. Thank you. We'll talk tomorrow. Lunch?"
He nodded and smiled, more sincerely than before. Anduin put his glass on the tray of the next waiter who came by and turned around, cautiously avoiding to look in any other direction than the exit as he walked toward it.
Yet it was hard. He left the woman in a purple suit without exchanging a word. Not even a farewell. Didn't he spend two days and nights only thinking of her? She removed barriers he usually was so good at building, which was why he felt so confused and fragile. Still, he starved for her closeness. Light! Was that his only chance he was about to give it up?
He slowed down, overcome by doubts, and at the same moment, he got stopped in his tracks by a person standing right in front of him.
"What are you doing here?" Her voice sounded raspy, and it was like a stab in the heart.
"Business," he said, going still, just watching her watching him.
"You mean the not-so-private open air?"
He nodded. What else was there to tell? He tried not to lose courage. "Are you ok?" He asked. His voice sounded soft, too soft in his ears, but it didn't matter. "You left without saying goodbye."
If my feeling is unreachable, I don't tell anyone … It should disappear someday when I embrace it alone … My secret feeling is heating up … I can't hide it …
Sylvanas had seen his non-reaction when they were introduced and Anduin announced his name; the way he shunned her and publicity? Even though she was greatly honored he didn't reveal their secret night and didn't show he knew her, it irritated her that he avoided her altogether.
When the group slowly separated, her sharp eyes followed him. She missed little and watched him doing small talk, watched him smile—and who was that other woman in the red suit he looked over to multiple times?—and was nonplussed by it. Why, only why, did she care so much about what he did?
She left him be.
Sylvanas continued her conversation with the group she stood in while her thoughts went round in circles. Too late, she considered that perhaps their night was a one-night stand for him as well? Observing how he went straight toward exit spoke volumes. Disappointment shot through her. After sharing a passionate night together, he didn't have a word to say? He just walked away … and that was it?
Before she realized it, she excused herself and moved. The wish to hold Anduin back was all-powerful. Without a second of hesitation, she stepped in his way.
His remark, however, confronted her with an uncomfortable truth. You left without saying goodbye.
She became silent. What was it the young man wanted to hear? That the night with him resulted from her spur-of-the-moment decision? At that time, she neither was certain about herself nor about the outcome. As a politician, she could whitewash any crisis, statistics, or whatever, but Anduin deserved her faith in him.
When he turned, she realized she already took too much time to think it over and gripped his arm, securing that he'd listen to her. "Will you meet me later?"
Anduin stood in complete bewilderment. "You would want me to?"
She shot him a serious look. "Yes."
"Why?"
"'I'll explain later."
"Later?"
"I'm hosted in the Silvermoon City Inn. Where do you stay overnight?"
"Wayfarer's Rest Tavern."
"Let me come over."
"Why?"
"Can I answer you in detail, then?"
He hesitated.
"You won't regret it, flower boy."
Her flirty yet soft remark put a slight smile on his face. "I fear I will in one way or another."
"Anduin―"
"Sunfury Suite," he said quietly. "I'll leave the door open." He gently freed his arm from her grip, turned, and left.
Shortly after Theron arrived, and she spoke with Halduron, Rommath, and him, Sylvanas was impatient to leave the meet and greet. Usually, it wasn't in her nature to do that; leaving a political event had been out of question so far. Now, with the opportunity to steal away since there was no public interest in her, she was out on Silvermoon's streets.
Memories haunted her again, but she directed her thoughts toward Anduin while walking the roads she knew so well. It didn't take long to reach Farstriders' Square. Wasn't it ironic how quick her feet had brought her there on their own? She allowed herself to revive the feeling of being at home and continued walking, passing the Royal Exchange to reach the Walk of Elders. Even though it was late by now, the streets were still busy.
The western side of the walk, north from the Shepherd's Gate, was her goal. The Wayfarer's Rest Tavern was a beautiful extensive building, traditionally built in the filigree style Silvermoon was famous for, housing not only a popular hotel and restaurant but also a well-known department store. It was a showcase for sustainable architecture, having won many prices in Azeroth's urban planning competitions.
Sylvanas' steps quickened. For now, she was looking forward to meeting Anduin. And to having him to herself for another night! Knowing the Wayfarer's Rest personally, she slipped almost like a ghost through the entrance and alongside the bar that was full of people celebrating the concert and enjoying a drink after work. She just wanted to climb the stairs―
A hand grabbed her arm. "Sylvanas? Is it you?" She turned around and was hugged the same moment. "You are here? Care for a drink?" The joy in the person's voice was unmistakable.
"Jovia!" Sylvanas couldn't do other than hug the person back and look at her. The green-eyed, gorgeous woman, as tall as she was, with long brown hair she wore openly, was the Innkeeper, dressed nicely for the evening as she always did. They had been good friends while Sylvanas led the military academy, and Sylvanas also knew her to be the best secret-keeper of Silvermoon.
The other woman looked up the stairs and then back at Sylvanas. "You aren't here for a drink with me to catch up on good old times."
"No," Sylvanas smiled. "I'm here for a different kind of visit."
"Well, rumors say it's much more than a visit?"
There was a slight hesitation before Sylvanas answered. "It looks good that I'll come back again."
The Innkeeper grinned. "Which means we'll get around to catching up later." She tilted her head. "So who is your destination upstairs?"
There was no sense in hiding her secret in front of Jovia. "Sunfury Suite."
Jovia raised her eyebrows. "He's cute." She seemed to ponder the next question. "You two know each other?"
"We do. A little."
"He's very young. Against your usual taste."
"I know. It just happened."
"Which means you are no longer in a relationship with Nathanos?"
Sylvanas shook her head.
The Innkeeper curiously eyed her and nodded. "I see." She smiled again. "Shall I get breakfast for two to the Suite in the morning?"
"Thank you," Sylvanas said, "but I―"
Jovia winked. "I understand. I'll see you tomorrow then? Enjoy him for me." She rolled her eyes. "I work too much." Turning back to the open bar, she left Sylvanas, who was left with mixed feelings.
After all she had done, there were people here who treated her kindly and believed in her? It was hard to accept it. For the first time, a sort of redemption seemed to be possible for her if she didn't screw this chance up.
Sylvanas stiffened. Fears haunted her, in view of the immense implications of the decisions to be taken, so she gripped the banister and took a deep breath. After Anduin and Lor'themar Theron, wasn't Jovia another good reason to get through the trial and not avoid it by any means?
Determined, she climbed the stairs and found the Sunfury Suite easily. Seeing no one, she entered, the joy inside of her reaching a high point.
The first room was dark, and assuming Anduin already went to bed, she got rid of her clothes on the way to the bedroom that was next to the entry. Her pulse quickened, and imagining what would happen made her hands shaky. She walked barefoot and opened the next door without noise―however, she found Anduin still awake, lying naked on his stomach, the bed illuminated by a dimmed bedside lamp.
He turned his head and watched her with an expression difficult to read while she neared the bed and crawled next to him.
If my feeling is unreachable, I don't tell anyone … It should disappear someday when I embrace it alone … My secret feeling is heating up …
"So. You kept your word," he welcomed her.
"Why do I hear doubts?"
"Why wouldn't I? Mind telling me why you left without such a thing as a simple goodbye, Ms. Sylvanas Windrunner?"
"Now?" She echoed. "Shall I repeat that we spent the night together only for you to make me feel good..."
"Of course," he snorted and opened the laptop in front of him. The screen came alive. Sylvanas was confronted with a picture of her taken while hurrying up the stairs of Grommash Hold, the House of the Senate. "Is that the reason why?" He pointed at the one front page headline that openly blared 'Kalimdor Senate in uproar' and shook his head. "You are a politician?"
"I am," Sylvanas said only to correct herself the same moment with, "I was." Being hit with what she had lost in all veracity, she let out an uncontrollable whimper in a combination of pain and torment and pressed her fist against her trembling lips.
"You were the―"
"Spend the next day with me, Anduin," she cut him off, refusing to speak about it now, "and I'll show you around and tell you more. I grew up here."
He raised his eyebrows, for the moment quiet. "You are … you are from Silvermoon? Then what are you doing in Kalimdor?"
She grimaced. "Isn't it obvious? I hunted a career in politics. But I―" She stopped and gave him a pleading look. "Can we postpone that talk?"
To her surprise, he watched her in earnest when his voice changed from a strict to a more gentle tone. "I have to say, you don't lack conviction. Why? What has happened?"
As an answer, she crawled over him and bit his neck.
"Hey―"
"I didn't forget how great we fit the last time," she whispered into his ears. Reaching over, she shut the computer down and moved it to the side. She slid her hands back down his sides and marveled over his toned bottom, noticing how he shivered. With a smirk, her fingertips crawled underneath him and skated over his growing arousal. "Will you make me feel good again?" She ached with the need of touch and massaged his straining erection, the joy peaking inside of her once more. "Ready for me, I see," she breathed over his skin. Goosebumps broke out across his neck.
He panted. "Light, you―"
"I'm hot, Anduin," Sylvanas admitted and groaned. "Hot for you. To watch you and not be able to get my hands on you was more difficult than I expected."
His answer confirmed her feelings. "I agree. Let me roll over."
She smiled, let go, and lifted herself, balancing on her hands as he turned. "With pleasure." They locked gazes, and she lowered herself upon him, pressing him into the mattress. The bodily contact made her stomach contract and a rush of heat flooded through her. As Anduin's hands slid over her ass and squeezed hard, it sent another ecstatic wave through her, along with dampness between her legs.
Not waiting, his fingers skimmed over her ass cheeks down to her womanly center from behind, her wetness speaking for itself, and he gasped. "You feel so good, it's almost unbearable…"
"As do you, flower boy. More than I thought."
While he slowly delved into her warm moist folds, his eyes never left hers. "Then why did you leave?"
"Still up for this discussion?"
"Hmm. We agreed on later," he said, sighing. "Can I have a kiss?"
She leaned down to him and a smile escaped her. "How can I resist when you ask so nicely?"
"You don't know how much I would have liked for you to sneak in my room again," he lifted his head and came close to her lips, just a touch away. "For each minute you didn't, you owe me a kiss."
"I told you, trust is hard to come by―"
"Nonsense. If you weren't the slightest trusting, you wouldn't be here," he countered. "And I'll start the discussion now if you don't kiss me."
She gave in.
In the end, it was so easy. They wanted both the same, and they knew how to get it. The one night they spent together, it was still fresh in both their memories, and they both found all the comfort and reassurance they needed in each other's arms.