"And Larry said I can be team captain next time Mum!"

Val had to laugh at how animated Anduin was as they went down the harbour steps.

They'd managed to wrench him away from the children's tenth game of bat and ball, reminding him as they had themselves that Cillian would be arriving soon, and even now Val could see the small bruise on the prince's hairline where a rouge ball had smacked him.

But he still had a smile on his face like he wasn't aware that his father would go mad the minute he saw it, holding on to Val's and Jorah's hands without a care in the world. "Oh really? Then we might have to put your armour on before we go, what d'you think?"

Anduin pulled a face at her, jumping over a step. "Mum! The whole point is that you run, I can't do that in armour!"

Val snickered, inclining her head to Varro, who was on his son's other side. "Why not, Varro managed it perfectly fine."

Jon snorted, ignoring the glare he got for it. "Even managed to outrun some of the kids at one point."

Val stemmed the argument before it could even start, already looking around for any signs of the Thornish. "I hope we haven't missed him."

Anduin grimaced, standing on his toes. "You don't think he's gone to the Keep, do you Mum?"

Val shook her head, still spooked by how quiet the docks were now; the army had been so desperate for soldiers after the Wrathgate that Varian had no choice but to enlist dockers and farmers, men and women that had no training whatsoever, it was heartbreaking how many were gone nowadays. "No, he knows we're not there."

Jorah's long brows drew in, nearly touching at either side of his nose. "Maybe something happened?"

Varro sharply squeezed his son's hand in anger. "Jorah, that's enough."

Jon seemed rather relaxed about the pirate's absence, folding his arms. "Or we could just try the tavern. I know that's where I'd go if I got here and you weren't anywhere near."

Val had to admit, that was probably their best bet, steering Anduin towards the small watering hole sitting at the end of the docks called The Wobbly Sailor, smelling smoke and ale before the swinging doors had even opened. "You lot wait out here, I won't be a minute."

Varro was more than happy to oblige, not really wanting either boy in a place notorious for not having a limit on how many drinks their patrons had.

"Be careful Mum."

Val had to chuckle at Anduin's warning, for it was totally unnecessary. If she could survive One-Eyed Jack's on a Saturday night, this was nothing.

She fixed the cuffs of her coat, pushing the doors open and grinning as she instantly found Cillian sitting at the bar with Thomas next to him, arguing profusely about how 'a growing boy needed to drink with his Da'.

She weaved between the men gathered around the few tables dotting the place, clapping the captain's shoulders from behind and kissing his cheek, putting her chin on his collarbone.

"Bit early for spirits, isn't it?"

Cillian swivelled on his stool, sliding down with a laugh and gathering her in a hearty embrace, patting her back and letting Thomas get his own in, waiting until she'd straightened to sling an arm around her waist.

"It bloody well isn't when I get here and find that there's no welcoming party waiting for me. I tell you, Stormwind hospitality has gone right down the shitter."

She elbowed him in the side, letting herself smile properly for once and taking Thomas' hands. "Oh I'm sorry, should I have arranged for a fanfare and marching band?"

Cillian snorted, letting her go so he could finish his drink. "Would've been fecking nice considering I had to endure the wrath of your Grammy simply for coming here."

Val grimaced, brushing Thomas' hair back so she could cup his cheeks. "She's not honestly pissed off at me?"

Cillian shrugged, taking the absence of Anduin as a sign that he was outside and it was time to go, snatching his coat up and pulling it on. "She just thinks you need your family around you, that's all, she has the best intentions."

Thomas fell into step with the both of them as they headed out, looking back at Val with a small smile. "How are you doing now, Auntie Val?"

Val had to admit, such sincerity from a boy that was notorious for being a little smart arse was jarring to hear, but she appreciated it nonetheless, returning his smile despite not really believing it herself. "Better mate. Better than I thought I'd be."

Cillian's hand felt softer than Varian's, which was a welcome change as it squeezed her shoulder. "I'm so sorry for what's happened Lass, it ain't fucking fair at all."

Val swallowed hard, adjusting her vision to the sunlight once they got back outside. Anduin and Jorah noticed Thomas in an instant and the dark haired boy went pelting towards them, letting Cillian get a quiet moment with a woman he hadn't seen since everything had gone so horribly wrong.

He still held her shoulder, bending his head to try and see her face. "Talk to me. How are you and Varian doing, really?"

Val shrugged, not really knowing how to answer him and not spend hours doing so. "Well, we're not at each other's throats anymore, so that's a start I suppose. 'We're getting there' is the best way to put it."

Cillian seemed so sympathetic that it made Val strangely angry; of all the people she'd expected to treat her like she was made of glass, he'd been the last on that very long list. "Has it been that bad?"

Val nodded but she actually managed a smile. "It was, for a few weeks at least, but Varian and I had a long discussion and we're working through it."

Cillian inclined his head to Anduin, who was calling him over, falling back into step with her as they crossed the docks. "How's little man taking it?"

Val wanted this conversation to preferably end before they reached the boy. "He's doing fine, Cil, we all are, we just need a bit more time to get completely back on track."

He knew that tone and thankfully left it there, sure that she'd speak to him more once the boys were asleep later on.

He opened his arms, catching the prince as he leapt up, putting him on his hip and laughing in that wicked way of his, lifting Anduin's hair and running a thumb over the bruise that Val could swear had gotten darker. "What's this then, been in a brawl have you, Lad?"

Anduin shook his head, patting his locks back down. "No! We were playing, that's all!"

Cillian snorted before he could stop himself, raising a hand in greeting to the few dockers that recognised him within the few yards between them and the others. "With what, hammers?!"

Anduin's loud giggle made Val smile despite everything, and once again his little hand reached for the medallion sitting at the base of the pirate's throat. "No! Balls!"

Val tickled Anduin's side, letting Thomas place himself into her arms and giving him a squeeze. "Anduin's been quite the little sportsman today."

Cillian looked impressed, putting him down so he could ruffle Jorah's hair and clasp arms with Varro and Jon. "I bet Varian was pleased to see that."

Anduin's face dropped a little but Val couldn't call him 'sad'. "Father's at council again."

Thomas shrugged, apparently hearing the disappointment in his voice. "We can still have fun though, he can just meet us later!"

Val made a light noise of affirmation, holding Thomas' shoulders so he wasn't putting his full weight on her. "That's what we agreed before he left. So all we have to do now is decide whatwe're doing."

Jorah grimaced, holding his middle. "Can we make 'food' something we put to the vote?"

As soon as she'd said it all three boys were starting to grumble about being hungry, so Val took Anduin's hand and put the other in the crook of Cillian's arm. "How does lunch at the Nag's Head sound? My treat."

Apparently that was the right answer, and even Jon rolled his shoulders with a smirk as they started back towards the main city. "Permission to partake in the consumption a jug of ale, Milady?"

Val chuckled, wrinkling her nose and deliberately dragging her hum of contemplation out. "Oh, I'm sure I can turn a blind eye this once. Just don't tell Varian that it was me who let you."

Cillian looked around him with a hint of morose in his eye. "Where the hells is everybody?"

Val grimaced, steering Anduin around a bollard. "Those who aren't already in Northrend are gearing up down in Westfall for the deployment to Lordaeron. And those who can't fight are working to keep food on their tables."

Thomas asked permission to go on ahead, getting it from Val and leading the other two boys with him. "Stay close enough that we can see you!"

She didn't exactly know why she felt the need to instruct them on the rules when they nearly always obeyed them, but felt the need to press the point anyway. "Are you sure Varian knows what he's doing, invading Lordaeron when all the other shit's going on?"

Val huffed, letting go of him so he could take the cigarette perched on his ear down and put it in his mouth instead. She fished around in his pocket, knowing he wouldn't mind, pulling his case out and taking one for herself, letting him light it and offering each guard one, which only Varro accepted.

"Don't you fecking start, Cil. I've had this argument with him ever since he bloody told me he was going, but nothing will make him budge at this point."

Jon held a cautious finger up, well aware that the Undercity invasion was a little bit of a sore spot for everybody right now. "In his defence Milady, I don't think anyone wants the Forsaken bringing that plague of theirs down here, so really, we can see why he's doing it. It was just very shit timing."

Cillian snickered, blowing a thick cloud into the air. "No mate, shit timing is when you're about to jump over the finish line and your good lady's husband opens the door."

That broke the thin blanket of tension between them, with Varro raising an amused eyebrow. "That happen alot, does it?"

Jon's guffaw only made the younger guard start to laugh already. "Nah, he's normally long done by then!"

Val started coughing harshly, thoroughly regretting taking a drag the second he'd said it but appreciating the thumps to her back he gave her, straightening with snorts escaping her face like water from a leaky bucket.

"I don't believe it, I come here in good feckin faith and within five minutes I'm the subject of ridicule. Disrespectful, utterly disrespectful."

Val leant against his arm and batted her eyelashes, once again feeling at total ease when surrounded by those who were more like her and not expecting her to be the opposite. "Oh come on Cil, you love coming to see me really."

He scoffed, tapping his ash away. "Nope, I honestly came here for Anduin more than I did you. At least with him I get civilisedconversation."

He planted his feet well enough to stop her shove from toppling him, but only by a cat's whisker. "Forget everything I said about being happy to see you Cil."

He dramatically swooned, just as she had expected him to. "Oh lass, you wound me, truly you do."

Val rolled her eyes, taking a shorter drag this time. "I'm starting to think I should've just gone to council with Varian."

Jon snorted, not believing her for a second. "Milady, if I may, I think you'd be bored to blood tears if you had."

Varro grunted in agreement, quickly snapping at Jorah to put a spider he was starting to scare Anduin with down. "Considering His Majesty does all he can to get out of it, I can hardly see you enjoying yourself."

Val started chuckling, tapping more ash away. "I'll have to get Lizette to wrap a pie up for him for dinner later, so he doesn't feel too left out."

Cillian made a face of pure delight, putting his cigarette in his mouth and rubbing his hands together. "Oh nowwe're talking. I've eaten nothing but piss thin stew for three fecking days, I've been wantin' some decent food."

Val flashed him a grin, which had been a rare sight lately. "Just don't go absolutely mad simply because I'm paying, technically it's Varian's gold now I'm not working."

Cillian sniggered, throwing his cigarette butt on the floor and brushing his hand on his leather breeches. "Oh well, if it's Varian's gold, I shall be ordering everything on a gold platter and served by the finest of Stormwind's whores."

Val's grin dropped as quickly as her eyebrows did. "Cillian, I'll warn you now, I will nothave you antagonising Varian while you're here. He's got enough stressing him out without you winding him up."

Cillian threw his hands up, trying to look innocent when he wasn't capable of it in the slightest. "Lass, my word is my bond, I won't stick a toe out of line during the length of my stay here. You know me, I'm not one for kicking a man when he's down, much less when he's only just getting up."

Val appreciated the sentiment, blowing her smoke above her and closing her eyes. "I just want this war over with so he isn't so swamped. I never thought I'd wish that taxes and farms were all he had to worry about, yet here I am doing that exact thing."

Cillian waved a hand of dismissal, rummaging in his pocket for the barley sugars he'd gotten earlier and popping one in his mouth once he'd unwrapped it. "Ah, Varian's a big boy, lass, he doesn't need your wishing. Just a good rub down and a pint of an evening will do him just fine, mark my words."

Jon's gag was drowned out by Varro's loud bark of laughter, but Val's reaction was sitting somewhere between embarrassment and humour, which she was sure wasn't a good look. "Cillian Beaufort you are one feckin dirty bastard."

Cillian gave her a wicked smile again, pulling at the lapels of his coat. "It's what I'm here for Lass, and you bleedin' love it, don't even try and deny it."

She was about to do exactly that when a loud 'Mum! Mum! Come see!' wrenched her attention from him and pointed it towards the over excited trill of her stepson.

Looking ahead she noticed that the children had stopped and were huddled together like mice trying to escape the rain, and while she was sure it was innocent, suspicion slowly rose up her spine like a snake. "Boys, what are you doing?"

Thomas turned around, pointed animatedly at a poster stuck to the wall of the archway leading to Cathedral Square. "The Darkmoon Faire is in Goldshire today, Da, can we go?! Please?!"

The three parents of the group instantly grimaced and even Jon had a vague idea why.

"Darkmoon? Oh lad, that place is dodgy as all hells…"

Anduin joined in with the plea, lightly bouncing on his toes. "Please Mum? It says it has animals!"

Even Jorah decided it was worth a go, taking it a step further by coming over and tugging on Varro's hand. "Please, Ann'da? It doesn't come to Silvermoon!"

Anduin scurried over with Thomas, and all three of them looked up at their parents with eyes as big as plates. "It looks like so much fun, Mum!"

"Yeah, and you wanted us to think of something to do!"

"We'll go to bed straight away and be good for a whole yearif we go!"

Cillian was losing the battle, Val could tell as he looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "What d'you think lass?"

Val wasn't sure, and all it was doing was making the boys more agitated. She'd promised Varian that she'd stay in the city…but then, if he were simply told where they were going, there wasn't any harm in it, was there?

She supposed Anduin had been cooped up in Stormwind for the past six weeks, putting up with her and Varian's moods, grieving for his brother and not having any company his own age…so really, he deserved a bit of fun.

"Jon. Go back to the Keep after we've had lunch and inform Varian that we're going to the Faire. Ask him to meet us there after council concludes and tell him I'll have his ticket ready for him."

The loud cheers that erupted from the three boys was enough to make her not regret her decision in the slightest; she had fond memories of going to the Faire with Varian, Arthas and Jaina when they'd been young, so it would've been rather unfair to deny them the same experience.

"Butthere will be rules put in place before we even go and get those tickets; number one, you staywith us. We have no idea who will be there, and I'll never forgive myself if something happened. Number two, when we say it's time to leave-"

Anduin started bouncing again, clearly already knowing this list off by heart. "-We leave, no ifs, buts, sweeties or nuts!"

Val couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm, looking between Varro and Cillian. "Any rules you two want to add?"

Varro nodded, ruffling Jorah's hair and being careful not to catch his ears. "Number three. Do not tell your mother."

It had been relatively easy to purchase seven tickets straight off for the event, if anything the biggest pain had been getting down to Goldshire.

The boys' excitement made them less than patient, and while Val knew she had free rein of the royal carriage, she'd insisted on the adornments being taken off, and the short notice hadn't helped the already flustered driver either.

Thankfully they'd all gotten there in one piece and Val was just making sure they had everything, counting heads and handing their tickets over to the portal attendant, explaining the situation with Varian's and thankfully getting less fuss than she'd anticipated.

The portal was different to others she'd known, it was alot colder and felt rather like melting jelly as she stepped through it, keeping a firm grip on Anduin's hand and only opening her eyes once she was on the other side.

An explosion of noise hit her and she had to take a second to adjust, already seeing garish fireworks filling the sky, hearing gaudy music and watching people scurry down the hill towards the faire…and it was brilliant.

She had almost forgotten in the past few weeks what true 'fun' was, and to be honest, this was probably the best way to harshly remind her of it all.

"Good afternoon misses! Care to save your feet and rent the fastest Tallstriders on the island?"

Anduin shrank, starting to creep behind Val's legs at even the sight of the six foot bird, so she politely shook her head despite hearing protests either side of her. "No thanks mate, we'll be fine walking."

He tried to negotiate a discount but she was already walking away, watching Anduin start to straighten again. "That bird was scary, Mum."

Val gave his hand a reassuring squeeze and a smile to match it. "It did look a little like a stretched out frog, didn't it?"

He started quietly giggling, falling into step with her.

"Imagine having that instead of our Winter Veil turkey!"

He laughed even harder, watching her face and not his feet, meaning she had to guide him. "I think Father would have a fit!"

Thomas appeared behind the prince, slinging an arm over his shoulders. "Come on Andy, last one there's a smelly old ogre!"

Anduin started, looking up at Val. "But the rules…!"

Val let go of his hand and pointed in front of them. "Make it just to the bottom of the hill, no further."

She pushed his back as the older boys shouted their promises to do exactly that, anxious for him not to feel left out. "Go on, show them how fast Wrynns can run!"

Anduin didn't need telling twice and was already pelting down the dirt track caused by throngs of feet travelling down the hill. She let Cillian and Varro both loop arms with her as they watched the boys go, wincing as Anduin stumbled a few too many times for Val's liking.

"Growing up too damn fast, aren't they?"

Val chuckled, watching Thomas lift Anduin in triumph as the youngest boy somehow managed to win their little race. "You say that every single time, Cil."

The pirate pulled a face, kicking a discarded bottle out the way. "Yeah but I don't notice it until they're all together like this."

Varro couldn't disagree, but for different reasons. "For me it just drives home how bloody young Jorah looks, and how different he really is to me."

Val's nose scrunched and she let go of them so she could steady herself as the hill got steeper. "Take away the ears and the eyebrows though, and he's the spitting image of you. He's a good mix, Varro."

Anduin came bounding over with the biggest of smiles on his face, curling his arms around Val's legs. "Mum! I won, did you see?!"

She ruffled his hair, taking his hand again and fishing their tickets from her pocket to show the gate guard. "I did! See, I told you all those veggies were good for something!"

Cillian put his chin on Val's shoulder with a grin. "So what game we doing first?"

Thomas patted Anduin's shoulder, all but skipping next to them. "Anduin won the race, so he can choose!"

Anduin suddenly looked rather flustered, putting a finger on his bottom lip and frantically looking around them until he gave a loud gasp and pointed in front of them. "Mum! Big slide!"

Val had to admit that she'd been hoping that the helter skelter sitting by the games wouldn't be noticed before she had a few courage inducing pints, but he looked so excited she had no choice but to let him pull her hand like the others were doing to their fathers.

She gave a few of the tokens Cillian had exchanged normal coin for to the Elf standing by the slide, telling Thomas to go on with Anduin when she was told that the boy needed accompaniment.

She wasn't good with heights or great speed, so she would probably make it no fun at all for the blonde, and thankfully he understood, taking the sack he was handed and stomping up the steps with Thomas two steps behind him.

She felt Cillian's nudge and heard his chuckled 'wussbag', but didn't care, merely sticking her tongue out at him and craning her neck to see where Anduin had gotten to.

Jorah had already left from the end and was eagerly awaiting his comrades, and no sooner had his backside left the wooden slide than the prince and pirate came shooting after him.

They had apparently gone too fast, launching right off the end and landing with a thud on the grass in front of it, with Val running over and helping Anduin up, checking if he was crying but realising he was doing the exact opposite and laughing his head off.

"Did you see that Mum? We went flying!"

She brushed him down, moving him out of the way in case another careening child came down and bowled them both over. "I did, that's another bloody bruise I need to explain to your father later."

Anduin didn't seem to care, rocking on his toes. "Again!"

Val snorted, brushing his hair back. "Maybe later, Little Lion, we have alot to see and not alot of tokens to do it with."

She jabbed a thumb at Thomas, who was taking a generous gulp from the waterskin Varro had brought for them. "Besides, it's not your turn to choose this time, remember?"

Anduin nodded, rolling his sleeves down. "Do you think Father's done yet?"

Val shrugged, straightening and picking grass from her knee. "I should think he's not going to be that much longer. Why?"

Cillian snickered as he heard her, mussing the boy's hair. "Cause he wants to get all the dangerous stuff out of the way before he does, he's not stupid!"

Val had to admit, that was pretty sound logic and she had no argument against it. "That's very smart, Little Lion. Go on then Tommo, what we doing next?"

A few hours, numerous games and full stomachs later and Val was ready to drop, and apparently she wasn't the only one.

Anduin had fallen asleep minutes earlier, straddled across his stepmother and leaning on her like she was the world's best pillow, clutching the stuffed murloc his uncle had won at the shooting range.

She didn't mind, it gave her an excuse to sit down, occasionally popping another square of fudge in her mouth.

She waved up to Thomas as he and Cillian reached the top of the roller-coaster the boy had somehow convinced him to get on, watching as they sped down and feeling her own stomach churn.

She heard her name to her left and grinned as Varian came toward her, looking rather dressed down in his leather and sheepskin coat, but still holding the presence of a king as he strode over and bent to kiss her cheek. "I had to wonder whether Jon was jesting when he told me you were here."

Val chuckled, kissing him again when he sat next to her and put his arm across the back of the bench she was perched on. "The boys wanted to come, and they've been so good, we couldn't really say no."

Varian looked around them, well aware that she was by herself. "Where are they? I would've hoped at least Varro would stay by your side."

Val snorted at the latest bout of screams coming from the roller-coaster, deftly pointing towards it. "Thomas is making Cillian's hair go grey, and Jorah took Varro to see the dancing bear."

He ran a light hand over Anduin's hair, bending to get a look at his face. "And how long has he been dead to the world?"

Val kissed the boy's forehead, straightening as he stirred. "Not long. Came off the gryphons rubbing his eyes and within five minutes he was conked out."

Something was troubling him, she could see it on his face, even more when she lifted his chin with one hand. "Varian, what's wrong?"

He swallowed hard, hunching over so he was closer to her without squashing Anduin. "Tomorrow."

Val's honey eyes widened and he was sure it was because she knew what he meant, which was actually quite a relief. "Bloody hell…that soon?"

Varian slowly nodded, sighing deeply. "Apologies for springing it on you, but we need to get there before any more damage is done."

She nodded, surprising him by how well she was taking it. "No, no, it makes total sense."

She looked around them, rather glad that she'd given Anduin a day of fun now. "We'll have to make the most of it then, eh?"

Anduin stirred more as Varian grunted in agreement, opening his eyes and smiling widely, holding his arms out. "Father."

Varian pulled him onto his lap, holding him a little too tightly and kissing the side of his head. "I told you I wouldn't be gone all day, didn't I? One day you'll believe a word I say."

Anduin pulled back, holding onto his arms. "We've had loads of fun today Father!"

Varian chuckled, wiping some icing from the corner of the boy's mouth. "So I see! Did you play many games?"

Anduin's nodding made Val feel a little ill with its speed. "We did! I won at the ducks!"

His brow creased and he pointed at Val. "Did you know Mum's really good at darts?!"

Varian's smile at how excited Anduin was getting made Val feel no better about what she'd just been told, but she was enjoying how genuine it was in any case. "Well, I know she's fairlygood, but she's nothing compared to your old man."

Val scoffed at the very notion, crossing one leg over the other. "Please, I'd wipe the floor with you."

Anduin patted Val's leg, looking rather concerned. "How many tokens have we got left, Mum?"

Val's brow furrowed and she passed him the sweetie bag to hold, giving him a nod when he held up a piece of fudge and letting him put it in his mouth whilst she fished in her pocket, opening her palm. "Two. So we're going to have to really think about what you want to do."

Anduin swivelled back to Varian. "Do you want to play some games with us, Father?"

Varian's strained smile was obvious to Val because she knew why it was there, but Anduin either didn't notice it or ignored it completely. "I would absolutely love to son. But would you permit me a drink beforehand? I haven't had the easiest of days."

Anduin didn't seem toothrilled at the prospect but shuffled down from the bench regardless, taking each of their hands and watching his father as they started towards the drinks tent. "Was council not very fun, Father?"

Varian huffed in amusement, feeling his head throb as he did it. "Council's never fun, Anduin. If anything it was productive, so that's something at least."

He gave Val a guilty look. "Sweetheart, will you go on ahead? I'd like to speak with Anduin, if that's agreeable?"

Val let him bend down to kiss her, brushing a confused Anduin's hair back. "Of course it's agreeable, you don't even need to ask. Whiskey?"

He seemed rather surprised at how she was willing for him to drink something they'd agreed he'd not touch again, but he nodded anyway. "Please."

Anduin jovially asked for an apple juice, clearly not realising that Varian was intending to give him what was by all accounts bad news.

She left them to it, giving the Elf behind the makeshift bar their order and turning around to find Varian bent to Anduin's level with a strong hand on his shoulder.

The younger Wrynn's brow furrowed and his hands started to wring, and when Varian's lips stopped moving Anduin launched himself at him, putting his arms around his neck and burying his face in Varian's shoulder.

It broke her heart to see a boy that had been so happy all day suddenly so full of sorrow, but she knew it had to be done at some point, and when would be a good time?

She paid for their drinks, quietly sipping her cider until Varian straightened, wiped Anduin's eyes and smoothed his hair, taking his hand and bringing him over to her, giving her the smallest of smiles.

"Everything alright?"

Anduin shook his head, letting Varian lift him onto one of the stools lining the bar. "Father's leaving tomorrow."

Val passed Varian's whiskey to him, gently rubbing Anduin's arm. "I know he is mate, he told me just before you woke up."

Anduin stared into his cup like it held all of life's answers in it. Varian bumped the boy's chin with his knuckles, trying not to give in and down his drink in one go. "I won't be gone long this time Anduin, and when I am, it'll only be once more then home for good."

Anduin brightened just a little, straightening his hunched back. "Promise?"

Varian knew it was potentially cruel, but he decided it was about time he gave his son a little respite from the strife of the world. "Aye son, I promise."

A tiny smile started to appear on Anduin's face, which was really the best they could hope for right now. "And you'll be extra careful, right?"

Varian kissed his forehead, taking a few more controlled sips of his whiskey. "Of course."

Anduin started swinging his legs, still not drinking his juice. "And you'll write to us?"

Varian grimaced, shaking his head this time. "I don't think so, son. I'll only be gone a week at most, so there's really no point. You'll get my reports through Lee, so you'll know how the battle's going."

Anduin seemed contented by that, lifting his cup to his mouth."Do we have to go home now you're out of council?"

Varian looked above their heads, finding the sky just beginning to turn pink. "Not right this minute, but we will soon, if it's all the same to you. I've heard of the reputation this place has when the sun goes down and have no wish to partake in any of it."

Anduin all but slammed his cup down, jumping from his stool and bouncing on his toes. "Then we should go and play some games while we have the chance! Come on Mum!"

Val gulped down as much of her cider as she could, catching up to the two of them and taking Varian's arm when he offered it to her. He told Anduin he could go two paces in front and Val had to smile at the boy as he skipped ahead.

"I've been thinking all day about how we came here when we'd first started courting."

Varian chuckled, his eyes glazing over in fond remembrance. "I won you that stuffed unicorn on the ring toss."

She started laughing harder. "Then the horn fell off two minutes later."

Varian huffed, still keeping a vigil eye on Anduin. "Cheaply made piece of crap."

Val gave him a grin, squeezing his arm. "I kept that until we moved."

Varian's eyebrow rose in amusement. "Why doesn't that surprise me? You've always been fond of the weird and wonderful."

She snorted, stuffing her spare hand in her pocket and bracing her shoulders against the March chill. "Would you honestly have me any other way?"

Varian flashed her a grin, unwinding his arm from hers and putting it across her shoulders instead, squeezing her affectionately. "Light no, and may it help anyone who tries to make it so."

She snickered, reaching back and linking her fingers with his. "Always a charmer, aren't you?"

Varian's laugh was quiet, meaning he was trying not to draw too much attention. "I managed to charm you enough to marry me, didn't I? I must be doing somethingright."

He called over to Anduin as he started to run, realising halfway through it that he was going to towards the rest of their group, who were waiting for them by the fence encasing one of the many attractions.

"And our merry band is complete! Welcome, Majesty!"

Varian was less than pleased with the volume of Cillian's greeting but kept his tongue in his mouth, clapping arms with him regardless of his disapproval and squeezing Thomas with one arm when the both embraced him. "I'm just sorry I missed your arrival, Cillian. It seems all of my time is being seeped away nowadays."

Cillian waved a bejewelled hand of dismissal, pulling the cuff of his coat down after. "It's no bother at all, someone's got to keep things running. Though maybe as retribution, you can take my lad off my hands for a few days? He's done nothing but spend all me gold and eat himself sick all day."

Varian's laugh made his shoulders shake as he held Anduin's to keep the boy in place.

"Were it any other day I'd happily agree, but tonight is a family night, I'm afraid."

His face straightened and Varro knew the look on it instantly, standing to attention without meaning to. "My council and I have agreed that our troop is moving out tomorrow, leaving via ship for The North Coast and making our way to Lordaeron's capital."

There was a beat of silence as the four of them processed it all, with Varro clearing his throat first. "What are my orders regarding Val and Prince Anduin, Your Majesty?"

Varian appreciated how his voice had changed to one of a military man, patting Thomas' back as the boy embraced him again, albeit slower.

"You, Jon and two other men are to stay at the lake house with them for the duration, so pack a small case. Jon's already given me a list of men he recommends and they'll be joining you the minute my ship leaves."

He got a stiff salute in return and Varian finally relaxed his shoulders, not really wanting to rehash everything he'd already told them. "But until then, I am all yours, and I intend to enjoy whatever is left of the day."

He bent down, eyeing each of the boys. "So, what's left on the list? Or have I completely missed everything?"

The idea that their time at the Faire wasn't over yet perked the boys up instantly, and she was sure that was the king's intention as he instructed the three of them to slow down and speak one at a time.

"Maybe you could win this one prize we've been wanting all day!"

Anduin started pulling on Varian's hand as soon as Thomas had said it, kicking up dirt with the skids of his shoes. "Yes! Come on father, no one's won it yet and we really, reallywant it!"

Varian allowed himself to be yanked forward by three pairs of hands simply because he didn't want any of them falling over, leaving Val to fall into step with Cillian and Varro, linking arms with them and following them with chortles on their lips.

The sky was oozing into a mix of pink and navy when Varian finally decided that it was time to go, bidding both Varro and Jorah farewell first then stopping at the house to make sure Cillian and Thomas got back alright.

They were making their way to the stables to go back to the lake-house, watching Anduin triumphantly trot in front of them with an oversized lion plush twice his size in his arms. The poor backside of the fake animal brushed the ground as the prince struggled to hold it aloft, but each offer of carrying it from his father had been strenuously denied.

Varian looked down at Val, smirking at the badly hidden laughs she was muffling with the hand sitting under her nose. "Well, he got his prize."

Varian chuckled, reaching over and taking another sweet from the bag she was holding, popping it into his mouth. "It was actually quite fortuitous that it was a test of strength. I don't think that goblin actually expected me to do it."

Val snickered, putting another piece of butterscotch into her mouth. "Are you jesting? He practically shit his breeches the minute you got to the front of the line."

Varian's grin got bigger and more smug, digging in the bag and ignoring her pout as he ate what was probably the last fruit jelly."He wasn't very good at rigging the thing though, apparently. One swing and that bell had practically come off."

Val snorted, sifting through the leftover sweets and finding another strawberry bon bon. "I can't believe you're gloating so much about winning a fairground game."

Varian stopped Anduin in his tracks with a sharp shout, watching with amusement as he all but waddled over to his side. "I'll gloat as much as I want when the one running it brags about it 'being unbeatable' then gets his undergarments in a twist when I prove the little shit wrong."

They'd gone through the park to settle their stomachs before the ride, thoroughly regretting mixing sweets, drink and Light knew what else, and Val was rather surprised to hear a loud gaggle of voices as they came towards the green.

"Is there something going on tonight?"

Varian's brow furrowed and he subconsciously put an arm over Anduin's shoulders. "Not that I know of. Leave them Sweetheart, they're probably just on their way to the tavern."

But it became abundantly clear as they reached the outskirts of the park that the people she'd heard were there for a reason, gathered around a bench that had obviously been moved, upon which was a young man standing a head or two above the rest.

"We can't just let King Varian send the ones we love to die over and over!"

Varian stopped dead and his face turned stony as quick as lightning, with his head barely turning as he shushed an instantly worried Anduin and listened intently, locking eyes with Val and setting his jaw.

"Since he took the crown, it's been nothing but war! Death! Famine! Stormwind has become a hub of discontent, and he does absolutely nothingabout it!"

Anduin gently tugged on Varian's hand, looking up at his father and all but dropping his toy lion. "Father? What does that man mean?"

Varian was glad that they hadn't been noticed, pulling the two of them closer to the wall bordering the park and gritting his teeth. "Nothing, Anduin, he doesn't know what he's saying."

Val's brow furrowed and she took her hand away, putting the sweet bag in her pocket to free them both. "Varian, this is serious…"

Varian shushed her again, yanking Anduin's hood up and holding his shoulder.

"And now he wants our brothers, our fathers, our sisters, to take a death march to Lordaeron just so he can make up for his own mistakes! We never askedor votedto involve the Horde with the war against the Lich King, but he did it anyway, just like his father!"

Val watched Varian's face turn to one of white hot, unbridled fury, putting a hand on his chest, feeling it tense underneath her palm. "Varian, don't bite…"

He could barely speak, stung by the idea that he'd repeated Llane's errors when that was always the last thing he wanted. He looked back down at Anduin, seeing fear on his son's face and feeling all rationality go out the window. "Why are they so angry, Father?"

Varian's grip on his hand tightened and he pushed Anduin forward, still hearing the growing list of his failures being shouted behind him. "It doesn't matter. We're going home."

Val's eyebrow quirked. "Varian, don't you think you should say something?-"

His glare cut through her words like a knife. "We're going home."

"We reclaimed Stormwind once because we had the might of Lordaeron at our backs, can King Varian say he can do it again with certainty now the north is gone? No! And yet he tries to reclaim lands that none of us want instead of focusing on his own people!"

Varian tugged Val to his side as he stomped off, hearing the crowd behind him grow more animated and not wanting his family anywhere near it. "Varian, what's so wrong with just talkingto them?"

His nostrils flared as he stared angrily down at her again. "With no guards, no Shalamayne and less numbers? Don't be stupid Val, it doesn't become you. I won't put you two in danger simply to calm a few idiots."

Anduin was struggling to keep up, leading to Varian scooping him up and somehow managing to juggle both his son and the oversized toy with ease.

"King Varian has led us to doom, because he had no faith in our soldiers! He ran to the Horde like a COWARD."

Varian started growling, meeting the two guards who had clearly come to see what was happening at the entrance of the park. "What are your orders, Your Majesty?"

Varian pointed behind him, where the shouts were growing louder. "Deal with this. Now."

He took Val's hand again and she had to admit, the anger she could feel practically vibrating through his palm was frightening. "Varian…"

He snarled, tightening his grip. "Not another word. We're going home, end of story."