The Founding of Stormwind

[Danseis-silver-hand (Danseis)]

Chapter 21 Roar

The Aspect began to stir and he shook his massive head. From what Dale could see the black dragon was wounded in ways that would have made a complete masochist wince. Taking a shot from the Dragon Soul at point blank range would obliterate most beings. In the Aspects case it looked as though the metal bands covering his body were broken and splitting apart. In the splits the young prince could see something like a furnace burning behind a grate; threatening to burn through the grate itself. Deathwing was bleeding from several open wounds, his blood melting the stones it fell on.

Deciding it would be best not to be there when the Aspect fully woke up from its crash landing Dale searched for a way off the seaside cliff. The cliff was at least a hundred feet from the water; at least to the princes reckoning. Walls of rock surrounded the cliff. With mostly sheer faces they would be difficult to climb even for a dwarf mountaineer; which Dale was not.

Behind him the dragon was now attempting to stand up. As the monstrous being slowly rose on his limbs, getting its bearings, it noticed it was missing something. Something he held dearer than all of his kin combined. With Deathwings mind suddenly wide-awake, he searched the cliff face frantically for any trace of his prize.

“WHERE IS IT,” Dale turned at hearing Deathwings bellow.

The prince watched the Aspect search the ground around him, like a bloodhound following a scent, until he came to the cliffs edge. When the dragon realized that his prize had gone into the sea he fell bodily onto the ground; causing a small earthquake.

“Gone,” the Aspect said softly. “It’s gone again. Another setback. Another failure. Gone.”

And Deathwing threw back his head and roared. It was so loud that it shook the walls of the cliff. The sound, as Dale could only describe it, was of someone who had lost every shred of self-control and restraint in expressing sorrow, despair, and above all rage. The prince felt a much greater sense of urgency as he searched the cliffs for a way to escape.

“You.”

It was said softly but Dale swallowed hard. He turned from the cliffs to see Deathwing staring right at him. Even for a dragon the look on the Aspects face was murderous.

“You.”

The dragon had turned slowly away from the cliff and was now walking on all fours towards the young prince. Its wings, though ripped in many places, kept flexing or shaking. Giving Dale the impression that the dragon was trembling with rage.

“You.”

Dale took one last look at the cliffs. Even if he tried to climb them he couldn’t get over them in time to escape. More to the point he would be a sitting duck for a very pissed off dragon. Hiding wasn’t an option either as there was simply nowhere else to go.

“Well,” Dale thought out loud, “why not.” And the prince started walking towards the dragon.

“You!”

“Yeah, yeah, roar, roar to you too,” Dale growled as he raised his sword and walked forward.

“YOU!!!” Deathwing rushed towards the prince, dived headfirst, and mouth open.

He missed, but only because Dale was by comparison such a small target. The dragon withdrew from the crater in the rock he had gouged out and Deathwing swiped at Dale with his claws. Dale kept moving, circling around, and looking for a place to attack. The Aspect spun around flailing its tail at the prince with enough force that Dale could feel a shock wave from its impact with the ground behind him.

‘Enchanted armor or not,’ Dale told himself, ‘by sheer size if he gets a clean hit on me once I’m dead. But with so many open wounds from getting hit by the Dragon Soul I have options to do some damage as well. If I can get close enough to attack.’

Despite his rage, the Aspect realized that he was vulnerable enough that he should not allow Dale to get too close. When the prince attempted to circle around the black dragon rose several hundred feet into the air. With his wings torn it looked difficult for him but the Aspect didn’t seem to care. Instead Deathwing opened his mouth wide; a bright red light was coming up his throat.

It wasn’t so much a jet of flame as an avalanche of lava that spewed from Deathwing’s mouth. Dale ran as the avalanche bore down on him, tracking him, across the cliff. Without thinking Dale swung his sword at the shower of molten rock. And was surprised when his sword cut through it; dispersing the flame attack away from the prince.

Deathwing was likewise shocked that his flames were driven back. But undaunted as he opened his mouth and fire again raged forth. This time Dale did not hesitate, he used Sunheart to disperse the attacking flames again. The prince smirked up at the dragon whose fire was just rendered ineffective against Dale’s sword.

Unfortunately, Dale had forgotten an important proverb, ‘never laugh at a live dragon.’ Deathwing folded his wings and dropped so quickly that the prince barely had time to move out of the way. When the Aspect hit the ground, he landed with such force that Dale was knocked off his feet and sent flying into the cliff wall. The young man attempted to right himself but he was tumbling head over heels until he slammed, back first, into the rock. Even with his armor, he felt the impact and needed a moment before the prince could stand. Deathwing was not going to give him that moment as the dragon thrust a clawed hand forward to pin the prince to the wall.

Dale could not move much so instead he let himself go limp and slide off the rock wall. He felt something hot on his shoulder and realized that while Deathwing had missed him again the dragon had caught at least part of his armor in the attack. Looking to his right Dale noted that he had lost a shoulder guard and was bleeding from the top of his arm; any pain was traveling uphill against his adrenaline.

The dragon raised another clawed hand and attempted to bring it down onto Dale’s head. With an effort Dale jumped out of the way. Deathwing struck with his claws again. In order to avoid being crushed Dale went beneath Deathwing’s other arm. The young prince saw an opening and slashed with his sword at Deathwing’s arm; cutting through several scales but not otherwise doing any damage.

The Aspect continued to track the young former prince as he ducked from under each of Deathwing’s arms. In an effort to get a clear strike the dragon began to rise into the air. Dale caught a spike on Deathwing’s arm and pulled himself up as the dragon rose. Moving up the arm quickly Dale saw a target to strive for and raced towards Deathwing’s head. The Aspect sensed danger and began to spin; attempting to throw the human off him. Grasping at spikes and scales Dale hung on while making his way to his target.

Dale’s chance came when Deathwing attempted to slam into the cliff face again. The Aspect was in such a rush that he didn’t note where the price was. Dale sheltered himself behind the dragon’s arm as Deathwing bashed into the sheer wall surrounding the cliff; crashing through it in the process. Deathwing, thinking that he might have thrown the mortal off searched the wreckage of the cliff face. He paused when he felt something sharp stab the side of his lower jaw. Glancing down as best he could Deathwing saw that the human had his sword through his jaw.

Deathwing started to roar as Dale took a deep breath. Through all of his weight and strength into the effort Dale cut through one side of Deathwing’s jaw, under his chin, and to the other side of the jaw. Some of Deathwing’s blood splashed onto Dale’s helmet and the prince felt its heat. He was so busy dealing with heat on his head that he almost didn’t notice that he was falling from the dragon’s flailing body. Dale was able to land on his back and rushed to take his helmet off.

When he had it off Dale saw Deathwing with his lower jaw hanging from his body; the dragon screaming in pain and rage. The Aspect fell from the sky and fell into the cliff. It was one crash too many for the cliff which gave way and fell into the sea; and Deathwing went with it.

The prince watched the space where the cliff had been for several minutes. He was out of breath and every bone and muscle in his body ached. Looking down at his helmet Dale saw that the blood from Deathwing was slowly burning through it; in another few minutes there would be nothing left of it. His left shoulder was still bleeding slightly and hurting a lot more. Dale attempted to stand and had to use his sword as leverage to push himself up. He looked around the area. The cliff walls were down now and beyond their ruin were a long sandy plain that lead to the costal ranges around Stormwind; which meant Dale had a lot of walking to do. Slowly, he started moving painfully away from what was left of the cliff.

A crash behind Dale seemed to shake the world. The prince slowly turned to see a massive clawed hand grasping the ground from over the remains of the cliff. The dragon’s claw seemed strange. It was growing. And a dark purple energy was running over it. The ground where it touched looked like it was being bleached a sickly white.

Deathwing pulled himself back onto the ground. His lower jaw still hung from his mouth by a strand of flesh. Whatever energy was emanating from the dragon it also seemed to make Deathwing grow larger. The Aspect of the Black Dragon Flight was already huge but it seemed he grew at least four times in size; to the point that Dale was not sure if the ground would continue to hold him. The dragon’s eyes were focused on the young former prince. If Dale could have taken a step back, he would have.

The former prince did not have anything left as he raised his sword into a defensive stance. He was exhausted, covered in dirt and dust, his armor was rent, and when he moved, he felt all of bones ache. Breathing quickly Dale attempted to calm himself, took a deep breath, and starting walking towards the Aspect.

The Aspect of the Black Dragon Flight laughed at the human before him. Its laugh sounded as though someone was laughing along with Deathwing. Someone ancient. Someone who wasn’t about to let a powerful tool like Deathwing be defeated by a few mortal. Someone from a child’s worst nightmare.

The sky was darkening despite it being hours until twilight. Dale took a high guard stance with his sword and waited for the Aspect to make the next move. Deathwing strode forward, with each stride sounding like thunder, his eyes never leaving Dale’s face as the sun disappeared from view.

When the light began to vanish Deathwing looked up. His eyes grew wide. He turned around and starting flying away as fast as his tattered wings would take him. It took the prince a moment to process what had just happened when the wind picked; almost knocking Dale off his feet. As he righted himself Dale looked up; and his breath caught in his throat.

Massive dark blue and purple clouds were advancing across the sky. At first, the clouds looked non-distinct. But gradually a form took shape. It was seen from Westfall, to Redridge, and everything in between. At Stormwind those who saw knelt in respect as the Lion passed over head; chasing Deathwing across the great sea.

The Lion chased after the Aspect who was almost delirious with terror. As the Lion closed with its prey it leapt mouth open. Its fangs and claws, looking like flashes of lightning, slammed into the dragon. Deathwing howled in pain as he felt his scales and the metal plates over them explode. With no other choice the Aspect dived into the ocean. Traveling to the sea floor where he borrowed into the earth and vanished back into a more primordial realm. A place where he could heal over time; and plot his return.

Dale watched the lion as Deathwing vanished into the sea. The Lion trotted back; coming straight back to where the prince stood. As it came forward the Lion shrank in size. Though by no means small the Lion was no longer filling half the sky. It looked grey, not from age, but as if it was all the being before the prince could do to appear at all; as though a light breeze was all that was needed and the Lion would be gone. It came to a stop staring down at Dale. Remembering Kira’s words about the Golden Kings Dale knelt down in a show of respect.

And the Lion roared.

The roar wasn’t so much heard as felt. Every plant, animal, and sentient being who heard it shook from the strength of it. Even the sky opened up at the roar as rain began to fall, smothering the fires in Stromwind’s ruins, and extinguishing the burning blood Deathwing had shed. The roar echoed in Dale’s ears and he felt his body heal with each drop of the rain. Those with wounds from the battle saw themselves heal in ways that even the Cleric’s from Northshire had thought would be fatal. Dale looked up to see the Lion give him a nod and vanish.

Dale stood up in the middle of the rain. He could barely believe what had just happened. He looked up to the heavens and let the rain wash down his face. Dale was thoroughly drenched through his armor as the sun began to come out. And yet he felt refreshed in a way he hadn’t felt since before his uncle had passed away. The former prince smiled as he thought, ‘I definitely have a story to tell him now.’

The sound of wings coming from the South caught Dale’s attention. Looking to sky Dale saw a dragon with red scales coming through the rain and the sunshine. What was more, the dragon looked like it had two people on its back. Dale raised his sword to Salir, Nicole, and Kira in her true form as they came to bring him back to Stormwind; to bring him home.

[Danseis-silver-hand (Danseis)]

Chapter 22 Cornerstone

“Heads up,” Bryan’s throw was a little and his friend was barely able to catch the new resin disk Kira had made. He and his friends weren’t sure which they were happier about. That their matron turned out to be a dragon, that Bryan had come home safely, or that they had a chance to meet one of the Golden Kings; briefly as the lion had only come to Stormwind long enough to drop Bryan off and be awed over by the orphans for a moment.

Dale was watching them play from out of a tent flap. The former prince had returned to Stormwind to a huge party; he only remembered half of it. Considering the people of these lands had just beaten a dragon flight they had good reason to celebrate a victory and being alive.

“Ahem,” Marin clearing her throat reminded Dale that it been a few days since the party was over and now people had to get back to business. First and foremost, rebuilding Stormwind into a city. The damage to the city was so extensive that aside from the park nothing was left of the port town. In a way this was a blessing, Marin had pointed out, because now they wouldn’t have to clear any land in order to build the city.

Coming back from where they had been sheltered the people of Stormwind went to work in rebuilding their home but it quickly became clear they would need help with the effort. Workers from both the Elwynn and Wyrnn families came in force to help with the construction and a city of tents was up to house everyone. The foundation was being laid and canals were being dug to allow water access to every part of the city. Several Dwarf masons had come to assist in the planning and Kul Tiras was shipping in supplies to aid in the project. Kira and her charges were busy keeping everyone’s spirits up by having the park as a cafeteria and a place for people to come to rest and relax.

Construction was going well but a new problem had arisen. As a group of workers began to unload a shipment of blue paint an argument started over why it was blue, the color of the Wyrnn family, and not green, the color of the Elwynn family. The Kul Tirian’s had simply brought whatever paint they could find and didn’t realize the tinder box they had almost lit. That being the issue of which of the two noble families would govern Stormwind once the city was completed. Marin, Kira, Bishop Roberts, Archmage Azora, Nicole, Salir, and Dale had been meeting to try and find a solution all day but everything kept coming back to the same problem.

“Tiber and Ristinova are the only two candidates to rule this city,” the Archmage was rubbing his forehead. “But if we appoint one the others supporters will object; or worse.”

“And we can’t bring in someone else,” Salir had one of arms broken during the battle. Though it was healed thanks to the clerics of Northshire he was still favoring it. “The abilities of another noble aside they would have no power base to establish support.”

“Whereas both Ristinova and Tiber have huge support in addition to being capable leaders.”

“Exactly,” Kira, offered Marin a cup of tea as she sat next to her. “A pity we can’t just fuse the two of them together.”

Nicole looked up from the table they were sitting at; her sly smile lighting up.

“What is it?”

“We can fuse them together,” she told the Archmage.

He looked at Marin, who shrugged, and looked back at the younger woman. “Do you know of some spell that can accomplish this?”

“I don’t but he does,” Nicole pointed to Bishop Roberts. “Though its not so much a spell. Its more of a pledge. A vow if you will.”

Everyone got it. And everyone thought it was crazy.

“A marriage.”

“Them?”

“They hate each other.”

“They do not hate each other,” Nicole pointed out. “They’re different, they like to fight, and their supporters hate each other but the two of them don’t hate each other as people.”

“And we would be talking about a political marriage,” Archmage Azora said coming around to the idea. “No one expects them to simply fall in love but both of them want what is in the best interests of their people. A political marriage could unite the two families and end the rivalry between the two.”

“That’s right.” Nicole then carefully added, “And I’m sure they’ll accept that logic when you tell them.”

“I’m not telling them that,” the old magi nearly jumped at the suggestion.

“Well I can’t tell them that, they’d kill me,” Nicole burst out.

“They’re likely to kill anyone who suggests they marry each other,” Salir was attempting to look smaller.

“Unless it’s someone who they can’t kill,” Marin said looking at Dale.

Or at least looking at his back because Dale was quickly walking out of the tent. Then walking a little faster when he realized he had been caught fleeing.

“Where do you think you’re going?” It was Kira’s voice but Dale wasn’t ready to turn around just yet.

“Oh, just taking a moonlit stroll.”

“It’s a least an hour till twilight.”

“Then I had better hurry so I don’t miss it.”

“You have to be the one to talk to them Dale.”

“No I don’t.”

“Someone has to.”

“You do it.”

“I’m too young to die it needs to be you.”

“Aren’t you something like ten thousand years old?”

“Closer to eight thousand but that’s beside the point.”

“Why are you chasing me anyway? Are you wanting to go on a date to settle our deal?

“D, don’t change the subject.”

“You know, the deal where I beat Deathwing and you agree to go on a date with me.”

“First I never agreed to that and second you weren’t the one who actually beat Deathwing the Lion did.”

“Hey I had him until that weird energy made Deathwing bigger.”

The two of them were so focused on trading barbs that neither of them noticed two people on a bench were watching them. One of the pair cleared her throat and Dale and Kira looked to see Tiber and Ristinova sitting together. Dale felt his face warm and saw that Kira was also a little embarrassed.

“Cute,” Ristinova stood up and folded her arms. “Judging from your display and the argument from the tent you came from you’ve come to a conclusion about who should rule Stormwind.”

“Yeah,” Dale scratched his head. “You see…”

“Likely the same conclusion we came to about two months ago,” Tiber sighed as he stood up but smiled at the look on Dale and Kira’s faces.

“What,” Kira and Dale said together. They shook off the shock and Kira asked, “And you two are ok with this?”

“I’d be lying if I said was entirely comfortable about this,” Tiber grimaced slightly. “But it’s what is best for our people.”

“I agree. And if it gets too annoying I’ll just kill him in his sleep and proceed to damage control,” Ristinova’s voice was neutral but Dale noted a small smile at Tiber’s uncomfortable shifting.

Kira and Dale looked at each other again and laughed. “So if you two decided this a few months ago what were you talking about?”

“You as a matter of fact,” Ristinova uncrossed her arms as she spoke. “You defeated Deathwing Dale. It is a remarkable achievement. But it also makes you a marked man.”

Dale nodded, “That’s something I’ve been thinking about too.” He looked to Kira and smiled again. “Dragon’s as I understand it have long memories. It might be better for everyone if I left Stormwind.”

“It might,” Tiber agreed, “but then again everyone here owes you their lives for defeating Deathwing. And even if we didn’t I have no intention of turning you away; and I feel safe in speaking for both Ristinova and I on that count.”

“Kira,” lady Elwynn asked the matron, “is it true that humans tend to look alike to most dragons?”

“Yes,” Kira answered, not sure where Ristinova was going with this, “and considering the state Deathwing’s mind was in I doubt he’d be able to recognize anyone he met since he picked up the Dragon Soul.”

“Then we have a solution,” Tiber added. “It means borrowing someone else’s name but I don’t think he would have objected.”

Dale thought he knew where they were going with this. “You want me to change my name?”

“It’s not much but it will help at least a little,” Ristinova was still smiling. “What do you think of calling yourself Dale Lothar?”

The former prince smiled. “I think I could get used to that.”

“You’ll also have to get used to this,” Tiber drew his sword as he spoke.

Ristinova did the same, “Take a knee Dale.”

Dale knelt and felt a sword on each of his shoulders.

“By your actions this city is being rebuilt. By your strength its people were saved. In recognition of this we name you, Dale Lothar, the First Knight of the kingdom of Stormwind. You are the cornerstone that built this city and we acknowledge you thus. Arise, Sir Lothar.”

Dale stood, thinking he could get used to calling himself by a new name and being a knight rather than a prince. He felt comfortable taking orders instead of giving them. And Ristinova and Tiber were two people he trusted as leaders. Yes, he thought, I can get used to this.

“Shouldn’t there be a huge ceremony that goes along with knighting someone,” Kira asked with a sarcastic tone that Dale approved of.

“Normally,” the soon to be crowned king of Stormwind told her.

“Unfortunately we have a city to build before we can do anything like that,” the soon to be crowned queen of Stormwind added.

“Well then,” Dale wasn’t one for ceremonies, but the First Knight of Stormwind did want to see what the city looked like when it was finished, “let’s get to work.”

[Danseis-silver-hand (Danseis)]

Chapter 23 The Next Story

“And with those words Dale and the others set about the long effort of building a city and creating a kingdom. It was a long process and a difficult one. New enemies would rise and old enemies would return but Stormwind and the kingdom of Azeroth would grow and thrive. With Dale and the others passing into history the kingdom they helped create has changed many times. But it remains, and the spirit that created it will remain so long as people are willing to build a better future. The end.”

Tabitha closed the book and smiled at the scene before her. Aside from Mister Tenny, Clair, Anduin, and Broll everyone else was fast asleep. The prince noted that she didn’t seem surprised as she stood up and put the book away. She then started to help place pillows or blankets around those who had fallen asleep. At least she was until Clair stood up.

“But mom there’s more to the story than that. I mean Dale and the others went on other adventures. Can we read about those?”

“It’s late dear,” Tabitha gave her youngest daughter her full attention. “You should get ready for bed as well.”

“I can sleep later,” Clair seemed close to bursting with energy. “I could tell Broll and the Prince about how Dale went to Kul Tiras? Or when he and Salir got captured by the Amani? Or maybe when Dale and Troyic met again? Or maybe…”

Clair’s eyes suddenly became heavy. She swayed in place and her father caught her; settling her down next to the fire.

“Sleep spell,” Broll handed Mister Teeny a blanket.

“You have no idea how many parents beg me to teach it to them,” the mage told the druid with a smile.

“I had a daughter once,” the Night Elf told her, “trust me I understand.”

“I’d say you have a daughter now,” Tabitha said as she watched him gently place a blanket over Valeera. The antlered Night Elf looked startled for a moment but it passed.

“You specialize in sleep spells,” Anduin asked Tabitha as she adjusted blankets around the others. “Is that how we met?”

“Pretty much,” the mage told him gently. “Your father is grouchy enough without having his infant son keeping him up at night.”

Anduin felt his face turn red at that revelation. He wasn’t sure why, it made sense, but it still made him feel embarrassed to hear about himself as a baby. Looking for a way to change the subject Anduin asked, “So what did happen to Dale and the others?”

“It’s a number of lengthy tales,” Tabitha assured him. “They’re good ones but I know I’m tired and I imagine you are as well.”

With a yawn Anduin agreed.

The storm had lost most of its strength by the time Tabitha finished reading her book and by morning there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Anduin, Veleera, and Broll stayed to help the Tenny’s check on their animals, and to share breakfast, then set out for Stormwind. In spite of the storm the night before the forest seemed untouched. A few downed branches and a lot of fallen leaf’s but nothing more than that.

“Duncan was looking better,” Valeera stated.

“Oh, yes he did,” Anduin had been thinking of something else when she spoke. The Tenny’s youngest son had fully recovered from his illness, thanks to the Light, and was just as much a bundle of energy as his younger sister; his idea of helping open the barn was attempting to climb onto a horse to make sure it was ok. Fortunately, the much larger animal seemed used to it and ignored little boys antics.

“What’s on your mind,” the blood elf’s eyes were focused on Anduin.

“Just thinking about that story she told us.”

“Really,” Veleera asked.

“What did you think of it?”

“Well,” she scratched her head in an embarrassed habit, “I kind of fell asleep by the fourth or fifth chapter.”

Anduin smiled, “I was thinking about how Stormwind seems to change over time. From being something important to being something that isn’t to being something important again. And not just from that story but from its more recent history as well.”

Valeera shrugged, “That seems the case for most places in history. Nations come and go. It’s just that Human nations come and go a bit faster than those of other races. I think it’s because you guys don’t live very long.”

The prince raised an eyebrow at Valeera’s smirk. “Aren’t you considered younger than me in Elven terms?”

“No I,” Valeera was going to say more but Broll, in his cat form, was making a sound that was an obvious laugh.

While Valeera and Broll growled at each other, Anduin looked around the road through Elwynn Forest. Up ahead was the tower of Azora. Anduin had never known who Azora was aside from the fact that he had been a mage. The stones of the road still had Dwarven runes on them. He wondered if they might have been lain when the road was first made. The horse he rode had a saddle blanket that was blue on one side and green on the other. The prince of Stormwind wondered how the Elwynn and the Wyrnn families had been able to come together; he knew it had to have happened but it must have taken Queen Ristinova and King Tiber years of effort.

And then there was Dale. After he took the name of Dale Lothar and became a knight what had happened to him later. He must have lived and had children because Anduin’s namesake, Anduin Lothar, had survived until the Second War. And when Anduin Lothar died the Thoradin legacy died with him. It meant, the prince thought, that Stormwind had lost a part of its identity forever. That the lion was gone forever.

A small group of people were ahead of the trio. Anduin and his companions rode past them; the prince giving them a polite nod and the group giving him a polite bow before going back to their business.

“So Kira, how do you do it?”

Anduin spun in his saddle. The group were a bunch of miners on their way to Fargodeep. They were gathered around a woman with blond hair who was selling bread and pastries from a cart.

“What do you mean,” Kira asked with a smile as she wrapped a croissant in paper.

“How do you keep everything this fresh,” the miner asked as he took the croissant and took a bit; a heavenly expression on his face. “I mean it tastes like magic.”

“It’s nothing more magical than hard work and a good oven,” Kira told him with a laugh. She noticed the prince looking her way and bowed. “Can I help you your majesty?”

“Uh,” Anduin shook his head. Of course she wasn’t the Kira from the story. “No, thank you.”

“I’d like a small pie,” Valeera rode forward and Kira started to wrap a pastry in paper. The miners waved goodbye to her and bowed to the prince as they left for their work.

“Are you sure you’re alright,” Kira asked again, “You look like you’re seen a ghost.”

“He just heard the Founding of Stormwind story,” Valeera told her in between bites of apple pie.

“And my name is Kira,” the baker smiled and shook her head. “I do like that story but do you know how many girls on Azeroth are named Kira? There must be almost as many boys named Anduin.”

That made the prince laugh. “I suppose so. I think I’d like a pastry as well.”

Kira took out two more pies; one for Anduin and the other she gave to Broll, still in his cat form.

“So what did you think of the story?” Kira was wiping her hands on a towel as she asked.

“Well,” Anduin had to swallow his first bite of pie in a gulp in order to answer her; it was very good. “I think the woman who told it might have made a few changes to what actually happened. But I still thought it was an interesting story. It definitely explained a few things about Stormwind’s past.”

“Yes it did explain a few things about the past. But I always preferred the parts of the story that had nothing to do with History.” Kira smiled as she wiped a strand of hair off her face. “My favorite part is when Dale gave Nicole her name. I like to imagine the look on his face when she accused him of naming her after the first girl he ever kissed.”

“You know the story pretty well,” Valeera had finished her pie and was wiping her hands with the paper it was wrapped in.

“I’m named after one of the characters,” she said with a shrug. “Was there are part that you liked most?”

Valeera thought for a moment, “I think I liked the part where Emperor Pillis was giving advice to that couple in Stromgarde. I wonder what would happen if Varian tried to do that?”

“I’d pay money to see that,” Broll had transformed back to normal and the tall Night Elf stretched for a moment. “May I have another pie? Thank you. I think my favorite was when Dale and Salir arrived at Stormwind the first time. Salir reminded me of an old friend who also got sick when he was around fish; we never let him forget it.”

Anduin smiled, “I liked how the Elwynn and the Wyrnn came together at the end of the story. It showed how it is possible for different people to come together in common cause.”

“If you’re wanting to repeat that it means you’ll have to get married to someone from the Horde,” Valeera told him with grin. “I understand Sylvanas is available if you’re interested?”

“Not going to happen,” Anduin barked in a rare display of sounding his age. Valeera kept pestering him as the two of them rode away; Broll was walking along with them eating his pie and trying not to laugh.

Kira watched them go; a mischievous smile she picked up from Nicole on her face.

‘He looks a little bit like Dale,’ she thought. ‘Not as confident, and not a fighter, but the eyes are the same. Then again Dale grew over time as well. I wonder how he will grow.’

The disguised red dragon had returned to watched over Stormwind when the city was rebuilt. She had seen its people grow and was glad to see them thrive even as the world around them changed. Kira had waited until Dale and the others had passed away before she told a scribe their story. She wanted a record of Stormwind’s founding that focused on the souls who helped to forge it. She hadn’t expected it to become a popular children’s story but she wasn’t disappointed by it.

In order to stay hidden among the humans she watched Kira had altered her appearance in subtle ways; another talent she learned from Nicole. Though lately her form closely resembled the one she wore when she walked among Dale and the others; aside from the hair. She always thought the form she choose was too puny to be attractive though, she thought with a blush, Dale thought she was attractive enough to ask on a date. She considered selling tea along with being a baker; but she thought that would have made it a little too obvious.

Kira considered the look on Prince Anduin’s face when he rode past her and she thought she knew what was on his mind. But, she thought with another smile, he was wrong. Anduin Lothar may be gone, but his legacy lived one. It lived within every soul whose life he touched. Stormwind wasn’t built on blood lines. It was built by people. And the Lion of Stormwind was very much alive in them.

It was almost noon and Kira wanted to get back on the road. After all, Stormwind would be getting some hungry visitors soon. And Kira hoped that the Pandaren enjoyed human food as much as she did.

The End.