Deception (a World of Warcraft Fanfic)

Lion's Landing

(Anduin)

"Is that the prince?"

"By the light it is!"

"Anduin? Alive? Bless this day!"

"He isn't alone..."

"She's a pretty lass."

"Bet ya ten gold our prince has found a girl."

"Yer gonna be shinnin mah boots fer weeks payin that off!"

It seemed as if time stopped as Sarah and I entered Alliance territory. I had become quite the celebrity amongst the forces in Pandaria since my disappearance.

Sarah looked rather uncomfortable, and I felt a tad guilty. No one spreads rumors like the alliance military, and being seen with me made her a target for many. I put and arm around her for comfort, soon after realizing my mistake as two mages giggled at us.

"Put your hood up," I suggested, "you'll draw less attention."

Sarah instead removed her cloak and handed it to me, "It's you who's at risk of being hugged to death by eager footmen. You couldn't be more noticeable screaming 'I, Anduin Wrynn, am Home!'"

I chuckled, "Why not then?" I jokingly cupped my hands over my mouth and pretended to shout.

"Andi! Don't you dare!" She smiled, a smile I had waited days to see.

"I'll do it if you don't calm down. You're shaking." I teased.

"Just remember this when I get the full wrath of your father for keeping you away so long."

"Oh, no worries! He'll love you, you've toughened me up a bit."

She burst into laughter, "I did, didn't I? You're rather skilled with that skinning knife."

"The sha better watch their backs."

"They sure won't mess with Pandaria with you around."

"Let's just hope father lets me stay around."

"Remove your hood, sir. Ranger, all archers have been ordered to the front line to help take down the wyenns. What are you doing you here?" An annoyed guard questioned.

"Ranger!? Do I look like a ranger to you?"

"Sarah, the man knows no better."

"Pft, ranger..."

"Well-"

"I'm sorry to interrupt but if you cannot justify why you're here, I'll have to report you to the king."

"Try us."

"Sarah!"

"So be it." It was time to intervene. I lifted the hood from my head, his face lit up in recognition, "Your highness, forgive me. May I ask where you've been? Who's she?"

"Oh I'll tell you who I-"

"She is an incredibly skilled hunter and my partner in exploring this continent. If it weren't for her, I'd be in the hands of the Horde. She's a bit firey..."

"Hey!"

"...But she's a good friend if there ever was one. I'll have to ask you to make an exception and let us in." Without another word, and a few dirty looks exchanged between Sarah and the guard, we carried on to the fortress.

The land within the walls if lion's landing was dotted with tents filled with the injured. Medics rushed back and forth, frantically trying to save what lives they could. The light was with me, I whispered prayers as we passed, done Rose to their feet and just starred at their prince, accompanied by a stranger, returned home.