Chapter Text
The Stormwind docks were shrouded in a thick fog as Anduin made his way through the port. The first rays of sunshine were just peeking out from beyond the horizon, and he breathed in the crisp morning air. It carried along the smell of baked bread, and he thought of Stormwind’s bakers, already hard at work despite the early hour. A stiff breeze caught his cloak and Anduin pulled it tighter around his face, making sure to keep the blond hair and blue eyes that might reveal his identity hidden beneath it. This mission was top secret after all, and he wasn’t about to squander the small amount of freedom Father had finally allowed him to have.
With a deep breath, he took one last look at Stormwind Keep, trying to ignore the anxiety buzzing in his stomach. Anduin’s chest swelled with pride—the familiar sight of the keep’s towering spires and white stone walls calming his nerves. Stormwind was his home, the heart of the Alliance, and he felt the weight of his duty as crown prince ground his every step.
Anduin approached the Vanguard, the ship that would take him away on his secretive journey. The ship’s tall masts cut through the morning mist, the blue sails adorned with the lion crest of Stormwind stirring lightly in the breeze. Anduin felt his heart beat faster as he took in the sight. This was it—his first taste of freedom.
At the gangplank, Anduin found Admiral Taylor waiting for him. The admiral’s uniform was adorned with medals and insignias, showcasing his rank and years of service. The man extended his hand with a smile. “Welcome aboard, Your Highness,” Taylor said. “We’re honored to have you with us.”
The admiral’s grip was firm as Anduin shook his hand. “Thank you, Admiral,” he replied. “I’m looking forward to the journey.”
Admiral Taylor gestured for Anduin to follow him as he led the way up the gangplank. They began a tour of the ship, with Taylor showing him the various areas of the Vanguard and introducing him to a few members of the crew. He knew Father had handpicked these men and women, making sure only the 7th Legion’s finest were aboard the ship. Anduin had to resist frowning as he listened to yet another long list of accolades and accomplishments. This was a simple diplomatic mission, so a crew of this caliber seemed… excessive. Still, if it brought Father comfort, then Anduin supposed he shouldn’t complain.
However, amid the seasoned crew, Anduin noticed a young human woman standing by the railing. Her long dark hair was tied in a ponytail that swayed gently in the breeze as she nervously fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve. She seemed out of place compared to the rest, standing around with her gaze glued firmly to the floor. Anduin guessed she couldn’t be much older than himself, judging by her soft and youthful features.
“Admiral Taylor,” Anduin began, making sure to keep his voice low, “if you don’t mind me asking, who is she? Isn’t she a bit young?”
Taylor glanced back at the girl, a soft smile on his face. “That’s Olivia. She is young, yes. But rest assured, Your Highness—as the 7th Legion’s newest unofficial recruit, she’s shown great potential so far.”
Anduin raised an eyebrow. “Unofficial?”
“Yes, Your Highness. With your father’s permission, of course. I thought this mission would be a good introduction to the 7th Legion for her since she wants to follow in her father’s footsteps.” He paused, a somber look crossing his face. ”I promised the man I’d take care of her.”
Anduin noticed the shift in Taylor’s mood and decided not to pry further. Before long, the admiral smiled again and added more cheerily, “Olivia is also a fledgling priest, learning the ways of the Holy Light, much like yourself, Your Highness.”
Anduin perked up. A fellow priest? That sounded interesting. He’d rarely had the opportunity to share his passion for the Light with someone near his own age. Maybe they could exchange knowledge and techniques—he had always been eager to learn all he could, after all. For the rest of the tour, he would on occasion steal glances in Olivia’s direction. But each time he looked back to Taylor, Anduin noticed the admiral's subtle smile, which he did find rather curious.
Eventually, Taylor led him below deck, guiding Anduin to his private quarters. The cabin was simple and had everything he needed for the journey—a comfortable bed, a spacious desk, and a wardrobe. It was very different from his quarters back home in the keep, but Anduin found the modesty refreshing. On the wall, he spotted the Stormwind banner, a constant reminder of his heritage and responsibilities.
“This is where I'll leave you, Your Highness,” Taylor said. "Get settled. We’ll be leaving port very soon."
“Thank you, Admiral.”
When Taylor closed the door behind him, Anduin let out a soft sigh, grateful for the solitude. He began to unpack his belongings—each item finding its proper place while he took a quiet moment to gather his thoughts. His stomach still buzzed with nerves as he thought of the journey ahead. It's just a simple diplomatic mission to Kul Tiras, he reassured himself. You’re not meant to sway the Kul Tirans. It’s just a chance to better understand their culture and way of life. Yet, the idea that his efforts could help bring Aunt Jaina’s homeland back into the Alliance filled him with excitement and hope.
Before he could finish unpacking, the sounds of a ringing bell and shouts from outside told him that the Vanguard was finally setting sail. When he stepped out on the deck, Anduin felt the brisk sea breeze against his skin, carrying along the briny scent of the ocean. Overhead, seagulls squawked noisily as he watched Stormwind shrink into a small speck in the distance. His heart raced as he looked out to the horizon, nothing but open sea as far as his eyes could see.
Anduin spent some time on deck to speak with a few crewmembers, listening to their stories. During one such story, Anduin noticed Olivia on the other side of the deck, kneeling next to a sailor who was patiently showing her how to tie a knot. He watched as she focused intently on her task, her fingers carefully following the sailor’s lead. When their eyes met briefly, Olivia’s cheeks colored slightly before she quickly averted her gaze with a polite nod. Anduin found her reaction a little puzzling but decided not to dwell on it.
The day passed in the blink of an eye, evening descending upon the ship before Anduin knew it, and he decided to retreat to his cabin for the time being. He sat at his desk, the soft glow of a lantern illuminating the pages of his journal as he dipped his quill into the inkwell. Soon, the familiar scratch of pen on paper filled the room, helping to steady his thoughts.
Day 1 of our voyage.
What a day. The morning started with the ship shrouded in mist—it felt like we were sailing into a dream. Admiral Taylor’s tour of the Vanguard was impressive; the ship and the crew are incredible. I'm excited and nervous about the journey—finally tasting the freedom I've always wanted.
One person in particular caught my attention: Olivia. She’s about my age, and Admiral Taylor tells me she’s a priest, learning the ways of the Light like me. She looks a bit out of place among the other soldiers, but there’s something about her. I rarely get to meet others my age who share my interests, and I’d like to get to know her better and maybe even share what I’ve learned.
The day was full of new experiences. The responsibility is heavy, but the thrill of adventure is stronger. Here’s to what comes next.
Then, he heard a soft knock at his door. “Come in.”
The door opened and revealed Olivia standing hesitantly in the doorway, a tray of food in her hands. Her posture was rigid and stiff as she tried to keep the tray steady. “Good evening, Your Highness. I've brought your dinner.”
“Thank you, Olivia,” he said. “And please, just call me Anduin.”
She blinked in surprise. “Is it really okay to do that?”
“Of course,” Anduin replied with a smile, hoping to put her at ease. “I'd prefer it, actually.”
Olivia hesitated, her eyes avoiding his as they darted around the room. “I'll try,” she said softly as she set the tray on the desk. “But I must admit, I'm not sure how to interact with someone of your... status.”
Ah. That explains it, he thought with a hint of bitterness. Always the status. “There’s no need to worry about that. Just treat me as you would any other member of the crew.”
A brief, awkward silence followed as Olivia fidgeted with the hem of her sleeve. She managed a small smile before she said, “I hope you enjoy your meal, Your Highness—I mean, Anduin.”
With a hurried bow, she exited the cabin and quietly closed the door behind her. Anduin sighed. He hadn’t even had the chance to ask her about her training as a priest. He sat back down at his desk, looking at the tray of food Olivia had brought. On it was a piece of crusty bread, a chunk of cheese, and a steaming bowl of stew. His stomach growled when the smell of the stew hit him, and Anduin realized how hungry he’d been.
He thought back on his brief interaction with Olivia as he ate. It had left him feeling a little frustrated—why did people always have to see the prince first and not who he was behind the title? Anduin sighed in between spoonfuls of stew. He knew it wasn’t Olivia’s fault, of course. She was hardly the first person to react that way, and she wouldn’t be the last either. Still, he hoped their shared interest in the Light would give them a chance to connect more genuinely over the course of the Vanguard’s journey.
The days aboard the Vanguard began to blur together, the endless expanse of the ocean a constant and unchanging view. Once the novelty of the journey had worn off, Anduin had found himself falling into a steady, albeit monotonous, routine. But this early morning was different as he made his way toward the deck, drawn by the sounds of clashing weapons and muffled grunts of frustration.
There, he found Olivia, her brow furrowed in concentration as she conjured a glowing shield of holy magic. She squared her shoulders and faced the straw training dummy. She swung her dagger, the blade clashing against the barrier. The shield held against the first strike but shattered on the second, her dagger sinking into the straw.
Olivia sighed in frustration, muttering to herself as she prepared to try again. Anduin stepped forward. “Need some help?”
Startled, she jumped and turned to face him, her eyes wide. “Oh! Your Highness—I mean, Anduin,” she said with a sheepish smile. “I didn’t see you there. You know holy magic?”
“I’m a little new to it, but maybe we can help each other,” he suggested as he took another step closer. “Two minds are better than one, right?”
Olivia hesitated, then nodded, a small smile on her lips. “Alright. Let’s try.”
Anduin began guiding Olivia with some of the techniques he’d learned and showed her how to focus the Light more effectively. She listened intently, nodding as she took in his words. They repeated the exercise again and again, and Anduin admired her determination, the way she pushed herself with each attempt.
“Try to see the shield as an extension of yourself,” Anduin explained while he placed a hand between her shoulders to gently adjust her stance. “It's not just a barrier; it's a part of you, a reflection of your will.”
Olivia closed her eyes briefly before raising her arms to cast the spell. The shield around the training dummy flickered into being once more, its golden edges more defined. Finally, Olivia let out a deep breath and raised her dagger. The blade struck once, twice, three times, but the barrier held firm and absorbed each blow.
“Yes! It worked!” Olivia cheered, unable to contain her excitement as she leaped into the air with a bright smile.
Anduin couldn’t help but smile—he remembered how excited he’d been the first time he’d successfully conjured a shield while under the wise Prophet Velen’s tutelage. Seeing Olivia’s success made him feel a sense of pride, predominantly for her, but also a little for himself. Teaching her had been a surprisingly rewarding experience. He glanced up at the sky, his hand shielding his eyes from the harsh sunlight. Anduin blinked in surprise when he realized it was already mid-afternoon. “Wow, time really flew by, didn’t it?”
“By the Light!” Olivia exclaimed, her eyes wide with panic. “I’m so sorry, Anduin. I didn’t mean to waste so much of your time.”
He shook his head. “Nonsense. I had a lot of fun practicing with you.” He smiled and added, “You did well, Olivia.”
Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink as she averted her gaze. Anduin noticed the color of her eyes for the first time—a beautiful olive green. Perhaps that’s how she got her name, he thought with a smile. “Thank you for your help, Anduin,” Olivia stammered, her cheeks turning pinker by the moment. “I should return to my duties. Please, excuse me.”
Anduin nodded. “Of course, Olivia. Duty calls,” he replied. He watched her go with a faint sense of longing, wishing she’d stayed a little longer.
He made his way back to his cabin for a late lunch. Before eating, Anduin decided to settle at his desk and quickly write down his thoughts. He opened his journal and dipped his quill into the inkwell.
Day 5 of our voyage.
The days seem to blend together, but today stood out. I found Olivia practicing her holy magic and offered to help her. Despite my own inexperience, we managed to make progress together. I had a lot of fun. Time flew by, and it’s hard to believe how quickly the hours passed.
He paused, thinking back to Olivia’s bright smile and the way she had blushed when he’d complimented her. Warmth spread through his chest, a smile tugging at his lips as he continued to write.
Perhaps I’ll ask Olivia to have dinner with me tonight. It might be nice to spend more time together, outside of training.
Three weeks had passed since the Vanguard set sail. As per usual in the evening, he sat in his cabin with his journal laid out before him. He dipped his quill into the inkwell and began to write.
Day 21 of our voyage.
The journey has been smooth, and the crew is in high spirits. We should reach our destination in about a week. Olivia's really opened up since our first meeting. We’ve been practicing our holy magic together a lot. That poor training dummy. Outside of training, we've bonded over our love for books—she's quite the avid reader, and her passion is infectious. I’m glad to see how much more comfortable she’s gotten around me. Her awkwardness has completely melted away. She’s become a good friend.
A knock at the door interrupted his thoughts. He smiled, already knowing who it was. “Come in.”
Olivia entered, carrying two trays of food. She moved with an easy grace, a stark contrast to the stiffness and hesitation of their first meeting. “I brought dinner,” she said with a warm smile.
“Perfect timing,” Anduin replied, closing his journal and setting it aside. “I was getting hungry.”
Anduin saw the same familiar foods on the tray—bread, cheese, and stew. He had to admit that while it was always delicious, he was getting rather tired of the same food every day. They ate in comfortable silence, occasionally exchanging a few words on the day’s events. After finishing most of his meal, he looked up from his nearly empty bowl of stew to find Olivia grinning at him. Anduin raised a curious eyebrow at her.
“Here,” she said, holding out a small bundle wrapped in cloth. She lifted a finger to her lips. “Don’t tell anyone, but I sneaked these out of the kitchens just for you.” She unfolded the bundle and revealed a handful of dried figs and apricots. Olivia’s smile widened as she eagerly awaited his reaction.
Anduin felt heat spread through him, both touched and surprised by her thoughtful gesture. A treat like this might be just what he needed. “Thank you, Olivia,” he said sincerely before biting into a dried apricot, closing his eyes as he enjoyed its natural sweetness. “Mmm. So good…” he sighed in between bites. When he opened his eyes, he noticed Olivia hadn’t touched any of the sweets herself. “Please, have some.”
She shook her head. “I got them for you, Anduin! They’re yours.”
Anduin picked up a fig and held it out to her. “Go on,” he said, smiling as he eyed her expectantly.
He watched as she hesitated a moment before reaching out, a gentle blush on her cheeks. “If you insist,” she conceded, her fingers lightly brushing his as she took the dried fruit from him. His gaze lingered on her lips as she closed them around the fig and took a delicate bite. A soft sigh escaped her and Anduin smiled. Together, they shared a quiet moment, enjoying the simple pleasure of sweet dried fruit. He’d been right—a treat like this had been exactly what he needed.
After they both finished their surprise dessert, Anduin leaned back in his chair. “How about a game of chess?”
Olivia raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile on her lips. “Are you sure? Last time, I beat you pretty badly.”
He chuckled and shook his head. “Last time didn’t count. I had no idea you played.”
“Well, you shouldn’t have underestimated me,” she retorted as she began setting up the board. “That was your mistake.”
“A mistake I don’t intend to make twice,” Anduin replied, helping her arrange the pieces.
With the board set and the pieces in place, they began their game. Olivia was a formidable opponent, her moves accompanied by the occasional teasing remark or confident grin. He enjoyed this side of her, her playful boasts as she started to gain the upper hand, her laughter ringing through the air. Her joy was infectious, and he found himself smiling more often in her presence.
During their game, Anduin stole glances at her—noticing how she bit her lip in concentration as she thought of her next move, the mischief sparkling in her eyes as she decided her strategy, and the graceful movements of her fingers as she delicately lifted and placed each piece.
Heat crept up Anduin’s neck when he realized how distracted he’d been, having spent more time studying her than the board. Before long, Olivia had captured his queen.
“Anduin, Anduin,” she tutted, clicking her tongue and dramatically shaking her head. “I thought you weren’t going to underestimate me again?”
“You’re just too good, Olivia,” Anduin replied with a chuckle, trying to ignore the heat on his face. “I didn’t stand a chance.”
“I'm not sure about that.” Her teasing grin turned serious as she eyed him from across the board. Anduin had to resist gulping. “I felt like your head wasn’t really in the game. Did you let me win?”
“What? No! I would never!” His voice cracked slightly, his denial a little more defensive than he’d intended. He hadn’t let her win—he’d just… been so distracted by her that he played badly. He felt embarrassed when he realized how obvious it must’ve been during their game.
She narrowed her eyes at him, apparently unconvinced. Anduin decided to quickly change the subject. “So, what’s your secret then? How’d you get so good?”
Mercifully, Olivia seemed to let the issue slide. “Wouldn’t you like to know?” She shot him another mischievous grin before she continued, “My father taught me. We used to play together whenever he was home.” Her smile softened and her teasing tone disappeared as she fell silent, her fingers moving to fidget with her sleeve.
Anduin remembered how Admiral Taylor had grown somber at the mention of her father. He chose his next words with care. “He must’ve been a great teacher.”
She looked up from her hands, a wistful smile on her lips. “He was.” Was. Anduin’s heart ached for her. Although he’d been too young to remember his mother, he knew the emptiness left behind by such an immense loss all too well. Olivia quickly wiped her eyes and a bright smile returned to her face. “Anyway, how about another game?”
She was deflecting, Anduin realized, noticing the way her smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I’d love to play another game,” he began. “But if you ever want to talk about your father, I’m here to listen.”
“You don’t have to do that, Anduin. I wouldn’t want to burden you,” she stammered, waving her hand as if to brush away his concern. “Don’t worry about me. I’m fine, really.”
Anduin moved a little closer, tempted to reach out but hesitating. “You wouldn’t burden me, Olivia,” he said softly. “I’m here for you—that’s what friends are for, right?”
She paused and looked down at her hands again. “Friends…” she repeated so quietly Anduin almost missed it. He watched as her shoulders relaxed, and when she looked up, her smile was faint but genuine.
“My father… he served in the Alliance Fleet, so he was often away at sea for long periods. When I was younger, I’d throw tantrums whenever he left, not understanding why he had to go. I was such a little brat,” she said, shaking her head with a soft chuckle. “To appease me, he’d promise to bring me something from his travels—a coin, a seashell, a little wooden figurine. Just small things, but they meant the world to me. It ended up becoming our little tradition. I have a whole shelf back home, full of these silly trinkets.” Olivia took a deep breath, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “He never returned after he was deployed to Vashj’ir, shortly after the Cataclysm. I never got to say goodbye.”
Anduin reached across the chessboard, his earlier hesitation melting away in the face of her pain. He laid his hand on hers for a brief moment, squeezing gently before letting go. “I’m so sorry, Olivia,” he said softly. “He sounds like a wonderful father.”
“He was… he was my hero,” she continued. “He taught me about duty, about service—about fighting for what's right and protecting those we love. I want to follow in his footsteps, to serve the Alliance with honor. It'll be another two years before I can enlist officially, but,” she looked up earnestly, her hand on her heart, “I'm grateful to Admiral Taylor for this chance to prove myself aboard the Vanguard.”
Anduin nodded, deeply moved by Olivia's dedication and sincerity. He was reminded of the weight of his own duty—as the crown prince of Stormwind, he carried the legacy of Father's leadership and the Alliance's principles. Her story struck a chord with him, resonating with his deepest desire: a world of lasting peace, where conflicts were resolved through understanding rather than force, and families were no longer torn apart by war.
He was lost in thought, dreaming of his hopeful future when Olivia’s voice brought him back to the present. “Though, I suppose my only duty so far has been to keep you company.” She grinned at him, playfully tapping a finger to her lips. “But I dare say I’ve done a pretty good job so far, don’t you think, Your Highness?” she teased with a dramatic bow.
“You have,” Anduin replied, managing a weak smile, but his heart sank as he thought about her words. This was news to him. Did she really see their time together as nothing more than a duty that had been assigned to her? Was she only his friend because of Admiral Taylor’s order? He swallowed, mustering his courage as he asked, “So, you were ordered to…?”
Olivia's teasing smile faltered, her hands flying up to cover her mouth, her eyes wide with shock. “No!” she exclaimed, her voice cutting through the air with a sudden urgency that startled him. “No, Anduin, I… oh Light, I’ve really messed this up.”
She took a deep breath, visibly gathering herself before speaking again. “Admiral Taylor did ask me to keep you company, but I’ve never treated it as a chore! At first, I felt a little awkward, but now I... I genuinely enjoy spending time with you,” she said, a blush spreading across her cheeks. She averted her gaze, instead focusing intently on her hands as she nervously fidgeted with her sleeve. “Please believe me, Anduin…”
Anduin swallowed. Olivia’s heartfelt words dispelled his doubts, leaving him both relieved and slightly flustered. He felt his face grow warm. “I believe you, Olivia,” he said softly. He cleared his throat to try and regain his composure. “And thank you for telling me about your father. I know he’d be proud of you.”
She looked up, her cheeks still flushed pink. “Thank you, Anduin. It means a lot to hear you say that,” she whispered, sniffling and quickly wiping her eyes with her sleeve. “I’m so sorry about what I said, I really didn’t mean to imply—”
“It’s alright, Olivia,” he gently interrupted with a wave of his hand. He gave her his brightest smile, hoping to put her at ease. “Well then... how about that game of chess?” he suggested to try and lighten the mood. “I still have to redeem myself after my last two losses, after all.”
His suggestion seemed to catch her off guard for a moment, but soon enough Olivia giggled, her laughter filling the room once more. “I’d love to,” she replied with a bright smile.
Anduin set up the chessboard with Olivia, the pieces clinking softly against the wooden board. As he arranged the last pawn, she leaned forward with a mischievous grin. “Ready to lose again?” she teased. Anduin chuckled, shaking his head. “We'll see about that,” he replied. He watched her as they began their game, feeling grateful for her presence and looking forward to many more games in the days ahead.