Chapter 3 - Childhood (2)

"Swing, my boy, do not hesitate to strike your foe."

With his last remaining strength, Daniel ushered his final strike, he roared while dashing forward, swinging the small iron sword fiercely against the dummy. His remaining strength was not able to pierce through the thick wood, leaving only a scratch on its surface. The collision made both Daniel and his weapon bounce back, the sword flew from his grasp and landed not far from where he fell. Daniel asked, "Can we take a small break, grandpa?" He stayed on the ground, gasping for air, his whole face soaked with sweat.

To the side of the dummy, stood Anduin Lothar. He walked towards Daniel and carried the boy, his thick muscular arm wrapped around Daniel's midsection. "Alright, child. Let's get some of your mother's treats." He said, "We'll continue tomorrow."

Daniel cheered, alas, the tiring training was over for today. The two went back to the mansion with Daniel nestled on Anduin's thick arm. They entered through the backdoor and went up the stairs, and inside the room across the main hall awaits Elaine. She sat on a chair, and to her front is a table; on it lies an arrangement of desserts, freshly made by Elaine herself. The two stood in the doorway, respecting Elaine who was deep in her prayers. Once done, her eyes twinkled at the sight of her father and child. "You're here, father," she said. Anduin greeted her back then walked over and handed Daniel to her, whilst he sat on a chair opposite to her. Daniel sat on his mother's thighs and he was handed out a piece of bread from his mother. He started munching as soon as he received the food.

"I hope Daniel didn't give you any trouble, father." Elaine pinched the cheeks of her child, much to Daniel's annoyance. She said, "If it weren't for your timely appearance, the boy would have insisted to venture along the valley on his own."

Anduin chuckled. "You should let the boy do whatever he wants, dear. Adventure is a man's romance. Someone should go outside than spend his time over scriptures in a sanctuary."

"But not for a six years old boy," she rebuked. "He is far too young to be allowed to do such things. I'd rather have the boy inherit his father's traits than be in danger most of the time. I hope not to worry over a person again." Elaine's voice was mixed with sadness and helplessness. The boy reminded her of Anduin whose position demands him to be at the forefront of danger. She will never allow her child to be always in between life and death.

"I'm sorry, my child. Now, the kingdom is at peace, and those days fraught with danger are long gone."

A thick hand grasped Elaine's hand, she could feel the strength within the hand of her father. They looked at each other's eyes. Elaine could feel the tiredness reflected in her father's eyes. He lived most of his life fighting for his kingdom, and peace brought forth thoughts of retiring from his duties. He enjoys his time here in his son-in-law's manor; training his grandson and performing manual tasks. Though tired and thoughts of retirement overwhelmed him, the duty-bound man spoke with resolve, "My will to serve the kingdom is far heavier than such comforting thoughts." His words conveyed meaning to himself and his daughter.

"I know, and I understand, father. You are the right hand of uncle Laine," Elaine flashed a reluctant smile. She whispered resentfully, "And the words of your king are far important than your daughter." The atmosphere between the two became cold amidst their silence. Although young, Daniel understood what his mother and grandfather were talking about yet was in no position to bring forth his thoughts. He could only innocently say, "Mother, please stop fighting with grandpa." His begging tone made Elaine let out a soft chuckle, her creased brows relaxed the moment she heard her son's childish voice. She kissed him before apologizing to her father, and Anduin admitted his negligence and mistakes. With their problem sorted out for the meantime, Elaine and Anduin continued to converse warmly.

Elaine suddenly remembered a memory from earlier, she stopped biting on the cookie in her hand. "Oh my, I almost forgot, father. Uncle Daelin has sent word of his visit two days from now. He will bring along the whole Proudmoore family to spend their summer vacation in our manor, oh I do hope he bring Jaina along. I would like to take care of such a cute little child since my boy has finally grown now." She expressed her desires in excitement. It was by the end of last year, at the new year's ball where she saw the young lady Jaina Proudmoore, brought over by lady Katherine Proudmoore for all the nobles to see. The infant became the star of the party due to her adorable appearance; touching the hearts of noble ladies soft to cute little things.

"I'm still cute myself," Daniel grumbled complainingly.

Caught in surprise, Anduin and Elaine laughed at the same time. They have a similarity in their way of laughing, Daniel snorted irritatedly at the two of them. "My boy," Anduin leaned forward from his seat and extended his arm across the table, ruffling the boy's hair. He then turned to look at his daughter, he said "Very well, I'll have the guards prepare equipment for hunting. Cirias must have expressed his approval already?" Elaine nodded. Anduin asked once more, "Will he join us?"

Shaking her head, Elaine answered. "No, father. He must oversee the progress of this year's apprentices." She sighed. "My husband is like you when it comes to his duties." Like in every relationship, time will make the bond stale unless nurtured and cared for every time. The high priest has far too many things to do, most of his time was poured on his tasks rather than his own family, which led to a breaking point between the couple.

Anduin patted her shoulder gently. "I understand. Then I shouldn't expect to see him right before I depart for Stormwind, right?" he continued. "You can always accompany Daniel to Stormwind. Remember, we must abide by our promised appointment."

Elaine shuddered after hearing his words. She bit her lips and with reluctance, said. "Must we send him to unc- Lord Medivh? I know he has massive potential for magic but father, isn't his potential in swordsmanship the same." The cheery complexion had turned pale, her arms tightly hugged her son, and she never wanted to let go.

Two days later. An entourage of guards arrived at the gates of Brennadam, in their shields engraved the crest of House Proudmoore. Sheathed on their waist, is a cutlass made of steel. They were donned with thick plate mail and a tabard bearing Kul Tiras' insignia. The guards were of large physique; tall and burly, their eyes were very alert for every danger. At the square of Brennadam, awaited Elaine, Anduin, and Daniel with their guards. The streets were filled with civilians, everybody had a jovial attitude while they waited for the arrival of their Grand Admiral. They soon started cheering when the Proudmoore party passed by them, petals rained upon the land. Daniel openly showed his astonishment, his mouth agape while his hand tightly held the hem of Elaine's dress. Behind the guards was a large caravan painted in white, its door's edge line was coated with gold.

"Mom, are they inside the caravan?" He asked. Elaine smiled at the curious boy, she nodded. "Now, dear, let's welcome our guests." She said, "Remember, manners." She held Daniel's hand, leading the boy in front of the caravan.

"My lady," Cyrus Crestfall bowed courteously to Elaine. He was the tallest among his peers, having the most upright posture and stoic expression. Cyrus wore a different plate mail, having exquisite engravings on his pauldron, and a thick fur coat on his back. A large two-handed single-edged sword was strapped behind him, with the Stormsong's crest on the hilt; signifying an artifact that has received a blessing from a tidesage. Now after bowing, Cyrus motioned for his men to make way. The guards split in half, paving the way for him and the three. He dismounted, giving the reins of his horse to his deputy, then walked towards the caravan, with Elaine, Daniel, and Anduin following from behind. The three stopped at a certain point while Cyrus knocked on the caravan's door, he said. "My Lord, Sir Anduin and lady Elaine awaits you outside."

The door of the caravan opened, followed by the appearance of Lord Admiral Daelin Proudmoore, leader of Kul Tiras. Noble and majestic, his back unbending whilst he walks. His clothes were tailored to fit his body, the white tunic matched with black breeches, and a pair of white long boots; forming a mix of a formal and casual look. Daelin looked very solemn, yet he showed a faint smile when he saw Anduin Lothar. "Anduin," he said. "I'm happy to see you, old friend." The two men happily hugged each other. The intimacy between the two did not raise any waves between the emotions of everyone around them. All of them knew the close relationship between the Lothars and the Proudmoores, the two had even drunk themselves together during a warm feast of Winter Veil in Proudmoore keep.

"What a wonderful summer this will be," Anduin said.

His attention then turned towards a boy stepping down from the Caravan. Honey blonde hair and features inherited from his father- Derek Proudmoore gazed around this new surrounding. Looking like he had just recently awakened, he yawned at the first exposure to the sun. Curious, he walked beside Cyrus, whispering, "Is this Brennadam?"

"Yes, my lord."

"And is that child, young lord Stormsong?"

"Indeed, the boy held by lady Stormsong is their only son."

Derek rubbed his chin with his thumb and index finger, he muttered. "I have never seen him appear during the feasts... hmm, I should ask him later." After inquiring a little bit more from Cyrus, he walked towards his father and politely bowed his head to Elaine and Anduin. Though noble etiquette demands him to maintain politeness towards other nobles, it was not by this rule that he was showing a kind attitude to both Elaine and Anduin. His respect for Anduin stands sincerely without any external influence. "My lord. My lady," he said. "I am very grateful for your warm welcome and accommodation during this summer." His tone was polite yet his voice quavered in every word.

Elaine leaned down, kissing the boy's cheeks familiarly. "It seems the long travel has made Derek weary, Uncle, should we head inside the manor and let the kids rest in their rooms?"

"Please," Daelin nodded. He ordered, "Come, Derek. Tell your mother to follow Elaine with Jaina. As for the guards…" Derek obeyed his father's words, striding forward to the caravan, he knocked gently before entering. Not long after, Katherine appeared carrying a little girl, sleeping in her arms. She gently walked in fear of waking up the girl. Her long blonde hair was tied into a simple high bun, wearing a dress made of Deep Sea satin and exquisitely embellished.

"I'll have the men settle in the keep," Elaine answered. "I have the chief servant prepare the finest ale in our Valley, they are currently served in the dining hall. Father, why don't you bring uncle there while Daniel and I lead lady Katherine to their rooms."

"Ah! As meticulous as always, Elaine. I could already feel the taste of ale at the tip of my tongue." Daelin vigorously laughed alongside Anduin. "I leave them in your care, Elaine." He ordered most of his guards to follow Frederick into the keep, while followed Anduin into the manor, bringing Cyrus and two of his most trusted guards.

Katherine and Elaine stared at each other, chuckling at the sight of the two men excited over ale. "I apologize for the inconvenience this trip brought you, Elaine," she said. Handing Jaina over to Derek, then kissed both Elaine's cheeks.

Elaine smilingly kissed her cheeks back, "No worries, aunt, I look forward to spending summer with your family." She said with a reminiscing tone, "It feels like the past, where I would spend months in your court."

"Good times, dear. And now you're married to one of the finest men in our kingdom."

"Through your help, of course," Elaine giggled.

Katherine has a great fondness for Elaine, whom she had watched over since childhood. She suggested, "Why don't we leave the kids to play since you and I have lots to talk about."

Delighted, Elaine clapped enthusiastically. "Let's go to the garden, aunt. I'll bring over tea, and snacks for the kids. I'm sure Jaina would love the taste of warm milk, freshly squeezed from our cows." She winked at Katherine, before leading the way towards the garden. The two walked at the front, behind them were the kids, Derek and Jaina, and Daniel.

Daniel was excited to walk beside the young lord Proudmoore. He sized up Derek, amazed at the way he carry himself, in both stature and posture. Although six years older than Daniel, Derek was only a head taller than him due to his unusual growth. "My lord," he said. "Is it true that you could already steer a ship? I've heard from some kids during a feast talking about it. "

"Indeed. I was taught to handle a ship when I was around your age. You are... Six years old, right, young lord?" Derek spoke proudly.

"Yes. You can just call me Daniel, my lord."

"Then you should stop using honorifics too." He smiled at Daniel. "My parents speak highly of you, Daniel. They say you have talent with the sword, and in magic, you have the potential to be great."

A sense of pride warmed through Daniel's heart. However, he let no fluctuation show on his face, he humbly said. "Thank you, Derek. Though I believe that you are far better than me in terms of Swordsmanship. Whenever I train, the sword would barely etch inside the wooden dummy. Oh! We should train together under Grandfather, I'll be happy to suffer together with a friend." A loud cry sounded all through the foyer of the manor, prompting everyone to look at its source. Jaina awakened, moving very uncomfortably, her eyes glanced around her unfamiliar surrounding. "Where... we, brother?" She spoke, still not used to speaking.

Derek waited for Jaina to finish her words, he spoke clearly for the girl to understand. "We are in Stormsong's manor, Jaina. They are the lords of this land."

"Stormsong…" Jaina muttered. Her eyes fell on a blonde-haired boy walking beside her brother. His eyes were deep blue-ish in hue, having sharp eyebrows, and a crease in his upper eyelid. Daniel sensed her gaze, he turned towards her, then smiled at her. Jaina's cheek flushed, she shyly buried her face on her brother's shoulder. "She's a shy girl," Derek apologized. His sister was someone who rarely approach strangers, in fact; she'd only act comfortable with her family or the maid. "Do you want to walk, Jaina? My arms are sore." He teased, "You're becoming heavier every month."

Daniel giggled, and when Jaina got down from her brother's arms, she turned towards him and stared resentfully. "I'm sorry," his body immediately stiffened, he coughed from the sudden cessation of movement. It became Jaina's turn to laugh at him, she chuckled, her hands covered her mouth.

"Hurry up, kids."

Katherine called over the hallway across the foyer, she seemed pleased by the interaction between the children. If possible, she hoped of something far more than usual friendship established between Jaina and Daniel. It would cement an alliance of the north and center Kul'Tiran nobles, furthering the influence of house Proudmoore.

"Brother, I don't wanna walk," Jaina complained. Derek shook his head in response, his arms were too sore to lift Jaina again.

"How about I lift you up," Daniel suggested.

Jaina firmly expressed her rejection. "No," she once again looked at her brother with begging eyes, and again got rejected. She crossed her arms, sulking at the continuous rejection of her brother, in addition to her dislike of walking. This time, Daniel extended his hand, "Come now, Let's not have Lady Katherine and mother wait for us." Hesitating for a few seconds, she shyly held his hand, and they walked side by side.

Their hands tightened as they walk further.