บท 2: Chapter 1 - Stormboy

A loud scream echoed throughout the halls of Stormsong manor, it came from one of the rooms, where currently, a tense Cirias stood outside. He grits his teeth every time Elaine made a noise implying the pain she's undergoing, the noise, stretching from her loud moans to primal-like growls. Though unpleasant to the ears, Cirias and a tall man beside him did not think of it as such. For light's sake, it was their most beloved suffering through labor, and soon, another family member will be added to their house. Anduin Lothar, the man beside Cirias, had a stern expression while he stood upright. He sported a thick, medium-length beard. His eyes, inherited by his daughter, held charm with its bluish color. He had white receding hair, signifying his growing age. He was Forty-four this year, and his only offspring, Elaine, who's currently inside that room, made him sweat in anxiety, her loss would break his heart deeply. Unlike Cirias, who donned a tidesage's robe, intricately designed to represent the sea, with a large squid engraved on his pauldrons — Anduin wore an exquisite noble outfit, with his kingdom's insignia engraved on the center of his outfit. His kingdom, to whom he swore fealty, is called Stormwind. Located southeast of Cirias' nation, on the southern region of the Eastern Kingdoms. The name of the continent, Eastern Kingdoms, derives from its location being in the eastern part of the world, and the multiple kingdoms established in it.

Kul Tiras, Cirias' nation, is compromised of an island chain under the rule of four noble houses, one of which, is House Stormsong. The leading ruler of these houses is the house Proudmoore, made of proud grand admirals, and to whom the high seat of Lord admiralship belongs to. The fief of house Stormsong could be said to be larger than anyone, all of north to be exact, and due to this, the valley was named after them, thereby it became formally known as Stormsong Valley. Not only do they own secular power but as the highest tidesage, their religious power grew unmatched, and every matter related to Kul Tiran's religion is handled by the house.

'This is the first time I've seen lord father this anxious. Men would really grow weak when their children suffer.' Cirias observed his father-in-law and finding a fellow who's more worried than he, lessened his own. He chose to believe his wife, and he prayed to the tidemother vehemently for her safety.

And his prayers were answered, Elaine's voice halted and was replaced by the cries of a child, loud enough that it made the two cover their ears. However, delight soon filled the two of them when the midwife opened the door and stated that the labor went successfully, with Elaine and the boy safe from harm. The two marched through the room with wide smiles. They were welcomed by a sight of a mother, pale from labor, holding a child covered in cloth. She had a smile full of motherly love, she declared gently. "It's a boy. Our wish came true, dear."

Cirias hugged his wife and child, careful enough not to annoy the boy. Elaine weakly kissed him on his cheeks. "I'm glad you're safe," Cirias said, sighing in relief. He stared at the boy, and those deep, blue eyes reminded him of Elaine. Along with the loud cries of the boy, he shouted jubilantly. "Daniel. Daniel will be his name!"

"Daniel it is then, my beloved Daniel…" She stared at the son held in her arms. Tears poured down on her cheeks, all her efforts were done for her son, and every pain she suffered was all worth it. Just hearing the loud cries of her boy was enough to fill her heart. Elaine believed that this fair, energetic child would grow heroic like his grandfather, and kind like his father. Parting from the hug of her husband, she looked at her father and saw, an expression she misses. 'That doting look of yours, the same as always.' She extended her hands and carefully offered little Daniel to her husband, but the man shook his head. Instead, he tenderly patted Anduin's back. "Please do the honors, Lord father." He gave way to his father-in-law, seniority was a necessity in nobility and he should, as the father be the one to hold his child right after his wife, however, his respect for Anduin runs deep and as a family, such rules were unnecessary. His gesture shocked both Anduin and Elaine, much to their delight, Anduin stepped forward and stiffly held the boy away from his daughter's hands. "The child's cries are similar to a lion cub." He was very pleased, Anduin was known to all as the Lion of Stormwind, his kingdom's fiercest knight. The significance of his words meant that the boy could follow his grandfather's footsteps, which is quite offensive to House Stormsong. Though, Cirias did not take offense, for an agreement was made between him and his wife prior to Daniel's birth. 'Our children will be allowed to pursue their paths, however, the eldest must inherit the management of the fief at the time of my death.'

While Anduin was delighted by the child's vigor, Cirias focused his gaze on Daniel and he could feel the boy resonating with the ley lines around him. The mana seems to jump cheerily at the boy's arrival. He exclaimed. "Lady of the tides... My boy." Cirias speculated that Daniel, blessed by the tidemother, has a great affinity with magic and his speculations proved true through the sudden arrival of a guest. Cirias shifted his eyes towards the door and saw a hooded man, donned in robes faired with raven feathers, a large jewel engraved at the center of his robe, sparkling crimson at those who lay their eyes on it. "Medivh!" Said Anduin, surprised by the appearance of his old friend. He smiled. "So you've heard of my Grandchild's birth. I'm happy that you came."

Medivh, an important friend of Anduin Lothar. A mage he had spent his childhood days with during their time as both wards in Stormwind's court, alongside their friend, now king of Stormwind, Llane Wrynn, brother-in-law of Anduin Lothar. Not only because of friendship that it came as a surprise to Anduin but also Medivh's appearance entails significance. He had rarely left his tower these past few years, Anduin knew Medivh was busy enforcing his will to protect Azeroth from harm. Guardian of Tirisfal, protector of the world, and Archmage; titles that were currently held by this dear friend of his. 'There must be a reason, somehow.' Anduin thought, however, he could not bring himself to ask due to the joy he felt from the appearance of a friend in such an important moment.

"I was called by the arcane, they whispered," Said Medivh, a sense of mysteriousness accompanied his words. He seemed to understand Anduin's confusion, he said cryptically. "They rejoice at your grandson's birth, even the mana around us is dancing in grand welcome."

Everyone stared at Medivh, puzzled by his words. Anduin asked. "What do you mean?"

"The child has a great affinity for magic, Anduin, when taught right, he could reach unprecedented heights," Medivh answered.

"Do you wish to take my grandchild under you, Medivh?"

"Indeed, in his fourth year, I shall come to take him to Karazhan if you agree, I will impart to him the knowledge hidden within the walls of Karazhan," Medivh said. His offer proved too tempting that it led for the three to ponder over his words. He asked Elaine with a familiar tone, "What are your answer, Elaine, and to whom I presume, Lord Stormsong."

Lord Stormsong stood silent in his place, in his thoughts, he wanted to accept the apprenticeship of his son to Medivh. Still, he respects Elaine's decision and her answer will be his as well. He glanced at Elaine, implied in his eyes that the decision depends on her and she understood, so she spoke, albeit in a hesitant tone. "Uncle Medivh, Isn't it too —"

"A tad too early, old friend, the boy would barely even recognize his own parents at that age! At best, Daniel could take an apprenticeship under you at the age of ten." Seeing his daughter's indecisiveness, Anduin interrupted and answered on Elaine's behalf.

Medivh muttered, unsatisfied with Anduin's response "There won't be enough time by then." Unconvinced, Medivh bargained. "In his seventh year, Anduin, the child must be taught at a young age."

Seven years old, enough time for Daniel to be familiar with both his parents. Anduin nodded, seemingly reluctant a bit. Still, he turned around and looked at his daughter, who lay on the bed. The people inside the room seemed to be at an impasse, staring at Elaine who was considering things in her thoughts.

"Archbishop Alonsus Faol has arrived!" Shouted a herald, he bore the insignia of the church of light in his tabard. His sudden appearance broke the tense atmosphere, and Medivh stepped to the sides, as a man clad in white robes, entered the room and spoke. "My apologies for rudely intruding, Lord Stormsong."

"Lord Archbishop, forgive me for not being able to welcome you in the foyer." The two religious leaders apologized in turns, their tone was polite and free of malice. They both smiled at one another before Archbishop, Alonsus Faol, the man who saw the dream, turned to look at the tall Anduin and the boy in his hands. Alonsus' unexpected appearance caught everyone off guard, none were able to think of why, the man of high authority, arrived at the time of Daniel's birth. Before Alonsus could explain himself, Medivh spoke. "I shall take my leave, Anduin, pour a drop of your blood in this medallion if you have agreed about the child's apprenticeship." A medallion with a raven's figure carved into it floated from Medivh's hand and went gently inside Anduin's outfit.

"Will you not stay until the end of the feast?" Anduin asked. The arrival of his religious leader heightened his mood but the sudden departure of his friend dampened it, he felt two contrasting feelings at the moment.

Medivh flashed a smile and gently shook his head before walking off. Not long after, a raven could be seen soaring through the skies from the Stormsong manor.