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The halls of Fordragon castle were filled with Knights, soldiers and Nobles while the commoners of the city of Westfall were also in a festive mood due to the Feast and celebration announced by Duke Fordragon and King Llane.
In honour of the recent great victory and in celebration of Prince Alastor's Knighthood after his heroic actions.
Yet Alastor was anything but relaxed at this moment as he sat on the main table with his father on one side and Alleria on the other side.
As Knights and Nobles continued to toast him on his actions while the soldiers that had participated in the battle retold the battle fought with their own actions as well as the others most notably Alastor's.
He was already loved and respected due to his actions and attitude with the commoners and providing them with much needed helpful technologies for their livelihood and lives.
Most Nobles also respected him due to his Honourable character and kindness without showing himself as a weak Royal.
Now? They also knew him as a heroic young man with legendary combat powers who did not hesitate to face challenging odds and deliver justice for his people.
Alongside his already notable achievements like being the youngest Forgemaster in Azeroth's history there was now also being the youngest Knight in their history as well.
The fact that Anduin Lothar, who's honour and conduct was well known throughout Arda and beyond had knighted him already silenced many people who would think it was a undeserved Knighthood.
Despite that Alastor really would rather be in his workshop or anywhere else!
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Alastor secretly groaned a bit after he replied to yet another noble who toasted him on his achievements and praised him.
"Many people in your place would be preening if they and wouldn't let others forget it for years" Alleria held back a laugh as she watched his discomfort.
It was honestly somewhat endearing seeing the Indomitable Knight have such a humble and awkward side when given just praise for his actions.
"Well I for one don't consider myself so vain that I must yell to seek out approval and praise" Alastor replied to her while trying to keep his gaze off her.
Considering for the occasion Alleria had come in a beautiful emerald shoulder-less green dress that did a very good job highlighting her bountiful "assets" and her athletic figure.
'What in the name of the Aether is wrong with me!?'
Alastor was never someone who cared much for what others thought about him or tried not to let it affect his mentality too much.
If he was given praise he would try to take it in stride and remain humble but confident and if he was insulted considering the severity he would either ignore it or show appropriate retaliation.
But since he met Alleria he found himself making an extra effort not to embarrass himself in front of her and keep his best on display.
And by Arda he could not understand WHY!
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As the feast continued many people began taking their partners in the midst of the hall and began dancing with them as music played.
Alastor convincing himself it was courtesy asked Alleria for a dance as well which she accepted.
Weirdly enough Alastor found the difficultly of just asking her was far more daunting than facing a army or a champion of Chaos.
Further cementing that there was something incredibly wrong with him!
"Taria is gonna have a field day with this" Anduin said beside Llane as he wasn't able to suppress an amused smile at Alastor and Alleria as they began their dance.
Where Alastor looked like he was trying to solve some universal mystery and Alleria looking like she was trying her best to not laugh even as they did their dance perfectly.
"Oh indeed old friend, I still remember how excited she was when Varian met Lord Ellerian daughter Tiffin Ellerian again after 4 years"
"Haha oh I remember that, those two couldn't stand each other when they first met but when Tiffin grew into a woman the poor lad could barely speak straight in front of her"
Llane laughed as well remembering fond memories. "And now it's my younger son's turn to suffer under his mother's enthusiasm"
Bolvar raised a goblet in mock seriousness. "Let us pray to the Holy Light for Alastor soon to be lost dignity"
Llane and Anduin also raised their goblets. "Here! Here!"
But then Bolvar's gaze went back to the dance floor and he saw that Alastor and Alleria had disappeared. "What? where did those two go?"
Llane and Anduin were also confused but they didn't panic if they were in danger or trouble as the feast continued.
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Outside Fordragon castle Westfall city was also in full celebration as the commoners had their own festivities.
And in those festivities two cloaked figures also walked together and enjoyed them.
"I didn't think you were one to sneak around like this" Alleria asked Alastor beside her.
"You'll find I'm quite not like many Nobles besides it might just be a observation but I feel you are much more relaxed in this side of the celebration"
Alleria couldn't help but smile beneath her cowl. "I can handle most court affairs and events easily enough but I do prefer simpler and honest events like these more"
"Back in the Eversong woods when we Farstriders were in between or done with our missions we all would gather together and have hearty meals and conversations under the stars"
"Sharing tales and exploits. Me and my sisters in particular loved camping out when we were young away from our estate just enjoying ourselves"
Alastor also smiled under his cowl. "Sounds like a great time, I remember a few years ago my elder brother Varian and I would also go on "adventures" in Elwyn forest"
"Even if our guard was never far behind" Alastor chuckled a bit awkwardly as they both got some candied fruits from a vendor.
"What about you? You don't seem as tense as before?"
"Well.....it's how do I say it, comfortable you know?"
"Hmmm?" Alleria looked curiously at him as they sat on a bench.
"I know I'm different from others of my kind but I always tried never to forget that at my core I was just the same as others"
Alastor looked up at the twin moons and the massive world ring that surrounded Azeroth. "I want to accept that part of myself and be the man everyone could be proud off yet at times it's--"
"So hard" Alleria finished the rest of the sentence for me with a understanding smile. "You'll be surprises to know how similar that sounds to me"
"On one hand you want to be someone your loved ones and people could be proud off but on the other hand the pressure keeps mounting and somewhere you wonder if you were even the same person underneath all the changes"
People change just like everything else, that is a truth but what shouldn't change in a person was their inner self and their core values for if they change you are truly lost.
Alastor looked at her surprised but then smiled as he held up a candied apple. "Candy apple?"
Alleria perked up and took it as she took a big bite of it. "Don't mind If I do"
The two cloaked figures sat in companionable silence on their bench eating sweets as festivities continued.
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