A Moment of Passion

*Fanfic based on events, particularly the connection between Shandris and Jarod, contained in the book "War of the Ancients" written by Richard Knaak. Once more, I make no money off my fanfics nor do I own any part of World of Warcraft! I just love to play in their world! :)
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Beneath a large oak tree and hidden in brush, she watched him from a distance. The Captain’s sapphire hair fell like sweaty tendrils to his shoulders. Signs of tire and delirium took over his face. He reached for his satchel, pulling out a large flask. Raising the opening to his lips, he relaxed, allowing his head to fall back. Two small streams of burgundy liquid raced to his chin, forming drops that leapt to his chest and melted into the cloth of his cloak.

As Shandris looked on, her heart ached for him. She could feel his pain and wanted ever so much to console him. Since the moment Stareye took his last breath, Jarod was thrown into a leadership roll he never asked for. This in itself was taking a toll on his being and had him questioning his strategic abilities and his personal handling of the war.

The huntress sat back on her heels, a solemn expression washed over her young face. This War had been taking pieces of her soul and she wanted nothing more than to move past the fighting and loss. Her family was gone, her village torn to shreds… the entire land of Azeroth was suffering. While confident in her abilities with her bow, she wondered if it wouldn’t be easier just to give up and let the Legion destroy everything. No, that would never happen, she reassured herself. Once again, she fixated on the Captain, when suddenly, a voice came from behind.

“Well, what do we have here?”
Shandris startled. It was Maiev.
“Why are you hiding, young one?” The elder priestess looked over her shoulder to her brother sitting mere feet away and then back to Shandris.
"I.. um.. just sat here to rest." Shandris tried to give the priestess a most sincere smile while feeling her face becoming overly warm. Maiev glanced back at Jarod, then back to the young elven girl before her. The priestess gasped as she put two and two together.
"Awwe. How sweet. You are spying on my little brother!" Maiev smiled, though slightly mocking.
Before Shandris could defend herself, Maiev turned and walked away, looking back to the young elf, she smirked and rolled her eyes. Shandris could feel her cheeks burning from the embarassment of being caught. How can a priestess be such a bitch?!

Maiev was right, though. Ever since meeting the shy Captain, Shandris felt a fluttery, warm feeling her in belly anytime he was around, or within view of him. When she was away from him, thinking about him gave her the extra stamina to keep going; to fight for her future. While she didn’t know if the emotions were reciprocated, she knew the Captain saw the glow in her eyes for him on more than one occasion.

Shandris sat quietly by herself, whittling a twig with her skinning knife, thinking about everything going on around her. She felt so alone in the world, save for Tyrande and the sisterhood, she had no one with whom to turn. She longed for companionship, preferably from the Captain, but didn’t want to scare him away or further stress him. The huntress also had to convince him that she was not that much younger than he. I’m thinking this over too much. I must just go and take my chances. Mustering the courage to follow through, she stood up, brushed the wood shavings from her armor and started towards the Captain. Her mind raced. If it causes an awkward situation between us, so be it!

“Captain Shadowsong.” She flinched at her attempt to properly address the Captain, knowing there was a smidgen of sarcasm in her tone. "How are things going with you?"

Jarod looked up and sighed. “You are such a charming girl, Shandris.” Weary eyes stared back at her. “You know I prefer just Jarod.” He took a swig from his flask. "I'm okay, though. Tired and sore."

His deep, flowing voice made her pulse rise, though she bristled at the mention of her as a ‘girl’. She sat down next to him and reached for the flask. “May I?” Jarod handed her the flask without hesiation. She drank. The wine was sweet with a tartness that made her eyes water. Turning towards the captain, she spoke softly. “You may see me as just a girl, Jarod, but I am a woman.” She took another swig from the flask. “Immature I may be in that I haven’t experienced much beyond the walls of Ara-Hinam. My desires, however, are well beyond that of a girl.” Handing the flask back to her companion, she studied his reaction. With brows slightly raised, he glanced at her and then back to the ground. Shandris, nervous yet determined, let out the rest of what was on her mind. “My family is gone. I have no one left from whose blood I descend. No one.” She paused, feeling her heart racing passionately in her chest. She gazed intently at the Captain, his eyes now focused on his flask, his cheeks aglow a in a warm violet flush.
“I have nothing left to lose, but my innocence, Jarod. And.." She fought back the tears of frustration and pain. "And I realize that tomorrow may never come.” She paused, daring herself to fully speak her aspiration. “I want you, Jarod. I want you to be the one." She paused, but Jarod remained still.

The words rolled off her lips before her mind could stop them from forming. An overwhelming sense of vulnerability washed over her; she pursed her lips and closed her eyes, waiting for his response.

** For any whom have read the "War of the Ancients", I feel that the one thing missing was mention of a fling between these two characters. I just had to write a fan fic for Shandris to get some relief... or does she? Stay tuned and find out!** And thanks for reading! :)