Contrary to expectations, the nineteenth year after the Dark Portal did not pass peacefully. Galen's father, King Thoras, made a surprising move. As the Winter Veil Festival approached, he announced his abdication, passing the throne of Stromgarde to Galen.
The sudden abdication caught Galen off guard. His father hadn't even discussed it with him, as if he was in a hurry to retire, thrusting the crown upon Galen and fleeing the responsibilities of kingship!
Galen understood his father's eagerness. Among the seven human kingdoms, the first to fall during the Orcish Wars was Alterac. Their royal family was largely forgotten, remembered only as the Prestor family.
Subsequently, King Terenas Menethil of Lordaeron and King Anasterian Sunstrider of Quel'Thalas had passed away, and King Llane Wrynn of Stormwind had abdicated. A new generation of rulers had risen to power in the Alliance, and Thoras, after years of service, was ready to relinquish his crown.
With his father's decision final, Galen prepared for his coronation in Stromgarde.
Following his enthronement, Galen was formally addressed as High King by the people and soldiers of the Alliance.
However, Galen did not immediately immerse himself in the day-to-day affairs of governance. Instead, he established Stromgarde's royal cabinet, drawing from his father's existing advisory council.
This cabinet functioned as a secretariat, assisting him in managing the kingdom, especially during his absences. Galen shamelessly included his father and cousin, Danath, on the cabinet list.
Heh heh, Father, you don't want to be king?
Then I'll help you wear the crown, but you'll still handle the responsibilities that come with it.
And Danath, you want to focus on expanding your family?
Impossible! If I'm not enjoying my time, neither should you!
Galen had little interest in the trappings of kingship. He had attained demigodhood, and ensured his closest relatives would live long lives. As long as they remained, Stromgarde's future was secure.
In the following days, Galen left Stromgarde, choosing to spend his time in Silvermoon City with his two wives.
As time passed, Alleria and Sylvanas's pregnancies progressed, and Galen meticulously cared for them.
In the twentieth year after the Dark Portal, the Windrunner sisters, after nineteen months of pregnancy, each gave birth to a healthy baby boy.
In the grand hall of Silvermoon City, King Thoras, his face framed by his thick beard, beamed with delight. He gazed at his two half-elf grandsons in their cradles, his expression tender.
Newly promoted to grandfather, Thoras rubbed his hands, which trembled slightly with excitement, and leaned over the cradles.
"My grandsons, when you were born, the breeze on the Arathi Highlands softly whispered your names..."
"Father!"
Galen's voice echoed through the hall, interrupting Thoras's poetic pronouncements. The two babies, however, remained undisturbed, seemingly unfazed by the interruption.
Thoras knew Galen was using a telepathic technique. Suppressing his annoyance, he turned to face his son.
"Galen, the breeze on the Arathi Highlands doesn't sound like that..."
After Alleria and Sylvanas gave birth, Galen had rushed into the birthing chamber, using his holy light and rejuvenation magic to aid in their recovery. He had even administered Elixirs of Life.
Their physical strength had mostly returned, but the ordeal of childbirth had left them mentally exhausted. They were resting, and Galen had quietly slipped out of the room, only to hear his father waxing lyrical about the "breeze on the Arathi Highlands."
Were all the old-generation kings taught by the same bard?
The last person who spoke like that is currently residing in Frostmourne!
This is bad luck!
"Father, have we not already decided on the children's names? What does the Arathi Highlands have to do with it?"
"Hmph! These are ancient verses from the Arathor Empire! What do you know of true poetry?"
Old man, you're about to be a king, and you've killed more people than I know words. What are you doing reciting poetry at a time like this?
"Alright, alright, Father. My brain is mostly muscle. I can barely recognize the noble house sigils, let alone understand poetry!"
Galen strode forward, standing beside Thoras in front of the cradles, a wide smile on his face as he gazed at his two sons.
"Welcome to the world, Arator and Legolas, my little ones!"
At the end of the nineteenth year after the Dark Portal, the Trollbane royal family of Stromgarde celebrated the birth of two princes, named Arator Trollbane and Legolas Trollbane.
The Arathi Highlands rejoiced!
And in that moment, Galen's soul felt complete.