Chapter 3

Varian Wrynn, King of Stormwind, High King of the Alliance watched with mild annoyance as supplies were loaded onto his gryphon for an early morning fishing trip. His son, Crown Prince Anduin had left the afternoon before. Declining the excursion in favor of visiting the Timeless Isles in the company of Wrathion, a Black Dragon. Varian was vastly disappointed. It was always nice to spend time with his only child. Still he decided to go ahead with the SI-7 agent that had been assigned. Varian had to appreciate the effort the SI-7 was taking on his behalf, even if things had not worked out as he would have liked.

All of his direct subordinates had been more then encouraging about adding some amusing diversion to his days. Shaw going as far as to locate an agent. Admiral Taylor had nodded in gruff, but firm approval. Sky Admiral Rogers had been more vocal saying, "Praise the Light! Someone is finally doing something about your cantankerous moods, your Majesty. I was about to assign a liaison to take my place at these briefings."

Admiral Rogers' blunt honesty is what really motivated him. She had always been respectfully loyal. Taking a bit of down time would give him time to reflect on how he was coming across to others in his command. If those nearest to him were struggling to tolerate his personal climate, it was a pressing concern. Varian could not have the Horde's rebel forces taking offense to his word or actions during this time.

So here he was, preparing to go off on a morning trip of relaxing fishing. At least he would be, if Shaw's agent would arrive.

"You're Majesty, King Wyrnn." The voice held a slight tremble in it's feminine tone.

Varian turned, and a scowl fixated on his features instantaneously. One look at the Rogue before him had him thinking of one thing. Curse Shaw! For that matter curse Admiral Taylor and Rogers as well. Because he did not put it past the lot of them to have played a hand in this. Fishing trip, his plate covered rear. The woman before him did not invoke a single thought of fishing. Of that he was for sure. If his subordinates thought he was too ignorant to realize what was really intended, they had another thing coming. No wonder it took an hour to pack the gryphon with supplies. It looked like they had planned on him doing a bit more then casual fishing suggested.

"I'm the Crimsonfox. Fox for short, your Magesty." She dipped her head in respect. "I will be accompanying you on your various outings through Pandaria."

"Of course." Varian the tone was low and curt. He watched her wring her hands in nervousness. Fox, indeed. They could have tried to to be subtle. At least she had the decency to seem ill at ease before him. But it was hard to show any respect for a woman who was willingly to sell her body out for any cause. She would be sorely disappointed, because Varian was having none of it. He could find his own women, and in his own time.

"Shall we be going?" Fox could feel the irritation radiating off the King the moment he had turned to face her. It was worse then Shaw had implied. How was she ever going to get Varian to relax and enjoy himself when he was a veritable thunder cloud of discontent? It was an impossible task! They should have sent a social climbing noble daughter and a cask of wine. That was what the man really needed! Certainly not a Rogue most skilled in assassination and spying. Talking with people was not her forte. She clinched her fists tight. The fingernails digging into her palms. Truth be told being seen in general was not her style. Fox was more sure then ever Shaw had erred in his selection.

"I am ready. Lead on, Rogue." Varian shooed her off with a wave of his hand.

"Very well." Fox dipped her head and turned. She moved over to tested the straps on Besty's saddle before mounting. She lifted the reins before giving the old gryphon a gentle, but reassuring pat.

Varian started forward, and then noticed the mount the woman was on. Really noticed it. At first, he had thought it a rare Snowy Gryphon. Now he could see it was not the case. It was white from age. The golden coat on it's body all but faded to silver fur that rustled in the ocean air. Seriously? They could not have gotten the woman a decent mount? Were they hoping the thing would fall out of the sky, or fail to carry her back? Leaving him honor bound to offer her a seat with him. Gritting his teeth, Varian promised himself that if this were the case, this Fox would find herself stranded. She would have to wait until he could summon someone else to rescue her.

As they lifted into the air, Varian also realized that her mount was agonizingly slow. A deep sigh escaped him, as he pulled back on his grand armored gryphon to keep from losing her. He soothed his anger by promising himself that if he was forced to go out again tomorrow he would slaughter the creature before the first pack was set out.

They did not travel far from Lion's Landing. Just over the hills to the east. Varian was grateful beyond words the selected area had not been far. Garrosh'ar Point was still in clear view before them. A few crabs scuttled across the sand and a single soft shelled turtle basked in the morning light.

Fox quickly moved to pull out the fishing supplies that had been sent out with them. Varian came to her side as she offered him up his finely crafted fishing pole. He took it in hand and watched her kneel down to unsnap the gnomish tackle box's bindings.

The corner of his mouth cocking up as he noticed her eyes widening at the impressive selection within. A thought occurred to him, and he tested his theory. "Care to make a choice on what will work best on the local fish?"

Fox paled. "I.. uh."

By the Pantheon luminescent underwear, he was right! The woman could not fish. Did not have the first inkling about the very task she was set out to do. The only thing left was to consider very carefully which one of his people he would strangle first when he got back. Shaw was ranking pretty high on that list. "Just hand me the heat treated spinning lure."

"This one?" Fox held up the first one that came into her hand.

"That is a glow worm." Varian watched her blush and look down into the box again. A groan escaping him as he knelt beside her and touched the lure. "This is what you are looking for."

"Is it best for seaside fishing?" Fox scanned the rest of the box.

"It's specially engineered, and any fish will go crazy for it." Varian stood up and began baiting his hook.

Fox nodded and watched him cast his line. "So it's a sure thing."

"If you have the skills to use it." Varian looked back at her. "Which I am betting you do not."

Fox came to her feet and swept the sand from her pants. "I never had much use for fishing before today."

"So what do you do in the SI-7, that they would assign you to me." Varian could not contain his curiosity. She remained silent and looked out at the sea. "Feel free to tell me. Whatever the security clearance is, I assure you, I have it."

Fox laughed and brought a hand to her mouth. "I don't doubt that. I can assure you that even though my fishing skill is lack luster..."

"Nonexistent." Varian threw back.

"Astute of you, but yes." Fox continued, "I do have my uses."

"Which is?" Varian seriously doubting her now.

"I did that." Fox pointed across the bay to Garrosh'ar Point.

Varian looked to the devastated Horde landing. "Admiral Rogers lead that attack. Are you taking credit for it?" She could not be so bold as to try and take credit for the assault.

"Admiral Rogers gave her orders from aboard the Skyfire. I manned an aircraft that killed Horde ground forces before helping to sink two Horde ships. Then while Rogers gave her pep talk, I dawned a parachute to help Sulley and Rell on the ground. It did not take long to encounter the locals, aid Paw'don, and relocate Admiral Taylor for more orders." Fox took on a distant look in her eyes that confirmed her story. She decided to leave the part of losing Anduin once she found him the first time.

Varian was stunned. "So was this your first mission."

"By the Light, No. I have served the SI-7 under Shaw for the last seven years. I mainly skirmish with the Horde in Alterac Valley and Arathi Basin. I also have the honor of being a royal guard on rotation for the last three years."

"I have never seen you before." Varian blinked. Wondering if he could trust her words.

Fox smiled with sincere joy. "That is because you were not suppose to, your Majesty. Thank you for the wonderful complement."

The line dipped and Varian turned his attention into landing a Reef Octopus. Fox produced a fish basket and quickly settled the creature inside.

Varian watched her. He was feeling bad about his initial reaction to this SI-7 Agent. She was unaware of the course of his previous thoughts was reassuring, but still he wanted to make amends. "So, would you like to learn to fish?"

Fox looked over at Varian with a nod, "I am sure, after we are done here today, I can travel over to see Ben of the Booming Voice in Halfhill. He has offered his assistance on more then one occasion."

"And what would you need with him, when the King of Stormwind is offering you his aid?" Varian looked down to gauge the woman's reaction.

The golden brown eyes blinked for a moment. Varian clearly see that she was wondering if he was merely toying with her. "Are you serious?" Fox broke down and asked in barley a whisper.

Tossing out the fishing line, Varian moved his gaze to the sea. "It would be my pleasure, Fox."