Ch 10 – The End to a Beginning
Stormwind, the great capital city of the humans had changed and yet was very much the same. Two hundred thousand souls still called the city home. The loss of Varian had not only been felt by the great shining city, but also the rest of the Alliance. With their military leader and strength gone they had fallen somewhat into disarray. Anduin would no longer serve as King to the Great Alliance, but he would be the King of the human nation. Anduin had already put forward that Jamiy Ambrose, his stoic paladin step brother be the new leader of the military might of the Alliance. Some of the factions were still considering this course of action.
Rhenn, Queen now Dowager, adjusted the simpler version of the crown she often wore. Her crown of state would no longer be worn again. There was no more united Alliance. Her Queen crown of the kingdom she would present to the new queen at the coronation ceremony.
She wore a stately black dress with gold trim and gold jewelry of her station. She was the queen and regent for now until her step son was crowned and appearances were often much of the political game. Anduin had asked her to crown him and not the Archbishop as it was to be traditionally. She had agreed.
She looked to her constant shadow, Master Mathias Shaw as he leaned against an arch in her room. She walked to him and he straightened. "What news of Major Samuelson?" She asked, knowing they were alone. She knew the leader of the assassin guild did not trust the major of the royal guard since he had first told her about his misgivings and the evidence he had found. The dark alter on a farmer's property, dock workers afraid to speak, cultists in the old barracks guarding something that he was yet to get his hands on, and the major who seemed to always be there when there was trouble.
Shaw reached a hand up and adjusted her necklace and then let his hand fall. Her thick white hair was in a thick braid and in a bun at the back of her head. She looked every bit the queen minus her red face from the many tears she had shed.
The door opened after a brief knock to reveal Tirion Fordring with the Ashbringer strapped to his back. Tirion was an opposing figure in his bright mail even if one did not know his history. He bowed before the queen and then extended his hand. "Are you ready?"
"No." She said. "But I will come."
"Good. The people need to see you."
Rhenn walked on the arm of Tirion to the throne room. Several dignitaries were there. They had come for Varian's state funeral. Rhenn walked quickly to the throne and dropped into the seat. She took a slow breath and then lifted her head.
"Greetings friends." She said.
Rhonin stepped forward with Vereesa Windrunner, his wife. With them were Alanis, Rhenn's daughter and her husband Galadin. They all bowed and Rhenn rose to receive Rhonin's kiss and soft words. She then turned to Alanis, her mage and nearly estranged daughter.
"Alanis. You came." She whispered.
The rather small woman in Kirin Tor robes nodded before stepping forward. She embraced her mother and both started to weep.
"I missed you, momma." The younger woman said softly.
"As I you." Rhenn said and kissed her hair. "Thank you." She said. "My family is whole."
She looked and noted a night elf druid was standing with Hamuul Runetotem. She smiled and squeezed Alanis's hand before nodding to the druids.
"Greetings."
"Highness, with me is Leyara, wife of fallen hero Valstann Staghelm." Hamuul said slowly.
"Welcome. Thank you for coming."
The night elf nodded and then smiled. "The Aspects are here to pay their respects."
Rhenn nodded. "Where?"
Hamuul took her small arm and walked with her toward the garden. She followed without question. Tirion followed with the night elf and Rhonin. Hamuul walked into the grass and then lifted his hand heavenward.
Four beams of light in red, blue, green, and yellow shot downward and materializing from them were the dragons in their humanoid guises. Rhenn stepped forward to Alexstrasza, the Life-Binder. She dropped to a knee before the tall high elf woman with her high headdress. "Thank you for this honor." Rhenn said.
The dragon's hand lifted Rhenn's chin to look at her. "Emberblaze. You have always been there when we have called upon you as have your children. It is an honor to come to you and support you in this transition." She offered her hand and the queen rose to her feet as the Lady of the Red Dragonflight walked with her to a similar woman with flowing green hair and her eyes shut.
"Ysera." Rhenn greeted.
"Queen Rhenn."
"Thank you for your presence."
"This is Kalecgos, your highness." The Life-Binder said nodding to the half elf with loose and unkempt blue hair. "He took my brother Malagos' place after he was slain by the heroes of Northrend."
Rhenn smiled. "Welcome."
"Thank you, your highness." The blue head dipped in respect.
The last form was a bare-chested high elf with tattoos scribed into his body. He wore a thick kilt and a shoulder ornament in the likeness of a dragon. Rhenn gazed at the glowing blue eyes a moment before bowing. "The Time Lord." She whispered in awe.
"Yes, this is Nozdormu." Alexstrasza said. Her voice was that of a high elf maiden, but her eyes and demeanor made her more superior to the mortals around her.
Rhenn sighed. She felt better strangely with the dragons here in support of her. Her eyes drifted to the lake where a platform was being built on the island where the shrine of the elements was built. It was there
Nozdormu stepped to her and lifted her eyes to him. "I wish I could change these events to help the pain you feel mortal child, but all things happen for a reason. You know this better than any within this Kingdom."
She nodded and dipped her head, trying to hide her tears.
ZzZ
Stormsong and Hamuul Runetotem stood in the throne room. They bowed as the queen, Highlord Fordring, and Jamiy entered the room.
Rhenn walked to them and greeted them by bowing and then kissing their cheeks solemnly. "Greetings friends."
"Queen Rhenn." Stormsong said. "Warchief Hellscream and High Chieftain Bloodhoof send their condolences to your Highness."
"It is appreciated." She said slowly.
"They have called for a two week cease fire between the Horde and the Alliance so that the funeral and transition may occur unmolested. They cannot speak for the Scourge or the Twilight Hammer, but the Horde will not trouble you for a fortnight." Stormsong said.
"The Earthen Ring and Cenarion Circle are much appreciated in these matters." Rhenn said knowing that both parties had spoken to the Horde members. Such a loss of the great King could have caused the Horde to rise up and make a bid for control.
She sighed. "If you excuse me, ambassadors, I must prepare for my husband's funeral march." She said and bowed. She paused a hand going to her head a moment.
"My lady you are not well." Stormsong said reaching for her.
Shaw's blade was under his throat, but he ignored it, his focus on the woman. Hamuul chanted and green swirled around his fingers before it gentle swirled about the queen.
She took a breath, but felt slightly more refreshed. Shaw's blade moved back. Neither tauren had even been aware the assassin leader was near. Jamiy took his mother's arm and gently led her toward the inner rooms.
"Earthmother give her strength to endure." Stormsong said.
Tirion Fordring nodded. "The Light will see her through this as it did with Grekko. It just will be a longer road." He followed the pair.
ZzZ
"Your highness? May I speak with you?" A soft voice asked as the three passed in the hallway.
Rhenn saw Lady Proudmoore leaning on her staff. As beautiful as ever, the mage was sullen as she waited for the Queen's command. "Jaina." Rhenn lifted her hand.
The mage came to her and they embraced and kissed each other's cheeks in welcome. "I weep with you, my queen."
Rhenn offered a half smile. "I was never your Queen Jaina."
"You are still Queen of the Alliance until Anduin is crowned and so you were my Queen." Jaina offered a smile back. "Come I have ordered apples and cheese from your handmaidens. I am sure you have not eaten for at least two days."
Rhenn shook her head and Jamiy allowed Jaina to walk with his mother into the Queen's audience chamber. Tirion and Jamiy followed them inside and shut the door. Shaw was near or so Jamiy surmised, but the rogue could be invisible as he willed.
Jaina took a seat as Helene and Remy served tea and the small snack. It was a favorite of both women and Jaina knew that the sight of fresh ripe sweet fleshed Elwynn apple would get the better of the queen. Rhenn reached for the apple and bit into it savoring the juicy flesh as she chewed.
Tirion winked at Jaina and moved to the window with Jamiy to allow the women some degree of privacy. The mage was clever, clever enough to have the queen eating something at least.
Rhenn was on her second apple and first piece of cheese when she looked at the mage. "I know his loss is painful for you as well even if you are trying to be strong for my sake, Jaina." She sighed. "Who is watching Theramore in your absence?"
"Pained, Archmage Trevosh, and the little warlock friend you well know, Lillina Highwind."
Rhenn nodded sitting back. The mage leaned forward. "We will make it through this, Rhenn." She said taking the hand of the queen.
"Thank you old friend. To have you here is a comfort." Rhenn said with a heavy sigh.
ZzZ
The great black warhorses of the Argent Crusade, which had served the Knights well in the Plaguelands, now they served a more solemn duty. They pulled the great ebony carriage that bore the body of Varian Wrynn through the streets. Queen Rhenn walked behind the carriage supported by Anduin. She still was the ruling regent until Anduin could be crowned in two days.
Behind the pair were Jamiy, Helene, Highlord Fordring, Alanis, Ellsa, Jaina Proudmoore, and Rhonin. Next came the dragon aspects in their humanoid guises with the other dignitaries whom had come to be with Rhenn and mourn the loss of the proud great King. Behind them came the many grandchildren of the King and Queen. All were dressed in colors of mourning including Highlord Fordring who had shed his mail and plate for black and silver cloth.
The procession took two hours to make it through the town. Flowers were thrown at the hooves of the great war mounts and onto the body of the King.
The procession ended at the lake side where many thousands of people had gathered. A dais had been built with three chairs placed on it. Rhenn took a seat in the center chair as Jaina and Ellsa took the other two chairs to either side of her. Ellsa sat in her own black gown looking stoic and beautiful. A queen, Rhenn thought looking at her. She had been orphaned and brought to the court without the slightest thought she would unite Gilneas and Stormwind through a marriage. She was just supposed to be a lowly handmaiden. Now, in two days, she would be queen of the human capital.
Anduin and Jamiy stood before the platform that held the once proud king in his funeral dress. They held torches and as the sun set they set the torches to the kindling about the body that had been soaked in oil.
They stepped back as the flames caught and started to lick at the clothing shrouding the body on the pyre. Two boatmen returned them to the shore where the two stood side by side watching with the dignitaries that surrounded the dais where Rhenn sat watching the flames slowly overtake her husband's body. Tears ran down the queen's cheeks as Jaina reached and took the hands of the queen. Rhenn squeezed the hand with her cool one in thanks and continued to watch.
The people were silent as they watched their king join his ancestors by route of the flame. Varian would have been surprised to see how many stood watching his body burn and who had thrown flowers. The number was far more than had been there for Queen Tiffin and for King Llane.
The crowd did not disperse until the pyre was little more than ashes and the body of Varian was no more than dust. Rhenn refused to move from her vigil until the sun rose the next day. By then the embers had cooled and the ashes could be gathered for burial.
zZz
Rhenn found it hard to dress in clothing that was appropriate for the coronation ceremony. She picked a plainer dress and less jewelry than she was entitled to wear as the queen, soon to be dowager of the kingdom. She did not wish to outshine the coming queen, Ellsa.
Her former handmaiden was already at the Cathedral of Light being dressed and groomed for her coronation and first public appearance as Queen of Stormwind. Rhenn would make sure she was there to back the young monarchs.
She was escorted by Master Shaw and entered the carriage that she would ride to the cathedral in. Highlord Fordring was waiting for her as was Lady Jaina Proudmoore. Both had changed from their darker robes of mourning to their bright robes of office.
Rhenn wore a muted crown of her former crown of the Queen of Stormwind. This crown still marked her as queen and would be the crown of office of the queen dowager after she placed the crowns on her step son and her daughter-in-law's heads.
Tirion helped her from the carriage and into the side area where she would make her final preparations. Jaina took her place with the other dignitaries as a fanfare announced the start of the activities. Rhenn, on the arm of the noble paladin made her way slowly down the long nave of the cathedral to where the high alter sat. Before it were two chairs placed for the King and Queen.
After Rhenn walked Jamiy holding the crown of the Stormwind kings on a pillow. Behind him came Alanis carrying the crown of the new queen. Rhenn looked forward and noted her eldest daughter was standing before the chairs in her own formal clothing of a high priestess. Beside her stood Archbishop Benedictus.
Tirion stood beside the queen as the other two took their places. The people rose as the King and his Queen made their entrance in stately robes and long trains each supported by ushers and handmaidens. The pair moved and then dropped to their knees on the pillows before the Archbishop. Rhenn stepped forward after Benedictius offered a prayer.
"As ruling queen and former queen consort of the Kingdom of Azeroth and Stormwind, I choose as King, the heir to the throne of his father, my husband, Anduin Llane Wrynn, to succeed me and his father, the King, and that the heirs of his body, may one day rule after him." Rhenn said in a clear voice as she held the crown of state. "I now am the Dowager Queen and loyal subject of his majesty." She said and bowed her head as she held the crown.
She gentle pressed the crown onto Anduin's head as he knelt before her. She then lifted the Queen's crown and smiled at Ellsa who looked up at her in awe.
"The King has chosen as his consort, the Princess Ellsa, may she help him rule, serve as regent in times when he must leave the Kingdom, and be there to love and support him." She said and smiled as she placed the crown on Ellsa's head.
Tirion then gently walked the young boy Genn Wrynn to stand before his grandmother. Rhenn lifted the last crown, a small crown that Anduin had worn as a child. She lifted it in the air and smiled. "Crown Prince Genn Wrynn has been named heir apparent to his father, King Anduin." She placed the crown and smiled at the boy who looked nervous and happy at the attention.
She then stepped back as the Archbishop moved to continue the ceremony with Helene. She stood next to Tirion Fordring who took her hand and held it gently. She looked at him and he smiled and looked back as the new King and Queen rose to their feet.
"By the Power of the Church of the Holy Light I present the King and Queen to the Kingdom." Helene's voice rang out. "Long live King Anduin and Queen Ellsa!"
The cheers within the cathedral nearly made the occupants deaf, but again the people had hope.
zZz
Tirion Fordring walked to the edge of the cliff. The wind swirled about the edge making the snow shift about his feet. The carved silent elders were the sentinels of the once prosperous Tuskarr town. Now all that stood on the high bluffs were forgotten tombs and rocks carved into faces.
He looked down at what remained of the town. Whale bones that stuck up from the snow like spikes and tattered threadbare cloths moved mournfully in the breezes of the sea. This seemed like hardly a place would wish to be laid to rest.
Though most of the great human nation thought King Varian's ashes were buried in the elaborate tomb built next to his first wife, in truth he was to be buried here, away from those who would wish to find his body for necromancy or worse to raise as a Scourge champion to fight and kill these he once loved and fought for.
Tirion turned back. The party had been small. Rhenn, Varian's queen whom had been raised in this very town, Jamiy, her son, and Tirion himself. Anduin had wished to come, but to keep order he had to remain within the capital while the three flew on the wings of dragons to this place.
The three drakes were nearby speaking in their own tongue. They had little use for the loss of a human. Mortals were of little concern to them, though the two Emberblazes were a priority to their queen.
Rhenn placed the urn in the earth near Grekko and Thrall. She then dropped to her knees in the snow and looked above at the tattered prayer flags. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Jamiy stood back allowing his mother to grieve for now as he too was lost in his thoughts as he looked out over the sea beyond the cliff.
After sometime Jamiy walked to his mother and lifted her to her feet from the cold snow and held her as she wept against him. Tirion walked forward and gently laid a hand on her back. She looked up at him and hiccupped as she wiped her tears, the tears she had shed much of the last week. She was still dressed in her black mourning clothing and would be for some time.
"This is a new beginning child. Remember that things happen for a reason and your hope in the Light will keep you strong." Tirion said.
She turned and embraced him and took a shuddering sigh. "Where will you go now?"
"The Scourge are being beaten back as we speak. I will join Highlord Mograine and soon we will defeat him and his minions."
She nodded and stepped back. "May the Light protect you, Tirion. You are always welcome in Stormwind. Remember that."
"I will, my lady and with you there I have reason to come back to the Eastern Kingdoms." He said and gently cupped her face before pressing a kiss to her brow. "Now may the Light bring you back to your people." He nodded to Jamiy. "Keep her safe. The Queen of Ages is still a potent symbol of humanity and unbroken."
Jamiy nodded and gathered his mother to return to the ship to return home. Once aboard she refused to go below even though a cold rain had started. She pulled up her cloak and stood on the deck until she no longer could see the cliffs. Jamiy allowed her this. She had to say good-bye in her own way. After the mists closed in he retrieved her and she dropped into her bed too weary and mentally exhausted to even weep anymore. Jamiy sat down at the table to start his vigil over her.