Song of the Little Bird

by CaptainGlenmore

PREVIOUSLY CALLED 'THE WOLF'S ROSE. Valerica Glenmore and Varian Wrynn were childhood friends, turned Sweethearts until his betrothal to Tiffin Ellerian was announced. Now a new enemy threatens the peace they've enjoyed for most of their lives, can they balance everything to please everyone? Extremely Au, mature from chapter 5 onwards. Comments appreciated.

35. Dream away the cold

Disclaimer: Varian Wrynn and all recognisable characters belong to Blizzard entertainment. Valerica Glenmore and characters not from Warcraft or it's associated games cannot be sold or used without express permission from the author.

The trip to Ironforge didn't take as long as Val thought it would, but at the same time the excitement of seeing the city made everything seem ten times longer than it actually was. Varian was watching her practically bounce from her boots as they got to the gates, and where other men would be slightly embarrassed by their woman acting with such childishness, he couldn't get enough of it.

"I suppose I've lost you from this minute onward?" Val nodded before he'd even finished speaking, meaning she hadn't been listening to a word and was clearly humouring him, which in all honesty, he was fine with.

She was finally going to a city she'd dreamed of seeing for years, he wouldn't begrudge her that, just as she hadn't been fussed at all about how he was here to take part in more politics. She hopped out of the carriage, letting Varian pass a sleeping Anduin down to her before he jumped out himself, giving the driver a satchel of coin and pulling his son's cloak around him more. "I've never understood your fascination with the cold, woman, I'm starting to think you've truly gone insane."

Val wasn't shocked by his grumblings; Varian was one of those men that would moan if it was even the slightest bit chilly, and would rather that they all boiled to death in blazing sunshine, where she was the exact opposite, much preferring the things the cold brought with it more than the climate itself; the thought of wrapping up warm, sipping hot chocolates and finding excuses to hug and cuddle Varian as much as she could were all the arguments she needed lest someone start the seasonal debate with her.

"Oh come now Varian, you can't think that this is at least beautiful if nothing else?" She waved an arm over Dun Morogh, which was merely a thick, white blanket of crisp snow that seemed to constantly fall, to the point where even the carriage tracks were already being filled in.

Dun Morogh had always fascinated her with its weather since it wasn't that much further north than Stormwind, yet it was like they had suddenly travelled to the furthest reaches of Azeroth, for it was indeed like stepping into a book she'd loved since childhood.

"Maybe Anduin and I will find the Snow Queen!" She chose to ignore how Varian rolled his eyes at the mere thought of his partner (Light, it would be so much more gratifying when he could call her fiancee) and son traipsing about in the calf deep snow looking for an imaginary monarch. "Val, there's no such thing, don't even think about it." Val looked defiant, choosing to look around a bit before they went inside, only annoying him further.

"Val, he's going to freeze." Val merely fixed Anduin's flat cap and carried on walking further down the hill, intentionally annoying him. "He's fine Varian, I'd know in a millisecond if he was too cold." Varian pulled his scarf over his mouth, folding his arms and huffing.

"Fine then, I'm going to freeze." Val turned, leaving a large groove in the snow from her boot. "Then you go inside, I'll meet you there in a minute." Varian silently asked the Light for strength as he too trudged down the hill, trying his hardest to keep his voice down so he didn't wake Anduin.

"How is this enjoyable? Freezing my balls off in deep snow is not my idea of fun." She had to muster the sickliest, sweetest little smile she could, batting her eyelashes and almost daring his will to break. "I find it alot of fun."

Varian screwed his eyes shut and opened them again in the hopes that she'd changed her expression, but he clearly wasn't that lucky. "Oh alright, fine, ten minutes then we need to go in, Magni's expecting us remember."

She impressed him with how quiet she could make her squeal, giving his son to him and only chuckling when Varian instantly wrapped the boy in his cloak and held him close, looking like he was merely wearing an oversized sling since he'd kept it on during all of this.

"Varian, he's going to end up overheating with the way you're carrying on!" Varian glared at her, spying a few roaming boar nearby and starting to actually warm to the idea of a snow hunt.

"See, you're enjoying yourself already." Varian's eyebrow cocked. "And just what gave you that idea?" Val rocked on her heels, bending and passing a pile of snow from hand to hand. He knew she wouldn't throw it at him all the time he was holding Anduin, she was merely enjoying the sensation of it. Even he had to admit he wasn't regretting bringing her here, since she'd never made it a secret how much she loved snow, and Stormwind hadn't seen a good snowfall in the past two years, prompting this little excursion.

And he'd also be very much lying to himself if he didn't appreciate how beautiful she looked against the pure white backdrop, with little flakes settling in her hair and eyelashes enough to make him want to kiss her face all over until it was warm again, add that to the genuinely happy smile she had on it and he was convinced he was dreaming.

"Varian?" He jarred himself from his day dreaming, turning to find her behind him now. "Sorry, I was miles away." Val was brushing her fingers on icicles that were hanging from the branches of the nearby tree with a grin.

"What, back in Stormwind were you?" Varian chuckled, kissing Anduin's head as he stirred, presumably from the rumble of his chest. It was probably easier for him to wade through the snow since he had more power to channel into his legs, and he found himself next to her in a mere few strides, feeling the light sting of the air on his lips as they pressed against her cheek.

"Back in our bed." Val scratched the bottom of his chin. "Stop it Varian, you'll only be tempting yourself." She started laughing, picking up more snow and brushing it off of her gloves just to see it fall.

"I wouldn't recommend love making out here anyway." Varian tried not to laugh, feeling Anduin's head and grimacing. "Val, we should go inside Sweetheart, we can come out later when we've warmed up." He didn't understand how she wasn't feeling the cold after the long ride here chilling him down to his bones within ten minutes.

Maybe it was a Stranglethornian trait to always be warm where they were used to the sunlight, but he thought her quite the oddity when she didn't even flinch at the touch of it.

"Are you sure you're not a frost mage sweetheart?" Val grinned wickedly, taking his arm as they went back up the hill, where Varro and Jon were waiting semi-impatiently. "If I were, Varian, trust me, you'd know it. We'd be living in a winter wonderland by now."

She put her head on his arm, looking up at him. "Can we live here instead?" Varian's eyebrow cocked. "What, and leave Stormwind you mean?" She nodded and he wasn't sure whether to take her seriously or not.

"Is this a joke? Or am I meant to be invested?" Val thankfully didn't take it personally and merely gave him a small smile. "I mean it Varian. Let's live here, build ourselves a little cottage and enjoy year round winter." Varian's guilt was as plain as the scar on his face.

"Val, you know we can't do that, we have responsibilities." Val would never admit later that she was pouting, but that was exactly what Varian was looking at as they ascended the slope that led towards the huge stone gates of the Dwarven capital.

"Stuff your responsibilities, I want snow." Varian felt Anduin stir, smiling down as blue eyes opened and the boy they belonged to looked up as if he were in a trance, so Varian decided to give him a minute. "We get snow in Stormwind."

Val shook her head, clearly not letting this go. Jon and Varro both followed them once they met with them, looking as annoyed as Varian felt about having to stand in the snow just so Val could play. "Not proper snow! We get slush, that's about it." Varro looked down at his charge since he was only about an inch shorter than Varian.

"You're not honestly moaning again, are you Milady?" Val elbowed his side, rubbing it afterwards and regretting not remembering he was in plate. "I'm not moaning, I'm merely telling Varian my hearts desire and he's denying me it. Varro, I order you to kill him for it."

Varian's guffaw echoed as they neared the stone fortress, with Varro shaking his head. "Even if that was a serious order Milady, there's no way in all hells that I'd even attempt it." Jon snickered, starting to pull his cloak down from his mouth as the overwhelming warmth started to radiate from within.

"Good to see you learn quickly lad. I'm going to take three guesses and say you were moaning about snow?" Val huffed, choosing not to answer and taking Anduin's hat off as he woke up completely, keeping his head on Varian's shoulder. "Mornin' Papa."

Varian chuckled, smoothing his son's hair. "It's the afternoon already Anduin. You've been asleep for a while." Anduin's little brow furrowed and he lifted his head, looking up at the same giant statue of Magni that Val was standing there clearly in awe of. "Ironfor'?" Varian kissed his little cheek, glad to feel it warming up. "Yes son, we're in Ironforge." Anduin looked at Varian's feet next.

"Down please." Varian didn't do it immediately, hardening his face and making sure Anduin was focused on him before he carried out the request. "Only if you promise to stay with either me or Mum. Ironforge is a big place, and we can easily lose you, so you don't leave our sides, understand?"

Anduin nodded and Varian must've felt confident enough in his son's common sense to trust him, putting him down and watching like a hawk as he trotted off in front of them. "Jon, go with him." The short but sharp command was all Jon needed to quicken his pace and catch up with the Prince, engaging in his happy squeaks and questions.

"Have you ever been here before, Milady?" Val shook her head, not quite sure what to think about the smile on Varian's face. "No, I haven't, and I'm not entirely sure what to expect." Varro looked surprised by her answer. "Did you not bring her, Your Majesty?"

Varian could forgive the blunt questions; the boy (he said that, but was more than sure they were the same age) had only been with them for only a couple of years whereas Jon had been there for about four, so had been given time to catch up on their history when Varro had barely started.

"I never really came here myself, and when I did it was for purely political things that took up my time, so I couldn't spend time with Val." Val smirked, folding her arms. "Another one of your million and one promises." Varian glared at her despite her smile telling him she didn't mean it.

"I've kept a damn good number of them over the years, don't even go there." He stopped, realising their conversation had carried them to the Great Forge already, so before Val could see it he covered her eyes, ignoring her protests.

"Varian, we are not five, and this isn't my birthday party! Get off!" Varian merely rolled his eyes. "Just shut it and walk forwards, I'll tell you when to stop." Val tried to prise his hands off but knew it was a futile endeavour, sighing loud enough to tell him her feelings on the idea and dramatically stepping forwards to throw his rhythm off.

"If you could do it without imitating a drunk chicken that would be much appreciated!" Anduin had stopped at Jon's semi-stern command, holding the guards hand and watching the apparently hilarious sight of the two of them.

"Silly Mum!" Varro came to stand with Jon, leaning in towards the brunette. "Are they always like this?" Jon nodded, realising that since Val wasn't living at the Keep, Varro hadn't seen the two of them together much, so it was a valid question. "It becomes normal after a while…sickening, ain't it?" Varro made a noise of agreement, taking his cloak off now they were inside and slinging it over his arm.

"Wish my missus would learn what fun is." Jon's eyebrow rose and he couldn't help his smirk. "That's what you get for marrying an elf." Varro narrowed his baby blue eyes at him. "Oi, watch it, she's a good woman when it comes to everything else." Jon mimed locking his mouth with a key, sputtering as Varro's look got dirtier.

"Alright, one more step and…here we are Sweetheart." Val could feel the comforting and familiar warmth of forges being used before Varian could even take his hands away, smelling the sulphur of newly made bullets, that tangy smell that steel always had but Varian swore he could never find, hearing the pounding of hammers, it was all beautiful to her.

It was like she was back in her childhood, and she couldn't help but feel her eyes water when Varian finally gave her vision back, fat tears of nostalgia that made Anduin become very concerned, enough to wrench his hand away from Jon and hug Val's legs. "Don't cry Mum." Val bent and picked up the boy, kissing his round cheek and letting Varian wipe her eyes for her since her hands were now full.

"I'm fine Little Lion, it's just a bit overwhelming." She looked up at Varian, who had purposely stayed quiet to let it sink in a little. "This was your plan all along wasn't it? To trick me into loving smithing again?"

Varian tapped the side of his nose, kissing her head and gently pushing her forward. "I'll give you my answer when I see whether it's worked or not. For now, let's not keep Magni waiting any longer for us."

Val was just as interested as Anduin was as the quintet walked through the massive structure (Nan, Wyll and the others had gone on ahead hours ago and were instructed to wait in their rooms), watching the smith's work and cursing that Varian's little plan was already working, and she wasn't sure how happy about that she was seeing as she was merely a lowly apprentice once again.

Things were different when she had her own shop, her own tools and control of what she did, and as much as she thought Harry Bayne a fair and temperate employer…she hated working under someone.

Carson had suggested that it was just the stubborn Glenmore streak in her, and she was inclined to agree, but she and Varian had discussed it and he had suggested she just hated being controlled, which sounded just as plausible. The fact that she didn't have a forge to use whenever she wanted had jaded her, making her passion more of a job nowadays and ruining it a little, so she had been debating another radical suggestion.

"Varian…I need to discuss something with you later." She hated how bad she was with wording serious things, his face alone made her regret ever opening her mouth. "…About what, may I ask?" She tried to look reassuring but had a feeling she was failing.

"It's nothing bad, it's just about our future and where I want to go with it." She didn't like how nervous he suddenly looked. "Varian?" He managed to look down at her, waving Varro on and stopping, taking her hands.

"Can I at least have a hint now you've scared the living daylights out of me?" She stood on her toes and kissed his cheek, smiling up at him. "It's nothing to do with us as a couple." His shoulders dropped and he sighed in relief. "Thank the Light. Don't do that to me woman, you know how anxious I am about you leaving me." They heard Anduin calling impatiently, walking at a brisker pace than they had been but nowhere near running.

"I will probably never understand why you feel that way. I've not given you any inkling that I'm leaving." Varian tightened his grip on her arm, catching up to Varro and waving their little group on. "I know, but it's the norm when a hideous beast of a man has someone beautiful and lovely with them that they constantly doubt themselves and are convinced it's out of pity, or she's just mad and can't make rational decisions." Val's eyebrow lifted. "And I suppose this 'hideous beast' is you?" Varian flashed her a quick grin, attempting to smooth his hair as they stopped outside the doors of the High Seat.

"Well who else would I be talking about?" Val pouted, holding Anduin's hand and making sure the toddler didn't have anything around his mouth. Magni would forgive her simple clothing since travel by ship and wagon didn't really warrant her best gowns, which were in her rooms probably being put away by a workaholic Nan. Though even that thought made her grimace. "Do I really have to wear gowns?" Varian was glad of the subject change since it meant the usual 'you're not ugly' argument was avoided, but this new one wasn't much better.

"Val, I already explained this to you, this is technically a diplomatic visit, so they'll be formal dinners. I'm not saying you have to wear gowns, you know I don't give a fig about what you wear-" She couldn't help her snort.

"Nice backtrack there." He chose to ignore that. "-but think of it this way, you'll look even more beautiful than you already do, and those who grumble will have their 'traditional' image of a queen to boot, so they'll know you're mine and that this is serious, does that make sense?" She wrinkled her nose, appreciating that the guards were waiting for their conversation to finish.

"It does, but at the same time it feels like we're going against everything we've ever said about not bending to peoples' wills." Varian held her shoulders, running his hands down her arms. "Such is the life of a monarch I'm afraid. There's only so much bending of 'the way things are done' I can do without upsetting everyone and shooting myself in the foot." She sighed, turning and taking his arm again as the doors finally opened. "Fine, but I wear them under protest." Varian chuckled, squeezing her hand. "Duly noted my darling."

"Varian! Bloody hell, ah was wonderin' where ya were!" Val lifted Anduin so he was at the same level of the Dwarven king, who pushed himself from his throne and came meandering over to them, embracing Varian and thumping his back, taking Val's hand, kissing it once and tickling Anduin's chin. "Apologies Your Majesty, but that was my fault, I was too busy exploring." Magni waved a large hand, putting both of them behind his back. "Think nothing of it lassie, I half expected it."

He waved an arm towards the door. "So, how'd you find our fair land lass? Ah know Varian's been here afore, but he tells me this is ya first time." Val was trying to hide her excitement but Varian was very much enjoying watching her fail at it. "Oh Your Majesty, it's more beautiful than I could have ever imagined! We never, ever get snow like this in Stormwind, I just want to go out and throw myself in the like a chil-"

She cleared her throat in acute embarrassment, looking down at her mud crusted boots and trying not to blush at both men's chortles. "It's lovely, Your Majesty." Magni gave her such a reasurring smile that she could feel her anxiety about how giddy she'd gotten melt away. "Less of the 'Your Majesty' lass, we're all equals here." Val merely nodded quickly, putting Anduin down when he started to fuss, toddling forward and patting Magni's beard, much to the amusement of the king.

"Anduin, stop that." Varian's hand grabbed the blonde's arm and made to pull him back, put Magni stopped him. "Nae lad, he's doin' nae harm." He bent to get to Anduin's level. "Yer a curious little monkey, ain't ya laddie?" Anduin nodded, pointing to Varian. "Papa's beard never gets long!" Varian pinched the bridge of his nose. "That's because your mum hates beards Anduin, you know this." Val saw Magni's eyebrow rise with the corners of his mouth and panicked a little.

"Only on Varian, that is. Overall I think they suit certain people." Magni must've noticed how hard she was trying and took her hand again, patting it lightly. "Val, ye can relax lassie, yer nae being judged here. Be yerself, I'm interested to get ta know ya as Varian has told me ye are." Val loudly exhaled, letting her shoulders droop and her head relax. "Thank you. I swear, I am never going to get this 'lady of the king' act right."

Varian's arm went across her shoulders and he planted a light kiss on her temple. "I keep telling you not to do it, maybe one day you'll listen to me." Magni scoffed, folding his arms. "From what ah hear, you're quite the stubborn one, surely his court are tremblin' in fear?" Val managed a small laugh, but she was sure it sounded fake as hells. "It's quite the opposite actually, none of them take me seriously because I've actually worked a day in my life."

That made Magni's face brighten and he put a hand on each of their backs, steering them back to the forge. "Aye, I hear you share our trade lass! I'll admit, I had nae idea ya were Lokir's daughter until I saw ya at the aftermath of Hillsbrad. I take it ya hear alot that yer tha spit of your Da?" Val called Anduin, inwardly praising the boy's ability to actually listen to instruction when his palm pressed against hers.

"More than you probably think. It seems that nearly everyone I meet knew him at one point or the other." Magni made a pleasant noise of agreement, waving his guards away. "Ah'll admit, I only met 'im the once, but twas a very….memorable meeting." He chuckled, letting Anduin take his hand since the prince was clearly taken with the Dwarven king. "He beat me at cards, then tha' cabin boy of his tried ta nick a keg o' beer, and I tell ya, watchin' a ten year old try and do tha' was the funniest thing ah've probably seen in a very long while."

Varian's grimace made his feelings evident. "Oh good, so you've met Cillian as well. Fantastic." Val narrowed her eyes at him. "Varian, not today." Varian stopped, gazing around at the beautiful fortress. "So where's this rail-road I keep hearing about? I'm highly interested to see it Magni." Magni nodded, putting his hands behind his back. "An' ya will, but first ah insist on you all freshening yourselves up and taking dinner with me." Varian was reluctant to admit that sounded like a good idea when he knew there were things that needed to be discussed.

"Then I thank you for your hospitality old friend and gratefully accept your offer." Magni clapped his large hands and rubbed his palms together. "Excellent! Then ah'll let ya get on, and see ya at supper." He once again thumped Varian's back and kissed Val's hand. "Welcome ta Ironforge Val. Ah'm hoping ta see a showcase of yer skills in the coming days." Val felt her cheeks go pink, particularly when Varian's arm went around her waist.

"Oh, well, I wouldn't want to step on any toes…" She looked behind her at the Great Forge, getting that twinkle in her eye that Varian had hoped to spark in their time here, and was relieved to see so soon. "But that is a really pretty forge…" Magni and Varian both laughed at the same time, finding her indecision positively adorable. "Why don't ye have a good think on it, eh? Go on, off with ye, and feel free to explore as much as ya want!"

Even their rooms had a beautiful, crafter's feel to them, with intricate etchings and murals cut into the stone walls and the sound of the forge outside coming through the small hole in the wall that substituted a window, giving Val the brilliant view of the workers below. She and Varian had the bigger guest chambers with Anduin having his next door, much to the little boy's delight once he realised he had free roam of a whole room all to himself.

He had practically leapt into Johanna's arms and they could still hear him chirping happily from his own window, which Varian had made sure wasn't low enough for anything dangerous to occur. Now Anduin wasn't with them Val felt alright to smoke, so she was savouring the drag she took from her cigar as Varian washed up, growing more eager to roll up her sleeves and get down there. "I might make myself a sword. A hammer's getting too clunky for me."

Varian's voice was distant enough for her to have to concentrate, but not enough to strain her ear since he was only in the small washroom that their chambers held. "If you feel it'll suit you, go for it. I'll happily re train you with it." Val grimaced, feeling her bicep as he said it. "I've been so lazy with all that since leaving the army…it's a little bit shameful really." She heard his grunt, turning around to see whether he'd just gotten soap in his eye or something, but apparently it was in agreement with her.

"I've been the same Sweetheart, don't worry. We'll kick our arses back into gear soon enough." Varian frowned, deciding to leave his hair loose for the time being. "What was it you wanted to speak to me about?" Val had to take a few seconds to think what the hells he was on about before straightening, extinguishing her cigar. "Oh, it's nothing major." Varian came back into the main chamber. "I'd still like to know. What's with all the suspense Sweetheart? It can't be that bad, surely?"

Val gave him a smile, not even feeling a chill standing here in just a corset and underskirt, reaffirming just how wide the heat from the forge spread throughout the city. "It's not…at least, I don't think it is. It might make things a little bit difficult for me, but I'll find some-way around it." She realised she was waffling and he was getting impatient. "I've decided to leave the smiths and work somewhere else." Varian didn't look as surprised as she first presumed he would be, but his eyebrows still rose and his hands went on his hips.

"Are you sure? What brought this on?" She shrugged, fully aware that she needed to get ready, but she was enjoying having a man that actually cared enough to listen too much to care. "I was thinking about what you said, about losing my love for smithing because it's a job now. I know it was a job when I had the shop, but everything else was different, I had my brother, I had freedom to take as long as I needed... now it's a bit of a chore, so my theory is that if I work somewhere else and make it a hobby again, I might start enjoying it again."

Varian looked as if he were mulling it over as much as she was, eventually coming over and kissing both of her hands. "It's a plausible theory, I'll grant you that. Any ideas where you'll go instead?" Val couldn't help her little smirk. "Well, I'm sure there's a brothel somewhere nearby that wants ugly women." Varian was on the brink of snapping at her about the mere thought of it, but realised halfway through his angry inhale that she was jesting and bit it off as quickly as possible.

"That's neither funny nor true Val." That didn't stop her smiling. "Oh admit it, it is a little bit." Varian clearly didn't agree. "I'd rather die than see you in one of those abominable places." He put his hands on her waist, stroking his thumbs along them.

"You'll do fantastic at anything you choose Sweetheart, and you have my full support." She started laughing and he was eager to know why. "What about Keep cook?" Varian was a millisecond away from needing to take a minute to calm himself down. "Val…" Val took his hands away, putting her on on her hips.

"What? I'm a damn good cook!" Varian busied himself with pouring them both a drink so he didn't strangle her. "Val, that's enough, please. My head's absolutely thumping, I don't need your childishness today." Val knew she should've been offended by that, but the apologetic look in his eyes just made her worry.

"You haven't been sleeping again, have you? I thought it was getting better?" Varian sighed, sitting at the small desk the room held and running a hand down his face. "It was, for about two weeks, then I just fell off the wagon again."

Val came to his side, running her fingers through her hair. "I haven't heard you screaming though…" Varian opened one eye and leant his head back to look up at her. "It's not nightmares anymore, which I suppose is an improvement of sorts, now it's just insomnia. No matter what I do, I just cannot go to sleep." Her brow furrowed but her little fingers kept moving since they were clearly giving him comfort.

"You could always wake me up." He shook his head, appreciating the thought nonetheless. "No, you shouldn't have to suffer with me. I'm sure I'll find some way of dealing with it Sweetheart, don't worry yourself." She kissed his forehead, moving her hands down to his shoulders instead.

"It's my job to worry about you." His contented groan was a welcome sound and she could swear he was smirking. "Well don't. I'm the worrier in this relationship Missy, I do it enough for the both of us." He took her wrist, kissing the inside of her arm and squeezing it.

"Get dressed before you catch your death." Val looped both arms around his neck, putting her head on his shoulder. "Only if you promise to see a physician." Varian's groan was one of annoyance this time. "Val, I don't need a physician telling me I can't sleep." Val pinched both of his cheeks. "No, but he could tell you how to make it better. Promise me when we get back to Stormwind you'll at least talk to him?" Varian slowly exhaled, furrowing his brow when she let his face go. "I don't have a choice in this, do I?"

Val pecked his wrinkled forehead, unlatching her arms and swiping her dress from the bed, thanking Nan even though she was fetching them some tea since it was actually quite plain compared to what she had expected. It was a beautiful burgundy cotton with gold trim on the low neck and skirt, with puff shoulders and tight sleeves helpfully hiding her bite scars, since Nan knew for a fact that she was rather self conscious about them.

She left the sides of the bodice untied, Nan would tie them ten times better than she would ever manage after many minutes of stressing, clipping her gold coin belt around her waist and looking at herself, still not sure. "I don't look like myself anymore." Varian came behind her, kissing her bare neck and holding her tight. "Because you're not used to it yet. Remember Val, this is what you would've had if I had gotten my way, it's just part of being with me."

He kissed behind her ear, pressing their cheeks together. "Would it help if I told you that you look absolutely gorgeous?" Val bit the inside of her cheek, reaching back and scratching his chin. "Not in the slightest." Varian chuckled, but it had changed tone, with a low rumble accompanying it and more kisses on her shoulders. "Well you are. Absolutely, completely gorgeous. You make every man you look at go mad."

Val knew there was a hint of jest in his voice, and decided to play along, reaching upwards and hooking her arms around his neck. "Including you?" Varian swayed with her, smiling more than he thought he would be considering their previous conversation. "Oh, most definitely. Mad as a coot." Val swivelled, tasting the ale that had been left for them on his lips when she caught them, letting him steer her until her back touched the wall.

"Varian." He bundled one side of her skirt to her waist and grabbed her thigh, putting his other arm above her head to steady himself as his kisses only became more intense. "Varian…" She had to admit that as much as she was chiding him about his sudden amorous mood, she was a little pathetic in terms of how much she resisted kisses to her neck, thoroughly enjoying how his jaw followed the curve of her throat and sat so perfectly that she couldn't help but think the old saying of 'someone being made for you' was true.

"Light alive woman." It was entirely inappropriate to be doing this now, since the two of them both knew that Anduin would become impatient before long and come looking for them, yet here Varian was, tracing the inside her thigh and feeling his own desire sky-rocket at her arousal. "Why in the hells did we not keep our clothes on back then?"

Val kissed the side of his head, gasping louder than she would've liked when two of his fingers edged themselves inside her, jamming her flat hand down the waistband of his breeches and digging the tips of her nails in his backside, with the tiny pinpricks of pain only making Varian more determined to push her over the edge with every stroke and press of his fingertips.

"I guess we just thought it enhanced the experience." She managed to force a small, strangled laugh from her throat, feeling him push his digits in as far as they could go and loving every second. "Why, are you changing your mind about that?" Varian finally brought his head up, putting his forehead on hers and retracting his fingers, grabbing her wrists and pinning them by her head. "Like you wouldn't believe. It's a strange feeling; I absolutely love seeing you bare, but I'll admit, my imagination runs away with me when you wear things like this and I have to try and keep my hands to myself, all I want to do is rip it off you."

Val clenched both of his lapels, slipping under his arm and taking his breath away with every moment her lips were on his, dragging him over to the breakfast table, clutching and grasping at whatever body part she touched first as he took the lead and lifted her, moving some things out of the way so she could lay back, giving him the delicious view he had craved to have to himself all day.

He would never, ever admit that he'd advised Nan on what dresses to pack for her, but he had chosen the ones he thought would look perfect on her, and was pleased to find that so far he was right.

"This'll have to be quick." Val grinned, worrying her lip just to compress her excitement. "You know that doesn't bother me. It'll probably be the last time we can do this until we get back to Stormwind." He pecked her knee as he brought both of her legs up, opening his breeches and pulling them down to just above his knees so he could move, lining his swollen head up with her sex and sighing a bit too loudly considering there was no actual window but merely a hole in the wall.

It was risky, and that only made it more enjoyable for Varian as he did what was always necessary when he first took Val; a few slow, long thrusts to help her adjust to him, though he'd be lying if he told anyone that he didn't do it just to see her eyes close, her lips part and hear her breath hitch with a small wiggle of her hips counter acting his. "What happened to quick?" Varian lightly slapped her backside, picking his pace up a little. "Just let me enjoy this woman."

She gripped his arms once he put them either side of her, biting her lip to muffle her own vulgar noises, arching her back and feeling her head go light with every graze of the mahogany on her back as his sharp thrusts moved her. "Close?"

She managed a quick nod, squirming and letting her arms flop above her head, choking on every breath and contracting rapidly, feeling a warm tug in the pit of her belly and whimpering, arching her back and shuddering borderline violently, curling her toes and cutting grooves into her palm as a result of how tightly she was clenching her fists.

Varian held her hips, keeping her lower half still as he carried on, knowing it only intensified the experience for her, gritting his teeth as her tightening walls threatened to make his own climax happen far too soon for his liking, tensing every muscle in his legs to keep himself steady. She was quivering once she stopped convulsing, swallowing large gulpfuls of air and blinking to adjust her eyes. He bent, taking a quick reprieve to kiss her cheeks. "You're so beautiful." She rubbed her nose against his, biting his bottom lip and finally catching her breath.

"That's rich coming from you." She reached down and opened her fingers with two on each side, sliding them along his shaft and panting like a dog in heat at how quickly and firmly he grabbed her breast,kissing her peaked nipple through the thin cotton. He brought himself back up, hitching her legs up and warning her that this would be the final stretch, moving his hips as quickly as humanly possible, grunting like a savage and closing his eyes, hearing moans escape his throat that he would normally suppress for being too out of character, but he always kept in the back of his mind that Val loved it when he relaxed enough to do it, so he wasn't that bothered this time.

He heard a high squeak, a loud 'Good Light!' and a door banging, snapping his head down and finding a giggling Val and wondering what the hells was going on, losing his momentum a little. "What's so damn funny?" Val pointed to the door, still trying to stifle her giggles since she was still very much in the throngs of pleasure and it was making her stomach flip. "I think one of my maids just walked in on us." Varian kept his hips moving, needing release too much to stop now.

"How d'you know it was one of ours?" Val shrugged, letting out small breaths as she prepared herself to come again. "Human…young…woman…." Her dwindling ability to speak and her backside slapping against the table only drove Varian further, shoving her skirt up to squeeze her thighs and clamp them to his hips, feeling every single little pump and twitch that his climax brought with it, hissing and fighting to catch his breath until he felt himself empty and the heat that had spread across his chest slowly retreat to a soft warmth.

He blew damp hair out of his face and took Val's hand to pull her up and shimmy her forward, holding her close and kissing her head, making him glad she hadn't done her hair yet since it was falling over her face like a pair of wayward curtains. "So, someone finally walked in, did they?" Val looked up at him, kissing whatever part of his hand that she could reach when it brushed her hair back so she could actually see him. "It was bound to happen eventually." She grimaced, pulling the neck of her dress back up.

"I honestly hope she wasn't new, or we might've just scared her off." Varian snickered, disengaging now he'd gone soft and pulling his breeches up. "Well, at least it'll give them all something to talk about." Val huffed, sliding from the table and closing her legs as much as she could, hopping over to the washroom. "I hope not, or I'll have to blind them all. Your backside is all mine." Varian's eyebrow quirked as he merely picked his already dirty shirt from when they had first arrived up and cleaned himself up with it.

"Is that a hint of jealousy I hear Sweetheart? That's not like you." Val dried her thighs off, still looking rather disgruntled. "I've heard many a horror story about maids trying to seduce kings Varian." Varian knew laughing wouldn't be a great idea as a response to something like that, but still kept his smirk. "Val, you sat with me and chose every one of those girls, Mathias did background checks on them, none of them are interested in me, stop worrying."

Val swept the brush through her hair, still not liking how out of place she looked standing here in a gown. "Is this what it's like for you when I'm with a man?" Varian thought carefully about his answer, reminding himself that his jealousy was a sore topic for the both of them, but he couldn't just sit here in silence. "Not every man. Only a few."

She stuck her head out, listening out for the door this time. "Define a 'few'?" Varian gave her a small smile, picking up the candlesticks that had found a home on the floor in their rush to have each other. "You want me to be honest? There's about five men I watch like a hawk, that's all." She sat back on the corner of the table, crossing one leg over the other.

"Can I ask who they are?" Varian shook his head, bending to pick up the ashtray and feeling her light kick on his backside. "No, it'll just start an argument that I'm too tired to have." Val bit her bottom lip, smiling wickedly. "Can I guess?" Varian rolled his eyes, straightening the chairs and bidding entry to Nan once she knocked, trying not to laugh with her as a rather embarrassed young girl came in with her and Catherine, the third of Val's ladies, with Lee bringing up the rear make their room suddenly full.

"If you must." Val hopped down, kissing Nan's cheek. "Well, I think one of them is obviously Cillian." Varian pointed to the blue doublet, knowing it was Val's favourite colour, and taking it from Lee as he turned to find his baubles. "Well that goes without saying, doesn't it?" Val sat down, begrudgingly letting Nan do her hair since she had no idea how to do anything fancy with it and knew her rather sloppy ponytails would look strange with a gown. Catherine put a long metal rod on the fire to heat, and Varian couldn't help but notice how Susan, the youngest, hadn't even looked up since they'd all arrived.

"I take it that was you just now Susan? Apologies for what you saw, but surely Nan told you that knocking is imperative with us?" Nan, who had taken on the mentor for the both of them, knitted her brow. "Susan, you didn't just barge in, did you?" Susan shuffled her feet even though though they couldn't be seen under the gold coloured gowns all three of them were wearing. "I completely forgot, apologies Your Majesty, it won't happen again."

Val reached out since getting up was not an option; Nan had tied her hair into sections and was using the rod that Catherine had heated to curl her hair into ringlets that Val had never had the occasion to practice wearing. Susan took her hand and the fourteen year old bent to her level. "There's no need for apologies Sue, we were worried more for you then we were us." She smirked, making Varian chuckle while Lee tied his doublet.

"Walking in a room and seeing the king's arse is rarely something one expects." Catherine spoke before she could even think, but thankfully Val found it hilarious. "At least it's a nice arse." Nan glared at her, wondering how she was even a Ridgewell sometimes with some of the things she came out with. "Catherine!" Val however was biting her thumb to stifle her immature giggles, not making it any easier for Varian, who was trying to swallow his own. "I wouldn't let Charlie hear you say that Cathy." Val's mirth calmed as Lee chided the blonde woman.

"Who's Charlie?" Catherine's blue eyes twinkled, answering Val's question before she even spoke. "My husband." Varian saw Val's smile and could only inwardly smile at it, since that smile only showed nowadays when someone mentioned marriage or family, cementing his decision as final regarding the proposal. He had to admit he'd been in two minds as to whether this would be what she wanted, but the way her whole demeanour changed when the subject was addressed eased his fears.

Val turned her head a little, wincing as the rod hit her scalp and waving away Nan's apologies. "How long have you been married?" Catherine sagged and Val had to wonder what she had said to warrant it. "Well, we're technically not, but we call each other husband and wife regardless." Varian looked as concerned as Val did. "What's stopping you two?" Catherine's icy tone was obvious to everyone in the room. "My brother denied us permission, and told Benedictus he wasn't to marry us." Val huffed, choosing three rings out of the five Susan offered and slipping them onto her fingers.

"Just when I thought Remington was starting to win my favour." Varian was still unsure, raising an eyebrow. "But he's not your father." Catherine shrugged, pouring them both a drink. "We don't have one, so he's the head of our family now, giving him all rights to do whatever he wants when it concerns my life. Why do you think we don't speak? I'm a 'disgrace' because I stayed with Charlie." Val gave her a small smile. "That's why you applied for the position." Catherine gave Varian an ale and passed one to Val.

"I thought out of everyone, you two would understand." Varian passed his goblet to Lee, bending so he could put his chain of office around his neck and make sure it was sitting properly. "Of course we do. If you need me to Catherine, I can intervene." She shook her head. "No Your Majesty; I'm grateful, truly I am, but Charlie and I are content with where we are. We don't want to start a war with my brother."

Val could tell Varian wasn't as content as Cathy was making out she was, but thankfully he left it. "Have you had the chance to explore yet, Milady?" Val shook her head and Varian couldn't hide his chuckle at her pout. "No, I haven't, but mark my words Lee, I'm playing in that snow before we leave, even if I have to drag you all by your ankles." Susan grimaced, passing Val some lip paint. "I hope not, I hate the cold." Varian huffed haughtily, reading the various letters Lee was passing him now he was ready.

"Thank the Light it's not just me. I swear, you've been making me out to be insane this whole time for not liking winter as much as you." Val huffed, grunting a little when Nan pulled her top layer back to pin it into a half updo. "You're such a grump." Varian rolled his eyes and Susan went to the door, letting a bouncing, wide awake Anduin in with Wyll, packing their room even more. "Well, someone's done with his nap." Anduin reached up and pulled the legs of Varian's breeches, grinning when his father lifted him and kissed his cheeks.

"And-e-win not tired! Play Mum!" Val refrained from shaking her head since Nan was meticulously pinning her hair. "Not right now Little Lion, we have dinner with King Magni." Varian sat down with him, rubbing his back with one palm. "But maybe afterwards, if you're good, we can go and have hot chocolate out in the snow. And if you behave all the time we're here, I'll see about us going to Shimmer Ridge on the last day." Val suddenly looked as excited as he did. "Really?! Oh Varian!" Cathy's eyes glazed over a little as she passed Val her shoes.

"I've always wanted to see the Modan lights, I hear they're absolutely beautiful." Of course, she was talking about the ribbons of light that covered the skies of Dun Morogh on certain nights, bathing it in beautiful hues of purples and greens, and for a fan of fantasy books and fairy stories like Val was, it was probably to be the highlight of the trip. Varian stood, letting Val take his arm once she was done and kissing her with every inch of pride he was feeling at how much she looked his equal.

"You're so gorgeous." Val shook her head, squeezing his arm and falling into step with him. "Stop it Varian. Lying makes the Light sad." Anduin's brow knitted and he patted Varian's shoulder. "Who's sad Papa?" Varian admired his son's compassion breaking through early on; the boy was the gentlest, kindest little creature he had come across in a very long time, and it was an absolute joy to watch and nurture that side of him before the perils of the world tried to strip it away. "No one Anduin, your mum's just making a horrible joke." Val huffed, not appreciating that.

"I'm not joking Varian. I've never understood what you see in me and I probably never will." Varian sighed, putting Anduin down and letting him run a little ways ahead once they were traversing the hall that led to the dining chamber, with Varro and Jon bulking their group even more by walking either side of them. "Val, please. Can't you just accept that I find you beautiful, even if you don't?" Val made a face, glaring at Varro as he mouthed a pained 'women' to a snickering Varian. "No, I don't think I can."

Varian scoffed, going in front of her and catching Anduin since the stairwell leading to the lower floor of the high seat was narrow enough to just fit one person at a time, meaning their retinue was going to take a while coming down the stairs. "Well tough luck Sweetheart, because I think it, and I don't plan on stopping anytime soon." Anduin started tugging on his hand, so he went ahead with him, glad that Wyll had stayed behind since in his older age he would be roped into running with the toddler as well as the king, and Varian wasn't the greatest fan of the groom giving in and putting himself through it.

Val beckoned Susan over, who was clearly still upset over supposedly breaking the rules, linking arms with her and smiling warmly. "Sue, don't worry about it, Varian and I aren't angry at you, if anything we find it quite funny." She knew exactly why the girl was avoiding talking about it; she knew how confusing things were at her age and how much it would shame her to admit something that was perfectly natural for someone like Val, who hadn't had to grow up with the censorship and strict boundaries noble life brought with it.

"He's a very attractive man, isn't he?" She knew it probably didn't help her thoughts on her and Varian's earlier conversation of maids seducing kings in the past that she'd asked outright, but with Susan it was different, she was a naive girl who needed to be respected, not berated. Though that didn't stop the brown haired girl flushing a bright red and visibly shrinking. "Milady, I don't think I should-" Val shushed her, ushering everyone else on and leaning in.

"It's alright, you won't be dismissed for saying it." Susan swallowed, realising what Nan had meant about Val being down to earth, she immediately felt at ease with the older woman, so actually felt a smile break onto her face. "You're a very lucky woman Milady." Val squeezed her hand, glad that she felt confident enough to say it to her. "You'll find someone at some point Sue, but try not to rush. Enjoy your life and carry on as is, and I bet you'll find someone along the way."

Susan didn't look so sure. "There's not many men that look like King Varian, Milady." Val waved a hand, feeling a little nostalgic about the first few times of finding Varian attractive for the first time, it was such a long time ago she forgot what the butterflies in her stomach felt like until their wings started beating again just thinking about it and watching Varian as he swung Anduin onto his shoulders, turned, and gave her a flash of his smile, the small, but genuinely happy one that was reserved for only a small handful of people.

"You never know, your tastes might change in time. As I said, don't go for a man just because he looks like the king, find someone you really connect with." Susan looked a bit happier, which was always Val's main goal. "You two seem to suit each other. Everyone I've spoken to is jealous of how well the king treats you." Val's eyebrow rose. "Define 'everyone'?" Susan's eyes widened a little and Val realised she must've thought she was in trouble again. "Well, mostly just other staff, like Nan, Cathy, and a few others. Apologies Milady, if you don't want me to speak about you and-"

Val put a finger on the girls lips, nudging her head and telling her that they'd arrived at the dining hall and decorum was required. "You can speak about what you like, on the condition that you tell me the jist of the conversations that involve me, deal?" Susan gave her a genuine grin as Varian waited for Val to catch up with him. "That sounds fair." Val cupped her cheek and let her arm go, taking Varian's hand instead and letting him guide her to the table where Magni stood, exchanging bows (she was still awful at curtseys and probably would be until her 'lessons' kicked in) and taking their seats with smiles all around.

"I tell ya lad, it's good to have you here as mah guest and not my ally. Tha' damned war made everythin' about politics." Varian murmured an agreement, thanking Magni's servant for the beer he poured him. "I know exactly what you mean old friend, I feel as though we can actually stop and breathe for five minutes." Magni steepled his large hands, quickly looking Val up and down. "Ya look lovely Val, new dress?"

She could hear him chuckling as he said it and it took everything in her not to break the slight façade of grace she was presenting and stick her finger at him, instead she settled for kicking Varian's calf as he started snickering.

"Don't even start Magni, just be grateful I did it and move on." Magni's chortle was impossible not to smile at, it was just a purely joyful noise, and Val found herself joining in. "I were being serious Val, you look pretty as a picture." She couldn't be bothered to revisit the same argument she had just had with Varian, so merely bowed her head.

"Thank you. I just hope people take me a little bit more seriously if I try hard enough. It's difficult, being the king's woman , it takes alot to get your voice heard." Magni's pained look dredged a question from Varian that he honestly didn't like asking.

"Still no headway with Moira?" Magni shook his head, running a hand down his beard. "Nae lad, and I'm starting ta think I'm just makin' it worse by pesterin' her. I've other matters ta worry about in tha meantime." Varian once again furrowed his brow and let Val cut Anduin's food for him.

"Has Muradin not contacted you then?" Magni harrumphed, swigging his beer. "Nae, and I'd love ta know why tha little shit hasn't. I'd know if he were in trouble, but knowin' Muradin he's just caught up with this explorin' lark." Val looked up, only half listening. "Where is he then?" Magni wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "Northrend, on some expedition to find an ancient something or other that probably ain't even there." Varian couldn't help his chuckle.

"You sound so interested Magni." The Dwarven king answered with his grin. "I've never been one fer explorin'. Home is where your rump rests, and mine is staying firmly in Ironforge, where it belongs." He looked behind him with a furrowed brow. "Where tha hells is that boy?…"

Val wasn't sure whether they were supposed to hear his mutter but cleared her throat regardless. "Are you expecting anyone else?" Magni had a mischievous glint in his eye. "Aye, there's someone I'd like ta introduce ya to, but damn it all if tha lad isn't late again."

The door opened as if on cue and Val had to admit she hadn't been expecting a black haired, skinny young human man to scurry through them, skidding to his seat and plonking himself down with a grin. "Sorry! Sorry, I'm late, I got caught up sorting the cables on the tram- literally caught, I was practically hog tied by the time I was done, I swear the sooner this trains done the easier my life will be! Then I had to get dressed, wash up, because obviously I couldn't come down here covered in oil-"

Magni cleared his throat and pointed to a sputtering Val and suspicious Varian. "What are pointing at- Oh, hello!" He stood, only Val laugh more when his knee hit the table and he swore under his breath, holding his hand out….except it wasn't a hand, not in the usual sense anyway.

Val didn't need to be a genius engineer like Gelbin to see that the stranger's hand and forearm had been replaced with a mechanical one of sleek black metal, with gold fingertips that were connected by spindles to a small console on the back of his hand, which had switches, gears and Light knew what else on it.

It hissed as he extended his arm, with small spurts of steam coming from tiny valves at the joints. "Whitlock Ferris, a pleasure Milady." Val was honestly more shocked that he apparently knew who she was than his hand, which only felt marginally cold when she shook it.

"I take it Magni's told you about us?" He nodded, letting her go. "Aye Ma'am, I was well aware of your visit." Magni snorted, not bothering to stand. "And still ya couldn't be on time." Whitlock chose to ignore that, moving to shake Varian's hand next, and Val tried not to titter at the caution on his face when the two men's palms touched.

She didn't expect Varian to look so out of his comfort zone with something like this when they had worked with the gnomes and dwarves for the past three years, yet here he was staring at the limb like it was either diseased or going to strangle him at a seconds notice.

"Your hand's strange!" Leave it to Anduin to just say it. Apparently Varian felt the same despite his caution, since he quickly barked a sharp "Anduin!" even though the man he'd just insulted was laughing heartily and ruffling his hair. "Oh don't worry Your Majesty, that's hardly the worst thing that's been said to me over it."

He bent to Anduin's level, instantly telling Val that he had experience with children since those who hadn't would normally just bend over the boy instead, stretching his fake arm out and letting the boy get a good look. "I had a bit of an accident when I was little, and only had one hand. This is just so I could use both of them again, that's all."

Magni's large smile told Val that he'd been involved with the process and they all took their seats again, with Anduin choosing to sit between Val and Whitlock instead of his father, which didn't surprise either of them.

He always clung to new people, wanting to be their friend within a space of five seconds or less and wanting to know absolutely everything about them, no matter if he understood it or not. "Whitlock came ta Ironforge during the war, with a little wooden thing attached to 'im, so Gelbin and I told him if he helped with the war effort, we'd make him a new hand."

Varian was growing more comfortable with the idea of it all, she could tell by how his shoulders relaxed by the tiniest margin, tiny enough that she was probably the only one who saw it. "You came here during the war?" Whitlock heard the accusatory undertones and smiled at Val's apologetic look. "As you can see Your Majesty, I'm hardly built for the army. My expertise falls more into the 'making' of things for the army to use, does that make sense?"

Varian leant back so his food could be put in front of him, and Val had to admit, the Dwarven food was probably in the top five on the list of things she had been looking forward to on their trip, so the melted cheese and hearty bread that was put down was looking rather inviting.

"So you're an engineer?" Whitlock nodded, breaking his bread in half. "I'm in no way the best, I still have alot to learn, but I've been interested in Dwarven design for years now. The folks at Stratholme bookshop ended up actually knowing me like I was family, the amount of times I went there to get books on it."

Now Val was getting excited. "Do you read alot?" Varian's groan earned him a small slap on the shoulder despite his chuckles. "Donnae tell me, Varian still teases ya fer ya book learnin' lass?" Val looked like a child trying to get a parent on their side.

"He does Magni, it's infuriating." She turned to glare at the highly amused King. "Sometimes I feel he'd rather I be an idiot." Varian's amusement dropped from his face like an anchor being let down, to be very quickly replaced with fury. "Don't even go there woman, I may tease but I love that you have something that makes you so happy. Stop making me out to be a complete bastard!"

He realised halfway through that she had purposely riled him up but his mouth wasn't on the same page as his brain until he'd finished his mini rant. "Damn it all, one day I won't fall for that…" Magni's chortle was louder than Val's snickers, only growing in volume once he'd noticed what had happened.

"Bloody women eh? They live ta give us grey hairs." Varian leant forward to catch Whitlock's eye, impressed at how his face hadn't moved yet he had a glint of humour in his amber iris. "Do you have a woman that drives you as mad as this one does me?" He wasn't expecting a blush to creep across the man's pale skin and his throat to clear.

"Erm, well…I..no. I'll admit Your Majesty, I'm not the best with women." Val put some of Anduin's cheese on her finger and tasted it to make sure there wasn't beer in it like there was hers and Varian's, giving the bowl back once she was satisfied.

"It's alright if you're fey, we have plenty of friends like it, it doesn't bother us." Still Whitlock shuffled uncomfortably. "That's…that's not what I meant. I'm just terrible with talking to women, that's all. I much prefer my own company."

He gave her a smile. "My sister's been trying for years to set me up with someone, but it's never worked. All I do is sit there awkwardly." Susan had taken over pouring everyone drinks and Val couldn't help but notice how she wasn't looking at them.

She had to grin as the girl poured hers, and couldn't resist meddling no matter how much Varian told her not to with just a look. "How old are you, Mister Ferris? If you don't mind me asking." Whitlock wiped his mouth, putting his napkin down. "Nineteen Milady, and please, call me Whitlock." Val flashed him her most charming grin. "Only if you call me Val." Whitlock didn't look too sure, glancing at Varian and probably wondering if he'd get his head punched in if he didn't show her the due respect.

"As long as you're sure?"Anduin answered before Val could, finally looking up from his food. "Mum hates being Lady." He giggled, and it made both Varian and Val very nervous. "She won't be Lady long though." Varian had gone very pale and it was only made worse when Val whirled on him. "What's that supposed to mean Varian?" Varian drummed his large fingers on the table, trying to ignore Magni's laughter and swallowing hard.

"I have absolutely no idea Sweetheart, you know the boy, he comes out with the most random of statements." Val peered at him, really not accepting his sudden shifty behaviour. "Varian, what's going-" Magni earned Varian's fervent thanks by rescuing the conversation, clearly knowing what was happening since the Dwarven King had already been told of his intentions to propose, even offering to make the ring before Varian informed him that he still had Val's old one. "Whitlock, why don't ya take Val down ta yer workshop after dinner?"

To Varian's relief the distraction worked and Val's suspicion turned to curiosity. "What kind of things have you made?" Whitlock had a mix of pride and coyness on his face, crumbling his chunk of bread between his human fingers. "Hardly anything worth writing home about really; just little projects I've been working on." A small smile crept onto his face. "Would you want to see it?" Val nodded and his face lit up. "Alright then, after dinner I'll take you down."

Anduin slapped both palms on the table. "Can I come?" Varian saw opportunity in his son's excitement, reaching over and ruffling his hair as their plates were taken. "I think that's a great idea, then Magni and I can scope out the Deeprun." Magni gave him a solid nod.

"Aye, I wouldnae want a little'un down there right now, it's a bloody hazard and a half." He took another swig of his beer, thanking Susan and trying not to laugh as Val watched her give Whitlock his, drawing a genuine smile from the black haired man.

"I take it you received the news from Lordaeron, Magni?" Varian's tone held the regal edge that told Val that the conversation was about to turn very much serious. "Aye, I did. Nasty bit o' business. Here's hoping it's just a late flu season."

Varian's brow furrowed and he thanked the servant for his main, braised boar belly with potatoes and seasonal vegetables, covered in a gravy that honestly made Val want to salivate. "From what Arthas had told me, there have been talks of quarantine up there." Anduin looked crestfallen, letting Val roll his sleeves up.

"Uncle Arthas not coming?" Varian understood that he meant 'Is Uncle Arthas not coming to Winter Veil?' and shook his head. "I'm not sure this year son, sorry. But he's sent your present down just in case. Once it's been inspected you can have it."

Val patted his head, leaving her palm there and stroking it with her thumb. "Auntie Jaina said she'll try to come this year though, so that's something." Anduin's grin covered his face once again and he started to bounce on the bench they were all sitting on. "Alright son, calm down. Eat your dinner nicely or we won't go out in snow, remember?"

Anduin stopped and put a finger to his lips, sweetly popping a carrot in his mouth and passing Val his fork to load up again. "He's a cute one, Your Majesty." Varian gave Whitlock an appreciative nod. "Thank you, he gets it from me." Though he couldn't help his suppressed smile as Val spoke before he could, making Magni laugh into his beer and the dwarf's face go red with attempted concealment of both his drink and his mirth.

"I love you too Sweetheart, truly I do." Whitlock chuckled, a boy-ish sound that made them remember that he was younger than them by quite a few years. "It's a mother's prerogative to take all the credit Your Majesty, my sister's the same with her girls." Varian thought this would be when Val went quiet and shrank into herself, but to his utter joy she merely straightened her face. "I'm not Anduin's mother Whitlock, you'd only have to look at the boy to realise that."

That's when the coin dropped with the engineer. "Oh sweet Light I'm so sorry! I completely forgot about Queen Tiffin, my sincerest apologies." Varian flinched at the idea of the boy forgetting who Tiffin was, but he quickly gained explanation to the fact.

"I'm from Stratholme you see, so I wasn't kept up to date with Stormwind's royal affairs. Again, I'm so sorry." Val waved a hand of dismissal, furthering Varian's pride as she didn't let it get to her. "No, it's fine, honestly. It's more for Anduin's benefit, we don't want him becoming confused." Whitlock murmured an agreement.

"Of course you don't, no, I completely understand." Anduin cemented the idea by pointing to Val. "And-e-win call mum, Mum." Varian and Magni both chuckled at the brief explanation, but Val could see that there was clearly something else on the King's mind.

"Magni, I have to ask, what have you heard of the activity concerning the Horde?" Magni sat up a little straighter. "Well lad ah hate ta disappoint, but our scouts couldn't find out much exceptin' tha the orc clans are gatherin'." Varian clearly wasn't happy with how little they all knew.

"We need to ready ourselves in case they decide to attack. We're preparing our armies this end, but Terenas is telling me to hold back and let him deal with it." Magni ran a hand down his beard. "Shall I extend invitation to the other leaders? Call an emergency meeting of the Alliance?"

Varian mulled it over, drumming his fingers on the table. "I think that would be wise. Even if we all correspond over message. Lee." The young boy stepped forward. "Your Majesty?" Varian wiped the corners of his mouth.

"Extend invitation to all Alliance leaders for Winter Veil. Tell them a meeting is needed to discuss the Horde and what to do with them, so we might as well celebrate together whilst we're at it." Magni folded his large arms, looking quite stony. "Who's actually left? Us, Gelbin…" Varian carried on for him, since there had indeed been some losses.

"Antonidas, Nizaar and Daelin." He huffed, taking a swig of his ale. "Damn Greymane for letting his pride get in the way of the greater good." Magni shared his feelings on the matter. "I take it ye have heard about this 'wall' he's bui?" Varian nodded, waving Lee away again.

"Liam wrote to me about it condemning his father and asking me not to treat him with the same scorn." Val shrugged, ripping some bread and passing half to Whitlock since he had the same idea of mopping up his gravy. "You can't blame him for the sins of his father Varian, he's always been a good friend to us."

Magni had the same expression as her. "He's too good a lad ta be tha' man's son, I tell ya." Val furrowed her brow and patted Varian's chest with the back of her hand. "That's what I was always meant to ask you, there was talk in the army that he mysteriously goes down to Duskhaven every month, know everything about that?" Varian stiffened and he shook his head. "It's not my place to tell you Val." If Val's ears could prick up they would've.

"Well now you have to tell me!" Varian bent, lightly kissing behind her ear. "Later Sweetheart, away from blabbering young mouths." Magni clapped his hands, rubbing them together and giving his servants the signal to take their plates away. "Now then, enough political jargon, who's fer dessert?"

Once dinner was finished they kept to their plans of separating for a while, with Varro, Val and Anduin going with Whitlock, and Lee accompanying Varian and Magni to the Deeprun, with her ladies going back to the rooms to ready them for when they eventually retired for the night.

Whitlock's apartment was smaller than she expected it to be, but was filled to the brim with absolutely everything she could think of. There were a number of sketches, plans, and tools on the walls, and the desk in the far corner was covered in parchment and stationery, and a vice was sitting in front of a stool with some sort of half built mechanism clamped in it.

Whitlock moved some things from the bed so Anduin could sit down and spread his arms. "Ta-da! It's not much, but It suits my needs just fine. Tea?" Val nodded, picking up some of the plans and reading titles like "automatic cannon". The one that intrigued her most was titled "Mecha-tour" , and had a sketch resembling the Tauren of Kalimdor that Val had read about, but when she looked closer she noticed there were hastily drawn nuts and bolts all over it.

"And you've made all of these?" Whitlock looked up from the kettle, putting it down and pulling a pair of gold spectacles from his pocket, putting them on his face and coming over to see what she was on about.

"Oh, the Mecha-tour? Light no, that's in the most early of stages. It's just a dream I had to make it so we didn't have to send soldiers into war." Varro looked skeptical as he too scoped some of the plans out. "These all look rather fantastical." Whitlock grinned at him, taking his black dresscoat off and slinging it over the back of his chair.

"That's what's brilliant about being here. The gnomes have such fascinating technology that believe it or not, most of what you see has been possible when really it shouldn't have been." Anduin got onto his knees, holding what looked to Val to be a large golden owl. "What's this?" Whitlock took the static bird from him, looking as befuddled as the the boy.

"What on Azeroth have you done to yourself Archie? Hold on, let's have a look at you, give me two seconds…" He started muttering to the thing as if it were his best friend, sitting at the desk and grabbing a screwdriver.

"Milady, if I may? He's clearly a fucking madman. Let's just go and find King Varian." Varro's whisper only made Val grimace as Anduin stood on his toes next to Whitlock, watching what he was doing with great interest. "And that's how I know you've never sought company outside of the army Varro. He has a passion, don't mock him for it."

Varro's reply was cut off with a loud whistle and a noise that sounded almost like a hoot, with Whitlock standing the owl up and chuckling as it jerked to life, extending plated wings and trilling loudly. "Alright, alright, calm down, we have guests Archie." Val felt a little unnerved when the thing swivelled its head to look at her with illuminated blue eyes, hovering a few inches from the desk.

"That thing's actually alive?" Whitlock smirked at Varro, snapping the bronze rimmed goggles he'd been wearing onto the top of his head. "Well no Sir, he's still a machine, just a very realistic one." He took Anduin's hand and put him in the middle of the room, holding a bent arm out and not even flinching when the owl flew to perch itself on it.

He bent, making Val smile at just how in awe Anduin was of the creature. She had to admit, now it had been 'brought to life' so to speak, it was like she was watching a real owl with merely plate armour covering it's little body; its movements were fluid and its noises didn't have the raspy, mechanized sound that she had come to expect from automatons.

Anduin reached a finger out, but retracted it at Val's chide, making Whitlock look up at her, pushing his glasses up his nose. "No honestly Val, it's fine, he won't hurt him." Anduin resumed his task, running a finger down its face and stomping his feet when happy little trills came from its beak. "What's his name?"

Whitlock straightened, pushing his arm to let the bird know he wanted him to get off, pouring the tea that was whistling for his attention on the other side of the room and letting Anduin watch as his new friend landed on the bed and hopped towards the prince.

"Archimedes, after the owl from a very old story I read as a child." Varro wasn't shocked by Val's gasp, one that told him she knew exactly what he was talking about. "The Sword in the Stone?" Whitlock's face lit up. "Yes! You've read it?"

Val nodded eagerly, thanking him for her cup. "It was in a collection that my auntie Taria got me for Winter Veil, I've always loved it." Strangely enough, even Varro was starting to recognise the title. "Is that the one where he pulls the sword out and is crowned King?"

Val nodded, sitting on the edge of Whitlock's bed and finally taking the fact that Varian wasn't with them and using it to her advantage. "Anduin…" The blonde looked away from playing with Archimedes and gave her a sweet smile.

"Yes mum?" Val worried her bottom lip, thinking how to go about this without mucking it up. "Do you remember what you said at dinner about Mum not being a Lady anymore?" Anduin looked puzzled for a few seconds but eventually nodded, albeit a little shyly.

"What did you mean by that darling?" Anduin swallowed, playing with the hems of his jerkin. "I'm not supposed to tell." Val cupped his chin, feeling more anxious by the minute. "Who told you that?" Anduin gazed at her through his eyelashes. "Papa did." Val clucked her tongue, not really wanting to know now but needing to finish what she had started she carried on. "You can tell me though?" Anduin shook his head.

"No, Papa said no one, specially not you." Val hated interrogating the boy but she had to admit that this had been playing on her mind since dinner. "Just tell me. I promise I won't tell Papa that you did." Again, he shook his head and she finally conceded. "Alright, as long as it's not anything bad?" Anduin's smile reassured her enough.

"No! It's not bad at all Mum! It's really, really good!" Val didn't mean to sigh in relief but she had honestly been worrying herself with ludicrous ideas of what 'not a Lady' could've meant, from Varian leaving her to a shotgun wedding, and everything in between.

"Oh good, Mum was scared for a minute there." Whitlock made a small 'hm', knowing it was probably not his place but feeling comfortable enough to say it anyway once Anduin was distracted again and he'd beckoned Val over.

"If you don't mind me asking, why exactly did King Varian bring you here Milady?" Val shrugged, figuring it was obvious. "To see Ironforge, he knows it's my favourite place besides Stormwind. Why is that relevant?"

Whitlock and Varro both shared the same grin as the two men managed to fall on the same wavelength. "Well, and don't take this to heart as I may be wrong…what if he brought you here to make you happy enough to say 'yes' to a certain…question."

Val's heart jumped into her throat, and she berated herself for not having thought of it herself. "You- you think he's brought me to Ironforge to propose?" She snorted before she could stop it, switching instantly to denial in order to get her thoughts in order.

"No, that can't be it, Varian's the most obvious person on Azeroth, I would've noticed something well before now." Varro made a face, clearly disagreeing. "Actually Milady, it does make a certain amount of sense." Again Val shook her head.

"I don't see how that was the conclusion to come to at all Varro. We're here for the Alliance, nothing more." Whitlock linked his fingers and rested his chin on them, showing in one little gesture how comfortable he was with his fake hand. "Just out of curiosity, if he were to ask, what would you say?"

Val felt heat crawl up her neck and to her cheeks, and she could see her leg bouncing almost against her will. "Well, I honestly don't know…I mean, of course I know, I'd say 'yes' in a heartbeat, but then there's thinking about everything that comes with it." She looked over at Anduin, who was hooting back at Archimedes and clearly enthralled by the little bird.

"I'm not sure Anduin would understand so much change happening at his age." Whitlock wrinkled his nose. "If I might, he most likely will. He seems an intelligent little boy, and I've only known him twenty minutes and realised that. He probably understands more than everyone gives him credit for."

Val could feel herself 'going daft' as her Gramma would put it, pushing her hair behind her ear and smiling at her lap. "Well, we'll just have to see what happens then, won't we?" Whitlock knew that was all she was willing to cover on that particular subject, so rested his head on one hand instead. "Magni tells me that you're a smith?" Val looked up, thankful for the topic change and grinning at him. "I am yes, I'm actually going to be partaking while we're here." Whitlock leant back in his chair, highly interested by the prospect.

"Oh? And just what will you be making?" Val bit her bottom lip, trying to shorten the never ending list. "Well I need a new knife, that's for sure, and I'm thinking of switching to a sword, so I'll probably do that first." Whitlock looked strangely intrigued. "Let me knew when you've done it and I'll add a little something that I'll think you'll like." Val had to admit she was intrigued. "Oh, like what?" Whitlock shuffled a few sheets of parchment, eventually pulling one out and giving it to her. "Just an idea I've been working on, it uses a oil tank in the hilt to cover the blade, then if lit, sets the whole thing on fire." Val's eyes lit up, but Varro had to be the sensible one.

"I don't think King Varian will trust you with fire milady." Val grinned, passing the parchment back. "Well Varian's not here, is he?" She tapped her chin, noticing the goggles on his head had multiple fold-able lenses. "Can you engrave?"

Whitlock showed her a ring he was wearing that had a vrykul knot carved into it around the band. "I don't claim to be the best, but this is my fourth attempt." Val hated that Varian's little plan was working and she was getting excited about smithing again. "Excellent, would you be up to helping me with it?"

Whitlock's lop sided smile reminded her of her brother in a strange way, making her chest tighten a little as she realised that his four year anniversary was coming up. "Of course, I have nothing else on for the time being." A shrill hoot made them all turn and they found Archimedes nestling into Anduin's lap and the prince looking like he'd just won a tournament. "Mum look! He likes me!" Whitlock looked rather impressed as he joined them, making Val snicker.

"I take it he doesn't do that with many people?" Whitlock shrugged, stroking the bird even though by all accounts he wasn't 'real' in the conventional sense. "I couldn't tell you, we don't really test that theory that much." She sat at his desk, finding what was possibly the last clean sheet of parchment the curly haired young man had, hunting for charcoal next.

"Anduin, would you mind if we stayed for an hour or so, mum has a sword she needs to get down before she forgets it completely." Anduin looked at her as if she'd just said Winter Veil was cancelled. "Stay mum! Stay mum!" Val patted Varro's arm, trying not to snicker. "Go and find Varian and tell him where we are, and that we'll be a while."

She was still sketching by the time she and Varian had decided Anduin's bedtime had been ignored enough, sitting in their bed with her knees up , charcoal scribbling away and a big grin on her face as she finally came up with a design she liked. "Do you want to know how I know you're concentrating?"

She briefly looked up, not even hearing the door when Varian closed it, following him with her eyes and nothing else as he crossed the room and closed the curtains, giving them a slight amount of privacy.

"Go on then, indulge me. How do you know I'm concentrating?" His smile was that small and loving one she absolutely adored, but he didn't answer until he pulled his shirt over his head and flopped down next to her, propping himself up on an elbow.

"Your tongue's sticking out. You always do that when you're concentrating." Val snorted, carrying on with her drawing. "No I don't, stop making things up." Varian kissed her bare arm, happy that she had conceded and chosen to wear a vest and shorts to bed instead of absolutely nothing, which had been her first choice. No matter how hot the forge made the city, he was still very much aware that it was thick snow outside and didn't want to risk her getting a chill due to ignorance.

"Oh trust me, you do, it's possibly the most adorable thing I've ever seen." She smacked his head with the parchment, consciously keeping her tongue firmly in her head as she resumed her task. "What's this then?" Val's toes curled and she flexed her feet, really not wanting to admit this to him. "Well….it turns out you were right." His smug face told her that he already knew how he was indeed right, but he obviously wanted to hear it from her own mouth.

"Was I? About what Sweetheart?" She glared at him, kicking his knee. "You know what." Varian kissed her thigh since it was the nearest thing to his face. "Honestly, I don't. Tell me so I can remember." She huffed, knowing full well that he was playing stupid and slumping back against the pillow. "I haven't even been here a full day yet and all I want to do is make everything I possibly can." Varian's chuckle only made her sink back further, kicking back the covers and folding her arms.

"I thought that would happen. You're not seriously vexed at me for it though, are you?" Val shuffled forward again, letting him steal her now vacant spot and spread his legs, pulling her back and kissing her head once she was comfortable against him. She held the arm that was across his chest, putting her head back and giving him a smile. "No, I'm not, but I absolutely hate it when you're right and you know that." He kissed her temple, holding her tighter. "Of course I do; I pride myself on knowing you better than anyone."

Val let go of his arm and picked her parchment up from where it had fallen next to her, holding it up to Varian's eye-line. He took it from her, having to move it back to see it properly since his eye still hadn't got its optimal vision back and certain things being too close like letters or books just looked fuzzy to him. "Varian, where are your glasses?" He huffed, focusing on the drawing. "I'm not wearing those damn things. I'm twenty six, not seventy two." She sighed, resting against his pectoral and closing her eyes.

"You're impossible." He made a sarcastic noise, telling her he wasn't discussing it further and finally let his face relax. "Do you think you can pull this off?" She opened one eye, taking his other arm and draping it over her.

"Whitlock said he could engrave it for me, but the rest should be easy enough." A smile spread across her face. "Especially in that great big forge." Varian put her sketch down on the bedside, lazily kissing her shoulder. "How's the Deeprun coming?" Varian chuckled, carrying on with his task.

"We ended up losing ourselves to conversation and nearly walking off the damn thing. It's over halfway done, and a fascinating sight." Val ran her foot down his calf, enjoying the way he squirmed. "Is it really going to take people right to Stormwind?" Varian took her hands, pulling her various rings off for her since she had clearly forgotten, with the only noise in room being the small clink they made as they hit the beside.

"That's the goal. Think of it Val, a direct route between our kingdoms, Ironforge to Stormwind in less than twenty four hours, no ships, no worrying about the weather…it sounds too good to be true, doesn't it?"

Val smiled as his kisses trailed up her arm. "It does, and I suppose really that it's the silver lining to the war…" Varian knew she wouldn't mind his fingers walking up her stomach and under her vest, gently prodding her nipple and rubbing it with a fingertip, not intending to have her tonight since he knew the journey was catching up on the both of them, but enjoying pleasuring her all the same. "I suppose it is. Everything's getting better by the day, thank the Light." Val arched her back, taking his other hand. "Varian, can I ask you something without you avoiding the question?"

Varian's eyebrow rose, just as she expected it to, with his hand coming out from under her shirt and both palms holding her waist instead. "It depends what kind of question it is." Val licked her lips, not really understanding herself why she was asking this but feeling the need to regardless, stretching up and looping her arms around his neck, still looking away because if she were honest, she didn't really want to see his face when she asked what she was about to. "Did we really just come here to look at the train and for me to smith?"

Varian was quiet for a few seconds and she couldn't help tapping her feet in pre-emptive glee even though it was more than likely she was overthinking this. "Well no, we came here for the snow as well Sweetheart, remember?"

Val bit her bottom lip, letting her arms fall and running her nails over his linen covered thighs, delighting at how they tensed. "And that's it?" The tip of his nose brushed her cheek. "Yes…why? Was there something else on the agenda that I'm unaware of?"

Val drummed his knees with her palms, trying not to get too excited and become even more obvious than she already was. "No, I was merely asking." She felt a little shiver run from the top of her head down to her spine at the nibble her earlobe received. "You sound a little disappointed." Val picked a the chipping nail paint on her fingers, trying not to catch his eye. "There's nothing to be disappointed about." Varian sighed, linking her fingers with his. "What's Anduin said?" I knew it. Val bent her legs, knocking her knees.

"Nothing, why, was he supposed to?" She grinned. "Or not supposed to?" Varian groaned, leaning his head back. "Val, I don't know what that boy has put in your head but I can categorically tell you that it's not true." He felt her slump. "Oh." Varian turned her, seeing the dismay on her face.

"Val." She looked up at him with a tiny smile."What?" Varian let go of one of her hands so he could flip her protruding lower lip. "Talk to me, why are you suddenly disappointed?" He knew exactly why, of course he did, but he would try his damnedest not to let her figure out his intentions, no matter how disappointed she got.

If anything, having her think he wasn't doing it would work more to his advantage, so he needed to stay completely blank right now. "I'm not disappointed, I just feel a little silly." Varian's brow furrowed. "Why?" She wasn't budging, he could tell.

"I just thought something ridiculous, don't worry about it." Varian clasped his hands underneath her backside, holding her tight and briefly kissing her. "So you're not upset at anything?" She shook her head, still trying to judge whether this was just a ruse or not, but realising that at the same time, she was being rather foolish.

If he was going to propose, that would be amazing, but even if he didn't, just having the freedom to be together was enough for her. She had let her silly girlish desires take her over for a brief moment, egged on by others and made to think something was there that wasn't.

Varian wasn't one to rush, and would make his intentions clearer than he had been if he were to propose, he wasn't one to make things so secretive like she had deduced him to be, and in all fairness, she had come to that conclusion from an observation by a man she'd known all of five minutes.

Anduin hadn't out-rightly said 'Papa is going to ask you to marry him', so really she had no idea how she'd convinced herself anything different. "No, I just had a lapse of common sense, ignore me." He chuckled, bending his knees so she had no choice but to come closer, pressing his forehead on hers. "I wasn't aware that you had any in the first place." Val thumped his chest, ignoring his laughter and making some of her hair fall from the ponytail she had it in.

"Shut your face. I can be very sensible when I want to be." She twisted some of his around her fingers, inhaling the smell of oranges from where he'd just washed it. "I'm so damn happy right now." Varian pushed the stray locks back behind her ear, relieved to know she wasn't too disheartened and actually wanted him to propose.

He had to commend his son for unintentionally helping the King confirm that it was indeed what she wanted, which he had been racking his brains about how to do. He kissed the bottom of her jaw, moving down to the hollow of her throat and smiling at her, one that showed her how his burdens were finally easing, it was so refreshing to see.

"And that makes me happy Sweetheart. I honestly don't know what I would've done if I had lost you for good." Val kissed his cheeks. "I'm still here aren't I? Surely that means I'm in it for the long haul?" Varian untied her vest, kissing the crease it was hiding. "Why, I will never know." Val pinched the cheek she'd just pecked, doing the same with the other one. "Because I love you, you idiot." The patronizing tone and sickly sweetness she added to it only made Varian laugh, even before she released his face.

"Oh do you now?" Val pinched his arm, letting herself relax so he could roll them until she was on her back and he was next to her, lifting the hem of the cotton garment and gently kissing down her stomach, smiling into them at the pretty little sighs coming from between her teeth. "You know damn well I do Varian."

Now it was the waistband of her linen shorts that was plucked from where it rested, and Val couldn't help but giggle immaturely as his breath tickled her intimates. "Sorry, you know I always laugh at first." He did, and found it no less alluring, pulling them down her hips and carrying his kisses on.

"Any plans on sleeping soon?" Val shuffled up a little and Varian pushed up to let her, recalling from the very distant past that she liked to be sitting up a bit when he did this. "No, why?" He gave her what could only be described as a wolfish grin, shimmying her shorts down to her ankles and throwing them behind him, hooking his arms under her knees and thoroughly enjoying her loud gasp as he bent his head down. Val curled her toes and swallowed hard, feeling her breaths hitch already. "Light…Varian."

He didn't make a sound, but his eyes flickered upwards and merely carried on probing her folds, fighting against her contracting walls for entrance, grunting when she pulled his hair. She was squeezing his head with her thighs but he didn't care, he'd go through anything to make her feel like the queen he was determined to make her, and by the Light as his witness he would actually keep this promise.

Her harsh breaths turned to pretty little sighs, but as he carried on they in turn transformed to sharp moans and hisses. She gave him fair warning that her peak was near, but all it did was make him more determined to bring her there, moving his head with her hips so his streak was never broken.

When she did finally come it was with a long, badly muffled growl, and Varian could feel her thighs quivering with aftershock. He broke away to wipe his mouth, kissing her slick skin and chuckling as she pushed him down again. "Just a little more, we don't do this nearly often enough." His reply was meant to be 'then we'll do it whenever you want' but because she'd pressed him against her again all she heard was muffled nonsense.

Then the dreaded noise of the door knocking broke his concentration and they both panicked as the door opened anyway to reveal a little blonde head that had one hand rubbing his eye and the other clutching a beaten up teddy bear. "Anduin!" Was all Val managed, with Varian having more brain power as she hastily pulled the covers over her bare bottom half and Varian slid her shorts underneath the cotton, impressed by how she expertly put them on without exposing herself as the toddler came over with what appeared to be tear stains on his face.

Varian bent, picking him up with all intentions of taking him back to bed when he saw the little tracks, wiping them with his thumbs.

"What's happened son?" Anduin looked so sleepy it broke Val's heart a little. "Bad men came, took you and mum." Varian sighed, kissing his forehead. "You had a bad dream?" Anduin nodded and Val pushed the covers back again. "Do you want to sleep in here tonight Anduin?" Another nod and Varian passed him to her, well aware that it was the most awkward of times for the boy to be in their presence since he was still very much aroused and only just managing to stop himself taking Anduin to bed regardless and having her.

But thankfully his parent brain kicked in and he kissed them both, jabbing a thumb at the washroom. "Do you need to?…" She shook her head, pulling the covers up and putting her arm around Anduin, who had snuggled into her chest and was practically asleep already. "Go, I'll see you soon."

He was grateful for her lack of prudishness when it came to things like this, even more for the fact that it didn't even phase her that Anduin, a boy that wasn't hers and she had no obligation to look after, had interrupted what was probably one of the few moments they would have here and was happily stroking his head and singing to him as Varian closed and bolted the door behind him, heeding the necessity to be quick and untying his breeches, biting his lip and closing his eyes.

By the time he was done Val's singing had stopped, and he realised why when he opened the washroom door and had to adjust his eyes to the darkness where the candles had been extinguished, with the only light being the orange glow from the molten waterfalls outside.

He felt his way along the wall the merely stopped to smile at Val lying still with her arm around him and Anduin splayed out on his back, both sound asleep and close enough that Varian was dreading even getting into bed since jostling one would mean waking the other.

He did it regardless since let's face it, he needed his sleep as much as they did, flinching at the slightest noise as he slid in and put his arm over the both of them, biting his tongue so he didn't chuckle when Anduin grabbed his hand and pulled it up, hugging it like it was the teddy bear lying discarded next to him. He would never know how the lad did it without opening his eyes, he wasn't even sure if he'd remember doing it, but Varian saw it as a sign of trust that even in his sleep, Anduin depended on him for comfort and safety, something he would always give to the two souls lying next to him.

They were all that mattered to him, and he'd be damned if anyone would ever take them away. "I love you." He wasn't sure exactly which of them he said it to first, but he said it twice regardless, happily accepting Val's request for a kiss when she craned her neck to look up at him. "We love you too."

Anduin was far too into his dreams to answer him, but Varian knew if the boy had been awake his scarred, mangled face would be wet with kisses and his throat squeezed by little arms. Most people would've found it a nuisance but Varian never would, if anything he dreaded the day when that stopped, so he would enjoy it while it lasted, no matter how long that was.