Chapter 33
Moving Forward
Fox stared at Varian intently. Something about seeing him this happy irked the hell out of her. She looked down at her hands firmly in his grasp. The large hands wrapped so tenderly around her own. She felt a tightening in her chest. Wondering if it was fear, love, or an uncertain mixture of the two. Then she moved her eyes to her father, she swallowed hard against the urge to make a break for the door.
"Just say, I do, dear." Gracie urged her daughter.
Fox shifted uncomfortably, and looked over at Goya who stood before them. How had this happened so quickly? Now that was a stupid question. Varian would move the heavens to officiate their union. Gracie had always been determined to a fault. It was Myles who had finally settled Fox's fate. He wanted his little girl protected and taken care of. Fox could not argue the point any longer. Varian had sent Gracie to fetch Goya from Cathedral Square with a letter of extreme secrecy. The Paladin had answered without question.
Goya sighed, and tilted her head waiting for Fox to answer. "Any day now, your Majesty." The golden Paladin tapped her foot.
Varian chuckled at that. If they had any idea how patient he had been to get here.
"I do." Fox hardly got the words out before Varian released her hand and cupped her cheeks. A deep kiss as he bore her backwards.
"Then by the Power of the Light, and the Sovereignty of this Kingdom, I now declare you man and wife." Goya slapped her tome shut. Then rolling her eyes added. "You may kiss the Bride."
Gracie burst into tears yet again in her little living room.
Myles reached out to pull her close. "Congratulations King Wyrnn, you are a very lucky man to have my daughter's heart."
Varian pulled back and stared down at Fox. "Was it really that hard?"
"Yes!" Fox pushed out her lip and tossed back. The brown eyes looking to Goya, "Where is the paper we need to sign to make this complete?"
"I brought two. One for me to keep at the Cathedral, until I can officially file, and one for you to hold." Goya moved to the same table and unscrolled the papers.
Fox took up the quill that was offered. She paused and looked up at Varian, "What name should I put on this?"
"Lady Eloise Lothar, since you pointed out that Crimson Fox, as Eloise Fulbright is already declared dead." Varian placed a hand on the table and leaned over her shoulder, "And I am going to watch you carefully. Never trust a Rogue not to do something devious a the last second."
Fox actually laughed at that, and scribbled her signature across the papers, Lady Eloise Lothar. Varian wasted no time in signing them.
Goya tapped the papers with her finger. "Now normally there is one copy and the family hands it over to the Order of Light to file with the Royal Library for documentation purposes. You already know this King Wyrnn, since all Noble marriages pass through your people to gain a seal."
Varian nodded. "I do over see all the Noble unions and seal them personally. That way it is known I approved the political connections each one brings about." He pulled off his ring and flipped up the jeweled top. "It's not the Stormwind seal, but this is the family crest of the House of Wyrnn. It holds even more power, since only I am allowed to have control of it." He moved to set the seal on each document. Then clasping it back under the protective case.
"So it's done." Fox looked over at her parents with a little shrug. She really didn't feel different.
"Your Majesty Queen Wyrnn." Myles bowed low to his daughter. "I hope you realize that this is only for the best. I would not have been so insistent unless I truly believed it."
"I understand." Fox looked over at Varian, "So what happens now?"
"We return you to the main keep. I want Damiana to look you over and make sure the baby is well." He rolled up the document that Goya handed him, "Myles, could you put this somewhere safe for the time being. I still want to get a public ceremony out of my dear wife at some point. I am sure she will just flap this around the keep declaring that a Royal Wedding is just more fanciful waste of time."
"It would be my honor." Myles took hold of the scroll.
Goya saluted and tapped her copy to her forehead. "I will tuck this one away some where safe in the Order of Light. Then I have to head back out to Pandaria. There is this Pandarian out there, I have been helping with his farm. Completely useless City Paw that he is."
Fox gasped at the description. Knowing in the core of her being who Goya had been referring too. "Farmer Yoon?"
"Yes! Do you know him?" Goya turned around to face Fox.
"Do I ever. Tell him that Crimson Fox sends her regards. Also if you see Mrs. Tina Mudclaw, ask her to send some of her cookies and spice tea to Stormwind Keep in care of Crimson Fox."
Goya laughed and nodded. "I will try, but her husband Haohan hasn't really taken to me yet."
Varian moved to put an arm around Fox, "My Queen, are you ready to head home now?"
Fox wasn't the least bit ready. If she had her way she and Varian would stay here in her parent's little house on the canal for a few more days. Far from the demands of Stormwind and Stromgarde, but such was the life of Royals. It was not all fun and games, and many people depended on them. "Yes, My King. I hope they have sent some word as to how Stromgarde is doing since I left."
"Nothing as yet, but I promised to keep you updated." Varian lead her out the door and motioned to a guard.
A horse was brought around to them. Varian mounted and reached down pulling Fox up before him side saddle. It was a slight slap of the reins and the mount was off.
"Are you ever going to let me ride comfortably again?" She complained just for the sake of it. It no longer bothered her so much to be seated before him like this. Fox did feel like a decoration rather then a true rider, but it made Varian happy.
"Of course not. This is how a formal Lady should ride." Varian tightened his hold on her.
Fox leaned her head against his chest. 'but I am no longer a Lady. I am a Queen."
'So you are." He said softly into her black hair, "You are my Queen, and if you prefer to ride astride, then next time we go out you will do so."
"I like the sound of that." Fox looked up at him. A shining light of approval in her eyes.
Varian felt a warmth wash through him. It was nice to see that adoring smile. The eyes that heralded him as a hero. What man didn't want to bask in his wife's complete devotion? It was not far to the keep. When they arrived a guard moved forward to take the mount.
They moved up the stairs and were greeted by Lord Bascomb and Lord Remington. The two had been standing out front arguing about some political matters. They seemed to be in deep conversation as they postured for position against each other.
"Your Highness, King Wyrnn." Bascomb looked over at Remington. "Could you please inform me as to why the humanitarian aid I requested for Darkshire, was put on hold for Lord Remington's ammunition supply orders?"
"If you would meet me in the great hall in a few moments, I will be happy to explain what is happening in Arathi." Varian said clearly. He looked at Fox with concern. "I need to get the Lady Lothar properly settled in her quarters, before I can go over any of this with you."
"But if it concerns Stromgarde, I should be involved in the discussions." Fox shook her head. A hand raised to set on Varian's chest as a clear warning she would not be put off when it came to her people.
Varian glared over at Bascomb. He was displeased that the subject had been brought up before her. "Lady Lothar, you need to see the Priestess for a check up."
"A Priestess? Is our Lady Lothar fallen ill?" Lord Remington looked more then slightly concerned.
Fox shook her head. "Nothing that will not be cured in a few months time. I also have it on good authority, if I avoid his Majesty's affections I will not suffer a relapse to the condition." She looked at the two Lords lost in confusion.
Varian's blue eyes going large, "Fox!" He slipped out her name not believing what she was openly admitting to them so publicly.
"I am pregnant with King Wyrnn's child." Fox took Varian's hand. She studied the reaction of both Lords to the news.
"By the Light!" Lord Remington was shaking visibly with excitment. He looked to Varian to confirm what Fox had said. "Is this true?'
Varian clasped Fox close. "Her Ladyship is entering her second trimester. I guess it is not something we can keep silent about much longer."
Lord Bascomb remained in silence, as Lord Remington brightened even more in delight. "The House of Wyrnn and the Blood of the Last Arathi, Lord Basomb, did you ever think that such a thing would be possible."
"When will the Royal Wedding take place?" Lord Bascomb looked sternly at Varian. Wanting an immediate answer.
"I do not wish to discuss that. At this time, the most important thing is Stromgarde and the continued protection of the people there from the Forsaken." Fox made her feelings known.
"But the legitimacy of the child is in question." Lord Bascomb scoffed over at Fox. "You may hold a higher title then I do, but I am the foremost adviser in this Kingdom. King Wyrnn, you must make ready for the royal issue. There is much to be discussed. What of Crown Prince Anduin's place in all of this?"
"What?" Varian stood up straighter. "This affects Anduin not at all."
Fox looked at the men before her. They were more serious then before. "What are you talking about?"
"One must consider that Lady Lothar's child could be a son. Anduin may be first born, but his mother was not a Noble by way of anything more then marriage to King Wyrnn. Clearly, your child will far outrank him in the Royal order of all Humanity. Many will want to follow him because of this issue." Lord Bascomb pointed out reasonably.
"No!" Fox shook her head. It frightened her to think that Anduins position might become imperiled. "My child will be a daughter!"
"Lady Lothar, please calm down. I am merely trying to explain why this is such an issue, that we need to start discussing it at length. Your child has a claim to Stormwind's throne." Lord Bascomb looked over at Varian. "I know you must have realized this as well. Ultimately, the choice will fall to you, but there is a high chance of an internal coup amongst the Human race as to who they want. If Lady Lothar has a son it could well be war."
"Anduin is Crown Prince, and I have no desire to change that. He has been trained, and given experience for his upcoming role. I have been very impressed with his maneuvering in the face of strife and his avocation of peace." Varian shook his head at his counselors. "I understand where you are coming from, but such talk is only upsetting my lady."
It was true. Fox was wringing her hands before her. The stress building as she pondered the implications of what they were discussing. "I think I will go to my rooms." She pushed past the men and rushed into the Keep.
"I feel for the Lady Lothar. She truly has shown Prince Anduin much care in her time here. It must be troubling that she may have caused his down fall in her actions." Lord Bascomb turned to look at Lord Remington.
"With the King and the Lady on Prince Anduin's side, I do not see where the issue will be." Lord Remington shrugged. The Elder Lord adding. "Do not look for trouble where there isn't any Lord Bastomb."
Varian moved toward the keep. "I have had enough of this topic as my Lady Lothar. Please follow me and we will discuss where the need is greater, Stromgarde or Darkshire."
O0O0O0O0O0O0
Braelyn watched as Halduron set a cup of tea before her. He smiled proudly and waited for her to try it. Looking almost as delighted as a small child with their first attempt at baking. She lifted it and was treated to the most pleasant tasting tea she had ever experienced. The blue eyes coming wide. "Halduron! You have out done yourself with this."
"I am glad you like it." He sat down and pulled one of the pastries Braelyn had brought home with her out of a small cloth bag. "These look, almost, edible." He bit into one and nodded, "They will do."
"I am sorry they are not homemade. I really haven't had the time to gather the supplies to bake." Braelyn nodded at him and tasted her tea again. "How did you make this? I want to try and replicate it for my mother. My father isn't so much into tea though."
"I can try and show you, but it would probably be easier to just have me make it for her." Halduron sipped his cup, and shook his head disappointed. "It's better with red leaf clover honey. When I go to Silvermoon, I will send some back to you."
"So you are willing to come with me to Elwynn to make tea for my mother?" Braelyn choked at the idea.
"Why not? I am a Ranger. Being stuffed in Silvermoon all the time isn't doing anything to get me out of my comfort zone. I fear, I am becoming to set in my ways." Halduron nodded.
"Becoming? You wont tell me how to make a cup of tea, for fear I will do it wrong. You are more then set." Braelyn laughed over at him.
The door came open, and Goldenleaf sauntered in. Taking hold of one of the chairs by the little coffee table, and dragging it across the floor to the dining table. The sound of wood grinding against itself ringing out."I came over for breakfast. Sleeping in the barn is fine, eating the grain, not so much. I tried every form I had and still could not stomach it. I must be spoiled by the oats and sugar with raisins I get in Stormwind."
"That is a granola, they mix up for the more feral of Druids. My pets have had it before." Braelyn sighed over at him.
"The floor! You are scuffing the floor!" Halduron cried out. Jumping to his feet and grabbing a rag. He dropped down and started buffing wildly.
Goldenleaf leaned over and took the pastry Halduron left on the table, and stuffed it in his mouth. "In the words of a very fat Pandarian I know, nom nom, om nom!"
"You did that on purpose." Braelyn leaned forward and hissed over the table.
"Guilty." Goldenleaf took the tea and swilled it down. "Not bad! So what are we doing today?"
"Halduron and I are going to scout around Thoridan's wall. He was going to show me some tricks that I can practice with my bow. I fancy some Ranger training might just make me a better Hunter." Braelyn threw over at Goldenleaf in a snarky tone. The images of her being the next Nathonas Blightcaller in her fanciful daydream.
"It's no good. The marks are not buffing out. The wood is ruined." Halduron glared up at Goldenleaf. Sitting back on his rear and looking like he just might cry.
"It adds character. Perfect things are boring." Goldenleaf leaned back in the chair, and observed his handy work. He didn't see anything wrong with the floor. "Can I have another cup of tea?"
"Perfect things are perfect for a reason! When you ruin them, its sacrilege." Halduron challenged Goldenleaf, as he stormed past and set more water on for tea. The green eyes watching the Druid closely.
"Talk to me like that again, and I will sacrilege your face." Goldenleaf growled. "It's to perfect anyway, isn't it Braelyn?"
She blushed and stuffed more pastry in her mouth. Looking away as fast as she could.
"Of course I am devastatingly handsome. I am a Blood Elf. We are all born that way." Halduron moved to Braelyn, and whispered in her ear, "I am just trying to get under his skin like he is doing with me."
Braelyn felt her mouth drop open. So Halduron knew that the Night Elf was tormenting him? She felt more relaxed knowing that they were merely bantering. "Okay well I will leave the two of you to finish breakfast. I will go check on Chelinka and Pyrasong. I have a feeling that if someone doesn't help settle them down, there will be a huge explosion incoming."
"You can't leave me here with him alone." Goldenleaf scowled. "I moved in a barn to get away from him."
"You certainly smell like one. I was about to hit the showers, care to come along?" Halduron set a cup of his tea before Goldenleaf.
"I was considering going into my cat form, and grooming myself for three or four hours." Goldenleaf tossed back. He took the cup in his hands. Blowing on it in an attempt to cool it.
"Oh dear gods, no." Braelyn shook her head. Moving out to leave Halduron to deal with that one. She did not make it to the Barracks before running into Pyrasong on her way down the road.
The Blood Elf rubbing her eyes with a loud yawn. "Hail Human. You never came back for dinner. We messed you."
"I am sorry. My new roommate decided to cook something and I didn't want to be rude." Braelyn apologized. "I was about to hit the main keep and see where I can be most useful. What are you doing?"
"Tracking down Halduron. I want to get my orders from a real leader. This place is infested with Humans and Dwarves." Pyrasong slapped a hand over her mouth. Just realizing what she had said and to who.
"It is going to remain that way until there is more of a Horde presence, I fear. Don't worry, not all of us are as opposed to your arrival as Chelinka and Goldenleaf. Lady Lothar will set things to rights soon." Braelyn chuckled. "I spent enough time in Silvermoon to know it goes both ways though. Change starts with you, and if Stromgarde is to be your home, you need to make the effort."
"It's wise advice, I guess." Pyrasong nodded thoughtfully. "Perhaps if you are going to be so magnanimous, you will grace me with the honor of being my first Human friend?"
"I would be proud to claim you as such." Braelyn brightened, at the idea. She wanted everyone getting along as soon as possible. It would make defending Stromgarde easier. "Since we are friends, I would suggest avoiding Halduron just yet. He is with Goldenleaf at the moment. It's not very pleasant. Those two love sticking others in the middle of their arguments, as I have recently experienced."
"What? How do you know that?" Pyrasong looked behind Braelyn. Trying to see where Braelyn had come from.
"Turns out he was Goldenleaf's blight of a house mate. So I am sharing the cottage with him."
Pyrasong blinked in disapproval. "Wait, you and Halduron are sharing a resident?"
"Yes?" Braelyn tilted her head in confusion
"Is this going to be like Archmage Rommath all over again?" Pyrasong moved closer threateningly. "Because I will not allow you to go around breaking their hearts for your fickle human love games. Blood Elves may have longer lives, but we love forever and more deeply. We do not jump from lover to lover like humans in some sort of primal heat."
"No. No! I am not like that. It's not like that at all." Braelyn choked out in horror. It was embarrassing to be told something like that to her core. Why would the little Paladin say something like this to her? "Wait are you in love with Halduron?"
"By the Sunwell no! I am not good enough for him, and neither are you. Got it." Pyrasong brushed past Braelyn. "Excuse me, I have to go save him from the vile Night Elf."
Braelyn shook her head, and watched the angry pace of the other woman. Please by the Light, don't allow her to encounter another jealous lover. One had been more then enough.
O0O0O0O0O0O
"I am not made out of glass!" Fox shouted at her door. "I do not need hourly check ups."
"But my Lady, you have not been assessed in three days." The random priest called through the door. "Priestess Damiana was quite clear about getting daily vitals on you. I am going to get in trouble."
"Then I feel bad for you. Now go away!" Fox flopped down in a chair. She was not going to continue to live like this. Hiding in her room to keep others from fussing and plucking at her. She wanted to go back to Stromgarde where the maids were scares, and everyone was to busy to bother her.
Looking over she caught sight of a light flickering. Sitting up, she saw it was coming from the drawer of her nightstand. That was odd. Nothing was in there besides the necklace Learen had offered her from the Undercity. The brown eyes going wide as she rushed to pull it open.
Sylvanas's necklace pulsing with a faint green light. Fox wondered for a moment if she should touch it or not. Throwing caution to the wind she lifted it in her hand.
"Now isn't that interesting." The Banshee Queen's voice filter into Fox's head. "of all the people to have the second half. Still, being a Rogue it should not have been above my suspicion."
"How?" Fox looked at the pendant in her hand. Wondering as to why she could hear Sylvanas as clearly as if she were standing next to her.
"Look to any reflective surface while holding it." Sylvanas's voice came again. It was a calm command, but a command none the less.
Fox moved to stand before her mirror. The reflection cast back was that of Sylvanas. "What sorcery is this?" Fox moved her free hand to touched the image.
"What you are holding is a communication device passed down through the Windrunner family. What I want to know is how you came to have it?" Sylvanas stared back with a bored look on her face.
"It was given to me by a friend." Fox tightened her grip on the pendant.
"A very stealthy friend, Lady Lothar. Since it was stolen from my chambers not so long ago." A slow smile forming, "But I think it is good that it has made it's way to you. We can discuss some things I have come to know."
"I have nothing to say to you." Fox scanned the room for something to smash the stone with. She had no desire to hear anything the destroyer of South Shore had to say.
Sylvanas sighed, and added, "That is terribly unfortunate, because after Garrosh Hellscreams little escape with the Bronze dragon flight, I decided to procure one of my own. Although, it didn't have the survival capabilities I had hoped for. I learned quite a bit before it passed. After reviving it, I learned they lose all their time shifting powers. Such a shame. I had to do away with it after that, but what good is a useless dragon? My apothecary was happy with the materials though. That was a plus."
Fox went cold. The very idea of Sylvanas with a Bronze was terrifying.
"I see you are very interested in what I know now. That is good because you should be. Seems we are very intertwined in future events, Queen Wyrnn." Sylvanas nodded. An evil smirk sent Fox's way. The Banshee knowing this time she was the one with the upper hand. "Well, call me back when you are ready to negotiate over Stromgarde."
The image faded and the pulsing light of the stone died.