There was an air like there never was. The people were different. The rich were generous, and the poor worked with less grumbling. There was a new vigor. For the first time in a long time, the citizens of Stormwind were excited. Excited for a massive feast, such as this had not been seen, since Varian Wynn was crowned king.
There were deals half off in the marketplace, there was free horseshoeing, there was an abundance of wine from afar, there were foreigners visiting from as far as Tanaris, there was happiness in the city, and there was a dress.
Nathan stood leaning in the doorway "you look beautiful," he said. And indeed she did. Anita filmed out her silver dress, checking each spec with help from a mirror. Then she turned around. Her heals were black, they were not high enough for a woman's standard, but for her age they were indeed high. "I can't put this necklace on." He knew this day would come eventually; the blessing for every man to help his woman put on a necklace she is struggling to achieve.
"Where did you get this? I have not seen this one before." It was brown with that strange seal she received from the weird letters a few months before. "I had found this one yesterday when I was rehearsing last time." He stumbled across her neck from her response. "Sorry I should have told you." He gulped "it is alright, you have a wealthy secret admirer." His hands shook slightly, she did not care and waited his few failed attempts at pinning gold against gold. "Maybe I do have a few with these gifts."
"That is not a Stormwind tux Nathan." She told him while looking at his black suit. He did a little twirl around, mocking what looked to be a small skirt around his waist. "Greymane gave you that didn't he?" He laughed "I can't tell if it has his hair or his cats." He did have his own shoes though, even at a young age Greymane had much, much larger feet than Nathan. "Do we proceed?" he asked. She responded with a grin "any day with you."
At this point she was recognized by all. Already elderly nobles were begging her to wed their sons, but she declined them all. There was gossip about how some random boy was more important to than rich nobles or some immensely handsome knights.
The Pavilla was in one word grand. The columns supporting the roof made Greymane seem small. He spotted the two of them climbing the steps. He bowed. "The two guests of honor." He said revealing his white teeth. "I thank you lord Greymane, but I think Anita is the high guest of honor."
"Not true, she would have never come here, nor made it this far without your help." She grasped his arm tightly and kissed his cheek. "But, Anita please head straight for the back rooms. You do not want to be ambushed hundreds of times. You and me still have to do a performance." She tilted an eyebrow at him "and what makes you think, you won't be talking until morning with visitors?" He bluffed "I am skilled at ending conversations." He meant it figuratively and seriously, for he waved at an ambassador from Suramar.
Inside was a rush of different fragrants from other worlds. Even the rows of food couldn't overpower the scents. "Hopefully the stage won't be as overpowering," Anita said while drooling over some sort of stuffed eggs with salad. She tried breaking free from him but he whispered "remember what the-old man said." She sighed.
There were many different types of people. Some had dark skin as night, some had ears as long as necks, and others were animals on two legs of which she had never seen before. The gowns were a whole nother tale.
"We best hurry to the backstage," Nathan whispered, taking in a full fragrance of her perfume. His request was too-late, Regent Jaina spotted them. She looked more tired than usual and all of gravity attempted to pull her aging lines downward. Her silver dress brought out the worrisome expression even more, yet she still smiled with teeth as white as snow. Anita caught him staring at the Proudmore's insignia positioned...strategically. Anita nudged Nathan more so in anger.
"You look lovely tonight Anita, like a true queen." Jaina's smile never aged. "Thank you Lady Jaina, I do not know how women can wear these stares on their feet." Anita's red glistening heels were two inches high. Jaina laughed "and those are on the smaller side. I told Genn to be reasonable but he does have a good sense of style." To Anita's surprise Jaina grabbed a glass of white wine from a passing servant. She handled the drink nobbily, as from experience. "Been too long since I have had a glass. She gestured at her "oh no thank you Lady Jaina, I have never drank before."
"Oh, then no, not this night." She side-glanced at Nathan "and none for you gentleman. You have to watch her." Then Jaina wandered off into the sea of humans.
"More like watch her."
"Oh stop Nathan, with the wheat rations and arranging this summit, I'm sure she's under a lot of stress."
As Anita finished her statement, she noticed a two-legged beast staring at her from within the throng. He made her nervous and so did his hooves. But, what interrupted her gaze was the most beautiful woman she had ever seen. Her legs were longer than Nathan and she showed this with a red-velvet dress, cut abruptly from one side of the thigh to the floor. Anita wondered if her strut was natural or on purpose. "So, you must be the old-dog's adopted daughter," said the elf with wavy blonde hair. Her voice was unpleasant. "I am Valeera Sanguinar," she continued then took a delicate sip of wine. Anita did not like the woman's look nor manner "I have heard of you, and I don't appreciate sly comments towards King Greymane." Nathan had loss focus again from reality, and Anita had to force him to leave the blood elf's sphere of influence. "Let's try to make it to the back," she said. But his stomach said otherwise, "look at the food, I have never seen such splendor." Indeed it was, the wall to the right was completely lined with a two story row of exotic food. Both stood gaping at the city of luxury. Then they were ambushed again.
He smelled of sweetness, a smell she had never smelled before. It was not cologne, it was similar to a rose, if that rose was fermented and raised from a handsome man.
The tauren was the tallest person in the room, not counting his bleached burgundy antlers. The male approached and did the most courteous bow. Not even Reagent Jaina was greeted in such manner. At first Anita thought she was supposed to kiss his hand; more specifically a ring that was larger than her wrist. He retracted, "you have his nose," said him with a voice capable of moving mountains. Then the humanoid left while being pursued by Greymane.
"You are right Anita, we best leave. This is getting weirder." He held her arm tightly while escorting. She had forgotten how strong he was, all the lifting of timber was felt with his grip.
After subtly evading the crowd on its outskirts, they made it to the back. It was empty and dark. A faint light flickered in through the heavy curtains from the previous room. However, to the right was a walkway leading to a long room. She peeked and saw numerous tables freshly cleaned that looked older than the city, even the mirrors reflected four burning candles.
"Where is everyone?" Nathan echoed. They heard a quick pitter-patter from the other side of the stage. It was Sir Tom, the gnome in service of Greymane. They had to look downwards. "Finally you two show up, Anita you look lovely, please check your face, make sure there are no smears, food bits, or other extrements. I have made adornments." He pointed toward a dimly lit desk.
"But master Timothy, are there others?" He shook his stubby head, "no, did not lord Greymane brief-you two?" She responded with sadness. "Blah! Typical, you are to play the elvish instrument first - I can't recall its name-"
"Harp," she interrupted, deeply offended at miss naming a work of art. "Yes, that, you are to play that while the good wine is served and the meal completes." Nathan giggled "tipsy, full, and with music, that is one way to begin a summit." The gnome stabbed an ugly eye towards him "and Nathan, help her with whatever it is she needs. Unlike the first simple task you botched. As for me, I have to greet an esteemed visitor." He stalked away grumbling incoherent words.
The young girl was sweating. "I don't know, I don't know Nathan if I can perform in front of all of them. They expect a musician." Now Nathan has a gift and a curse; he is a simple minded young man. This benefit can either come across as dumb or humble, and in this case it was lovely. "Do you mean to play? Well, you have performed for thousands of hours, so I don't doubt your skill."
"But never in front of an audience."
"I always listened."
He had not noticed her tears, there were enough to make her makeup smear. He stroked one drop away, then out of a woman's instinct she embraced him.
"Our life is so hard. None of it has been fair." He was caught off-guard. Then he relaxed his tense shoulders. And for the first time, he thought he might love this lady. "You have this, channel your emotion into the strings and keys." He checked his silver pocket-watch. It was almost the hour "we have enough time to brush you up." He displayed a slight smile and she returned a large one with a giggle.
