Chapter 6
Vanish!
Fox moved over to Varian. She didn't say a word. Merely settled a hand on his arm.
He looked down at her, and gently set his free hand on hers. "What do you want?"
Fox felt her chin pop up. No one could accuse her King of not being astute. "What gave me away?"
"After the first few hands of strip poker, I have become very good at reading you." He leaned over and whispered to her alone, "It's amazing how fast you can learn with the right motivation?"
She wanted to chastise him, but it was so hard to do when her shoulder was shaking with mirth. "Can I motivate you to do something for me?"
Varian's smile faded instantly, "Ah, here it comes. What do you want from me? Jewelry? Gold? Perhaps some land in a nice little coner of Elywnn?"
Fox paled. "Excuse me?"
"Come on, Fox. Take it for the joke it was. I know you aren't like that. If you had been Seb's deed would have been in your name back in Lion's Landing with half the gold in my accounts."
"You scared me for a moment." Fox confessed. "I am a Rogue, and we do not have stellar reputations."
Varian turned, leading her toward the throne room, "You are an Agent of the SI-7, and my personal bodyguard. I would severely punish anyone who would claim you were disloyal. But that being said, I would laugh in their face if they suggested you were obedient."
"So I can make a request?" She bit her bottom lip and looked up at him with large eyes.
"I would love to hear one out of you. Might even be so inclined to mark the occasion on my calender." Varian nodded in agreement.
"I would like us to go out for the day. Tour Stormwind together among the people." Fox didn't even try to resist her urge to rest her head on his arm. This time tomorrow she would probably be dead, and there was no reason to deny herself anything. Even the audacious move of openly showing her affection to her King.
"It's been a while since I moved through out the city in that manner. I would enjoy seeing my people. What do you suggest?"
"First we can stop by Old Town and visit the Pig and Whistle for lunch. I love their food." She clasped her hands together.
"Of course you do. They are located near the Warriors, Rogues, and Battle Ground merchants. I am sure you have seen the vast amounts of food that set can put away." Varian winked.
"Yes I have, but Warrior Kings tend to forget that sometimes other people would like some bacon too." Fox sighed. The look she tossed him, a clear reminder of their last meal.
Varian chuckled at her open dissatisfaction. "Now that wasn't my fault. I didn't even know you liked it. Until I looked up and saw you were practically crying. Tomorrow, I will have them send up an entire pig's worth. Will that make up for it."
Fox closed her eyes and stopped in her tracks. "No, because bacon tomorrow, does not make up for no bacon today."
Varian shrugged, "I am making the effort to get your forgiveness. Let me go tell Greymane he has run of things for another day."
Varian made his way up to the throne, but Genn wasn't there. Looking over he spied the elder King in the side room signing documents. He moved over, and pushed the door wide. "Making your self at home behind my desk."
Genn didn't look up, "You can have it back if you want." The hand dipping the quill just before flipping through more papers. "I never was one for this sort of thing. Wish these blasted Kingdoms would run themselves."
"I completely concur. The bad news is, I am being held hostage for yet another day." Varian admitted, "My captor has not been specific enough in her demands for my release."
Genn looked up with a masculine twinkle in his eyes, "Oh, poor deluded King Varian, the entire Kingdom has word of her demands so far. Bravo, by the way, good man. Bravo."
Varian laughed hard at that. "Anyway, I will be touring Stormwind today, my Lady in tow."
"Careful with your title usage. The Nobles are grouching about her. It wouldn't be wise to turn their ire toward her with to much special treatment." Greymane blew on the wet ink in an attempt to dry it faster.
"They will get used to it."
"I have been ruling the Gilneans since before you were born. The Noble set never get used to anything that doesn't benefit them. Find a way to make the Rogue of yours more appealing, before you get to attached."
"Good advice, Genn. I will be off now."
"Varian!" Genn shouted catching the younger King's attention, "Just so you know, I approve of her. The reports I have from my people are very encouraging."
O0O0O0O0O0O0O
They had a wonderful lunch at the Pig and Whistle. Although to Varian's shock it had not been the intimate meal for two he had been expecting. Fox asked the staff to pull all the tables together. Everyone that entered had been seated with her and the King of Stormwind.
Varian found time to talk with many citizens that had not been in his presence before. Several small issues of state expressed, but mainly it became a bonding event. He even had quite a few opportunities to bounce a couple babies on his knee.
Fox teased him, eyes sparkling, about having one of those around the Keep someday in the future. Varian was floored at the notion, but considering recent events, he could see the prospect. That was until Fox mentioned that he should keep a close check on his young Prince. Anduin was after all, getting to that age.
Grandpa. She had not said it, but that curtailed his smile into a dark scowl. Here he had been lured into thoughts of another child to dote on. He had missed much of Anduin's youth, and that loss saddened him greatly.
That bad humor did not effect Fox, as she then moved them over to the the SI-7's target Dummies. All the Royal Guards taking turns with the SI-7 Agents on hand. Their fun competitions finally tempting Varian into pulling Shalamayne into action. He was surprised to see just how excited everyone was. The guards happy to observe him toying around in mock combat. Before Varian left, he promised, he would make more visits to the training grounds. It wouldn't hurt to keep in practice.
The Trade District turned out to be the most challenging part of the tour. Varian realizing that his Kingdom had a stronger economy then even he had suspected. The Auction House lively and moving. Some were so busy trading they hardly noticed him between their frequent stops at the mailboxes, Bank Tellers, and Auctioneers. Many others did notice him though, and his presence was welcome and respected.
The Mage Quarter, was more to his liking though. Relatively quite and in pristine condition. There was surely magic at play here. How else could those Mages do so much reading and have such perfect lawns at the same time?
Fox walked with her head up most of the time. Eyes on the curves of the architecture. Commenting on the ivy that spiraled the buildings. Admiring the placement of windows. Varian wondered if Greymane knew she had a thing for buildings and structures as well. Fox's comment in the warmth of wood, sealing the notion that the Old Gilnean certainly would approve of her.
"Stone doesn't burn." Varian grumbled again.
"No, it doesn't. After you lost Stormwind the first time, I completely understand your feelings." She whispered. "I was here then." Varian swung around to look at her, "I don't remember much. My parents told me we escaped south by sea."
"South? You didn't travel with the fleet to South Shore?" That was interesting that they would have broken with the main force.
"It confused me as well, but my father has always been close to the sea. I guess he thought we were safer in the port of Booty Bay."
"You lived in Booty Bay? No wonder you are a Rogue." Varian laughed. Imagining a little Fox haggling with Goblins, splashing in the blue waters, and picking seaweed out of her hair. "Wait, you lived in a port town, and didn't fish?"
"Because I hate it! It tastes terrible and smells worse." She made a face of sheer revulsion.
"It must have been interesting being there. Especially when the Goblins in the northern lands started siding with Orgrim Doomhammer and his Orcs."
"We never had much in the way of political talks. It was more based on commerce. My first memories are of Goblins trying to swindle my mother out of grocery money." She crossed her arms. "Neutral or Horde, I have a supreme dislike for Goblins. Although there are many more stories and reasons for it."
Varian watched her move forward. Fox had finally shared some of her past with him. Everyday they were becoming closer now. He was starting to loose the feeling of oppressive loneliness. Where would they be three months from now, when her rotation was over? Varian shrugged that thought off. He had time, and good things did come to those who waited.
Fox had bribed Craggle Wobbletop to follow her to the Cathedral Square. The little Gnome knew just as easily as Varian where this was going. The Rogue was almost bouncing in delighted amusement.
"They are going to be as bad as Seb by the time you are done." Varian shook his head, but allowed her to have her way.
Fox turned walking backwards, "Who?"
Varian rushed forward and twirled her up in his arms. Leaning over her shoulder to say, "The Orphans of Stormwind. Are you trying to portray yourself as a saint and impress me, or just bankrupt me?" He leaned down to nibble a bit on her neck.
Fox sighed and leaned back against him. "It's no secret. I have a huge soft spot for the orphans. I practically shoved other agents out of the way trying to get a position on the rotation to spend time with Anduin while you were missing."
"So you do intend to allow this little Gnome to bankrupt me!" Varian laughed.
Wobbletop perked up at that and offered, "Your Majesty, I can assure you I am no Goblin. There will be a twenty percent discount for all toys you purchase for the orphans."
"Praise the light!" Varian cried out.
"Make sure you charge him a twenty percent service fee for anything he buys for himself, Mr. Wobbletop." Fox said. Then squealed loudly as Varian tickled her sides.
"Evil Rogue! Don't suggest that to him!" Varian growled. "I had a good negation going before you just ruined it for me."
He expected to make their request with Matron Nightingale to see the children. That quickly by passed when one boy looked up. Completely ignoring the King, and screaming in delight at Wobbletop's arrival. "TOY GNOME! TOY GNOME!
The all rushed to the Gnome and Fox. Hopping around in excitement, as if this was some sort of random occurrence they had experienced before. Then a bit more observation, he realized that was because it wasn't. Varian looked at Fox, "You set me up!"
Fox was not about to tell him that she lived just across the canal, and seeing the children was always on her priority list. She had played with children, like these since she was young. Sparring, running, jumping, and many more of her other occupational talents were learned right here in the Cathedral Square court yard.
Fox took a ball and tossed it in her hands, "So who is up for dodge ball!"
Screams erupted from the hopping children. Matron Nightingale moved to sit on the Orphanage steps before calling over. "Wear them out, Fox dear. I would give anything for a full night's rest.
Varian felt a tug at his leg and saw a boy that came hardly to the top of his knee. Kneeling down to be closer to the boy, "Yes, child, do you want something from your King?"
"I want to be on your side." The boy glared over at one of the other little girls. "We're real men don't need no girls pushing us around."
Varian almost laughed out right, "I can understand, but we need girls from time to time. Doesn't Matron Nightingale take care of you and help you out?'
"No. She makes me eat cooked carrots, and says I have to go to bed. She also don't give me no water after the lamps get lit. She says, it makes me pee the bed." The boy grouched. The little lower lip popping out.
"That's horrible." Varian broke his attempt to keep a straight face. Actually laughing, but the boy took his action as agreement.
"I know! I keep tellin her, I wouldn't wet no bed if I were still awake, but she wont listen."
Varian placed a hand over his face as his shoulders shook. When he finally recovered he stood up. "I will have a serious talk about this with Matron Nightingale before I leave."
A ball flew over and bounced off Varian's head.
"OUT!" Several children cried.
Varian looked up to stared pointedly at Fox. Fox giving a look of innocence and indicated a little girl next to her.
O0O0O0O0O0O0
It was over an hour later when Anduin emerged from the Cathedral. Hearing the laughter and screams of happy children, he looked up. There was his father running around the fountain after Fox with a ball raised up in his hand. Several of the orphans hopping around rooting for their prospective heroes. Stunned Anduin looked down at a female Paladin sitting on the stairs watching.
"How long has this been going on?" Anduin smiled brightly as he took a few more steps forward.
"Quite a while." Goya never moved her palm from under her chin. Staring out at the scene set before her. A veteran of the Wrathgate, who had served as a Holy Paladin in the clearing of Naxxramas, Goya welcomed the sight of happiness. Proof that Stormwind was headed in the right direction.
Anduin moved past her and hailed his father, only to find himself receiving a dodge ball to the chest."What was that for?"
Varian was panting as he nodded and pointed to his son. "That was a strategic move to make sure Fox doesn't get anyone else on her side. It's hard enough when it's just me and Petey."
"And I'm out!" Petey called from his place on the steps next to Matron Nightingale. Then got up and ran as fast as his little legs could to Varian's side. The little voice whispering "Don't trust Prince Anduin. He might be your son, but he likes the girls. I tried talking with him, but he just don't seem to understand."
"What did he say?" Anduin started walking closer. The ball bouncing off the cobblestones.
"Petey said that he is going to stand in for me. Since I need a break." Varian walked past Anduin and added, "Play with them for a while for me son. I need a breather."
Anduin nodded, "Alright Pete, Whose the target."
Variann didn't see who Petey chose. He stood before the Cathedral of light watching Fox come up to him. Varian dropping a heavy arm around her shoulders, "Next time we come out here warn me first. I need to take off my armor. Running from them in it is just to exhausting."
Fox slipped her body around, and set her cheek to his chest, "I can help you with that."
Varian smiled up at the sky, "I am sure you could." It was perfect. The sun hanging in the sky. He looked down to see Anduin running around with children of all ages. They were all his, these children of Stormwind. Contentment warming his heart as he held Fox tight. This was what he wanted. All he ever wanted. Looking down to the top of her head. "I love you, Fox."
One moment her final day was perfect. The short list had been complete. She was ready to submit herself to eternity with no regrets. And then it was gone.
She pulled back looking up at Varian. He had not just said he loved her? By the Light, anything but that. His lust she could handle, his love was a curse that would prevent her soul from ever finding immortal peace.
King Varian Wyrnn was a man who loved too deeply. From his father to his late wife, he was still torn apart. Everyone knew how he reacted to the loss of those he loved, and that was a very bad thing for the people of Stormwind. Only this time it wasn't just Stormwind that would suffer in the aftermath. It was the Alliance itself.
By the Light, what had her selfishness done.
"Fox?" He looked down expectantly. Clearly awaiting some reaction beyond her blank stare. "I am sorry if it's to soon, but I am not going to sensor how I feel. You had to have seen this coming. I have been entranced by you for over a year."
Fox felt her heart slamming in her chest. There was more then just his words gnawing at her. A deep sense of wrongness. One she knew well, and it had nothing to do with Varian's confession. "Quiet Varian." She spun away, eyes scanning wildly around the court yard.
Varian refused to break his hold. She would not silence him either, "Fox, calm down. It changes nothing for me to acknowledge it. We can still move slowly. It will give everyone time to adjust."
Fox was no longer hearing him. A hand inching down her side by instinct. Going to the one thing a Rogue could truly trust, her daggers.
"Fox, damn it, answer me." Varian felt her pulling out of his hold.
The answer came as Fox pulling her blade and pushing Varian back on the stairs. Narrowly avoiding the flashing blades of an undead rogue. "Protect the King!" Fox shouted as she charged in.
The SI-7 Agents appearing, and moving to Varian's side. The Guardsman forming a line.
Anduin's guards moving to corral him, and the children behind them.
Varian came to his feet pulling Shalamayne, "Forget me! Protect those children first!"
Fox swung her daggers around locked in combat with the other rogue. It was clearly female, the black eyes haunting. Fox might have been frightened, if not for having already faced the Forsaken hundreds of times before.
The sweep of the duel swords giving the undead greater reach, as Fox actively evaded. Fox slowed wondering for a moment if this was the assassin Shaw had sent for her. Dismissing that thought because of the time of day. The sun was still high. Shaw had said the lamps were to be lit first. Fox narrowed her eyes. This rogue was after her King, and that was unacceptable.
Varian saw something completely different. Fox moved fluidly. He knew in real combat she would be breathtaking, and she was. He was rooted to his spot behind the SI-7 agents watching. The Forsaken's motions could not compare. Fox had the upper hand easily, and if the undead did not flee soon, Fox would kill her.
A kick was thrown, and Fox moved her arm to block it. Just as the other rogue intended. A sudden up sweep catching Fox's right arm, and rending a deep cut from elbow to the back of her hand.
Fox was almost blinded with pain instantly. That cut should not hurt this badly. The dagger dropping as her hand went numb. If only her arm would do the same.
Varian saw the moment it all went wrong. There was something on those blades that caused Fox to drop her dagger. He charged in, but the rogue turned and fled. He was about to go after it when he heard Fox cry out to him.
"King Wyrnn! No!" Fox cupped her injury close. Fearing he would not heed her call. "Agents, pursue the target! Guardsmen protect Prince Anduin and King Var..." The word was caught off as Fox let out a shriek of pain. She dropped to her knees. Barely aware that Varian had come to her side.
"She has been injured! Summon Shaw of the SI-7 immediately. Anduin, come heal the wound." Varian shouted over to his son. The Agents of the SI-7 charging past him, after the departed Forsaken. Two of the guardsmen rushing for Old Town.
Fox was clenching her teeth in pain. She was trying to control her breathing. All her effort to keep from just curling up, and screaming in immense agony. "It's a simple slice. Lucky corpse, hit a nerve, that's all." Fox lied. She knew there was some sort of pain inducing venom on that blade.
Varian replayed the fight in his head. He was a master of combat, and in his estimation there was no doubt, not one, that the rogue had been after Fox the entire time. "What about the poison?"
"I," Fox pinned her eyes shut. She was never suppose to admit this, but what harm would it do now? "I am a Stormwind Assassin, my King. I am immune to everything. Save the new formula stuff the Apothecary keeps throwing at us."
Anduin knelt next to them, and gently took Fox's arm in his hands. "I can heal this."
Varian nodded and watched as the light formed in his son's hands. The bright healing streaming from Anduin's exceptional abilities.
The reaction was not what anyone expected. The wound suddenly festered green and the trails of Fox's veins pulsed with neon light. Pain causing her to lash out. She shoved Anduin to the ground in an attempt to get away from the feeling. Pulling her arm back to her chest. She choked just trying to breathe. Tears steaming down her face in tormented sobs.
"By the Light, What just happened?" Varian scrambled to get hold of Fox as she writhed in misery. The blue eyes beseeching his son to answer.
"I," Anduin's eyes were wide, "I don't know?"
Goya came off the stairs and settled next to Fox. "Let me see?"
Varian was forced to hold Fox down physically. The rogue was starting to perspire from pain. She was hurting more at every attempt to help her. "Do you know what is happening?"
Goya shook her head, "Let's move her into the Cathedral. It's easier to defend then staying out here in the open."
Varian lifted Fox and they rushed inside. The guardsmen following close. The priest and paladins in residence all moving out of his way. He set her down in the middle of the Cathedral.
Shaw and Sheylann rushing in together. "Where is Fox?" Shaw pushed past the guards. Seeing her rocking on the floor, he felt his gut twist. "Damn it to the nether, Fox!" He came to her side. "What's wrong?"
Sheylann's glowing eyes passed over the Rogue. "So they perfected it already?"
"Perfected what?" Varian growled. He was in no mood for Sheylann's cold remarks and haughty tone.
"The Forsaken have been working on a new poison. I knew about it, but have not had any real clear details." Shaw looked to Sheylann. "You are the expert, is this it?"
"I would say so. When did it react?"
"When I healed her." Anduin stood next to Sheylann. The boy waiting for her to tell him what to do next.
Sheylann pressed a hand to her forehead, then grimaced at his words. She called in an authoritative voice, "Everyone out! This stuff reacts to healing. So no one try that again. Next I am sure it specially designed for King Wyrnn, so any attempt we make to save her is futile. Congratulations, Varian. You dodge another bullet." The somber glare tossed at the King.
"You Bitch!" Varian turned on Sheylann coming off the floor. He was going to kill her this time.
Shaw moved faster, to come between them. "We need her! If this stuff is out there, we all are at risk." Then turning to Sheylann, "What do we do now?"
"Short of watching her die and burning the body so no one else becomes infected?" Sheylann cast a glance at Goya sitting next to Fox. "Nothing."
"You mean that others can be effected?" Goya's brown eyes grew wide. Then watched as half the cathedral made for the door.
Fox cried out again. This time green foam forming at the corners of her mouth. She turned on her side holding her arm against her chest. Breathing was labored, as the toxin seeped through her body.
"Yes. So remove the Royals, post haste please." Sheylann motioned to the guard.
Anduin was lead quietly away. Seemingly in shock.
Varian was another matter. He moved closer to Fox, but Shaw moved to block him. "I'm not leaving her!" He growled. "As Sheylann so eloquently pointed out, I am the reason Fox is like this.
"Yes." The weak voice drew their attention to Fox, "You must." She opened her eyes to look at his imploringly. "I don't want you to watch me die."
Varian shook his head, tears starting to fill his eyes, "Don't give up Fox. We can find a way!"
Fox groaned and looked away. She stared at Goya, "He wont listen." Slowly pushing up, whimpering in pain, as she said, "Lay on Hands, please, Paladin."
"NO!" Varian cried and tried to rush forward. His guardsmen grabbing hold to keep him back.
Shaw turned shaking his head as well, ready to stop Goya from moving. Sheylann set a delicate touch to her lover's shoulder halting his actions.
"Do it, Paladin." Sheylann nodded with resolute determination. "End her suffering, because its going to get worse." Looking at Varian, so she knew he heard her. "Much, much worse."
Goya stood up, and Varian struggled forward again. He succeeded in ripping his arm free of one of his guards. The sudden motion caused Goya to act. The spell of instant life enveloped Fox. The scream of pure excruciating pain resounded through the chapel. The light fading away as she slumped down to the ground.
The room was silent as Varian stared waiting for Fox to move. Straining for even the lightest rise or fall of her chest. Nothing. Varian dropped to his knees.
He had held Tiffin in her last moments to his heart. She passed silently in his arms. Fox, he watched die in the most inhumane way, unable to do anything.
King Varian Wyrnn, who thought his heart had died with his late Queen, now knew a horrible truth. He still had a heart in his chest, and it was fully capable of being broken again.