Chapter 18

One Rogue Behaving Badly

"I like your parents." Fox leaned lower over Seb's neck. She was pushing him to move faster. "Hold tight. He wants to weave through the trees."

Braelyn, who had thrown her hands up over her head at Seb's initial burst of speed, locked her arms around Fox's waist. The light brown hair flowing out behind them, catching in small pools of sunlight that had managed filter through the leaves. "This is awesome! I want a Gryphon just like him. Heck I want Seb!"

Seb cried out as if he understood Braelyn's delighted words. Shooting through the obstacle course that was Elwynn Forest. He dipped to his side allowing one wing to drag in the water. The drops forming a rainbow behind him.

Braelyn laughed and shouted. "This is to much! How did he ever learn all of this?"

"Honestly, running from Garrosh's forces in various skirmishes all over Azeroth." Fox called back. "Necessity is the mother of innovation!"

Seb flapped hard before tightening his wing span to shoot through the bridge between Elwynn and Westfall. Then lifting back up into the air. The large wing span holding outright to soar through the open plains.

"He just left Elwynn!" Braelynn called. Suddenly worried about having the Lady Lothar so far from the safety of Stormwind without a royal guard. And thinking of that, why had there not been one to start with?

"It's alright. Since we are out here let's cull some of the Gnolls and Murlocs." Fox was itching to get her daggers in her hands after weeks of fancy dresses and stuffy meetings.

"Why? Are they harassing the Stormwind Refugees again?" Braelyn reached to her back and pulled down her bow. Ever ready to defend the citizens of the Alliance.

Fox bit her lip. It was as good a reason as any. True or not, Fox didn't much care. She had been attacked by both species far to much in the past. Not to mention their pertinacity for stealing things that should have been very much left alone. "Yes. The poor misplaced people of Stormwind." Light forgive her for lying to Braelyn, but she just wanted to butcher herself some of the little pests.

Braelyn leaned off Seb's left side trying to get a look at Fox's face. "Then it's fine with me, but one more thing?"

"Yes?'

"King Wyrnn does know what you are about, right? It's not like we are going to get in any trouble for this?"

"What? Noooooo." Fox forced to hold back a wicked grin of pure amusement. Of course they weren't going to get in trouble. They were not going to get caught!

O0O0O0O

Braelyn did not realize that one could play kickball with a live Murloc. Now she stood on the sandy slope watching Fox and Seb do just that. The poor creature was gurgling and calling for it's friends. However, the ones that were still alive had wisely rushed into the sea. It had not been Fox's terrifying blade fury, although it had inspire great fear. It had not been Braelyn's deadly multi shot, that had finished many of them off.

It had been Seb, who had grabbed hold of a Murloc, and swallowed it down in one gulp.

While Braelyn had been dropping her bow to cover her eyes, Fox fell on the ground laughing, and Seb charged after them grabbing up one more. He brought the terrified creature around the beach, and dropped it next to Fox. Years of being mobbed the the vile creatures had not instilled any mercy in her heart. Fox had grabbed it up and kicked it down the shore with a mighyt punt. Seb rushing to catch it again. He tossed it around much like a cat with a mouse. Then threw it back to his mistress wanting to share his great fun. The game continuing in front of the horrified Braelyn and the sea floating Murlocs.

Fox was more then ready to move on to the Gnolls, but Braelyn had to stop in to check on the homeless at the closest farm house. Both women being horrified at the plight of the civilians in residence. The clothing was thread bare, and most of them were missing shoes. The food was none existent. It was not something either had ever experienced on their own. Fox had always been more then well taken care of by the Fulbrights and the SI-7.

Braelyn was much the same as Fox in experience. "We can at least get them some food. I saw some vultures that we could get them just ahead in the fields." The deep blue eyes looking hopefully at Fox.

"There are coyotes and goretusks to the back. It will give them meat, and I can use the skins to make them some clothing. It takes time to prepare the leather. I think it would be better served to make the effort to multitask on this."

"Yes, my Lady." Braelyn clasp a hand over her mouth. She scanned to see if any of the people had heard.

Of course they had. This was Fox's luck in play. Years of such making her what she was. A Rogue and an excellent liar, "You flatter me Princess!" Fox bowed low to Braelyn.

No one the wiser to the fact Fox was Lady Lothar. Everyone just thinking that the two adventures were merely busy playing a game of humor.

The time flew past quickly. The skills they possessed so far beyond the task they had assigned themselves. Fox wasn't getting much dagger work in. How could she when Braelyn's bow had such a deadly ranged attack. The effort of skinning everything and collecting what she could slowing Fox to a near crawling pace.

"I thought you had a reputation for being an exceptional Rogue!" Braelyn teased as she rapid fired down the next goretusk that wandered past.

Fox dropped down and started her messy work. "Typically I seem to be of a better skill. You just make me look bad."

"I make all Rogues look bad!" Braelyn twirled her bow in hand. The cocksure motion was accommodated by a grin.

Fox sighed and finished up. She was just about to tell Braelyn they had enough skins for a few boots and some various clothing. Then the sickening chuckle of a Gnoll caught her attention.

Braelyn turned to see a patrol of four had come around a tree bearing down on them. The bow rising to take aim.

A very unladylike, "Well crap." Coming from the Lady Lothar as she sprinted into the fray. The arrows whizzing past Fox's body as she tried to determine what creature Braelyn was targeting first. Focusing their attacks could only help.

The lightening crackled the air, and Fox was barely able to avoid it. Braelyn was much further ranged out. So she easily saw the incoming projectile. A roll to the side she swiftly changed her target to the ranged attacks of a Gnoll Shaman.

Fox worked her blades on the ones charging the the Hunter. Managing to fell two before they reached Braelyn. The Shaman did not last long against the fleet arrows. The last remaining Gnoll tried to flee, but Fox disappeared into darkness then reappeared close enough to give the finishing move.

"Good job, Fox!" Braelyn called. She raised her bow over her head to signal their victory.

"I should say! I killed three to your one." Fox intentionally provoked the little Hunter.

"I had them half dead before the Shaman jumped in, and you never touched him at all!" Braelyn's eyes going wide with indignation. Clearly having done far more damage then the legendary Lothar.

"Details." Fox laughed. She knew it was true from the beginning. The pulling of Braelyn's chain much more amusing then heralding the Hunters greatness.

They returned to appreciative refugees. The skins had been set out to cure. The food was starting to smell delicious and drew the attention of many. Fox let the cooking to the experts, which it seemed Braelyn was. Oh those wonderful secondary skills. How much more trouble could they have possibly gotten her into?

The sound of sniffling brought Fox around the house. A woman kneeling with her daughter said, "I told you to stay far away from the mine. I wish I could retrieve that doll from the Kobold, but I can't. It's gone now, dear."

Fox scowled. Kobolds? Oh no. She turned away. Already planning on sending some toys out to the people of Westfall. The new ones would probably be in better condition anyway. Fox assured herself that was the best idea. After all they were not touched by dirty, stinky, rat men. Fox shuddered just thinking about them. Until she walked right into Braelyn,

"That poor girl!" The Hunter looked up with tears in her deep blue eyes. A beseeching look that demanded they do something.

No, just no. The simple thought expressing how Fox felt about this rescue mission.. She paled seeing Braelyn lifting her weapon. "You are exactly right, Fox. That child needs her toy back. The Kobolds must be taught a lesson."

Fox forced a smile. Damn sainted souls that sought to save the world. A weak pump of her arm in faux agreement, "Yea! Onward to... glory?"

Braelyn tossed an arm around Fox, "You know I used to hate Rogues so much. I thought they were selfish and manipulative. That they only did things to serve themselves. You have taught me so much today about people. You really are worthy of your bloodline."

Okay, now Fox just felt bad. Because Braelyn was right. She didn't want to get a stupid toy from a creepy rat man, who would smack her with sticks and candles. But it was only a few minutes later, deep in a mine, Fox found herself doing just that. A pile of their bodies at her feet. Several children's toys had been recovered. If any where the missing doll, Fox could only hope. And just where the hell was that do gooder Braelyn Hawke?

As if out of one of Fox's worst nightmares, Braelyn rushed past. Something pinned to her chest. "Run, Fox! RUN!"

Looking over to see an army of angry Kobold swarming the tunnel. "You didn't!" Fox cried out.

"YOU NO TAKE CANDLE!" The cry went up from the angry Kobold leader.

The echoing voice of Braelyn shouting back, "Oh, Yes I did!"

Fox vanished. The rat men running past her. She could make new friends right?

O0O0O0O0O0

Braelyn and her stolen candle had been safely delivered home. Fox had returned Seb to his stall. She had hand fed Besty her grain and returned well past the lighting of the lamps. She had been certain that the dining hall would be empty. And she had been wrong.

Varian looked up from his seat at the head of the table. The candles had burned low. Fox came to a full stop seeing him sitting there. "Your Majesty, why are you still in here?"

He smiled almost weakly at her. "I was waiting for you. I admit, I was starting to think you had fled Stormwind again."

"Perish that thought. I love it here." Fox moved to take her seat. The food had grown cold, but she was famished. She reached for one of the thick croissants piled in a basket before her first.

"At least you are capable of the emotion." The sharp dig hitting it's mark.

"I see there will be no living with you until I give a confession." Fox set the bread down. She took a deep fortifying sigh.

Varian looked at her with disappointment, "Do not say anything you don't mean on my account. I think I can survive."

She came out of her chair and walked over to him. When he merely looked up at her, Fox tapped her toe to the leg of his chair. He moved it back. Not sure what she was getting at. She slipped down on his lap, and put her arms around his waist. Curling against him. "I am really starting to dislike the armor."

"I could say the same thing. Mine is just more visual." Varian whispered as he ran a hand down her back.

"You want a confession of the truth?" She looked up so he could see that she wasn't just speaking things he wanted to hear. Letting him know that her eyes reflected the deep emotions that forged her soul. "You are impossible not to love, your Majesty. Of course, I love you. What is love if not longing for one to be returned to you every day. To dream of it. I did that before I even knew you. When I sat in this keep holding your young son on my lap. Every time I left his side I would pray that you would come home safe. I loved you then. When you returned I wept with joy. My kingdom was finally whole again to me, and I loved you more. I loved you so much I offered my life to protect you! Only your protection and continued existence mattered to me. How can you asked if I love you? I have been proving it since before you had even seen me."

"I want you to love me as a woman loves a man, Fox. Not as a soldier loves her King."

"And what other soldier has offered as much as I have up to you? I know what it's like to be in your arms at night. Tell me who else knows that? I do love you as a man. You just ask so much of me. Varian, can't you see I don't have anything more to give right now?"

"You can give me your hand." He whispered against her hair.

"You never give up, do you." Fox sat up. She leaned back in his arms to look up at the demanding blue eyes.

"I have not even been Lady Lothar for two months." Fox pointed out. "It's hard to adjust from being a common Rogue to a coveted Arathi.

Varian smiled at that, "Then it should be all the easier to become Queen Wyrnn."

"What about I agree to marry you and you become King Lothar?" Fox growled back trying to come off his lap.

"Don't be silly!" He tightened his hold, and forced her back down.

"Then don't ask for more then I am willing to give." Fox pouted. It was all she could do sitting there like that. Damn man was actually happy now. What had she done?

"I know you love me now. More deeply then I had hoped." He leaned in and nibbled on her neck just below her ear. The tightening of her arms arrived with the little moan of desire that he adored. "You also told me those terrible dreams have became your burden instead of mine. I can tell you from first hand experience you will not last long under their onslaught."

Fox let out a short laugh. "My King, let me tell you something, as much as I love and desire you, right now, I am needing to eat." She tried to get up but he kept her in place. "Varian, I'm starving! I missed lunch and dinner."

"Then you can sit right here and I will feed you from my own hand."

Fox rolled her eyes. "Only a short time ago I did the same thing with Besty. Are you going to try and feed me like a tamed pet?"

But in the end she sat there pointing out the things she wanted, and Varian had no trouble catering to his Lady's every desire. Aside the one in the bedroom. He was not going to do himself in and relent on that.

O0O0O0O0O0O0

Fox had over slept again. She rose at the endless rapping at her door. A palm pushing into her eye as she called out, "I'm up! I'm up. For the light's sake stop doing the woodpecker impression and open the damn door!"

She was surprised when a little maid peeked her head in, "Lady Lothar? The King has requested you be dressed, and brought down to the throne room right away."

A deep yawn as she nodded. The maid moving to gather her clothing. Fox should have thought better of it. The woman pulling out the most feminine day dress she could find. Fox was not going to argue. She planned on going to the throne room, adhering to whatever Varian commanded, and returning straight to her bed. That was one plus of being Lady Eloise Lothar.

Fox made her way slowly. There was no real reason to rush. At least until she saw who was standing before the King. She blinked at Gryan Stoutmantle, Marshal of Sentinel Hill, Protector of Westfall. The man in deep conversation with his King. Next to him was Braelyn Hawke. Both visitors glowing with delight.

Oh damn!

To anyone else Varian looked mildly entertained. Fox knew it for what it was, a deep effort to keep from committing murder! He looked up to see her frozen in place by the doorway. The blue eyes locking on her with displeasure.

"There she is! Our little Heroine of Westfall has finally arrived." Varian motioned to her. "No wonder you were so tired, Lady Lothar! I had no idea you had such a busy day, considering you failed to mention any of it to me over dinner last night."

Gryan turned to see her. "Lady Lothar!" he came to bow before her. Taking up her hands in his. "I can not tell you how grateful the people of Westfall are to you and your efforts. I have brought word to his Majesty at their insistence."

"Yes, and Miss Hawke was filling me in on the rest of the adventure. Murloc, Gnolls, and Kobolds, Dare I think you are trying to take down that Axis of Awful almost single handedly?" Varian's voice was cold.

"I wasn't alone." Fox swallowed hard. Wasn't this suppose to be the very thing she was not to be caught doing? Damn you, Braelyn. "If I had been Miss Hawke could not have supplied you with such a detailed and thorough report."

"True." Varian nodded and looked down at the Hunter, "And she will be most rewarded for her efforts."

Braelyn beamed. The poor woman having no idea just how much trouble Fox was now in. She could not blame Braelyn though. It was her own Rogue behavior that had gotten her into this mess. In fact, Fox was not all that opposed to taking on Braelyn's own, I hate Rogues, attitude at this point. It was a splendid notion once you thought deeply enough on it.

"I must thank the two of you for this delightful report on the efforts of our Lady Lothar." Varian moved to take Fox by the arm and set it firmly on his own. "Stoutmantle, I do not want to keep you. I know the pressing concerns of Westfall. Miss Hawke, please return home, and await a summons from me. I will be sure to fetch you in at my earliest opportunity." He patted Fox's hand as the blue eyes shone down with a familiar electric blue light. "Right now, I need to see to praising my Lady's noble efforts."

Fox hand signaled in the Stormwind assassin's code, "Get Help!" as she was lead away. But clearly neither Stoutmantle or Braelyn had a clue she wasn't giving them a flutter wave goodbye. Where the hell was Shaw when you needed him!

"Are you really going to praise me?" Fox was ushered down the hall. She was forced to almost run to keep up.

Varian didn't slow his pace. "No. We are going somewhere private. Where I can turn you over my knee, like I have been promising myself since Lion's Landing."

"I love you, Varian?" Fox called out.

He merely snorted in response.

Author's Note: Next chapter, return of the Gnomish Priestesses. Remember to Fan and Fav for the updates. And Review! I want to know how I'm doing.