Chapter 24

Fluctuations of the Heart

Fox woke up in a strange room. It was lavishly large. The windows were covered in fine curtains, but that did not stop the flow of cool air seeping through the broken glass. The bed was nothing special, but it was large. Everything about it had the feeling as if it were a disjointed best effort. She realized the moment the thought hit her, that was exactly what it was.

The dislocated people of Hillsbrad and Arathi had very little to offer their Queen, and yet they had. Fox drew the blanket up to her chin to cover her smile. Their selflessness caused her heart to swell with warmth. How she had endeared herself to them so quickly was a blessing. She had been willing to die for them. That had been enough.

"You are wake, Queen Wyrnn?"

That name was an ice bath that killed her smile. Fox looked around the room and saw a Priestess sitting with a half polished silver tea service before her. "Queen Wyrnn does not exist here. This is my Kingdom, and my Keep. So long as I do not sign King Wyrnn's infernal papers, I do not have to acknowledge his hold over me."

The shocked look on the other woman's face was quite pleasing.

Fox looked down and sighed. She had once again been stuffed into a flowing night dress that reminded her of fine icing on a cake. "Oh for Light Sake! Where is my armor?" She cast her eyes around the room in a swift search.

"It has been removed along with your weapons." The Priestess held up the silver pot toward Fox, "Tea?"

"Yes, tea would be lovely. Who ordered my things removed?" Fox had her suspicions and spoke of it. "King Wrynn?"

"Greymane." The Priestess poured a dainty cup. Then walked it across the room to the Lady.

Fox sighed, and took the steaming drink knowing it would do nothing to fortify her. "Traitor." She could not blame Genn. She had tried to kill Varian quite publicly. Fox took a sip of her tea and allowed it's warm calming powers to flow through her. Centering her mind until a new thought came forward. "Wait. Who told you I was Queen Wyrnn?"

"His Majesty announced it after your collapse. Greymane has confirmed it along with the impending birth of your royal issue. That is why I am with you. Prenatal care is my specialty. So you have nothing to worry about with me at your side." The woman walked forward putting her hand out. "I am Damiana. Congratulations, by the way.

Fox groaned. "I do not need some Priest hovering over me, at the command of King Wrynn."

"Not King Wyrnn." Damiana remained unmoved.

"Greymane then. Same difference." Fox snapped. The dark eyes locking on the other woman. Wishing she would just go away.

Damiana broke into a rich laugh. "Crimson sent me."

"Oh dear gods." Fox's eyes came wide and the tea was spit forward.

"You have it correctly. So you will see why nothing you say will remove me from your side. Short of death, but I have a strange belief, I would be punished for that infraction as well. So please, just do your very best to stay in good condition and deliver a healthy baby, for both our sakes." Damiana poured a second cup of tea for Fox. "Not a word as to who sent me to King Wyrnn. Crimson already told me that leak of information would displease her greatly."

"Tell me, what do you know of her?" Fox held the cup in her hands and realized they were shaking a bit.

"Nothing solid. I assume she is a spawn of the Old Gods or maybe she is the hubris of Deathwing given human form. It's something horrible like that. She is going to kill us one day. Using kindness just to be extra cruel, because we wont be able to fight back without throwing glittery Paladins at her."

"May I ask how you got mixed up with her?"

"I took her shoes. Three sets in a single dungeon. My mother always said shoes would be the death of me. I wish I had known just how true that statement was." Damiana sighed sadly and looked at the curtain wavering with a wind gust.

"Being eternally doomed for a position with the SI-7 sounds less pathetic now." Fox chuckled as she looked at the Priestess.

"Go ahead, rub it in. I get to explain the rigors of child birth to you." Damiana said flatly.

That caused Fox to go silent.

"King Wyrnn isn't a small man, is he? I can only guess this child will be quite large as well. But, your a Rogue, I am sure you are use to pain. It will be fine. The longest labor I attended was only forty eight hours, and the hard part only lasted twenty. You had missions longer then that, am I right?"

Fox's lower lip was trembling as she stared at the Priest. She was a very bad woman. Very bad. Fox decided to change the subject. In no great rush to be informed of the amount of torment she would endure through labor. "Please find me something to wear. I would prefer pants, but if I must have a dress, go light on the ruffles, lace, and ribbons."

"Yes, well dresses are the selection of the day. Those that were assumed they would fit anyway." Damiana threw open a chest, "The accessories are quite limited."

"Good. I just need to fine Wyrnn and see what he has planned. That way I can make some of my own."

"You could wait until he returns to your room?" Damiana straightened, two dresses hanging over her arm.

"Returns? That isn't going to happen. I forbid him from entering my chambers." Fox shook her head and crossed her arms.

"It's kind of his rooms, too. You are technically married according to what everyone was told yesterday. To be truthful, King Wyrnn already spent last night in here with you."

Fox could have been knocked over with a feather. When she recovered she growled, "Get me some maids to change my sheets and draw me a very hot bath."

"Yes, Queen Wyrnn. I will get right on that." Damiana turned her back to hide her smile. She stepped out of the room to see Sheylann waiting there in the hall.

"Not going well?" Sheylann sighed as the sound of a crash was heard.

"I love how you understate the obvious." Damiana growled looking back over her shoulder at the closed door. "Who knows what she found in there to smash, but she did."

O0O0O0O0O

"I have no problem staying here and watching over the reestablishment of Stromgrade. It would be my fondest wish that the Dark Lady does wander back through that wall." Genn sat back in his chair looking over the rest of the Alliance leaders.

"I am sure my Queen will be pleased to hear that. I want her returned to Stormwind as quickly as possible."

"Then, like I be tellin ya, she is goin hae ta go by Gryphon. Zephyr's Blade can hae ya back in a jiffy." Falstad leaned over the table toward King Wyrnn.

"I prefer to use the portals. It will be less stress on her delicate condition." Varian reminded them again.

"But the portals are still acting up." Moria pointed out. "It was never Sylvanas, and we have no idea what is causing it."

"Wrong." Sheylann said as she walked into the room flanking Fox. "I have been personally monitoring this issue for a few weeks now."

Varian came to his feet seeing Fox. He was pleased to see her awake, but leery of her reaction to him. Not surprising seeing as he had a slight gash on his chest from her blade from the last time they met.

"Sheylann has informed me that there have been strange arcane fluctuations in the northern region for days. The portals went dead just recently because of them." Fox lifted her skirt slightly, and approached the great table. Coming to stand near Genn who was sitting at the head. "Pardon me, Greymane, but I believe you have my seat?"

"Just keeping it warm for you, dear Lady." Genn rose and moved to the side. "Or should I say Queen Wyrnn." He watched her face for a reaction.

They all did, and Fox did not give them one. She turned and looked pointedly at Varian. "I am sure he will let you know when congratulations are in order. It seems I have very little to say about it one way or the other."

"Fox." Varian started, but she rose her hand to silence him

"We were discussing the portals of Eastern Kingdom." She sat down and smoothed the plain cream skirt. "Sheylann believes this disturbance is emanating from Silvermoon, and I have to agree." The dark eyes looking over the leaders in attendance.

"That would be makin more sense then the undead." Mardin nodded agreeing with Sheylann's assessment as well. "We will have to send an envoy up to see what is going on."

"But who would be the best choice?' Moria scowled. "We are not very welcome in a Horde city."

"I think Goldenleaf and Learen could get in and out undetected if need be." Sheylann spoke up from her place behind Fox.

Fox turned to look up at her with evident distress on her face, "Learen? Are you mad?"

"Slightly yes, but Golden can control him, and if the Blood Elves fail to comply with our questions, it will not hurt us to send a message."

"That message being we have one hell of a nasty gnome in our ranks that could very well kill you all before you knew he was there?" Fox slapped a hand over her face. Now that was Sheylann style diplomacy for you. "Let's send Braelyn Hawke."

Varian jolted physically at that suggestion, "You can't send her. It's far to dangerous."

"Varian, I happen to know that Braelyn is on a first name bases with several of the Blood Elves of Silvermoon. She knows the lay of the city better then Goldenleaf or Learen. Also her peace minded sentiments will balance Learen's insulting barbs." Fox pointed out calmly. "We need her on this team."

"I don't think her mother would approve." Varian tossed in.

"Her mother's approval is what has you stumbling over this decision, really?" Fox was genuinely confused at his staunch refusal. "Miss Hawke is a full grown woman, I am sure you have not failed to notice. Her lack of experience comes from the coddling her parents, and clearly yourself, have put upon her. I was already an agent of the SI-7 at her age. I assure you that it was the experiences there that have made me what I am today."

"Head strong and defiant. Traits everyone should strive for." Varian growled back at her. "I am the High King of the Alliance, and I do not want Braelyn Hawke anywhere near, let alone going into, Silvermoon."

Then maybe we need a new head of the Alliance. Fox almost said it out loud, but held her tongue. Instead she sighed and stood up. "Very well, then it's settled. Sheylann, go give out the orders given by the Lady Lothar, Ruler of Stromgarde."

Sheylann hesitated wanting to be sure."Your orders?"

Fox turned and cast a determined look at Sheylann, "Yes, my orders. Since neither I, nor my people, have sworn any allegiance to any faction."

There was a loud gasp in the room. Varian looked at her thunderstruck, "Fox, are you going traitor on me?"

"The Crimson Fox was a member of the Alliance, and an agent of the SI-7, but she died in Stormwind's Cathedral Square. There are official documents in Stormwind that verify that. I am the Lady Lothar who you dragged back from Orgrimmar. It is that person who rules Stromgarde, and I will not acknowledge your will over me. At least until you manage to woe my loyalty to your cause, High King. Trust me when I say it will take more then fancy words to get your way this time around." Fox rose and nodded to the stunned Alliance members. "I will leave you to your private matters in my hall. Please enjoy your visit." With that she turned and swept out of the chamber.

"I think I be in love, King Wyrnn." Muradin stared after her. "Where da we get more o those?"

Moria kicked her uncle under the table.

Varian didn't bother excusing himself. He just followed after her "Fox." He called after her in a warning tone.

She ignored him and continued speaking with Sheylann at the doorway to the main keep. The Druid saluted and turned to leave.

"Fox!" Varian came up next to her. "Don't ignore me."

"Then call me by my rightful name."

"Queen Wyrnn, I am not amused." Varian stared down at her. Not inclined to give in to her game.

Fox smiled up at him, "Nice try, but you know I never signed your documents. It's only when I am in your Kingdom or Gilnean lands that I must adhere to that command."

Varian leaned down and touched his lips to stop her from talking. It had always worked in the past. This time she pulled back and let loose a solid punch to his jaw. She would have struck him square in the nose, but he was far to tall to reach.

She shook her hand at the stinging pain. Perhaps she had just broken her knuckles. She looked up to see a shocked Varian working his jaw line, "King Wyrnn, I am already carrying your issue. There is no more need for you to force your attentions upon me."

"Force? When have I ever forced my attention at anytime?" The anger starting to rise in his tone. "I know you are upset over the baby. I have no idea why you are so mad over something that brings me so much joy."

Fox shoved him hard at that. "Of course you are happy! You have made it perfectly obvious from the first that you wanted the connection in our bloodline. Damn you, Varian I do want the baby. What I do not want is a pawn!"

Varian suddenly felt all his anger drain away. "Is that what you think? Fox."

He said her name with such softness that she stepped back. Afraid that he would undo her with his kindness.

He reached out and pulled her to him ignoring her struggling. "Our child is not a pawn. I would never allow anyone to use him in that way, even myself. Besides he is going to be to powerful for that. You are his mother after all."

Fox drew a deep breath feeling her legs shaking under her. "Her. We are having a daughter."

Varian laughed, "I hate to tell you this, but it's going to be a boy."

Fox pulled back looking confused and lost. "Did the Priestess tell you that?"

"No. I just want a boy. So that is what it's going to be."

Fox punched him in the chest with no strength. "She is going to be my daughter. So she is going to give you one hell of a time. Starting with being born a Princess."

Varian lifted Fox high against his chest in one swift motion. The strength of her anger evaporating. "Let's go up to our rooms and send down for some lunch. It's clear we really need to talk about a lot of things."

"Varian?" Fox looked up at him. A deep look of worry on her face. "Do you really love me?"

"Yes. I love you desperately. There is nothing I will not do for you, Queen Wyrnn."

"Then you will not be mad that I sent Braelyn to Silvermoon with Goldenleaf and Learen?" Fox bit her lip.

Varian took a deep breath and sighed, "Braelyn should be fine with Goldenleaf. The reports I have about Learen make me more then a little worried."

Fox nodded, "It will be interesting."

"Could be full scale war interesting." Varian shook his head as he considered the problem at hand, and set her down. "Go up to our rooms. I will have the food sent up. Then I am going to send someone to tell Chelinka to join that little Silvermoon party."

O0O0O0O0O

Braelyn mounted her horse. She looked over to see Goldenleaf on his black nightsaber. "So you were once one of Malfurion's personal Druids?"

"To my vast misfortune, yes." Goldenleaf shrugged, his long green hair falling down his back

"Wasn't it an honor." Brealyn was taken back at the look of horror that appeared on his face

Goldenleaf snorted, "It was pure hell."

Braelyn pulled her horse up and watched him moving on. She waited until he stopped and came back to her. The golden glow of his eyes looking up. "I would be honored to study under the first Druid. What could possibly be so bad to ruin it?" Braelyn asked simply.

Goldenleaf said nothing, and turned his mount around and headed off toward Silvermoon.

"Come back and answer my question!" Braelyn kicked her mount into a canter to catch him.

He shrugged as the nightsaber rushed forward with great speed. "We need to get to Silvermoon, and see why they haven't been able to portal us aruond."

"We left with out Chelinka and Learen. I think we could stand to take our time." Braelyn called out to him. "What we need to do is let them catch up."

"I happen to be very dependable on my own. I would have left you, but I happen to know you speak their language. I kind of need you when we get there." Goldenleaf tossed out in a bored tone.

Braelyn could do nothing more then stare at him with annoyance. "Kind of need me? I would say being able to communicate might not get you killed."

"They wont kill me. My reputation will precede me." Golden looked behind to see her trying to keep up to his pace.

Brealyn laughed openly at him. Did he have any idea how ridiculous he sounded? "Really? Are you some infamous druid of indestructible power?"

"Infamous among them, perhaps? Does it really matter how they know of me?"

"Maybe not you. But it will matter how they know of me." Brealyn frowned. A thought of what was awaiting her in Silvermoon had her stomach churning with worry.

Goldenleaf was curious at that "So tell me, Brae, how do they know you?"

"I was the Archmage Rommath's lover for a time." She looked over waiting for a shock reaction from the Night Elf. There wasn't one "He threw me over and left me in Goldshire. I have not heard from him since."

Golden started laughing hard at her confession

"That's not funny!" Braelyn had tears in her eyes. "I was perfectly heart broken."

"I would say you got lucky. Life with a Blood Elf." He shuddered. "And I thought I had it bad. Thank the Light, or what ever you put faith in, that you dodged that bullet."

"You have no idea what I am talking about." Braelyn scowled at him."I loved Rommath so very much. I do not know how I will face him again."

Goldenleaf stopped smiling, "I have more then an idea. My betrothal has been thousands of years. It has left me struggling in every way I could to get off the hook. My family is pretty predominate in Night Elf society. My parents are very demanding of me. Everything is to be for the Kaldorei. Sadly, I have developed my own mind. No one has taken well to it, but the mouths have remained shut until I come to my senses. So far, I have not."

"What does that mean?" Braelyn tried to understand.

"It means I am Goldenleaf of Stormwind now."

"You have abandoned Darnassus?" Braelyn gasped over at him. "That's terrible!"

"Really? Where is home for you? Stormwind or Silvermoon? At least my loyalty to the Alliance isn't up for questioning."

Braelyn growled out, "It's a mute point. Rommath threw me away. Remember!"

"So that is what is upsetting you?" He pulled up his nightsaber to a swift stop. "I can help you with that. If you will help me with my problem?"

"What are you talking about?"

"When we get to Silvermoon, I will play the love struck fool for you. Then when we return to Stormwin, we can hit the portal to Darnassus. Then you can return the favor by meeting my parents as my fiancee. That should lead them to finally break the betrothal. I will be able to return to Darnassus from time to time and visit with my family. Maybe I will be able to give some consideration into fulfilling my duties to them."

"And what after that?" Braelyn snorted.

"I will love you forever! Just like a good little Hunter pet. I hate to be so narcissistic, but I am the most adorable kitty in all of Azeroth. All the other hunters will be wild with jealousy."

Braelyn started laughing. The idea of a Druid playing a Hunter pet was just so cute.

"I have several other forms you can choose from. How about this." He hopped off his nightsaber and transformed into a Stag. He ran back and jumped around her horse.

Braelyn reached over to pet him.

Golden expertly caught her arm up in his horns and tossed her to his back. Then rushed down the rode.

Brealyn looking back at her mount running off. "My horse!" That did not stop the druid as he rushed headlong toward Silvermoon. The captive Hunter holding on for dear life.

O0O0O0O0O0

"Learen! We are going to be late." Chelinka knelt down by the little Gnome. He sat with his face in a corner. The little arms crossed before him. The chin sank low in a pout.

"I am not going into Silvermoon without my poisons and daggers. Nope. No. I don't think so." There was so much stubborn resolve in his tone it could have killed all hope.

"But it will be alright. Braelyn and Goldenleaf will be with us. Miss Hawke speaks Thalassian, and Goldenleaf is an expert political negotiator when he wants to be." Chelinka tried to coax him up. "Think of it this way, you will see the lay out of the city. If you ever raid it, you will know exactly where to go."

"I already know it, and I stab stuff! There is no reason for me to go to the Pink Fluffy Unicorn Dancing on Rainbows inner dimensional section from HELL!" Learen turned as his voice rose.

"The Lady Lothar has requested you to go."

"And I should care why?" He snapped back

"King Wyrnn as agreed to her decree."

"Again, why do I care?"

"Okay, I didn't want to do this." Chelinka looked around to make sure no one was looking. Certain no one could see, she weaved a magical spell and two ice daggers appeared in her hands, "They might not be chainsaw daggers, but they freeze their victims. You can either leave them while you flee or smash them to snow dust."

Learen's eyes widened as she waved them before him. The gnomes eyes following the magical weapons, completely enraptured. "Learen likey!"

"So you will have weapons should you need them. Now are you ready to go." Chelinka pleaded.

"Yes, but we have time." Learen stretched as he stood up.

"What do you mean. Braelyn and Goldenleaf have a three hour lead on us, and I cant open any portals presently." Chelinka remind him.

"You can't, because you use magic." Learen waved her away. He pulled open his pack, and pulled out a small hand held device. "This is my Silvermoon displacer. Normally I used it to track down and return any cocky Blood Elf, who thinks they have out distanced me in the safety of their city. A simple recalibration and I will set us on their door step with it."

Chelinka reared her head back in horror, "You mean you portal people directly out of Silvermoon?"

"Once my blade tastes your blood, I can and will find you anywhere. There is no escape. Ahhh, the sweet thrill of the hunt." Learen pulled his goggles over his green eyes.

Chelinka sucked in her breath wondering what kind of monster this adorable Gnome was deep down.

Then manically giggling as he worked on his little Displacer causing her heart to freeze cooler then the magic she cast.

Author Note: Sorry I am so late. My older brother finally gave in and started play WoW today. Guess where I was?