Chapter 29
Heart Break
Fox was pulled from her sleep by Damiana. "Wake up, Lady Lothar. You have company."
"Let Varian handle it." She rolled over and pulled the pillow over her head.
"Very well, I am sure that Regent Lord Lor'themar is going to be delighted with that change in line up."
That brought Fox up out of bed. "Who?"
Damiana flipped her hair and glared. "You know perfectly well whom I am speaking of. Do you want me to humor you and say, Leader of the Blood Elves? It's Lor'themar at Stromgrade's gates. Looks like he brought a small army with him. Which isn't any good for you seeing as that is all the more you have, yourself. King Wyrnn is in a snit amassing the men he brought from Stormwind. Since Theodan will not let Stromgarde's forces stand against the Horde in open combat, unless they breech the walls. Which left your husband fairly screaming at the boy when I left to come tell you."
"Varian yelled at Theodan?" Fox let her feet hit the for and started for the door.
"Oh no. Not until you look acceptable. Blood Elves do prize beauty very much. You need to use yours against them." Damiana turned Fox in a circle and headed her back to the vanity. "Let the boys play their little war games. Lor'themar is taunting Varian, Varian is having fits on Theodan, and Theodan, bless his young soul, is acting like the only man out there."
"Theodan is a child. He will not last long against those two." Fox pointed out with a great sigh. Watching Damiana messing with her short hair. "You can't do anything with it. It was butchered at the last ball I attended. I have no idea why anyone would subject themselves to such events like those. Horrid, just as Shaw had expressed."
"The front is still long enough for me to add some silver ribbon. I am not sending you out there in the blue and gold your husband keeps shoving at you."
"I do look better in Horde red." Fox pointed out. She scanned the closet's selection of gowns.
Damiana scowled, and shook her head. "Then where will we be. We want Lor'themar respecting you, not lusting after you. King Wyrnn would call for out right war if we let that happen."
"A war fought in my honor." Fox placed a hand to her chest, and sat up straight in her little fantasy. "Isn't that what every young princess desires?"
"First off, you are far from young. Plus Princess, has never been a title you possessed." Damiana looked through the wardrobe. "Yes, wear the red. I am sure this will be interesting."
Fox looked over at the revealing dress. "I have had leather that covered less, I suppose." She shrugged in defeat. When was she ever going to get something resembling modesty? Fox waited for Damiana and had it pulled on. Noticing instantly that it was slightly tight against her breasts. The hands going to pull at it.
"Starting to show are you?" Damiana chuckled as she came around to inspect her handy work.
"It's not my torso that is the problem. These have been a pain before. Why are they getting bigger?" Fox growled. The flat of her hands trying to push the offenders back down.
"Oh, shut up and enjoy it while it lasts. Soon your waist will be out pacing them by a long shot. I have no idea how women sleep with a cannonball strapped to their midsections." Damiana moved to open the door. "Now go! Impress."
Fox realized that Varian would hold Lor'themar at the front gates. So she didn't even bother trying the grand hall. She came out of the keep doors. Noticing instantly that everyone had gathered to see the confrontation between the Human High King and the Regent Lord of the Blood Elves. Although neither man was getting anywhere with the quick witted Theodan in the middle.
"Pray tell, what is going on?" Fox lifted her chin and called through the crowd.
A sea of people moved as Varian and Lor'themar looked up the stairs to the vision that ruled over Stromgarde. Varian looked thunderously at her. Clearly not happy she had turned out so nicely to greet the Blood Elves. Lor'themar's eyes widened before an appreciative smile hit his lips.
Still it was Halduron Brightwing that moved first. "There is no doubt, Regent Lord. I saw the picture that Anduin Lothar carried with him into battle. She is the same woman. Although, I doubt how she could not have aged a day from that image."
"Because that was my mother's picture he carried, Ondreana Manston of Stormwind. I am Eloise Lothar. The Crimson Fox, new ruler of Stromgarde Keep. I bid you welcome to my Kingdom."
Varian rolled his eyes, and placed Shalamayne on his back. Knowing that there was no way he could go against Fox in this. If she wanted Blood Elves running around her city, so be it. Perhaps it would open up the peace talks he had going before Jaina Proudmoore had squelched them with her actions in Dalaran.
King Wyrnn standing down, at but a few words from Lady Lothar was not unnoticed. Lor'themar was stunned. "I accept your hospitality. However I am here to thank you for the aid you sent Silvermoon."
The Blood Elf army moved to reveal Goldenleaf, Brealyn, and Chelinka standing in their midst. There was no sign of Learen. Fox gasped in worry. Sheooked quickly to Lor'themar. "And the Gnome?"
"Had disappeared from my care. Although last I saw him he was quite alive and packing cookies in a sack."
"Then please, let us move inside to the great hall. I will call for some refreshments. You and my people can inform me as to what took place in Silvermoon to interrupt the portal systems, and how it has come to be fixed."
"I would like that very much." Lor'themar motioned for the Alliance members to be escorted forward into Stromgarde. "Rommath and Halduron are with me. The rest of you will remain outside the keep walls. I do not want any issue while I am conversing with the Lady Lothar. Is everyone understood on this. No matter the bait you will not rise to it."
"Theodan." Fox called over to the young boy.
He turned to look up at her. "Yes, my Lady?"
"I wish to alleviate the Regent Lord of Silvermoon's mind. Please watch over his people personally and make sure no slight comes their way from any of the Stromgarde or Stormwind guard. Any such action will be dealt with severely by myself."
"Yes, my Lady." Theodan saluted and turned to the Blood Elves. "Should there be any issue, or you require any service, please but ask me." Then he looked at the Stromgarde centuries standing close. "Send for some ale and food for these brave Elves. They had a long trip to arrive here. Let the Lady Lothar's name be herald in good faith, by people of Stromgrade."
Lor'themar almost fell over, as the young boy took such efficient command. He came forward to King Wyrnn "Did you supply that one to the Lady?"
"No. She found him about to be brutally slaughtered by the Forsaken. Wonderful allies, you have there." Varian replied crossing his arms over his chest.
"They have their uses. Sylvanas has been very good to us." Lor'themar said back. The two men holding to their own, so no one could over hear as they moved into the keep. "Tell me, how did you find her?"
"The Lady Lothar has always been with me." Varian postured. "Although her identity was recently revealed."
"You got lucky. It will not last." Lor'themar passed it right back. "I hear she is a member of the Horde. So it puts us on equal terms, you and I."
"She is also my wife." Varian narrowed his eyes.
Upon hearing wife, Fox spun around. She had not been able to make out their conversation. Ignored them, because it was men playing at meaningless games. This had to be addressed. "King Wyrnn, must I remind you that your documents hold no power here in Stromgarde, and I am quite free in this place?"
Varian actually scowled at her for that.
Lor'themar looked over at Varian, "You have married her?"
"Technically, yes, but it's currently being recognized only within my lands and by they Gilnean people." Varian moved the the head of the table and pulled the chair out for his Queen. "But convincing her of my authority has been less successful as I would have liked."
Halduron stifled a laugh at that.
Rommath cast his gaze toward Braelyn. "Is this a trait shared by all your human females?"
Fox sat down and motioned for everyone to be seated as well. "I would like to hear more about the magical disturbance in Silvermoon. It is a much better topic of discussion for this meeting. What caused it, and how my people were of assistance?"
"It was merely one mad Mage that had gained access to the Sunwell." Lor'themar placed his hands on the table. "However, due to the quick thinking of the ones you sent to aid us, the issue has been resolved indefinitely."
"That is good to know." Fox smiled at him. "So then the portals of Eastern Kingdom are well established again?"
"It is my understanding that is the case." Lor'themar nodded in agreement. "We would have come by way of Mage portal to the Undercity, but the presence of your people with us would not have been looked on kindly there. To the very least that is what I have been informed of, Lady Lothar."
"You have heard correctly. So far the only issue of discontent has been Sylvanas, and her attempt to warmonger about in Arathi. Still, if you do see her, tell her I send my thanks. If not for her actions I would not have established a stronghold of my own so quickly."
"Baiting Sylvanas will come back to haunt you, Love." Varian warned.
Fox rolled her eyes at his words. "The Banshee Queen needs baited. We have done very little to curb her actions in the past. There needs to be some tightening of her reins, and I fully intend to be doing so." Then looking to Lor'themar, "I understand the kinship between your people and hers. So, I will warn you outright, should you aid her efforts against Stromgarde, you will be considered an enemy of my rising faction."
"I have no plan on making war with a neutral leader. Not one that has been accepted into the Horde, most assuredly. That being said, if you openly wage war on the Undercity, I will act in kind." Lor'themar made his place clear to Fox.
"Good! Then we should not have any forthcoming problems. Now, on to the subject of Emissary. I am officially requesting someone from your people to come have a formal place in Stromgarde. I have already made overtures toward the Tauren and the Trolls as well."
"What of the Orcs, Goblins, and Forsaken?" Lor'themar asked. "Do you seek to exclude them."
"I know no Orcs that well. Goblins and I are not on good terms as yet. The Forsaken, I assure you will come after this mess with Sylvanas is atoned for. I can not forget South Shore, whose people make up a great many of my followers. I hope you can understand such a dilemma?"
"I do. I actually have someone in mind for this position. Should she feel willing to take up the job." He looked at Pyrasong sitting at his side.
"Me, Regent- Lord?" She blinked. Honored that he would even consider her for such a high honor. "Do you really think I am worthy?"
"I intend to leave Halduron with you for a time. Establish a foot hold and make sure you have your legs under you so to speak. If you do not like it, I am sure we can find someone else willing. What do you say?"
"I would be honored, Regent-Lord." Pyrasong looked at the table. "May I make one request?"
"Of course!" Fox stared intently at the little Blood Elf. "If you are to make Stromgarde your home, I want you as content and happy here as I can make you."
"Would be it fine if my sister stays with me? She is all I have left." Pyrasong looked over at Lady Lothar beseechingly.
Fox nodded, "I do not see the issue of it. Perhaps if she is willing I can find a place for her. It would be terribly boring without a job of some type, and there is much that Stromgarde needs at the moment"
"Then that is settled." Lor'themar winked over at Fox. "Shall we seal our new found unity with a kiss?"
Fox glowed as she did when she was most contented. A smile on her lips as she looked the Regent- Lord over. "I do quite agree. A kiss would be wonderful."
Varian shot her a dark look. The rest of the room going silent. Especially Lor'themar who had not expected the Lady to accept such a silly request.
"Braelyn, if you would do the honors?" Fox looked to Braelyn who was the closest to Lor'themar. A teasing smile plastered on her face. Knowing this move would keep the Regent-Lord in his place should he get feisty in her presence again.
"What?" Braelyn blinked, "Me?"
"I object!" Rommath called out.
Goldenleaf gave the darkest scowl, one could give as he stared toward Fox. Not liking it anymore the Rommath.
"Why would you object to a mere kiss, Archmage Rommath?" Fox looked to Braelyn and not to the Blood Elf gauging her reaction.
"Braelyn Hawke is in love with me." Rommath declared moving to her side. "Tell them, Braelyn."
The moment Braelyn had been dreading had arrived. She squirmed now that he was forcing her to do this in public. "I don't love you anymore, Rommath." She whispered. The blue eyes pinning to the ground.
"What did she say?" Varian looked to Fox. Not believing his ears after all Braelyn had told him about Rommath.
Rommath was crushed. "Braelyn, love? How can this be? You said you would come live with me in Silvermoon. We even planned to get married."
"That was before I came to realized that you were not willing to give to me, what I was to you." Braelyn turned her face away so he could not implore her with those sad eyes. She would not give her life over to guilt, for not feeling as she used too. "How many times did you choose your magic over me in the last battle alone?"
"I never did that!" Rommath cried out taking her hands in his. The pleading look in his eyes.
Chelinka and Goldenleaf both choked on that statement, but remained silent.
"You jumped off a ledge at the first mention of your mana being returned." Braelyn reminded him softly. "It was Pyrasong that saved me from serious injury."
"I was trying to save Silvermoon." Rommath groaned and looked the the ceiling. ""You know that already."
Braelyn saw he would not give up unless she completely shattered his dream of them being together again. She sighed and moved over to Lor'themar. Leaning over, she placed a hand on his cheek to turn his face to hers. Then Braelyn gave what she hoped was a very slow, deeply intoxicating kiss to Rommath's Regent-Lord.
Lor'themar was quite stunned at first. The little Human working her lips over his eventually won him over. Leaning back to dip her low. Sudden unexpected surge of passion causing him to intensify the tentative motion of her mouth.
Halduron blushing and looking to Rommath. Seeing there was nothing the Archmage could do. If Braelyn had chosen Goldenleaf, then a challenge could have been thrown. Rommath turned and stormed out of the room. Halduron moving from his see to go after him. Sure that he had seen tears forming in his friends eyes.
"Is this what you were playing at Fox?" Varian sighed and looked to Fox, "because I certainly do not approve."
Lor'themar pulled back to stare at Varian. Then curled an arm around Braelyn's waist and settled her on his lap. "All the more reason for me to keep her if it upsets you, King Wyrnn." Then looking to Braelyn's stunned face.
She was burning up in her blush. A hand going to her lips. What had she just done?
Lor'themar felt a it of a blush rise on his cheek. Seeing how uncomfortable she was, and let her go.
"Thank Elune that is over!" Goldenleaf walked over and pulled Braelyn away. "If you will excuse us. Chelinka, portal, Darnassus, now."
"Should I?" Chelinka looked up to see Fox waving her approval.
Varian stood up as well, "Once you get that open, we will need one to Stormwind in a few hours."
Fox tilted her head. She looked a bit deflated at the news. "You are leaving Stromgarde already? I thought you were still preparing the security around the walls here?"
Varian shook his head, "Not just me. I want you back in Stormwind before the sun sets today."
"I am not going!" Fox stood up and slammed the flat of her hands down on the table.
"And I say you are." Varian said flatly. Trying to take control of the situation. "It's not secure enough here. We can leave Graymane and Theodan in charge. I will return from time to time to help out, but we cant leave Anduin alone running Stormwind on his own. Please, be reasonable."
Fox just stared at him with pure annoyance.
Lor'themar moved from his seat. Ready to come between the couple. "King Varian, I don't think Lady Lothar is agreeable to this plan."
"She is most certainly not!" Fox nodded curtly. Actually thankful for the Regent-Lord's intervention on her behalf. "I will be going to retire to my rooms. Please feel free to stay and explore Stromgarde to your hearts content, Regent - Lord. If you would like to spend the night, just inform Theodan that I have given you permission to do so. He will find you an acceptable accommodation within the keep."
"Fox." Varian watched her breeze past him without even a glance.
Lor'themar staring after her until she was out of sight. Then looking to Varian, "So were do I find me one of those? Because to put you in your place so simply, I must say, I am in love!"
Varian slumped down in his seat and groaned. First Greymane, then Muradin Bronzebeard, and now Lor'themar Theron, was it ever going to stop?
Shortly after a message arrived from Stormwind that left Varian extremely distressed. He rushed to Fox's room, even knocking before entering. The door being opened slowly. He scanned the room for Fox.
"I am not going to Stormwind, Varian." She was sitting in a chair looking over paperwork.
Varian moved to her side and knelt down. "Fox, love. I am afraid you must."
She groaned loudly and set her papers down. "I maybe pregnant, but I am not some kind of tropical flower. Please don't try and force me."
"I am not going to do anything of the sort, but I have already arranged a portal." Varian placed a hand on her cheek, and forced her to look over at him. "I just received word that Besty is gone."
Fox felt the strength pass out of her. "Gone where?" She prayed he had some cryptic meaning to his words. Not that her dear sweet Gryphon from her youth was forever lost to her.
"I am sorry." He leaned up to hold her. A hand going to her hair. Knowing instinctively that this was going to be bad. Possibly worse then the night he had told her she was Aunduin Lothar's daughter. Sadly, he was right.
All that was heard was the great anguished sobs of Lady Lothar echoing throughout Stromgrade Keep. Varian staying close to her side as preparation for her return to Stormwind were made.