Chapter 30

No Place like home

Varian had been warned not to upset Fox from the first mention of her pregnancy. Through the night, he had stayed at her side. Trying to keep her as calm as possible in the wake of her tragic loss. Damiana working up a supplement, they added to Fox's tea. It had done much to calm her. Now the first night was through, and Lady Lothar found herself back in Stormwind. They made their way to the stables reserved for the Royal's private use.

The somber tone of the Stable master, and the hands showed they were all deep in morning. Everyone had loved Besty. She had been moved from her stall. The area covered in a black shroud of mourning. Across from it Seb's stall was empty as well. The pride of the Wildhammer still in residence in Stromgarde.

Fox did not try to support herself. She just turned into Varian's chest, and began crying anew.

"The sweet dear passed painlessly in her sleep. We had her out in the pasture for the day before. She seemed happy. She was in good spirits and moving well, Lady Lothar. My condolences on your loss. We will certainly miss her presence greatly." The man gave his report with tears in his old eyes.

Varian placed an arm around Fox. He could hear her muffled crying. The shaking of her shoulders as she gasped for air. "Fox, let me take you back to the Keep. I want Damiana to look you over again."

Fox shook her head. "I want my parents."

Varian was taken back. He knew she did not mean Anduin Lothar and Ondreana Manston. "You wish me to arrange for the Fulbrights to come?"

"No. I want to go home." Fox pulled back. She wiped her eyes with both hands like a child. "I want my bed, my mother's soup, and my father's wise words, Varian. I need that right now. To be near all that has always been so dear to me. I knew that Besty was old. That her time was coming close. I was even preparing for it when we met in Lion's Landing. Being with my parents should sooth the anguish I feel faster then anything else."

Varian was torn. Safety was not a pressing concern. Fox would be well enough in the little town house on the canal. But he had work to do in the main keep. There was no way he would be close to her. "I will allow it." He finally sighed. "Let me escort you there personally."

"No, that will just leave my parents with a huge amount of questions to answer to the locals. I do not need half of Stormwind camping my door step."

"Then you plan on refusing guards as well?"

"SI-7 will not be seen. Send them if you need to." Fox placed a hand to her heart. "I just hurt to much right now to deal with any of this."

"I will have one of the guards escort you over. No one will question that to much." Varian motioned a man forward.

"Please send word if anything happens in Stromgarde?"

"You will be informed, my Queen." Varian moved to rest a hand on her face. He stared down intently. If not for his position and vast responsibilities he would accompany her every where no matter how she felt about it.

Fox gave a weak smile. "If I were not so broken, I would have something to say about that."

"If we were not in Stormwind, I would not have said it." He reminded her with a gentleness in his tone. Here in his Kingdom, it was Varian who wielded great power over her life. She was not in Stromgarde. "If you need anything, you will contact immediately. That is an official royal command." He watched her refuse the mount that was brought around for her. She would be traveling by portals for quite a while now.

"King Wyrnn?" The stableman waited for Varian to give him his attention. "What shall we do with the remains?"

"Funereal pyre. Save the ashes, and have them sent to me." Varian had heard the jewel crafters had great success turning them in to precious gems. He could think of no better gift to present Fox with, when she had the baby. An extravagant necklace or a ring Fox could hold dear. That way she could keep Besty close to her forever.

O0O0O0O0O0O0O0O0

Darnassus

Goldenleaf came through the portal and shifted to his cat form. The stealth going off immediately. Braelyn stared down at him, as he pressed her to leave the Temple of Elune.

"What are you playing at?" She whispered down at him. She followed him outside, and around to a secluded corner.

Goldenleaf coming to his Night Elf form, and glancing around. It was clear he was taking no chances in this place. Acting more like a wanted felon, then a beloved son of the Kaldorei. "There are a few things to know before I stroll you over to my family and introduce you to them."

"And stealthing in the Temple? Was that to keep those who knew you from reporting your arrival to your family?" Braelyn smiled up at him. She was finally going to find out what he was hiding!

"Sort of. First you have to know, any kindness from me to you in a loving fashion, cannot do. They will know its all a hoax. I'm actually a huge ass. Everyone knows it, and expects it." Goldenleaf warned her waving a finger in her face.

Braelyn giggled cheerfully. She realized early on this was the case. "Like I do not already know what a jerk you can be? But true love would not change your heart? You would not shower your intended with pretty words like you did to me in Silvermoon?"

"Yes that, Second point, I was not in Silvermoon for any reason other then slaughtering Blood Elves. If they get the slightest hint that I can be used an Ambassador material, I have no reason to live. They will force me to it. So avoid it as you would avoid a painful death. Because that is what I will do. Kill you slower then an angry affliction warlock in the early morning with no cup of tea."

"Is this going to be a long list?" Braelyn asked simply. She looked at him and saw he was actually some what nervous. Should she be as well?

"How about we do it the short way. You love me. You don't care about anything else. We are going to live in Stormwind. You just roll with that, and do not looked shocked, stunned, or upset by anything."

"Could you tell me who I meeting, Goldenleaf?" Braelyn's words trailed off. The blue eyes going large as she watched Malfurion Stormrage come around the corner behind Goldenleaf.

"My parents, Braelyn. It will be intimidating for you, but I believe you can handle it." Goldenleaf reached out and took her hand in his. Giving it a gentle pat.

"I am not so terrible that you have to warn your friends about me, do you son?" Malfurion shook his head. Looking at his oldest boy with tired eyes. "So you have finally come to visit with your mother? Good. She has been heart sick with worry."

Goldenleaf froze upon hearing that voice. Tension causing him to go rigid. He closed his eyes and heaved a huge sigh. When he opened them, he frowned. "Braelyn, is Malfurion Stormrage behind me?"

"Yes." Braelyn bit her lip. Hoping Goldenleaf was not going to be in great trouble with his class leader.

Goldenleaf's ears fell, as he turned, "Hello Father, long time no see."

"What!" Braelyn felt her mouth drop open. "Are you kidding me? There is no way you are Malfurion Stormrage's child!" Even as she said the words, she looked at the two. The similarity in appearance staggering, once pointed out.

"Are you still not claiming your heritage, Golden?" Malfurion scowled over at the young Elf. "Your mother is going to be disappointed about that. Astarii is still heart broken over your refusal to acknowledge the betrothal."

"I will never marry Astarii." Goldenleaf whispered in a threatening tone. The air even swirled around him a bit as his anger rose. A deep breath to calm himself, settling the breeze.

Malfurion shook his head slowly. It was an endless fight with the boy. "She is most blessed by Elune. The more I get to know her, the more I see she is like your mother. You should be honored with our choice for you."

"I don't want to marry my mother. I am going to marry who I want, and when I want. That is why I am here. I have decided to pursue a romantic relationship with Miss Braelyn Hawke of Stormwind." Goldenleaf pulled Braelyn around like a shield before him.

Malfurion stared in shock. The large eyes moving down to the little Human before him. "A Human girl? Are you serious? The life span difference alone is sure to leave you heart broken. I would have better for you then an eternal suffering from her untimely loss."

"Rather heart broken, then tied forever to a woman I do not love!" Goldenleaf growled back. He pulled Braelyn back against his chest. "Don't listen to his words. You may not live as long as I do, but your memory will see me through the rest of my days."

"You know Tyrande will never accept it." Malfurion warned his son.

Goldenleaf dropped his arms over Braelyn's shoulders. "I don't care. She isn't the one who has to live with Braelyn and the rest of the Humans. That would be me, and I like it better there. Far, far, far, and further away from Astarii." Then he muttered low so that even Braelyn barely made it out. "Crazy woman of scary mind control and manipulation that she is."

"I will support you, if you give in and join the Circle. There is still much you can learn from me." Malfurion offered in an attempt to build a bridge with Goldenleaf. Wanting the boy to at least try and form some kind of attachment to his people.

"Really? Learn from you? I'll pass." Goldenleaf narrowed his eyes.

Malfurion's eyes glowed with challenge right back. "Are you disrespecting me again, cub?"

"When have you done anything to deserve my respect? All my life you were asleep. That just screams best dad ever, doesn't it? Oh, let's see what else I remember. Last time we did anything together out in the world, was when we fought Ragnaros. Do you remember that, Dad? Because I do. The entire event is etched in my mind. You channeled a useless spell, and hit him with your staff." Goldenleaf countered angrily, "I left that day praying it was some sort of a lie, and Broll was my real father. Then I cried myself to sleep for weeks in shame. Call me when you learn to starsugre."

"Moonkin is to close to Mage casting. Although, we have accepted the magic using Highborne, I still do not approve of you using it so much." Malfrion warned his son about the danger of magic.

"I may have Uncle Illidan's golden eyes, but I am not a Mage." Goldenleaf scoffed at his father, "If anything I am more like Broll!"

The Arch Druid slapped a hand over his face. Trying to reason with the young Druid had always been a battle of will. "Broll lost the use of all but his bear form in years of corruption. You need to be more centered, son. Join the circle."

"I am only here to introduce you and mother to Braelyn. Proclaim my intent to marry her eventually, and returned to Stormwind to serve Varian Wyrnn, High King of the Alliance." Goldenleaf countered. The resolve in his pose was inflexible. "King Wyrnn at least knows how to swing his sword."

Malfurion gave up and sighed. "I will go inform your mother and Astarii you are here. Please come to the Temple when you are ready to greet them."

Braelyn had remained mute the entire time. Once Malfurion was gone from sight she fell back and leaned on a wall for support. "You are Malfurion's child? How come I never heard of you?"

"Because it's not something I am proud of. You might be impressed, but I'm not."

"That was Malfurion Stormrage!" Braelyn reached up and grabbed Goldenleaf's arms. She shook him. "Your mother is Tyrande Whisperwind? By the Light, Man!"

"I am Goldenleaf Stormrage. It's not all that impressive when you live it. Really." He looked away uncomfortably.

"No wonder Halduron referred to you as the, Night Elf Second Coming! You are Malfurion Stormrage's son! That is why they were so challenging. It was not your place as a Druid or the power you physically possess! It was the position you carry, and no one in our party had a clue. By the Light, we marched your right into Silvermoon. It is a main city to the Horde." Braelyn shouted again letting go. Wondering if she should bow or punch him now that the truth was revealed to her.

"Once again, something I have had to deal with all my life. I'm not impressed."

"Well, I am! How can you not tell anyone? I would be screaming it from the rooftops." Braelyn stepped back. Looking on him with new she slapped her hands on her cheeks, "I am going to meet Tyrande Whisperwind. I am going to meet Tyrande Whisperwind!" A squeal of joy went up.

Goldenleaf cringed and covered his ears. "You know she isn't going to like you. Astarii most of all."

"Your Betrothed? I'm a home wrecker! You made me into the other woman." Braelyn started to fuss. She turned in a circle not knowing what she was going to say in this situation. He should have given her some kind of warning. "I can't do this."

"Oh, yes you will. I have tried everything for a thousand years to get that insane, bat crazy, lunatic off my case. Braelyn, you are going to save me, or I will go back to Silvermoon and help Rommath build a cage in his basement to keep you in."

"He would never do that." Braelyn glared back.

Goldenleaf growled in response.

Braelyn moved close and linked her arm around his. "Okay, Mr. Stromrage. I get it. You don't want to marry Astarii. I will do my best to help you out. I do owe you for opening my eyes to Rommath, and giving me the courage to end things with him."

"YES!" Goldenleaf broke out in dance. Then he pulled her into a tight hug. "Praise Elune! All I care about is getting Astarii off my case. So make that your main goal. I don't care if you have to push her into the nether, just get her gone."

"I am not killing anyone." Braelyn shook her head.

"I don't know you haven't met her yet. Give it time."

O0O0O0O0O0O0O

Fox knocked on the door of her home. Gracie Fulbright opened it to see the child of her heart. "Eloise!" Then latched on to Fox. "My darling girl."

Myles Fulbright reached for his cane, and struggled to come to his feet. The injury he had sustained from the nobles had proven to be irreversible.

Fox pulled from Gracie's arms and rushed to her father's side. "Don't get up for me." She helped guide Myles back to his chair. "I am so sorry for not coming sooner. There has just been so much going on."

"Oh my dear girl, there has always been great happenings in your life. I have come to accept that long ago." Myles patted her hand. "But we will always be here for you."

"That is good, because yesterday I was informed Besty died." Fox teared up. She tried to push her sadness down. "I know I should have been ready. You got her for me when I was so young."

"Oh my." Gracie put her hand to her mouth. Then turned and grabbed her coat. "Give me a bit. I need to go down to the shops and get some things for my soup. I know how it comforts you. Ever since you were a little girl. Times when you were sick, or just sad."

Fox smiled. She looked back at her father. These were her parents. This was her home. They knew her so well and exactly what to do. She did not have to asked for anything here.

Myles patted the seat next to him. "Let me tell you how I found that little Gryphon for you, and how I haggled with a goblin on an long boat ride over her. I knew the moment I saw her, that tiny bird would be perfect for my little Eloise."

Fox climbed up next to her father and nestled close like a child. The sound of his voice and memories of her beloved Besty soothing her heart.