Chapter 31

Meddling Parents

It was hard for Varian to make his way through Stormwind unnoticed, but that is exactly what he did in the wee hours of the morning. A runner having been sent early on to inform the Fulbrights he would be paying them a visit.

Gracie opened the door, and moved to usher him in. Myles leaned heavily on his walking stick and greeted him with a mere dip of his head.

Varian wondered why they were so silent until he saw his Lady. She was curled up in a chair with a throw over her. A stuffed toy pinned to her chest like a small child. He could not stop himself from going to kneel before her. The blue eyes moving over Fox. He reached up and held his hand just shy of touching her. A sigh escaping him as his fingers drew back. "How is she doing?'

"Heart broken. It will take some time before the Lady Lothar is recovered." Gracie took in the scene before her. "Are you in love with our little Eloise, your Majesty?"

"Gracie!" Myles whispered over at his wife.

"It's fine." Varian stood up and looked at the couple who had raised Fox. "If we could move to a room where we will not so easily disturb her. It has been a while since I have seen her sleep so soundly. I am relieved."

"He sees her sleeping, Myles." Gracie gave her husband an, I told you so, look. She nudged him with her elbow.

Myles frowned at Varian, slipping into his protective father mode. "Then you should move into the kitchen and tell me what your intentions are toward my daughter, King Wyrnn."

Varian nodded and followed Gracie. She pulled out a chair, and moved to set a kettle on the warm stove. "Tea?"

"I assume it would not hurt." Varian settled into the chair. Watching as Myles took the seat across the table. "So you want to know my intentions toward Fox."

"Yes, and I have not had all that good a relationship with your Noble set. So I am hoping that more then your station rises above them, King Wyrnn." Myles nodded. A look if pure warning plastered on his face. He loved his daughter. It would take more then a great title to pry her from him. "A second cup for me as well dear, and set out some of those nice cookies you brought home. I have a feeling this will be a very long discussion."

Varian suddenly felt uncomfortable. It was the fact that this man was Fox's father. Not genetically of course. Anduin Lothar would have been ecstatic with Varian's pursuit of his daughter. But Myles Fulbright was a commoner. A man who had worked all his life to see to the betterment of his little girl. He knew Fox had great respect for him above everyone else. She idolized him as a man and a father. This would be the role model he must emulate to gain her approval. "Ask me what ever you want to know."

"I already did. What are your intentions toward my daughter, King Wyrnn?" Myles emphasized yet again.

"I fully intend to keep her with me always. I have already written up the marriage decree. It has been signed by the Gilnean King, Genn Greymane and myself. It has the royal seal of both Royal Houses placed to it. The only thing that remains is Fox's signature, and she will be the official Queen of Stormwind once that is done."

Gracie gasped as she spun around. A hand going to her heart. "Eloise is the Queen of Stormwind?"

"Technically yes. Officially I can not force her hand." Varian nodded, "If the two of you can help me convince her that this would be the very best thing for her to do, I would appreciate it."

"Why would it be the best for her? You forget that our Eloise was raised as a commoner. Maybe she doesn't want the stress of Royal leadership, and has chosen a a common life?" Myles threw in. The idea of his girl in the middle of all the political intrigue made him uneasy. The ache in his bad leg gnawing hard as a reminder of just what kind of price had to be paid.

Varian smiled at that and took the steaming cup that Gracie offered. "That is because if she doesn't take my title, she already holds the one as Queen of Stromgarde. Which she acquired on her own after saving Aerie Peak and the Arathi Highlands from an attack from the Forsaken. It was lead by Sylvanas. Fox managed to outmaneuver her, and win a huge victory for the Alliance. You should be very proud."

"My Eloise withstood an assault by Sylvanas?" Myles placed a hand to his forehead and looked to Gracie. "It's hard to imagine that the little girl who sat at this very table playing with dolls could do such a thing."

"She did it with very little loss of life. I could only hope to have done that well myself." Varian nodded and sipped his drink. "But since you bring the subject around to children, has she informed you that she is carrying my child?"

Myles set his cup to the table. "Was the begetting of this child, before or after the documented marriage?"

Varian merely stared in response.

Myles shook his head and looked away. "Be glad for your position, King Wyrnn. It is the only reason I don't throw you out of this house right now."

"I am doing my very best. Fox is extraordinarily stubborn." Varian reminded Myles.

"I can vouch for that, Myles. It is because you spoiled the girl so. You should have made her mind me more." Gracie sat down near her husband.

Myles looked over at his wife and smiled, "And then where would we have been? You had her paired off and married to ever young gentleman that came down the road. It's no wonder she ran off and joined the SI-7."

"She has a bloodline to think about. It is her duty to produce the next Arathi. If I am to be honest, which I almost always am, I am relieved to hear that she is with child." Then she looked to Varian, "How far along is my darling girl?"

"I am of the understanding she is almost three months. The child has been putting great strain on her stamina. That has been the only symptom she has shown so far." Varian supplied. Then he looked to Myles, "I want her returned to the main keep, but upsetting her has been expressly forbidden. So I find myself unable to deny her anything at this time."

"That is no good." Gracie sat back to set her hands in her lap. "When Eloise managed to get Myles wrapped around her finger, she practically sucked the world out of him. Do not let the same thing happen to you, King Wyrnn."

"Mrs. Fulbright, if Fox asked me for the world, I would call forth the full force of our armies tomorrow. Because I would believe it was for the best of our people. You have raised a daughter who gives selflessly to others. Anduin Lothar would be proud."

Gracie teared up. A hand coming to wave at her face. "Oh. Dear. You honor us too much."

"Gracie. The man seduced our daughter and got her pregnant before marriage." Myles looked at Gracie as if she has lost her mind, "I don't care if he is my King. He could be a God, for all I care. That sort of thing demands action."

"Which he did! King Wyrnn is trying to marry your stubborn daughter! Something needs to be done about her." Gracie slapped Myles's arm.

Myles leaned away, "I will not make her do anything until I get the full story from her own mouth."

Varian leaned back and watched them bicker with each other. He wondered what his own parents would have been like had they lived. He felt calm in the presence of Fox's parents. They had a magic about them. A real sense of family. The rest of the world fading away until nothing mattered further then the door of this home.

O0O0O0O0O0O0O

Astarii rushed to the mirror and looked herself over. The glorious pale green hair falling over her shoulders. She drew her hand over the soft pink skin of her arms. Perfectly touchable. She quickly brushed the dark purple color over her mouth and smacked her lips together. Turning, with a critical eye, to judge her appearance. Everything was as it should be. Clasping her hands together, she giggled. This time Goldenleaf would submit to her. She was sure! That was all she needed to secure her position in the Sister Hood of Elune. No one would be higher then her, beside Tyrande Whisperwind.

With Goldenleaf as her husband everything would be just as perfect as she was. Oh Goldenleaf, her fondest dream since her childhood. He was so wickedly rebellious. The amount of time she had dreamed of taming him, and making him hers could account for many lesser being's lifetimes. Now he was back in Darnassus, she was given another chance to sink her claws into him.

Astarii came into the Temple to see Tyrande pulling her oldest son close. Malfurion standing near. She lifted her robes, and started to move forward when the glowing silver eyes caught sight of something different.

Goldenleaf reached out and pulled a human girl next to him.

Tyrande's head shot up and a frown fixed on her face. She looked the Human girl up and down, before shaking her head. Astarii could hear the sound of an argument coming.

"I forbid it!" Tyrande ignored Braelyn altogether. She only looked to her son. "You have not considered this entirely. I knew this would be the case with you. That is why we betrothed you to Astarii." Tyrande having no idea that the female night elf had just come up behind her. "You can not marry a Human, and that will be the end of that!"

"Oh Gee, more orders. Good thing, I am Goldenleaf of Stormwind now and not Darnassus, mom. I do not have to do what you say." Goldenleaf snarled back, "But I knew you would do this. You did not even give my poor sweet Braelyn a chance. You, who are suppose to be the very avatar of kindness and love are shown to be a real..."

"Goldenleaf!" Astarii and Malfurion shouted in earnest. They knew full well what unflattering word he had intended.

"Racist. Not the word I wanted, but it will have to do." Goldenleaf groaned and looked over at Astarri, "You are of no consequence here. Get out!"

Astarii remained where she was. This was not the first time he had been so cold to her. She fixed her eyes on the other woman. By Elune! All this time there had never been another. Goldenleaf was more fixated on his freedom. Now that there was some competition Astarri felt her heart flutter a bit. She was going to have to act, least this become a habit of her beloved Goldenleaf. The mere thought of him trying to make her jealous was so outlandish. Silly man.

Braelyn pressed her lips together. The large blue eyes sparkling as she watched the Night Elves full out arguing quite loudly with each other. It was not a typical thing to witness in Night Elf society, and Braelyn had no idea how to handle it.

"Astarii, We need some time with Golden." Malfurion looked over at the Priestess, "Could you take Miss Human girl, and tour Darnassus?"

"It's Miss Hawke." Braelyn whispered. She didn't like the title thrown at her.

Tyrande sighed and looked sympatheticly at Astarii, "Yes, Miss Hawke does not need to be involved in such family unpleasantry as this. I am very sorry Astarii to trouble you like this, dear."

"As you wish, High Preistess." Astarii bowed. Then she turned and cast a beautiful smile to Braelyn. "If you would follow me Miss Hawke?"

Braelyn turned to follow, but Goldenleaf rushed over. "One moment." Drawing her away he whispered. "Be careful. Astarii is no one to underestimate. I am actually worried if you can handle her alone."

"Goldenleaf, she is the only one being pleasant. Malfurion tried to use me as a bargaining chip, and Tyrande hasn't even acknowledged I'm a person yet!" Braelyn pointed out. "Maybe we can resolve this like mature responsible adults. That way I can come back to Darnassus without being dragged into lock up."

"My parents are real. Astarii isn't. You have been warned. Have lots of fun on your tour." Goldenleaf narrowed his eyes on Braelyn.

"I am ready to go." Braelyn moved around him to come to Astarii's side.

"Then let us be off." Astarii tilted her head and looked over Braelyn. She cast a a longing look over at Goldenleaf before moving down the ramp.

"You don't think Astarii will kill Braelyn, do you, Mom?" Goldenleaf asked outright the moment the two left the Temple.

"Is that what you think of her? Elune's Grace! She is one of my best Priestesses. She is devotes her life to healing sick and aiding the injured. What does your little Human do?" Tyrande crossed her arms.

"She is a Hunter. She tames beasts like me."

Tyrande sighed and looked to her mate. "Malfurion, do something with him. He is impossible!"

"I can not seem to get him to join the Circle. How am I going to convince him to settled down and marry Astarii?"

O0O0O0O0O0O0O0

"I am so sorry that things turned out like this." Braelyn rushed to Astarii's side, and looked up at the Priestess. She was gorgeous. The body men dreamed about. Outwardly Braelyn could see nothing Goldenleaf would find fault with. Unless he was just fighting against his parent's choice to be rebellious.

Astarii stopped and looked down at Braelyn. "You wish for us to be friends? Very well, because all things considered, you are nothing more then a set back to me."

"Excuse me?" Braelyn blinked, "What do you mean by that?"

"Goldeleaf is mine. You already know that he is a rebellious man. It has been over a thousand years since our betrothal was arranged. He is just playing hard to get with me." Astarii placed a hand over her heart and moved over to the water the lapped gently against the shore. "He really does love me. Someday he will come to realize it."

Braelyn watched the lost look on the other woman's face. "In all that time have you ever thought of going after anyone else?"

"Why would I look beyond him. He is the only one good enough for me in all the world." Astarii stared out across Darnassus. "Someday he will take his place here, and I will be at his side. Think how very perfect that will be."

"Didn't you hear he was going to start a relationship with me?"

Laughter rose like bells from Astarii. Then she looked over to Braelyn. "Do not think I cant see through this little game of yours. Why would he choose you, when I am waiting here for the asking?"

Oh, damn, it was looking like Astarii had called them out correctly. If all of Goldenleaf's hard work sank because of her? Braelyn shuddered at the thought of his rage. She floundered around until she came to one moment that stood out. "Because I am a Hunter. I know how to tame my pets, and Goldeleaf makes the most adorable little cat I have ever seen."

The answer to that was a slap across Braelyn's face. "Stop dreaming, girl. You are merely a flicker in the night sky to us Night Elves. You're a joke, and I will never allow you to take what is mine."

Braelyn held her cheek and growled back, "He doesn't belong to you! Stop talking crazy."

"Yes, he will. I am merely being patient and allowing him to come of his own free will. If you think to stop that, well I do have ways of dealing with others." Astarii's hands moved out before her.

"What are you doing?" Braelyn asked, but it was not in words she was answered. Astarii took control of Braelyn's body through mind control and set the little hunter in a slow march into the deeper waters of Darnassus.

"Please, Miss Hawke!" Astarii cried out in fake worry. "I didn't mean to worry you over Goldenleaf's love!" All the while keeping her perfectly in place.

Braelyn struggled against the spell as the water rose higher with each forced step she took.