Ch 19 - The Summons From A'dal of the Naaru
Rhenn Ambrose, Lady and Mistress of Westfall and Redridge districts of the Kingdom of Stormwind, was holding court. She sat on her carved bowl chair in her townhouse that the King had provided. Though she rarely stayed in the opulent house, she did hold court in the great main room. Her study, private sleeping room, and reading room were upstairs.
She was dressed in an imported green silk dress that had been made in the Exodar and given as a gift to her from Highlord Tirion Fordring at the last Winterveil. It was embroidered with silver thread that made beautiful designs on the fabric. The bodice was simple and flattering for her figure. On her neck was a simple necklace with an emerald cut and set in a mithril setting. On her brow was a small circlet of mithril with an emerald at the center of her brow. Rhenn was timeless as she sat with her arms resting on the armrests of her carved bowl chair. The long false sleeves hung to the floor falling from her elbows. Her warm under dress kept out the chill of the crisp day in February.
She listened to a farmer whom had been attacked by a coyote. His son was greatly injured as was a cow. Rhenn would sent militia to deal with the large beast. She also would send a healer to see to the boy. She nodded to Shaina Fuller. The priestess and expert in first aid had been sent by Varian to aid the young Marquise with helping her people take back Westfall.
Kallin, the Lady Jonathan, wife to General Marcus Jonathan, came to her mistress's side unbidden to whisper in her ear. She still was her mistress's orderly though she was now a noble. She had been groomed well by Rhenn, but if she had questions on how to act in her station she would ask her dear friend or King Varian. Her outward appearance was like that of any noble. She dressed in fine cloth as Rhenn did, but kept order for the woman who had brought her under her wing when she was orphaned. Though little younger than Rhenn she had become first nurse to the Ambrose twins and then orderly to the Lady Rhenn. It was in this capacity that she had caught the eye of the of the High Commander of Stormwind's Defense. What started with him asking her to dance at a noble party ended in a soft kiss farewell that did not go unnoticed. Rhenn was all for the relationship and even helped the relationship along by giving her blessing to the General when he asked for it and speaking to Varian to allow his noble to wed her though she was common. The two were expecting their first child in autumn and Kallin's belly was already showing. The girl was much younger than her husband, but he treated her as a goddess fretting over her when he was off duty and refusing to allow her to do heavy work. He had never married before and Kallin, though half his age, was his soul mate.
Rhenn listened to the orderly and then rose to her feet causing the musicians to stop playing and the three people in the room to bow. Rhenn had gotten used to being treated as Stormwind nobility several years ago when she took over what had been the Queen's duties to allow Varian to focus on the war effort rather than attend guild meetings. All the same she was foreign, though beloved by the people. Her dress whispered on the wooden floor as she walked to the door and out to go upstairs to her study. Lady Jonathan followed her mistress.
Once in the study Rhenn dropped her courtly mask and looked at Kallin. "Shut the door." She said softly.
She saw a form rise from a seat and noted it was an off duty Marcus. He had come to visit his wife. He bowed to Rhenn who waved the bow off. "Marcus we are alone, you do not need to treat me so, I am an equal, perhaps less. I am a foreigner."
He smiled and took her hand. He was not wearing his heavy plate armor, but the soft under clothing that was comfortable and allowed him freedom of movement. He kissed her knuckles before smiling to sweep his wife into his arms and kiss her.
"Are you sure the message was from A'dal?" Rhenn asked sitting down at her great desk.
Kallin turned in Marcus's arms as he held her cupping her belly between his great hands. His head rested on her own as his quick green eyes watched Rhenn. "Yes." Kallin said.
Rhenn lifted the parchment with the seal of the Sha'tar. She had seen letters from A'dal before. The being of Light, perhaps the greatest Naaru known, A'dal ruled Shattrath City. Rhenn read the note as Kallin walked to her side after extracting herself from the General. Marcus dropped into a chair watching the pair.
Rhenn looked up. "He is in need of assistance." She said. "She calls upon me and Highlord Fordring to try to ease growing tensions. Hellscream has apparently caused some trouble and he needs someone to speak to the tribes in the nearby areas."
"You of course." Marcus said. "You are the best diplomat known." He leaned forward and his eyes shot to Kallin. "Will you be taking Kallin with you?" His voice betrayed him. He did not wish his wife away from him and in her delicate state Rhenn knew she should not leave the safety of the city.
Rhenn smiled. "She must stay and keep my affairs in order here." She said.
Marcus visibly relaxed, but Kallin frowned. "You cannot go to the Outlands alone."
Rhenn chuckled. "We shall see. I must receive Varian's blessing before I leave." Rhenn rose to her feet. She rubber her head softly betraying for a moment how weary she was.
Marcus touched her elbow. "Are you well, my lady?" He asked.
Rhenn smiled and patted his hand. "Yes." She said. "Thank you for your concern Marcus. It is an honor to have you two both as friends."
Marcus smiled. "If it had not been for you, I would not know what joy in one's life truly was." He kissed her hand again. "For that, I will always be in your debt." He smiled. "I am off to duty." He drew his wife to him. "Do not over exert yourself, my love." He said fondly before kissing her deeply. Rhenn watched fondly remember how it had been with Grekko when they were first married and she was carrying their twins, though they did not know it at the time. He turned away. "I will be home for supper, but I am on duty for the night."
Kallin nodded and sighed. They watched the tall bearded man walk from the room. Rhenn hugged her orderly whom was perhaps her best female friend. "Sleeping alone is not the end of the world." She said playfully. "Just think, at least you will get some sleep."
Kallin laughed. "Aye, but when he comes home after midnight he might wake me."
"Let him. He needs to love you as much as he can." Rhenn said. "And it helps him feel loved as well. He remembers what he is fighting for."
Kallin nodded and Rhenn released her to go to the entrance of the house. Kallin followed as Rhenn mounted a sleek gray saber cat that was a gift from High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind. The cat purred as Rhenn mounted her. Rhenn had named the Mistsaber, Mysteria, Myst for short. The mount was hand trained by Tyrande's friend since she had been a cub and had bonded with Rhenn the moment she laid eyes on her.
Rhenn settled into the saddle and looked at her orderly. "Cancel my appointments for the next week. I am not sure how long I will be away."
"You seem sure Varian will allow you to go." Kallin said as she scratched the cat's head.
Rhenn smiled. "Varian denies me nothing, but there is true urgency here." She said. "Farewell, Kallin. I will return soon."
"See that you do." Kallin said under her breath as her mistress left. The young woman always worried the young Marquise would die somewhere in the wilds. A fear Rhenn's intimates all shared.
Rhenn rode Myst to the great Keep. Much of the Keep was being reconstructed to allow it to be more airy and a symbol of grace in Stormwind and less military might. A guard nodded to her as the cat sat next to him waiting for her mistress to return.
Rhenn moved quickly to the throne room. Varian was sitting on his great throne. Two chairs were beside him. One for Rhenn and one for his son Crown Prince Anduin. She bowed to him her skirts spreading from her body like a sea creature. He smiled fondly at her and rose from his seat. In his full armor Varian Wrynn was a sight to be seen. His dark features from being tan from the sun. His scar that crossed his face and cut down over his left eye marred the once very handsome face. The armor was that of Stormwind's kings with plate shoulder covers in the shape of an eagle. At his waist was the belt of the Lion of Azeroth himself, Anduin Lothar, for whom is only son was named. Prince Anduin it appeared was out on patrol, as he normally was in these days.
Varian quickly offered her a hand and she rose to her feet. She was nearly a foot and a half shorter than the King. He kissed her knuckles and looked at her. His eyes were always calmer and alight when she was in his presence. She knew far more about him than any other and he felt he could be honest with her about his feelings, something he had not done since Tiffin had been alive.
"Dear one." He said in Tuskarr playfully. She had taught him to speak the language as she had taught Grekko, Helene, and Anduin. He then spoke in common as he addressed her formally. "My Lady Rhenn. How may I help you?" He asked.
"I have been requested to aid A'dal in the Outlands." She said.
He looked at her. "What trouble is stirring there?"
"He said only he requires my assistance in diplomatic matters." She said.
He eyed her. "Are you sure you wish to go?" He asked
"I have little choice. A Naaru as summoned me and one who I feel duty bound to obey after all he has done for the Alliance."
"He also aides the Horde." He said scoffing and turning from her.
"As do many who work toward peace King Varian." Came a deep voice from behind Rhenn. Rhenn turned to see Thrall behind her dressed as she had never seen him. He had removed his iron and mithril alloy armor that had originally belonged to the Doomhammer and now work a simple leather vest and kilt common to shaman of the wilds.
"Thrall." Rhenn said softly.
He smiled at her and then looked to Varian. "Lady Rhenn is not the only one with urgent business. According Lord Armbrose's reports the elements have been torn and the earth is rebelling against something." He looked at Varian. "I am a powerful shaman and I have been asked by the Earthen Ring to aid in repairing the damage wrought on the land." He watched Varian's reaction. "I have lived in safety in Stormwind and I thank you, but now I must aid in saving the world before the tempers of the elements tear it in two." He looked at Rhenn's look of horror. "Do not worry we will investigate what evil has again awoken and disturbed the balance." He looked at Rhenn. "And you need to go to Outlands and control the tempers of the moral races."
Varian regarded them. Rhenn his confidant and closest friend and Thrall, his onetime enemy he had come to respect for his honor and advice. He sighed. "Thrall, you have always been a good man, even when we did not see eye to eye. Whatever evil is there it must be sought and dealt with while we deal with the Northern monster." He looked at Rhenn. "I do not wish you to go alone." He said. "Your husband and children are all in Northrend." He swallowed.
"She will not go alone father." Anduin's voice said as he walked in from the war room where he had come from the barrack side to discuss his scouting efforts. He had been waiting to enter and found this to be the best time. Anduin was tall and well built like his father, but had the cooler temperament of his mother. That did not mean he was any less of a warrior. His eyes regarded Rhenn a moment and then his father. "I will go with her." He said.
Varian sighed. He was not keen on having his son in Outlands either, but he was sure the two would look after each other. His son was a proven warrior as his sire and he nodded slowly. "Very well." He leaned to his son so only Anduin could hear. The young man was a diplomat like Rhenn, but was a fighter. "Keep her safe." Varian said. "And keep yourself alive as well."
Anduin smiled ruefully. "Yes, father."
Rhenn smiled and stood beside Anduin. The prince bowed to the woman he regarded as his mother for most of his life. He bent and kissed her cheek gently. "Mother." He said softly in Tuskarr so no one could hear. She smiled and then lifted her hands and cast the teleport spell. The throne room faded and with it Thrall and Varian. Repeating was the open Terrace of Light of Shattrath City. Rhenn had learned teleporting from her mage friend Lady Jaina, it had very practical uses. She was a half-breed magic user taking shaman and mage elements in her fighting. The Tuskarr understood the elements and unlike Thrall she only had mastered water. Uma, her milk sister had walked a similar destiny and had been adept at fire. The shaman whom had trained them both was adept at summoning the earth to do his bidding.
Anduin looked about and then blinked seeing A'dal in the middle of the room. There was an odd musical hum in the room and a sense of calm. "What is this place?" Anduin asked. He had only come to the outlands once, but had never seen the wonder of Shattrath. His work had been in maintaining the Dark Portal and aiding the commanders b bringing more troops to keep back the Pit Lord's minions who wished to cross into Azeroth. He looked up at the funnel of light rising from the strange brilliant white being that resembled a snowflake floating several feet off the ground. Turning he noted there were two others in the room like A'dal, but they were not brilliant white. One was blue in color and the other was purple nearly black with pink light shining from it.
*Welcome Rhenn of the Tuskarr.* Came a voice that seemed to be coming from nowhere and everywhere at once. *And welcome to you, young Prince of Stormwind.*
Anduin looked at Rhenn who stepped forward to where the being of energy hovered off the ground. He turned to her and the music got louder. "Hello Lord A'dal." She said. "You summoned me." She bowed to him.
*Yes.* The being said. *Tensions rise as young Hellscream bids for loyalty and resources. He has upset the balance with the Wind Traders, the Sporelings, and the Cenurion Expedition. Khadgar will share more with you.* He said.
"Mother is that thing actually talking to us?" Anduin asked in awe.
"That thing, young man, is a Naaru." Khadgar said. "A little respect."
*Respect has to be won not merely given, but the Prince sees now what is before him.* The Naaru said. He did not seem ruffled by the Prince's curiosity, in fact his musical voice sounded nearly amused. A'dal turned to him directly and he blinked, but felt calm as his panic washed away. *Be mindful, young prince, I can hear your thoughts. Others like me can as well. And there are other creatures whom can use them to their advantage.* Anduin was stunned before he turned to his mother who A'dal had turned to. She smiled and he realized the being was talking not in the true sense of the word at all he was talking in their minds and spoke to whom he wished. Such power made the Prince humble and in awe at the same time.
A'dal then spoke to them all. *Travel to Nagrand and offer the Kurenai and the Wind Traders help. The Sporelings have come from Zangamarsh to speak as well.*
Rhenn nodded. "I will do what I can."
Khadgar nodded and followed the pair to the gryphons. Rhenn turned to the elder mage. "You are joining us Khadgar?"
"The Sons of Lothar need to have some representation in the talks." He smiled. "Besides I cannot let you have all the glory, my lady Marquise."
She laughed. She mounted a snowy gryphon. The white head turned as it cooed to her. She smiled and scratched it near the base of its neck under the feathers. It raised its feathers and cooed in pleasure. Anduin mounted a dark ebon gryphon whom regarded the prince as the man settled on him. It was a larger male compared to the smaller female Rhenn rode. Khadgar mounted a tradition plumaged gryphon whom the master had called Breen. Breen knew Khadgar well and cooed as she shifted on her feet.
They then were off flying upwards to clear the mountains behind the capital to make it into Nagrand, the great lush valley below to the other side. Khadgar led the way. Rhenn relaxed letting her mount fly freely following Breen. They passed over a pass and into the full green of Nagrand. Rhenn looked about and her breath calmed. She was deeply moved by the beautiful land and she watched the herds of animals gazing. This place was special. This was the original home of Thrall's people. It was moving and she shut her eyes to hear the spirits of this place.
There were many and they all seemed peaceful here. Breen banked and Rhenn opened her eyes to look down as they majestic birds moved to land in a city that had come visible. Breen landed on a platform that was in the air. The snowy dropped and lit gracefully on the edge and stepped forward for Rhenn to dismount. Rhenn affectionately rubbed her mount's head and offered her a treat as Anduin dismounted. He did not have the grace the other two did, but then he was used to riding horses not being belted into a flying mount.
Khadgar led the way down the stairway and into an inn lobby where a Draenai woman was behind the desk. Rhenn offered a smile at her as they continued outside. The shadows were lengthening as Rhenn looked up at the sky. The Outlands had several suns and many more moons making the sky wondrous to a celestial observer.
She walked with Khadgar to the building where several Broken were gathered. Khadgar walked by them. They parted and Khadgar dipped his head to Arechron, the leader of the Telaar. The Broken was about the height of Rhenn, but his eyes were somewhat reptilian. He closed an inner lid as he looked at the group. Beside him stood a humanoid that looked spongy like a mushroom. The eyes were yellow and the ears twitched softly. He was tiny coming to the middle of Rhenn's chest. He watched her breathing through a set of gills at the side of his neck. He regarded Rhenn quietly. The other person in the room looked vaguely like a wrapped mummy. Rhenn had only heard of these people. He was an Ethereal, an energy being from the Twisting Nether. He towered over everyone standing about ten feet high. He wore a kilt and shoulder covers, but his inner body seemed glow with energy.
Khadgar nodded to Rhenn before he began to speak. "Arechron, lord of Telaar and leader of the Kurenai. Gezhe of the Consortium and master of Aeris Landing to the East. Lastly, Msshi'fn of the Sporelings." He said indicating each. "All have reasons to attend this meeting. May I introduce the Lady Rhenn, Princess of the Tuskarr people of Northrend, Marquise of Redridge and Westfall." Khadgar introduced her. "Crown Prince Anduin Wrynn of Stormwind."
The three bowed together. "Rare indeed to have such a flower in our midst." Arechron said.
"The letter from A'dal stated that the Horde has been causing issues?" Rhenn asked.
"Putting it mildly." Gezhe snorted. He unfolded his arms that he had held on his chest as he regarded her. He had an odd unworldly voice much like the Death Knights of Ebon Blade.
Rhenn cocked her head.
"The interrupt the trade routes is valuable to someone who values money, but it also cuts off people from the supplies they need." Arechron said.
"What supplies?" Rhenn asked.
"Medical, food mostly." Arechron responded. "But the Consortium only thinks of profit and jewels."
Gezhe hissed. "We value more than that, but Hellscream blocks trade routes."
Rhenn nodded and looked to Msshi'fn who was watching the speaking with polite interest. She then cocked her head at him. "What is the problem for the Sporelings?"
"The naga have drained the waters causing the earth to rebel and bring great lords of mud to destroy our children." He looked at the woman. "We ask for aid." He said. His voice had an off hiss on his letters of speech that sounded vaguely snakelike.
Rhenn nodded. "Hellscream has caused a loss of profile, a loss of supplies, and a loss of life." She asked.
The three nodded. She smiled. "The Alliance does not have a strong presence here, but the Draenai are originally of this world. They have a strong presence within Zangamarsh and Shattrath." She chose her words carefully. "I will speak to Prophet Velen about this matter to you. Will you join our cause then?"
The Sporeling leader nodded. "If my children are made safe and we are allowed to live unmolested from the Horde or the Bog Lords, we will be grateful and do what we can to aid this Alliance."
Rhenn dipper her head to him. "I will make good on the promises I make here. Before I fly back to Shattrath I will contact the Draenai of Zangamarsh to aid you. The despise the Naga as well." She smiled.
"Our thanks lady." The small mushroom like man said and offered her a flowering flower of red and orange. "This is a Sanguine Hibiscus. A treasured possession of my people. Take it as a token of gratitude." He paused. "When this year's flowers die and become seed I will harvest some for you to grow in your lands."
Rhenn studied the flower and bowed. "My thanks."
The tall ethereal regarded her. "Hellscream will destroy Nagrand before he is done with the land." He sighed. "There is a great diamond here. We harvest shards of it and sell them. Hellscream has been sending agents to harvest their own shards and he too is making a profit."
"He was born here." Anduin said softly at Rhenn's side. "He does know the land and knows what he must do to pay for his war effort." He sighed and looked at Rhenn. "We cannot directly help the Consortium without causing him to call out full warm on our people."
Rhenn nodded listening to the wise words. "True enough, but perhaps we can trade with the people of Gezhe so he retains the profile and we can also sell these crystals as well."
Gezhe nodded. "As long as I keep a profit, I will sell to whomever." He said.
Rhenn nodded. At last she turned to leader of the Broken. "What say you?"
"The ogres of Nagrand kidnapped my son three times. Much of this was his own fault for wandering far from home. The beads they carry insures our livelihood and allows us barter with the Consortium for supplies as ours become less." He pointedly looked at Gezhe.
"I will send you aid from my own lands if I must. I will not have innocents die because of starvation or disease." She said. She looked at the man then the others. "I promise you all that I will look into this immediately. This is not the first time that Hellscream has tried to become a leader by force of will." She sighed then and dropped her head.
Arechron bowed to the lady and then nodded to a guard. The guard returned with a tall blue coated Talbuk. Rhenn had seen them in the wild a couples hours ago grazing. She smiled and took the reins speaking softly to her gift to looked at her oddly. She then offered him a small treat and the beast licked it up and began to nudge her for more finding it liked the sweet of the sugar cube.
"Come friends let us eat and celebrate a new life in friendship." Arechron said and they all followed him to a great hall where many had already gathered. Anduin had gained respect for the woman he called his mother. She had even been able to handle the surly Ethereal handily. He made a note that if she lived when he came to the throne, he would have her at his side to help him with different peoples and deciding what favors to grant them and at what time. The mark of a true diplomat. He learned well from this day.