King Varian Wrynn stood in the doorway leading to the castle gardens. His queen was sitting on a bench under the shade of a great willow tree reading book. Her long hair was pulled back into a simple braid and her dress was not the fine clothing she wore for court. She was dressed as a noble, but not the queen. He smiled. It meant for once she had heeded him and decided to take some time to be with herself. He sighed, and he was about to end it.
He coughed politely some distance from her so he would not startle her. She looked up at him and smiled at him. He came to her and dropped unbidden beside her. He pressed a kiss to her cheek and lifted his hand to her belly. His large hand pressed against the swell and he gasped startled when he felt something within her shift. He looked up at his wife, his grey eyes full of wonder. "Is that…?"
She smiled. "Yes, that is the child." She said almost dreamily. Her hand joined his, but was dwarfed by the great limb of the king. She looked up at him. His eyes were closed and he was relaxed enough that his scar was not as prevalent. He rubbed the swell softly as he opened his eyes to look at his wife. He pressed a soft kiss to her mouth and then sighed.
"Can you forgive me?" He asked.
"Forgive you? For what?"
"For what I am about to ask of you."
She looked at him. "That does depend on what you are going to ask of me." She smiled trying to cheer him, but he did not return it. She cocked her head. "Husband, you are the King of Stormwind, nay, the Alliance. You only have to ask me and I will do your will."
He sighed. His wife was fiercely loyal and he loved her for it, but as great with child as she was, he worried. He would not normally send her to be a diplomat even without a child in her womb, but now she was the very embodiment of his soul and he could not lose her. And yet…
"There is a matter of diplomatic importance that I require of you." He took a breath. "I am sending Anduin and Crispin to be with you."
"Anduin is as much a diplomat as I am." She said.
"That is true, but you were asked for." He looked down. "Apparently they have heard of you through dealings with the Horde."
"And what is in need of my diplomacy?" She asked looking up at her husband. He was definitely a presence even when being gentle and alone with his wife. His distinctive top knot that held his hair in a high pony-tail and his armor made him imposing, as did his height and broad shoulders. For all that she knew that this was not an easy thing to ask of her. His brows were knit together in worry and his scar was more visible.
"The Naga on the outskirts of Ashenvale have asked to discuss a treaty between our peoples." His expression darkened. "Though I do not trust them. They are corrupted and have never shown loyalty before."
"But if they are asking for me does it not mean it was worth it to try?"
"My thoughts exactly." He nodded. He looked at her. "But it does mean you will be in danger and that is not my choice. I would rather have the emissaries come to Stormwind, but they refuse. You are to meet on neutral ground in Ashenvale." He sighed. He then looked up at her. "You can refuse."
She shook her head and moved to rise. She leaned far back and he gently put his arm about her to aide her. He smiled at her and nuzzled her cheek as she straightened, though he had to stoop to do so. She gasped a little and her hand went to her side. He instantly pressed a hand to the spot near her ribs and looked at her his face suddenly holding concern. This was the side of the king few saw these days, his eyes full of compassion and caring. She took a deep breath and straightened herself and brushed her skirts as if nothing was amiss. He still held her with and arm resting gently on her hip.
She looked at him and smiled warmly. "The babe kicked. Never fear. We are well. You worry too much, my king."
"With cause." He said. "I would have you well and safe when you give birth to the child." He pulled her to him and let his hands hold her head and back to his chest. "I fear for you." He whispered. "I cannot allow you, for my own heart's sake, to give birth to my child in danger. The first birth nearly killed you and if that were to happen again…"
She looked up at him letting her head rest in the cup of his strong hand. "What is it? Why do you worry so?"
"I have this feeling something will happen." He confided in her.
"I am very well looked after Varian. Never fear, we are both well." She smiled. "Your physicians check my state every day and Helene is watchful."
He pressed a kiss to her brow and sighed and just held her a moment. He wished there was peace that he could take her the mountains for a holiday and be at ease. He then bent and kissed her mouth. It was a gentle kiss, but it intensified and only a polite cough broke their revere. Varian and his queen were breathless and he pressed his forehead to hers as he regained his breath. "Speak." He demanded of the intruder.
"I thought I would find you here, mother, but I was not expecting father here." Anduin's soft voice reached them from the edge of the garden. "I am not disturbing you, I trust." There was a laugh behind the words.
Varian sighed. Indeed. Had his son not come when he did, he very well may have had his way with his wife in a very public place, but though he was wanting her deep kissed would have to suffice until her return.
Rhenn was blushing as she turned to her stepson and Varian released her. "I am told we are to go play diplomat. I am happy you will be with me. It will make the journey more pleasant."
Varian adopted a look of hurt. "Does that mean that you are glad to be rid of me?" His voice was serious, but his eyes were anything but.
She walked to her stepson and chuckled. "Yes, it will be nice to escape your attentions for a few nights. I may be able to sleep." She then smiled up at Anduin. He too was tall, but not as massive as his father. She brushed a stray lock behind his ear and leaned up to kiss his cheek. "Though I rarely am able to spend time with Anduin, it will be nice to speak to him."
Anduin pulled her into a hug and then jumped back as if he were afraid he had hurt her.
She laughed merrily as his hands touched her gently. "I am fine. I am not made of glass." She took his hand. "Come, my son, let us make ready for our journey."
He nodded and smiled at her and led her away toward the castle rooms.
Rhenn had been inside the wagon for two days. After teleporting to Darnassus, Queen Rhenn and her entourage were greeted by Tyrande Whisperwind who provided a great feast for the United Alliance Queen and Crown Prince. The Queen retired early due to her pregnancy and everyone accepted her leaving as necessary. Now she was tired and stiff from riding in the wagon that had come with them for her comfort. There were only so many positions she could be in within the confines of the covered wagon. Three others were within the wagon with her. The lumbering beasts that pulled the wagon did not move fast, but they were able to pull the queen and the gear that was necessary for the peace tent and the queen's personal tents and items. Helene and two guards were within the wagon. Two rode on the back and the driver and yet another were at the front. Several more surrounded the wagon and scouts rode ahead. Anduin rode beside the wagon on his tall hunter watching the woods for signs of trouble. They had to travel to the south of Astranaar due to the aerial raids that had been reported.
Rhenn sighed and stood up hunched over in the wagon. She needed to stretch her legs. They were well on the way to the meeting place and were again on the road heading east. They would spend the night in Raynewood Retreat, home of the Keeper Ordanus.
Rhenn sighed as Anduin took notice. "Mother? Shall we stop a few moments?" He asked politely.
She turned to him fully and looked out of the wagon. "Yes, if that is possible."
"Of course." Anduin said. He rode ahead and called for a halt in a meadow near the Falfarren River. The river's peaceful babbling noises calmed Rhenn as she stepped out of the wagon with help from her stepson. Anduin watched her walk toward the river. This river was the original dividing line between Alliance and Horde territories here, but that now did not stand as the Horde now were pushing for supremacy. From this river they would turn north and slightly west again avoiding the road that they had been warned was guarded by Horde.
Anduin helped Helene from the wagon as he watched his stepmother walk beside the river. Rhenn leaned back stretching and balancing the weight of the baby she carried. She then paused looking at the bank across the river. A bear was there, only it was not a bear. It walked like a man wearing a loincloth. It held a staff and had many feathers in its fur. It had taken notice of her as well and came across the river. As it drew near she realized it was speaking to her. It was talking first in Ursine, which she could understand thanks to Rhonin, and then Darnassian, which she did not know well.
She stepped closer to the edge of the water and answered slowly. She was not comfortable speaking Ursine, but she had to try. It did not seem aggressive. It held its staff as it waded to the shallows.
"Greetings elf lady." It said in a rather guttural tone. "What brings you to the Thistlefur?"
"I am Queen Rhenn. I am journeying on a great errand for my lord and master." She said. It took a step forward. It was then she realized it was well over two feet taller than she was. Water dripped from its fur and it regarded her with dark eyes.
"Ah. I am Treebreaker." He said and dipped his head slightly.
"Your majesty!" Came a loud yell from a guard who had taken notice of the bear-man before her.
Rhenn shifted herself to stand before the being and the guards halted. Anduin came to her holding his mace, Fearbreaker. "Mother!" He cried and came to her side.
"No, Anduin. He will not harm us." She said turning back to the furbolg with dripping white fur.
"They do not like me." The furbolg said. "I should go and…" He suddenly bellowed and turned upriver. There stood three black furred fubolgs and two orc archers. The Thistlefur furbolg lifted his staff and bellowed again in rage as he reached behind him and yanked out the arrow that had lodged in his shoulder. As he pulled a crimson stain marred his snow white fur.
Anduin, the guards, and Helene made ready to face the new challenge that stood there. The great Thistlefur lifted Rhenn as if she were nothing, but a leaf and placed her carefully behind him. The gesture was not lost on Anduin who went moved to Rhenn's side once more and was quickly joined by Crispin and Helene.
"Furbolgs are not easily killed." Crispin said. "Especially when enraged." He looked around the Thistlefur and moved back as an arrow went passed his ear. "The others are collared."
"The Horde took them prisoner." Anduin said grimly. "Made them slaves because they regarded them as far too dangerous to have wild." He remembered the letter that Nebyuleh had sent to his stepmother.
The Thistlefur charged forward. He was physically bigger than the others and he engaged them as the Horde started pelting him with arrows. They seemed to have little effect other than enraging the large white male.
Rhenn's eyes closed as she focused on the water beside her. She called upon it softly.
Anduin cried out and tried to pull his mother along as she stood in a trance as more Horde came blocking their path.
She opened her eyes and they were amber as a great water elemental rose from the river next to them. Taken aback the guards aimed at it, but did not fire as it charged toward the Horde throwing them backwards with a wave of water.
Rhenn looked at her stepson. "We must reach the retreat."
"The way is through the Horde."
"Then we fight."
"You are pregnant. I will not allow you to…"
Her amber eyes narrowed as she lifted her hand and lightening shot from it and hit three of the Horde and one of the black furbolgs. Treebreaker bellowed and fell as Rhenn allowed herself to be pulled to the wagon.
Anduin bodily lifted her into it and pressed her to the floor as he got into it as well. Helene followed and they ordered the guards to move the wagon along the tree line. Crispin led the guards to fight the dozen horde and the remaining two furbolgs. Two guards remained with the wagon and it eased by the fighting.
Rhenn pushed herself up. She did not like being held down on the floor. It was uncomfortable and she wanted to help. The great beasts moved at a run, which was impressively fast for the normally slow beasts. They were nearly to a bend in the river when the Horde scouts took notice.
Anduin made ready to fight as the Horde mounted their wolves and rode after the moving wagon. Alliance guards followed. A Horde leaned down from his mount and used his great weapon to break the wagon axle sending the wagon to the side and the passengers into each other. Anduin caught Rhenn to him and held her as the beasts spooked and moved faster. The driver fought to control them as wolves snapped at their heels.
Rhenn called upon the water again and she gasped as an arrow grazed her arm. The beasts were finally under control near the retreat. Anduin and Helene got out and put Rhenn behind them to stand their ground.
"Looka here." A troll mused. "We gotta Queen in our net."
Anduin gazed at the circling Horde before them.
"This Queen will not be a prize." Rhenn said.
The water she had called upon rose in a pillar from the river. The Alliance who remained alive helped the injured to where the Queen stood. The pillar shifted keeping the Horde at bay. Anduin watched in amazement. He had never known his mother was a master of the elements as Thrall was. Her element was clearly water and it seemed to obey her without question. She lifted her palm and lightening again shot out injuring the nearest Horde. They yelped and fell back looking at their charred wounds.
The Alliance group backed toward the retreat that was now visible. Laughing sisters, the young pretty dryads came forward to help with the wounded and help bring the wagon into the safety of the retreat. They then stood guard with Cenarion Protectors. The druids were in their bear forms and stood guard ready to attack the Horde that dared come close enough.
Rhenn took a shaky breath and thanked the water. The pillar of swirling water dissipated, but no Horde dared cross the boundary it had marked. They stood watching, but soon departed. Rhenn sighed letting her arms drop and then swayed.
A protector was near her and he returned to his night elf form as the Queen swooned. He was there and quickly grabbed her to him. Anduin was the last thing she saw as the night elf dropped to the earth with her since he did not have a hold of her weight well, but he did prevent her from falling and injuring herself.
She focused on him and then blackness filled her vision.
Anduin had not left his stepmother's side since she had fainted into the arms of the guard. He had carried her gently into the great tree that housed the Keeper. A room was ready for her and he gingerly set her on the bed and allowed her to rest. He knew summoning such powers of the world was taxing and in the state she was in carrying a child, she had little left in her body for reserves.
She slept well into the evening. Helene had brought him some food which he ate. She promised she would bring more when the queen woke. She had not been injured, praise the Light, but was exhausted.
She woke to feeling pleasantly warm and secure. Night elf architecture was in the room along with wooden walls, which appeared to be hollowed out from a tree. Her bed was narrow, but had elaborate carvings on the posts. She looked to her side. Anduin was there, unhelmed and in his casual court clothing dozing. His chest rose and fell softly as he leaned in the chair. He held her hand softly in his.
She smiled. It was good to see him so relaxed. She needed to move and shifted to sit up. He woke almost instantly and looked at her as she sat up against the headrest looking about the room. Someone, likely Helene, had changed her into a simple gown that she could sleep in.
Anduin regarded her before he sat forward. He kissed her cool hand and looked up at her. "Don't scare me like that." He said softly, but his voice held a bite to it. He had been very scared for her welfare.
She smiled lightly. "I am well, Anduin." She said. She moved to rise, but two hands planted on her shoulders.
"No, rest. I will fetch you things." He said.
"Generally, that is a handmaiden task." She said. "Not a Crown Prince's."
He shrugged. "I am here."
She sighed. "Very well. Can you fetch me something to eat?"
He smiled and nodded. He went to the door and nodded to the Laughing Sister standing there. "The Queen is hungry. Do you have apples and cheese and perhaps some bread?"
She nodded, her thick hair full of leaves and bark. She smiled. "Tea as well?"
"Yes please." The Prince nodded.
She turned and walked to fetch the items her fawn body moving gracefully along the hallway swishing her small deer tail.
Anduin returned to his stepmother's side. She was sitting up looking at some books that had been left on the bedside table. She looked up as he entered and smiled.
"You really do not have to cuddle me like a child, you know." She said.
He sighed. "But you are carrying my sister or brother and I…I worry." He said. His face held concern and she could only smile and reach up to touch his cheek.
She smiled more. "You are so kind." She smiled. "I am not made of glass. I can take care of myself."
"Clearly." He muttered. He sighed. "Mother, you are the only mother I have known and I treasure that, even if you did not give me life."
She bite her lip nervously not wanting to weep at the joy she felt. Anduin had always been there. He was a gentle kind soul that could fight when provoked, but would, as she be a diplomat.
The food he had requested came in short order and she almost wept at the fact he remembered her favorite snack. She reached for an apple and he stopped her hand and gently drew a knife and began to cut into pieces and core it for her. Her husband did this also in the privacy of their own rooms, but Anduin seemed to need to focus on something.
She ate her meal and then after held her teacup in her hands letting the vapors soothe her.
Anduin was still perched on her bed, but now he watched the flames dance in the brazier the elves have provided to keep the queen warm. He finally spoke his mind. "Do you really think we can have peace with Naga?" He asked.
She looked at him. She looked small in the bed and she touched her swollen belly as she felt the child move. "I am not sure." She said looking into the tea. "But if we do win them over we will have an ally to box the Horde in." She looked up. "But the Naga like to serve themselves. I am not sure how we will win them over."
Anduin turned to face her. He reached out and touched her leg softly. "You will win them over." In the firelight he looked so young and boyish as he had before. When she had been pregnant with her twins Anduin had come to visit her in her bed much like this when she did not feel well. He had been a child of thirteen there, though his mind belayed that. They had spoken on many topics and he had asked her many questions about the Tuskarr and her life as a girl in their world. She had even taught him how to speak the language well before Grekko and Varian had learned.
She smiled and looked again at her tea.
"Mother?" He asked.
She met the blue eyes. "Yes?"
"Can I feel?" He asked. He suddenly looked nervous as if he was caught doing something naughty, but he continued. "Can I feel the baby?"
This made her smile. Her husband often would feel his child within her and it soothed him. She nodded and reached for her stepson's hand. She pressed it to her belly under the thin sheet that covered her. He smiled feeling his sibling move. He then laid down, unbidden, with his head in her lap as he rubbed the spot absently. It was soothing to her as well and she continued to sip her tea as she allowed the young man to feel the babe within her.
Morning came and the party was ready to again travel. The wagon had been prepared. Three of the Protectors were sent to be guards by the Keeper. Rhenn had thanked her host for his graciousness and then went to the wagon. Sighing at the prospect of another long day within the cramped conditions she got in.
Helene was already sitting there. Anduin had told her she had been treating the wounded with the druids and had not come to be with her because of this. Rhenn had nodded accepting her daughter's role as healer. Anduin was also versed in healing arts from his training from Rohan of Ironforge. Though he had been trained a warrior by his father, his heart was in helping others, not destroying them.
The Queen settled and watched her stepson mount his hunter. He had stayed the night in her room finding a chair comfortable enough to retire into. She too had slept well with her belly full and the child seeming to sleep.
The hours went by slowly as the wagon was pulled along. She watched the trees go by and then she watched the trees thin and then turn to bare earth. She winced as they came to a meadow near Forest Song, an outpost near a world tree and the only night elf enclave to this side of the Falfarren River. This meadow that overlooked the Southfury River gorge was where the Queen and Prince were to meet with the Naga tomorrow.
The guards busily began to set up the meeting tent, the queen's tent and smaller tents for the guards. The druids were in bear form and patrolled the outskirts. Two Sentinels had been sent from Forest Song to greet the Queen and stayed in camp as guards.
By nightfall the camp had meat roasting over a fire and the Queen was seated in a chair watching the campfire flames dance together like lustful lovers. She smiled and nodded to Helene who brought her tea. Anduin was seated in the grass speaking with Crispin in low tones.
A bear approached the fire. It had long ears and feathers on its forelegs. Rhenn smiled as it transformed almost instantly into Hathan Westleaf. He was a tall and lanky nigh elf who regarded the Queen before bowing to her.
"Greetings Druid."
"I have come to ask if a fellow druid may come before you." He asked.
"He is from Cenarion Circle. Why do you need my permission?" She asked.
"Because he is a Tauren." Came a deep voice from the shadows. "I am Arch Druid Hamuul Runetotem." He said in common, though it was accented.
Quickly the guards that had seemed relaxed were on their feet and armed.
"I am not armed." The tall tauren said coming into the firelight. He was dressed as a druid with leather robes with feathers and jewels. He regarded the Queen who sat calmly, far more calmly than he would have given her credit in her chair. He held his three digit hands wide to show his non-aggression.
Rhenn nodded. "Let him come." She said.
"I thank you." The bull nodded and walked to her. He dropped in the grass to her side. The guards were clearly uneasy, but relaxed as the queen did not show fear of the tauren at all.
"I greet you." She said in Orcish.
He smiled. "I greet you." He answered. He saw Anduin turn to them and changed to common. "Thrall speaks highly of you and that you have fought for peace."
"I am very much in favor of it yes." She nodded.
He leaned forward. "The Naga are not be trusted. They are never in a deal unless there is significant personal gain."
"Why would you care about such matters?" Anduin asked.
"Because I too fight for peace, young prince. I am a member of the New Council for a reason." He sighed. "I was nearly killed when I came to make a peace treaty with the elves by the Horde mercenaries." He looked up at Rhenn. "The Naga will be far worse than mercenaries."
Rhenn considered that. "Did Thrall send you?"
"No, my lady. I am here of my own accord."
She nodded.
"Will you stay for dinner?" Anduin asked.
The tauren rose to his hoofed feet. "Thank you, no. I came to impart what the Queen needed to hear." He smiled at Rhenn and bowed. "Walk with the Earth Mother, you majesty."
She smiled. "You as well Arch Druid. My thanks for your candor."
He nodded and left.
Rhenn sat deep in thought. She knew he was right, but she had to try to reach the Naga. They were a dangerous ally, but a far worse enemy. She looked up at the stars. She needed guidance and she had no one, but herself and her own heart to turn to.
Rhenn was up early. She sat on a rock with her cloak about her watching the river far below. She felt the cool breeze blow through her hair. It was peaceful. She wished the whole world was like this. Calm, at peace.
She rose to her feet and was violently knocked to the ground as the earth trembled. Earthquakes were far from uncommon these days with the elements rebelling against Deathwing rising from the very plane of their existence. His return had caused volcanoes, floods, wind storms, and the Maelstrom to become unstable. It was there where Thrall had gone to offer aide to the Earthen Ring. There was a new volcano in Ashenvale and it was responsible for the majority of the earthquakes felt in the region.
Anduin was dressed in his formal state clothing. He came out to his mother as the shaking stopped and looked at her. "Mother!" He said. She sat up and brushed her hands. "Are you hurt?"
"No, only my pride." She said and flashed a smile. He helped her to her feet and she leaned back balancing the awkward weight. "You know the longer I carry the baby and the larger it gets the more I wonder if Neb is right."
"About what?" He asked helping her back to her tent.
"That I am carrying twins."
He paused and looked at her suddenly shocked. His face held worry and delight all at the same time. "Is there any way you can tell?"
"No." She smiled. "Highlord Fordring or Thrall could tell me. Even the Arch Druid if I asked him, but I rather not know until it or they come."
"Twins." He murmured.
She playfully swatted him. "Don't get your hopes up too much."
Rhenn sat in her most formal dress saved for state occasions. This one had been modified to allow her to be comfortable with the baby within her. It did nothing to hide her condition even under the yards of fabric. Her hair was in a severe style that folded around her head one and then dropped in a thick heavy braid. Her neck was covered with veil that attached under her chin. Her formal crown was on her head
She sat on a bowl chair her arms on the rests watching. Her feet rested on a pillow. She knew her guests were right outside. Crispin had informed her they had crossed the great bridge. She looked to her side. Anduin was seated beside her in his own bowl chair. He looked very stately in his formal clothing. He wore his own crown and he was too watching. Neither wore visible armor, but the heavy dress the queen wore had mithril threads interwoven within the fabric to keep her safe should something go amiss.
The tent flaps opened. Helene moved to stand behind her mother as a handmaiden normally would. Into the tent came a tall female naga with two male guards. They slithered on their reptilian tails toward the queen. The Honor guard held weapons, but in a relaxed posture. Rhenn too had guards standing near, but they remained passive.
"Light give me strength." Rhenn whispered as she rose to her feet to greet the tall four armed female. She had a tiara on her head and her face was not grotesque like the males. The males looked like over sized snakes and they all smelled of sea water, rotting kelp, and death.
Rhenn covered her displeasure at the odor that her sensitive nose could detect with a smile as Anduin rose to his feet. "I greet you." He said in low common aware that his Stormwind accent would likely be hard for these creatures to follow otherwise. "I am Crown Prince Anduin Wrynn of the United Alliance." He turned and offered his hand formally to his stepmother. "My mother, Queen Rhenn." He said as she stood and joined him.
The naga spread her hands and dipped her head. "I am happy that the king allowed the queen to come to thissss ssssummit." She said. Her voice had a hissing rasp to it. "I am Lady Tidessstormer." She said.
"I thank you for coming, lady." Rhenn said. She smiled. "Would you care for refreshment?" She asked.
"No, but you are kind, majesssty."
Rhenn dropped into her chair with a smile and took a grape and ate it. "Forgive me. "I must snack as the physicians have counseled me."
The naga nodded. "In your state it is advisable."
"We have come to this meeting in order to ascertain a peace between our peoples and unite against the Horde." Anduin said. "What are your terms?"
"Gold, sssilver, fissshing rightsss along the coassst of the sssea, and freedom to travel the coassst." The naga said.
Rhenn was surprised. This was not unreasonable at all. She nodded to two guards to bring a chest of treasures. "We have the monies you require. Now as for the fishing and the coast, I can grant you that for our part and will further fight alongside you should the Horde encroach your home territories." Rhenn said. She was being very generous and everyone knew it. "In return you will back the Alliance against the incursions of Horde in Ashenvale."
The naga reached forward and took a grape and ate it thoughtfully as Rhenn did her best not to recoil at the stench that waft by her. The naga nodded. "Isss that your only requessst?"
"And to keep the waters in your homeland free of Horde." Rhenn said.
The naga put her lower hands on what seemed to be her hips and then nodded. Her nearly elven face smiled slightly. "We are in accord." She said. She then turned. "I will require asssissstance sssoon."
Rhenn nodded. "I will send troops as soon as I return home."
The head bowed with her arms out again before she slithered from the tent. They went on their way.
Rhenn took a deep breath.
Anduin looked at her. "That went easier that I would have thought."
"Yes, but I am not sure I trust it." Rhenn said. "They are foul creatures." She sighed and lifted a wine glass. "Here is to a new ally." Anduin nodded and drank with her.