Chapter 10 – Bonded Love
High Priestess Tyrande Whisperwind smiled as her guests arrived in the Temple of the Moon in Darnassus. King Varian Wrynn and Queen Rhenn approached. The priestess wore her mooncloth robe and looked serene where she stood before the fountain.
Varian bowed his head to the High Priestess and Rhenn curtsied though a touch awkwardly. "Welcome." Tyranda greeted.
Rhenn smiled. "We thank you." She said. "It seems like a lifetime since I was in Darnassus last." She smiled and stood with her hand on her stomach. Though her dress was heavy and formal, it did nothing to hide her condition that was now plan for all to see.
The tired distracted look was not lost on Tyrande who called for a chair to be brought for her majesty the Queen of the Alliance. She took it gratefully once they had come to Tyrande's open air meeting room. Varian stood beside her unobtrusively. Though Varian Wrynn could hardly be called unobtrusive for he stood in his armor of the Stormwind Kings that made him even more imposing. His dark brooding expression with the large scars on his face did nothing to soften the appearance of the warrior. He was a stark difference from his serene, beautiful, and gentle Queen. He took her hand in his and kissed it lightly as Tyrande moved about making offerings to Elune for her blessing on the meeting.
Rhenn rose and made an offering of milk and honey to the statue at the shrine. Though she was not a devout believer in Elune, the moon goddess, Tyrande was and so the Queen would appease her guests.
The business meeting was about Kalimdor and the great wall that the Tauren were constructing as well as the heavy fortifications Garrosh Hellscream was making to the city of Orgimmar. Rhenn listened with half an ear as the scouts reported. Nebyuleh was among them and she had already told her old friend everything she wished to know. Nebyuleh was next going to be assigned to the northern lands of the Hinterlands where trolls and the Wildhammer dwarves lived. The Wildhammer clan had asked for advice about how to deal with the malignant evil that lay within the core of the troll villages. Nebyuleh had volunteered for the position in order, she hoped, to learn more about the craft of gryphon husbandry.
After two hours Rhenn rose to her feet and walked toward the window. She needed to stand. Positions were rarely comfortable these days for more than an hour. She had felt a need to rise by a twinge in her back. She waddled toward the window one hand on her womb and the other on her back as she looked out. The window was a wood cut and had no glass allowing the fresh breeze to enter.
Her movement did not go unnoticed. In fact Arch Druid Fandral Staghelm paused midsentence seeing her rise and move soundlessly and slowly to the window. Tyrande and Varian had looked up from the maps and then followed his gaze. The Arch Druid looked annoyed at the interruption, but Varian rose to his feet and walked to his Queen. She had been most distracted of late and it was a touch bothersome. She had taken the naga betrayal harder than Varian would have guessed and she seemed preoccupied much of the time. He wondered if it was the child that made her mind wonder, things she saw in dreams, the betrayal, or some of all three. He knew well she had visions, but none had seemed important as of yet. She had not said anything.
The physician had told the King to be weary of common ailments associated with a woman with child. Frequent tears, anger, and distractedness were all common and Rhenn had all three. She could go from smiling to murderous rage in a matter of moments. Then from that to sobbing in moments. Varian tried his best to deal with the hormonal woman, but at times it was even too much for him. Highlord Tirion Fordring, Anduin, and Helene seemed to let the emotions pass them without concern.
Varian stood beside her looking out at the trees before leaning closer to Rhenn to whisper to her so only she could hear as he brushed his lips against her hair. "What are you doing, my love?"
She did not stir and took a breath. "I am enjoying looking at the trees. The military work is your arena." She said softly.
He sighed. "Rhenn, are you tired?" He asked then.
"My heart is weary." She answered. "May I be excused to lie down? I fear the journey has taken some of my strength."
It was a lie and he knew it. She was well enough, but she did not wish to discuss war and politics. He hardly blamed her and he knew she was still stinging from the naga betrayal. His reaction to it in his haughty nature had not helped her feelings, in fact he was sure it hurt her all the more. He had apologized, but it was done.
The King took her hand in his. It was cool and pale as the rest of her. He turned and this time she turned with him. "My lady Queen is feeling poorly. I am sending her to her rooms to recover. The journey had rough seas."
The arch druid seemed to accept that and Tyrande nodded. She looked up and saw a sentinel standing nearby. "Hawkfeather."
The sentinel saluted and came forward. "Yes, high priestess?"
"Can you escort our guest to her chambers?"
The sentinel bowed to Rhenn and the queen moved to follow. As the queen moved Varian bent and kissed her cheek and whispered, "I will be with you shortly. Be well." He told her.
She turned to him and offered a weak smile as she walked after the sentinel. She well knew her chambers were nowhere near the Temple of the Moon. Once outside the sentinel called a dark saber to her side. She helped the Queen onto the saber. She rode sideways in the saddle.
Soon in the Teldrassil forest came into view past the gate of Darnassus. The wall was long and near the Pools of Arlithrien. These tranquil pools had the small cottage home that Grekko had built and crafted for his beloved wife when they were separated. He had built it as an expression of his love for her.
She dismounted and nodded to the two Valiance Expedition foot soldiers stood guard. The Stormwind livery was distinctive here with the sentinels wearing Darnassian colors. She opened the door and sighed. The architecture was both night elf and human making a very unique blend. The pools had been abandoned due to the furbolg incursions, but now that the furbolgs had been purified by the famous Broll Bearmantle, the pools were scenic once more.
She looked up at the rafters. Within there was a warm fire in the hearth and a platter of fresh cheese, apples, and cakes. She chuckled. Her handmaidens were efficient in everything. They were nowhere in sight. Rhenn had expected this. Helene had heard her friend Lillina was in Darnassus visiting her mother. Rhenn had dismissed her early to investigate with the express words to have the young warlock come to see her before she left again. The girl, though still under training from Master Aurabolt, found employment and kept busy translating. She knew as many languages as Rhenn and had proven herself very helpful in several occasions for the Alliance and the king was grateful. They had lodging in the capital itself. It was clear someone also maintained the cottage for there were no rodent nests, cobwebs, or even dust on the cabinets.
Rhenn moved and removed the heavy clothing she wore and opted for a simple dress. She pulled her hair into two thick braids and let them hang loose. She looked down at her womb. She could not believe she was several months away from giving birth and she was already larger than she had been at this stage with Alanis. Perhaps Nebyuleh's teasing was truth and she not only bore her king a babe, but two.
She took a book from the shelf and an apple and went to the window bench to read. She ate the apple and sighed as she pressed her hand to her womb. The baby was calm for the moment and soon Rhenn started to allow her fatigue gain the upper hand. She soon slept safe and secure with the book lying on her chest as she let her eyes close.
Varian had assumed he would be staying in quarters in Darnassus as he had done many times before. The trees were somewhat nostalgic of a tree fort as he had played in as a young boy in Lordaeron. He had enjoyed the trees and forests of Trisfal. How that land had changed with the Forsaken incursion. He looked about as the two sentinels led him to the warrior terrace and then out past two living Ancients that looked more like over grown statures than moveable trees. They passed out of the city and turned toward the south. Over a small hill and through a large thicket he spotted a small two story cottage. It was quaint with window boxes of flowers, whitewashed walls, and tiles on the roof. The cottage did not resemble any house he had seen in Stormwind, but it did not exactly look like a night elf residence either. Too much carved stone work and masonry to be night elven.
The sentinels left him as he noted the guards were from his own exploration unit in Northrend. The saluted him and stood at the gate. A small rock retaining wall went around the house and made a small yard. He smiled and looked beyond. Pools and trees were beyond. He smiled and walked to the door. He was forced to duck as he walked into the room. The ceiling was higher than the door and he could comfortably stand. He removed his cloak and noted the Queen's dress was over a chair. He placed his cloak on the chair near the fire. It had been lightly raining out and it would soon dry.
He looked about as he removed his heavy armored boots for his beloved spouse. There was no one here, but themselves. He found the notion of being able to be with his wife alone without servants coming in to aide them exciting. He moved about the room in his stocking feet and then he froze looking into the back room. Rhenn was in the window bench. She had been reading. Her book lie open on her chest. On arm was behind her on the pillow her head rested upon, while the other draped toward the ground. The simple clean peasant gown accentuated her belly rather than hide it. The bodice was loose and low allowing the under dress to peek over the top. The ruffled cut ran along the top of her bosom affording him a look at her cleavage. He well knew such a dress for commoners was comfortable and practical. The under dress top could be lowered for easy nursing and the bodice was easily cleaned. He had never expected to have his queen wearing such a garment, and yet in this cottage it was fitting.
He removed the great lion shoulder covers and then his breastplate. After that, his gloves followed. Next was the belt that had once belonged to the Lion of Azeroth himself, Anduin Lothar. He had taken it from while he still was a gladiator. Last were his bracers and his great weapon. He set Shalamayne almost lovingly on the mantle before turning back the small reading room. He wore his thick leather pants still, but the rest was linen under clothing. He walked to his wife and smiled. She did not stir at his approach. She was deeply asleep. He gently removed the book and set it on a nearby table.
He smiled. Even in the low light from outside her face glowed. She looked beautiful and calm in sleep. He thought her beautiful always, but now all he could do was look at her in wonder. He thanked the Light she had consented to wed him after Grekko had passed on. Grekko had made him promise to watch after her and marry her if she allowed it. Varian had done as he promised and he knew his own spirit was better for it. Part of him still regretted not claiming her as his long before, but the Light always worked in mysterious ways.
He knelt beside her and gently laid his great hand on her belly. Very rarely was she able to rest on her back these days. She stirred slightly and shifted a little to the side. The cushions supported her. All he could do was smile more at how innocent the scene was. He could just as easily be a cooper or a potter coming home to his pregnant wife and she would look no less beautiful to him. In this cottage they could be themselves, not the King and Queen of the United Alliance and the thought appealed to him greatly. Much rested on their shoulders in the outside world, but here was a sanctuary and he was determined to make the most of it.
The King smiled and noted the child slept as its mother. The king stooped and stole a soft kiss from his wife's pale lips before grinning as he let his hand follow the curve of her belly to her hip and down her leg. Rhenn shifted slightly, but did not wake. The King's hand moved the skirt up to his wife's upper thighs before letting his hand trace up one leg to the soft curls between her thighs. He let his hand rest there a moment as he leaned down and nuzzled her cheek as he moved his hand so that two fingers moved between the soft folds and into her. His thumb pressed to the tiny secret bud that only he and one other man had known. That knowledge as he thought about it made him harden with wanting as he moved his fingers in a teasing manner.
She stirred and blinked in sleep as he lifted his fingers to his mouth and moistened them more with his saliva before placing them back. She gasped, startled by the invasion of her person. Her legs clamped down on his hand in reflex and he smiled seeing her eyes flutter. She was sleep mostly asleep and the king kissed her cheek before whispering in her ear, "Relax, my darling, let me do the work." He said. His voice was deep and tense, but his kisses were playful as she shifted slightly and allowed him to continue as she murmured softly in pleasure.
The king continued knowing his queen would not take long to peak as relaxed as she was. She would not fight or try to expand the feeling as she might if she were fully conscious. He pressed a deep kiss to her lips before he pulled back hearing her breathing hitch to watch the facial contractions that appeared as she climaxed. He grinned feeling her body try to push his fingers out as they contracted on the large digits. He smiled. He had seen very few things more erotic than watching her peak from his ministrations.
He removed his hand and caressed a still quivering thigh gently as she blinked more. He smiled and nuzzled her. Though he was hard he would not force her to continue unless she wished to. He could starve off his needs until she were more awake or more eager to accept him.
"Are you well, my love?" He whispered softly. He lifted his hand and caressed the delicate tattoo on her face. She nodded sleepily. She yawned and then moved to sit up. He lifted his arms and helped her. Her skirts fell about her legs making her look more like a wench in an ale house than a queen. Not that he really cared in private when it was just him seeing her.
She looked up at his grey eyes. "How did the meeting go?" She asked. "I am sorry for my disinterest. I was trying to pay more attention, but my mind kept wandering."
He chuckled a little and laid his hand on her belly softly. "The baby preoccupies you and it is to be expected. Or so I am told." He said offering an uncharacteristic disarming smile. She looked at him pacified and moved to rise. He shifted out of her way and offered her a hand as she levered herself up to a standing position.
He caught her hand and pressed a kiss to her middle. She looked down at him and touches his face gently. He smiled up at her as he laid his cheek against her. He had pressed his ear to her the day she had told him she was expecting. He had been and still was thrilled. She caressed his head lightly finding him holding her so was soothing and so she stood a moment allowing him to feel her belly. The baby was moving, but not exuberantly as of yet, for which she was thankful.
He had never expected to have a woman in his life again and now he had the woman of his dreams. His memories of Tiffin would always be loving and tender, but Rhenn truly was his soul mate. She was there when he needed her emotionally and physically, but also had the ability to stand up to him when needed. If he wanted a mate to bend to his will he would have wedded and bedded another noble woman long before. Now that he had a woman who had her own mind he was making up for lost time on the physical side of things, but he also had realized his lack of someone to talk to and confide in had made him more introverted and unable to talk to people. Rhenn knew how to coax things from him and though he at times grew angry by her prodding, he was also grateful. He did not allow things to reach the boiling point with his anger anymore thanks to his wife, though with her in Stormwind that had rarely happened for years anyway.
He then rose to his feet and embraced her enjoying the feel of her in his arms. So rarely could they just hold each other and stay so. Words were not required and she snuggled into his chest for a moment before her stomach gurgled loudly and she gasped flushing terribly.
Varian stepped back and laughed outright. "Come let me feet you before my child eats you from the inside out." He laughed and took her hand in hiss. He kissed her knuckles before leading her to the main room. He directed her to sit as he lifted the bread knife and began slicing thick bread slices. It was still warm and the yeasty steam rose from the core. Rhenn sniffed and sighed in delight. Her husband continued to slice cheese, apples, and even some salted meat he found hanging in the rafters. It was lovely and smoked.
Rhenn dove in and was nearly done as her husband watched her thoughtfully. There were days when she could stomach nothing at all or very few things such as bread and fruit and then other days such as today where she ate more than a starving ghoul in the Plaguelands. He marveled as she finished even the crumbs and then looked up innocently. "Is there more?" She asked.
The King chuckled. His starving queen was devoid of eggs here, but he would look into perhaps some sweet rice cakes she was fond of and more cheese and apples. He used his knife and sliced into the apple he held and pulled off sections. He then held one up, offering it with a grin on his face. She reached for it, but he pulled it back clicking his tongue at her and shaking his head. He offered it again and she leaned forward and took the fleshy fruit from his fingers delicately. She then chewed watching him as he offered another. Again she took it, but her lips gazed his fingers and he involuntarily shivered.
She smiled and licked the juice on her chin before she reached and stole the bread off his plate. She grinned cheekily and ate it. He would hardly begrudge her anything, especially with the babe in her stealing her body's reserves. He was happy she had an appetite. Too often a woman in her state did not and would often need coxing and scolding to get them to eat.
She rose to her feet again and this time stretched. "Shall we go for a walk?" She asked.
He nodded and reached for his weapon. He would go without his armor here, but never without his weapon. There were still animals in these woods and he would never allow his wife and queen to be in danger.
Rhenn chuckled softly as she wiped her mouth with a cloth napkin. Tyrande Whisperwind had invited them to break their fast on her private terrace the next morning. It was a late breakfast, but the King had seen fit to allow his wife to sleep in. Tyrande, naturally had understood. Sleep was valuable to an expectant mother and even more so for a queen who carried the hopes of her people in her womb.
A sentinel came up and bowed to Tyrande. "My lady. A message."
"Very well, what is it?" The night elf priestess asked as Rhenn reached for another thick juicy berry.
"It is for Queen Rhenn." The young guard said. "I have just come from the docks. A ship has docked there."
Rhenn looked up as the message was handed to her. The seal was that of a wolf, a frost wolf howling, Thrall. She broke it quickly and began to read the note.
"Thrall requests me to join him on Draka's Fury." She said. She smiled. "Lovely. A boat named for his mother." She said shifting and pressing a hand to her belly as a kick made her wince.
"Thrall is welcome here. Why does he not come?" Varian asked.
"He would like me to meet someone." Rhenn said.
"And they cannot come here?" Tyrande asked.
"No." Rhenn said folding the letter. She rose to her feet. In her hurry she moved faster than she should have and stumbled lightly before she got her bearings. Varian had moved quickly to support her elbows before she stepped to the side indicating she was well. He stepped back.
"Meet on the docks." Varian said.
"He has requested me to come aboard his ship. The captain he wishes me to meet." She sighed and bowed to Tyrande. "You have been most gracious, but I must answer Thrall."
Tyrande dipped her head, but Varian's hand shot out and gripped her elbow. "The Fury is a Horde ship." He said between his teeth near her ear. "SI:7 has reported this to me. I cannot allow you to…"
She freed herself and turned to him daring him to stop her. "I am going. I will be under Thrall's protection. If any dare lift a hand to me he will destroy them. He is the most powerful shaman living." She said. She smiled a disarming smile. "At least put faith in the fact he would never put me in harm's way."
Varian looked at her. "But you are with child and the Queen of the United Alliance. I have to at least send a group of guards with you to escort you."
"Very well, but they will remain on the docks."
"But…" Varian took a deep breath to protest and draw himself up, but she was already on her way through the door. She could move quickly when she wished to and he just watched her leave nodding to the guards to follow her. He would be safe here without an escort. He knew full well that he could not go lest he feel the need to defend himself or even more so, his family. He glanced at the letter. Thrall had not invited him and in fact cautioned Rhenn into allowing the King to join her due to hostilities. He could keep the Horde on the ship and therefore not a threat to the Night Elves, but Varian would be too much. The Queen he could protect. She had her own shamanistic powers. He sighed. He was getting soft to allow her to go to her friend.
Rhenn had mounted a large saddled saber and ridden it toward the bank that was in the tree shaped like a great bear. She coaxed the animal over the bridge and to the teleport device the night elves had set in order to move from the upper tree where Darnassus sat to the base where the docks were.
The cat stalked down the hill and to the docks. It went at a walking pace. Rhenn was grateful for it did not jar her nearly as much. She saw goblins at the moorings and a ramp. Dismounting she waddled to the ramp and nodding to the goblins walked up the ramp and onto the deck. An elder orc was there. Rhenn had met him once. His name was Eitrigg, the famous orc whom had led to the exile of proud Tirion Fordring before he was called back into action by Darion Mograine.
She dipped her head in respect to the elder orc. "I greet you." She said in Orcish spreading her hands in a gesture of peace.
He smiled at her. "It is hard to have such courtesies from orcs these days, my lady. It is nice to know someone still values them." He said in Common. He dipped his head to her. "It is an honor to meet you once more Queen Rhenn, though you have elevated in station since last we met."
She chuckled. "Yes."
He cocked his head. He was, even bent with age, taller and more strongly built. He could do her harm easily, but she remained there trusting. "You do not fear me?"
"Any friend of Highlord Fordring is a friend of mine." She smiled. "Besides I doubt his honor brother would harm the mother of his godchild."
He laughed. "Quite right, my lady, quite right." He looked at her. "Congratulations, it would appear, are in order." He smiled looking at her girth. "May it be a strong son or a beautiful daughter." He said.
She cupped the swell and smiled. "Soon we hope, but it is a ways off yet."
"Do you know what you carry? Have the healers told you?"
"No, but I have wanted a surprise. Varian and Anduin are convinced it is a daughter while others claim I carry twins. We will know soon enough." She looked down as she felt the baby shift within her.
He nodded. She walked before him onto the deck and let her skirts, which she had held out of the way to prevent herself from tripping, down. She was not dressed as a queen in the slightest and she felt somewhat out of place with large orcs watching her. She recognized a few of them from visits. They were Thrall's trusted personal guard.
She walked toward the cabin area where Eitrigg led her. He helped her over the wood bar at the door and then they walked down into the hold. Canons lined the side and goblins watched her wearily as she was escorted to the captain's rooms at the stern. Eitrigg knocked and the door opened to reveal Thrall.
He was dressed in plain brown clothing with a large rucksack at his side. His hair was in twin long braids to the side of his face and he looked at her from under his cowl. Prayer beads were around his neck. His teeth broadened into smile revealing his fearsome tusks, but his eyes danced with joy that she had come. She oddly missed his armor that had once belonged to the Doomhammer.
"I do not think I have ever seen you so commonly dressed in public." He said by way of greeting.
She laughed and shuffled revealing even her feet were bare. Very undignified for a queen, but here she was not the Queen of the Alliance, she was Rhenny, friend of Thrall. "Hello, Thrall. I have missed you." She forgot all decorum and hugged him.
He was startled, but patted her back gently as he held her. He felt the babe move within her. He pulled back and smiled in delight. "This one is strong." He said pressing his large green hand to her belly. Very few men were allowed to touch her so and Thrall was one of them, He had always been.
She smiled up at him her eyes radiant. She then noticed another orc behind him. It was a woman. She wore the same simple garb that Thrall did. She was brown skinned and her dark eyes watched the human wearily as Thrall touched Rhenn.
Thrall's blue eyes looked back and he smiled. "You never miss a thing." He chuckled. "Aggra." Thrall said turning and bringing Rhenn into the room. Rhenn felt rather insignificant next to the two orcs. Eitrigg had bowed and left them. Thrall held her hand and held his arm about her thin frame. "Rhenn, this is Aggra, my mate."
Rhenn's eyes widened and then she beamed. "I am happy for you." She looked at the woman before her. "It would seem congratulations are in order for you as well." She then looked up at the blue eyes of Thrall. "In two respects."
Aggra shifted and looked at the queen. "She is so small and not full human. Why do you trouble yourself with her?" She asked her mate in Orcish.
"Because she is the Queen of the Alliance and I have been his friend for more than a quarter of a century." Rhenn answered looking to her.
Aggra was taken aback. She had not been expecting this petite woman to know their tongue. She stood watching Thrall who just stood watching. "Why did you come without an escort?" Aggra then asked in common.
"I have no need for one with Thrall." She said. She looked up. "Would it be possible for me to sit down? I am often weary these days." She said.
Thrall nodded and directed her to a chair. Rhenn sat down gingerly and then straightened looking like a queen, but for her clothing. She cocked her head at Aggra. "You must tell me how you managed to win his heart."
Aggra felt the ice melting between them. Rhenn had not taken offense to her words, or if she had she did not show it. She touched her own belly and smiled a little. "I am the most stubborn person he knows and yet I have taught him much of the elemental world." She took a step toward Rhenn. "You are not at all what "I expected." She said. "You are not haughty and you accept me even though we are on the other side of the war."
"You have done nothing to gain my ire." Rhenn said. She looked up at Thrall. "I think she is perfectly matched for you. I wish you luck." She levered herself up to her feet. Aggra, surprisingly was there first and helped her steady herself.
"My thanks." Rhenn said as she brushed herself off. She looked up at Thrall as he stood with his arms folded across his great chest. She smiled at him. "Must you go?" She asked him.
"Yes." He took her small hand in his. "The earth needs ne to try and heal the damage wrought by Deathwing." He said. He smiled gently and kissed her knuckled. "Fear not. I will return. Perhaps you will have given birth and I will have a babe to spoil."
"Aye and perhaps you will as well." She smiled at Aggra. The brown skinned orc woman smiled. Rhenn, as she did many, had won over Thrall's mate. She took a breath and leaned up to Thrall and pressed a kiss to his cheek. "You should go before you miss the tide." She said.
He nodded. He pressed a hand to her belly once more and Rhenn saw leaves swirl about her. She felt refreshed and smiled at his blessing. She then bowed as well as she could and left him. Thrall watched her go and sighed.
Aggra came to his side and he wrapped his arm about her. "She is a good woman. Perhaps between the two of you the world can again be whole."
"Perhaps." He said. He pressed a kiss to her brow. "I worry for her. She has never had it easy and now the weight of the kingdom is on her shoulders as she carries a babe."
"If she is a friend of yours she has to have a strong heart. Worry not, my mate, she will be well."
Thrall nodded.
Rhenn watched the boat depart and felt strong arms embrace her from behind and a tall hard body press to her. She smiled as she inhaled the scent of leather, soap, horses, loam, and sweat. Her husband watched the boat leave as well, but he said nothing as he pressed his head down so his chin rested on her head. Things were changing for good or ill and he would have to be ready for it. Thrall was going to try to heal the land while he and Rhenn tried to heal the people. Not an easy task for either. Rhenn at his side allowed Varian to think clearly and she would aide in bringing people together even as her time drew near. He pressed a kiss to her hair and sighed. For now, at least he could just hold her and feel the world disappear around them, even if it was only a few moments with his beloved wife.