Ch 11 - The Druid and the Dwarf
The night elf druid Nebyuleh crouched low on the small rock face. She was dressed in the leather and feather clothing of the Wildhammers. She had to confess to herself now that her true reason for coming to Aerie Park was to be closer to Jarin Wildhammer. Though she loved learning about the gryphons and how to care for them, he intrigued her the most.
The lanky, heavy tattooed dwarf fascinated her in a way few had. He had rescued her with his gryphon while she was out on patrol once in the Arathi Highlands. She had been thankful. They had spent two nights in a camp together in a small cave high up a mountain face because the weather turned. She had lost much blood from a gash from a raptor claw and he nursed her out of a fever and onto recovery with his shamanistic medicines and herbal knowledge.
Jarin was tall for a dwarf standing over five and a half feet tall. His tattoos were dark blue and in many designs on his body. He had boasted there was not a place on his body from his balding head to his toes that was not tattooed. At first she had not believed him, but he proved it and she just stared amused at him as he stood before her several days before nude and unashamed.
Jarin was cousin to Falstad and Kurdan Wildhammer. Falstad was the current High Thane of Aerie Park while his brother was the Wildhammer representative to the Council of Three Hammers in Ironforge. Nebyuleh had learned much in her month of living among the rugged hill dwarves. Though more abrasive than their Bronzebeard cousins, the Wildhammers had good hearts and were closer to the earth, something a night elf could appreciate.
She looked at the nest before her. It was a gryphon nest. She gathered two of the three eggs and placed two painted wooden eggs in the place of the two she had in her case. She smiled as she whistled and Jarin on his gryphon Hat'lanka, or Dawntreader in common, came circling back. She nimbly jumped onto the feathery back behind him and held him about his waist as they circled back toward Aerie Park and the gryphon rookery.
Gryphon Master Talonaxe was waiting for them as they brought the eggs to him. He gently took them and laid them nesting boxes. It was warm in the cave to allow the eggs to mature. He smiled at the elf woman who looked over the eggs curiously. "How long before they hatch?"
"Several weeks lass." Talonaxe said. "But there be one fur ya soon enough." He grinned.
Nebyuleh smiled. She had always wanted a gryphon of her very own. She walked out with Jarin and they mounted his gryphon once more. They spiraled down to Quel'Danil Lodge where Neb had been working as a healer. The high elves were often injured in battle with undead or the local trolls. Also a danger was poisoning by the slimes that were near. Neb worked for them as often as the Wildhammers would allow her to leave their cave sanctum. She did not feel comfortable inside the stone fortress build inside the very mountains themselves for long. There was no sunlight and no fresh air and for a night elf, especially a druid, it made her crazy.
Jarin had taken this in stride. Unlike many of his fellow Wildhammers, he did not mind being out at night listening to the wolves cry and watching the moon rise. Neb had captivated him and it was on one such crisp moonlight night that he had tried to kiss her. She had allowed it and the next day she had swam in the nearby lake near Quel'Danil. He had watched from a hill nearby. She knew well she was being watched and when she stepped out she had made a show of it for him.
He had not been able to stand it any longer and he had found a high safe cave and there with a small fire going they had been united and became a mated pair. Though he knew his people would not take too kindly too it, Neb knew her people would not mind as long as she preformed the rites to the moon goddess. She had done so and so was now Jarin's and he hers.
They had woken the next morning and Jarin immediately after dropping her off to treat a severe gash on a ranger's arm at the Lodge gone to the Thane to ask permission to travel with his mate. Falstad had seemed a little surprised by the request since Nebyuleh and Jarin had not liked each other at first. But the Thane could see the love expression in the man's eyes and agreed.
There was a condition that the two marry before they left. Both seemed amenable to the request and the Thane himself married the pair. This made sure that the lovely Night Elf did not leave before everyone got to meet her. She drank much of the thick beer and found her husband drunk enough that he could not perform the rituals of consummation. Both were far from virgins and so the checking for blood on the sheets after was a little ridiculous. However, the next morning, while Jarin recovered from his hangover, Nebyuleh went to the healers quarter of the fortress to prove that there had been activity. Somehow the drunk dwarf had managed to at least finish the deed before he fell asleep and the evidence was there to be seen. It was an amusing ritual for the night elf, but it was Wildhammer law mostly due to the marrying of families who were set to gain from the marriage in some way. An impotent son or a daughter who refused to allow the man to bed her could lead to the contract being dissolved.
Jarin then packed his bags and made ready to travel with his new spouse. She had to scout the Arathi Highlands, visit New Southshore, and then report first to the Council of the Three Hammers, and then Stormwind's United Alliance War Council on the enemy activities she had seen.
The pair sent a total of three weeks out and about scouting. During this time Nebyuleh discovered her pregnancy. Though it was very early Jarin was enthralled with the idea of having a baby to love and care for with his mate. He laughed to know it was the season for babies. Nebyuleh told him the Alliance queen was near her due date.
They were received at the Council of Three Hammers. Moira was the most welcoming. She knew Nebyulah was a good friend of Queen Rhenn and thus the Dark Iron Representative was very hospitable to the Night Elf Druid and her dwarven mate. She found the two stimulating to talk to, but also though it was nice that dwarves were expanding out and learning that they could have mates outside their own culture. It was something the Wildhammer clan needed because of the lack of fresh blood in the genetics.
Though she was all for mixed blood relationships due to her own history, she did find the couple amusing together. Nebyuleh was sleek and tall even for a night elf. Jarin was tall for a dwarf at over five feet tall and lanky, but he was still more than a foot shorter than his wife.
Nebyuleh reported he findings to the three council members as she stood at the table in the High Seat. The heat from the Great Forge came into the room, but it was not overly hot. The night elf, who was not really too keen on being within the stone halls inside the mountain for a long time, found it pleasant. The high throne was vacant since King Magni was no longer able to rule.
After the talk Nebyuleh sat walked to the room they were sharing at the inn. Smiling at Jarin she started packing. The fastest way was by the Deep Tram and that would take about two hours to travel underground to the city of Stormwind.
Jarin had occupied himself in the Halls of Exploration looking at the artifacts brought back by the Explorer League and the many interesting books written by Brann Bronzebeard and others. He had only been to Ironforge once as a youth and now was finding the capital larger and had more interesting things to explore than he had before.
Once packed the two walked to the Deep Tram depot in Tinker Town. Once there they waited for the train. It took only ten minutes to arrive. They seated themselves in the middle car and looked about. The car was sparse of decoration, but suddenly the tram started with a jolt.
The pair watched the tunnel go by. Nebyuleh laid down on her side and watched the scenery go by. They then came to a water tube. She looked out into the blue water and saw fish swimming about lazily. She soon let her eyes close and she soon slept.
Jarin kept his eyes open watching the train pass side tunnels and lighted areas. Two hours later the tram came to the Stormwind depot with a hard thud that jolted Neb awake. She looked about as Jarin lifted their bags. She rose and stepped out and yawned as she looked about the station. No one was there surprisingly, but she just shook her head.
Thankfully, the depot was within the Dwarven District of Stormwind. It bordered on the Keep itself where the King and Queen held court and resided. Neb knew she would be able to have rooms within the Keep, the Queen, Rhenn, would insist on it. The Night Elf walked wearily along the cobbled street. The Dwarven District always had a tight feeling about it compared to the rest of the town. Also it had a thick layer of low ash and iron filings in the air that turned the air brownish-gray.
The Keep's guards recognized the tall night elf woman and allowed her to pass. The Wildhammer dwarf followed closely behind her looking at the male and female guards. The Home Guard of the Keep were all males and the elite soldiers of the Stormwind defense corps led by Lord Marcus Jonathan.
The King was on his throne speaking to a Draenei emissary. Nebyuleh recognized him as Emissary Taluun. The Draenei noticed the visitors before the King and straightened. The chamberlain was not at his post.
Varian turned to the night elf and smiled. "Nebyuleh. Welcome." He said.
Nebyuleh bowed her head slightly. "Hello, Varian, King." She said.
"My wife is in her still room." Varian said.
"I have my scouting reports here." Neb said handing the sealed tube of parchment to the king. He took them and nodded to her. He then noticed the dwarf behind her looking about at the Keep stonework. Neb followed his gaze and then smiled. "Yes. This is Jarin Wildhammer." She introduced.
The dwarf turned to the king and bowed low. "Pleasure to be meetin' you, your majesty."
Varian rose to his feet. "Welcome." He said.
Neb smiled and took the Wildhammer's hand as she noticed Kamon in the grouping of courtiers. The mage could often be found in the background watching, but saying very little. However, he had moved to the front upon seeing Neb, whom he had been missing.
He did not miss the night elf taking a hold of the dwarf's hand before he looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
Varian stepped forward, but there was a low murmur and he looked toward the sound. The Queen had entered the throne room and she waddled toward the king with her ladies behind her. She bowed as well she could to him and then smiled seeing her night elf friend.
"Neb!" She cried with joy and the night elf laughed.
"Your majesty!" Neb again dipped her head.
"I received your letter of introduction." Rhenn said smiling. "Is this him?"
"Yes, majesty." Neb said. "This is Jarin Wildhammer."
The dwarf looked at the queen who was not very much taller than he and grinned as he took her hand and bowed over it, kissing her cool knuckles. "A pleasure to meet ya, your majesty. Ya are as beautiful as they have rumored in the Hinterlands."
Rhenn chuckled lightly. "My husband, meet Jarin Wildhammer, husband of Neb."
Varian looked surprised. "You were able to tame this elf?"
"Tame, never, own, never, love, always." The dwarf said.
Varian nodded. "Good man." He looked to Rhenn. "Doubtless you will wish to catch up before dinner. Will you be joining us Neb?"
"Of course majesty." Neb said.
He nodded and walked away.
Kamon walked forward. "Neb, a pleasure to see you again. I heard you were out in the wilds. I am glad you are safely returned to us."
Rhenn's eyes narrowed. Clearly what he meant by us was me. She cleared her throat. "Kamon. How fortunate you are here. I have this letter for you to take to the Wizard's Sanctum." She said passing a sealed note.
"Of course majesty." He said bowing. "Nebby, I will see you when I get back?"
"I will be here." She said softly.
He nodded and moved to obey the queen.
Rhenn leaned to her friend. "Come. He will not be able to follow you to my private rooms." She said. "I know how much you care for your husband and I doubt you would want a fight over you between them."
Neb nodded and she followed the Queen with Jarin trailing after. The King watched them go with a smile. Rhenn looked stunning even in her delicate condition.
Rhenn walked through several passageways and corridors and opened a great door. She had taken the servant's entrance on purpose. She nodded to the two to sit in her office as she looked to her handmaidens.
"Ellsa, could you fetch us some tea. Emily, some apples and cheese, Helene, would you kindly make sure no one enters my chambers except for the King, Kallin see that the Home Guard knows the mage Kamon is not to enter my rooms, and Remy… please make up a guest bed in my still room for the couple." The Queen said softly, but her tone left no room for arguments.
Neb smiled as the handmaidens moved about soundlessly to do their queen's bidding. Neb sat down in a comfortable chair and put her feet up. Rhenn smiled and did likewise as the dwarf looked at them.
Rhenn took a breath. "Jarin, here, I am simply Rhenn, friend of your wife."
"But yer still dressed as a queen."
"Clothing does not make a queen, my dear dwarf." She smiled then laughed merrily. "Come now. Your wife and I have been friends for years. I believe congratulations are in order for you both as well."
"Aye." The dwarf said dropping next to Neb on the floor. He preferred the hard surface with rock under him.
Neb blushed making a red hue to her purple skin. Rhenn chuckled as she touched her own swollen belly. "It is not so bad Neb. I have been through this more times than I count."
"I still think you are having twins. Look at the size of you. You were only that large with Jamiy and Helene."
"Are you calling me fat?" Rhenn asked her eyebrows narrowing.
"No, I would never…"
"I know, old friend, I am teasing."
A noise caught the Queen's attention and Neb's. The Queen rose to her feet awkwardly and walked to the door where Remy was already talking to a Home Guard corporal.
"That seems to be the issue?" The Queen asked.
"Your majesty." The man bowed to her. "A mage here says he must speak with you and a night elf by the name of Nebyuleh." He looked a bit torn. "He says he has a present for the druid that he has missed."
Rhenn sighed. "Inform him that Nebyuleh does not wish to see him and that if he comes back tomorrow he may see his friend. For now she does not wish to see him. She wishes to spend her free time with her husband, which I for one understand."
The man bowed and walked back toward where Kamon was being held back by two guards and their pikes. Rhenn smiled as she watched Kamon's face dishearten and then blacken. He turned to the Queen, locked eyes with her and glared before turning around and walking away.
Rhenn walked back into the room and pressed her hand to her belly where her child was kicking. "You are safe here for at least a day, Neb." She said and sat down wearily. She then smiled and reached for some tea. "Have you ever seen this tea?" She asked nodding to the rolled up spike like object.
"That is tea?" Neb asked looking into her cup.
"Yes. The Draenei sent it to me as a maternity gift." The Queen smiled and lifted the tea pot. "Watch the tea." She said as she poured hot water over it. Instantly, it began to uncurl and reveal color as it also made the brown color of the tea.
Nebyuleh was captivated as the delicate flowers emerged from the spike and she looked at her friend. "Wonderous." She said. "I have never seen such tea. It is beautiful."
"Drink. It is soothing." Rhenn said. She smiled. "The best part is it makes many cups of tea and you can watch the bloom for hours.
Jarin looked at his own tea and smiled at the smile joy his wife had at the nature of the flowering tea. He was a dwarf and not nearly as refined as the other two, but he too found the tea interesting and worth the taste.
It was well into the evening when Varian arrived and the four shared a meal. Some hours later they two pairs retired and found solace in the arms of their respective mates. Varian held his wife in his arms, inhaling the honey cinnamon smell of her hair and relaxing as he caressed the swell that held his child. Neb and her dwarf husband talked and then when they no longer could, no words were necessary as they drifted to sleep.
Kamon walked the streets with his cowl up and his arms in his sleeves. Neb had betrayed him. He had loved her for years and had even thought she returned it, but now she was married to a dwarf, a dwarf for Light's sake. He walked into a bar intent on getting himself into a drunken stupor and that was exactly what he did.