Ch 18 – Reunited During Reconstruction

King Varian Wrynn reviewed the blue prints for the new keep town walls as he stood outside in the courtyard before the keep near the canals. The dwarves, gnomes, and humans had been hard at work for nearly a month. The masons were carving a likeness of the king himself to be put atop a new fountain that would be before the Keep. The fountain was nearly complete. The statues of his beloved Queen Rhenn and Queen Tiffin were done and ready to be placed to either side of him on the lower part of the fountain. Queen Tiffin had her arms outstretched with butterflies about her and in her hair. She was serenely watching Queen Rhenn who would be seated on the pool edge looking up at Varian adoringly while birds and dragonflies flew about her. A piece devoted to the House of Wrynn's triumph against the undead on their own soil.

The King had sent word North for the Queen to return to him. His messengers, Lady and Highlord Mograine, were already on their way to fetch the Queen back to the capital that was rebuilding. Varian had not heard word from the North about her which told him that either Thassarian was doing his job well or his beloved wife had died in childbirth. He refused to think of such things. Surely his child had been born by now and was healthy.

He sighed and looked at the statue of his wife sitting to one side waiting to be added to the fountain. Light, he missed her gentle nature and loving embrace. He wanted to hold her and kiss her and love her as he had before the siege.

Sighing he would only wait for news.

ZzZ

Rhenn was dressed in her rough spun clothing and was out in the fields tending the crops. Her baby, a girl named Aramathea for her host's dead wife, was snuggled up in a cradle nearby hanging under the leaves of an apple tree. The soft breeze rocked her gently from the bough the cradle made of willows was hanging from and kept her asleep. She was not hungry enough to wake, though she soon would. Her breasts were aching some from the milk and Rhenn knew it would be soon.

The girls were with her pulling grubs from the plants and watering the crops. Rhenn then wiped her brow and walked toward the bucket of water near where the baby was sleeping. She looked over as she took a sip of the sweet liquid that came from a fresh cold mountain spring nearby and saw Jessi coming toward her. Lady Kallin Jonathan, as she really was called, was carrying a baby in her arms as she walked rapidly toward her friend. Abyssion and Thassarian were following her. Kallin was smiling.

"Amaya." She greeted since neighbors were about. She then took a breath to control her excitement. "Helene and Darion are here." She said excitedly though she was out of breath. Her own babe, a healthy and large boy she had named Thassion after her two midwives, was awake and looking at the world as she held him against her hip.

Rhenn smiled and nodded to the Death Knights coming up to her. "It would seem your vigil has ended gentlemen."

"Aye." Abyssion said. He smiled and nodded back at Garrett with Helene and Darion.

The girls crowded around Rhenn and held her skirts as Helene and Darion came to her with the man whom had served as her brother for two months.

"Helene. Welcome. I assume Stormwind has won then?"

"Yes, mother." The priestess nodded. "Father is awaiting your return." She said.

Darion walked up and wrapped an arm gently about his wife as he looked at the three girls. "Hello. I had no idea country girls of these parts were such beauties." He said and smirked as they all blushed scarlet and hid their faces from him. He turned to his wife and kissed her gently and sighed. He looked up at his men and coughed straightening. "The King thanks you and I thank you Abyssion and Thassarian." He smiled a little. "It was not a hard duty was it?"

"Well…" Abyssion began and the Kallin cut in.

"Pay him no mind Highlord Mograine. He just is shaken from being a midwife." She chided. The Death Knight suddenly became very interested in the ax he had.

Helene stepped to her mother. "Where is my latest sibling?" She asked.

Rhenn took her hand and led her to the cradle where the now month old infant with a head full of thick dark hair lie sleeping. Helene gasped in amazement at how much she resembled her father. Though very beautiful, there was no doubt whom had sired her.

Helene gently reached in and lifted her out and held her. She was small, but healthy. She looked at her elder sister with wide blue-green eyes. She wiggled in her clothing and light blanket. Darion came and watched his wife holding the baby and knew that though his wife was amazing with children, she would never have an infant baby to love, at least not born of their relationship.

Helene breathed in the soft baby scent of the infant and sighed. A few moments later the baby began to fuss.

"Auntie, you told us never to move her while she was sleeping." Heidi said looking suspiciously at Helene. They all had been woken even night by the hungry baby and it had only been two days ago the baby had slept through the night.

Rhenn smiled. "Helene is her elder sister. It is alright. I must feed her lunch anyway." She said sitting down on a raised tree root and pulling down her dress front to nurse. Helene gently placed her in her mother's arms and the baby latched on excitedly and cooed as she began to suckle.

The Death Knights all were staring as the women and girls continued to speak together. Darion blinked. It was oddly moving watching a new mother suckle her child. It had an impact on him he was not expecting.

ZzZ

Thassarian held the Queen as she slept in the saddle before him. The baby was safely tucked in a wrap about her body to protect her from the air and keep her near her mother's heart. The Queen's cloak was about them, but Thassarian had added his own to make sure the baby remained snug, warm, and unchilled.

They landed in the meadow near Goldshire. Rhenn woke as they descended and looked out. She dismounted with the help of her Death Knight companion. Thassarian then unfastened and carried the bags of baby clothing, cloths, blankets, and other such things that had come along.

King Varian Wrynn had watched the gryphons touch the ground in the meadow and walked toward them. He then saw Rhenn, dressed not as a noble, but a housewife from a country village. Her hair was in a thick long simple braid down her back and her dress was thick homespun. It was more stirring and more welcoming than he had ever expected to feel.

He ran to her leaving all sense of decorum in his wake as he came to her and lifted her into the air. He spun her around once, his large hands on her hips, before pulling her into his embrace. She pressed away and he looked at her a moment confused until he saw her reach into the bindings about her body. Instantly, he realized he had nearly crushed the tiny being between them.

"There is someone I wish you to meet." She said softly. He looked at her and then down as she lifted the blanket wrapped bundle and opened a fold to let him see inside. He quivered as bold sea green eyes stared right back at him. His heart melted instantly and he knew he was in love with his own baby. He looked up at his wife his mouth open, but nothing came from his lips he was so in awe.

"Her name is Aramathea." Rhenn said. "I hope that is all right by…" She could not complete the sentence. Her husband's mouth pressed to hers in a passionate possessive kiss. One hand went around her back and held her neck gently idly caressing it while the other cupped the baby's soft head in his palm as he wife held her.

When they both were breathless Varian pulled back and looked down at the bundle. "A daughter. You bore me a daughter." He whispered in amazement and love. He bent his head down and pressed a kiss to the tiny brow to cover his tears of joy that were in his eyes. "By the Light Rhenn of the Tuskarr, I love you." He said brokenly as he looked up at her. She was weeping, but not with sadness and he gently wiped the soft tears away with his thumbs before he kissed her again and this time not as possessive, but more loving.

Rhenn became aware of clapping around them. She had not realized that the King had drawn a crowd from the town of Goldshire who had come to see why the King was here. The King heard it as well and wrapped his arm about her as he cupped his free arm about the child, silently claiming her as his, as if there was any doubt. He would formally bless her soon, but for now he took a deep breath.

"Citizens of the Kingdom of the United Alliance. The Queen has returned to us and brought with her our new Princess, Princess Aramathea."

The people cheered about them and he looked again at his wife. Her face had tanned some in the sun and her body remained fleshed out in some part of her body that were for him alone, but she was remarkably fit for a woman whom had given birth only a few short weeks ago.

He smiled down at her. "Shall we go home, my love?"

"Yes." Rhenn agreed.

Varian walked with her to the carriage he had brought and they both climbed in. Once inside Varian kissed her again and then pulled at her skirts. Rhenn laughed and looked at him. "I have not been churched yet, my lord, and I only stopped bleeding two days ago."

He looked at her. She knew that look, the almost predatory look of Lo'Gosh wanting something much like a caged lion. "Very well, my love." He said. "I will wait a time before I have you, but remember I am a victorious hero wanting to enjoy the spoils of my victory."

She nodded and he kissed her again.

They were in the Valley of Heroes when he pulled her into his arms just to hold her. "I missed you so much my love." He said. He looked down at the drowsy baby. "She will not make it to the castle before she sleeps."

The eyes opened more for a moment and looked up at him. "She knows her daddy's voice." She said smiling. Varian's lips quivered as he pressed a hand to her head gently.

He then looked to his wife. "May I hold her?" He asked.

She laughed. "Of course." She gently shifted the small baby into his arms. The baby cooed and looked up at her father sleepily. Varian held her with the ease of an experienced father even though his son was in his thirties. The weight was natural and comfortable. He smiled down at his babe and bent to kiss her brow.

Rhenn watched knowing the brutal warrior was being undone by a six pound infant. She was going to be the center of his life for a while and she could tell now that her daughter was going to be the most spoiled in Azeroth.

They arrived at the keep skirting the new fountain. It was covered and Rhenn had not even taken notice when she saw the people waiting for her. Tirion, Jamiy, and Anduin were the three she saw in the front and she climbed out gingerly. Having only given birth a few weeks ago had her moving a little bit more tenderly than she normally would because of some twinges, but she beamed at the three waiting for her. Apparently all was quiet in Icecrown for the moment or at a stalemate in order for both Tirion and Jamiy to be here. And, she realized, Highlord Darion Mograine as well. Anduin came to her and embraced her in such a hug she had to squirm to get air. Jamiy followed suit and Tirion kissed her brow before hugging her like a father would.

"It is good to have you home, dear one." Tirion said. He kissed her hair again and watched Varian descend from the wagon holding something in the crook of his arm. Instantly Tirion's gaze dropped to Rhenn's fleshed belly. He leaned close. "Is that our new princess?" He asked.

She looked at him. Of course being a paladin he had known what she carried. She nodded mutely and he chuckled. "Well done." He said.

Anduin was already at his father's side looking at the tiny sleeping bundle. "My sister? May I hold her?" He asked.

Varian looked to Rhenn who smiled and nodded. Anduin took the sleeping infant in his arms and looked down at her calm face as he held her. His father remained close his hand ready to catch her should his drop her. Anduin held her like a doll and looked up at his father in awe and then looked to Ellsa who was standing near. She smiled serenely at him and he looked down and blushed a little.

Varian had followed his gaze and chuckled lightly. "Soon enough that one will be yours and you will have your own babe." He said softly. "Come."

Tirion stepped forward and took the babe for a chance to hold the tiny thing. He too held her as an experienced father and refused to put her down for some time which earned him a chuckle from Rhenn.

Helene was next and her sister woke looking up at her. The infant cooed and moved her arms about before finding Helene's nose to hold. Helene grinned and Darion joined her. He smiled down at the babe and kissed the other hand. The baby cooed at him and he offered a cool hand. She instantly pulled his finger to her mouth and began to chew it.

Several moments passed before she began to look upset her head becoming red as she began to fuss. Rhenn, whom had been talking to Lord and Lady Jonathan looked over instantly. The Jonathan boy was sleeping soundly against his father's chest even as Rhenn walked to Darion who looked like he had been naughty and was not sure how to correct the error.

Helene was cooing to her sister even as Rhenn took her. Darion reclaimed his hand and he looked to Rhenn. "I am sorry I made her weep." He said softly looking more panicked at the fussy face.

She laughed. "It wasn't you Darion." Rhenn said as she cooed softly trying to calm the baby. "She is hungry."

The look of relief was priceless on the Death Knight's face as Rhenn left the room to feed the tiny girl from her own breast. Helene joined her husband and he bowed a little to her. "That little one will rule this place by nightfall." She said.

He smiled feeling the ice melt. "I didn't hurt her did I?"

"No, she just was hungry and thought your finger was her mother." Helene subconsciously rubbed her sides and belly remembering her own empty womb. Darion noticed and pulled her into a tight embrace. The people around them were stunned as the death knight kissed his wife deeply and held her close not caring who was watching.

ZzZ

Rhenn walked into the bedroom wearing a thin night rail that left nothing of her body to the imagination. She was pushing her milk laden breast back into place as she noticed Varian standing there. It was warm and she smiled at her husband who was lying on the bed reading from a book. He pulled off his glasses and looked at her. "You look stunning." He said softly. He looked at the door she had closed softly behind her. "Does she sleep?" He asked.

"Yes." She said.

He smiled and offered her a glass of wine. She smiled and took it as she drank it down slowly watching him over the rim. He was dressed in his own dressing gown though his eyes were watching her. She shivered under his scrutiny.

He came to her as she set the glass down and smiled at her as he bent to kiss her. He devoured her mouth and lips as his hands pulled at the thin material of her night rail. He pulled it over her head and then looked at her.

She was naked now and he smiled at her heavy breasts and fleshed hips and stomach. Much of that would go away in the coming weeks, but her breasts would remain as long as she was nursing. He made a growl in his throat and pulled her into his arms again. She found his new scars and traced one. He shrugged. "It is well. After being a gladiator what is a few more scars."

"But you are injured." She said.

"Not now." He said. "They have healed." He pulled her into his arms and started to kiss her to seduce her. He had no need or want to discuss his war wounds at this time. He wanted his wife. NOW!

Rhenn gasped as he kissed her throat and collar bone. "Dearest. We cannot. Not yet. I have not been churched." She said her own voice wistful.

"That is an archaic and foolish tradition." He said looking at her as he kissed down her chest.

"But…"

"But nothing. I am King and I think such traditions have little merit. A woman is clean and pure after she births a child. The blood there is the last part of an act that is born of love." He looked at her as he then grinned at her. "And I am a king who has not enjoyed the pleasures of a woman in over two months." He said softly. "And I will not be denied." He looked at her. "Unless you do not consent." He looked at her lovingly. He would never force her and if it was too early and it caused her pain he would wait, but he needed to feel her.

She looked up at him. "I am yours." She said.

"Promise me if it is painful you will tell me." He said in a tender voice that belayed his look.

"I promise Varian." She wrapped her arms around his neck. "Love me husband." She whispered.

He growled like a hungry bear and lifted her into his arms and laid her on the bed. It did not take long before neither could say nothing, but sigh in pleasure.

ZzZ

The King and Queen were in each other's arms in the great bed of state. Neither slept, but they were both sated to their souls. Though Rhenn had been tender Varian had tried to be gentle. In the end he was not gentle, but he was complete and his wife astounded him with her passionate surrender to him.

A soft whimper caught their ears and Rhenn was already moving from Varian's arms to fetch the tiny baby to feed her. Varian also rose and pulled on a pair of loose silk pants. He caught his wife's arm in two strides and smiled.

"I will fetch her. Stay here and make yourself comfortable by the fire."

Varian quickly returned with the infant who was beginning to sob angrily. Rhenn was dressed in a dressing gown, but she took the baby and revealed her breast. The baby rooted and found her aim and began to suckle loudly. Rhenn sat back and reached for a blanket to cover herself, but Varian stopped her as he dropped to his knees before her. "No." He said cupping the tiny head in his large calloused palm.

She nodded and allowed him to watch. It was curious how moving it was to watch a baby nurse. She dropped the nipple a couple times as she began to get sleepy again and Rhenn quickly placed it back into her tiny lips. Varian had found it soothing when Tiffin had nursed as well. He smiled watching his new family and felt at peace. It was something had not felt in sometime.

When she was nearly asleep and Rhenn with her, Varian lifted the tiny baby and took a cloth and held her to his shoulder rubbing her back. After a few moments she burped and snuggled down against her father's neck.

Rhenn smiled at the scene of the might warrior of the Alliance so humbled by his tiny offspring. Varian lifted her from him and Rhenn quickly changed her with the ease of someone who had been doing such things for years.

Varian reclaimed his child again and walked to the bed. He laid down on his side with the baby snuggled into a blanket he had made into a makeshift cradle. Rhenn smiled and joined him. Together they fell asleep. Varian was the last watching his wife and baby rest. He too soon slept listening to the breathing his child and his mate.

ZzZ

Garrett looked utterly out of place wearing his stained farmer's clothing. His daughters were wearing their best and still looked like paupers next to the nobles of the court of the King and Queen of the Alliance.

"The King and Queen!" The chamberlain barked. Everyone in the room bowed and the four country folk followed suit. Heidi looked up and saw Rhenn was wearing her now regal clothing and her hair was in a severe style that only the queen would wear.

Behind them walked Anduin, Ellsa, Remy, Helene, and Emily. Remy was holding the baby princess in her arms. The young child was sleeping even with the clamoring of the court.

The King sat his wife down upon his right side and his son joined him at the left. He dropped into this throne and the court straightened and murmured excitedly that the queen had returned.

Rhenn nodded to the chamberlain to bring the family forward. They walked to the King and Queen and bowed deeply. Rhenn spoke first. "Your services to me and to this kingdom will never be forgotten. The Princess's name is forever tied to your family and I will always consider you my brother and you three my nieces." She smiled and looked to Varian who rose to his feet and gestured for them to rise to look at him.

"These good people are an example to us all. They took in an complete stranger, gave her shelter, food, water, and a home without even questioning it." He smiled. "Garrett, hero of the second war under General Turalyon, take a knee."

The man did then glancing at Rhenn who nodded to him. Turalyon stepped forward and offered Varian a great ceremonial sword. "It is for your services to this realm and to the queen herself, that you are now Sir Garrett. Stand and be recognized." He said tapping the man's shoulders as Garrett bent his head forward in an act of submission.

Garrett rose to his feet and Rhenn rose and clapped. Soon the room was clapping and Rhenn lifted her hand after several minutes. "Remy, Helene, would you kindly take my nieces and show them their new gifts." She said.

The girls chattered excitedly and Garrett looked at Rhenn who stood radiantly in her crown and dress the color of wine. "Thank you, your majesty." He whispered. "This will honor Amarthea's memory and give the girl's dowries."

Rhenn smiled. "You already honor her." She said. She looked at the man and then breaking protocol, she embraced him and he stiffened startled. The perfumed queen felt so weird to be touching with her expensive cloth, but after a few moments he hugged her back.

Varian was clapping and the room was chattering.

Today was a good day.