Chapter 8

The sound of rain on the stable roof was almost deafening. Varian ran his hand down Besty's front right leg once more just to be sure. "There is no doubt about it." He turned to Fox. "She merely pulled a muscle. I can feel the swelling setting in, but the bone is perfectly intact."

"Praise the Light." Fox breathed in relief and pulled the gryphon's beak to her chest.

The fierce hug that Varian, himself, would love to bestow on the creature. The wisdom of old Besty had saved his life, and that act of heroism was not going to be forgotten. He and Fox had never made their fishing destination. A storm had blown in to the coast so fast that he had doubts if it was magical in nature or not. The gryphons had fought against the aggressive currents, but were still pushed off course. Besty had turned into the wind. Raising her wings to cup the air and then letting the currents ride under them to keep her rider stable. Varian's mount had tried to use his strength and power to keep aloft. It was an impossible effort that had sent them both careening toward the ground.

Varian was not sure what had happened. If Fox had forced Besty to his aid, or the old gryphon had acted on her own. The results were the same. Besty's talons and beak had expertly latched onto the saddle and straps slowing the descent. The impact had been rough, but survivable. In fact the most damage had been to Besty. Whose foreleg she favored ,and could barely put any pressure upon.

The rains had come in next. Sheets of pelting drops. There had been no choice but for them to seek shelter of some sort. They could have rode the grand gryphon back to Lion's Landing, abandoning Besty to the elements, or move just up the coast to Paw'don Village. Those were the options Fox had somberly given her King. Varian would never be sure of it, because of the rain, but the catch in Fox's voice when she said "Leave the Gryphon." had almost broken his heart.

Tightening his hand in the white feathers he sighed. There was no way he would ever leave Besty behind now. It was more his own feelings toward her, then Fox's. Looking up he saw Fox shivering in the cold. Still holding on to her gryphon's head. "Is there an inn in Paw'don?"

Fox dropped her hold on Besty and nodded, "Yes, your Majesty. It was rather nice when we arrived. I hear the innkeeper and her husband have been making improvements since they put in the portal from Stormwind."

"Then let us acquire lodging for the night. I don't think this storm is going to let up anytime soon." Varian started out into the rain. When Fox didn't come to his side immediately, he turned back to see her picking up one of her bags. Behind her the grand gryphon moved close to Besty's smaller form. It raised one large wing to close around the older animal. "That's right, you foolish beast. You take care of her tonight. Because without her your carcass would be drifting out to sea."

Fox looked over and gave an almost womanly expression of awe. It dropped as she turned back to Varian. Hurrying along her stride. "The inn is not far up the road."

"When we get there, allow me to handle arrangements. Treating me like a King will only draw unwanted suspicion." Varain commanded.

Fox cast him a sideways glance, but in typical Fox fashion kept her mouth shut. When they reached the large inn, they were warmly greeted by Jiayi Applebloom and her husband Jianjun.

"Welcome, Humans! It's a good thing you found us and are not out in that."Jainjun rushed around the desk. "Would you like to rent a room?"

"Silly husband." Jiayi shook her head, "Where else would they go on a night like this." Casting a look over Varian and then to Fox, she snorted, "So skinny, that one. I will go fix them some food. Jainjun, please check them in for me?"

"Sure thing, Sugar Bear." The Pandarian turned to look over his books. "So what type of room would you like?"

"We will be needing two..." Varian started, but Fox jumped in silencing him.

"One." Fox said up sharply. The brown eyes pinned on Jainjun.

Jainjum looked up at Fox. Then a slow nod as a mischievous grin turned up the corners of his mouth, "One room it is!"

Varian's confusion was evident as he looked down at Fox in irritation. One room? One? Just what was the rogue trying to pull here?

"So would you like two beds or..." Jainjun looked from Varian's expression to Fox.

"We only require one bed. Do you have a room without windows?" Fox shifted her pack in her arms, as she awaited the reply.

"We do have a room with only one window. Is that your preference?" Jainjun looked over his books once again.

"It will have to do." Fox nodded in begrudging approval. "We will be leaving at first light or best traveling conditions. So we would like to pay you now if that is alright."

Jainjun brightened, "You are certainly my kind of guests."

Varian walked over tossed the coins on the desk. So lost in thought over what Fox could possibly be planning with one room and one bed, he failed to realize he vastly over paid the innkeeper.

"Sir, this is far to much." Jainjun looked down at the gold that was stacked before him.

"Think of it as an added incentive to keep everyone away from our room." Fox tossed Jainjun a meaningful stare.

"it certainly will not be a problem." Jainjun swept the coins from the table and out of sight. "Now let me show my honored guests to their room."

It was a good ways to the large room, Jainjun had supplied them with. Fox entered first. Jainjun moving around to light the candles. The innkeeper looking up to see Fox nodding with approval as she moved the curtain to stare out the window. Looking back she said, "This will do nicely. Thank you."

"I am glad you are pleased! Now if I can borrow your man, I will get you some dry towels and a pair of robes. The two of you are soaked to the bone, and I can't have any guests of mine uncomfortable for even a minute in my establishment."

"No. I will go." Fox dropped her bag and started for the door.

Varian put a hand up, "Fox, the man just wants to give me a few towels to carry. I can assure you that I am capable enough to do this task."

The curt tone caused Fox to frown. Dutifully she nodded, "As you wish, your Maaaa..." Varian narrowed his eyes at her, and Fox caught her mistake. " Manliness?"

The Pandarain laughed and moved out into the hall. He shut the door behind Varian. Looking up he nodded, "You, sir, are rather large for a human. I can understand why the little one is so taken. But you are not scoring any points by acting so indifferent."

Varian stammered in complete shock. Following behind Jainjun, he growled."That is because I am indifferent."

"Then why are you so worried about sharing a room with her?" Jainjun opened a closet and pulled out an armful of soft fluffy towels. Shoving them into Varian's chest.

"Because in my culture such things are just not done." Varian tossed back as he took hold of the towels.

Jainjun froze for a moment. The gears of the Pandarian's mind whirling as the large blue green eyes moved to lock on Varian, "I am an Innkeeper to your race, sir. From what I have seen, your statement is a blatant lie."

"Innkeeper to humans? Such as Paladins?" Varian questioned with a thread of hope. Paladins were known for their resolve to the Light. Surely, he could count on them to refrain from inappropriate behavior.

"Most especially Paladins." The Pandarian placed his hands together and bowed.

Varian closed his eyes and sighed. If a single one of their rank gave him the speech about the attributes of Purity, Celibacy and Chasity again he would personally send them to the Light.

"Ahh here we go." Janjun held up two beautifully embroidered silk robes. "I noticed the two of you did not have clothing with you. Perhaps the little one does in that pack, but it would be terribly crumpled, and soaked as well. We keep these around as gifts for our honeymoon couples. I know that is not the case with you, but it's better them sleeping in armor."

"I thank you for your generosity." Varian tuck the towels under his arm. He took the robes in his hand. Giving them a closer look. Such high craftsmanship was indeed worthy of a King.